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Nigeria’s Former Governor Ahmed to Lead Delegation at Tunde Olusunle’s Book Launch
Former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed will lead a high-profile delegation of University of Ilorin alumni to the launch of renowned poet and scholar Tunde Olusunle’s two new books.
The event, scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the prestigious Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, will witness the unveiling of Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria and Toasts, Tributes and Wreaths.
The launch will be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, while Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, will serve as the Chief Host. Governor Ododo will be joined by several of his colleagues from across the country in what is expected to be a high-profile literary event.
Olusunle, a distinguished alumnus of Unilorin, will be surrounded by many of his fellow graduates, including notable figures such as Senator Fatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, and Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The event will also feature prominent personalities from various sectors including media, academia, government, and business.
Among the distinguished guests are Managing Director of Thisday newspaper, Eniola Bello, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports Development, Tinuke Watti, and the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Yemi Akinwumi.
Also expected are top government officials like former NNPC Executive Director, Dr. Victor Babatunde Adeniran, and Babatunde Irukera, the pioneer Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Notably, the Nigerian Police Force will be represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ademola Hamzat, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. AIG (Mrs) Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Secretary of the Nigerian Police Force, a 1986 graduate of Unilorin, will also attend.
The event will highlight the diverse contributions of Unilorin alumni to Nigeria’s political, economic, and cultural landscape, and serve as a platform for intellectual discourse, in line with the themes explored in Olusunle’s books.
A poet and journalist of repute, Olusunle is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja.
His latest works reflect his deep engagement with Nigeria’s sociopolitical dynamics and celebrate personalities through poetic tributes and reflections.
He has previously published three poetry collections and two compendiums of essays, cementing his place in Nigeria’s literary canon.
As preparations peak for the book launch, the gathering promises to be a remarkable meeting of minds, offering reflections not only on literature but on the state of the nation.
South-South leaders have showered praise on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her intelligence, self-control, and fearless representation of Kogi Central, while debunking rumors of discord between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Following a high-level meeting in Calabar on Sunday, the leaders dismissed allegations of sexual harassment and sidelining as “wicked and malicious,” calling them attempts to smear the distinguished senator’s reputation.
“We know that the Senate President does not have anything against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, contrary to the insinuations of political mercenaries,” said Chief John Harry, National Chairman of the South-South Front.
Describing Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “dedicated and fearless lawmaker,” the leaders warned against blackmail and misinformation, urging Nigerians to rally behind her and Akpabio in their efforts to drive national progress.
‘’We know that the Senate President does not have anything against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, contrary to the insinuation of political mercenaries’’
They also chastised some individuals and groups for introducing dangerous dimensions to the recent development in the Senate.
‘’We consider it very irresponsible and most uncharitable for some individuals and groups to mischievously try to set Akpoti-Uduaghan against the leadership of the Senate for expressing her views’’.
The South-South leaders disproved sexual harassment and sidelining rumours, describing them as ‘’wicked and malicious’’
‘’These smear campaigns are attempts to tarnish the image of the distinguished senators and put the popular, bright and unflappable Akpoti-Uduaghan at logger-heads with the leadership of the Senate
A statement by the National Chairman of the South-South Front, Chief John Harry shortly after the meeting applauded Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan for working for the progress of the country.
‘’There is a general misunderstanding. The unwarranted attack being launched on Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan amounts to an assault on our collective sensibilities’’
Harry said the leaders took cognizance of the pleasant disposition of the Senate President, his inclusive strategy and the peaceful atmosphere he has been able to create in the Senate.
“No amount of allegations and criticisms hurled at the distinguished senators can erode their contributions to the development of the country”
The notable leaders called on all South-South and North Central people and indeed Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the Senate President and the member representing Kogi Central in the Senate.
‘’The Kogi Central Senator is dedicated and fearless. There is no amount of blackmail, name-calling or intimidation from fictitious groups, that could change the course of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s destiny’’
Former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Professor Tom Adaba, has passed away at the age of 84.
According to reports, he died peacefully on Saturday in Abuja.
Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa, Secretary of the Egbira Elders Forum, confirmed the news, stating, “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and leader, Prof. Tom A. Adaba, has answered the call of nature this morning. Further details about his burial arrangements will be communicated later.”
Born on July 2, 1941, Prof. Adaba made significant contributions to Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. Between 1988 and 1992, he became the first Nigerian to serve as President of the African Council for Communication Education.
Despite calls for suspension from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Nigeria Police Force, the Osun State local government election proceeded as scheduled on Saturday.
Governor Ademola Adeleke voted in Ede North Local Government Area, describing the process as peaceful and urging residents to exercise their franchise.
The AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, cited a Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating sacked local government chairmen, while the police warned of potential security threats.
However, the Osun State government insisted on holding the election, emphasizing its commitment to obeying a court directive. The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) boycotted the polls.
Voting took place under tight security, with minimal commercial activity observed in Osogbo, the state capital.
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