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President Tinubu told to declare July 13 ‘Wole Soyinka Day’
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare July 13 a national day to celebrate Prof Wole Soyinka’s contribution to humanity.
The monarch also added that Soyinka should be honored with the second highest national honour of Grand Commander of Order of Niger as the Nobel Laureate marks his 90th birthday
The Alake made this call on Tuesday at a press conference held to herald events lined up to mark the 90th birthday of the first African Nobel Prize winner in Literature.
Continuing the royal father said as way to further honour the playwright, he is declaring July 13th ‘Wole Soyinka Day’ and this will be celebrated by all sons and daughters of Egba land both at home and in the Diaspora.
The two-day celebration slated for Friday 12th and Saturday 13th of July is themed, ‘Defiance and Creativity: A Celebration of Soyinka’s Artistic Ingenuity and Impact on Nigeria, Africa and The Entire World’.
According to the monarch, the event would feature series of events such as art exhibitions by the pupils of the primary school attended by Soyinka, St Peters Primary School, Ake, Abeokuta Grammer School as well as Ogun State Chapter of Society of Nigerian Artistes
Oba Gbadebo said, “It will be appropriate for the Federal Government to adopt July 13 as a national day to celebrate Prof Wole Soyinka given his contribution to literature and humanity globally.
“It will be good to henceforth adopt his birthday which is July 13 as Wole Soyinka Day. In fact, New Orleans in the United States of America has already adopted a day to celebrate him, so why can’t we do so to honour our own too
“The Federal Government should also in addition to this confer on Wole Soyinka the second highest national honour of Grand Commander of Order of Niger because his contribution to register our dear nation on global map.”
Other programmes lined up for the celebration are cultural performances, books exhibition, documentaries on Wole Soyinka, poetry recitals as well as a hunting expedition by the hunters in Egbaland, among others.
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Reps Approves N250bn SEDC Budget
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…promises renewed development in region
By Gloria Ikibah
The House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) has approved the Commission’s 2025 budget of N250 billion, expressing confidence that it will kick-start much-needed development in the region after decades of neglect following the civil war.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Chris Nkwonta, addressing journalists after the budget defense session on Mondayi Abuja, said that the approval marks the beginning a new chapter for the South East.
Nkwonta commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill into law, emphasising that the budget will ensure government presence in the South East through key infrastructural projects.
He said: “This budget essentially is going to target those areas where there were deficits in terms of infrastructure, erosion and other areas of human capital development.
“You are aware that since after the civil war, the South East has been. What it ought to be. Remember that at the end of the civil War there was this promise that was made to us.
“You know the three R’s abd till today, that has not been done until this President signed the bill into law. We are talking about 54 years after the civil war.
“This budget is essentially going to target those areas where there is deficit in infrastructure, erosion and other areas of human capital development.
“The Commission will be expected to build roads, bridges, railway and manpower development.
“Although the money will not be enough, this is just a take off grant. This is just the beginning because the SEDC is just a growing concern and the President has given them this take off grant.
“The commission also expect money to come in from federal allocation. I am told that money is also expected to come from the five South eastern states, from ecological funds coming into the country and from oil companies operating in the South East.
“Even though this is not enough, we need to start from somewhere. But we are grateful to the President thay after six military heads of state and five democratically elected Presidents, attention has been given to the South East.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Even those boys that are causing trouble, when they see that the region is now being taken care of, what they are doing now will not continue.
“If you want to develop the South East, there has to be peace. If there is no peace and Security, there is nothing we can do. Some of the items in the budget is a aimed addressing insecurity, unemployment and youth development”.
Nkwonta said that the SEDC through its projects implementation would bring about end to agitations and youthful unrest in the area.
The budget ooutline plans to address critical infrastructure deficits in the region.
News
ECOWAS at 50: Sanwo-Olu Applauds Achievements, Urges Stronger Commitment to Integration
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting ECOWAS and strengthening regional ties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, he highlighted Lagos’ strategic role as a hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange in West Africa.
Sanwo-Olu commended ECOWAS for evolving from a mere concept into a vital institution shaping the region’s future. He acknowledged the gathering of leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing integration, peace, and economic growth.
The Governor also praised the ECOWAS Parliament for its efforts in promoting regional unity, defending citizens’ rights, and tackling shared challenges.
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“My wife has tasted over 21 men in the movie industry-Comedian Ijoba laments
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Nollywood actor and comedian Ijoba Lande has made terrible disclosures about his troubled marriage, alleging that his wife has been unfaithful with multiple men, including powerful figures in the entertainment industry.
In a heartbreaking outburst, Lande claimed that his marriage has been in turmoil for months, with his wife allegedly engaging in extramarital affairs with at least 21 men in the industry. He further revealed that their intimacy had ceased for over eight months, fueling his suspicions.
The actor recalled a painful incident during his child’s naming ceremony when his wife’s male friend openly danced with her and even tapped her on the backside in front of guests.
“I have evidence, but if I mention their names, I might not make it home alive because powerful men are involved,” he lamented.
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