The Pacesetters in Diaspora, Reading Chapter, have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Daniel Bwala on his recent appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications at the State House.

Dr. Bwala, a distinguished legal practitioner from Borno State, brings a wealth of experience in political communication to his new role. Having previously served as the spokesperson for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, and as a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bwala is no stranger to the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape.

The Pacesetters in Diaspora praised Dr. Bwala’s expertise and resilience, emphasizing the critical role he will play in bridging divides and fostering unity among Nigerians. His appointment is seen as a strategic step toward enhancing effective communication and addressing pressing national issues.

Despite past criticisms of President Tinubu’s policies during his tenure with the PDP, Bwala recently commended the President’s leadership, describing him as “a courageous commander-in-chief and father.” This acknowledgment reflects a shift in tone and underscores his commitment to serving the nation’s best interests.

Dr. Bwala’s ability to navigate complex political dynamics has earned him recognition as the first political spokesperson in recent times to achieve what many describe as a “political trinity.” His decision to move from an APC spokesman to a critic of the same-faith ticket advocated by Tinubu and Kashim Shettima demonstrates his dedication to principled politics.

The Pacesetters encouraged Dr. Bwala to uphold his proactive approach in defending the administration, addressing criticisms, and promoting its achievements. They believe his leadership and expertise are invaluable as Nigeria navigates its current challenges.

“On behalf of the Pacesetters in Diaspora, we wish Dr. Daniel Bwala a successful and productive term in office,” the statement concluded by the Public Relations Officer, Mr Olusola Timothy.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, over the passage of his beloved mother, Deaconess Margaret Oyeronke Alao.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.

Deaconess Margaret Oyeronke Alao passed away in the early hours of Friday at the age of 81 after a period of illness.

Senator Alli described the death of Deaconess Alao as a significant loss not only to the royal family of Orile-Igbon but also to all those who were privileged to know her.

He said that the late Deaconess Alao was a virtuous woman, a devoted Christian and a mother figure whose life was dedicated to the service of God as well as humanity.

“Deaconess Margaret Oyeronke Alao lived an exemplary life filled with unwavering faith, love, and care for her family and community.

“Her departure is a painful reminder of the inevitability of death, but we take solace in the fact that she left a legacy of godliness, kindness and integrity that will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew her,” he said.

The lawmaker commended Oba Francis Alao for the strength and leadership he has displayed during this challenging time, urging him to draw comfort from the impactful life his mother lived and the eternal peace she now enjoys.

He prayed that God grant the royal family and the people of Orile-Igbon the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“Please accept my deepest sympathies, and may the soul of Mama rest in perfect peace,” he added.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has congratulated Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on his well-deserved victory in the just-concluded governorship election in Ondo State.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Ibadan.

Senator Alli described the victory as a testament to Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s exemplary leadership, commitment to good governance and the trust reposed in him by the people of Ondo State.

“Your re-election is a clear indication of the confidence and support you have earned through your dedication to the development and progress of Ondo State.

“The people have spoken resoundingly, reaffirming their faith in your vision, integrity, and capacity to lead them to greater heights,” he said

The lawmaker expressed optimism that Gov. Aiyedatiwa would further consolidate the achievements of his administration, particularly in areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth.

He urged the governor to remain steadfast in his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State.

“On behalf of the good people of Oyo South Senatorial District, I congratulate you once again on this well-earned victory.

“May your tenure continue to bring prosperity, peace, and progress to Ondo State,” Alli said.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has extended heartfelt congratulations to two esteemed professionals from Oyo State, Dr Abisoye Fagade and Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, on their recent appointments by President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

It would be recalled that the president on Thursday appointed Fagade as the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, while Adedokun was appointed Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement.

Senator Alli commended the appointments of the duo, saying the appointment reflected the president’s commitment to harnessing the talents and capabilities of accomplished individuals to advance national progress.

The lawmaker noted that the elevation of Fagade and Adedokun into significant national roles is a testament to their hard work, dedication as well as exceptional professional records.

He said that both appointees have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, making them well-suited to lead these important national institutions.

Alli described Fagade, a communications marketer as well as Chief Executive Officer of Sodium Group, as an innovator and visionary whose contributions to marketing and communication have set a high standard in the industry.

He said that as an indigene of Ibadan, Fagade has not only brought pride to Oyo State but has also impacted the broader professional landscape, making him an ideal fit to lead the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism.

Adedokun, on the other hand, was lauded by Alli as a meticulous and dedicated professional whose expertise will greatly benefit the Bureau of Public Procurement.

According to the Senator, Adedokun’s deep understanding of procurement and governance will drive transparency, efficiency and effectiveness within the Bureau, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for a more accountable and progressive government.

Senator Alli expressed confidence that the appointments of Fagade and Adedokun would bring positive transformations to their respective institutions.

He noted that both individuals have consistently upheld high ethical standards and brought innovative ideas to their work, qualities that would serve the country well as they embark on these new roles.

Senator Alli acknowledged the president strategic insight in choosing competent professionals with roots in Oyo State, reiterating that the move would inspire youths from the state and encourage them to pursue excellence in their various endeavours.

The lawmaker extended his best wishes to Fagade and Adedokun, encouraging them to remain committed to the principles of integrity, diligence, and service as they work to advance the development of Nigeria.

He assured them of his support and urged them to leverage their skills and experience to meet the high expectations of their offices, contributing to the progress of the nation.

The All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has described Governor Seyi Makinde’s N679b budget proposal for 2025 as another fictitious document prepared to further enrich a few individuals within the corridor of power “as it has been the case since 2019 when the governor assumed office and turned the state into his personal estate.”

Gov. Makinde presented a total estimate of about N679billion to the State House of Assembly on Wednesday for legislative consideration and approval. But the opposition APC has said that the appropriation document was far from being a Budget of Economic Stabilization which the governor tagged it.

In a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC claimed the orchestrated presentation was just a ceremony aimed at fulfilling all righteousness as Gov. Makinde did not carry any of the relevant stakeholders along in its preparation while he would not make use of the Appropriation Bill upon its passage by the lawmakers.

“Experts have had reasons to ask questions on the values which annual budgetary rituals have added to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Oyo state in the last five years. Apparently, they are aware of the abracadabra which the governor does with the management of the finances of the state without any recourse to public opinion, due process and the need for accountability.

As far as Oyo APC is concerned, the claim by Gov. Makinde that the 2025 Budget Proposal had the input of the people of the state is false even as we challenge him to come out clean on the specific projects which would gulp the 51 per center of the total N679billion. Also, we have expected him (Makinde) to quote the exact period which workers should expect the commencement of the payment of the N80,000 minimum wage which he announced recently as well as the monthly total of the state wage bill to justify the amount quoted as recurrent expenditure in the 2025 Budget.

“Gov. Makinde claimed 70 per cent successful implementation of the N515billion Budget for 2024 but we do not know the parameters he used to score himself. In the health sector of the state, residents live under the fear of lassa fever, cholera, small pox among others while the personnel in our understaffed public hospitals groan on account of poor condition of service. But for the World Bank which bankrolls Ibadan Urban Flood Management Projects, the whole of the state capital (Ibadan) would have been washed away by flood and erosion.

“The administration of Gov. Makinde woke up suddenly few weeks ago and signed N41billion as contract sum for the upgrade of the airport in Alakia. While the idea was a good one, it was not contained in the 2024 Budget and there is no record of due process followed in the award of that contract. The Adamasingba stadium renovation which gulped N5.2billion was another fraud perpetrated by the PDP administration of Engr. Makinde. Years after the release of the full contract sum, basic facilities in that stadium such as swimming pool, training pitch, toilets etc are no where to be found.

“Sad enough, Gov. Makinde recently revealed that he had wasted huge sums of money on two or three occasions in the last five years to fix some inner roads in Ibadan only to realize that what those roads required was total reconstruction. The much advertised Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road inaugurated few months ago has been limited to the use of light cars and motorcycles only and we all what informed this decision. The whole world would not be surprised to hear about Gov. Makinde awarding contact for the linking of Eleyele and Asejire rivers together to produce an ocean in Ibadan since his administration must siphon money through fictitious projects.” APC said.

Hon. Dimeji Fabiyi, an associate of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has described the remarks by Governor Seyi Makinde on the qualifying criteria for presidential candidates as portraying the Oyo State Governor as a poor student of history.

Governor Makinde had made a remark insinuating age as a limiting factor for presidential hopefuls.

But Fabiyi, a leader of the PDP in Ogun State and pioneer financial officer of the PDP in his response to Makinde noted that Atiku is of sound mind and body, with the intellectual firmament that measures far ahead of Seyi Makinde.

A press statement signed by Fabiyi on Tuesday noted that while Atiku may be older than Makinde, he has the experience and a cosmopolitan ability to problem-solve.

“As a matter of fact, I challenge Seyi Makinde to an intellectual contest with Atiku, and we shall see how his arrogance and presumed youthfulness will be humbled.

“I have known Atiku for almost three decades, and I can tell you for free that he’s an avid reader. When next Seyi Makinde is in town, he should seek out how resourceful and flourishing Atiku’s library is.

“Atiku is not  a connoisseur of expensive wines and doesn’t keep the company of cringe drinkers. Rather, he’s a lover of books who reads widely.

“Unless Makinde believes that leadership is determined by aerodynamic strength, he should have been more guided before making a comment that makes him look like a clown,” Fabiyi said.

The PDP chieftain further admonished the Oyo State governor to  take a lesson from the just concluded presidential election in the United States where President-elect Donald Trump won overwhelmingly against a much younger opponent.

“Politics is a marketplace of ideas. As a matter of fact, it is a place where experience and age are undeniable assets.  President Trump is Atiku’s contemporary in age. But it is clear by the convincing win he secured for the Republicans that the electorate in the United States  acknowledges more leadership assets in him than his main opponent.

“It is on this note that I will admonish Governor Makinde to devote more time to reading good books and familiarise himself more with intellectuals, instead of keeping the company of alcoholics, so that when next he speaks he won’t be mistaken for someone who prides himself for drinking 40 years old whiskey,” Fabiyi said.