By Bello Hussein Adoto 

Have you ever heard: “No one remembers who came in second”? The quote is often credited to the legendary golfer Walter Hagen; others credit it to Enzo Ferrari. Whatever the source, the quote is popular. I have read it in more places than I can remember. Self-help gurus make it a part of their gung-ho anthems to nudge you into giving your best shot, doing better than average, and becoming great, not just good. 

You have to be the first person in your class. The best player in your team. The gold medallist in your sport. The brightest star on the planet. This is not minding the fact that Walter Hagen himself is third, not first or even second, in the list of golfers with the highest professional majors. 

The problem with “no one remembers who came in second” is that it feeds a utopic mindset in people who see things in binaries. To these people, you either win or you lose. There’s no halfway or middle ground. There’s nothing like you tried. There’s nothing you can do better. Your efforts are nought if you come second. No one will remember you. You go just dey explain, explain; no evidence.

So, what do we do? Some of us try to clinch the first place at all costs. We put in the work, burn the night candles, and sacrifice sleep and transient comfort for the great good.  Others lie, cheat, and scheme their way to the top. They don’t mind breaking the rules, engaging in unethical behaviour, or even hurting others to win. The goal is to win first; the how can come later, if it comes at all. 

Then, the rest of us aren’t so sure of our capacities to win, so we don’t compete. Or we compete only when we have higher chances of winning than losing. According to Carol Dweck, this category is for those who have a “fixed mindset”, the view that if you don’t already have the capacity to do something, you can’t do it at all.

Mindset aside, we are not the only ones who want to be remembered for coming first. Other people are trying to win, too—tens, hundreds, and thousands of others burning the night candle, scheming their ways, or hurting others, looking to win. We may win, and we may not.

I am not trying to romanticise mediocrity. There should be good, better, best to set the standards for excellence. There should be standards to measure and reward performance. We need the binaries of success and failure to draw the lines between the champ and the trash.

Nevertheless, that line should be thick and wide enough to accommodate the spectrum of outcomes between incompetence and excellence. Anyone who puts their hats into the ring and achieves the thresholds of excellence should be celebrated if not remembered for their efforts. Efforts should not only matter when they produce a first. 

However, in a world of “no one remembers who came in second” cheerleaders, effort is not enough. Stepping up to represent your school or class in a quiz or debate is not enough if you don’t win. Surviving medical school feels less of a win if you are not the Best Graduating Student in something. It goes on and on.

Then, you look at the lives of those keeping the scores of winners and losers, the ones who remember those who came first but don’t remember those who came in second, and wonder what their places in history are.

Who remembers these people? Who remembers the commentators at the 1996 Olympics? Who remembers the journalists who celebrated Nigeria and Africa? Who remembers the fans and snobs that choose who deserves the cheers or the jeers? Do you? I suppose some do, but they are a minority. 

If we all don’t remember the commentators, the fans, and the snobs, at least some will remember the players. At least, we remember Brazil. At least, we remember Holland at the 2010 World Cup, Argentina in 2014, Croatia in 2018, and France in 2022. We remember Sneijder. We remember Messi, Modric, and Mbappe. We remember those who strode into the pitch to gun for the gold, even if they didn’t get it. 

If we don’t remember them, at least these people remember themselves. Some self-help gurus would say, “The only person who remembers who comes in second is the person who came in second.” And I agree. How you see yourself is what matters more. Your win is yours as much as your losses. You’re your greatest fan and snob, not those watching the scoreboard.

At its core, the competition is not out there where there is gold, silver, or bronze. There’s no first prize or second place. There’s you, you, you. You—the one in this wild and endless competition—are to decide what to compete for, whether to put your best foot forward, be sure you’ve done your best, and hope the best comes out of it. The validation is yours to give first before the world resonates it. Whatever you get or don’t get from that will be on you, not the fans or snobs.

The greater competition is in beating your good self to become better, polishing your metal, and turning it into gold. That competition is within, and that’s where the win or loss should start from.

Don’t delude yourself into thinking it doesn’t matter if you are remembered. It does. Recognition matters. Excellence matters. You can’t afford to be complacent or mediocre. So, start polishing. Build diligently. Show up good, prepared. Pursue excellence. When the chips are down and “no one remembers who came in second,” you will remember yourself. What would you want to remember yourself for?

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has arrested 23 suspects in relation to rape, armed robbery, car theft, and other crimes in the territory. 

The suspects were apprehended following a crackdown by the police on crime in the FCT. 

The FCT Police Commissioner, Haruna Garba, announced this during a media briefing in Abuja.  

He said nine suspects were arrested for ‘one chance’ (a form of robbery), two suspects for rape, and 12 suspects for armed robbery.  

The briefing was held to address the FCT police’s efforts to combat crime and keep residents safe. 

According to Garba, based on the arrests and recoveries made in November, crime in the FCT had seen a significant decrease in December.  

This was evident from the data on arrests and recoveries from crime scenes. “I wish to bring to the attention of the general public that there are some mischief-makers out there posting items on social media that the FCT is not safe and that one-chance operators have taken over the FCT. 

“This is not true. I can say without any fear of contradiction that FCT is the safest city in Nigeria. 

“It is unfortunate that someone is leveraging social media to misinform the entire populace that FCT is not safe. 

“Those behind the fake news should be mindful of the fact that Nigeria is the only country that we call our own,” he said. 

He said the target of the mischief-makers was to create fear and apprehension in the minds of the people and, of course, investors who would want to come to Nigeria to invest. 

“Christmas was celebrated peacefully without any serious security breaches. The Millennium Park, Magic Land (Amusement Park), and other recreational facilities, places of worship, and other key/vulnerable points were adequately protected. 

“There was no single incident of any kind reported. The same strategies that were put in place during the Christmas period will be replicated during the New Year festival.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the failure of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to pay federal workers’ salaries in December. 

The party claims that this further proves that the administration is intent on frustrating and harming Nigerians. 

Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, issued a statement on the matter in Abuja on Saturday. 

The Party describes the failure to “discharge such sensitive obligation to workers, especially at this yuletide period as unacceptable and further shows the level of insensitivity of the Tinubu-led APC administration towards the welfare of Nigerians.” 

Ologunagba said, “By this action, the Tinubu administration has practically turned our nation into a huge Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp with millions of Nigerians becoming beggars and observing the period in hunger, anguish and misery. 

“It is obvious that the non-payment of the December salary critically needed by the workers including our gallant security operatives at this period is consistent with the atrocious character of APC administration to weaponize poverty and further suppress Nigerians to surrender to totalitarianism. 

“Is it not provocative that while President Tinubu is busy partying and luxuriating with APC leaders, workers who are putting in their time and energy in the service of the nation are left with nothing to feed and celebrate with their families and loved ones? 

“Sadly, President Tinubu would rather approve the frittering of our nation’s scarce resources to sponsor cronies, political minions, hangers-on and their mistresses to expensive foreign trips while making no provision for the salary of genuine government workers. 

“Such heartless act by the anti-people APC administration never happened in the 16 years of the PDP in government as workers then promptly received their December salary before Christmas day (25th) to enable them to celebrate yuletide and end of year festivities with their loved ones. 

“More distressing is that the Tinubu Presidency can afford to withhold salaries even after approving the unbearable increase in the pump price of fuel to over N700 per litre, with the attendant high cost of food, transportation, medication and other necessities of life. 

“It is instructive to remind Nigerians that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) had earlier this month announced that it shared a total of N1.783 trillion to Federal, State and Local Governments for December 2023, yet workers have not been paid because no cash backing was effected by the Tinubu administration despite huge resources accruable to it. We ask, where is the money? 

“Our Party is appalled by the level of profligacy apparent in the APC administration whose actions and policies are skewed towards the promotion and institutionalization of corruption, deprivation and suppression of Nigerians. 

“Nigerians will recall that earlier in August, the PDP alerted that our nation’s economy was asphyxiating and grinding to a halt under the increasingly corrupt APC and President Tinubu’s crippling economic policies with a consequential negative toll on productivity.” 

He further stated, “The failure to pay December salary of workers further confirms that the Tinubu-led APC administration has practically run our nation’s economy aground with its corruption, recklessness and ill-informed counter-productive policies. 

“The PDP demands that President Tinubu immediately account for the trillions of naira accruable from the removal of subsidy on petroleum products in the last seven months. 

“Furthermore, the President is requested to come clean on the December 2023 distributable Statutory Revenue of N376.306 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) Revenue of N335.656 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy Revenue of N11.952 billion and Exchange Difference Revenue of N364.869 billion as contained in the communique issued by FAAC at its December 2023 meeting. 

“The PDP demands the immediate payment of the December salary of workers and additional compensatory payment of at least 50% of the salary of workers to cushion the effect of the economic hardship foisted on them by the APC administration. 

“President Tinubu must understand that Nigeria is a Federation that must only be governed by the Constitution and the Rule of Law and not by the whims and caprices of an individual or group.”

By Mansur Hassan, PhD

Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, the esteemed representative of the Kano Central Senatorial Zone, has made an indelible mark on the political landscape with the construction of an unprecedented constituency office – a pioneering initiative in northern Nigeria.

As the Deputy Minority Whip in the red chamber, Senator Hanga recognizes the paramount importance of serving his constituents. Beyond the legislative responsibilities, he has demonstrated a commitment to actively listening to the needs of the people he represents, ensuring their voices are heard in the corridors of power.

The recently built largest constituency office stands as a testament to Senator Hanga’s dedication to fostering development and enhancing the lives of those he serves. This state-of-the-art facility not only symbolizes progress but also serves as a hub for engaging with the community, addressing concerns, and strategizing on impactful legislative initiatives.

What sets Senator Hanga apart is not just the physical structure of the constituency office, but the comprehensive vision he brings to his role. Alongside the office inauguration, he has unveiled plans to launch a series of developmental programs. These programs are poised to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people in Kano Central, showcasing a holistic approach to representation.

In an era where effective governance requires more than just legislative prowess, Senator Rufa’i Hanga emerges as a beacon of leadership. His dedication to bridging the gap between the government and the grassroots is commendable and serves as an inspiration for other political leaders.

As we applaud Senator Hanga’s achievements, it is imperative to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of key figures like H.E. Abba Kabir Yusuf and Madugun Kwankwasiyya Senator Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. Their collective commitment to the welfare of the people reinforces the idea that progress is a shared responsibility.

In conclusion, let us extend our well-wishes with a resounding “Long live Senator Rufai Sani Hanga!” May his leadership continue to illuminate the path toward a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of Kano Central Senatorial Zone.

Dr. Mansur Hassan is a Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated President Bola Tinubu’s determination to end the terror caused by criminals in the South East region. 

Shettima also stated that certain people are exploiting the security situation to further their dangerous political agendas. 

He said the criminals are only interested in their own personal gain, and they don’t care about the suffering they cause. 

The Vice President’s statement is a strong condemnation of these criminals and their activities. 

Senator Kashim Shettima made this statement at the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) launch, hosted by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. 

The event was held in Bende, Abia State. Senator Shettima’s remarks were focused on the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the South East region. 

Delivering his speech titled “Why We are all Umunna,” VP Shettima said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been concerned about the extensive economic devastation inflicted by non-state actors on this beautiful region since we took office.  

“He is acutely aware that our commitment to Nigeria’s future remains incomplete as long as we grapple with the sinister operations of economic saboteurs who masquerade as advocates for Ndigbo. 

“That’s why he’s determined to utilize all available resources to ensure that the peace we’re establishing in this region is not cosmetic, and we can’t guarantee it unless all of us see through the falsehoods and propaganda that have become weapons against our unity.” 

He was also quoted to have said, “The problem we are here to solve as a community, as an Umunna, is a creation of self-serving criminals who do not represent the interests of Ndigbo and Nigerians. 

“Mr. President knows this better than all of us, and that’s why he has never held any group accountable for the infractions of law-breaking individuals who identify as their members. This, I believe, is the democracy we have all chosen.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

A deadly bandit attack occurred in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State, leaving four people dead and 39 others kidnapped.

The attack took place in Kuduru, a town in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, as well as Garam and Azu, two communities in neighbouring Niger State.

According to a witnesses, the bandits had on Saturday, December 23, invaded Garam in Niger state, which is a five minute drive from Bwari in FCT, killing a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, while kidnapping 13 others.

On Thursday December 28, the bandits struck Kuduru in FCT, which shares a boundary with Garam, and kidnapped 18 persons.

The following day, Friday, December 29, the bandits invaded Azu still in Niger state, killing three people and kidnapping eight others.

A resident of Garam, who identified herself as Mrs. Juliana said, “The bandits entered the wrong house, kidnapped two boys who later led them to the house of their target.

“When they got there, they kidnapped the entire family, but while leaving the house, they shot the man (their target), who is a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the presence of his wife and their three children.”

As the bandits prepared to leave with their captives, the wife of the deceased pastor realized that she had left her six-month-old baby behind.

She bravely asked the bandits for permission to retrieve the child, and they agreed. One of the female bandits escorted her back to the house and stood guard while she picked up the baby.

“However, when the female bandit ran out of patience, she left the woman, joined the others and went with the other kidnapped persons who were 13 in number”, an eyewitness said.

Another eyewitness said the bandits made their way to the house of a military personnel, asking for his rifle and uniform from the wife.

“The wife told them that her husband is on duty. They, however, kidnapped two of his children,” she said.

The eyewitness added that 13 people were kidnapped during the attack, and that a five-year-old boy belonging to the murdered pastor was left behind by the bandits at the river because he was unable to cross it.

However, he was rescued by a local vigilance team who tracked the bandits.

This harrowing event has left the community traumatized and afraid for their safety.

• Director: Muhammad Galadima
• Producer: Ali Saidu Worthme
• Company: Jammaje Productions
• Language: English
• Release Date: 26th December, 2023
• Cast: Hajara Yusuf, Magaji Mijinyawa, Abba Zaki, Billy O, Tijjani Faraga, Mustapha Musty, and others.

The Princess of Galma is another ‘Kannywood film in English’ from the promoter of the genre, Malam Kabiru Musa Jammaje, who has produced a few others before. The film was screened during an annual event, ‘Jammaje Day’, attended by hundreds of English language enthusiasts. Jammaje seems to have made the event a new way for showing his English movies as the attendees clearly make the audience he targets.

Despite its glorious title, The Princess of Galma is neither a historical drama nor an epic adventure. It’s a regal fiction set in a contemporary, fictitious kingdom, Galma, where King Ahmadu (Magaji Mijinyawa) suffers from a serious illness. The film begins with King Ahmadu’s illness, which caused widespread concern in the kingdom. His only daughter, Princess Nafisa (Hajara Yusuf), is deeply worried about her father’s deteriorating health condition. 

Meanwhile, the kingdom’s cabinet deliberates on the succession dilemma, as tradition dictates that the one who marries the princess inherits the throne. This makes Waziri (Tijjani Faraga), a cabinet member, send his son Sahabi to propose to the Princess. But she promptly rejects him despite his being a royal son and the most handsome young man in the Kingdom. The ensuing drama unveils Waziri’s struggle, the princess’s personal choice, and more…

Although the plot has its share of clichés, it maintains a reasonable flow, ensuring no dull moments throughout the story. But the screenplay runs too fast to a hasty finish. It would have been better if it had more scope, especially for Waziri’s secret schemes and the Princess, who suffers magic afflictions.

Beyond its regal and romantic themes, the film emphasises the healing power of prayers. We see how the prayers heal the king after everyone has begun to despair. It also highlights the prevailing theme of good triumphing over evil, as depicted in Sahabi’s loss of the princess despite his father’s magical attempt to acquire her. Besides, it also subtly addresses big security challenges in northern Nigeria.

The film also tries to be brim-full of cultural showcase but falls short of capturing the intrinsic value it truly deserves. It lacks the seriousness and dramatic intensity expected in a movie of its genre. The technical aspects are also average. A film like this should be carefully produced with a considerable budget to get the required impact. 

However, the English usage is generally flawless. The dialogue is captivating, and the actors deliver their lines remarkably. A few scenes were rendered entirely in the Hausa language, with others having lots of code-switching and mixing to accentuate comical effects and cultural representation.

On the other hand, all the actors try to pull off a good performance, especially Hajara Yusuf, who perfectly fits the role of Princess Nafisa and delivers her lines effectively. Abba Zaki leaves an impression in a brief role as the man of Nafisa’s dream. The scenes where he expresses his love for her captivate the most. Also, Billy O. gives a very real performance, similar to Malam Abdulhadi. The comic gestures he portrays get the audience laughing throughout.

Finally, The Princess of Galma qualifies as a worthy addition to Kannywood’s archive of English movies. It has little novelty but offers much to keep you glued to the screen. I commend the efforts of the director (Muhammad Galadima) and all the cast and crew members. Rating: 3/5.

Reviewed by Habibu Maaruf Abdu

habibumaaruf11@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kano State Police Command apprehended nine suspects accused of engaging in inter-state trafficking, abduction, and the illicit buying and selling of minors. 

The arrests were announced by the State Police Commissioner, Usaini Gumel, during a press conference held at the Bompai command’s headquarters on Thursday. 

Gumel revealed that the suspects were captured following a series of intelligence-led operations, successfully dismantling long-standing inter-state trafficking syndicates operating in Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Imo states. 

The commissioner highlighted the commendable efforts of the police’s dedicated team in identifying and neutralising these criminal networks that had evaded authorities for over a decade. 

A total of seven victims, predominantly minors, were rescued from the clutches of these criminal activities, shedding light on the dark underworld of child trafficking. 

Gumel disclosed that rescued children, aged between three and eight, were reportedly sold at prices ranging from N300,000 to N600,000, depending on their ages. 

During investigations, it was revealed that a victim named Mohammed Ilya, originally abducted from Bauchi but renamed Chidiebere, was recently sold in Nnewi, Anambra State. 

The police commissioner noted the gravity of the situation and pledged to collaborate with the state government to ensure the safe return and reunification of all abducted children with their families. 

He reassured the public that the Kano State Police Command, under his leadership, had implemented reinforced security measures to eradicate this menace once and for all.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service, represented by CSC DO Anikoh and CSC OF Obieze, has conducted a dialogue aimed at fostering international cooperation on adopting and implementing a Data Governance Framework aligned with global best practices. 

The UNCTAD E-Week 2023 conference, which was held at the Centre International de Conférences de Genève (CICG) from December 4 to 8, shed light on the indispensable need for robust data governance, particularly in developing countries.

The session convened experts from both the public and private sectors to deliberate on key aspects such as accuracy, security, and standardisation in data governance.

Steven Pope from DHL stressed the importance of stringent controls on data sharing to prevent misuse, while Javier Garcia from the Universal Postal Union highlighted the necessity for national data governance frameworks to align with global provisions. 

Crucial facets of the discussion included fair compensation for data analysts, the role of data analysts in specialised agencies, addressing data quality and integrity, challenges faced by startups in accessing real data, and the opportunities and challenges of accessing private company data for policy-making.

A recurring theme was the need for international regulations to prevent data misuse. The consensus echoed the sentiment that data governance is fundamental to digital transformation.

Developing countries were urged to manage data on macro, regional, and international levels. The session stated the vital role of data sharing and usability between the private sector and regulatory institutions, focusing on privacy, security, and sustainable development. 

In the context of e-commerce supply chain businesses, the discussion recognised data governance as essential to reducing risks and ensuring data accuracy.

It called for understanding data structures, protecting accessed data, and implementing standards and technology.

Legal frameworks, such as the USMCA in Latin America and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), were emphasised to prevent unauthorised disclosure. 

The discussion highlighted that data storage is a global issue for agencies, and effective data governance streamlines management, improving efficiency.

Government and regulatory agencies were urged to adapt to changing data governance, especially in mobile money and e-commerce data systems. 

Facilitating cross-border data flows was discussed, with higher-level standards like the GDPR seen as beneficial, albeit with acknowledged concerns about non-uniform standards.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

On December 27, Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was officially sworn in as Governor of Ondo State, in a ceremony at the Cocoa Conference Hall in Akure.  

The oath of office was administered by Chief Judge Olusegun Odusola at 5:18 PM, in accordance with the law.  

Read full speech below: 

BEING AN ADDRESS BY THE NEWLY SWORN-IN GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE, HON. LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA HELD AT THE COCOA CONFERENCE CENTRE, OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE ON MONDAY, 27TH DECEMBER, 2023 

PROTOCOL 

It is with heavy heart that I accept this onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our State following the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved Governor, leader and dear boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON. 

The death of our Governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all, as we have all been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December 2023. Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings. 

Permit me to use this opportunity to condole with the immediate and extended family of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, HRM Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo and indeed the entire people of Ondo State over this monumental loss. 

The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dates back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in the Year 2012. The loss then did not affect our relationship as we continued to maintain a close political and personal relationship which climaxed in Year 2020 when he graciously picked me as his running mate for his Second Term as Governor of Ondo State. 

Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth even to his detriment. I remember vividly when we had a case in court challenging our second-term victory. He still pursued the matter of emplacing a strong security network for the people of the Southwest codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’.  

The People of Ondo State and the entire people of the Southwest will be eternally grateful for this bold act which has greatly improved the security architecture in the Region and reduced incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other acts of criminalities to the barest minimum especially in Ondo State. His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructural development, education, and industrial development as symbolised in the Ondo-Linyl Industrial Hub, Ore, his innovation in Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, his Tech Hub, etc will be difficult to surpass. 

The events which culminated in today’s ceremony is a watershed in the history of Ondo State as this is the first time we are having a transition in an administration. Today’s event has placed a burden on all of us to pull together and stay together as one because we have the onerous responsibility to continue to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which was good governance, properly called. Our leader and Governor, during his time, embarked upon several landmark projects, many of which have been completed and several ones ongoing. We now have the responsibility to complete them. It is to the credit of Arakunrin Akeredolu, that the State now has a flyover in Ore, while the one in Akure is ongoing. We must acknowledge with pride the wonderful achievements and legacies of Arakunrin Akeredolu. His records of performance are monumental and unprecedented. 

I want to assure the people of Ondo State that under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people. We shall always place the people first in every decision we take. It is my prayer, once more, that God Almighty shall grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. 

Let me use this opportunity to convey our deep appreciation to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Chairman of our party, His Excellency Alhaji Adbullahi Ganduje, the leaders of the party both at the National and State levels, the elders of our State, for providing succour and support to our State at this critical time.  

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to urge the people of Ondo State to continue to remember us in their prayers as we continue to emplace good governance in our dear State. 

May God continue to bless the people of Ondo State.