Corruption Becoming Growing Industry In Nigeria, Threat To Economy – Coalition Of CSOs

The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG) on Wednesday alerted that “corruption is fast becoming a growing industry in Nigeria” thereby threatening economy of the country.

CCSGG  raised the alarm in a communique issued at the end of its one-day interface on Mainstreaming Transparency and Openness in Anti Corruption Crusader in Nigeria, held at the KS Motel, Ibadan.

The Coalition in the communique read by Comrade Toyese Oyerinde emphasized that ”inspite of making zero tolerance for corruption its selling point, the present administration has not recorded a pass mark in its anti corruption crusade”.

According to CCSGG, ”the only area where government seems to be winning its war against corruption is in the media”, saying, “this is evidenced in the downward spiral in the ratings of the country on corruption war by the Transparency International”.

“The participants resolved that corruption is fast becoming a growing industry in Nigeria which if not properly and sincerely addressed could asphyxiate the economy of the country and render it comatose”, it added.

The Coalition lamented that ”as government sincerity to curb corruption is ebbing away because the anti corruption agencies seem to have shifted focus from the demands of their assignment and choose to play to the gallery through its selective enforcement of law to prosecute only the credible challengers of their government in power”.

Emphasizing the need for the anti corruption agencies in Nigeria to double “their efforts in public orientation program to raise the consciousness of the people on how corruption and greed affects economic health of their state and strive to earn public trust and support”, the Coalition added that” corruption and greed should not be zeroed down to only financial misappropriation by way of pilfering of state  resources or political corruption”.

“Government should also stratify nepotism, giving appointment without merit, manipulations of policies and institutional procedures to benefit people in power as areas of corruption that require urgent attention”.

CCSGG also stressed the need for corruption agencies in the country to prove” that they are not primed to serve the interest of the government but the people for democratic consolidation”

“As benefits of politics increase, so is corruption and greed, hence, public financing of campaign funds of all the parties should be made transparent and no party should shoot beyond the stipulated spending cap. EFCC should draw a line between electoral funds duly disbursed through a legal financial institutions and sourced by willing private sector donor and monies that are proceeds of crime which of course can be subsumed under money laundering."

Earlier, speakers at the program including Elder Moses Olorode, of the National Alliance Democratic Surveillance (NADS), Comrade Femi Ola of the CCSGG and Alhaji Kehinde Adeniyi asked the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to desist from the on going media war on corruption but the sincere, objective and fair if truly his administration intends to fight corruption in Nigeria.

The program was attended by leaders of the Positive Life Assurance, Initiative for Ethics and Value Orientation, National Alliance for Democratic Surveillance, Youth for Better Society National Traders and Market Leaders ,public affairs analysts , Civil liberties organisations and others.

CBN Organises an Official Send Forth Party for Chief Bayo Adelabu

It was a moment of mixed feelings in Abuja last night at Chelsea Hotel, when the CBN organised a send forth party in honor of Chief Bayo Adelabu who resigned from the apex bank to delve into politics to serve his home state, Oyo. Present at the occasion was Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1 ably represented by Oloye 'Lekan Alabi.

Speaking at the events, the Governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emiefele mentioned how Adelabu worked meritoriously as a professional accountant in the directorate of operations, he confessed how sad and happy the staff of CBN were at the moment: he said they were sad he was leaving them at the apex bank for politics but was happy that Adelabu was also leaving them to becoming the next governor of Oyo State. He commended the courage he took for leaving for politics, 'it takes guts' he went on, 'it is good to see professional, smart and intelligent people delving into politics, this is the only we can embed good ethics into our political system, we should encourage them to further serve their fatherland.

Also speaking was President General CCII, Chief Yemi Soladoye who marvelled at such heritage of the Adelabu dynasty and their sincere passion for their home state from the Adegoke Adelabu era. He expressed his disbelief at how the governor of CBN eulogized Adelabu for his hardwork and meticulous efforts at handling his duties because this same Adelabu is always present in Ibadan every weekend to contribute his quota to Oyo State as well. He went on to mention how Adelabu has contributed to the growth of the Ibadan Indigenes and how they are solidly behind him on his ambition to becoming the next governor of the state.

The celebrated himself, Bayo Adelabu in his vote of thanks: expressed his sincere gratitude to the former president, Goodluck Jonathan for appointing him as the deputy governor CBN and to the incumbent President Mohammadu Buhari for keeping him in office, he appreciated everyone present at the event: his wife, Chief (Mrs) Oluseyi Adelabu, who always stood by him; his former boss at First Bank, Mr Bisi Onasanya and the executive ranks of First Bank present; the executives at CBN; his blossom friends and colleagues from Oyo State, he talked of how much experience he garnered at the apex bank while in service and that it had been his long designed plan to retire early from public and private service. If he had consulted anyone before retiring from the CBN, no one will advice him to it, not even his mentor, Dr Oba Otudeko. He thanked the governor of Oyo state, Gov Abiola Ajimobi for making politics acceptable to people like him.

Bayo Adelabu Felicitates Buhari, Tinubu, Ajimobi, Others over Fayemi's Victory in Ekiti

The immediate past Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and leading Gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Bayo Adelabu has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, the party's National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the national leader of the party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Executive Governor of his home state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and all the Governors of the party on the success recorded by the party's flagbearer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi at last weekend's governorship election in Ekiti state.

Adelabu, a grandson of the late nationalist and stormy petrel of South West politics, Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu (a.k.a. Penkelemesi) also felicitated with the people of the 'Fountain of Knowledge' for queuing behind the APC and Dr. Fayemi to make history for the state.

A press statement from Bayo Adelabu Penkelemesi Media Office in Ibadan reads further in parts: "For their support in making this hard-won victory a reality, they have shown that Ekiti people are indeed an enlightened group of people, ready to be counted along the path of much-needed efforts of the state reputed as the largest home of the erudite scholars in the land, to change the fortune of the state to an industrial hub and fast developing states comparable to what is happening in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and recently in Ondo states.

"That the South West states have now fully integrated into the Progressives Land in line with dreams of our Founding fathers even becomes my greatest joy as our regional development agenda can now be better formulated and enhanced for the overall development of Oduduwa race.

"Having such efforts like quality education, comprehensive health care delivery services and second-to-none infrastructural developments galvanised among the components parts of the Yoruba race, we can once again, show to the whole world that we have reinvented those giant feats as Firsts in every parameter of standard of living in a way that the APC and indeed Yorubaland can once again become the envy of all within the shortest possible time.

"This victory calls for celebration and in doing so, I appeal to our new 'poster boy in town', Dr. Kayode Fayemi to be magnanimous in victory and heal Ekiti land to witness real developments for our party to consolidate this victory in Osun state come September 2018 and 2019 general elections across the country," Adelabu added.

Kemi Olunloyo Charges Premium Times to Court

The daughter of a former governor of Oyo State, and a US-trained journalist, Kemi Olunloyo has today released a video threatening The Premium Times Nigeria of false publication against her and her father, Victor Omololu Olunloyo. She claims she has charged the news media to court and will be seeking #5 billion for damages.

In the video, she described how Premium Times in 2016, made a false publication about them, which brought about some dispute between herself and the father. According to her, the media outfit reported that the former governor disowned her and made some paper forgery for publication to buttress these claims. The aftermath of the news brought division into their relationship and she did not visit the father even when he was down with sickness.

She also said she has the audio of her father disputing the report, that he never made those comments or sent any letter to Premium Times.

Here is the video released by Kemi Olunloyo

Bayo Adelabu Penkelemesi Begins LG Consultation Tour - Visits Ibadan North-East

On Tuesday July 3rd, Bayo Adelabu the gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo state under the platform of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress, APC, once again took Ibadan, the state capital by storm when he commenced with the Local Government Consultation Tour. He went along with his beloved faithfuls and some independent groups. Ibadan once again went agog with the huge crowd that went behind him as he visited Ibadan North-East Party Secretariat at Oke-Adu and the party meeting venue at Oluyoro Girls Grammar School, Oke-Ofa, Ibadan.

Adelabu on his arrival was welcomed by the party executive members of the council, the party members and the numerous well wishers who rendered panegyrics and showered him with praises throughout the whole visitation.

Chief Bayo Adelabu while addressing the people in the local government, solicited for their immense support and ask them to embrace him, their son, whom they nurtured to become a worthy candidate for the governorship seat. Afterwards, he donated a huge sum of money to the Local Government and individual wards in the council for efficient running and the progress of the party.

It will be recalled that less than two weeks ago he went to the party secretariat in Oke-Ado area of Ibadan to declare his intension to run for governorship shortly after he resigned from the apex bank, CBN. He has since then been the talk of the town and people have shown so much love and support for the young man who is also the grandson of the great Ibadan politician of pre-independence era, Adegoke Adelabu popularly known as Penkelemesi.

Adebayo Adelabu has done so much for the state as a whole in his capacity as the deputy governor of CBN, he has extended his philanthropic gesture to his alma mata, Lagelu Grammar School, he has donated state of the art edifice and educational support finance and facilities to various institutions in the state and beyond including The University of Ibadan, The Polytechnic, Ibadan to mention but a few.

This young man is obviously the choice of the masses, the socialites and the elites in Oyo state. The voice of the people speaks Bayo Adelabu and come 2019 Oyo state will have only one voice in the grandson of Penkelemesi.

Ona-ara Local Government, Ibadan in its Lowest Ebb

I have seen honourables with remarkable achievements, I have seen honourables with feeble achievements. I have seen bills that did not see the light of the day. I have seen many uncompleted projects, I have seen phantom projects that are not visible to the ordinary eyes.

What I have not seen is an honourable that can't even make a speech. What I have not seen is an honorable that shot himself right in the foots. Sadly, the honourable is my state honourable in Ona-ara LG. I know people love to see Ona-ara as scarcely underdeveloped despite the vantage position and array of lands for modern industrialization and commercial farming. Our weakness can also serve as our strength - we have a land mass capable of starting up agriculture for interstate trade, instead we choose to deject our resources and the abundant potential in our land and labour resources.

Ona-ara LG is bereft of good leaders from time immemorial, we can go on and on to list names but it will drive us nowhere to cast aspersion. What spurred me to write this long epistle is our present state honourable, Buniyamin Azeez, who couldn't even come up with laudable achievements over the last three years instead they were laughable. We have the rain to thank for saving us the embarrassment of listening to a poorly cooked dissertation adorned with mediocrity. He wrote that speech like a sophomore, I could not blame him less as Ona-ara is designed for the lower dichotomy of the Ibadan people: the lower class. We couldn't even challenge him to do a proper speech, he was also less bothered about how that lowly rated address will slice up his further political ambition into tatters, we raised no obvious fear for him, no challenges, he was infact, in his poverty stricken state on mind, prepared to read it aloud to do lower class of the society who wouldn't adjudge him excellent, fair or poor.

More laughable enough, he has achieved absolutely nothing in his over three years in office, his pedestrian singular bill, three motions, explanation and boreholes in 11 wards - so ineffectual and paltry result is the dumbest report you will hear in your entire lifetime. He further hoped for a second term, how do you fail the people this obviously and still gather the courage to make a second term request. We are no zombies. The passionate people of Ona-ara LG are not blind chauvinist.

But he goofed completely, much like his past colleagues who have hold higher political offices in the past. They all came up with the believe that they can merely toy with the heart of the people, simply do nothing and later come back to solicit for their vote and support by dolling out peanuts. Having come this far in our democracy, we would not give into you false prophets anymore, Fela Anikulapo branded you all 'animal in human skin'.

If we can't conquer Nigeria as a whole, we will stand tall in Oyo state and in a smaller unit: Ona-ara and Inukan LCDA

Alaafin of Oyo Endorse Bayo Adelabu for Governor

The Federal Honourable representing Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West/ Atiba local government constituency Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, the crowned prince of Oyo Town has also publicly declared his support for the governorship candidature of the Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland Adebayo Abdul-Waheed Adelabu.

Speaking at the official press conference of Adebayo Adelabu governorship declaration, Hon Akeem Adeyemi expressed his profound joy at witnessing such as historic event which in his words: will bring forth many successes and transformation to our dear state, Oyo.

He emphasized strongly on the high pedigree on standards of our past leaders in the calibre of late Chief Bola Ige, late Lam Adeshina and present Governor Abiola Ajimobi who all have rich family history on their side and how Chief Bayo Adelabu will achieve similar greatness and even propagate the Adegoke Adelabu legacy to a higher level.

In the same tone, he delivered the greetings and political support of the High King, The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III. He relayed the King's solemn support for Bayo Adelabu's ambition and further shed more lights on the relationship between his grandfather King Adeniran Adeyemi II, the then Alaafin of Oyo and Honourable Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi and how they, the descendants, have all been committed to fostering a better relationship due to their connected bloodlines.

In his closing remark, Honorable Akeem Adeyemi thanked Bayo Adelabu, a governorship aspirant under the platform of the ruling party APC, for keeping a good name of the Adelabu family while in office bearing in mind President Mohammadu Buhari's complete disregard for corruption. A good name is more precious than Gold. He promised to stand by Adelabu 2019 project completely and observe all sort of mobilization in his own little capacity.

Adebayo Adelabu Resignation: A Sacrifice for the Betterment of Oyo State

Adebayo Adelabu, the grandson of Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi, recent resignation from the CBN is no longer news and the gist have been littering all over the media space from the conventional media to the new media. It is also no longer news that he will in due time make a public declaration on his ambition and party line of focus. However, since his resignation hit the media space, it has garnered mixed reactions from the public and many have pondered on the plausibility of someone in Nigeria leaving such a juicy office, the CBN, for the murky and uncertain political terrain of state politics where nothing is absolutely guaranteed. These line of thoughts, albeit quite understandly, is unbeknownst of some basic fundamentals on the history of Bayo Adelabu himself.

Permit me to digress a little, Bayo Adelabu grew up in the slums of Oke-Adu in Oluyoro, Ibadan, where he went to primary school and later attended Lagelu Grammar School before going to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (Great Ife) where he graduated with a first class in Accounting. He has since been in the private sector gradually rising up the ladder of success right to the peak of his profession where he was at the brink of becoming the Managing Director of First Bank PLC before the office of the deputy governor of CBN came begging for his service. Through these periods the Oke-Adu boy hardly spends a weekend outside the shores of his state.

Infact it is a street parlance in Ibadan that Adelabu is always in town for the weekend from his different spells at work in Lagos and Abuja except when he is out of the country on official duty. His affinity and passion for the town can be traced back to his childhood days where he hawked and sold different food items, played through the streets, the nooks and crannies of the town and became an home grown son of the soil. These and much more reasons are the justification for his staunch patriotism of his beloved state and explains further why he is passionate about providing an improved living standard for his people. 'I have longed believe that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism' so says Bob Riley. Bayo Adelabu's level of patriotism to his home state can be further exemplified by his solemn decision to resign from the apex bank and contest for the number one seat in the state, which counts for a great sacrifice considering the high stakes involved. Hence making such humongous sacrifice beseech an immense level of appreciation and embrace from his people. This selfless gesture from this young man should rather be widely applauded by his people, just as Napoleon Hill once postulated that 'Great achievements is always born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness'.

From his rich profile, it is visible that he largely has a high percentage of his businesses located in Oyo state: from his hotel business, Bayse one hotels, which is over 10 years in operation to the international franchise of Best Western Plus; real estate business with offices/shopping complexes; Bayse one Farms (agriculture). Quite unlike many capitalist who would rather savour the opportunities in situating their businesses in foreign countries, Bayo Adelabu has looked inward to tap from the opportunities and resources available to flourish his business with home grown talents who can even be more productive than their foreign counterparts. He has localised his business ideas to enrich and support the bountless and numerous untapped resources of the state.

The huge and selfless contribution to the revitalization of his alma mater, Lagelu Grammar School is equally unparalleled. He has been the chief contributing factor to the rebranding of the age old institution where he also double as the Chairman, School Governing Board, Lagelu Grammar School. He has spearheaded many laudable projects to awaken the learning standard of the school from it slumber, his numerous projects cannot go unnoticed since 2012, the year he led his set, 1982/87, to renovate two blocks of classrooms, provision of 500 units of students chairs and lockers, 10,000 pieces of big exercise books and 10 computer work station as their quota to providing quality education in the school. Evidently, Bayo Adelabu has  been a work in progress since then and in 2017, he also led his set to donate an ultra-modern block of toilet consisting of 8-rooms while celebrating their 30-years graduation anniversary. More recently in 2018, he is building a school governing board building for the school which will house the administrative office of the School, School Governing Board Office and an Alumni Centre, superlative gesture you will say, he does them without blinking an eye.

It doesn't end there, he has a wide range of projects in the state which were facilitated during his tenure as deputy governor of CBN. Projects which include: Donation of Multi-billion Naira buildings for the University of Ibadan, the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the Technical University, Ibadan and Bishop Philips Academy Secondary School; the CBN Ultra-modern Diagnostics and Medical Center in Ibadan while the proposals for similar projects have been approved by the Board of the CBN for the University College Teaching Hospital, (UCH), The Polytechnic, Ibadan and Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan to commence work soon. He is also about to commission the already completed Skill Acquisition Center in Ibadan and the new Ultra-modern Administrative Building for Lagelu Grammar School. He has also assisted the state government in tourism attraction with his state of the art investment in hospitality and  the entertainment sector, as well as providing affordable housing for the people of Oyo state through his investments in commercial real estate all over Oyo state and so much more, all to mention but a few.

All these recap, however sets up an intrinsic knowledge on the motivating factors behind the concept, Bayo Adelabu, his future ambition towards the betterment of Oyo state and his subsequent retirement from the CBN. He does not come to you like your everyday Nigerian politician whose primary goal is to invest in the people abinitio, thereupon, multiply their gains consonantly when they assumes power, but Bayo Adelabu comes to build Oyo state together with the people to reach an unprecedented height in the history of the state and to also propagate the huge and priceless imagery and ideology of his grandfather Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi, pioneer of modern politics in Nigeria.

A lot is vested in his pedigree and rich family history which will also serve as a yardstick in measuring his level of success during his tenure. Hence, his resignation should rather be seen as a humane and selfless gesture which deserves our collective embrace. It also serve as a pointer to the believe that there is no juicy office that is not worthy of retirement or walking-away from especially when you can make more notable influence and proffered changes to your people's way of life and social environment than the former office. Bayo Adelabu has influenced many lives during his private and public service yet at a restricted capacity in the banking sector, his greater impact will no doubt be felt and accomplished if he assumes the helm of affairs by being the governor of Oyo state come 2019. Bayo Adelabu Penkelemesi is the man to make the difference and return the state back to its former glory as the country's pacesetter, let's rally round to support this great achiever towards 2019.

IN PURSUIT OF HIGHER SERVICE: THE BAYO ADELABU EXAMPLE BY AKINSOLA IGE

One of the most difficult decisions a man can make is to walk away from his Olympian height  while the ovation is still at its loudest. Indeed it is not in the nature of man to so do,  especially a Nigerian holding a very high position of authority  in the Nigeria clime. That difficult decision was what Adebayo Adekola Adelabu, FCA, FCIB took on May 31, 2018 when he resigned his appointment as the Deputy Governor,  Central Bank of Nigeria!

EVEN while it is no longer news that the Deputy Governor in charge of Operations of CBN had turned in the towel  at the apex bank,  the novelty of his action is what stands this youthful technocrat out as a man of example worthy of emulation by not only those who would hold positions of authority in the future but also current political and corporate leaders who view public offices as a lifetime throne. While cynics might want to argue that resignation from office is not of much ado, such nay-sayers should be reminded that walking away from the Central Bank of Nigeria as Deputy Governor and potential Governor is perhaps unprecedented in the annals of the nation's foremost banking institution.

SENTIMENTS aside, one of the takeaways or lessons to be leant from Bayo Adelabu's action is to realise that there is no position, no matter how prestigious and exalted that one can not walk away from even when there are higher prospects of moving further up. This astute banker has made a loud statement with his resignation indicating that he is of much deeper conviction and vision than the very prestigious office which he had voluntarily bid bye.

LIKE he had always done wherever he had had the privilege of serving in his over twenty five years of professional life,  this Ibadan-born banking and finance guru left the Central Bank with trail-blazing achievements that would be difficult to match in years to come at the apex bank. While transversing three of the four Directorates of CBN namely; Corporate Services,, Financial Systems Stability and lastly,  Operations, this former Chief Finance Officer of the country's oldest commercial bank,  First Bank proved his mettle as he brought novel innovations that have seen the CBN gaining worldwide applause and accolades in its statutory and other supervisory responsibilities.

UNDER the able leadership of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele,  this First Class Accounting graduate of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile Ife contributed immensely to the raising of standards in the banking and finance industry in Nigeria to a much higher height. Throughout his stewardship at the CBN,  his impacts on the lives of the ordinary Nigerians are not just academic but downright practical. Such populist CBN-driven financial policies like Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme(ACGS), Payment System Strategy Board (PSSB) Treasury Single Account(TSA) to mention but a few and their attendant positive impacts are the evidence of his dexterity in his four-year sojourn at CBN. However, discerning minds would not be too surprised about these Adelabu-inspired exploits. Those far reaching achievements just go to show that someone like 'Bayo Adelabu who had transversed all the foremost Business Schools in the world by the quality of his trainings is condemned to succeed wherever he is opportuned to serve.

NOW that the Chairman of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund has put his tenure at the CBN behind him, it is an open secret that his next move is towards the highest office in Oyo,  his home state. But then,  this particular Bayo that has been severally tested and has earned the trust of Nigerians nay the people of Oyo State is fast learning that the murky waters of the state's politics is not for the chicken-hearted nor lily-livered. Characterisrically, as a chip of the old block and grandson of the irrepressible Adegoke Adelabu (Penkele Messi) he has fast learnt the rope and currently the candidate to beat in this crowded race towards occupying the Agodi Hill comes May 29. 2019.

CURIOUSLY, and yet interestingly, there is somewhat a familiar trend about the trajectory of past attainments of the  immediate past CBN Deputy Governor, Operations. Recall that while he was coasting home to become the Group Managing Director of First Bank, a higher role was waiting in line for this Destiny Child. Such scenario seems to be playing out as his chances of becoming the substantive Governor of CBN is getting more plausible before his present detour into politics. The slight difference in the present scenario is that while Bayo's current political move is a sharp detour, the title and nomenclature of the highest office in CBN where he just left may be exact and same in all fours with the next one he is eyeing and destined to occupy!

BY AKINSOLA IGE, ESQ.
IBADAN
08034037151

Buhari Accepts Adebayo Adelabu Resignation From the CBN

President Muhammadu Buhari has formally accepted the resignation letter forwarded by the Deputy Governor (Operations) of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Adebayo Adelabu who also double as the Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland.

The letter signed by President Buhari on the 24th of May therein accepted the resignation and appreciated Mr Adelabu's unflinching service to the apex bank which cuts across various departments.

The president also took the time out to wish him all the best in his future ambition and quest to play more active role in politics in his home state, Oyo.

"Whilst appreciating your services in various Departments of Central Bank of Nigeria since 9th of April, 2014, I wish you the very best in your future ambitions and continued commitment to public service in our country and specifically, as you seek to play a more active role in politics, in your home state."

Mr Adebayo Adelabu who had earlier submitted his notice of disengagement from CBN so as to abstain completely from playing partisan politics whilst still in public service, has expressed his desire to contest for the next gubernatorial election in Oyo State under the platform of the ruling party, APC.

He hopes to make a sacrifice by resigning from the CBN and draw from his wealth of knowledge and experience of about 23 years in the private sector with his public sector exposure in the CBN, as well, to impact on the pacesetter state, Oyo and continue the good work started by the present Governor of the state, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi.

My Song 'Big Boy' Did Not Glorify Yahoo-Yahoo - ELDee The Don

Former Nigerian rapper, singer and record producer, Lanre Dabiri better known as eLDee the Don gave a vivid in-depth account of his experience with a journalist/interviewer back in 2010 where he was asked about the possibility of his then hit track 'big boy' being a little misleading as it could be seen as glorifying a materialistic lifestyle in great contrast with his already known style/brand of socially conscious music.

Here is the story as recounted by eLDee himself:

"One day in 2010 while doing a red carpet interview, an interviewer asked me: “I listened to your song big boy, while I do like and enjoy the song, don’t you think the lyrics are a little misleading? I mean you’re glorifying a materialistic lifestyle..."

She contd...”How do you reconcile that with some of your previous more socially conscious music?” Without thinking deeply about what she said, I immediately responded that I wrote the song to motivate young people to be successful.

I added that I don’t understand why anyone would try to suggest a negative meaning to this amazing song that is doing so well at inspiring young people to be everything they can be. We didn’t have time to talk any further because we had to move along quickly and do another interview and but I noticed as we walked away that she looked disappointed.

I didn’t think much of it at the time. I mean, she fell right into the category of the “haters” I was describing on the song, so I just moved on. There was a part of what she said though, that stayed with me and continued to echo in my head. It was the part where she asked how I was able to reconcile “big boy” with some of my previous more socially conscious music.

A few years before, I had released another successful record titled “I go yan”. I go yan is a socially conscious song that tackles the shortcomings of African leaders. When you place those two records side by side, the contrast is evident. The more I thought about what that interviewer said to me on the red carpet that day, the more clarity I had about the contradiction.

How can I care so much about the plight of my people and at the same time promote oppression and materialism? I struggled with it for a while but I eventually developed a coping mechanism that helped me get past the feeling of guilt.

My coping mechanism was that in the expression of art, it is ok to have contradicting positions from time to time so I thought it ok to one day feel like Bob Marley and another day feel like Diddy. Even the late great Tupac Shakur made records that if placed side by side are contradictory. Compare “Dear mama” to “Hit em up” for example, same artist, different emotions. That was how I coped with my own contradiction.

Truth is, people who are close to me know that I’m more of a Bob Marley than a Diddy. In my natural state, I'm more socially conscious than flashy. Much of my music doesn’t give off that vibe though, primarily because a lot of my music was made to cater to my audience.

Recently, I started wondering,...why do people connect so well with materialism? What is it about a flashy lifestyle that is more exciting? Why is more respect given to people who are considered to be rich and wealthy in society?

The answer may seem obvious but the more I learn about human behavioral psychology, the more I realize that a lot of it lies in our personal insecurities. Our insatiable need for acceptance and regard in our society drives much of how we perceive ourselves and the decisions we make in our daily lives.

And because of that, our perception of who we are and what we are worth has become one of our most basic human needs, right after food, and security. Poverty has a strong impact on our self esteem as a people. The need to fill a low self esteem gap with material things is what has led our society as a whole to where we are today.

Today, we have a society that doesn’t respect honest work. A society that insists on the display of wealth for social status. A society that has raised the bar so high for everyone that even the rich have to lie about their true financial capacity.

We have a society that today finds justification for corruption, armed robbery and fraud...because it doesn’t matter anymore how you get it, just get it, and for no other reason than to flaunt it.

I made the song “big boy” and unwittingly contributed to the decay...I know better today. For the record, I do not consider "big boy" a Yahoo-Yahoo song. What I feel bad about is that I promoted materialism and oppression.

I did not encourage anyone to steal, what I did was promote materialism, which is at the core of why stealing has become more justifiable/acceptable by many in our society.
__________
Lanre Dabiri aka eLDee The Don is now a retired musician who now works as an entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast and IT consultant in Georgia, USA

OYO LGA POLLS: ADELABU LED THE STAR PROMOTERS OF APC CANDIDATES

OYO LG POLLS: ADELABU LED THE STAR PROMOTERS OF APC CANDIDATES

Less than 20hrs to conduct of the long-awaited local government areas and local council development areas elections in Oyo State, the National Expo Magazine hereby reveal the star supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship and councillorship candidates.

Since Governor Abiola Ajimobi came to power in 2011, this will be the first council poll to be conducted in the state. The last time residents of the state had the luxury of electing their counsellors and council chairmen was in 2007, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was the ruling party, and Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala was governor.

The tenure of that set of elected council officers ended in 2010. Since then, the third tier of government in the state has been governed by administrators handpicked by the governor, with the approval of the state House of Assembly.

Previous efforts by Ajimobi to conduct council election were put on hold by legal encumbrances, which have just been resolved.

For politicians in the state, the May 12th (tomorrow) council election is not just about electing councillors and chairmen alone, but also to show the strength of political parties in the state, and to even decide which of the cleavages within the parties that call the shot.

That the APC is firmly rooted in Oyo State is not in doubt, but an independent thorough investigation into the campaigns and the events leading to the council polls by the National Expo Magazine revealed that some governorship aspirants on the platform of ruling APC gave their financial and material supports to the party's candidates; a move to curry their favours in the forthcoming governorship primaries.

The investigation revealed that only four out of the fourteen notable governorship aspirants threw their financial weights behind the candidates. It was gathered that Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) donated cash to the campaigns of APC chairmanship candidates from Ibadan zone; the commissioner for health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adeduntan, gave cash to almost 40 carefully selected APC chairmanship candidates while the commissioner for finance, Mr. Bimbo Adekanbi financially supported all the 68 APC chairmanship candidates.

The last man standing was Chief Adebayo Adelabu alias Penkelemesi who singlehandedly funded the whole 68 APC chairmanship candidates as well as all the party's councillorship candidates whose total number is close to 700. The essence of the support was to help the candidates defray part of the legitimate campaign expenses of the candidates.

The magnitude of the supports and financial donations to the course of the party, All Progressive Congress and her candidates by the aforementioned aspirants clearly showed their preparedness and determination to win this September governorship ticket of APC in Oyo State.

Our investigation also revealed that Adelabu's gesture to reach out to all was borne out of his dedication and loyalty to the party and Governor Abiola Ajimobi. A close aide who spoke with by our correspondent said that his boss is always ready to give his best to the party and the Government of Oyo State led by Governor Ajimobi.

As we count down to the party's governorship primaries in September, we cannot wait to find out who will eventually fly the APC ticket among the top-four governorship hopefuls.

________________
Adebayo Kareemot
(Editor-in-Chief, The National Expo Magazine)

OKE-OGUN Calls Bayo Adelabu for Governor, 2019

It was a bright atmosphere yesterday in Saki as OKE-OGUN PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE (OOPA): An alliance for all sons and daughters of Oke-Ogun indigenes as they gather to call Oloye Bayo Adelabu Penkelemesi, the grandson of Adegoke Adelabu, to run for Governor come 2019.
The event which took place at Saki-Parapo City Hall, Saki OKE-OGUN on Satuday 21st of April 2018 was attended by numerous indigenes and residents of Oke-Ogun cut across all towns in the zones which include Saki, Iseyin, Igboho, Kishi, Tede, Gbopa, Ago Amodu, Sepeteri, Ipapo, Ofiki, Olaka etc.

Speaking at the event, Hon Moradesa Sunday described Bayo Adelabu as the most qualified person to paddle the affairs of Oyo State after Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He described Adelabu as a brilliant man blessed with a lot of experiences referencing to his engagements in both private and public sectors. He cited numerous economic and infrastructural developments Adelabu has brought to Oyo State and therefore urged people of Oke-Ogun to support him come 2019.

In his own remark, Michael Ogunsola who hails from Saki-West Local Government and also the President of Federation of Oyo State Students' Union (FOSSU) at The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic attested that Adelabu is a lover of education at all levels. Ogunsola buttressed that Adelabu, through his foundation (BAF), recently disbursed over #20 million bursary and scholarships to Oyo State indigenes across notable institutions in Nigeria where Oke-Ogun indigenes benefitted bountifully.

In his own attestation, Mr Isiaka Jaba commended OOPA for the programme as he described calling Adelabu for the state number one seat as putting a round peg in a round hole. He made it known that, despite not currently holding any political office, Adelabu provided a standard borehole for the people of Saki-Toro which permanently solved water problem in that locality where he (Jaba) comes from at Saki West local government, he also made mention of his many projects and programs aimed at improving the lives of the physically challenged people in the Oke-Ogun zones.

Several other attestation and appraisal were delivered at the event by various groups and individuals from the zone where they all declared their support for Adelabu and urged him to adhere to the call without hesitation for the betterment of Oke-Ogun and Oyo state at large. They even went as far as vowing to pay for his nomination form whenever the day arises for him to purchase the governorship candidature form.

The events came to a ceremonious end after so many other outpour of their profound gratitude towards Oloye Adebayo Adelabu and the continued emphasis on the imperatives of the call to serve his fatherland. They concluded that Oloye Adebayo Adelabu through his organization; Bayo Adelabu Foundation had done so much for their people, that he is very highly deserving and merit the role of the chief orchestra in moving Oyo State to its rightful destination as the nation's pacesetter and it is only proper for them to push all their weights behind him.

Also at the event were:
*Alhaji Hammed Ayila
*Alhaji Balake Alawiye
*Chief Mayor Balogun
*Mr T. O. Adetoro
*Alhaja Khuburat Adijat
*Mrs Bimpe Abe
*Mr Dodomi Ishola
etc.

Bayo Adelabu Gives #20m Bursary and Scholarship to Oyo State Students

It was an educative, entertaining and cash rewarding event at Bayo Adelabu Foundation Hall, Jericho, Ibadan on April 1, 2018 where a large crowd gathered to witness the  ground storming event. Many cynics and Thomases would be forgiven for thinking it was an April Fools prank event because many doubted the possibility of dolling such humongous amount of money to such a large crowd within a day. Quite unbelievably it was a reality and now a thing of the past.

The Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland himself, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, was on hand to make possible this huge task of bursary disbursement to over 800 pupils of various institutions. He exercised so much aura, and complete control of the event which marvelled the onlookers.

A man of sincere philanthropy, conscious of the need of his people, the bravery to avoid keeping them waiting a minute longer and within the short period of arrangement, he made the program a reality. It was Eli Broad who commented that 'Charity is just writing cheques and not being engaged. Philanthropy, to me, is being engaged, not only with your resources but getting people and yourself really involved and doing things that haven't been done before'. He was indeed a man of the people and of his words.

The Essay competition stole the headlines for the brilliant participants and the high level of intellectual prowess displayed by all the competitors. The root cause plummeting our economy, associated challenges and unbiased remarks were unlocked, the rots in the system were exclusively elaborated upon and the pragmatic approach to providing lasting solutions were ably pontificated. The essay itself served as a basis for careful research and analysis bothering on inclusive governance in the whole of Oyo state, titled: Achieving Inclusive Development through Government Policy, Programs and Institutions. Quite enlightening, you will remark. Jamiu Idowu, a 500 level student of the Great Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, went home with the star prize of #100,000 while the second and third prizes went to Asudemade Habeebullah and Adeniran Mutolyb Adekola who are both students of the University of Ibadan and they both went home with #75,000 and #50,000 respectively.

There was also the scholarship awards of #50,000 each given out to10 indigenous first class students of Oyo State and you can bet, there was joy and admirations written all over the faces of the recipients.

The event was then capped with beautiful musical performances, motivational talk and talent showcase within the students present. Oyo state have never seen anything like this, many philanthropists anticipate this class act but they are merely mouth actions as they never witness the light of the day.

On behalf of Oyo state students, we therefore express our sincere gratitude to Oloye Adebayo Adelabu for his profound gesture towards the students of the state and like Jonas Salk expressed that 'the reward for work weldone is the opportunity to do more' and we'll certainly do so to offer him the big opportunity in Oyo State come 2019.

OAU Student Wins Bayo Adelabu Essay Competition

It was an educative, entertaining and cash rewarding event at Bayo Adelabu Foundation Hall, Jericho, Ibadan on April 1, 2018 where a large crowd gathered to witness the  ground storming event. Many cynics and Thomases would be forgiven for thinking it was an April Fools prank event because many doubted the possibility of dolling such humongous amount of money to such a large crowd within a day. Quite unbelievably it was a reality and now a thing of the past.

The Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland himself, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, was on hand to make possible this huge task of bursary disbursement to over 800 pupils of various institutions. He exercised so much aura, and complete control of the event which marvelled the onlookers.

A man of sincere philanthropy, conscious of the need of his people, the bravery to avoid keeping them waiting a minute longer and within the short period of arrangement, he made the program a reality. It was Eli Broad who commented that 'Charity is just writing cheques and not being engaged. Philanthropy, to me, is being engaged, not only with your resources but getting people and yourself really involved and doing things that haven't been done before'. He was indeed a man of the people and of his words.

The Essay competition stole the headlines for the brilliant participants and the high level of intellectual prowess displayed by all the competitors. The root cause plummeting our economy, associated challenges and unbiased remarks were unlocked, the rots in the system were exclusively elaborated upon and the pragmatic approach to providing lasting solutions were ably pontificated. The essay itself served as a basis for careful research and analysis bothering on inclusive governance in the whole of Oyo state, titled: Achieving Inclusive Development through Government Policy, Programs and Institutions. Quite enlightening, you will remark. Jamiu Idowu, a 500 level student of the Great Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, went home with the star prize of #100,000 while the second and third prizes went to Asudemade Habeebullah and Adeniran Mutolyb Adekola who are both students of the University of Ibadan and they both went home with #75,000 and #50,000 respectively.

There was also the scholarship awards of #50,000 each given out to10 indigenous first class students of Oyo State and you can bet, there was joy and admirations written all over the faces of the recipients.

The event was then capped with beautiful musical performances, motivational talk and talent showcase within the students present. Oyo state have never seen anything like this, many philanthropists anticipate this class act but they are merely mouth actions as they never witness the light of the day.

On behalf of Oyo state students, we therefore express our sincere gratitude to Oloye Adebayo Adelabu for his profound gesture towards the students of the state and like Jonas Salk expressed that 'the reward for work weldone is the opportunity to do more' and we'll certainly do so to offer him the big opportunity in Oyo State come 2019.