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Tinubu can replicate Awolowo’s welfarist legacy nationwide — Bisi Akande

Published

4 weeks ago

November 9, 2025

Chief Bisi Akande

Tinubu can replicate Awolowo’s welfarist legacy nationwide — Bisi Akande

Former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has the potential to replicate the welfarist governance model pioneered by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region during the 20th century.

Akande, who is the Asiwaju of Ila Orangun, made the assertion while speaking at the Joel Babatola Maiden Lecture held in Ado-Ekiti. The event, themed “Governance, Structural Reforms and the Economic Landscape of Nigeria in the 21st Century,” was organised by the Ekiti Council of Elders.

According to the former governor, Tinubu’s economic blueprint aims to ensure self-sufficiency in food production, rapid infrastructural development, particularly in transportation and electricity, human capital advancement in science and technology, and the promotion of national unity against what he called “indigenous retrogressive saboteurs.”

“In the 20th century, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, together with his associates like Joel Babatola, crafted a welfarist economy for the Western Region of Nigeria which boosted the patriotic energy of the then Yoruba youths,” Akande said.

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“It can be done again for the entire people of Nigeria through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. In the PBAT Agenda, the way to navigate into the new economic landscape of the 21st century has been clearly laid out.”

Akande expressed optimism that with proper implementation, the Tinubu administration could reposition Nigeria on the global economic stage, creating opportunities for citizens to become key players in emerging markets.

Also speaking, Mr Olufemi Adewumi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Joel Babatola Annual Lecture Series, said the Council of Elders established the board to celebrate Yoruba heroes and preserve the region’s legacy of visionary leadership.

Adewumi noted that Yorubaland is currently undergoing an epochal transition from a preliterate to a literate era, much like during Awolowo’s time, which was marked by democratic engagement, educational progress, and cultural transformation.

“Of all the heroes that propelled our modernity, it appears only Chief Obafemi Awolowo has enjoyed ceaseless commendation by a grateful nation,” Adewumi said.

In his remarks, Professor Joseph Oluwasanmi, President of the Ekiti Council of Elders, said Nigeria is facing similar social and cultural transitions today. He urged leaders to draw inspiration from the visionary governance of Awolowo’s era and honour those who contributed selflessly to national development.

Tinubu can replicate Awolowo’s welfarist legacy nationwide — Bisi Akande

Related Topics:Awolowo legacy nationwide Tinubu

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

9 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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9 hours ago

December 6, 2025

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

9 hours ago

December 6, 2025

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Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.