ADEKKA TV

  By abiodun KOMOLAFE As the world pays its respects, the ‘exequies’, or papal funeral rites, for Pope Francis are underway at the Vatican. The Pope continued the humility of his earthly journey by insisting he not be buried in the pomp and grandiosity of Saint Peter’s Basilica where many of his predecessors lie.  Instead, he had expressed a desire to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore. This choice reflects his devotion to Mary and the Church. It emphasizes his commitment to simplicity and service. The late Pope’s wishes extended beyond his burial location. He also opted against embalming, embracing mortality; chose a simple casket, symbolizing solidarity with the poor; and requested a modest grave, embodying servant-leadership. The Vicar of Christ requested that his tombstone bear only a simple inscription: “Franciscus”, signifying his humility and desire to be remembered not for his titles or achievements, but for his name and his identity as a servant of the Lord. To be hone...

  By Bolarinwa Kabir The Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Lere Oyewumi, launched the 13th edition of his constituency empowerment initiative, a comprehensive Women-in-Agriculture Programme designed to strengthen households and bolster local food security across the Osun West Senatorial District. The rollout gathered hundreds of women farmers from all ten Local Government Areas (LGAs), each receiving modern agronomic training alongside cash grants to expand their crop and livestock enterprises. Addressing the beneficiaries, Senator Oyewumi reaffirmed his commitment to “equipping women with the tools and capital they need to lift entire communities.” Welcoming participants, Hon. Adesoye Oyetunde, Osun-West PDP Senatorial Chairman, praised the Senator’s “consistent, people-centered representation and his habit of giving back to those he serves,” adding, “When we invest in women, we invest in entire communities.” Conveying royal blessings from HRM Oba Olatunde Falabi, Akir...

By abiodun KOMOLAFE Basically, Trump tariffs and ‘Liberation Day’ declaration have again exposed Nigeria’s lack of preparedness and institutional memory. In 1967, the same Nigeria demonstrated remarkable foresight and brilliance in responding to the British Pound Sterling devaluation, leaving the British government bewildered. Some British cabinet members weren’t even aware of the devaluation until after it happened, privately wondering if Nigeria had an insider within their ranks. Nigeria’s lack of preparedness for Donald Trump’s presidency is especially noteworthy, given the publication of ‘Project 2025’, a manifesto by the American Right that forms a significant base of the Trump Movement, months before Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination. It’s puzzling that Nigeria didn’t assemble a team of experts, including econometricians, international trade specialists, accountants, lawyers and foreign policy analysts to anticipate and develop potential responses to a Trump vi...

By abiodun KOMOLAFE  Nigeria’s current challenges are products of a complex interplay of historical, economic and social factors, including a flawed foundation, poor governance and successive elites’ inability to improve the country’s infrastructure and institutions. This foundational weakness has hindered national progress, resulting in unimpressive development indices. Those in power seem content with the status quo, benefiting from it recklessly, while Nigeria’s governance appears to cater only to about 3% of its population, leaving the vast majority to fend for themselves or simply “go and die”. To understand the roots of these challenges, it’s essential to examine Nigeria’s history, particularly the events surrounding the 1966 coup. The coup, led by Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, lacked the meticulous planning and preparation that characterized the Free Officers’ coup in Egypt in 1952. In Egypt, the planners had been secretly meeting with professors and researchers in the barracks f...

  By Bolarinwa Kabir Dr. Victor Olunloyo, a former governor of Oyo State is dead. According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday. The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family. It stated, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday., is dead. “The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments. “His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event. “The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befi...

  By Bolarinwa Kabir Today, the Young Medical Laboratory Scientists Forum (Osun State Branch) proudly celebrate not just a colleague, but a Man who has proven himself to be a trusted friend, a pillar of loyalty, and a shining example of true leadership. His dedication, selflessness, and unwavering drive in piloting the affairs of YMLSF at the national level have not gone unnoticed. Through every phase, both smooth and stormy MLS Jegede O. Suleiman have led with heart, with strength and with a clear vision anchored in purpose. Despite the hurdles, he remained firm, his spirit unshaken. He have carried the burdens of leadership with uncommon grace and in doing so, you've raised the bar for all who will come after you. As you step into a new chapter of life, Osun State Branch of YMLSF join many others in honoring the gift that you are. May God bestow on you fresh strength for every new assignment. May heaven’s favor envelop you and may your life continue to flourish like a well-watere...

  By abiodun KOMOLAFE Dayo Mobereola’s first year as Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been marked by transformative changes, strategic reforms and innovative partnerships. Appointed in March 2024, Mobereola brought his reputation as a technocrat and PhD holder in transport economics to the Nigerian maritime industry. With a decade-long track record of leading the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, a benchmark for urban transport planning and development, he took on the challenge at NIMASA to enhance maritime safety, promote shipping development, and position Nigeria’s blue economy for sustainable growth. In the past year, Mobereola has implemented decisive actions, transforming NIMASA’s trajectory and aligning its focus with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His silent yet effective leadership style has yielded several notable achievements. As a non-politician, he has successfully promoted Public-Private Partner...

  The Ayandeji Family condole with the family of Adeojo on the passing away of Chief Yekeen Adeojo early morning of today. In a letter signed by Engr. Banji Ayandeji for Ayandeji Family, he described Adeojo as a philanthropist who is one of the pillars for the masses, the letter goes thus; " Today, we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable soul, Chief Yekeen Adeojo a revered chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a man whose life was defined by service, generosity, wisdom, and leadership. A true father figure, a philanthropist without borders, and a political icon whose legacy will live on for generations. " He was not only a beacon of hope for the underprivileged but also a strong pillar in Nigeria’s political landscape. As the father of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, he played a pivotal role in shaping its values and direction, laying the groundwork for unity, progress, and development. His influence extended far beyond the borders of the sta...