You are an epitome of progressivism, Communication Minister Lauds Oluwo

——Urges Traditional Rulers to Emulate the Monarch’s Sterling Leadership

By Abdulrofiu Agboola, Osogbo

Former Former SSG, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade Akanbi Telu I and the Minister for Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu

The Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, has described Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi as an epitome of progressivism and all manner of good leadership.

Shittu attributed the quality of outward disposition of the monarch to that of President Muhammadu Buhari in creating an enabling environment for all round growth and development.

This was contained in a press release made available to CityMirrorNews by the press secretary to the monarch, Alli Ibraheem quoting the minister as describing Oba Akanbi as an incorruptible and selfless monarch that can be emulated by all.

According to the release, the Communication Minister made the statement while on a courtesy call to Oluwo’s palace.

Saluting the monarch for being committed to general well being of his subjects since he ascended the throne of his ancestors, Shittu said the positive impacts of the monarch has distinguished him among his peers.

He congratulated the people of the ancient town for being blessed with such a pure hearted traditional ruler like Oba Akanbi, saying his leadership style remains unprecedented in the history of the town.

The Minister commended Oba Akanbi for prioritising soci-infrastructural development, saying his giant strides had reflected in his determination to turn Iwo to mega city.

“No one can close his eyes to the physical development going on in Iwo most especially in the area of infrastructure, agriculture and education.

“The reign of Oba Akanbi has brought hope to the people just as your outstanding performance has rekindled the lost glory of the ancient town.

“We commend Oluwo for being a symbol of peace, unity and development in Nigeria and beyond as this was evident in your contributions to the overhaul renovation of the palace, construction of roads, educational promotion among others.

“The type of leadership Iwo has now is unprecedented. I believe this is the beginning of many good things to come as Oba Akanbi has become the vanguard of development in Yorubaland.

“Just like human beings, development has series of stages. I have lived in Iwo for more than 30years, turbaned as an Islamic student and a Legal Adviser to the Mogajis of Iwo for donkey years. Hopefully, my visitation is a beginning of greatness for Iwoland.

“Just like Iwo has a unique king, I considered myself honoured to be here today not only as a son of Iwoland but there representative. I pledge I would be their eye and hear at the federal level. Whatever they want me to do, I will filll the gap.

“The activities of Iwo and her sons in the political terrain of Nigeria are remarkable and nobody will regard Iwo as a second class community. The little gap will be filled. People should just be patient and be hopeful that things will continue to improve”, he added.

The Minister however ascribed the economic downturn in the country as the product of bad governance experienced in the last dispensation.

Establishing the root of the recession, Shittu said corruption, unconscious deflation of crude oils prices and palpable monopolization of the nation’s resources by a set of individuals plunged the country to her present woes.

Shittu charged Nigerians to pray for quick recuperation of the nation’s economy which according to him had been abysmally managed by the successive governments.

He therefore assured Nigerians of good governance under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari led government, saying “forts are in top gear to revitalize Nigeria’s fortunes”.

Shittu added, “My advise for Nigeria is that they should be more patient as the country is going through most serious hard times.

“To be sincere, even we in government are feeling the economic downturn very seriously. The Yoruba adage says “Olowo kan laarin otosi mefa, olosi ni gbogbo won”. But the economic down turn we have in the country today is the cumulating effect of poor governance of sixteen years of People Democratic Party, PDP.

“The present government have taken a lot of steps, one of them is the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) that has blocked leakages.  In the past, a department may be having 7 to 8 accounts where government’s income were remitted to private pocket.

“Worthy of note is the anti corruption in the country. Our monies are been embezzled, government is now retracing and retrieving the money. Nigerians should be happy that they have a president who cannot steal their money but rather preserve the nation’s wealth.

“Also, we are trying to diversify Nigeria’s economy to quench our over-dependent on crude oil. Before Buhari`s administration, petrol per barrel was sold for 140 dollar per barrel, and Nigeria was producing 2.2 barrels per day. By the time Buhari came on board, petrol prize dropped from 140 dollars per barrel to 38 dollars per barrel.

“That is a difference of about 102 dollars. Again, from 2.2 barrel a day, it drops to 900,000 because of the activities of the criminals, bunkerers who are blowing up pipelines in Niger Delta region. They are vandalizing a lot of oil facilities. So, our revenue went down more than 70%.

“There was no investment in infrastructures before the coming of Buhari. We are starting all over again. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. The first step is the introduction of TSA.  Second is war against corruption and money laundering and the diversification of the economy.

“We equally target the telecom and ICT industry, we are introducing new measure to make sure this sector bring in more money, more employment and job for people and make lives of Nigerians easier.

“Mining is also been rejuvenated to lubricate our economy. More minerals are been discovered and transformed to money for Nigeria and Nigerians.

The minister however appealed to Nigerians to be patient and imbibe the spirit of fervent prayers for their leaders.

In his remarks, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi  eulogized the minister for his unshaken principles despite the associated compromise attached to his portfolio.

He urged him to remain focus in supporting the President to develop the country.