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Let’s put party affiliations aside and build this country,” Olawande tells Akwa Ibom Youths

Published

7 months ago

March 3, 2024

Honorable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has challenged youths to put political differences aside and join hands together to develop the nation.

The Minister, who gave the charge while addressing a group of youths in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital, said he was in the state in continuation of his engagement with young people across the country.

“I know this is a PDP state, but it is now time for governance and not politics. It is time we put aside party affiliations in order to build Nigeria.

While emphasizing his campaign on skill acquisition, he said,
“Like I said yesterday during the engagement with fellow youths in Cross River State, my message here this afternoon will be the same. It’s time young people prioritize skill acquisition if we must bury the monster of unemployment bedeviling our generation.”

Olawande pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is devoted to youth development, noting that the President has shown his commitment by giving the youths a significant space in his administration as a demonstration of his belief in the talent and capacity of an average Nigerian young person to discharge his or her responsibility effectively.

He reiterated the need for the youth to set aside party differences and focus on making sure their generation justify the perennial quest for inclusion in governance through the success of their representatives in leadership positions, and the government they serve.

Speaking further on skill acquisition, the Minister said, “The fundamental responsibility we have now is to support this government, we, the youths must be ready to benefit from various opportunities that are available to us, especially in the area of skill acquisition. We must be ready to learn as many skills as possible because it is our most valued asset towards nation-building. As I always say, everywhere I go, it is unacceptable for any Nigerian youth not to have a minimum of 2 skills.”

The Minister interacted with various youth bodies in the state, including religious groups, student associations, and artisans, among others.

Olawande, who later had a private audience with the state Governor, His Excellency Governor Umo Eno also interacted with Corps members at the Akwa-Ibom NYSC Orientation Camp.

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Former Minister Sunday Dare Celebrates Late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle

Published

11 hours ago

September 18, 2024

The Gleamer

…Calls on Ogbomoso to compete for power in Oyo state.

Joel Ajayi

The Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and the former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare has joined family, friends, relatives, and good people of Ogbomosoland to celebrate the life of a veteran Civil War hero and an eminent Ogbomoso-born Nigerian Army officer, late Brigadier-General Benjamin Maja Adekunle, otherwise known as Black Scorpion.

In a statement released recently, the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland noted that the 10th anniversary remembrance of the veteran General is not just a celebration of his history, but a reflection of the bravery and patriotism of a

man who risked his life on behalf of our country and citizens. Chief Sunday Dare acknowledged that: “As a General, he was first amongst equals, and we as his people, are proud of the legacy that he left behind”.

Chief Sunday Dare explained that the sense of purpose and commitment to something greater than one’s self, is a cornerstone of a soldier’s life, which late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle exemplified. He signposted a life of enduring symbol of bravery, and compassion. He served Nigeria well.

“The story of the battle for Nigeria’s soul and eventual unity cannot be complete without a generous mention of late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle, a.k.a Black Scorpion. He was a patriot who loved his country and gave his all. He revealed to the world that Ogbomoso’s sons and daughters were no bystanders or minions. But that, Ogbomoso sons and daughters are brilliant

and brave, courageous and compassionate, patriotic and powerful. And above all, that Ogbomoso is a land of warriors; ever ready to make necessary sacrifices for the unity of her people and her land”.

Furthermore, Chief Sunday Dare stated that: “Late General Benjamin Adekunle has joined the league of Ogbomoso icons like the late Premier of Western Region Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the late Soun Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III, the late Governor of Oyo State Otunba Alao-Akala, the late Inspector General of Police Chief Sunday Adewusi and many other heroes of democracy from Ogbomosoland who made priceless sacrifices for the unity and peace of Nigeria.

For late Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle, no task was a burden and no sacrifice was too high: for he loved his people even as he understood that his call to duty carried a risk to his own life. He brought to life courage and patriotism that remains unequaled”. “Out of curiosity, I searched for the deeper meaning of a Scorpion. General

Benjamin Adekunle was nicknamed the Black Scorpion largely due to his exploits as a soldier. I found out that Scorpions are symbols of protection, transformation, independence, solitude, and intelligence.

In addition, Scorpions are also a symbol of death and rebirth, a symbol of power. We stop here. For us, the spirit of the Black Scorpion must rekindle in us the desire to lead. Not just in our land of Ogbomoso, but in our Oyo State. Let Ogbomoso no longer play the second fiddle in Oyo State. Let Ogbomoso speak with one political voice. Let Adekunle’s spirit summon us all to a new cause in this dispensation.

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