By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ondo East and West Federal Constituency in the 7th and 8th Assembly, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja has lost his mother-in-law, madam Rachael Olague, who passed away in Benin City on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

According to a statement issued by the former parliamentarian and former Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), madam Olague 79, the mother of Queen Philomena Akinlaja (nee Olague), Nekpen Olague-Nekeve, Eugene Olague, and Andrew Olague was known as an exemplary and kind-hearted mother in her community and also a devout Christian.

“With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, my dearest wife Queen Philomena Akinlaja (née Olague) lost her beloved and precious mother, Mrs. Rachael Olague to the cold hands of death on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

“Mama, who also was my mother-in-law, was a caring mother, grand-mother, and matriarch; her illustrious virtues would be greatly missed.

“She was respected for her wisdom, story telling, compassion, and dedication to charitable causes,” the statement said, adding that many remember her as a source of guidance and support, both within her family and in the wider community in Benin, Edo State.

Akinlaka, a former General Secretary of NUPENG further noted that madam Olague’s shocking and painful exit had since drawn a large gathering of family members, friends and associates paying their condolences and also commiserating with the bereaved family.

Her death, the statement said, was undoubtedly a great personal loss for the family of Olague in Edo State especially the nonagenarian widower, Chief Osa Olague and by extension the entire Akinlaja family.

“We however draw solace from the fact that madam Rachel’s sojourn on earth was impactful and fruitful and it is our belief that she is already resting in the bosom of her Lord. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. We appreciate your love, prayers, and support as we mourn Mama’s passing, as she rests tranquil, in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement concluded.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon.Elder Sheriff F.O Oborevwori has approved the appointment of Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba as the new Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Eze Emu, the appointment will take effect from 1st December, 2024.

A Professor of Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology, Prof. Asagba had previously served the University in various capacities, including serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration as well as Provost of the defunct Asaba Campus.

… Kalu announces membership of sub-committees

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has said that it will engage the Nigerian Governors Forum, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Conference of Speakers of State Legislature, Chairmen of the 18 Political Parties, Civil Society Organisations, amongst others, as part of activities for the ongoing review.

The Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who made this known during the committee’s meeting in Abuja, also said that the House will be holding an international legislative dialogue on women on October 28 and zonal public hearings in January.

In his remarks, Kalu assured that the committee is on track to deliver to Nigerians, a new Constitution by December, 2025, noting that the essence of the engagements is to get the input of various stakeholders and brief them on what the committee is doing.

He said that the Committee in carrying out most of its assignments, will be broken down into subcommittees, which will not be exhaustive as additional members will be included later on to ensure that everyone is carried along.

The Sub-committees members according to thematic areas include: Local Government Matters, “Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Hon. Onwuzibe Ginger Obinna, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya , Hon. Jimbo Inemesiti Clement, Hon. Ibrahim Tukura Kabir, Hon. Abeji Leke Joseph, Hon. Olawuyi Olatunji Raheem, Hon. Ahmed Idris.”

Judiciary, “Rt. Hon. Bello Kumo ii. Hon. Ogene Victor Afamefuna ii. Hon. Manu Zoro Mansur iv. Hon. Agbedi Fredrick Vv. Hon. Benson Babajimi Adegoke vi. Hon. Gbewfi Gaza Jonathan, Hon. Mamudu Abdulahi vili. Hon. Sada Soli.”

Electoral Matters: “Rt. Hon. Ali Abdulahi Ibrahim ii. Hon. Tarkighir Dickson iii. Hon. Aliyu Muhktar Betara iv. Hon. Ofionu Goodwin Odey Ekpo v. Hon. Osoba Olumide Babatunde vi. Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati vil. Hon. Oke Olubusayo Oluwole vill. Hon. Abiodun James Faleke.”

Security Architecture, “Hon. Isa Ali JC li. Hon. Pondi Julius G. ii. Hon. Chinedu Nweke Ogah, Hon. Akpatason Peter, Hon. Olayide Adedeji Stanley, Hon. Ajang Alfred Iliya,cHon. Bob Solomon, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo.”

Gender Issues – “Rt. Hon. Onanuga Adewunmi Oriyomi li. Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Oluwaseun li. Hon. Mohammed Audu iv. Hon. Fatima Talba Vv. Hon. Zainab Gimba vi. Hon. Princess Miriam Odina vii. Hon. Akume Regina viii. Hon. Ogbara Adetola Kafilat.”

Devolution of Powers & Other Special Matters: “Rt. Hon. Chinda Kingsley Ogundu ii. | Rt. Hon Madaki Aliyu Sanni iii. Hon. Obed Paul Shehu, Hon. Amadi Akarachi Etinose, Hon. Fulata Abubakar Hassan vi. Hon. Kabir Amadu vii. Hon. Mohammed Danjuma Hassan viii. Hon. Francis Waive.”

Members of the Committee on Human Rights include: Rt. Hon. Ozodinobi George Ibezimako, Hon. Magaji Amos Gwamina, Hon. Yusuf Rabiu, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Ahmed v. Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Omehia, Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahaman and Hon. Dasuki Abdlsamad.”

The Deputy Speaker, thereafter assured that clear actionable recommendations from the women summit holding next week will be taken forward in the constitutional alteration exercise.

He added that the summit will help in building of political will and eliciting of commitments from political leaders and stakeholders.