Implement Policies to Halt Japa, Oyo NUJ Chairman Tells President -Elect

 

The President-Elect,  Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has been urged to ensure evolvement and implementation of policies that will effectively check brain drain syndrome when he takes over the reins of power from May 29, 2023 as President of Nigeria because of the serious negative implications of the Japa menace on the nation's future.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council,  Chief Ademola Babalola, gave the urge, on Sunday when he chaired the Men's Fellowship anniversary of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eagle's Wings Assembly,  Wakajaye Road, Iyana Church, Ibadan with the theme: 'Worse Than Infidel'.  

According to the NUJ chairman in the state, Babalola, "The rate at which Nigeria is losing her young ones of productive age, especially educated and skilled youth to brain drain syndrome, otherwise known as 'japa', is not only alarming, it  also portends serious danger for the future of the country. If care is not taken, there will be acute shortage of professionals in the country in the nearest future that will cut across different fields of human endeavours.

"The fact is that we cannot stop them from travelling to seek greener pastures abroad. We cannot also blame those that have been travelling. How can we blame them when Nigeria is not even a country where young people can find succour? Imagine a doctorate degree holders, ending up as drivers or security guard,  when they could not secure jobs that are commensurate with their levels of qualifications. Those of them that want to go into business, how will they get start-up capital in this contemporary Nigeria of man-know-man? If you don't  have the connections,  you are on your own.

"These young elements have been taking the risks because the situation of Nigeria is turning them to a sort of nuisance. Do you even want to talk about the bad economy? What about regular electricity supply? What about insecurity in the land? What about high unemployment rate and so on? These factors are killing.

"Therefore, I use this medium to call on the incoming administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country to leave no stone unturned towards revamping and diversifying the economy of Nigeria, creating mass employment opportunities, pumping of more money into provision of housing scheme for low-income earners, as well as everything that the government can do to make Nigerian youth stay in the country and at the same time be prosperous."

Babalola however,  appealed to Christians and Muslims in the country,  to pray for the betterment of Nigeria, support the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu with fervent prayers as well as all tiers of government for the country to overcome the brain drain syndrome.

The guest minister, Pastor Peculiar Adegbite, speaking on the theme of the anniversary with the topic: "Who is a faithful man", urged men to provide the basic things which include leadership,  anointing and money to their homes. These things according to him will make a better family and society at large.

The senior pastor of CAC Eagles' Wings Assembly,  Pastor Joseph Akinade, who lauded the presence of the NUJ executives led by the chairman,  Comrade Babalola, offered prayers for the union, men and the nation at large.

The Chairman, Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda, who doubles as the Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), who was the special guest of honour, commended religious organisations for their role in nation building through their prayers.

Workshop: NISS Trains South West Soil Scientists To Boost Soil Through Modern Technology

Soil scientists have been advised to make use of the technological improvements to ensure that soil is properly managed for better future productivity while farmers should also be educated by soil scientist to boost food productions in the country.

This advice was given by the president and chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science, Prof. Ayo Ogunkunle during the capacity building workshop for soil scientists in South West Nigeria held at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, IAR&T, Moor Plantation Ibadan.

Prof. Ogunkunle during his opening remarks disclosed that technological advancement is taking place in all the spheres of life and urged soil scientist to key into the system so that their impact will be felt in the society which according to him will make them relevant.

" It is better we follow the trend and use modern equipment so that we will not lag behind but improved in our dealings to avoid been primitive" 

" We have to improve ourselves so as to catch up with the improvement that is going on in the world" 

He however expressed satisfaction that the institute has made tremendous impact in the lives of soil scientists and farmers in the five years existence of the institute with the use of modern technicalities to improve the lives of farmers.

He maintained that the existence of the NISS in IAR&T is for mutual establishment while pledging to add to the benefits of the institute , he however urged the participants to use their acquired knowledge at the workshop to boost food production in the country.

Earlier in her welcome address at the workshop  , the director of IAR&T Prof. Veronica Obatolu urged the participants to use the workshop to develop new ideas on how the soil can work together with other natural resources to boost agricultural productions .

She also encourage them to work on how to have better people within the country to work with the Federal Government to contribute to the growth of soil science through agriculture.

In his own words the registrar of NISS Prof. Victor Chude who was represented by Ms Acquine Onwukwe disclosed that the training is very crucial to the NISS , reason for it taken place in all the geo- political zones of the country simultaneously.

She stated that the training is crucial to make provision for how to manage the soil for positive and better agricultural productions .

" The population is growing and the soil is not expanding and with that reason their should be adequate training on how to improve the soil for better production" 

The South West NISS coordinator, Prof. James Adediran while also welcoming the participants enumerated some of the tremendous achievements of the NISS.

He stated that the workshop was organised to acquaint the Registered Soil Scientists with the activities of NISS nationally and in the south West to boost their strategies for sustainable soil management which according to him will make them better of .

Why I Don't Give Hajj Slot To My Wife: Fouander An- Najihun Organisation

 

The founder and Head of An- Najihun Islamic Organisation, Alhaji Amola Folaranmi has explained we why  He gave the Group's Hajj slot to a member of the group instead of his wife.

While speaking with news men during the presentation of international passport and other travelling documents to Mrs. Mistura Oluwafunmilola Abdullah at her residence , no 19, Temitope Street Boluwaji Area , Ibadan , Alhaji Folaranmi disclosed that the choice of Mrs. Mistura was reinforced by her commitment , dedication and submission to the work of Allah since two decades ago.

He explained how he refused to bow for the temptation and pressures from the people to give his wife the slot who has not performed the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

" I have to contend with so many pressures but I thank Allah that His will have been done and my mind is at rest, lots of people persuaded me to give the slot to my wife or to even use it myself but I refuse to be used by the flesh and I want to advice our politicians to emulate this and ensure equal distribution of the country's Wealth without ethnic or religious discrimination"

While responding, Pa Abdullah Olaoluwa thanked the group for Rewarding dedication to service instead of using sentiment, he however prayed that the group will continue to grow in wealth and numerical strength.

Pa Abdullah also prayed for his wife's journey to and fro and pray for more successes for the group. 

In her response, the 64 years old  highly elated Mistura who could not hold her emotional tears disclosed that she never knew people were observing her sacrifices to the mosque, " I am just on my own cleaning and washing the mosque environment but I don't know people are looking at me but today I thank Allah for been kind to me  .

She also prayed for the donor and all the people that God used to bless her.

The international passport and other travelling documents were presented to Mrs. Mistura in the presence of her husband and their children.

Uphold Unity in Diversity as we celebrate Eid ‘l Fitri - Professor Olagoke

 

As Muslims in Nigeria join their counterparts across the globe in the celebration of this year’s Eid 'l Fitri, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke has charged the Islamic faithfuls not to go back to all the forsaken habits during the 29-day Ramadan fast. He drops this hints in his annual Eid ‘l Fitri message to the Muslims on the completion of the Islamic injunction in a press statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

In his message, Olagoke said the gains and blessings of Ramadan fast are not limited to the observance period alone, but extend to the period after the injunction and to access the blessings, Muslims are expected to keep to the tenets of the Holy Quran as regards the Ramadan fast.  He enjoined all, “to avoid hate speech even under hostile environment of provocation.  This, he stated “is one of the imports of the practical message of Ramadhan”

He said the "2023 Election of the 25 February, 2023 Presidential Election and 18 March, 2023 Governorship race expressed our Weakness and Threats while the outcome of the Election results shows how strong we are to muster determination to uphold unity in diversity and make best use of the available opportunities to form our government even against all odds."

The Arole OgunElu, Aare Alasa Dynasty said, “while congratulating all religious adherents for the successful completion of the Lent and Ramadan fasts, we should not allow religious sentiment and ethno-biases of tribal invocation to open the fresh wound of the fratricidal civil war of the 11years civil war of Sierra Leone, Rwanda/Burundi carnage of 1994 of Tutsi and Hutu in a Catholic terrain of Christendom, Somalia, Bosnia and Afghanistan experience. Sanity must be allowed to prevail by running functional culture of Integrity, well-funded Education and productive Religious houses to have functional Democracy because only functional Democracy that will not allow abuses can give us accelerated rate of development for Nigeria to begin to play the role of giant of Africa in the world”.

Asking for moderate celebration of the Eid ‘l Fitri, the Cleric enjoined all to be cautious and celebrate within the ambit of civility and consideration for others, noting that “we must tolerate ourselves through upholding the principle of SWOT Analysis with basic support of the SMART concept to maximally achieve on current drive of governance transition and dispensation for a better future of bequeathable legacy of Sustainable Development, safe and secured Nigeria for peace and prosperity to naturally become our norms. United we stand.” 

Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP, however charged Muslim faithful in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to ensure that they continued with the lessons they learnt during the Ramadan fast, which are forgiveness, giving to the poor and the needy and peaceful co-existence with one another, “let the history of the bad past, drive sanity into our psyche for posterity’s sake on the issue of the challenge of bequeathable legacy, be humble in every situation and show kindness to others. Let not our self-denial of 29 days be of no spiritual value by our conducts during the celebration, he admonished”.

He used the occasion to pray for the country’s leadership at all levels and the people of Nigeria in general, “I pray that the peace of God that exceeds human understanding be bestowed upon our country, as a result of our sacrifices during the Lent and Ramadan fast”

“Ramadan Kareem to all”, he added.

Oyo Commissioner felicitate with victorious women in politics, preaches love among womenfolk

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion Alhaja Kafilat Omolabake Olayiwola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mrs Grace Olabisi Oderinde and the entire staff congratulate all the women that participated and won various posts in the just concluded general election.

The Commissioner stated this while appreciating God for the successful completion of year 2023 Ramadan fast, enjoined women to always show love as one of the lessons of Ramadan, not only members of their families but to all in the society as mothers of the Nation.

Alhaja Olayiwola also enjoined women to participate more actively in politics in order to be more relevant in the decision making of our dear Nation.

She  admonished all and sundry especially women to rally round the successful women in politics to build and encourage them to make meaningful impact in the political arena.

The Commissioner therefore preached long suffering, love and peace to reign among the female gender most especially at this time of Eid- el fitr celebration.

Move Closer To Elders, Clerics, Professor Olagoke Charges Nigerian Politicians

 

Political office holders in Nigeria has been advised to move very close to the elders and religious leaders of good reputation for them to know what the people really need from the government .

Speaking during a Ramadan lecture titled Unity In Diversity: The Best Legacy put together by Yemetu Muslim Community , Aimot Rawatib , Alhaji Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP urged the people in power and wealthy Nigerians to be conscious of  the dictates of the Scripture in wealth distribution when catering to the needs of the people - Q9 vs. 60, Q92 vs. 5-7, 8-13, Q2 vs. 261. 

Prof. Olagoke disclosed that God put the resources in the hands of few for them to distribute it to the needy and to put them to test. He stated that those who are in the position of power are not just there by accident but to cater for the masses.

"I want to tell you that God Almighty has put the resources in your care so as to be able to attend to the people's need"

"It is not by accident that God elevated you to the enviable status you occupy in the society but what is important is for you to know that you will be accountable for how you spend the resources" 

Prof. Olagoke also urged Nigerian leaders to give the people what they need and not what is available, "A good leader will take the people to where they were supposed to be" 

Prof. Olagoke who doubles as the Arole OgunElu, Mogaji Aare Alasa Dynasty however urged the Yemetu Muslim Community to spiritually and socially help their sons and daughters to go high places by assuming leadership positions such as Chief Imam on the religious scene; Senators, Governors at social scene with a view to possessing authority required to achieve socio-economic power through socio-political pursuit. 

Prof. Olagoke appreciated the Muslim in growing the community from 89 to 125 Mosques as laudable effort in the cause of jihad. 

While welcoming the guests , the Chairman of Yemetu Muslims Community, Alhaji Oladejo attributed the successes recorded by the group since he became the Chairman to the collaborative efforts of its members and the hands of fellowship extended to them by the Founder and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, Jp.

He thanked Prof. Olagoke and the entire members of the foremost Islamic sect for their support at all times, he also informed the gathering that the community has since the last one year recorded more significant achievements.

In his remark , the Chairman , Ibadan North Local Government Area, Alhaji Shuaib Oladejo a.k.a Agba egbe urged the Yemetu Muslim Community members to still continue the lecture series after Ramadan .

According to him, "constant remembrance of the word of God is the only solution that can change the country for better "

In his own remark , Chief Gafar Ojetola prayed to Allah to give Prof. Olagoke more strength to serve Him and humanity while describing the Arole Ogun Elu as encyclopaedia who is ready to deliver anytime even uninformed.

Chief Ojetola however urged Prof. Olagoke to compile all his lecture series in a book form for the incoming generations to tap from his knowledge .

In appreciation of all the past support of Prof. Olagoke, the Yemetu Muslim Community presented him a gift to mark his 41 years wedding anniversary.

World Food Forum partners with Solution17 to accelerate Climate Action

 

 

World Food Forum partners with Solution17 to accelerate Climate Action

 

Rome, Italy

 

The World Food Forum (WFF) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative - Solution17 for Climate Action will host Art for Climate Change at the WFF 2023, FAO headquarters in Italy.

 

The effects of Climate Change on food and agriculture are unprecedented. It is reducing economic growth, raising food prices, decreasing food availability and causing conflict and instability across communities around the world.

 

The challenges are affecting global agrifood systems and impacting both access to and availability of food. WFF, in partnership with Solution17, is raising global awareness and spurring everyone to action through sustainable, project-based art and culture exhibitions to inspire and galvanize widespread discussion and action around the 2023 WFF theme: “Food Action Accelerates Climate Action”.

 

The WFF is opening a call for submission of essays inspired by the 2023 theme, Food Action Accelerates Climate Action in collaboration with Solution17.

 

The WFF Head of Culture and Communications Lindsey Hook, stated that the project is looking for inspiring poetry or essays that will motivate and mobilize young people creatively and innovatively, to care for the environment whilst preparing them as food innovators, creators, and technologists.

 

For this essay competition, WFF and Solution 17, are looking for creative minds who pen pieces with depictions on Canvas on:

 

a) Raising awareness of issues relating to agrifood systems, such as food security, healthy diets, planet-friendly agriculture, food supply chain imperfections, food loss and waste, sustainable packaging, the impact of the agri-food sector on people’s lives, sustainable socio-economic development and more.

b) Art and Culture Projects that generate global awareness for climate action projects and connect humanity with nature and innovative strategies that have been implemented to meet the 17 sustainable development goals of the 2030 agenda.

 

 

c) Celebrating the work of inspiring individuals who, from farm to fork, participate in making healthy food available on everyone’s plates.

 

The CEO and Project Director of CYCDI-Solution17, Foluke Michael, stated that her organisation is excited about WFF Art for Climate, designed to showcase Nigeria's innovative artists, passionate about advocating for the protection of food systems and raising awareness for Solution 17 Climate Action in Africa.

 

‘Submission is open to youth in Nigeria between the ages of 15 and  25. Interested entrants can apply and submit their essays here. Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview by July 2023. Selected entrants with the best and most unique interpretation of their essays in painting format will be selected for the final rounds’,  Foluke added.

 

The winners will have the opportunity to have their piece and art featured at the World Food Forum flagship event in Rome from October 16–20, 2023, allowing the writer/artist to promote their work, gain visibility, and facilitate networking with other attending participants across different tracks and events. Learn more here.

 

Contacts:

 

World Food Forum, FAO

Ms Lindsey Hook - lindsey.hook@fao.org

 

Solution 17, CYCDI

Ms Lindsey Hook - folukemi@cycdi.co.uk