Connect with us

News

Ethnic, religious tensions: Osinbajo tasks leaders on sacrifice, risking popularity

Published

on

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
Share

 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says leaders must be willing to make sacrifices and risk their popularity in order to attain long-lasting resolutions in situations of conflict, including ethnic and religious tensions.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Monday, said the Vice President disclosed this when he received a delegation from the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) led by its Executive Chairman, Mr Disu Kamor, in Abuja.

MPAC is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the promotion of peace building and interfaith cohesion, among other objectives.

“There is a need to understand first of all, that there is no way that we can deal with the tensions between the faiths and ethnicities in Nigeria today unless those in leadership are prepared to make some important sacrifices.

“Those sacrifices are sacrifices even in what you say, how you say it, and then sacrifices also in the acknowledgment of whatever people are saying and the willingness to accept.

“It is very important that we don’t diminish the importance of language and respectful non-violent communication so that we are able to keep our discussions at a level that ensures that we don’t degenerate too quickly to violence.”

He cited the examples of the sacrifices made by the late South African leader, Nelson Mandela and Imam Abubakar Abdullahi of Barkin Ladi in Plateau.

 He said that Mandela, who had spent such a long time in jail under apartheid before becoming President still pushed for a South Africa where even his tormentors got equal treatment like other black South Africans.

Osinbajo said that, Abdullahi in 2018, put his life on the line to save the lives of over 200 Christians who took refuge in his mosque when some gunmen attacked the village of Nghar Yelwa in Barkin Ladi, Plateau,  and sought to kill the Christians.

“These are stories of people who are not only political or religious leaders but just ordinary people, doing the right thing.

“Unless we are prepared to not just talk about it but to make an open display, first of all, of those who are doing the right things, but more importantly, challenging our leaders to say the right things and to be prepared to risk some popularity in order to do so, then we will just be wasting a lot of time.”

He commended MPAC’s  efforts in promoting interfaith cohesion.

The vice president said that setting up an inclusive platform for interfaith dialogue should be an important consideration by concerned stakeholders.

“I think it is something that is important, especially one that takes into account younger people, professionals who are not necessarily religious leaders in that sense, maybe there might be a way to have a more inclusive interfaith dialogue.

“We are at a point in time in our history, where people who are responsible and like-minded from all of the faiths and ethnicities should come together to do something,” he said.

Earlier in his presentation, Kamor said MPAC had been involved in programmes and activities aimed at promoting cohesion among people of different faiths over the past decade.

He said the group was ready to collaborate with other stakeholders in deepening efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence and dousing the tensions across the country among people of different faiths.(NAN)

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

EKSWAMA BOARD MEMBERS APPRECIATE OYEBANJI, THANK GOVERNOR FOR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

Published

on

Share

 

 

 

 

Members of the Board of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), led by its Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi, have expressed appreciation to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for the opportunity and privilege to serve the people of the state.

The Board members, in a statement following the dissolution of boards and termination of appointments of political appointees by the Governor, described their tenure as a great honour and an opportunity to contribute to the development of Ekiti State.

They thanked Governor Oyebanji for the confidence reposed in them and for the support provided to the Authority throughout their tenure.

The members said they were particularly proud of their contributions towards promoting effective waste management, environmental cleanliness and a healthier environment for residents of the state.

They also commended the Governor for his commitment to good governance and the administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of the people and accelerate development across the state.

While accepting the Governor’s decision to dissolve the Board, the members said they remained grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute their quota to the progress of Ekiti State.

They wished Governor Oyebanji continued wisdom, strength and God’s guidance in the administration of the state, assuring him of their loyalty and continued support for initiatives aimed at advancing the development of Ekiti.

The EKSWAMA Board comprises the Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi; Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi; Otunba Olorunfemi Ayodeji; Bayode Obasonyin; Mustapha Adeniran; Mr. Omoniyi Joseph; Mrs. Mojisola Adewumi; and Mr. Bosunde Olufemi.

The Board members also expressed appreciation to the former Director-General of EKSWAMA, Hon. Olasunkanmi Onipede, for his leadership, cooperation and commitment to the success of the Authority during their tenure.

They acknowledged the valuable contributions of Hon. Onipede and the entire management team, describing their collaboration as instrumental to the implementation of various initiatives and programmes of the Authority.

The Board members said their collective efforts with the management team contributed to advancing the mandate of EKSWAMA and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

Continue Reading

News

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES BOARDS, TERMINATES APPOINTMENTS OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES

Published

on

Share

 

 

 

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the immediate dissolution of boards, commissions and parastatals in the state, as well as the termination of the appointments of political appointees.

 

 

The affected political appointees include Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants and Technical Assistants.

 

 

A statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said the decision was necessitated by the gradual winding down of the Governor’s first term ahead of the inauguration of his second term on October 16, 2026.

 

 

The statement, however, clarified that chairmen and members of statutory commissions are not affected by the dissolution.

 

 

Those exempted include the State Independent Electoral Commission, Civil Service Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission.

 

 

The governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions are also to remain in place, in line with the Governor’s earlier directives.

 

 

Similarly, the chairmen of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Local Government Service Commission and Teaching Service Commission will remain in office, although the respective boards have been dissolved.

 

 

Also exempted from the termination of appointments are Directors-General and Technical Advisers to the Governor.

 

 

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the affected appointees for their contributions to the success of his administration and their service to the people of Ekiti State.

 

 

He wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

Continue Reading

News

Benin-Asaba Road to Be Redesigned on Concrete Pavement

Published

on

Section of Benin-Asaba Road
Share

 

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said the 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road will be redesigned with reinforced concrete pavement following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi made this known on Thursday in Benin City during the ‘Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road’ event.

He also clarified that the Federal Government had not awarded any company a contract for the emergency rehabilitation of the road.

According to the minister, the government is currently carrying out temporary intervention works to improve the condition of the road while arrangements for its long-term reconstruction are being developed.

Umahi said the Federal Government had presented three options to the concessionaire for the continuation of the agreement, but none was accepted.

He said the development had led to a new approach, with President Tinubu directing the redesign of the entire 136-kilometre dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement.

The minister said the project had been defined and that immediate intervention would begin on the Benin Bypass.

Umahi further explained that the emergency rehabilitation was not awarded to Hitech or any other contractor.

He said the Ministry of Works had instead hired equipment from contractors operating along the road corridor, including Hitech, CECC and CBC, to carry out the temporary repairs.

According to him, the ministry is still sourcing additional equipment and plans to undertake intensive intervention works to improve the road within the next four weeks.

The minister said the temporary intervention is intended to make the road safer and more accessible while the Federal Government works on the permanent reconstruction of the route.l

Continue Reading