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Oyo: Gov. Makinde appoints Kano indigene as aide

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Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appointed Alhaji Ahmed Murtala, an indigene of Kano State, as his Special Assistant on Community Relations I.

He also appointed Mr Femi Josiah as Special Assistant on Community Relations II.

Makinde further approved the appointment of Dr Olufunmilayo Salami as Special Adviser on Health while Chief Jacob Adetoro was named as Chairman of Federal Constituencies Liaison Officers.

A Government House statement said the governor named 14 Constituency Liaison Officers, representing each of the state’s 14 federal constituencies.

According to the statement, Murtala hails from Nasarawa Local Government of Kano State and had his primary and secondary school education at St. Brigid Boys School, Mokola, Ibadan and Community Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan, respectively.

The statement also said: “He (Murtala) will serve as the bridge between the Oyo State Government and the Hausa/Fulani community as well as other northern groups scattered across the state.

“Dr Salami until her appointment as Special Adviser on Health was a health consultant to the state government.

”She was a United States of America-based Paediatric Emergency Medicine Physician.

”Gov. Makinde charged the new appointees, whose appointments took effect from Nov. 27 , to see their appointments as a call to service and urged them to discharge their duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and diligence.”

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Rivers’ Political Crisis Marks Start Of New Era — Fubara

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The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that God has allowed the recent political crisis to fulfil His purpose of guiding the state towards a new era of political emancipation, economic growth, and development.

The governor emphasised that, with God wholly involved, what many thought would overwhelm him and his administration has instead been a source of strength, energising the government to steadfastly steer the state’s affairs.

Fubara stated this during a special Thanksgiving Service in honour of His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Eze Oha Apara IV, as he celebrated his appointment as the Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council.

The service took place on Sunday at the Shepherd’s Hill Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Mgbuoba Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where the parish leadership also presented him with copies of the Holy Bible.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and shared with the press.

Governor Fubara affirmed his unwavering commitment to leading with the fear of God, depending on Him for wisdom, direction, and grace, with the goal of his administration being remembered as one that stood firmly for God.

He stated, “I also believe that what you are calling trouble is not trouble to me. I see it as God’s purpose for a new direction for our state. He has lifted us higher from day one, which is why, rather than growing weak, we are becoming stronger and bolder each day.

“We are committed to completing our work, and our story will be one of those who led with the fear of God. We may not be perfect in every area, but in the end, there should be no reason for the angels to allow our bodies to fall to the devil.”

The governor underscored the importance of thanksgiving to God, as it brings the assurance of His abiding presence and clarity about the path to navigate through any situation.

Fubara expressed particular joy in joining the royal father’s family to offer thanks to God, aligning this with his administration’s commitment. He noted the vigour with which Eze Chike Worlu Wodo danced before God in gratitude, likening it to how King David in the Bible danced before God without shame.

He added, “It is one of the reasons God loved King David so deeply. He especially glorified God, showing no shame, and God loved him. I am both delighted and humbled to see that, even at your age and as a traditional ruler, you still hold God in the highest esteem. God will continue to lift you beyond human imagination.

“I am grateful to be in the presence of God today, particularly worshipping in one of the thriving churches in Nigeria and the world.

“I must say that there is nothing more important than thanking God. Even when situations appear uncertain, thanksgiving brings assurance and clarity.

“I joined this family this morning to give thanks to God with you and to assure our people that, because we have placed God at the forefront, our story will end in praise.”

Fubara urged the church to continue praying for his administration and for peace across the state. He acknowledged that, although things might appear challenging from a human perspective, God does not operate like men. His purpose will prevail, regardless of the timing.

“And the secret to our administration’s success is simple: your prayers. The quiet, private prayers you offer for us matter. I can assure you, there is no prayer God does not answer. It is like depositing money in the bank. So, I thank you and assure you that we will continue to uphold the fear of God in all we do.”

Governor Fubara donated ₦100 million to the church to support its work in evangelism, serving as a memorial in honour of Eze Chike Worlu Wodo in the parish

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Obasa @52: Photos As Lagos Speaker Celebrates With School Kids

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– warns students against social vices
– Aminat Alege, victim of shot teargas canister, gets N5m

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday celebrated with children from various schools in the State as part of activities to mark his 52nd birthday which comes up on November 11.

Dr. Obasa, who gifted brilliant pupils from across the 20 local government areas of Lagos and students in the six districts of the state with cash rewards, urged the children to abstain from social vices as such could redirect their purposes in life.

At the event which was held at the Oyewole Primary School, Agege, the Speaker said he loves celebrating his birthday with school children as a way to motivate them and make them serious with their studies.

“We want you to develop that confidence, that dream that you will become something tomorrow. This was my school. As a child, I never thought that I would be where I am today.

“Therefore, you must be hardworking. It does not matter the name of your school, what matters is your ability and how much you can put into your study. So start reading now.

“I was in class three when I finished preparing the processes for WAEC exams. I can display my result and how I passed at one sitting. You don’t have to feel oppressed because you’re not in a private school. That’s why we are always here to encourage you and make you see that you’re truly our future.

“You can be better than us but you must make sure you are serious with your education. I want a situation where in the future, you would remember today and also find yourself in positions to inspire others.

“Please, I beg you. Never give in to crime. For the girls, do not be corrupted or influenced negatively. Don’t be enticed with money. Be upright and adopt morality,” the Speaker advised.

AMINAT ALEGE: 12-YEAR-OLD STUDENT SHOT IN EYE GETS N5M

One of the highlights of the event was the award of N5 million to Aminat Alege, the student who was mistakenly hit in the eye by a teargas canister shot by a policeman on February 9, 2024.

The money was contributed by the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly as part of efforts to help the victim’s family mitigate the educational challenge she may have faced since the incident.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues during the presentation of a cheque to Aminat’s parents, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, (Eti-Osa II), said Speaker Obasa had been disturbed since the incident happened to the student of the Adams Yakubu Memorial school Agege.

He said the lawmakers decided to assist after watching Aminat’s parents appeal for assistance from the public.

“There was a programme where the parents cried out for assistance. So we at the Lagos State House of Assembly have contributed the sum of N5 million. We have also offered a scholarship for the young lady so that she can continue her education,” he said.

The lawmakers further donated 15 computer sets to three schools, Oyewole Primary School, Thomas Aquinas school and Royal Apple School.

2 STUDENTS WIN SCHOLARSHIPS

For winning in a current affairs question-and-answer session, two students at the event won scholarships by the chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, Babatunde Johnson.

Ishola Moyinoluwa of Ikeja Junior High School and Isiaka Bashar Ayomiposi of Eko Junior College were among the students who participated in the competition.

While Moyinoluwa came first, Ayomiposi came second during the competition.

Commending Obasa, Mr. Johnson, noted God’s mercies on the Speaker who he described as “a leader that has paid his dues.”

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, said Obasa had become a pride to the people of Agege because of the massive infrastructural development the Speaker has attracted to the area.

Speaking for the educational sector, Tutor-General Adekanye Oladele, commended the Speaker for always uplifting education in the state.

She promised that the students would continue to make the state proud.

 

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USElection2024: Harris Closes Campaign In Swing States On Eve Of Deadlocked Election

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PHILADELPHIA/GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (Reuters) -Donald Trump and Kamala Harris both predicted victory as they campaigned across Pennsylvania and other battleground states on Monday in the final, frantic day of an exceptionally close U.S. presidential election.

The campaign has seen head-spinning twists: two assassination attempts and a felony conviction for Republican former President Trump, and Democratic Vice President Harris’ surprise elevation to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden, 81, dropped his reelection bid under pressure from his own party. More than $2.6 billion has been spent to sway voters’ minds since March, according to AdImpact, an analytics firm.

Nevertheless, opinion polls show Trump, 78, and Harris, 60, virtually even. The winner may not be known for days after Tuesday’s vote, though Trump has already signaled that he will attempt to fight any defeat, as he did in 2020.

Both candidates predicted victory as they converged on Pennsylvania on Monday to urge supporters who have not yet cast their ballots to show up on Election Day. The state offers the largest share of votes in the Electoral College of any of the seven battleground states expected to determine the outcome.

Trump also campaigned in North Carolina and Michigan on the final full day of the campaign and was due to return to his home in Palm Beach, Florida, to vote and await election results.

Harris scheduled five campaign stops in Pennsylvania, including two cities where Trump also visited, Reading and Pittsburgh.

She ended the day in Philadelphia with a star-studded event at the “Rocky steps” of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the site of a famous scene from the movie “Rocky.”

Despite enjoying the support of A-list celebrities including Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, both of whom rallied the Philadelphia crowd before Harris took the stage, Harris called herself the underdog who like Rocky was ready to “climb to victory.”

“The momentum is on our side,” Harris told a crowd that chanted back, “We will win.”

“Tonight, then, we finish as we started: with optimism, with energy, with joy,” Harris said, predicting one of the closest elections in U.S. history.

In Allentown, Harris appealed to the city’s substantial Puerto Rican community who were outraged by insults from a comedian at a Trump rally last week. Later she went door-knocking in Reading and held a brief rally in Pittsburgh, where pop star Katy Perry played a set.

Trump led his fourth and final rally after midnight before a packed arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the third presidential election in a row that he has used the city for his last event.

He promoted his signature issues of increasing border security while attacking the economic record of the Biden-Harris years.

It was also likely the last campaign rally of his career, since he has said he does not plan to run for president again should he fail attain the high office in Tuesday’s election.

“This is the last one,” said Trump, estimating he had conducted 930 rallies since he began his first campaign in 2015.

“If we get out our people, it’s over, there’s nothing they can do about it. … To make you feel a little guilty, we would only have you to blame,” added Trump, who received a boost earlier in the night with an endorsement from podcaster Joe Rogan.

GENDER GAP

The Harris campaign says its internal data shows undecided voters are breaking in their favor, and says it has seen an increase in early voting among core parts of its coalition, including young voters and voters of color.

Trump campaign officials said they were monitoring early-voting results that show more women have voted than men. That is significant given Harris led Trump by 50% to 38% among female registered voters, according to an October Reuters/Ipsos poll, while Trump led among men 48% to 41%.

“Men must vote!” the world’s richest person Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, wrote on his X social media platform.

Trump’s campaign has outsourced most of the voter outreach work to outside groups, including one run by Musk, which have focused on contacting supporters who do not reliably participate in elections, rather than undecided voters.

A Pennsylvania judge ruled that Musk could continue his $1 million voter giveaway in the state, which a local prosecutor said amounted to an illegal lottery.

Trump has vowed to protect women “whether the women like it or not” and said that the decision of whether to ban abortion should be up to individual states, after the conservative majority he cemented on the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 ended the nationwide right to abortion. In Reading, he vowed to keep transgender athletes out of women’s sports, as supporters waved pink “Women for Trump” signs behind him.

One Trump campaign official said they thought the Republican would carry North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona, which would still require him to carry one of battleground states in the Rust Belt – Michigan, Wisconsin or Pennsylvania – to win the White House.

Republicans also appeared to be posting strong early-vote results in Nevada, and have been heartened by robust early-voting numbers in the hurricane-ravaged western counties of North Carolina.

“The numbers show that President Trump is going to win this race,” senior adviser Jason Miller told reporters. “We feel very good about where things are.”

Trump and his allies, who falsely claim his 2020 defeat was the result of fraud, have spent months laying the groundwork to again challenge the result if he loses. He has promised “retribution” if elected, spoken of prosecuting his political rivals and described Democrats as the “enemy from within.”

Harris campaign officials said his attempts to allege fraud will fail. “Voters select the president, not Donald Trump,” Dana Remus, a campaign legal adviser, told reporters.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose in Philadelphia and Steve Holland in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal, Kanishka Singh, Gram Slattery, Alexandra Ulmer, Doina Chiacu, James Oliphant and Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Andy Sullivan and Daniel Trotta; Editing by Scott Malone, Howard Goller, Jonathan Oatis, Deepa Babington, Michael Perry and Lincoln Feast.).

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