>
A socio-political group, Coalition for A Better Nigeria, has celebrated the former youngest Nigeria’s Military Head of State, during whose regime large deposits of oil were discovered in Nigeria, and leader of national of Nigeria prays, Gen Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), as he clocks 86, alongside another prominent Nigerian, an irrepressible international figure, epitome of integrity and Africa’s 1st Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
A statement by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Awa Bamiji, said it adequately explains why Soyinka, also known as Kongi was bestowed with a beautifully crafted Akikanju Omo Odu’a Ori – Olokun Award in 2016 at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, by the Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, during the annual celebration of Yoruba National Day, which was used to herald Lagos @ 50 celebration.
The statement read: “In all ramifications, you are truly Kongi, the unbreakable. We say a big thank you for inspiring us a lot and for your close mentorship since December, 2004.
“The laudable contributions of former civilian governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba and former military administrator of the old Western Region, Gen David Jemibewon (Rtd), who clocked 81 and 80 respectively to the development of Ogun State and South West Region respectively and Nigeria as a whole can not be over-emphasised.
“We say kudos to the ever dynamic Deputy Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Benedict Adegboyega Alabi and immediate past Federal Honourable member representing Ilesa East/Ilesa West/Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West, and now the Chairman, SUBEB, Osun State, Hon. Isreal Famurewa, as they turned 55 and 50 respectively.
“We congratulate the United States of America Co – Pilots, Pius Odioko and Captain Oluwatoberu Thomas, both of whom made Nigeria proud through their historic flight.
“They are the first all – Nigerian flight crew in Frontier Airline history.
“They are making positive impacts to the African American Communities.
“Our congratulatory list includes the newly appointed Nigerian American Vice – Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, UK, and the newly appointed Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Prof Charles Egbu and Mr Olatunde Ojo respectively.
“The historic appointment of Mr Olatunde Ojo is a victory for democracy and a landmark achievement for the Coalition for A Better Nigeria, as a whistleblower of a plot against Nigeria and senseless hanging-around of Mr Mohammed Sani -Omolori after clocking the mandatory 35 years in service since last year, based on the illegal increase from 35 years in to 40 years in service by the Eighth Assembly.”
It added: “We mourn the death of Nigerian first female combat helicopter pilot, late flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.
“We throw our weight behind the ongoing investigation to unravel the motive behind it and we strongly believe this latest murder won’t go the way of other prominent ones because her school mates that were involved in the act are no longer suspects, but were publicly seen committing the crime.
“At the age of 24, she had achieved so much, with much brighter future ahead of her, but this lofty dream has now been cut short.
“We also mourn the passage of the two elder statesmen from the Northern part of Nigeria, Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua, Founding Managing Director, Democrat Newspaper; former President and life Patron, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) Chairman, Bullet Construction Company and Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu Modibbo, 2019 PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Adamawa State
“We commiserate with their governors, families, friends and Associates.
“We pray God Almighty give them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.May their souls rest in peace.”