2021: WELCOME TO A NEW DAWN -SEN KOLA BALOGUN

The Senator representing the Oyo South district in the ninth national Assembly, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has described 2021 as a new dawn, coming after the darkest night of 2020 which was marred with pandemic, recession, violence and spate of unpleasantness. 

According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media, Senator Kola Balogun felicitates the good people of Oyo South, entire Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole for making it through the very eventful 2020.

According to Senator Balogun; "Though we still have the pandemic with us, we must enter 2021 with gratitude and great hope of survival as we continue to follow Covid 19 prevention protocol until everyone can be vaccinated".

I wish us a joyful and prosperous 2021, devoid of crises and drama like we experienced in 2020. I must also use this opportunity to encourage my constituents that I will ensure dividends of democracy reach every nook and cranny of my district in this fiscal year, as improvement to all the various projects accomplished in 2020, despite the pandemic.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Signed

Rotimi Johnson

SA Media

TUNDE BAKARE; PULPIT OR CULPRIT ASSIGNMENT? By Rotimi Johnson

Speaking from both sides of the mouth is an idiomatic expression but after critically studying Pastor Tunde Bakare's attack on Yoruba leaders and support for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, I concluded that this is more than just speaking, he is living on double standard; promoting vices and virtues 

I make bold to declare that I have nothing against Jagaban's aspiration and I think it's too early for a Yoruba politician not in his party to declare or against him; let's see his opponents first. However, seeing the way my former Pastor took a swipe at the Yoruba leaders, I posted on Facebook that he needs our prayers as Christians. Not for supporting Asiwaju but for how and where he did it. So, let's analyse his public statements about the same subject and see how much of integrity can be ascribed to him. 

Evidently from the last video, Pastor Tunde Bakare didn't say anything about Asiwaju Tinubu that was new but he tried to justify some of these things. In justifying them, he stated many facts but they contradicted his initial stand on same person:

In June 2011, Pastor Tunde Bakare claimed a bastard can't rule the Yorubas and he was referring to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. In 2020, he is saying those holding to such opinions are stupid and rancorous. Do we now conclude that Pastor Bakare was only being rancorous when he was attacking Tinubu? Remember, he claimed those opposing Tinubu are envious of him and they have not achieved what Tinubu has done. To me, it's not about who he supports but his person as vessel of honor. 

In October 2019, Pastor Tunde Bakare claimed; "Unfortunately, Nigerian people, you celebrate your villains and crucify your heroes.” 14 months after, the same man is justifying why Asiwaju is a clean thief and learnt it from Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. The painful part of the sermon was when he charged his congregation or listeners to go and make their money too. Sincerely, that was no longer issue of whether Asiwaju stole or not, it was an issue of endorsing stealing public funds, but make sure you are not caught. Hmmm! That coming from the pulpit calls for prayers. 

In November 1999, Pastor Tunde Bakare declared in a Sunday service how the then candidate of PDP would be killed before he could be sworn in as President. I was in the service that day and to say I was embarrassed by that sermon is an understatement. I invited two of my cousins to Church the first time that day but I had to apologise to them because the message was from the flesh, not the spirit of God. Coincidentally, I shared the revelation I had before coming to Lagos on how God told me Obasanjo has won already because I was planning and praying for how to help him win. This same Pst Bakare that didn't only speak against Obasanjo then but wanted him dead is the same person canvassing for Tinubu on the basis of tribe. I remembered how Pastor Tunde Bakare openly admitted in 1988 or thereabouts that he needed prayers and asked virgins and old women to come forward and pray for him. I think he needs to repeat that same exercise now because a single vessel can't spout both cold and hot water at the same time.

In early 2020, I saw this live interview on Channels television on how Pastor Tunde Bakare was so sure of his becoming President Buhari successor. Though he didn't affirm that God told him so and that was fair enough but for him to come to the public and declare something contrary without reference to the initial position is like playing on the intelligence of his congregation or listeners. Again, I think this is an issue of integrity, not about who he is supporting. 

My suspicion: The way Pastor Tunde Bakare read out that particular aspect of his sermon gave me the impression he was under duress and what he was to say was written out for him; that's in the manner of the Mafia operations of silencing their voliceferous oppositions. To butress my suspicion, Pastor Tunde Bakare stated all the things he complained about same Tinubu but condemned vehemently those holding same views in the message. The issue then is what has he done wrong or what does he want from the power that be?  If that's the case, he still needs our prayers because that is big compromise.. 

As much as I wish Asiwaju well in this particular aspiration, claiming that he fought many battles for the Yorubas and won is a lie from the pit of hell. What I expected Pastor Tunde Bakare to do was to see to how he would broker peace among the Yoruba leaders and encourage them to support Asiwaju or whoever he thinks, not condemning the tribal leaders because of Asiwaju because whether we like it or not, they are influencers and part of the electorate. 

Leadership Quote: "People of integrity and honesty not only practice what they preach, they are what they preach". — David A. Bednar

 Sincerely, I would love to campaign for a Presidential aspirant if given the opportunity but integrity matters in how we go about it. Truly we all have past like Pastor Tunde Bakare said but the integrity of the messengers is very crucial to the success of the campaign. In this particular case, there is a big question mark before the personality of the messenger.

Rotimi Johnson Ojasope

ANIPR, Fellow-IPDCRM

rotisbon2@gmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW MISS OYO -SEN KOLA BALOGUN

"The news of the victory of Miss Adeyemi Adedoja (Princess) came to me as a cheering one. Many went into the contests for the star prize and it's not by chance she excelled others. I must commend the other contestants too who dared to compete in the pageant"

I was represented at the Beauty pageant by my darling wife and I am glad with the feedback I got. I must congratulate Mayor Isaac Brown and his team for an outstanding performance and the great success recorded. 

The new Miss Oyo is now empowered to showcase talents, make impacts and promote the causes she believes while she holds the position for the next 12 months. 

Once again, I congratulate Princess Adedoja Adeyemi and I wish her glorious and impacting reign as Miss Oyo.

Signed

Rotimi Johnson

SA Media

DON'T PAY ANYONE FOR MY CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS -SEN KOLA BALOGUN

Press Release

The Senator representing Oyo South District in the 9th national Assembly, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has told his constituents that there is no financial contribution required from the people for the projects facilitated or donated by him.

According to the press statement by his Special Adviser on Media, this announcement is necessary due to information from one of the places where 500KVA electric transformers was installed. The neighborhood Association is asking the residents to pay for installation which should not be because that has been done already by the Senator.

We understand that the Association might want to raise funds for other projects but such should not be tagged to any projects already facilitated by Senator Kola Balogun. The residents of Oke-Offa Babasale in Ibadan Northeast and Agbokojo in Ibadan Southwest got their transformers recently but others will be installed before the end of the year. Also, places where we have done boreholes, street lights or any other projects should know they are not to make any financial contribution to complete the projects. This is also an opportunity to remind our people that our Distinguished Senator has never asked anyone to pay for any favour, and definitely not even on social media.

We implore our people to always reach out to us for clarification as Sen. Kola Balogun will never ask anyone to pay any money in exchange for projects or favour. 

Signed

Rotimi Johnson

SA Media

STATE OF SECURITY IN OYO; AJIMOBI VERSUS MAKINDE ERA. By Ojasope

I was motivated to delve into the security issues of the state after reading about how Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde's Office was burgled few days ago. The author of the piece created a perception of insecurity in the administration of Governor Makinde. Yes, I admit finding confirms the unnamed SA's office was burgled and a plasma Television taken away. So, I will try and compare the state of security in both administration and leave you to draw your conclusions too.

BURGLARY AND THEFTS IN THE SECRETARIAT:

Let me start my comparison from the seat of Government in Oyo State. One thing I would love my readers to bear in mind is the fact that we have many who served in the immediate past administration and serving in this present one, both the Executive and legislative arms of the administration. Therefore, some things that were shrouded in topmost secrecy in the past are now in the open. Records have shown that there were many cases of burglary and thefts in the 8 years of Gov Ajimobi, particularly those years of epileptic salary payments. However, due to the leadership style and occultic approach of APC, they swept those issues under the carpet and away from the public. Does that means burglary and thefts should continue? NO ! However, the present situation in the country has inevitably increased the rates of burglary and thefts, particularly post #EndSars period. The only difference in this Governor Makinde's administration is openness and admittance of wrong when found.

 

INVESTMENT IN SECURITY: When the APC guys try to commend Operation Burst but condemn Governor Makinde, I only see open display of folly; that Ajimobi created Operation Burst was not new because Late Governor Lam Adesina too created "Operation Gbale", which Ajimobi renamed Burst. That Makinde didn't change the name after heavy spending on their equipment and vehicles is commendable. This present administration has spent far more on security communication gadgets and mobility more than previous ones and that's expected from proactive Leader because crime sophistication increases with social developments.

OPENESS THEN AND NOW: The fundamental thing that has changed between the Ajimobi and Makinde administrations is openness; things are seen and heard more freely than used to be. For instance, when the younger brother of a serving aide to Ajimobi was killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the Ibarapa axis and it was posted on APC platform, it was instructed to be brought down immediately. However, in this present administration, rather than order it brought down, the issue would have received prompt attention by relevant officials. Remember, even civil servant whose salaries were not being paid dared not complain in the open, talkless of going on strike; it was a taboo to admit wrong in the immediate past administration.

AMNESTY FOR GANGSTERS: The Ajimobi administration boosted the morale of Gangsters in Oyo State, particularly in Ibadan land and many of these guys were given brand new cars as compensation or palliative. This was his approach to taming gangsters but not used by GSM. The likes of Ekugbemi and the one million Boys group reigned in Ajimobi era and formented great troubles in their various domain. I can't forget how I escaped death narrowly during our (SDP) campaign at Mapo in 2015; that still remains the most scary experience I have had on campaign field in my over two decades experience. Attack at Oyo town, Ojoo, Odinjo etc where all perpetrated during this same Ajimobi administration.

COVERED CRIMES IN AJIMOBI ADMINISTRATION:

1. It is on record that a serving federal honorable, Dr. Temitope Olatoye Sugar was assassinated in Ajimobi administration and till date, no one has been brought to book for the dastardly act. 

2. A serving state Honourable and Chairman of Assembly Committee on Security (Hon Gideon Aremu) was assissinated at the entrance to his house by unknown gun men. What an irony that the Chairman of House Committee on Security of the 8th Assembly was wasted in Ajimobi era.

3. In the 7th Assembly, Hon Dele Ojo was attacked in Lagelu area by suspected gunmen and he narrowly escaped assassination at the entrance to his house and he was hospitalized at UCH for over a month. Also Hon Farinto was violently accosted by suspected armed robbers and his car was taken away. The car was later retrieved along Abuja expressway. Hon Farinto was a serving honourable then and Commissioner for Budget and planning in the present administration. 

4. In the 2015 election, the Accord Party campaign in Southeast local government was violently distrupted and three people were reportedly killed in the incident. The prime suspect, one guy nicknamed Alfa was locked up for a few years but later granted state pardon before Ajimobi handed over in 2019

There are other less popular violence and public disturbance in Ajimobi era but that doesn't mean he didn't try his best to curb the rate of crimes in Oyo State. The point is that if Ajimobi were to be in Government now, in this post #EndSars & Covid era and that same approach to governance and security, we would be recording far more violence and crime rate now. The police and Civil Defense Corps are yet to return to their full operations since after the #EndSars attacks on their stations and colleagues; this too can increase the rate of crimes due to less conspicuous presence of security agents

The Ajimobi era would have recorded more violence from Undergraduates, youths working in establishments whose salaries were not paid and artisans who have suffered very low patronage because of very low cash flow in the state too.

As much as we much continue to charge Governor Seyi Makinde administration on the security of lives and properties in Oyo State, we must not forget that the prevailing situation in the country now is far worse than it was in the time of Ajimobi. Hon Segun Olaleye was Chairman House committee on appropriation in Ajimobi era and he compared the expenditure on security between the two administration and I marvelled at what Gov Makinde has invested into security in a short while.

I won't tell people not to compare the two administrations but we must always lay the facts bear and also show the prevailing situation in the state and country on both occasions.

Leadership Quote: If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees. — Kahlil Gibran

Rotimi Johnson ÓJÁSÒPÉ

rotisbon2@gmail.com

LAGOS-IBADAN TRAIN FARE, ANOTHER SIGN OF CRUEL LEADERSHIP. - Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

As much as I commend this present administration for various attempts to revamp the rail transportation, I must not also shy from giving this deserved knock too. Traditionally in Nigeria, Trains are far cheaper than other means of transportation and enjoyed more patronage for long distances. It was always a delight for me to travel from Lagos to Kano as a teenager and I loved rail travel so much that even Abeokuta to Ibadan was by rail for me. My parents were more comfortable with rail travels too and they don't have to wait till an adult can accompany me before I can travel. However, when I heard the news of N3000 fare for Lagos to Ibadan train, I could only hiss and move to read the next thing.

Sometimes when our leaders make decisions, you will wonder if they are so disconnected from the people they are supposed to lead. Otherwise, how would you explain using public funds to provide a service that is monotonic, ready mass patronage and making the ticket so exorbitant? It's not as if the train will even have shorter time than the commercial buses which are about 3 times cheaper than the train. Yes the gridlock on the road to Lagos is hellic but that doesn't mean many people would prefer to spend 3 times more for a journey of about 70min which will take the train about 140min (twice that of road without traffic hold-ups, according to the maiden trip).

That this present Federal administration is insensitive is an understatement, it is the most disconnected, cruel, uncoordinated and most unrealistic in expectations from the populace. All government provided but epileptic services have gone up while means of livelihood have gone out of reach; power supply/tarrif, fuel pump price, VAT fees, educational collapse, security breakdown, foodstuffs prices are astronomical and percentage unemployment is on record high. So, if not delusional and with unrealistic expectations, how do you explain such high fare for train in Nigeria?

The supposedly removed subsidy from petroleum seems like huge joke because after admitting to the removal more than twice, Federal government still comes up with price regimes rather than allowing market forces determine the price per time. So, don't be surprised if the train fare is so high because it has been seriously padded and interests of many ghostly stakeholders have been factored into the fare.

I know those sympathetic of this administration would come in defense of all that is being done as usual but the interesting thing is that they are not exempted from the hardship faced by others; we are united in the fraternity of suffering but not in the complains, which is why our Mumu can never stop in Nigeria.

I remembered Rotimi Amaechi's radical speech at Babangida Aliu's 60th birthday where he called for revolution because he was in opposition within the ruling party but since he joined the APC, he has become so insensitive and dogmatic that he's championing the construction of rail to link Niger Republic; just imagine such white elephant project with public funds.

One day, it won't be call for just #EndSars, it might just be call for #EndNigeria because there is a limit to attempting to fool all the people all the time. 

LEADERSHIP QUOTE: Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. -Barack Obama

Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

rotisbon2@gmail.com

SENATOR BALOGUN ROLLS OUT PROJECTS TO ROUNDUP 2020

Press release

Many communities in Ibadan are in celebration this yelutide because Senator Kola Balogun has facilitated 500KVA transformers to them after years of deprivation and no power supplies in the areas. 

Residents of Oke-Ofa Babasale in ward 8 of Ibadan Northeast and Agbokojo in Ward 7 of Ibadan Southwest local governments are in jubilation as the promised transformers ariived to their communities after years of load shedding and phase off. 

Many order communities will still get their transformers and solar powered street lights before the end of this year in accordance with 2020 appropriation. These areas include: Arise and Alataare areas at Ido local government, Ashi in Ibadan North LG, Osungbade at Ibadan southeast, Lasokun community along Idisin area of Ibadan Northwest and Fagbamila Area.

Also 30 pieces of Solar lights by BODA community with ten of them for Okebadan GRA at Mokola area of Ibadan North.

There are borehole and erosion control projects still expected in Ibadan and Ibarapa communities before the year ends

 Signed. 

Rotimi Johnson

MY SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE IS ALSO SERVICE TO GOD -SEN BALOGUN

The Senator representing Oyo South District in the 9th national Assembly, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has reiterated his service to the people is also Service to God with determination is to make great impacts and surpass previous records of Senators in his district. He said this in his speech as the Chairman of the 40th anniversary and general meeting of the Ibadan Descendants' Union (IDU) held at the North Campus Hall of the Polytechnic on Saturday, 05/12/2020.

According the press release by the SA Media to the Senator, Dr. Balogun recounted his legislative inputs, oversight functions and personal efforts at making maximum impacts in his district. The Distinguished Senator gave examples of how he facilitated the inclusion of dedicated power lines in the 2021 budget for the University of Ibadan and UCH. Also, about N700m has been disbursed as Covid 19 relief loans, there are electric transformers and solar powered street lights installed for some communities in the Oyo South District. Details of all locations of all projects are available for verification anytime.

According to Senator Balogun; "My concern is not the next election or second term, my focus is how to make the best of this mandate you have given me and ensure I surpass records of my predecessors. I have done so much and there is time to still do more. We will continue to compliment the efforts of our state government at the national Assembly, just like I did with the motion for the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to International standard".

Senator Balogun congratulated the new Executives of the Union and pray for the success of their tenure, while promising to continue to work with the organization and others in the district to make dividends of democracy reach everyone. 

Signed 

Rotimi Johnson.

SA Media

ÓJÁSÒPÉ KÈMBÈ : A THREE-QUARTER BAGGY PANT. By Basorun Saint Abbey

ÓJÁSÒPÉ KÈMBÈ : A THREE-QUARTER BAGGY PANT 

I always love Yoruba men more when they appear in Yoruba traditional regalia.

A man’s dressing is considered incomplete without a cap (Fìlà). 

I have seen Gobi, a cylindrical, which when worn may be compressed and shaped forward, sideways, or backward. 

My referred leader Arapaja Oladejo Taofeek is symbolic with his  Tinko, Abetí-ajá, a crest-like shape which derives its name from its hanging flaps that resembles a dog's hanging ears. The flaps can be lowered to cover the ears in cold weather, otherwise, they are upwardly turned in normal weather.

I saw Alagbaa, Oribi, Bentigoo, Onide, and Labankada , a  bigger version of the Abetí-ajá at the burial of Governor SeyiMakinde's mum yesterday and is worn in such a way as to reveal the contrasting color of the cloth used as underlay for the flaps.

OJASOPE l know is smart, spruce, dapper, trim, well groomed, well turned out, besuited. organized, well organized,tidy, methodical. fastidious. He always dress very neat.

Adeniyi Rotimi Johnson is an iconic writer and SA on media to Senator Kola Balogun.

Ójásópé is a wordsmith.🙌