MARY SLESSOR and her hidden Facts

(Mary Slessor was born on 2 December 1848 in Gilcomston, Aberdeen, Scotland in a poor working-class family. She was the second of seven children of Robert and Mary Slessor. Her father, originally from Buchan, was a shoemaker by trade. In 1859, the family moved to Dundee in search of work. Robert Slessor was an alcoholic and, unable to keep up shoemaking, took a job as a labourer in a mill. Her mother, a skilled weaver, also went to work in the mills. At the age of eleven, Mary began work as a “half-timer” in the Baxter Brothers’ Mill, meaning she spent half of her day at a school provided by the mill owners and the other half working for the company.

The Slessors lived in the slums of Dundee. Before long, Mary’s father died of pneumonia, and both her brothers also died, leaving behind only Mary, her mother, and two sisters. By age fourteen, Mary had become a skilled jute worker, working from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with just an hour for breakfast and lunch.

Slessor developed an interest in religion and, when a mission was instituted in Quarry Pend (close by the Wishart Church), she wanted to teach. Slessor was 27 when she heard that David Livingstone, the famous missionary and explorer, had died, and decided she wanted to follow in his footsteps.

She applied to the United Presbyterian Church’s Foreign Mission Board. After training in Edinburgh, she set sail in the S.S. Ethiopia on 5 August 1876, and arrived at her destination in West Africa just over a month later.

Slessor, 28 years of age, red haired with bright blue eyes, was first assigned to the Calabar region in the land of Efik people. She was warned that the Efik people there believed in traditional West African religion and had superstitions in relation to women giving birth to twins. Slessor lived in the missionary compound for 3 years, working first in the missions in Old Town and Creek Town. She wanted to go deeper into Calabar, but she contracted malaria and was forced to return to Scotland to recover. She left Calabar for Dundee in 1879. After 16 months in Scotland, Slessor returned to Calabar, but not to the same compound. Her new assignment was three miles farther into Calabar, in Old Town. Since Slessor assigned a large portion of her salary to support her mother and sisters in Scotland, she economised by learning to eat the native food.

Mary Slessor with adopted children Jean, Alice, Maggie and May. Image taken in Scotland

Issues Slessor confronted as a young missionary included the lack of Western education, as well as widespread human sacrifice at the death of a village elder, who, it was believed, required servants and retainers to accompany him into the next world.

The birth of twins was considered a particularly evil curse. Natives feared that the father of one of the infants was an evil spirit, and that the mother had been guilty of a great sin. Unable to determine which twin was fathered by the evil spirit, the natives often abandoned both babies in the bush. Slessor adopted every child she found abandoned, and sent out twins missioners to find, protect and care for them at the Mission House. Some mission compounds were alive with babies. Slessor once saved a pair of twins, a boy and a girl, but the boy did not survive. Mary took the girl as her daughter and called her Janie.

According to WP Livingstone, when two deputies went out to inspect the Mission in 1881–82, they were much impressed. They stated, “…she enjoys the unreserved friendship and confidence of the people, and has much influence over them.” This they attributed partly to the singular ease with which Slessor spoke the language.

After only three more years, Slessor returned to Scotland on yet another health furlough. This time, she took Janie with her. During the next 3 years, Slessor looked after her mother and sister (who had also fallen ill), raised Janie, and spoke at many churches, sharing stories from Calabar.

After this hiatus, Slessor returned to Calabar. She saved hundreds of twins out of the bush, where they had been left either to starve to death or be eaten by animals. She helped heal the sick and stopped the practice of determining guilt by making the suspects drink poison. As a missionary, she went to other tribes, spreading the word. During this third mission to Calabar, Slessor received news that her mother and sister had died. She was overcome with loneliness, writing, “There is no one to write and tell my stories and nonsense to.” She had also found a sense of independence, writing, “Heaven is now nearer to me than Britain, and no one will worry about me if I go up country.”

Slessor was a driving force behind the establishment of the Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar, which provided practical vocational training to Efiks. The superstitious threat against twins was not only in Calabar; but also spread to a town Arochukwu on the far west of Calabar. There was an Elementary School named in honor of Mary Slessor. This is located in Arochukwu, a town west of Calabar, about three half hours drive away. The people of Calabar are Efik tribe though the popular Arochukwu town is in Ibo tribe. Both Calabar and Arochukwu share some common cultures and are in southeastern Nigeria, in Cross River State and Abia State respectively.

In August 1888, Slessor traveled north to Okoyong, where previous male missionaries had been killed. She thought that her teachings, and the fact that she was a woman, would be less threatening to unreached tribes. For 15 years, Slessor lived with the Okoyong and Efik people. She learned to speak Efik, the native language, and made close personal friendships wherever she went, becoming known for her pragmatism and humour. Slessor lived a simple life in a traditional house with Efiks. Her insistence on lone stations often led Slessor into conflict with the authorities and gained her a reputation for eccentricity. However, her exploits were heralded in Britain and she became known as the “white queen of Okoyong”. Slessor did not focus on evangelism, but rather on settling disputes, encouraging trade, establishing social changes and introducing Western education. In 1892, Slessor became vice-consul in Okoyong, presiding over the native court. In 1905 she was named vice-president of Ikot Obong native court. In 1913 she was awarded the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Slessor suffered failing health in her later years but remained in Calabar, where she died in 1915.

For the last four decades of her life, she suffered intermittent fevers from the malaria she contracted during her first station to Calabar. However, she downplayed the personal costs, and never gave up her mission work to return permanently to Scotland. The fevers eventually weakened Slessor to the point where she could no longer walk long distances in the rainforest, but had to be pushed along in a hand-cart. In early January 1915, while at her remote station near Use Ikot Oku, she suffered a particularly severe fever. Slessor died on 13 January 1915.)

ABBA KYARI, Bio and lifestyle

Abba Kyari obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Warwick, England, in 1980. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Law from the University of Cambridge, England and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983. In 1984, he obtained a Masters’ Degree in Law from his alma-mater, the University of Cambridge. 

Between 1988 and 1990, he was Editor with the New Africa Holdings Limited Kaduna, (publishers of Democrat Newspapers). He served with the Borno State Executive Council as Commissioner for Forestry and Animal Resources in 1990 and was Secretary to the Board of African International Bank Limited, between 1990 and 1995.

He attended the International Institute for Management Development at Lausanne, Switzerland, and participated in the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School, in 1992 and 1994 respectively.

Abba Kyari was Executive Director, Management Services, United Bank for Africa Plc. (UBA) and later the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Bank. He was appointed a Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc. in 2002.

He served as Honorary Member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Investment in Nigeria between 2000 and 2005. He is a recipient of the Nigerian Honor Award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (O.O.N).

THE MAN CALLED ATTAHIRU JEGA. - M.O Akande

EARLY LIFE

Jega was born on 11 January 1957 in Jega, Kebbi State. He attended Sabon Gari Town Primary School, Jega between 1963 and 1969 and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Birnin Kebbi and then was admitted into The Ahmadu Bello University Zaria's Bayero University College, Kano in 1974, graduating in 1979 with a Second Class Upper Division BSc degree in Political Science.

CAREER

He worked as a teaching assistant at Bayero University, then won a fellowship at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois in the United States (1981–1984) where he earned a PhD in Political Sciences. He returned to the Political Science Department in Bayero University in 1984 as a lecturer. Other appointments included visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos (March 1992 – March 1993), visiting Research Fellow, Department of Political Science, University of Stockholm, Sweden (1994), Deputy Vice-chancellor (Academic), Bayero University (1995–1996) and director, Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Bayero University (2000–2004). Jega was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University in 2005. He is currently a member of the International Elections Advisory Council.

POLITICAL ACTIVITY

Jega is a former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and was an opponent of the Babangida military government in the early 1990s. Politically leaning towards the left, as ASUU President he was closely associated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and continued that connection throughout his career. On 29 April 2010 he was guest lecturer for the NLC May Day celebration where he presented a paper on 50 Years of Nationhood: Challenges of Good Democratic Governance, Credible Election and the Working Class. He is widely seen as an astute intellectual with a strong sense of ethics and morality.

Jega was appointed a member of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, which submitted a report on 11 December 2008 with recommendations that included establishing commissions to deal with Electoral Offences, Constituency Delimitation and Political Parties Registration and Regulation. The committee also recommended proportional representation and that the INEC head should be appointed by the judiciary rather than the President.

On the 28 of March 2015, under his leadership, elections were conducted in what Nigerians and the World see as free, fair and credible which declared the APC Presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari as winner defeating the Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

INEC NOMINATION

Jega's nomination as INEC chairman followed approval by a meeting of the National Council of State called by President Jonathan and attended by former heads of state Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ernest Shonekan, Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Shagari. The Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives Oladimeji Bankole, and most of the state Governors also attended the meeting. Unanimous approval by the council of the nominee for this critical appointment avoided controversy about whether or not the President should appoint the chairman of the INEC. Reactions to the announcement from a broad spectrum of political leaders and organisations were positive, although some voiced concern that it could be too late to implement real reforms before the 2011 elections.

During the campaigning for the 2015 Nigerian general election, Attiru Jega "faced fierce criticism from both the opposition and the ruling party." Nonetheless, a 23 March 2015 article in Vanguard asserted that "most experts believe Jega will seek to declare an accurate result as quickly as possible, regardless of any political interference he may face."

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YINKA AYEFELE, LIFESTYLE AND NET WORTH

EARLY LIFE

Ayefele was born in Ipoti-Ekiti, a city in Ekiti State in southwestern Nigeria. He had attended Our Saviours Anglican Primary School in Ipoti-Ekiti for his primary and secondary education before he later proceeded to Ondo State College of Arts and Science in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.

CAREER

Ayefele worked briefly as journalist and broadcaster at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan, where he also produced jingles and musical works on radio. He began his music career in 1997 after he was involved in an automobile accident which damaged his spinal cord and confined him to a wheelchair. While in the hospital after spending about 9 months, his friend, Kola Olootu visited and advised him to put some songs together. This suggestion resulted in the release of his debut album titled, Bitter Experience in 1998 which brought him into limelight. The release of Bitter experience was followed by the release of Sweet Experience. Other albums released by the gospel musician are Something Else, Divine Intervention and Life after death, released in honor of Gbenga Adeboye, a Nigerian radio presenter, musician and comedian. The title Bitter Experience reflected his ordeal and Sweet Experience was the sweetness after a "Bitter Experience".

AWARDS AND HONOURS

He had received over 200 awards. Among other awards are:

Member of the Order of the Niger awarded by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2011)

Ekiti cultural ambassador award

DEMOLITION OF RADIO STATION

Ayefele's Music House, which has in it a radio station Fresh FM and a studio, was on August 19, 2018 demolished by the Oyo State Government, stating that the property's location contravene the stipulations by the town planning authority. This sparked outrage from fans and sympathizers in Ibadan, and host of other criticizing the government's action. According to the musician, the property worth N800 million. The radio station now has a branch in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

PERSONAL LIFE

Ayefele and his wife, Tope, welcomed in a set of triplets, 2 boys and 1 girl on January 18, 2019 at Holy Cross Hospital in the USA .

Meet MISS MMG 2020

Akande Folakemi Mary (Dec 11th, 2001), born modelling. She was born into the family of Mr and Mrs. Kehinde Akande of Ooke Oore compound, Erin Osun, Osun State. She was the last child out four children. 

Folakemi, who attended shechinah Glory School, Erin Osun and United Christian primary school, Erin Osun for her primary education. She proceeded to Unity school Ejigbo, Osun State, Ansarul-Islam middle school, Erin Osun and Omoleye Private college, Ilobu, Osun State for her secondary School education. 

She was a devoted Christian and a choir in her church. 

She gained admission to study Mass communication in Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State.

On 19th of January, 2020, the Management of MMG announced Akande Folakemi Mary as the face of the program in the statement made by their Chief-Logistic. 

Akande Folakemi Mary is now the MISS MMG 2020.

Signed:

TEAM MMG

OSAMA BIN LADEN, LIFESTYLE AND HIS ATROCITIES.

Osama bin Laden, also spelled Usāmah ibn Lādin, (born 1957, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—died May 2, 2011, Abbottabad, Pakistan), founder of the militant Islamist organization al-Qaeda and MASTERMIND of numerous terrorist attacks against the United States and other Western powers, including the 2000 suicide bombing of the U.S. warship Cole in the Yemeni port of Aden and the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C.

EARLY LIFE

Bin Laden was one of more than 50 children of Muhammad bin Laden, a self-made billionaire who, after immigrating to Saudi Arabia from Yemen as a labourer, rose to direct major construction projects for the Saudi royal family. By the time of Muhammad’s death in an airplane accident in 1967, his company had become one of the largest construction firms in the Middle East, and the bin Laden family had developed a close relationship with the Saudi royal family.

The growth of the organization was attributed in part to bin Laden’s charisma. He was known to be a skilled orator, able to manipulate a variety of rhetorical strategies and to make his message easily accessible even to the uneducated. At the end of the 20th century, bin Laden was thought to have had thousands of militant followers worldwide, in places as diverse as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Libya, Bosnia, Chechnya, and the Philippines.

LIFEHOOD

At the age of 14, Osama was recognized as an outstanding, if somewhat shy, student at Al Thagher. As a result, he received a personal invitation to join a small Islamic study group with the promise of earning extra credit. Osama, along with the sons of several prominent Jedda families, were told the group would memorize the entire Koran, a prestigious accomplishment, by the time they graduated from the institution. But the group soon lost its original focus, and during this time Osama received the beginnings of an education in some of the principles of violent jihad.

The teacher who educated the children, influenced in part by a sect of Islam called The Brotherhood, began instructing his pupils in the importance of instituting a pure, Islamic law around the Arab world. Using parables with often-violent endings, their teacher explained that the most loyal observers of Islam would institute the holy word—even if it meant supporting death and destruction. By the second year of their studies, Osama and his friends had openly adopted the attitude and styles of teen Islamic activists. They preached the importance of instituting a pure Islamic law at Al Thagher; grew untrimmed beards; and wore shorter pants and wrinkled shirts in imitation of the Prophet's dress.

Osama was pushed to grow up rather quickly during his time at Al Thagher. At the age of 18 he married his first cousin, 14-year-old Najwa Ghanem, who had been promised to him. Osama graduated from Al Thager in 1976, the same year his first child, a son named Abdullah, was born. He then headed to King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, where some say he received a degree in public administration in 1981. Others claim he received a degree in civil engineering, in an effort to join the family business.

HIS DEATH

Pres. Barack Obama announcing that U.S. forces had killed Osama bin Laden, May 2011.

Meanwhile, U.S. forces had continued to hunt for bin Laden, who was still thought possibly to be hiding either in Afghanistan or in the tribal regions of Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan. U.S. intelligence eventually located him in Pakistan, living in a secure compound in Abbottabad, a medium-sized city near Islamabad. On May 2, 2011, bin Laden was killed when a small U.S. force transported by helicopters raided the compound. His body, identified visually at the site of the raid, was taken out of Pakistan by U.S. forces for examination and DNA identification and soon after was given a sea burial. Hours after its confirmation, bin Laden’s death was announced by Obama in a televised address. Several days after Obama’s announcement, al-Qaeda released a statement publicly acknowledging bin Laden’s death and vowing revenge.

"For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda's leader and symbol and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and our allies," President Obama said in a late-night address to the nation on the eve of Osama's death. "The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda." He added that "his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity."

Later that month al-Qaeda released a final audio message said to be from bin Laden, purportedly recorded by him shortly before he was killed. In the message, bin Laden praised the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings of early 2011 and called on al-Qaeda followers to help people struggling against unjust governments.

PATRICIA ETTEH BIO, LIFESTYLE AND NET WORTH

PERSONAL LIFE AND EDUCATION

Etteh, a Yoruba, was born on 17 August 1953. She trained as a hairdresser and beauty therapist, but she also earned a law degree from University of Abuja.

POLITICAL CAREER

Etteh represents the Ayedaade/Isokan/Irewole constituency in Osun State She was initially elected in 1999 as an Alliance for Democracy (AD) member, but switched to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) when running for re-election in 2003. She was elected to the position of speaker unanimously in June 2007, and is the only woman to have held this position in the Nigerian government.

CORRUPTION SCANDAL

In September 2007, she faced a committee of MPs over accusations that she had authorised the spending of 628 million Naira (about US $5 million ) on renovations of her official residence and that of her deputy, and the purchase of 12 official cars meant for the House of Representatives. Accusations of theft were chanted at her as she tried to speak in the House, and she was escorted out by security as the situation degenerated into a commotion, though she has not been officially indicted.

The PDP officially continued to back Etteh, although some members, such as Isyaku Ibrahim, criticised this stance. Author and academic Wole Soyinka was among those who called for her resignation, while former President and PDP member Olusegun Obasanjo continued to support her.

On 30 October, following weeks of pressure, Etteh resigned her position as speaker . Her deputy, Babangida Nguroje, also resigned. However at the last seating of the 6th session House of Representatives, it was agreed that “There is no record or proceedings of the House where Patricia Olubunmi Etteh was ever indicted”.

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DIMEJI BANKOLE, BIO, LIFESTYLE AND NET WORTH

Sabur Oladimeji "Dimeji" Bankole (born 14 November 1969) is a Nigerian politician and 9th Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria. Elected at the age of 37, Bankole is the youngest Speaker in the history of the House.

EARLY LIFE, EDUCATION AND CAREER

The son of Abeokuta chief, Alani Bankole, he was a businessman before being elected to the House. A Muslim Egba, Bankole was born in Abeokuta in what is now Ogun State on 14 November 1969. His parents are Alani Bankole, a businessman, former National Vice-Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Seriki Jagunmolu of Egbaland, and his wife, Atinuke Bankole, Ekerin Iyalode of Egbaland.

Newspaper Thisday identifies Bankole's education as such: Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta starting 1979; Albany College, London, England, starting 1985; University of Reading, Reading, England, starting 1989; University of Oxford's Officer Training College, Oxford, England, in 1991; and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, in 2005.

Bankole obtained a Master of Public Administration degree from John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA in 2005. . In 2014, he became a Mason Fellow in Public Policy and Management at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA.

Bankole states he never went to Sandhurst military academy but only took courses for military officers at Oxford University where he was in the Artillery Corps.

Bankole is a polo player, and is a member of the Lagos Polo Club, where his position is defence. He also enjoys football.

Bankole was the Director of Freight Agencies Nigeria Limited from 1995 until 1998, Executive Director of Operations of West African Aluminium Products Limited from 1998 until 2004, and Director of ASAP Limited from 2000 until 2003. He is also an economist.

House of Representatives of Nigeria

In 2002, Bankole was elected to the House of Representatives on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) ticket to represent the Abeokuta South Federal Constituency of Ogun State. He was Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance while Aminu Bello Masari was Speaker, (Farouk Lawan was Chairman of the committee) and was also previously Chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport. Other committees he has sat on are the panels on Defence, Internal Affairs and Banking, and Currency.

Bankole was re-elected in April 2007. He considers his legislative interests to be those related to defence and finance.

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

In September 2007, a committee questioned Speaker Patricia Etteh about her spending of ₦628 million ($4.8m) on home renovation and automobiles. She denied wrongdoing, but many representatives were unhappy with her attempts to defend herself, blows were traded on the floor of the House, and Etteh had to be escorted from the chamber. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and many top PDP members continued to back her, but a large segment of the party, led by Lawan and including Bankole, called for her resignation. It was reported that Bankole, among multiple other contenders, hoped to succeed her as early as 5 October 2007.

After Etteh's resignation from the post on 30 October (along with her deputy, who was also caught up in the scandal), Integrity Group (anti-Etteh) member Terngu Tsegba became interim speaker.

NOMINATION

On 1 November, he was elected to succeed Etteh. The election began at 10.30am. The House was short of the statutory 360 members because three (Moses Segun Oladimeji, Joe Anota and Aminu Shuaibu Safana) died. Two constituencies were yet to elect their representatives. 328 of the 355 members voted. Samson Osagie of Edo State nominated Bankole for the post of Speaker, and Lynda Ikpeazu of Anambra State seconded the proposal. His challenger was Osun State Representative George Jolaoye, whom he beat by 304 votes to 20 (and 4 abstentions). Etteh was among those who voted against Bankole. The new deputy speaker was Usman Bayero Nafada. Bankole was declared speaker at 1.30pm.

In his acceptance speech, entitled "We Stand Upon The Threshold of History", Bankole said "I am taking over the mantle of leadership at a very difficult time. But these are hard times, we need to build confidence again and assure the populace that we are still their representatives. I want an independent house that Nigerians will be proud of, this is my first task."

TENURE

One week after his election, political opponents claimed that Bankole had not completed his National Youth Service Corps (N.Y.S.C) service, which is mandatory for all Nigerian university graduates under thirty years of age when they graduate, and called for his resignation over the issue. Bankole provided his N.Y.S.C discharge certificate, ending the rumour. On 22 June 2010 Bankole suspended 11 members of parliament indefinitely for disorderliness and fighting in the house.

RETURN OF UNSPENT FUNDS BY GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES

During his tenure, the House of Representatives as a result of performance of its oversight function ensured that Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA's) returned unspent budgeted funds amounting to about 450 billion naira to the government treasury in 2007 while about 350 billion naira was again recovered in 2008. In total, the House of Representatives ensured the return of about 1 trillion naira unspent funds by MDA's as part of the annual budgetary process under Bankole's speakership. These were unprecedented in the history of oversight in Nigeria’s legislature. Up until then, MDA's did not return unspent funds. Also, the House of Representatives discovered that about 5 trillion naira generated revenue were never remitted by MDA's for the past 5 years before investigation.

Termination of Inflated Abuja Runway Contract

Under Bankole, the 64 billion naira contract for the second runway for the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in Abuja was investigated and found to be grossly inflated. The contract was thus terminated by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

BILLS

Under him, the House of Representatives accepted 328 motions, approved 282 resolutions and passed 136 bills. These bills include the Freedom of Information(FOI) Act and Fiscal Responsibility Act which ensured that all revenue-generating agencies of government present their budgets for scrutiny every year. The agencies, which include the CBN, NNPC and Customs spent trillions of naira yearly without appropriation by the National Assembly.

TRIAL

In 2011, Bankole was tried by Nigeria's anti-corruption agency and was cleared of all charges.

The trail involved an allegation that Mr Bankole secured a 10bn naira ($65m; £40m) loan, which was then shared out among senior figures in parliament as a pay rise in a country where more than 60% of the population live below the poverty. Mr Bankole has acknowledged that the loan exists but says he did not gain personally.

The judge although clearing Mr Bankole stated the salary increase was "immoral, wrong and condemnable" but no crime was committed even though a debt was being undertaken at the repayment expense of a poor nation for the benefit of a few. No law at that time existed against such actions to selfishly benefit the lawmakers, so no crime was technically committed.

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RAUF AREGBESOLA, THE MAN WHO HAVE GREATNESS TRUST UPON HIM. - M.O AKANDE

EARLY LIFE

Engr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola was born in the month of May, 1957. He had his primary and secondary education in Ondo State, and later attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he studied Mechanical Engineering and graduated in 1980. As a pupil in the primary school, Rauf was a centre-point around whom his mates hovered for guidance and direction. As a student, he was focused for remarkable performance which he made distinctively and seamlessly. In the Polytechnic, he positioned himself to conquer his environment by engaging in prolific studies.

EDUCATION

Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola had his primary and secondary education in Ondo State, and later attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he studied Mechanical Engineering and graduated in 1980. As a pupil in the primary school, Rauf was a centre-point around whom his mates hovered for guidance and direction. As a student, he was focused for remarkable performance which he made distinctively and seamlessly. In the Polytechnic, he positioned himself to conquer his environment by engaging in prolific studies.

About Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola career

Member of the Administration of the Institute of Nigeria (FNIM), member of the Society of Engineers of Nigeria (FNSE), member of the Association of Technological Engineers of Nigeria (FNATE) and member of the Certified Marketing Communications Institute of Nigeria (FCMCIN), Rauf Aregbesola has a great deal of experience gained from extensive exposure in the private sector, such as Nigeria’s external telecommunications, now renamed Nigerian Telecommunications Ltd. and Lagos Airport Hotel, before founding its engineering services company, Aurora Nigeria Limited, in 1986. The company had managed several important projects for governmental and private organizations in most of the Federation states.

POLITICAL CAREER

Politically, Rauf was no less a phenomenon. His participation in politics dates back to his graduation years when he was President of the Student Parliament (1977/78), Polytechnic, Ibadan and President of the Black Nationalist Movement (1978-1980). He was also an active supporter of the movements of other progressive students throughout the country, which earned him, for example, the lifetime membership of the National Association of Technology Students. In June 1990, he became a delegate elected to the inaugural Congress of the SDP local government area. In July of that year, he was also delegate to his first National Convention in Abuja.

Rauf Aregbesola, as a pro-democracy activist and human rights activist, was one of the main participants in the struggles of demilitarization and prodemocracy of the 1990s. Prior to his appointment as state commissioner for works and infrastructure in Lagos (1999-2007), he was director of the Ahmed Tinubu Ball Campaign Organization (BATCO), which designed the election victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as state governor of Lagos in 1999. Performed a similar venture using the Independent Campaign Group (ICP) platform to ensure Asiwaju’s re-election for a second term.

THE COMMISSIONER

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was excellently acquitted as commissioner for works and infrastructure in the state of Lagos between 1999 and 2007 with the strength of his commitment to selfless service. His diligence, sincerity and indefatigability in the administration of the vast Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, as well as the supervision of the Public Works Corporation and the State Board of Electricity, have been recognized as responsible for the exceptional success registered by the Tinubu administration, in particular in the rehabilitation / maintenance of roads and street lighting; and the result that laid the foundation for the Lagos update as a model of development and good governance supported today by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. Indeed, it is known that it is one of the brains behind the redesign of the infrastructure that led to the transformation of social services in the state of Lagos.

Some of the results and innovative innovations due to the visionary qualities and to the society of Aregbesola include the redefinition and the application of new aesthetic standards to the ministerial blocks and to the offices as corporate workplaces; definition of vision and mission, annual retreats of personnel and modern training for the development of personnel skills; introduction of facilities management practices; pioneering results in public relations operations (ministerial newspaper) and IT (website); Pioneer society of public / private sector associations; Awarded good practice projects; etc

The believer and advocate of the rule of law

Aregbesola’s conviction in the sanctity of the rule of law is exemplary.

Engr. Rauf Aregbesola, on the platform of the then Congress of Action (AC) competed for the governorship of the state of Osun in the elections of April 2007, and won. However, to declare it, it took about four years of what must be one of the most titanic battles of legal recovery of all time, and a time for the manifestation of the omnipotence of Almighty God and his firmness in support of those who they trust him.

After going to court, an appeals court and a new trial, the second appellate court, which issued a sentence on October 26, 2010, declared the governor of Aregbesola and ordered him to take an oath the following day.

Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, since taking the position of Governor of the State of Osun on October 27, 2010, has redefined the meaning of governance in the public sector, not only with a symbolic position, but with real and sustainable interventions that will currently improve the quality of the life of all those who live or work in the state of Osun. The change of the state mark as the ipinle Omoluabi (State of the Virtuosi) began by itself, adopting the title of Ogbeni, simply Lord, in reference to the singular Excellency of the Almighty God. In little more than a year, the chronicle of his successes is surprising and can be summed up as an “O-Model” chain, the most surprising was the participation of 20,000 young people in Osun’s youth empowerment program in their first 100 days in office; An unprecedented result that has become the model for others.

THE STRATEGIST/VISIONARY

Rauf is a born strategist. For life, whether as a student, student or career man; appointed politician or governor, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola applied the art and science of strategy to ensure success in all the efforts in which he is involved. He developed strategies and was exceptional as a student. He developed strategies and was efficient and effective as a career man. He developed a strategy and was reached as a basic politician. He developed strategies and was excellent as a commissioner in the state of Lagos. He devised a strategy to claim his mandate when he was armed in the race to offer selfless service to the good people of Osun. He developed a strategy to establish a solid foundation for a regenerated Osun state, knowing that sustainable development does not come about with “quick fix” methods, tools and techniques. He is developing strategies to position Osun and the good people of the state appropriately in Nigeria’s geo-economic environment. He is a fervent believer in saying that strategists do not fail and, therefore, the people of Osun will not fail.

Engaged in a better and egalitarian society, Aregbesola, although anxious to build a society with enormous physical infrastructures that promote a better life, believes in the first search for those human values ​​that can pave the way for the birth of that total man, who is socially responsible Hence his obstinate search for extracurricular programs, such as Calisthenics, Omoluabi Boys and Girls Club, and other plans aimed at redirecting young people to channel their energies towards a society in which the promotion of common and collective goods will dominate. the crazy search for the good self.

It often shakes hornet nests; But these are in their determined attempts to break the rules to achieve extraordinary results. To date, it has sparked debates on federalism, the restructuring of education towards functionality, equity, justice and equity in all areas of life. Even in the face of growing criticism, he clings stubbornly to his ideas, convinced that the oppositions to them are the product of long years of military rule, ignorance of what is even good for humanity and the acute capacity for manipulation of those whose interest is to keep ordinary people perpetually subjugated.

PERSONAL LIFE

An exemplary family man, Rauf Aregbesola is a loving husband and a loving father. Married to Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, he fed his family with equal devotion and commitment.

For these reasons, he is a thinker, an ardent artist, a visionary leader, a transformative leader, an agent of strategic change, a man for the people; Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, governor of the state of Osun.

NET WORTH

Putting all his assets and endorsement deals into consideration, Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has an estimated net worth of $12 million US Dollar, according to several sources,

Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola Net Worth in naira

Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola net worth in naira is Calculated to be #14,320,000,000.00 million naira with the conversion rate of #360 per dollar ($12 million * 360 = 4,320,000,000.00)

HOUSE AND CARS

CONTROVERSIES

Aregbesola vows to heavily tax rich Nigerians as Buhari’s minister

The former governor of the state of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has promised to be the pioneer of a heavy tax system on the rich Nigerians when he is inaugurated as a minister.

Aregbesola appeared before the Senate on Monday, 29 July 2019 to be selected as one of the ministerial candidates of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Senator Theodore Orji (Central Abia – PDP) has expressed concern about how more taxes from different agencies, at all three levels of government, affect the ease of doing business in the country. The legislator asked Aregbesola what it would do to encourage investment when it was inaugurated at the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

In response, Aregbesola said that Nigeria has neglected to force the rich of the country to fulfill their responsibilities towards the nation, in particular as regards taxes.

He said he would be in favor of a fair tax system that overcomes inequality in the country.

He said: “I will be a pioneer of privileged taxes for those who have enormous resources or wealth that Nigerians should take advantage of.

“I will recommend serious taxes for the rich in Nigeria.

“If that now translates into a burden on the state and the local government to reduce their inclination for taxes that make the poor continue to contribute with their inadequate resources, I would be satisfied.”

Aregbesola, who was governor of Osun between 2010 and 2018, also explained to the Senate why his administration had a controversial salary payment system for officials.

He said the state was severely affected by economic difficulties because of its huge infrastructure investments which, according to him, had been neglected for years before his time.

While addressing the press outside the Senate chamber after the screening, Aregbesola promised to do everything possible to serve the majority of Nigeria’s population.

Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor of the state of Osun and now a ministerial candidate for President Muhammadu Buhari, denied allegations that he did not pay workers during his eight years as governor.

Aregbesola pointed out that the allegations of not paying workers during his term as governor were due to malice and ignorance.

He made the clarifications during his confirmation hearing at the Senate on Monday.

According to Aregbesola: “The salary claims due to Osun during my mandate were due to malice and ignorance.

“By 2014, our nation was in distress, and virtually all states had difficulty with salaries.

“We came up with an approach that there is no month that any public official did not have salary every month.”

The Senate had on Tuesday last week commenced the screening of the ministerial nominees Buhari sent to them for confirmation among whom was Aregbesola.

The nominees include: Chris Ngige, Babatunde Fashola, Hadi Sirika, Rotimi Amaechi, Adamu Adamu, Mohammed Adamu, and Lai Mohammed.

Others in the list are: Uche Ogah, Emeka Nwajuiba, Sadiya Farouk, Musa Bello, Godswill Akpabio, Sharon Ikeazor, Ogbonnaya Onu, Akpa Udo, and Adebayo (Ekiti), Timipre Sylva, Adamu Adamu, Shewuye (Borno), Isa Pantami, Gbemi Saraki, Ramatu Tijani, Clement Abam.

Also listed as among the nominees are: Paullen Tallen, Abubakar Aliyu, Sale Mamman, Abubakar Malami, Muhammed Mamood, Mustapha Buba Jedi Agba, Olamilekan Adegbite, and Mohammed Dangyadi.

Lest I forget Mr President, Engr. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will not disappoint

He is an impeccable man of immutable openness, he is courteous and ethical, he has no pretext in any way, nor does he pretend to be ignored on any subject, a cultured, identifiable and accessible personality.

Former student of the prestigious Polytechnic University of Ibadan, one of the leading institutions of higher education in the country, where he specialized in mechanical engineering and graduated with great success.

He was one of the brightest members of the cabinet during his tenure as commissioner for works in the state of Lagos. The legacy of his administration remains the point of reference, in which the subsequent commissioners of works in the state of Lagos are inspired by an indelible proportion.

Later he enters his mandate as Governor of the State of Osun, where his incredible vision and passion for a greater State of Osun remains stronger every day.

His success rate recognized in the state of Osun says a lot. So let me be consistent. In terms of education, it was reasonably possible to state that education is classified as a flagship along with other factors, which anchored its administration to a successful note during its tenure as Governor of the State.

The enormous infrastructure development approach of its administration during its mandate and the deliberate attempt to expand the space of state schools at all levels, have prompted an unprecedented enrollment of school-aged citizens to register in the various schools of choice.

The pioneering impulse of his administration’s school feeding program, in all schools, the intervention truly deserves praise, as it was the first of its kind in the country and has become an instant milestone of hope for many.

The training of more qualified school teachers to manage the large expected influx of new students entering the school is worthy of praise, testifies to the solid calculation metrics of their administration that have encouraged and supervised the peaceful connection of all categories of schools of different religious religions. for the first time in the state of Osun.

The introduction of the concept of e-learning tablets (OPON IMO), was really a penetrating strategy from your administration during your mandate, it was a courageous attempt to simplify the learning process and also, for a more rapid articulation of basic learning subjects and, above all, was to facilitate the intellectual development of students in the last year of high school in the state.

The success of its introduction remains very encouraging. He introduced free uniforms for students of all public schools in the state. The creation of the school garment manufacturer also employed a considerable number of workers in the state.

He established a strong cadet force, known as the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) during his tenure, and they remained so diligently focused and a great source of pride.

It was created to help stop the high number of youth unemployment in the state. The agricultural sector of the state received a boost. During his tenure, roads were built inside, where most of the farmers grew their agricultural produce.

The construction of several roads by his administration has contributed to the transport of agricultural products, from farms to final consumers.

The massive initiative of building motorways and bridges in the state received a great recommendation from the good people of the state of Osun. In the state of Osun, under Engr. Rauf Olasoji Aregbesola, during his tenure as governor, I do not remember in the recent past any government that has filled me with so many positive aspects, in terms of development results from the state and its citizens. Engr. Ogbeni Olasoji Aregbesola, political odyssey, tribulations, successes, etc., remains uplifting. Under the circumstances,

Mr President, I hereby certify that Engr. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former immediate governor of the state of Osun, is very concentrated and cerebral. An incredible workaholic phenomenon will undoubtedly be a formidable resource if you gently approve his appointment in his esteemed cabinet in his second term as our beloved President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You will certainly not disappoint His Excellency. I deeply appreciate your time and attention.

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