The Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige has felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria and Oyo State on the celebration of this year’s Eld il Kabir festival.
In a statement personally issued and made available to newsmen, Hon. Ige appreciated God on behalf of the entire citizens in the State for witnessing the festive period in good health despite the economy situation in the country.
Hon. Ige extends his felicitation to the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, his deputy, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1, the Okere of Saki and other eminent traditional rulers in the State.
Hon. Ige equally extended his greetings to the Osi Olubadan of Ibadan land, High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, National Vice Chairman South West of the PDP, Alhaja Modinat Abosede Adedibu, PDP South West Women Leader, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams among others.
Hon. Ige used the occasion to laud the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for breaking another record in the history of workers welfare by paying the July salaries on the 16th July, saying that the governor has demonstrated uncommon love for the workers to be in joyous mood during the celebration
According to him, “there was never a time when salaries of workers in the State were paid to celebrate any festival throughout the eight years tenure by the immediate past administration. The administration led by late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi rather took delight in owing workers salaries running to several months.”
“I recollect vividly that this actually led to an incident that happened to a secondary school teacher at Saint Luke College, Molete, Ibadan, Mr Nasiru Luquman who collapsed while teaching in the classroom. The man was said to have trekked from his Amuloko residence to the school in an empty stomach. And to show his commitment to work, he went to the classroom to teach his students and in the process, he slumped and was rushed to the Molete Health Centre hospital.”
“Immediately I was informed by his colleagues about the incident as the then Minority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly that represented the constituency where the incident happened, I rushed to the said hospital to see him. I donated money for his treatment and equally got financial assistance for him from other well spirited individuals including his Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde then as an aspirant, the NUJ Oyo State council, Barrister Bayo Shittu, former Minister of Communication, late Barrister Michael Adeyemo, former Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly and others.”
“Though the man later died sometimes in 2017 as a result of the trauma he had went through, his matter has been tabled before Gov. Seyi Makinde and I can assure that his entitlement would be given to his family once every processes has been completed.”
“Now, the story has changed because we now have a listening, compassionate and God fearing leader who ensure that never will any of the State workforce should go hungry no matter his status or rank.
Hon. Ige called on Muslims to learn from the magnanimity of Engr Seyi Makinde and always extends hands of fellowship to others in the society as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad which is the great lesson from the celebration of Eid Il Kabir.
Hon. Ige who stressed that the present administration would not relent in its efforts to advocate conducive environment for workers and others in the State, however, called on all the people to reciprocate the gesture of the governor by continue to give him maximum support in all ramifications.
Hon. Ige also congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde on the grand patron award to be conferred on him by the ANCORPP national executives in September this year, saying the award has further given credence to his leadership capability in Oyo State especially in the
