NEWS
Ogun Governor’s Father, Pa Abiodun Goes Home Today (Thursday)
The remains of the father of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, Pa Emmanuel Abiodun, will be buried today at the cemetery of the St. James Anglican Church, on Sewolu Street, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state, by 11a.m.
It would be the climax of series of condolence visits and messages by leaders across all sectors to the deceased family since the passage of the iconic teacher on Monday, 2nd August.
The burial rites for the late educationist and community leader, who passed on at the age of 89, began on Tuesday with a service of songs organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Remo Area/Ogun State and the Women Organisation, Iperu Anglican Churches, in Iperu-Remo.
Preaching at the event attended by family members of the late octogenarian and top government functionaries, Bishop of the Ijebu West Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Babatunde Ogunbanwo, said secret of a good life of any human being is service to humanity, noting that the death of a righteous soul is precious to God Almighty.
The cleric, taking his sermon titled ‘Why the Desire to Die like a Righteous’ from book of Numbers, Chapter 23 verse 10, noted that late Emmanuel Abiodun lived a life of service that clearly indicated that there is humility in service to humanity.
The Bishop, while also noting that the righteous lives for treasures that will last forever and not ephemeral possessions such as houses, certificates and clothes, added that “those people who will die foolish deaths are materialistic while a righteous man lives with eternity in focus”.
The cleric who further noted that the legacy of education lasts forever, said that the governor’s father lived a life of service as a teacher and served God’s purpose in his own generation.
“The secret of a great life is service, the death of a righteous is precious in the sight of God. The death of a precious brings hope, the death of a righteous is the only life that looks like that of Christ because the death of a righteous is a great gain.
“The legacy of education lasts forever; it cannot be replaced. The righteous people live for treasure and not trash. I recognize that most of things we live for today will end up in trash, the righteous live for things that will last, things that are valuable. They live for fortunes, jewels, the righteous score treasures in heaven where armed robbers cannot have access to.
“The life of a righteous is a life of service, the life of a righteous people is a life of service. I want to say this about baba, late Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, he lived a life of service, he lived a life that reminds us that humility can be found in service, and one is not surprised seeing the humility of his son. Baba Abiodun was a great teacher, teacher of teachers, he lived a life of service as a teacher, he served God’s purpose in his own generation, he served faithfully,” the cleric submitted.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun, while appreciating the Christian Association of Nigeria for organising the service of songs on behalf of his late father, noted that a life of service can be achieved by acts and actions of the people.
Abiodun, while noting that people do not need to be rich to live a life of service to humanity, added that it was important for everyone to live a life that would benefit their fellow human beings.
On Wednesday, the remains of Pa Abiodun were laid in state at the secretariat of the Akesan Iperu Club 1954, the social club he belonged to while alive.
Lying in state ceremony was also organised for the governor’s father at his family compound in Akesan and the private residence of Governor Abiodun.
Eulogising late Pa Abiodun, the president of the club, Chief Jide Sosan, described him as someone who was very passionate about human development and that of his community.
The late octogenarian was also described as a passionate and trusted educationist whose contribution traversed Remoland and the whole of the defunct Western Region.
Sosan further noted that Pa Abiodun was not only an active member of the club, but a committed one whose activities made him to become a member of the Council of Elders of the club and later Secretary of the Council until his death.
While also noting that the governor’s father was one of the earliest members of the club when it was formed in 1954, the president added that apart from committing his time and financial resources towards the upliftment of the club, his wisdom and wealth of experience were catalysts for the sustainability of the club, especially for the younger members.
He submitted that the strong faith Pa Adesanya had in Jesus Christ earned him unprecedented respect among the Christian faithful, adding his warm reception endeared many to him as a father.
In his remarks at the event, Governor Abiodun noted that the lying in state being organised for his father was a time for sober reflection and a time to begin to think of how to be remembered after death, urging people to live a life of impact.
Abiodun, who said a life of impact can be lived without being a billionaire or a politician, added that his late father was a devout Christian and educationist who was very devoted to his calling.
Also at the Christian Wake attended eminent personalities across the country, tributes were poured on Pa Abiodun who was unanimously described as a great teacher who left an enduring legacy.
By David Torough, Abuja
In a ceremony that underscored his dedication to humanity and his community, Medical Director of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, Benue State, Dr. Mark Ogbodo was honored with a Lifetime Patron award by the Igede Media Network (IMN).
The prestigious award recognizes Dr.
Ogbodo’s unwavering commitment to community health and development, standing as a beacon of service in both his professional and personal pursuits.In his address, Chairman of the Igede Media Network, John Okpong celebrated Ogbodo’s profound impact on regional peace and development.
“Dr. Ogbodo’s selfless service has touched countless lives, bringing unity and promoting well-being across our community.
“As our Patron, he embodies the ideals of leadership and resilience, standing firmly against harmful practices and championing the values we hold dear,” he stated
Representing a coalition of media platforms, including The Prime News, The Congress Voice, The Magnet Newspaper, The Factpoint Magazine, and Lead Watch Magazine, the IMN has long been committed to uplifting and empowering the Igede community.
Through this recognition, IMN hopes to inspire others to follow Dr. Ogbodo’s example, as the Chairman added, “His leadership and expertise will guide us in advocating for progress and promoting unity among our people.”
According to him, Ogbodo’s appointment as Life Patron not only commemorated his contributions but also marks a new chapter for the Igede Media Network, inspiring others to emulate his commitment to service and his willingness to work for the betterment of others.
“This patronage, serves as a catalyst for future endeavors, encouraging community members to embody the principles of academic excellence, service, and leadership”, Okpong noted.
Samuel Ugbaji in his remarks highlighted the purpose and mission of the Igede Media Network as an organization focused on community welfare and advocacy.
“We come together to serve as a voice for the marginalized, amplifying their needs and reaching out to a broader audience.
“Today, we honor one of our own, a young man who chose to stay with his community rather than seek the comforts of city life. Dr. Ogbodo’s commitment to his people is extraordinary, providing free medical care and scholarships to those in need,” Ugbaji explained.
Acknowledging the personal sacrifices that Dr. Ogbodo has made, Ugbaji continuued, “Unlike many professionals who opt for urban comforts, Dr. Ogbodo has remained in Ugbokolo, bringing care and hope to our rural communities. He has dedicated himself to a mission of healing and has organized annual outreach programs, offering free medical services in Oju, Obi, and beyond.”
In a heartfelt response, Dr. Mark Ogbodo expressed his deep appreciation for the honor and said, “I am truly grateful to the Igede Media Network for this recognition.
“Little did I know that my acts of kindness to humanity were being noticed, much less that they would be honored in this way. It is deeply humbling,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Ogbodo shared, “Often, I perform these acts of service without expecting anything in return, just driven by a desire to help. But as they say, a golden fish has no hiding place. I am thankful to be recognized, even from the rural community where I work, and I pray that God continues to bless our people and humanity.”
The FCT Customary Court, Dutse, Abuja has appealed to the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to facilitate the renovation of its court complex which fell victim to vandalism and arson during the 2020 EndSARS protests.The President of the Court, Aderinto Adesoji, made the appeal during a resumed hearing in a divorce case between a petitioner, Chiwendu Nwadi and her husband, Emeka Nwadi in Ushafa, Abuja.
The Customary Court, Dutse has been sharing the court complex of a sister court in Ushafa for its sittings following the destruction. of its facilities, four years back.NAN reports that while Customary Court, Ushafa, the real owner of the facility, has its sittings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in a week, the Dutse court has its sittings on Tuesday and Thursday. Report says that Dutse and Ushafa are communities in Bwari Area Council of the FCT and they are about 17 kilometres apart.Addressing lawyers to the parties in the divorce case, when they were finding it difficult to agree on a date for next hearing in the matter, the President of the court said it is a recurrent challenge in matters before the courtAccording to him, the constraint of the panel, sitting only twice in a week has grossly affected quick dispensation of justice.He said most cases before the cout involve families, in particular, custody of children which require urgent adjudication, and should not be encumbered.Adesoji said, considering the fact that lawyers and their clients are affected by the constraints, the NBA should take steps to ensure that the appropriate authorities renovate the Dutse court complex.He said promises have been made by the association to that effect in the past, but they were yet to be actualised.Responding to the President’s appeal, Mr Moses Ibe, the lawyer to the petitioner promised the court that he would convey the message to the NBA, Bwari branch for necessary action.Ibe said this in an interview after the court session, that the distance of the court to its jurisdiction and the restrictive days of sittings have affected quick dispensation of justice.He said the essence of building the Dutse court was to bring justice closer to the people, but it has been defeated by the failure of appropriate authorities to renovate it for useThe Counsel promised to officially write to the NBA, Bwari branch to convey the Judge’s message and request for interventionAccording to Ibe, the Dutse court complex, used to serve as the Secretariat of the NBA Bwari branch, before it was vandalised and set ablaze by the EndSARS protesters.Meanwhile, the court has adjourned further hearing in the divorce petition until Oct. 21 to enable the respondent file his reply.Adesoji and other members of the panel, Nana Atipkoru, Aisha Hamza adjourned the case following the position of the respondent’s lawyer, Cornelius Simon, that his client was not served with the “particular of claims” in the petition.The panel directed that all necessary processes should be filed and served before the adjourned date so that the case would be fixed for definite hearing.The panel also ordered that the parties should maintain the status quo, particularly, as regards the custody of the children – the last child is with the petitioner, while the other two are in the custody of the respondent.In the case, the petitioner is seeking, among others, the dissolution of her 13 years marriage with her husband on the ground that “the union has broken down irretrievably”.She alleged that the husband, “is a man of unimaginable violence and cruelty, fetish, a serial wife beater and adulterer’The petitioner alleged that her husband deliberately poisoned her drink which led to losing her pregnancy.According to the petitioner, the union, consummated in 2011, under the native law and custom, as well as exchange of marital vows in a Church, has produced three children, ages, 12 years, 11 years and 2 years.She urged the court to dissolve the marriage, grant custody of the three children to her and restrain the husband from using thugs or any security agents to harass her. (NAN)
The Northern Youths Assembly has cautioned the National Assembly against passing the Tax Reforms Bill from the executive before the legislature.This is contained in an open letter to the lawmakers signed by the group’s President, Dr Ali Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Dr Garba Abduljafiz and made available to newsmen in Kano on Thursday.
The group said the bill, if passed into law, would not be in the interest of the people, particularly youths, urging for broader consultation on matters of that nature. The youths urged the National Assembly to concentrate on youth-friendly laws to safeguard the country’s future instead.“The youth are Nigeria’s future, “and our prosperity hinges on investments in education, skills development, and job creation.“As the largest political demography in the nation, youth must have a say in laws and policies that directly impact the country’s future.“We call for the creation of a special place at the centre, to allow the youths to contribute to solutions that may promote sustainable development, job creation, and economic empowerment,” the group said.The group urged the lawmakers to focus more on making laws that would improve investment climate and job creation.“We urge the National Assembly members to direct their resources and energy towards creating laws that would prioritise and encourage foreign investment.“The laws should encourage skills development and jobs creation for the teeming population of the youths, to improve measures that risk stifling the Nigerian economic opportunity.“We also urge them to stop complying with the dictates and advisory of the agents of destruction, IMF and World.“We must stay away from the trap of the IMF and World Bank, as they are all out to destroy our country through their ill-formulated policies and misleading advisory’’, the group said. (NAN)
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