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The Rule Of Law And The Credibility Of Leadership

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi

By Peter Obi.

Still on the identity crisis and controversies that have continued to haunt the Nigerian citadel of power since the February 25, 2023 presidential elections. There is this saying that: “It is not titles that honour men, but men honour titles”

The lofty titles that decorate people in power have little meaning if there is a hollowness and falsehood underneath them. Such titles as “President”, “Governor” etc which decorate those in public office mean nothing if they are not original and are fake if those who bear them have no honour to support the weight of the titles they carry.

In situations where there is public doubt as to the veracity and authenticity of these titles and the claims behind them, it is the role of the judiciary, when called upon, to uphold the honour of the titles through transparent rulings. It is only through such judicial interventions that the public can be protected from the tyranny of dubious and duplicitous characters and identity fraudsters.

In such situations, the judiciary has a bounding duty in this regard to protect the value system of the society. This is one of the obligations of an impartial judiciary in a democracy.

The rule of law remains the lifeblood of democracy in all societies and by whatever definition across time.  It remains the foundation for all our basic rights as humans.

It is the rule of law that binds society together. The expectation by the high and the low alike that their rights will be protected and respected by fair judges in transparent courts is what keeps citizens’ loyalty and belief in democracy. People, irrespective of their station in life, approach the courts whenever they feel their rights are assailed in the expectation that fair courts will serve them justice according to law.

However, when the fairness of the judiciary is not assured and the transparency of judiciary operatives is uncertain, the rule of law will come under severe threat. Once ordinary people lose faith in the fairness of the judiciary, the rule of law is threatened. With it, faith in democracy comes under threat as well.

A society is endangered when the rule of the powerful when the rule of the rich and the mighty replaces the rule of law. When that obtains, Justice becomes a commodity to be traded on between the rich and powerful on the one hand and a cult of corrupt judiciary operatives on the other.

When a democracy lives based on faulty justice, it opens society to obvious dangers. Governments become subject to impunity and casual violations of the rights of ordinary citizens. The rich and powerful can trample on the rights of the lowly as there are no consequences for infractions or lawless acts. This can be the groundwork for a democracy to graduate into an autocracy.

US President Joe Biden could not be more apt when he said “For any young democracy, the most difficult but important step is burying the legacy of tyranny and establishing an economy and a government and institutions that abide by the rule of law.

A two-time Governor of Anambra State was the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February, 25th, 2023, Election

LAHA Confirms New List Of Sanwo-Olu’s Nominees

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

After the controversy which trailed the earlier list sent by Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu to the Lagos State House of Assembly that led to a face off between Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and the Lagos State Governor following the failure of the Lawmakers to confirm the Commissioner- Nominees, calm has returned.

The LAHA Lawmakers on Tuesday approved a list of nominees for the State Executive Council, SEC, and some agencies and parastatals.

At a sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, the Lawmakers approved Kemi Ogunyemi as a member of the Executive Council.

The lawmakers also confirmed Peregrine Victoria Mopelola as Chairman of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission while Ajenifuja Kafayat Adetokunbo was confirmed as a member of the Commission.

Others confirmed include:

* Mr. Aigoro, Musiliu Alade – Member, Lagos State Audit Service Commission;

* Mr. Sosimi Olubowale Oladimeji – Member, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission;

* Mr. Olanrewaju Mojola – Re-appiontment as the Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission;

* Mr. Olagunju Cole – General Manager,  Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority;

* Mr. Rasheed Muri-Okunola – General Manager, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency.

Their confirmation, through a voice vote, followed the presentation of a report by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Fatai Mojeed, who chaired the ad-hoc committee that screened the nominees.

Hon. Mojeed said the nominees were properly grilled and met the criteria to serve the State.

Ondo Govt Meets Demands Of Doctors, Releases Circular On Hazard Allowance, To Be Paid From October

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Twenty four hours after the Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA) Ondo State Chapter threatened to down tools over the failure of the State Government to pay allowances of its members, the State Government has released the circular to effect the payment of 100 percent Hazard Allowance to the Medical Doctors in Government payroll.

The payment of the allowance will take effect from 2nd October, 2023, without arrears.

NMA Chairman in the State, Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe had complained to Journalists on Monday that the allowance, approved since August, was yet to be paid.

The NMA Chairman called on Ondo State Government to commence immediate implementation of health workers’ hazard allowance to avert looming  strike by medical doctors working in the State Government’s hospitals.

Adeyemi-Osowe pointed out that members working under the State Government have been patient enough over the failure of the Government to implement a 100 percent Hazard Allowance for them.

He declared that the Association may not be able to guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector, if the state government failed to release a circular for the implementation of the health hazard by Tuesday.

Dr Adeyemi said the Hazard Allowance, which had been approved since August this year, is being paid by the Federal Government and some other state Governments.

With the release of the circular on Tuesday, Adeyemi-Osowe thanked the Governor for fulfilling his promise and pray for his quick recuperation. He said this will in no small measure make work interesting for the doctors.

According to him, the State Government has again demonstrated that it is committed to the welfare of health personnel in the state.

He also enjoined the Governor to as a matter of urgency direct the speed up of the recruitment process of health workers as promised .

He added that the entry point of doctors as approved by the Federal Government will help in attracting young and active doctors into Ondo state health system.

Nigeria To Vaccinate 7.7 million Girls Against Leading Cause Of Cervical Cancer

By
The Source
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0

Nigeria, on Tuesday, October, 24, introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunisation system, aiming to reach 7.7 million girls. This is the largest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in the African region in a vaccination drive against the virus that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

Girls aged 9–14 years will receive a single dose of the vaccine, which is highly efficacious in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18, which are known to cause at least 70% of cervical cancers.

In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44. In 2020 – the latest year for which data is available – the country recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.

“The loss of about 8000 Nigerian women yearly from a disease that is preventable is completely unacceptable,” says Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare. “Cervical cancer is mostly caused by HPV, and parents can avoid physical and financial pain by protecting their children with a single dose of the vaccine. Saving lives, and producing quality health outcomes and protecting the wellbeing of Nigerians are central to the Renewed Health Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The onset of the vaccination campaign is an opportunity to safeguard our girls from the scourge of cervical cancers many years into the future. As a parent myself, I have four daughters, all of them have had the same HPV vaccine to protect them against cervical cancer. I’d like to implore fellow parents to dutifully ensure that this generation of our girls disrupt the preventable loss of lives to cervical cancer in addition to other untold hardship, loss, and pain.”

A five-day mass vaccination campaign in schools and communities will be carried out during the inaugural roll-out in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The vaccine will then be incorporated in routine immunisation schedules within health facilities. The second phase of the vaccination introduction is set to start in May 2024 in 21 states.

The vaccine is being provided for free by the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners.

With support from WHO country office in Nigeria and other partners, more than 35,000 health workers have so far been trained in preparation for the campaign and subsequent vaccine delivery in all health facilities. Vaccination sites have been established in all 4,163 wards across the 16 states included in the phase one roll-out, to ensure no eligible girl is left behind. Mobile vaccination units have also been set up to ensure that remote communities can access the vaccine.

“This is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to lower the burden of cervical cancer – one of the few cancers which can potentially be eliminated through vaccination,” says Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria.

“We’re committed to supporting the government increase access to the HPV vaccine to protect the health and well-being of the next generation of women.”

WHO recommends that HPV vaccination is included in the national immunisation programmes of countries where cervical cancer is a public health priority, where its cost-effective and sustainable implementation is feasible. As such, Nigeria has prioritised the addition of the vaccine to the country’s routine immunisation schedule.

Global supply shortages have slowed Gavi-supported vaccine introductions. These supply issues are now easing thanks to years of market shaping efforts to develop a more robust HPV vaccine market, and the single dose recommendation. Recognising this critical opportunity to reach more girls with higher levels of global HPV vaccine supply and renewed momentum towards accelerating efforts to prevent cervical cancer, the Gavi board approved the revitalisation of its HPV vaccine programme with an investment of more than US$ 600 million by the end of 2025. With the additional funding, Gavi and its partners have set an ambitious goal to reach more than 86 million girls by 2025, aiming to avert more than 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer.

“Every day, cervical cancer inflicts profound loss and devastation on families across Nigeria. It also disproportionately impacts the lives of women. And yet, it is a disease that can be prevented. With the HPV vaccine now available in Nigeria for eligible adolescent girls at no cost, communities now have the most effective tool to fight cervical cancer, and the nation has an opportunity, collectively, to save millions of lives,” says Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi.

More than 16 million girls could be protected in Nigeria alone by 2025.To support these efforts in Nigeria and in line with its goal to build sustainable immunisation programmes, Gavi is co-financing the cost of the vaccines and providing technical support for the introduction.

UNICEF has procured nearly 15 million HPV vaccines on behalf of the Government of Nigeria. Alongside this, the children’s agency has produced informational materials, including radio and TV jingles in multiple local languages to dispel misinformation and rumours. To further the outreach, UNICEF also supported academia and researchers with two rounds of readiness assessments to understand the population’s sentiments on the HPV virus and vaccine. Additionally, UNICEF has facilitated logistical support for vaccination campaigns and distributed cold chain equipment for vaccine preservation.

“In our shared quest for a brighter future, the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Nigeria represents a monumental stride towards safeguarding our girls from the grips of cervical cancer. This vaccine doesn’t just prevent a disease; it promises a life where our young women can thrive, unburdened by the spectre of this grave health concern. UNICEF, in collaboration with the government and other partners, is proud to be a key partner in this initiative, ensuring that every eligible girl, irrespective of her location or circumstances, has access to this life-saving intervention. Together, we are scripting a narrative of hope, resilience, and a healthier Nigeria.” says Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.

For more information, please contact:

Cirũ Kariũki

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
[email protected]
+41 79 913 94 41

Anike Alli-Hakeem
United Nations Children’s Fund
[email protected]

Charity Warigon
World Health Organization
[email protected]
+234 810 221 0093

CBN: Removing 43 Items From Import Prohibition List Inimical To Economy- Reps

By
James Orji
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0

The CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso has been summoned by the House of Representatives to explain the rationale behind the lifting of the foreign exchange ban on some imported items.

The lower chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly made the decision to summon the CBN governor following a motion raised at plenary on Tuesday by a lawmaker Sada Soli who argued that the lifting portends serious ramifications for the local manufacturers of such items.

The Cardoso-led apex bank, last week, made the decision to remove the 43 items from the import prohibition list amidst serious complaints form major stakeholders that the policy has serious implications for the nation’s economy.

Instructively, financial analysts posited that the apex bank’s action will put serious pressure on the country’s foreign exchange market, leading to a further slide in the value of the naira.

Recall that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari imposed a forex ban on these items in 2015 to conserve the nation’s forex reserves.

Speaking on a motion of public importance today at the House of Representatives chamber, Soli, a lawmaker from Katsina state said the CBN’s decision will greatly affect local production of such items.

The lawmaker stated that it was wrong to encourage the importation of items that could be produced in the country, adding that local manufacturers are now at the mercy of foreign producers of these items.

He warned that the removal of these items from the import prohibition list would lead to factory closure, as local manufacturers would not be able to compete with their foreign counterparts because the production of some of these items is highly subsidized by their home governments.

He explained that the decision would also lead to job losses in the country, adding that the policy is inimical to the unified forex exchange market.

According to him, the lifting of the FOREX restriction on the importation of 43 items may not have a meaningful impact on the rising food inflation as a result of the soaring exchange rate.

Soli said: “Almost all the 43 items are from two critical sectors which have been identified by all policy documents from NEEDS, SEEDS to Vision 2022 as being areas that are critical to economic diversification.

“Some of the listed items enjoy 60%-70% subsidy from their countries of origin, thus putting Nigeria’s local products at a comparative disadvantage and without any protection, and will lead to job losses and social exclusion.

“The benefit of the cheaper imported inputs as stated by the CBN will give undue advantage to middlemen to drive the economy, which is inimical to our economic growth and not suitable to the current unified FOREX market in the country.”

The Godwin Emefiele-led apex bank had in 2015 restricted the items from accessing FX from the I&E window, saying they were “not valid for foreign exchange and could be produced in the country. Items affected include rice, cement, palm kernel, meat and processed meat products, poultry, soap, and cosmetics among others.

Defilement: Convicted Doctor, “Always Shoulder-Up” – Kate Henshaw

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Accomplished Nollywood Actress, Kate Henshaw, has slammed convicted Oncologist, Dr Olufemi Olaleye, for showing no remorse for the trauma and mental damage he inflicted on a minor.

Olaleye, the Proprietor and Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Foundation, Ikeja, was sentenced to a double life sentence by the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

The otherwise renowned Oncologist was found guilty of the shameful act of defiling his wife’s niece, a minor, who lived with them.

He not only forced himself on the 15-year old, a number of times, but he taught her how to perform all kinds of weird se€ual acts on him, and threatened her with death if she ever let-on.

It was a devastated Olaleye’s wife who reported the case to the Police as soon as she found out what was happening behind her and confronted her husband.

Dr Olaleye denied the two’count charges brought against him, but the Honourable Justice Rahman Oshodi found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to a double life sentence.

In reaction to the sentence, Henshaw applauded the Judge for being incorruptible and upright.

Henshaw, a former ardent fan of Olaleye, who had joined him on a number of his charity outreaches for the poor, was one of those who insisted on justice for the minor. From onset, Henshaw revealed that Olaleye confessed to her when she confronted him after the story broke.

She, also, followed up by being present at some of the Court sessions which lasted about one year.

But what upset the Actress the most is that Dr Olaleye showed no remorse all through the trial period.

Henshaw: “I want to give kudos to the incorruptible Justice Rahman Oshodi for a detailed judgement.

“He listened attentively throughout the proceedings and left no one in doubt that his judgment is his.

“He saw that there was no remorse in Femi Olaleye and that he would repeat the same offences if let go.

“I watched Femi’s body language all the time I came to this Court and he showed no remorse as he was always shoulder-up.”

African American University Honours Ekiti Chief, Olubunmi, With Honourary Doctorate Degree

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Former zonal editor and Agric page editor of the defunct National Concord newspaper, Ajibade Olubunmi has  been conferred with a Doctorate Degree  in Journalism by the African American University.

The programme, held last Saturday, coincided with the day, the former director at the Directorate of information Ekiti state University,(EKSU) was installed as a high chief at his country home, Ilawe Ekiti.

In his Facebook page, the Odolofin of Ilawe wrote “Saturday was an eventful day that I clocked 10 years as the traditional chieftaincy title holder of Odolofin of Irorin quarters, Ilawe Ekiti.

“The University  conferred  a Ph.D (honoris Causa) in Journalism on me in recognition of my ‘ingeniously outstanding contributions in the  field of JOURNALISM in different capacities  in Nigeria.’

“The ceremony took place in Lagos. To me, this is  a double barrelled  celebration ordered by God.  I thank the University for this and  appreciate my people for their support.”

Meanwhile, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, HRM Oba Adebanji  Alabi has congratulated  his media Adviser, High Chief Ajibade Olubunmi  who was conferred with a Doctorate Degree in Journalism by the African American University last Saturday.

The University conferred a Ph.D (honoris Causa) in Journalism on the erudite journalist.

In a release personally signed by the Alawe, he described the degree as a well- deserved honour conferred on Chief Olubunmi in recognition of his versatility and exemplary contributions to the field of Journalism.

Oba Alabi was full of praises for Chief Olubunmi for impacting positively on the throne of Alawe, describing him as a dependable, trustworthy and conscientious traditional title holder who is well-endowed with native intelligence and sagacity.

The monarch prayed for God’s protection over the quintessential Chief in the service of humanity.

Ondo Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa Advises Chief Judge To Ignore Assembly Order On Impeachment Panel Insists Court Injunction Stays

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has advised the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olusola Odusola, to ignore the request of the State Assembly to constitute a seven-man panel of investigators to probe allegations of gross misconduct against him.

This is contained in a seven-page letter written by the leading counsel to the Deputy Governor, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN,  to the Chief Judge in Akure on Tuesday.

The Assembly on Monday wrote a letter to the Chief Judge, asking him to constitute a seven-man panel to probe the Deputy Governor, claiming that the injunction granted by the Federal High Court, Abuja, had expired.

Aiyedatiwa, through his lawyer, faulted the position of the Assembly, which he said was based on conjectures, misconceptions, inconsistencies, undue desperation and misconstruction of the law.

He argued that the Orders granted by the Federal High Court, Abuja on September 26, 2023, were still in force and remained valid and subsisting, contrary to the conclusion of the Assembly that the said Orders had expired by operation of law.

The Deputy Governor insisted that the Court in Abuja has been given wide discretion to determine the nature, status and duration of any order granted and “in this case, the Court directed that the Orders granted on 26th September 2023 should last till the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction, which is still pending before the Court.”

The Deputy Governor stated that based on the two proceedings of the Federal High Court, Abuja of October 9 and 16, 2023, the Court has not set aside the pending orders and the order cannot be extinguished by application to set it aside since it was combined with the hearing of the substantive suit.

Aiyedatiwa drew the attention of the Chief Judge to the inconsistent action of the Assembly, which on one hand is claiming that the Orders have expired whilst, on the other hand, it is pursuing an appeal against the said Orders.

The Deputy Governor referred the Chief Judge to the Motion on Notice filed by the Assembly at the Court of Appeal, Abuja on October 20, 2023, where it stated that the Orders granted by the Federal High Court were still valid and subsisting because they were tied to the hearing and determination of the Deputy Governor’s motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

He then queried whether the Assembly can approbate and reprobate at the same time by stating under oath in Court that the Orders are still valid and pending, while at the same time writing a letter to the Chief Judge claiming that the Orders have expired.

“Contrary to this misconception of law and the facts, the same House of Assembly filed a Motion on Notice dated 20th October 2023, before the Court of Appeal, Abuja in respect of the same orders of the Federal High Court, praying for abridgement of time to hear its appeal against the said orders.

“If it is true that the orders expired by operation of law on 18th October 2023 as being falsely canvassed, why would the same House of Assembly file a fresh application two days later.”

Military Discloses Readiness For Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo Governorship Elections

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

As November 11th, 2023 draws closer for the Governorship Elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Tuesday, said the military is prepared for the off-cycle elections in the three States.

Musa warned against any act of violence that may disrupt the electioneering process in the aforementioned States, stressing that the Military is fully prepared.

Prior to the November 11 election, the three are known for electoral violence over the years, but the CDS has said that the Military would stop at nothing to ensure that the election in the three States is devoid of violence.

Speaking at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja during the maiden visit of the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Musa said: “We are also prepared for the coming elections in the three states of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states. I want to ensure that the elections go on democratically, without any fear or intimidation.

“We don’t want any violence. I want to appeal to all stakeholders that it does nobody any good if anybody is killed because we have to go and vote. So it is important that we all put hands on deck. We will make sure that the elections are free and they are peaceful so that the results can also bring out what people want. ”

Musa also said the Federal Government has allocated special funds for the treatment of soldiers wounded at the various theatres of operations across the federation.

He added that this was to boost the morale of troops on the frontline.

Musa said, “President, we want to say thank you for the improved funding for the armed forces. We know the situation on the ground that the armed forces are doing the best they can, but we are limited due to the dearth of funding.

“Also, there are special funds for medical. What we realise is the morale of our troops. They see how the injured are treated. If they’re not treated well, they will never want to be committed. But we are happy to see how they are doing and we are happy that more have been promised and more will be done. ”

Musa, however, assured the president that despite the wave of military coups in West Africa, the military would protect the nation’s democracy.

He said, “We want to assure President and to you all Sir, that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully committed to democracy. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that we protect our nascent democracy and for it to thrive and to also extend same to the sub-region because we know we have the capacity and we are happy.”

Obasanjo Flays Lifting Of Ban On Rice Importation, Urges President Tinubu To Protect Local Fabrics Industry

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

In what looks like his first condemnation of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has told the Federal Government (FG) to protect local textile industry and impose a ban on the importation of Chinese Adire into the country.

This, he stressed, is crucial to safeguard the local market of adire fabrics from potential dilution by the influx of Chinese imports.

The former President, also, condemned the decision of the Federal Government to lift ban on importation of some food items into the country, especially rice.

“Government just lifted ban on the importation of Rice with Dollars, so those of you the Rice farmers should be ready for challenges because the cheapest Rice will soon be imported from Thailand.

“Thailand government has invested a lot of funds in to Rice Farming for massive exportation to bastardize Nigeria Rice.”

Obasanjo passionately implored the Government to take every possible measure to shield the domestic production of Adire from the impact of imported Chinese counterparts, as well as other items that could be feasibly manufactured within the country.

The former president, who spoke at the ‘Canada Trade Mission ’24’ pre-conference session in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital, expressed concern that the materials traditionally used for producing Adire, which were once procured from Kano, Kaduna, and Ado-Ekiti, have become scarce.

Obasanjo said “I want to appreciate the Traditional rulers who attend this event, you have shown that you are real custodians of Culture.

“People are saying China want to bastardize our Adire product, if not that we don’t value what we have. I want to commend Ogun State government for the initiative of Oja Itoku for Adire market. It is good but not good enough if we don’t have Adire sellers in the market.

“The clothes for the production of Adire is in Nigeria where they used to buy it in Kano, Kaduna and Ado-Ekiti, but there is nothing like that anymore.

“If we want to produce Adire, where would we get the clothes to produce it? What we have to do is that, the Adire sellers, manufacturers and those who promote it, let us join our hands together.

“What government needs to do for us is not much. The first thing the government need to do for us is the revival of Textile industry, let us beg them to do that for us.

“Second one is the formal training institution where people will be learning how to produce Adire and get certified at the end of the period of their learning.

“Let us beg government to do all their possible best to protect our local production of Adire so that Chinese will not have access to bastardize it for us.

“Government should ban the importation of Chinese Adire and not only for Adire alone but all other things we produce in Nigeria.

“On the Adire sellers Association alone, let join hand with those who promote Adire and other stakeholders to have an Association that will be named as ‘Adire Association’ with chapters where Abeokuta will be the Headquarters and I’m ready to devote myself as the patron of the Association.”

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