News
I Lost More Than A Governor, Olawande
The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has expressed grief over the death of Governor of Ondo state Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Gov. Akeredolu was the governor of Ondo State until his death on Wednesday following a battle with prostate cancer.
In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Maryam Umar Yusuf, Mr Ayodele Olawande said he lost more than a governor as Akeredolu was his adviser and guardian.
According to the statement, at the wee hours of Wednesday, the bell tolled for a father figure, an adviser, a counselor, and a guardian, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN).
“Arakunrin was much more than the governor of my state. He was in the class of people who were very dear to me. He cared for me so deeply and took a special and unexplainable liking towards me. Even in the most challenging and difficult period, Arakunrin always expressed his concerns over my personal well-being, often wrapping such jokes about me getting married. It is such a regret now that I would not have a chance to do that, which he had often spoken about in his presence.
“I have always held the belief that none of us stands alone in this world and that the death of any of us affects all of us. Indeed, this is one death that affects me so significantly, especially considering the strength and courage I draw from the exemplary life of Arakunrin. This is why even in death, his legacy of principled politics and fight for justice, which he pursued through his practice of the law, and his commitment to defending the truth would remain a guiding compass throughout my public service life.
“Today, we do not mourn Arakunrin; instead, we celebrate his life of achievement and impact. We celebrate the rich life of a man who showed us, through the force of his character, that fair and transparent success is possible. His life achievements, as Ondo State Attorney General, as president of the Nigerian Bar Association and governor of Ondo state, were glaring testimonies to his well-charted life.
“During this period, I stand in prayers with Mummy, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and my dear brother and friend, Babajide Akeredolu. I pray God accepts Daddy’s return, repose his beautiful soul, and watches over his legacy.”
News
Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.
In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.
Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.
“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.
Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.
“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.
Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.
“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.
“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.
Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.
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