Nigerian Football Coaches Association, Youth Department, Oyo Chapter Moves to Support Bayo Adelabu on his Guber Ambition

This is the outcome of the meeting held this morning at our meeting house concerning the out come of primary governorship election.

NIGERIA FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION, YOUTH DEPARTMENT, OYO STATE CHAPTER.

* OKE OGUN ZONE

* IBARAPA ZONE

* OYO ZONE

* OGBOMOSHO ZONE

* IBADAN CITY ZONE

After we heard what happened at the primaries we call this meeting which all zone were represented because it concerns us all.

We have decide to move with Chief Adebayo Adelabu (Penkelemesi) base on his commitment on the grassroots.

He has been there for us because he lowers himself to our level (grassroots level) by giving a tournament and at the same time assist and empower some of our members.

We believe he can and he will do more for the sports world and grassroots in general.

We are hereby declare our intention to supports him and go with wherever he goes.

We pray that God will always be with him and make him the next Governor.

Signed 

Secretary general

NFCA (YD) OYO STATE CHAPTER.

Penkele, GSM Government, Insecurities and Other Stories : A Dialogue and Excusion into Oyo Political Circuit- Part II

OYO 1- IT could be surprising how time flies. So, it's one year already.

OYO 2 - THAT's no news. Time always fly. It is whatever one makes out of any given time that makes the difference between a time well spent or a wasted opportunity. Anyway, spit it out as l know you must be driving at something.

OYO 1 - I agree with you brother. And as you second guess me, l was referring to that conversation we were having a year ago thereabout. You remember that Bayo Adelabu interview on Fresh FM last year. I recall we were really dissecting its kernels until that exchange ended abruptly.

OYO 2 - YES, l can recollect brotherman. And l was really enjoying that discourse until that shocking news of the death of former Governor Ajimobi took the shine off our serious gist. May God rest the spirit of the man the APC people love to call the architect of modern Oyo State.

OYO 1 - YOU are right. The APC party stalwarts love to refer to their late leader as such. They think he was the best to have happened to Oyo State in the area of governance since its creation in 1976. And l would actually agree with those APC and late Ajimobi supporters that he actually turned around the face and fortunes of Oyo State within the unprecedented eight years of being in the saddle of governance in the Pacesetter State. And if you ask me the people of the state would have the same opinion about their late Governor since his sudden demise a year ago. That takes me to yet again another Penkele interview with the "irresistible Mayor Isaac Brown" last Saturday, 26th June, 2021 at the same Fresh FM radio station. Trust me, l won't miss such a hot political interview especially with the calibre of person like Adelabu...

OYO 2 - CUTS in...Now l know you are dragging me to another political jaw-jaw when l am not very sure l wanna go there this morning.

OYO 1 - CALM down Bros. I was about telling you how Adelabu was almost castigating the Isaac Brown Panel of interviewers and by extension, the Nigerian society for the way they were eulogising the late Governor Ajimobi as a visionary and revolutionary and eloquent administrator all through his eight years as a two term Governor of Oyo State.

His grouse was that why was it difficult for people to appreciate, honour and eulogise visionary and progressive leaders while they were yet alive but wait until such person had passed on or out of the stage.

OYO 2 - YOU are right. But l think Mayor himself conceeded to that. He proverbially ate the humble pie when he later at some point in the interview said "Ai se daadaa ara aye lo n mu nii ranti ara orun". And if you ask me, the Mayor was unwittingly castigating the GSM for non-perfornance! 

OYO 1 - FOR me, there were many issues and take aways from the Penkele interview that we can not fully exhaust here. The banking and financie technocrat talked about the Park Management System (PMS), he spoke about the increasingly pervading insecurity in Oyo State, the management of tertiary institutions, party politics and management, economic, educational, sports and agricultural matters etc. And in none of these issues did he spare the GSM Government or give him any pass mark. Going by his tone in that interview, unlike a year ago on same radio platform, he was never patronising and didn't spare any punch against GSM and his government. He barely stopped at saying that GSM was clueless and not really capable of administring and managing the complexity of a state as big as Oyo. As Adelabu puts it, "The tone at the top" within the Oyo State Government breeds mediocrity, recklessness, brigandage and the insecurity as we are currently experiencing in the state.

OYO 2- BUT then, while l would agree with some of the Adelabu criticism of Governor Makinde's administration, at least, he would have mentioned some areas where GSM had made impacts like the recruitment of 5,000 teachers and the regular payment of salaries of government workers. Anyway, the Mayor succeeded in highlighting the government achievements in those areas. Then Penkele equally papered over the obvious shortcomings of his AP.C led Federal Government. While he praised Buhari to high heavens on his economic programmes like the revamping of the railway system, he rubished the Oyo government strides in the area of garage constructions and transportation system.

OYO 1 -HAHAA! Don't be naive now! Where have you ever seen an opposition politician praising the party in power? At least in the Nigerian climes here. The natural thing for him was to praise his APC and President Buhari to high heavens and paint the PDP and GSM as black as possible. Penkele even reminded Mayor that there must be something positive and much attractive in his party that is making even some PDP sitting Governors cross over to his party, the APC! And about the payment of salary you talked about, didn't you hear Penkele challenged GSM not to go cap in hand to Abuja this month-end "l bet, they won't pay the next salary!" That was how Penkele brutally dismissed the much vaunted regular payment of salaries by the current government in the state. As if that was not enough, Penkele took the communication skills of Governor Makinde to the cleaners. He said he was lacking in coherent public communication and presentation skills. He lampooned the Governor for his penchant for repeatedly uttering "em, em, em" whenever the Governor was talking to the press. He was short of saying the Governor was a political fraud(like the MMM Ponzi scheme) and not fit to occupy the No.1 political seat in Oyo State. For me, that was very uncharitable and sort of hitting GSM below the belt We can't all be as eloquent as the Cicero when it comes to public communication.

OYO 2 - IT is better as you have clarified that Penkele jab against Seyi Makinde on his style of communication. If not, l was beginning to think perhaps you are an APC apologist or even the party's spokeperson!

OYO 1 - COME off it guy. You know l would say things the way l see them. I don't claim to be right always. But l can always decipher my right hand from the left. So you would be wrong to say l am...

OYO 2 - CUTS in...We don hear you Bros. I am only trying to keep you on track as a matter of fact.

OYO 1 - TALKING about being on track. Adelabu equally raised the issue of Alternative Project Funding Approach being employed for executing infrastructural and developmental projects in Oyo State. I had been enamoured by this approach until Adelabu came down hard against it and burst the bubble in that interview. Now l am more confused on whether to still stay as a GSM fan on this APFA or reasoned along with Penkele on his exposé.

OYO 2 - WHAT is wrong with the APFA by GSM? For me, it would allow faster development of the state's infrastructure. More roads and other development projects would be carried out while there would be less pressure on the Government to commit the state's scarce resources on building infrastructures alone.

OYO 1 - WHILE I agree with you on that, Adelabu argued that such approach does not make much economic sense as it would only plunge Oyo State into future debt notwithstanding that the current government has already incurred debts running into hundreds of billions of naira. He advised that the present government should cut its cloth according to its size so as not to put future administrations in the state into unnecessary financial debts and economic slavery.

OYO 2 - I am sure all the organs and functionaries of GSM's Government would have gone to town by now frantically responding to Penkele point by point on all the issues raised against their Principal! I tell you guy, this week would be interesting as there would be much counter fireworks from the GSM camp.

OYO 1 - YOU are even talking about lesser political officials and government functionaries reacting to the Penkele Fresh FM interview. Even the big masquerade himself is already reacting. GSM later confessed same day of the Penkele interview that he stayed glued to his radio set listening and paying attention to all that Adelabu had to say about his government and politics generally. So, if one has to interpret that statement from the Governor himself, it stands to reason that this Bayo Adelabu Penkelemesi is the major issue and the most potent contender against the Governor.

OYO 2 - ALL said, it seems this Adelabu has set off at dawn talking about the 2023 Governorship Election in Oyo State. Apart from his latest Fresh FM interview being the second one within a year, he told the Anchor of the interview that he would soon be back on the platform for another round of political interviews. No doubt, this Penkele is repeating for the upteenth time that he is still the Bayo You can Trust and that as his supporters would put it, this Bayo is Better!

OYO 1 - YOU can say that again. Adelabu appears to be ready for the next Governorship race and better prepared than other aspirants that are showing interest in the Governorship seat come 2023. And if you ask me, these other aspirants and intending ones should be ready to play a daunting catch up game by the time the political race hots up!

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The above is the second in the series of the improvised dialogue between two Oyo residents who had both listened to the second edition of live broadcast of a radio programme, " POLITICAL CIRCUIT", a FRESH FM, Ibadan political interview programme aired on Saturday, 26th June, 2021. The programme featured Chief Bayo Adelabu as Special Guest.

Adelabu: Tinubu is the Visionary Leader Nigeria Needs

The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has described the National leader of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the visionary leader Nigeria needs at this critical moment.

Chief Adelabu stated this in a congratulatory message to celebrate the 69th birthday of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu which was made available to journalists, by one of his media aides, Comrade Femi Awogboro.

According to the former CBN Deputy Governor, the Jagaban Borgu has contributed greatly to the  advancement of the country's nascent democracy.

"Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a blessing not only to the South West region but Nigeria and the African continent as a whole. The two term Former Governor of Lagos State laid a solid foundation for the upcoming politicians to build on for the development of the country. He's such a selfless leader that has produced other leaders across the length and breadth of this country", he opined. 

He further described  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a political maverick, master strategist and a leader of leaders who demonstrates patriotism, statesmanship, selflessness with enduring legacies.

"With the eight years of governance under BAT in Lagos State, he put the State in a clear track of development, making it the best among other states in terms of development" Adelabu said.

The 2019 Governorship Candidate of APC in Oyo state also wished the National APC leader many more fruitful years on earth in good health and abundant blessings.

Adelabu urges Intellectuals and Professionals to participate in Politics for Nation's development.

There is need for professionals, technocrats and the academia to be actively involved in politics so as to contribute their quota towards the political development and advancement of the nation's nascent democracy.

The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Chief Adebayo Adelabu stated this at the Special round table programme to review and showcase the book written by the late Political Icon and Nationalist Late Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi in 1952 titled "African In Ebullition" in the light of contemporary political and governance issues. The event which was chaired by Ambasador Yemi Farounbi was held at Olusola Sanu Center for Euro - African Studies Lead City University Ibadan ( LCU-CEAS ), in conjunction with the Ibadan school for politics and governance. 

The book reviewers and debaters are Professor Alaba Ogunsanwo, Professor Ayo Olukotun, Professor Tayo Adeshina and Barister Edem Ossai. Goodwill messages were also presented by Oloye Lekan Alabi, the Chairman of Adegoke Adelabu foundation, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, a grandson of the author, Chief Mrs Olabisi Sangodoyin, a grassroot politician and Mr Jide Sanu, the son of Late Ambasador Olu Sanu. Delivering the welcome address was the Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Professor Aderemi Adeyemo while the Pro-Chancelor and Proprietor of the university, Professor Jide Owoeye also graced the highly intellectual event. Dr Tunde Oseni was the moderator.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu in delivering his goodwill message at the event said participation in the political process is an avenue to serve humanity and contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

"Having served in top positions in both the private and public sector as Executive Director in the largest Bank in Nigeria, First Bank and as Deputy Governor of the CBN, i believe the least I can do is to dedicate the rest of my life to serve humanity. How can you serve humanity? Beyond philanthropic efforts of assisting and supporting the less priviledged, you must take part in politics at any of the various levels available depending on your political appetite. The least you can be is to be a registered voter. You can also be an active member of a political party or an aspirant to a political office. This provides a bigger platform to serve humanity and impact more people" Adelabu said.

According to Chief Adelabu, the book African In Ebullition written by his Grandfather Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu in 1952 about 68 years ago is still relevant till today.

"I have read the book very well from first page to last and If government can implement what is inside the book, Nigeria will not be where we are today because 90 percent of the problems facing the country today would have been solved"

The 2019 Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress said the history of Nigeria Independence and its Political development can not be completed without acknowledging the immense contributions of his late grandfather Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu.

Chief Adelabu also charged citizens and well meaning Nigerians to continue to contribute their quota towards the progress of the country as Government alone can't solved many challenges facing the country. He however concluded that the challenge of this generation is to make our future better than our present because, as it is, our past is deemed better than our present. This is a failure of this generation. He claimed that the generation has not been able to sustain the legacies left behind by our founding fathers. He specifically made reference to the degenerated status of Oyo state and Ibadan in particular from its historical pre and post independece status. He said Ibadan was not only the Intellectual capital of the South West, but was the fulcrum for Health Care, Media, Culture and Entertainment, Tourism and Hospitality, Commerce, Real Estate etc. But today, we can not boast of any of this. 

In delivering his closing remark, the chairman of the event, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi also corroborated Adelabu's view concluding that the neglect of intellectual content is the bane of our politics in Nigeria. 

Adegoke Adelabu's family present at the event were, Alhaja Fatima Adelabu, Mr Taofeek Sadiq, Mr Gbenro Sadiq, Mrs Bola Adelabu, Mr Quasim Adelabu and Mr Yinka Adelabu who is the Secretary to Adegoke Adelabu foundation.

Oloye Lekan Alabi at 70: Bayo Adelabu Describe him as a Custodian of Yoruba Values, Style and Culture

Oloye Lekan Alabi at 70: Adelabu showers encomiums, describes him as custodian of Yoruba values, style and culture.

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu has described the Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi as one of the most intelligent sons of Ibadan extraction who had contributed greatly to the sustenance of Yoruba values, style and culture.

Chief Adelabu made this known in his 70th birthday anniversary congratulatory message to the foremost journalist and former General Manager, Public Relations of Odua group of companies and Chief Press Secretary to four of the past Oyo state governors, Oloye Lekan Alabi.

"It gladdens my heart to be associated with someone of your caliber and pedigree who is rich in culture, style and native intelligence which you have used over the years to sustain our heritage through the journalism profession. At 70, your relevance transcends the journalism profession, you have become a pillar in the preservation of Yoruba values and cultural heritage while your selfless services through your priceless counseling on the media and celebration of iconic late Yoruba entertainers are now reference points. It is therefore not a surprise to me when you were appointed the first cultural ambassador to the Yoruba Cultural museum in Ile-Ife by the Oonirisa of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi" Adelabu said.

Furthermore, the 2019 Gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress said the immense contributions of Oloye Lekan Alabi who had served four Governors in Oyo state as Chief Press Secretary will surely be needed for the desired development of the state.

"If I call you father or Uncle, it is all well said because you're everything to me and to the entire Adegoke Adelabu's family because your wonderful contributions towards the historical documentation of the life and times of Adegoke Adelabu to the public is acknowledged and appreciated. As you joined the league of Septuagenarians, I wish you many more fruitful years on earth in good health and abundant blessings" Adelabu said.

"Congratulations my dear Uncle, Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadan land Oloye Lekan Alabi" He concluded.

End Sars: Justice for Jimoh Isiaq and Suspending #EndSARS Protests

The Lekki shooting stole the show from the many circulating Ibadan gory scenes during the #EndSARS protest, sounds like a good one for some sects, but nothing consolatory for those looking for justice, fair hearing and investigation into the Ibadan and Ogbomoso gruesome murders by the men of the Nigerian Police.

Follow ups to series of deaths in Ogbomoso and Ojoo is something that should be of greater concern to the state government at this time. We can't let it all slide under the carpet, what is to be fate of the families of Jimoh Isiaq and many others who lost their children or ward; the families of the police men who were victims of mob action. It is beyond mere giving their families 1 million naira. Whatever happened to serving justice on this matter.

And while we are still awaiting President Buhari to make comment on the Lekki shooting (if ever) and proffer a way forward from this quagmire we find ourselves as a nation, can the respective state government including our dear Oyo State also go ahead to set up their investigative panels and annihilate the incessant protest which obviously has been hijacked by miscreants.

A lot of properties and businesses have been destroyed in Lagos State. Certainly the investors, staff and other beneficiaries will know the level of impact this will have on them and by extension the economy of the state. Coming back home, a lot of properties are being destroyed in Ibadan, Ogbomoso and other regions which has further aided in grounding further the economy after the massive effect of the pandemic and only active stakeholders will care about the present state, they will be more concerned about getting to the roots of the protest and not by sponsoring or supporting the agitation that has obviously been hijacked by miscreants.

Miscreants will not stop at looting and destroying lives and properties of the people and investments. Remember, Justice for one is justice for all!

Financing Education: The Only Channel to National Development?

Nigerian naturally have a sense of entitlement across all department of government and rightly so, it has a lot to do with the inadequacies in governance since time immemorial. We have been a nation of citizens who have been less dependent on government so we have inadvertently made it a point of duty to critique every move of the government, which we are doing effortlessly.

However, there are other criticism which I somewhat feel we over indulge our capacity. The world is a changing dynamic and we have to switch on to the next gear of acceleration else, we can be caught napping or so to say, forever left basking on our past euphoria. The earlier we accept the reality of the present day fact and empirical figures, the better we admit the world is moving at the speed of light from how we left it barely last night before slumber.

Education is not the only solution to modern development and economic growth, there are way other sectors which contributes their respective quota to the growth of an economy. The entertainment industry is a prolific industry on its own, we also have the sports, arts and culture, hospitality, tourism, engineering, advertisement. Though most of these industries stem from primary and secondary education, but they also involve training and capacity building which is beyond the four walls of the educational system. Quite sadly, the proclivity is hinged on training and building oneself to being the best in one's department.

Some popular Nigeria banter is that Ronaldinho would have been a complete failure in the four wall;s of the classroom if there had been nothing called football and consequently, he would have been a failure in life. Needless to say that it did not happen that way, instead, he became one of the greatest footballers of all time. I can say the same thing about successful musical artistes, professional boxers, motivational speakers, even the great Mark Zuckerberg was a Harvard dropout, who just wanted to leave school and embark on his breathtaking project of starting Facebook.

More recently in Nigeria, Gov. Dapo Abiodun awarded a youth ambassadorial role to Laycon, the winner of the BBNaija Lockdown 2020 winner, with #5m and an apartment and as expected the governor has been getting the sticks for not awarding similar gesture to the past winners of the National Jets Competition from Ogun State. I quite align with the sentiment, but pitching Jets Competition side by side with BBNaija is not totally the way to go. All industry, be it Scientific research, Science and Technology and so on, have their economic value and none can be disposed at the expense of the other. We can't have a competition erected where there is none. Michael Jackson never competed with the best Havard graduate, instead they all evolved from their respective niche and build the future therein.

Fighting for the deficiencies in educational financies while also agitating for a decline in other sectors of the economy, even if it is the least important of them all is not the way forward. Education should not serve as a yardstick for comparing other sectors and vice versa, instead, let's agitate for an increase in appreciating educational activities more while not bringing down other department. The sky is big enough for all the birds to fly. Let's work together to make the government spend on educational program as it remains the foundation for career growth and capacity building, but not at the detriment of the other sector.

The entire country needs all sectors and departments excelling to reach a developed international standard. National economic boost is a function of all working sectors in a country, and even though education is the fundamental and basic foundation for all sectors to thrive, it subsequently needs all others very functional to move the entire country forward and functional.

Written By

Oluwatobi Adisa

@deeduke1

Bayo Adelabu - Oyo Golden Man at 50 years

50th birthday celebration at its finest. I have met few people who matches word with action, Bayo Adelabu is one of them and not my deserve such befitting landmark golden celebration.

Happy Birthday to a mentor, top boss, leader and brother on his historic birthday. It has been  a golden jubilee of gratitude to the Almighty Allah, Alms giving to the less privileged, the motherless and the disabled, social gatherings and commissioning of mega projects, that is -  tourism, estate and hospitality.

Very few can boast of retiring from their dream profession before the age of 50 especially when it primarily concerns the apex bank CBN. Bayo Adelabu is a rare gem whom Oyo State should embrace and appreciate even more. A man who surmounted every level of achievement and life goal way before the golden age celebration.

Your life achievement is unparalleled in modern day history, your sole impact in the economic hub and social life of Oyo state will not go unappreciated, your many investments which serves as a platform for jobs and business opportunities for many is one of the many goals that many governors are even yet to achieve.

Wish you more grace, more blessings, more life and more health to celebrate your 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 years birthday, Insha Allah 🙏

Adelabu Felicitates with Olubadan Oba Saliu Adetunji on His Birthday

Chief Bayo Adelabu, the Agba-Akin Parakoyi of Ibadanland and the Oyo State guber candidate of All progressive Congress in the 2019 general election has congratulated Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, on the occasion of his 92nd birthday.

Adelabu in a release made available to journalist by one of his media aide Comrade Femi Awogboro described Oba Adetunji as an embodiment of royalty, objectivity and wisdom. He also thanked the Almighty Allah for preserving the life of our Number One custodian of traditional institutions in Ibadanland till date.

Adelabu said. "Attaining the age of 92 is not an easy feat especially in this clime with very low life expectancy, but God in His infinite mercy has kept you to this day".

"Your Majesty's love for your subjects, passion for unity of Ibadan and wisdom of leadership has brought great political, economic and social success to Ibadanland, making it prosperous and peaceful".

"As you celebrate, our heart is filled with joy for what God has helped you achieve all these past years and looking forward, we pray that all your dreams and wishes for the people of Ibadan and Oyo state will come to reality in your very presence".

The former CBN deputy governor prayed to God to grant Oba Adetunji long life and good health. 

''Kabiyesi, k'ade pelori, Ki bata pe lese. Asiko yin a tun bo tu'lu lara o. Amin'' Adelabu prayed.

Private Interment of our Patriarch, Chief Richard Osuolale Abimbola Akinjide SAN, CON

Our beloved Patriarch, Chief Richard Osuolale Abimbola Akinjide SAN, CON, who passed on peacefully to glory on 21st April, 2020, was laid to rest on Thursday, 13th August 2020 after a private funeral service by the family at The Chapel of St. Peter, The Rock, Jericho, Ibadan, within the family estate.

 

This was done, in consultation with the Archbishop of Ibadan, Anglican Communion and the Oyo State Government, due to the prevailing global public health crisis.

At the appropriate time, a  Celebration of Life Church Service and public events will be held in his honour.

 

The entire Akinjide family would like to thank the Federal and State Governments, our Royal Fathers and traditional institutions, the legal community comprising the Bar and Bench, our friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support. 

 

 

Abayomi Akinjide

MA. LLM (CANTAB).

For the Akinjide Family