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Oyo State Mourns as Former SSG Michael Koleoso Passes Away at 86

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Oyo State Mourns as Former SSG Michael Koleoso Passes Away at 86....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a distinguished leader with the passing of Michael Koleoso, former Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG). Koleoso, aged 86, passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 2, 2024.

Koleoso served as the SSG under the administration of the late Governor Lamidi Adesina from 1999 to 2003 and was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. He was also the National Chairman of the defunct Alliance for Democracy, a political party that played a significant role in the country’s democratic evolution.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed deep sorrow over Koleoso’s death, describing it as “The end of a glorious era.” In a heartfelt statement issued on Tuesday, Governor Makinde paid tribute to Koleoso, highlighting his selfless leadership and enduring patriotism.

“I received the news of the death of Baba Michael Koleoso, the Babalaje of Saki with shock and sadness. Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a great patriot and selfless leader, one of the last men standing in the batch of leaders who gave their all to make Nigeria a better place,” the statement read.

Governor Makinde further reflected on his personal bond with Koleoso, stating, “People who know me know that I had a special bond with Babalaje; I held him as a father and had the utmost regard for him, as he was a courageous and upright leader who spoke truth to power. We’ve relied on his guidance and wealth of experience in guiding our great state to greatness, and Babalaje did love this state till his dying days.”

Koleoso’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Oyo State’s history. Born into the Emi-Abata family of Saki on April 30, 1938, he pursued his early education at Baptist Primary School, Ajegunle, Saki, and later attended Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo. He furthered his studies at the School of Hygiene, Eleyele, Ibadan, where he earned his Ordinary National Diploma and later an Advanced Certificate, now equivalent to a Higher National Diploma (HND).

Koleoso began his career in the civil service of the Western Region, serving as the Head of the Health Department in the old Saki District Council. His transition into business saw him establish Esmak Nigeria Limited, a company that continues to thrive in commodity distribution, transportation, real estate, and hospitality.

His political journey began in 1976 when he was elected unopposed as a Councilor in the Ifedapo Local Government Area of the Old Oyo State. In 1979, he was elected to the Oyo State House of Assembly as the representative of Ifedapo Constituency under the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria, led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Governor Makinde extended his condolences to the Koleoso family, his political associates, and the people of Oyo State, noting that “It is the end of a glorious era, and we can only pray to God to grant repose to the soul of our Baba.”

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‘Atiku Won’t Pick Senate President’ – Dino Melaye Declares.

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The Deputy Director-General of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Dino Melaye, has pledged that an administration led by the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would not interfere in the selection of the Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives if elected.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Melaye made the declaration during an appearance on Arise Television, where he said the ADC would allow lawmakers to elect their leaders independently.

He maintained that the party was committed to democratic principles and an independent National Assembly.

“To start with, an Atiku presidency will not determine who is going to be the Senate president, the president of the Senate, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Atiku is a Democrat. ADC is a very democratic political party. So we are going to allow the people to elect their leaders,” he said.

Melaye argued that allowing lawmakers to choose their leaders would promote legislative independence and strengthen the National Assembly’s oversight of the executive arm of government.

He said an independent legislature would be better positioned to scrutinise government activities and hold the executive accountable.

“And I told you that wherever you have the members electing their leaders, there is some modicum of independence.

“So to start with, the ADC will make sure that the National Assembly is truly independent, and if the National Assembly is truly independent, that will drive their oversight functions over the Executive,” he said.

Speaking on how government spending would be monitored, the ADC campaign official said relevant National Assembly committees would be empowered to question government officials and examine public expenditure.

He specifically mentioned the Committees on Establishment, Finance, and Budget and Planning as possible channels for investigating government spending and ensuring accountability.

“The Committee on Establishment is responsible for questioning this type of spenders because they have direct oversight function over the State House. The committee on finance is there. The committee on budget and planning is there,” Melaye said.

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Near-Death Experience: Cubana Chief Priest Speaks Out After Surviving Terrifying Flight Incident.

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Nigerian socialite and nightlife promoter Paschal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has expressed gratitude to God after surviving a frightening experience during a recent flight.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The businessman disclosed that he encountered the worst air turbulence he had ever experienced while travelling by plane.

In a post shared on his Instagram Story, Cubana Chief Priest revealed that the aircraft shook violently, leaving him terrified and fearing that he might not survive the journey.

He explained that the experience was so disturbing that he thought his life was about to end.

The socialite also admitted that the incident left him shaken, as he struggled to overcome the fear he experienced while the aircraft battled the turbulence.

He said: “Experienced the craziest turbulence ever in my life, I still can’t feel my heart I thought it was over, Thank God for journey mercies.”

In another development, Cubana Chief Priest has called on President Bola Tinubu to sack the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

The socialite described Umahi as one of the worst ministers the South-East had produced, arguing that the region had little to show for having one of its own in charge of the Ministry of Works.

He also criticised another minister from Imo State, whom he described as the worst minister the region had ever had.

According to Chief Priest, the ministers have failed to create visible opportunities for the Igbo people despite occupying important positions in the Federal Government.

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AFCON Showdown: Tanzania Set To Arrive In Uyo Ahead Of Super Eagles Clash.

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Tanzania’s national team, the Taifa Stars, are expected to arrive in Uyo on Sunday as they step up preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to The Citizen, the early arrival will give head coach Miguel Gamondi sufficient time to prepare his players for the Matchday Three fixture scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Gamondi has selected a 24-man squad for the double-header against Nigeria. Tanzanian Premier League champions Yanga FC and Azam FC have the highest representation, with five players each.

Kagera Sugar and Singida Black Stars have one player apiece in the squad.

The foreign-based players include Novatus Miroshi of Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe, Cyprian Kachewele of Ukrainian side Kryvbas and Bernard Kamongo, who plays for Major League Soccer outfit FC Dallas.

The Taifa Stars will be seeking their first victory in the qualifying campaign after failing to win either of their opening two matches.

Tanzania began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau before playing out a 1-1 draw against Madagascar in their second fixture.

Nigeria will host the first leg in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before both countries meet again in Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.

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