Metro
Kalu to Abia traditional rulers: Tinubu happy Ndi Igbo gathered together for PISE-P
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…solicits support for President, Gov. Otti
Deputy Speaker of the House of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is happy to see Ndi Igbo gather together for the noble cause of stamping out insecurity and resolving other sociological challenges through the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P).
It will be recalled that PISE-P, a brainchild of the deputy speaker was recently launched in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
Speaking during an interactive session with the members of Bende Traditional Rulers Council and Ndi Ugoeze Bende on Friday in Bende, Kalu said that Tinubu is interested in the development of the south east.
He urged the traditional rulers to support the government of the day to reap more benefits therefrom.
He said: “Wherever Ndi Igbo see themselves, they encourage peace and harmony. We thank you for holding these values. I am your representative in the House of Representatives. I did not get there on my own. It was you that elected me. And this is why Abia state honored me. A few days ago, the Governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti who is not a member of my party decided to honour me with a high title in Abia. He told the Abia State traditional rulers council to confer on me ‘Enyi Abia” (Strength of Abia). He must have seen something in your son.
“A day after that day, you saw what happened in Bende. It has never happened before. President Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Senate President represented by his deputy, my boss, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the governor of the State, Dr. Alex Otti, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State,
Other governors who couldn’t make it in person came through their deputies.
“The Ooni of Ife, Emir of Kano, Emir of Bichi, Obi of Onitsha, over 15 Igbo billionaires were in Bende. I can go on and on.
“On this position, we are just starting work. The President called to say I am very, very happy that the Igbo came together for this. Truly, there is hope for Igbo man. It does appear that this handshake across the Niger has started.
“Let’s us also support the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Some were afraid whether he will remember the Igbo. But he has proved all of us wrong by choosing the Chief of Naval Staff. The President also handed over the issue of Infrastructure into the hands of an Igbo son, Senator David Umahi, my friend, the former governor of Ebonyi to replicate what he did in Ebonyi in Nigeria. There are others too. A President who does not love Ndi Igbo will not do that”.
Kalu also called on the traditional rulers to support the government of Dr. Alex Otti of Abia to develop the state.
“We will assist the governor of the state to take care of you. The truth is that he has a good heart. He is committed to getting the job done and we should support him to be successful. Let us come together and support him. Let us support him to succeed for the good of the state”, he said.
Kalu who was meeting with the traditional rulers for the first time since his election as the deputy speaker on June 13, 2023 appreciated the traditional rulers for their support.
He promised to attract more dividends of democracy to Bende, pledging not to disappoint them.
“I said that it won’t be nice if I leave for Abuja after all we did without interacting with you. So, I decided to call you to honour you. There is no position that will make me forget you. I will never disrespect you. You are our traditional rulers and I respect you all. And it will continue that way.
“It is my ritual to interact with you on the needs of the people. If you don’t have your list, please, go and bring it. We want to be pragmatic and sensitive to our priorities. You are the stakeholders in Bende. You came to show that I am your treasured son. I will not disappoint you.
“We need to reflect the actual needs of Ndi Bende. What I want to do for Ndi Bende should be a consensus between us. I think this is the best approach.
“I think this is the first time we are meeting this way since my election as the deputy speaker. The story started gradually and you believed in me. The 360 members saw it and believed in me too. On that day of inauguration, the 360 members elected me unopposed.
“Thank you for sending me to Abuja because I woundnt have been there if you didn’t elect me.
“The benefits of your work will come to you. I will not disappoint you. I don’t want to make many promises but in the days to come, I will appreciate you better.”
Kalu also enjoined the monarchs to support PISE-P and the newly passed South East Development Commission bill in the House of Representatives.
“Again, I am tired of the blood of my brothers flowing on the streets. I am saying, let’s us try another way of resolving our issues. Non kinetic is the way. And soon, you will see what peace in South East Project will achieve.
“It is high time the Igbo joined the mainstream of political leadership of the country. Please, continue to pray for us. Be a part of the South East Development Commission. Please, be a part of PISE-P. You have a role to play”, he said.
Making a donation of some bags of rice and a token for their new year celebrations, Kalu also pledged to provide them with a bus to assist them in discharging their responsibilities.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Chairman, Bende Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness, Eze Uchendu Okorie said they will support Tinubu’s government and follow their son wherever he goes.
“We will support President Tinubu. We will go wherever he goes. We will follow our son where he goes. We have not had it so good like this before. He is a man of wisdom, an orator. We will help him to go higher. Yes, he’s in the House right now but we want him to go higher. In the next dispensation, let’s us try to see whether he will go higher. He has the capacity to do what is right. God will continue to uplift him. He’s not doing it for himself. He’s doing it for Bende. We will continue to go with him”, he said.
The traditional rulers and their wives offered special prayers for Kalu.
Metro
Olufemi Ogunlolu-Shotunde Complements Abiodun’s Infrastructure Stride, Sponsors Construction of Roads From Ewekoro to Yewa North
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As part of the community social responsibility, Olufemi Ogunlolu-shotunde, through his foundation, Oluogunsho Foundation, has joined forces with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s strides on infrastructure, by sponsoring 11 kilometres of road construction and drainage, facilitated by the Asa Yabo community development association to enhance good road networks in Asa, Yobo, Lala and Agodo Roads from Ewekoro Local Government to Yewa North Local Government.
The Asa Olówó, community development association, commended Ogunlolu-Shotunde for raising their hope in the community, as commuters also hailed his commitment to development.
Olufemi Ogunlolu-Shotunde is a refined leader who has served in many roles, from career-wise to the professional world. He is a humanitarian and development-driven leader, proudly hailed from Ásà Olówó in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State.
He was born into the reputable Ogunlolu family, to Pa Sunday Ogunlolu-Shotunde (Olówó Àsà)—a lineage known for honour, service, and strong communal values.
Ogunlolu-Shotunde began his educational journey at Doland International School, Akute, Ogun State, where he completed his primary education.
He proceeded to Topmost School, Maryland, Lagos, completing his secondary education in 2002. With a strong inclination for technical excellence and global exposure, Olufemi advanced to the United Kingdom, where he studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering in London.
Following his academic pursuits, he enlisted in the British Army, serving as an Infantry Soldier. His military career was defined by discipline, bravery, and professionalism, with operational deployments across Iraq, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. These experiences refined his leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and crisis-management skills in high-pressure environments.
After an honourable discharge from the British Army in 2010, Olufemi transitioned into civilian life as a Security Consultant, delivering expert services in risk management, security operations, and strategic advisory roles.
In 2013, he further broadened his professional scope by earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Oil and Gas Management from the Greenwich School of Management Studies.
He also possesses strong analytical and operational expertise as a certified Data Analyst and a qualified Control Room Manager, enabling him to integrate technology, intelligence, and real-time decision-making across complex systems.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Olufemi Ogunlolu-Shotunde is deeply committed to humanitarian service and grassroots development.
He is the Founder of the Oluogunsho Foundation (Egba fún mi)—a purpose-driven foundation established to touch lives and foster sustainable development among the indigenous people of Ásà Olówó in Ewekoro Local Government Area. The foundation places special emphasis on support for the aged and widows, educational assistance across all levels of institutions, and targeted interventions aimed at uplifting vulnerable members of the community.
A passionate advocate for growth, equity, and community empowerment, Olufemi Ogunlolu-Shotunde continues to leverage his global exposure, professional expertise, and deep-rooted love for his people to drive meaningful impact and lasting development.
Metro
Ogun NUJ Chairman’s 50th Birthday Bash Turns into Heartwarming Act of Kindness for Ogun State’s Aged
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The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, marked his 50th birthday in a rare display of compassion and service, as he empowered 50 aged men and women drawn from across the State, describing the gesture as a personal thanksgiving and a call to collective humanity.
The celebrant, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, said celebrating with the aged persons is a modest way of acknowledging the demand for wisdom that the age represents and a heartfelt expression of gratitude for God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness over the past five decades.
“Our elders represent wisdom, sacrifice, and resilience. Many laboured quietly to build families, communities, and institutions from which we benefit today, and it is therefore both a duty and an honour to recognise and support them, not just with words, but with tangible acts of compassion”, Olanrewaju disclosed.
While fondly remembering his late parents, Comrade Olanrewaju described giving to the aged as his humble way of honouring their memories, and wished they witnessed the celebration as they laid the foundation of who he has become today.
Olanrewaju further expressed deep appreciation to the 50 aged men and women who honoured his invitation, declaring that he was symbolically adopting them as his parents. “From today, I see you as my fathers and mothers. Your prayers will be constant in my life, and I will never take your presence for granted,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
He thanked members of his NUJ executive, colleagues, his immediate family, partners and well-wishers for standing by him and supporting the “Gifting the Aged” initiative, symbolising ideals of service and humanity.
Earlier, while welcoming guests at the event, the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, said the celebration was deliberately designed to go beyond merriment, noting that the NUJ Chairman chose to “give back meaningfully to society at a time many would focus solely on personal celebration.”
Comrade Adigun commended Olanrewaju’s leadership style, describing him as “a man whose golden jubilee reflects golden values of kindness, empathy and responsibility.” He said the presence of all the beneficiaries affirmed that meaningful change is possible when people come together with a shared sense of purpose.
Dignitaries and colleagues, including a National Officer of the NUJ, Comrade James Sowole, praised the celebrant for living the core values of journalism, while Comrades Abiodun Taiwo and Kemi Orunsolu, described Olanrewaju as a bridge-builder whose life at 50 has been defined by service.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Council, Abiodun Lawal, applauded the chairman for choosing the aged as the focus of his celebration, saying the gesture “sets a standard worthy of emulation.”
The emotional high point of the event came when the celebration was capped by the wife of the celebrant, Mrs Olanrewaju, who eulogised her husband, describing him as “a compassionate man who finds joy not in what he gets, but in what he gives.” She thanked God for his life and prayed for continued strength and wisdom as he journeys through the next phase of life.
The highlight of the event is the distribution of essential food packs containing rice, beans, garri, noodles and essential cooking ingredients to beneficiaries, carefully selected to sustain them for a reasonable period.
Reacting on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Adijatu Ayelabola appreciated the kind gesture of the celebrant, stressing that if well-meaning individuals can emulate this act, the world will be a better place for all to live.
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The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland; Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Olowu of Owu, Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola have backed the initiatives of Egba Economic Summit in constituting a Committee to prepare the New Abeokuta Master Plan which includes the 6 local governments in Ogun Central Senatorial District (Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ewekoro, Odeda, Obafemi Owode and Ifo).
The committee for the new Abeokuta Master Plan are made up of seasoned Professionals who have achieved greatness in their chosen profession and callings such as Captain Temilola Okesanjo as Chairman.
Technical and other members
1. Prof Oyesiku
2. Alhaji Waheed Kadiri
3. Engr.Bayo Adeola.
4. The President of Egba Economic Summit, Dr Gbenga Adeoye.
5. The EES Admin Secretary will serve as the secretary of the committee.
The President of EES stated that the team are competent enough to carry out their assignments without any supervision from him, and he is there merely to observe the progress and also raise money to ensure the success of the project.
The Olowu of Owu expressed his support for all the initiatives on the development of Egbaland which is Abeokuta and the 6 local governments.
He also pledged his support for all other developmental projects and the advocacy of the Egba Economic Summit.
Captain Temilola Okesanjo, who is also a foundation member of Egba Economic Summit and Chairman of the New Abeokuta Master Plan, expressed sadness about many areas in Abeokuta and insisted that development must be controlled, while some historical buildings must not be sold to boost tourism.
The President of Egba Economic Summit, Dr Gbenga Adoye, while thanking Olowu of Owu at His palace on 13th January 202,6, pleaded with him and all traditional rulers in Ogun Central to back the summit in achieving the goals set out for the next two years.
He stated that a former President of PENGASAN who is the Chairman of Ecogas and Past President of Egba Economic Summit ; Chief Shina Luwoye the Maiyegun elect of Egbaland have indicated his willingness to join the New Master Plan team both financially and to participate in the committee as a volunteer member in any way his service will be required
During the discussions, Olowu mandated the President to go ahead with his plan to get the detail cause of the delay in completing the Ajebo Idi Aba Express Road by Federal Government to reach out to the Minister of Works Engr David Umahi He explained further the Abeokuta Ajebo Express road apart from the fact that it will be a good alternative road to Ibadan from Abeokuta; it will be useful to the Newly Established Permanent site of The University of Medicine and Medical Sciences. (FUMMSA)
Olowu also expressed his worries over the state of the road from Apata in Ibadan to Abeokuta via Omi Adio, noting that at some point, there seems to be a clear difference around Ilugun Bakatari showing that the roads appear bad at the segments that fall under Ogun State and he desires that attention be paid to it by both the state and the Federal government.
The summit President highlights’ EES plan to go into the details of the 2026 budget of Ogun State to know line by line capital projects that affect the Central Senatorial District and follow the implementation up logically.
Chief Olusola Adeoye, the Osupori of Owu Kingdom, thanked the President and his team for their initiatives and agenda for the next two years.
He stated further that he knows how close Dr.Adeoye was to Late Dr Onaolapo Soleye and ask him to prepare ahead of time that some people that can be regarded as enemies of Progress will try everything possible to oppose the Vision of Egba Economic Summit and agenda for massive development advocacy for the next two years, but he must not back down on his goals and with God, nothing will be left undone among the outlined projects for the next 2 years.
In closing, the Olowu promised the Egba Economic Summit President and his team that he will work with the Alake of Egbaland to ensure that the Abeokuta New Master plan becomes a reality, the road from Idi Aba to Ajebo gets completed on time, the Abeokuta City Centre is resuscitated along with other projects to develop Egbaland covering the 6 local governments.
He also stated that right leadership is the secret of development and once selfless people are in leadership, development is guaranteed, but the reverse is the case if selfish people are in leadership and that is why he is happy with the kind of people that are members of Egba Economic Summit Group led by Dr Gbenga Adeoye who is a Lawyer and Chartered Accountant. People like Engr.Ola Sobande from Shell is an example of selfless service, Yinka Chris Coker(Immediate Past President), Bunmi Lawson and Surakatu Lateef, who are all Chartered Accountants like the President, with the combined honour of Law and Accounting.
The President and Captain Okesanjo drove round to inspect the Structures around Olumo Rock from Adagba Street in Itoko, to Sodeke, Ikija and Erunwon to identify historical structures that must be kept as tourist buildings.
All stakeholders, including the Olowu of Owu, agreed that the Egbas have a duty to ensure nobody does anything by omission or commission to obstruct development for any selfish reason(s) and anyone found doing so must be stopped by all means possible.
The President thanked Olowu for supporting the Egba Economic Summit and also commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi for Commencing Night Repairs on Sango Otta Abeokuta Ewekoro road to ease movement and promote Economic development while urging him to do something urgently on Apata Ibadan Abeokuta road and Abeokuta OGTV Ajebo road for the sake of the University of Medicine and Medical Science Permanent Site at Ajibayo and to unlock the economic potentials of towns and villages such as Ajebo, Erunwon, Owojo, Obafemi, Kajola, Alapako, Olosun, Layanran, Mosafejo, Oyebola and the areas towards Lagos Ibadan Expressway.
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