In response to the one-storey building collapse in Jedege area, Ona Ara, Local Government, Amofin Beulah Adeoye, President of the Beulah Adeoye Foundation, has extended his sympathy to victims and condolences to those that lost their loved ones.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan by his Chief of Staff, Ridwan Fasasi, Amofin Beulah Adeoye described the incident as unfortunate, the legal icon urged humanitarian agency and other stakeholders to provide support and relief materials to the affected families.

“Reports indicated that 10 people lost their lives in the tragic incident, while several others were injured. It is truly heartbreaking, a deep wound in our hearts. Let us support the affected families in any way we can to help them through this ordeal. May God rest the souls of the departed and grant their families the strength to bear these immense losses,” he said.

Friends, your dreams are valid and achievable. Don’t doubt it.

Our spirit as humans is attached to dream, to aspire, and to reach for the extraordinary, or just the ordinary. This innate longing for betterment is what propelled nations forward, it’s what fuels innovation, and inspires general greatness. If we attempt to trace it from the marvels of ancient civilization to the modern-day technological advancements, the relentlessness in humanity’s pursuit of progress is a demonstration to the forward-thinking drive of collective dreams.

Throughout history, the greatest civilizations have been built on the foundation of shared aspirations and dreams, cultivated and developed by visionary leaders, and sustained by the strongest, most firm and resilient of their people. The ancient Greeks’ pursuit of wisdom, the Renaissance’s celebration of art and science, and America’s bold declaration of independence – all demonstrate the unending abilities unleashed when there is a convergence of collective dreams with courageous action. The human progress is built upon foundations of imagination, determination, and collaboration.

The right to dream is universal, it has no border limit, it surpasses cultures, and socio-economic divides. Every citizen, regardless of their station in life, deserves to have their aspirations validated, nurtured, and actualised. I believe this fundamental human impulse is what drives progress, fuels creativity, and inspires generations. We can see a reason, share a uniform vision to embrace of our individual and collective dreams, and tap into the infinite potential that resides within us, and unleash a stream of breakthroughs in innovation, entrepreneurship, and social transformation.

A dream-worthy society is built on the pillars of industrialisation, quality healthcare, economic growth, peace, and stability. These interconnected variables create an ecosystem where innovation booms, entrepreneurship flourishes, and human potential is realised. When we have a governance that prioritises these fundamentals, the people are empowered to chase their ambitions, and the collective dream becomes a realistic vision.

In such an environment, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) fuels economic growth, healthcare infrastructure supports human capital, and industrialisation drives job creation. Peace and stability provide the fertile ground for progress to take root. This aligning variables of development is the hallmark of great nations, that affords all the citizens to pursue their passions, develop their talents, and contribute meaningfully to the collective prosperity.

Oyo State has an incredible, rich and beautiful cultural endowments, breathtaking natural beauty, with great towns and cities, – all these virtues amount to progress when we look more inwardly. Our state is a thriving economy, with very resilient people, and our strategic location makes us an attractive hub for investment, innovation, and tourism. We have an existing capacity to become a model for more sustainable development that ensures that every citizen’s aspiration is within reach.

I think if we are more intentional and desperate about achieving this vision, if we see what I’ve outlined in the same lens, we must go beyond geographical and ethnic divides, because we can do better than that. We are not merely Oke Ogun, Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, or Ibarapa people; we are Oyo State indigenes, united in our quest for a prosperous society. If we embrace our truest identity, our emblem, we can deposit the collective energy necessary to drive developmental projects and dream even bigger.

Like I expressed during the week in the engagement with some young persons at the First Amofin Beulah Adeoye Colloquium, that meaningful youth participation in politics, in affairs of growth and development demands advocacy, leadership, and policy-driven initiatives that reflect our collective aspirations. It must be seen as a collective project for it to fly. True change begins when we people see ourselves as active contributors that shapes the present political atmosphere.

Ultimately, I feel our collective successes hinged on recognising that unity is not uniformity, rather, diversity in harmony. If and when we celebrate our various differences, yet stand together as one Oyo State, we unwrap the true efficacy of our greatness, – it also makes us create a legacy that serves multiple generations to come, defines the seriousness in the power of our collective dreams, and speaks really to what it means to be a people united in pursuit of a common purpose.

Happy New Month, please have a great weekend ahead.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, November 1, 2024

The president of the Beulah Adeoye Foundation, Amofin Beulah Adeoye on Tuesday led engagement on youth involvement in politics at the first Amofin Beulah Adeoye Colloquium.

The legal icon who was the keynote speaker for the intellectual session with over 60 participants emphasized the importance of youth involvement in politics. Amofin Adeoye said young people hold unique insights and innovative ideas essential for progress of any society.

Amofin Adeoye submitted that political participation of youth should transcend beyond voting rights. He urged them to leverage on advocacy, leadership and drive policies for growth that represent aspirations of his generation.

Amofin Adeoye submitted that true change begins when youth see themselves not just a future leaders but active contributors to shape present political landscape.

Mr. Karo Ikie, Director of Programmes, Beulah Fund during in his opening remark maintained that, active involvement of the young Nigerians in the political system is an answer to have a desired country. The session which lasted for an hour afforded youth to brainstorm and share novel ideas about ways to make positive contributions in the society.

The Chief of Staff of the Beulah Adeoye Foundation, Comrade Ridwan Fasasi, during the session added that, financial freedom of Nigerian youths is a vital tool in making a leadership choice, he added that financial freedom will assist in projecting a resolute decision devoid of cohesion, emotional and intelligent slavery.

Hon. Olansile Olanrewaju, the undersecretary for Investment, Trade and Entrepreneurship at Beulah Adeoye Foundation moderated the session with a beautiful touch of class and profession.

One of the participants, Executive Director, Afrika Future Drive Initiative, Raheem AbdulRahman expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to attend the first Amofin Beulah Adeoye Colloquium. While reflecting on the invaluable insights Amofin Beulah Adeoye shared at the Colloquium, he noted that Amofin Adeoye’s presentation as keynote speaker highlighted the potential inherent in youth and practical ways to discover them. In short, ‘’I am deeply motivated, educated and inspired’’.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye’s emphasis on the importance of young people viewing themselves not as leaders of tomorrow but as active and impactful contributors of today was both thought-provoking and empowering.

‘’I was particularly moved by Amofin Beulah Adeoye’s advice that believing in oneself and taking that initial step forward is often the hardest part but, ultimately, the most important one. Starting with small steps, staying focused, and persevering through challenges—these were essential messages that I believe are essential for youth as we navigate the paths in the political and civic landscape’’.

Furthermore, the discussion around Beulah Adeoye Foundation volunteers’ support was equally significant. The openness to dialogue and mutual understanding displayed in addressing volunteers’ welfare was appreciated by many.

‘’Thank you again for your vision, leadership, and dedication to empowering youth in meaningful ways. I am looking forward to engaging more actively in these initiatives and contributing to the shared goals of positive change and development’’.

The essence of government is to do those things which private citizens cannot do for themselves. That quote is attributed to Abraham Lincoln, one of American finest and greatest Presidents. In retrospect, this quote reflects the idea that government exists primarily and purposely to address collective needs and provide essential services that individuals alone would struggle to achieve. Think of infrastructure, security, health, national interest, and public welfare.

Undoubtedly, only government has the capacity to massively invest in infrastructural development that spread and scattered across the curves and contours of a given boundaries or territories. Providing social safety net for the people in addition to addressing other societal issues, only a legitimate structure and system recognized under the law can properly and effectively handle and harness people’s most pressing concerns in a way that foster development.

Taking a step back to the origin of government. Thomas Hobbes in the modern political thought posited that the system of government we know today emanate from the collective experience people endured in the state of nature. In effect, the Hobbesian’s school of thought timely reminds us of how solitary, poor, brutish, short and nasty the society, one that ultimately defined Charles Darwin’s survival of the fittest, the elimination of the unfit in his classical theory of evolutionary biology. As such, people came together to individually submit a part of their right and freedom to the LEVIATHAN, who in turn deploy those right in the interest of the people and society at large.

He said the turning point and momentous moment for humanity’s quest towards orderliness as against the rampant chaos was when they submitted to leviathan. But overtime, we’ve seen the breach of this trust by those in charge of people’s affairs in large scale. In most cases, we’ve seen the heart of darkness in man and the danger of unchecked and accounted power and authority. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana once remarked that absolute power corrupt power absolutely. Better we agree with him.

Essentially, there is little an adaptive leader can do outside of real power, influence and authority that comes from official capacity. To effect incremental and far-reaching changes and unleash the greatness within, it is imperative for creative thinkers to step in the line and take charge of the mantle before charlatans undermine the government and ruin the social fabrics with administrative malfeasance and ineptitude.

In Nigeria, as we have it in Africa, we’ve had leaders who lack the artistry and creativity to think big and act in the defense of their people’s interest. Harnessing the huge potential of Africa and particularly Nigeria for its growth and development has always remained an existential issue for years. Whether in the blistering heat of the Sahara or in the restless sea of the Mediterranean or in the Horns of Africa or the Magrib, the story of leaders with no minds of their own is the same. Perhaps, the recent waves of coup d’état in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea Conakry, are the manifestations of the failure of elected leaders.

As a lawyer of repute and patriot of the highest order, Amofin Beulah Adeoye stands strongly and gingerly as truly change maker. He is no doubt a giant by all definitions. Quite amusingly, only a giant can help unleash the GREATNESS within a state or a country with his magic wand.

Olajide Hamzat writes about the various prospect and potential of Oyo state while projecting Amofin Beulah Adeoye as a solution provider, problem solver and creative, adaptive and innovative leader and thinker with compassion and empathy.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has suspended Olusola Oluokun, Chairman of Oyo East Local Government over a viral video that sparked controversy.

The Chairman was suspended on Thursday after the presentation of a Matter of Urgent Public Importance titled “Urgent Call For Full Investigation into the indecent attitude of the Chairman, Oyo East Local Government, Mr. Olusola Oluokun in a Viral video online”.

The video showed Oluokun eating half-naked and praising a political stalwart who helped him become chairman.

He also allegedly rained curses on those perceived as enemies of his benefactor.

Oluokun’s actions in the video were deemed unbecoming of an elected Local Government Chairman.

The House has therefore set up a committee to investigate the matter, pending which the Vice Chairman will act as Chairman.

The House condemned the act describing it as unbecoming of an elected Local Government Chairman.

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin said the House would not condone such indecent behaviour.

He said the swift action taken by the House demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the integrity and dignity of public office

Oyo Osun customs Area command has announced that the area command has made Twenty-Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Four Million, Five Hundred and Forty-Three Thousand, and Fourteen Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo).

In press statement sent out on Wednesday it was stated by the customs area controller Dr.Ben Oramalugo that “1. I am very delighted to welcome you all to this press briefing, where I will highlight the significant achievements of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.

2. This period has been critical for our nation, as we are all acutely aware of the economic challenges facing our country today. Rising inflation, high cost of living, and other financial hardships has impacted all citizens, making it essential for us to perform our duties with greater responsibility and commitment to sustaining national stability. Despite these challenges, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has remained focused on its twin mandate of revenue generation for the government and curbing the menace of smuggling and other illicit activities that undermine the economy.

3. It is my privilege to update you on the key milestones the Area Command has achieved in revenue generation for the third quarter of the year and anti-smuggling activities from August 30th, 2024 to October 29th, 2024.
REVENUE GENERATION MILESTONES

4. In the face of current economic conditions, the Command has intensified its efforts in ensuring that every kobo due to the government is collected in accordance with the law. I am pleased to announce that for the 3rd quarter of the year 2024 the Oyo/Osun Area Command successfully generated a total revenue of ₦23,974,543,014.49 (Twenty-Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Four Million, Five Hundred and Forty-Three Thousand, and Fourteen Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo). This reflects a 27.5% increase over the sum of ₦17,377,387,591.90 (Seventeen Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Three Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-One Naira, Ninety Kobo) generated in the corresponding period of 2023, underscoring the Command’s commitment to efficient revenue collection through improved compliance, enforcement, and monitoring.

5.” Cumulatively, for the period covering January to September 2024 the Command has generated the sum of ₦56,656,828,685.30 (Fifty-Six Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Five Niara, Thirty Kobo). This also reflects a 7.85% increase when compared to the sum of ₦52,206,458,966.50 (Fifty-Two Billion, Two Hundred and Six Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Six Niara, Fifty Kobo) generated in the corresponding period of January to September 2023″.

In a recent and thought-provoking announcement, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Chairman and CEO of Ilaji Sports and Resorts and the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has publicly declared his decision to step back from the Oyo State 2027 governorship race. This decision, made after considerable contemplation and discussions with his father, is rooted in what he describes as a “frustration with the circus that is unfolding” within Oyo State’s current political framework.

Sanusi, renowned for his dedication to Oyo State’s development through investments in sports, youth empowerment, and community-driven initiatives, expressed grave disappointment with the direction of governance. “It is unfortunate that many of our civil servants, public officials, and even political appointees are focused more on personal gains than the welfare of the state,” Sanusi stated. His decision, he explained, reflects a choice not to participate in a system he feels is deviating from the principles of selfless service.

Chief Sanusi emphasized that he had undertaken a comprehensive assessment, including consultations with independent experts, and ultimately felt that contesting for governorship would be incompatible with the current political environment. “Joining politics under these circumstances would not serve the best interests of our citizens,” he added. “This decision, made after extensive discussion with my father, Alhaji Ganiyu Oladosu Sanusi, is a step towards safeguarding the integrity of my commitments to Oyo State’s true development.”

Chief Sanusi assured that, despite stepping away from the political scene, his commitment to humanitarian efforts remains unwavering. “I will continue with my humanitarian services that enhance human and community development,” he stated, reaffirming his dedication to impactful initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of the people of Oyo State. Through programs in education, sports, and other community-focused projects, he pledged to remain actively involved in fostering sustainable growth and development across the state.

This withdrawal has evoked mixed reactions from his supporters, who had rallied around him with the hope of progressive leadership. In response, Sanusi extended his gratitude, acknowledging their faith in his vision for the state. “To all lovers of JDS, I urge you to direct your support towards identifying a truly competent candidate who can earnestly serve the interests of Oyo State.”

Though he won’t be on the ballot, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s legacy of impactful initiatives like the JDS Football League and contributions to Oyo State’s youth empowerment reflect his ongoing commitment to social and economic growth. His decision not to run marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape, raising a call for citizens to carefully consider the qualities they seek in their leaders for a prosperous Oyo State.

In its commitment to educational development of students and Oyo state in general, a non-profit organization, Beulah Adeoye Foundation has held its maiden Edition of Amofin Beulah Adeoye Unity Debate Competition for secondary school students in Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The event, aim to strengthen the intellectual capacity of students in Oyo state secondary schools received a warm applause for meeting the standard set and it’s purpose.

Speaking to newsmen behalf of the Founder, The Director of Special Duties, Hon. Rafiu Kilotomo said the debate was organized to encourage healthy competition among the students and bring out the best in them.

While speaking further, Kilotomo said students debated on two topics for first and second rounds. He said the first topic was; “Why I Love My State: A Journey Through Its History and Achievement” while the second topic was “My Identity and Pride: The Place of my Birth”.

The Foundation in conjunction with serving Corps Members of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted into the Local Government Area successfully ignite the Oyo’s future light through the intellectual exchanges from the participating students.

In his words further, Kilotomo, explain that “The Beulah Adeoye foundation is committed to quality education, community development and human capital development. As it is evident through numerous projects that the Foundation has carried out.”

“The debate held in Itesiwaju Local Government is the begining in the series of unity conversations for secondary school students across the 33 Local Government Areas in the State.

While appreciating the foundation’s developmental strides, Mr. Folaranmi from Ipapo Community Grammar School and Mr. Yekeen from Muslim High School, Ipapo thanked the Foundation for promoting educational excellence among secondary school students in the local government.

Mustapha Aleem from Muslim High School, Ipapo came first, while Mustapha Moridiyah and Ademola Mathew came 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up respectively.