Deaconess Akintola Christianah To Headline ANA Osun September Reading

 

DEACONESS AKINTOLA CHRISTIANAH TO HEADLINE ANA OSUN SEPTEMBER READING

 

The Osun State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA Osun) has announced that its September Monthly Reading will be headlined by Deaconess Akintola Christianah, a prolific author whose works have gained recognition across Nigeria. The literary gathering is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Ila Bar, Madam Aderinu Shopping Complex, Gbongan Road, MDS, Osogbo, Osun State, beginning at 12 PM.

This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of ANA Osun, Odetayo Wasiu Mobewaji and Olaonipekun Olatunde, who described the event as another milestone in the Association’s commitment to celebrating literary excellence and deepening the reading culture in Osun State.

Deaconess Akintola Christianah is a retired civil servant, accomplished author, mother, grandmother, and minister of the gospel. She is married to Pastor M. A. Akintola and has dedicated her life to the service of humanity, both in her professional and spiritual pursuits.

She served as the Coordinator of the Chartered Institute of Certified Secretaries and Reporters for ten years until her retirement from the civil service in 2012. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the Institute’s highest professional award (MCICSR) in 2007 at Enugu and was honored with the Osun State Merit Award in 2009.

As a writer, Akintola Christianah has authored six published prose works that continue to resonate with readers across Nigeria. Her titles include Wasted Endurance, The Exit of a King, Are You Longing for Egypt?, Is Salvation Free?, Spiritual Pride, and The Great Commission. Many of her works are already being used in schools across more than ten states of the federation.

The upcoming reading will offer participants an opportunity to engage directly with the author as she shares from her creative journey, her published works, and her reflections on faith, literature, and society. It will also serve as an avenue for writers, readers, and literature enthusiasts to network and exchange ideas.

According to ANA Osun, the September Reading will not only spotlight Akintola Christianah’s contributions but also strengthen the association’s vision of encouraging writers in Osun State to embrace the discipline of regular literary engagement. The organizers emphasized that the session promises to be both intellectually stimulating and spiritually uplifting.

The event is open to writers, readers, and the general public who are passionate about promoting creativity and sustaining a vibrant literary culture. ANA Osun encourages participation from literary enthusiasts, students, and lovers of books, as the platform remains a rallying point for nurturing creativity in the state.

For participation and further inquiries, interested individuals are advised to contact 08160881375 for directions and additional details about the event.

Soludo Hailed as APGA Chairmen Pass Confidence Vote on Ezeokenwa

 

 

SOLUDO HAILED AS APGA CHAIRMEN PASS CONFIDENCE VOTE ON EZEOKENWA

 

The 36 State Chairmen of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chairman, have jointly congratulated the Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on the resounding victory recorded by the party in the recent by-elections.

 

The State Chairmen also unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the National Chairman of the party, Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa, and the entire National Executive Committee (NEC), commending them for their unwavering commitment to repositioning APGA as a formidable political force across Nigeria.

 

It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APGA victorious in both the Anambra South Senatorial and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-elections conducted on Saturday. Results released on Sunday confirmed that the party swept all wards in the affected constituencies.

 

In the Anambra South Senatorial contest, APGA’s candidate, Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu, emerged victorious with 90,408 votes, far ahead of his closest challengers from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 19,812 votes, and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), which polled 6,538 votes.

 

Similarly, in the Onitsha North 1 State House of Assembly by-election, APGA’s flagbearer, Mimi Ifeoma Azikiwe, recorded a landslide victory with 7,774 votes, defeating her nearest rival from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who garnered 1,909 votes.

 

Prof. Frank Ojiako, INEC Returning Officer for the senatorial poll, declared Chief Nwachukwu duly elected, while Prof. Ibiam Ekpe, Returning Officer for the state assembly election, announced Azikiwe as the winner. The victories were hailed as a landmark moment, especially as it marks the first time APGA will represent Anambra South in the Nigerian Senate.

 

During their meeting, which was attended by the National Secretary, two Deputy National Chairmen, and six Zonal Chairmen, the State Chairmen applauded the dynamic leadership of Barr. Ezeokenwa. They acknowledged the visible growth of the party and the renewed confidence of Nigerians in APGA’s vision and values.

 

The State Chairmen particularly lauded initiatives introduced under the current National Executive, including membership digitalization, grassroots mobilization, stakeholders’ retreats, and preparations for upcoming governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States, as well as the 2027 General Elections.

 

In their resolution, the Chairmen affirmed that APGA is on the right trajectory, attributing the recent electoral victories to the unity of purpose, strategic reforms, and the inspirational leadership provided by the National Chairman and his team. They pledged continued loyalty and support to the national leadership in advancing the party’s growth and electoral fortunes.

 

The meeting concluded with renewed commitment to strengthening party structures nationwide, building on the momentum of the recent victories, and consolidating APGA’s position as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.

 

Signed,

Wole Adedoyin
Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the National Chairman of APGA
Member, APGA Publicity Committee

 

 

APGA Announces Continuation Of Membership Drive, Digitalization Of Delegate Elections

APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN ANNOUNCES CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP DRIVE, DIGITALIZATION OF DELEGATE ELECTIONS

 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, has reaffirmed the Party’s commitment to its ongoing membership drive and the full digitalization of its delegate election process.

 

This announcement was made during a high-level meeting held on August 28, 2025, at the Party’s National Headquarters, Abuja.

 

Present at the meeting were the National Secretary, two Deputy National Chairmen, six Zonal Chairmen, the thirty-six State Chairmen, and the FCT Chairman.

 

In his address, the National Chairman emphasized the urgent need for the Party to consolidate its membership structure as the 2027 general elections draw closer. He stressed that APGA must carefully define the future it envisions and remain united, cautioning leaders to be mindful of their political utterances, as such statements directly impact the image and unity of the Party.

 

Ezeokenwa recalled that on June 1, 2024, APGA officially launched the digitization of its membership database. However due to  financial constraints, and other logistical factors, the Party resolved to complement the electronic process with physical membership forms.

 

These forms, he explained, serve as an initial entry point before members are officially documented in the Party’s electronic system.

 

Each form has been designed with two detachable sections. The upper section is retained by the Party, while the lower section is issued to the applicant as a temporary membership slip. This dual-structure ensures that every member is properly recorded in the national digital database, which will ultimately replace the traditional paper register.

 

Ahead of the Party primaries, the National Chairman announced that the electronic register will be printed and distributed at state and local government levels. This register will serve as the only official document for the conduct of primaries. He revealed that the ongoing membership validation exercise will continue into the new year, after which permanent membership cards will be issued from January. Only members with the APGA permanent card, he reiterated, will be eligible to contest elections or serve as delegates.

 

To support the process, each State Chairman has already received 1,000 membership forms. The ICT Department at the National Headquarters will oversee the collation and input of completed forms into the Party’s electronic database. The National Chairman clarified that the APGA Membership Registration website remains active and relevant, with updates currently being made. Members who registered online, he noted, are not required to fill the physical form again.

 

He stressed that the physical membership form is a simplified alternative to the electronic process, designed to accommodate areas with limited internet access. State Chairmen were further instructed to return all completed forms promptly to the National Secretariat to facilitate timely digital documentation.

 

Turning to the issue of delegate elections, the National Chairman declared that APGA will no longer use physical delegate forms. Beginning next year, aspirants must log into a dedicated Party portal to complete and submit delegate forms electronically, including payment of prescribed fees. This, he said, will eliminate the fraudulent practices of the past, where fake delegate forms were produced and sold in large numbers.

 

For congresses, an official list of duly qualified delegates will be generated and printed directly from the Party’s database. This list will be the only recognized document for delegate elections. With this innovation, APGA reaffirms its position as the first political party in Nigeria to fully digitalize its membership and delegate processes, setting a new standard of transparency, accountability, and credibility in the country’s political landscape.

 

Concluding his remarks, Barr. Ezeokenwa urged Party leaders at all levels to fully embrace the membership drive and digital reforms. He described the initiative as a turning point in APGA’s history, one that will strengthen internal democracy and position the Party as a model of innovation and transparency in Nigeria’s democratic system.

 

Signed,

Wole Adedoyin
Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the National Chairman of APGA
Member, APGA Publicity Committee

 

 

APGA Sustains Membership Drive, Unveils Digital Delegate Election Plan

 APGA SUSTAINS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE, UNVEILS DIGIT DELEGATE ELECTION PLAN

By APGA Publicity Committee 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, has reaffirmed the Party’s commitment to its ongoing membership drive and the full digitalization of its delegate election process. 

This announcement was made during a high-level meeting held on August 28, 2025, at the Party’s National Headquarters, Abuja. 

Present at the meeting were the National Secretary, two Deputy National Chairmen, six Zonal Chairmen, the thirty-six State Chairmen, and the FCT Chairman.

In his address, the National Chairman emphasized the urgent need for the Party to consolidate its membership structure as the 2027 general elections draw closer. He stressed that APGA must carefully define the future it envisions and remain united, cautioning leaders to be mindful of their political utterances, as such statements directly impact the image and unity of the Party.

Ezeokenwa recalled that on June 1, 2024, APGA officially launched the digitization of its membership database. However due to  financial constraints, and other logistical factors, the Party resolved to complement the electronic process with physical membership forms. 

These forms, he explained, serve as an initial entry point before members are officially documented in the Party’s electronic system.

Each form has been designed with two detachable sections. The upper section is retained by the Party, while the lower section is issued to the applicant as a temporary membership slip. This dual-structure ensures that every member is properly recorded in the national digital database, which will ultimately replace the traditional paper register.

Ahead of the Party primaries, the National Chairman announced that the electronic register will be printed and distributed at state and local government levels. This register will serve as the only official document for the conduct of primaries. He revealed that the ongoing membership validation exercise will continue into the new year, after which permanent membership cards will be issued from January. Only members with the APGA permanent card, he reiterated, will be eligible to contest elections or serve as delegates.

To support the process, each State Chairman has already received 1,000 membership forms. The ICT Department at the National Headquarters will oversee the collation and input of completed forms into the Party’s electronic database. The National Chairman clarified that the APGA Membership Registration website remains active and relevant, with updates currently being made. Members who registered online, he noted, are not required to fill the physical form again.

He stressed that the physical membership form is a simplified alternative to the electronic process, designed to accommodate areas with limited internet access. State Chairmen were further instructed to return all completed forms promptly to the National Secretariat to facilitate timely digital documentation.

Turning to the issue of delegate elections, the National Chairman declared that APGA will no longer use physical delegate forms. Beginning next year, aspirants must log into a dedicated Party portal to complete and submit delegate forms electronically, including payment of prescribed fees. This, he said, will eliminate the fraudulent practices of the past, where fake delegate forms were produced and sold in large numbers.

For congresses, an official list of duly qualified delegates will be generated and printed directly from the Party’s database. This list will be the only recognized document for delegate elections. With this innovation, APGA reaffirms its position as the first political party in Nigeria to fully digitalize its membership and delegate processes, setting a new standard of transparency, accountability, and credibility in the country’s political landscape.

Concluding his remarks, Barr. Ezeokenwa urged Party leaders at all levels to fully embrace the membership drive and digital reforms. He described the initiative as a turning point in APGA’s history, one that will strengthen internal democracy and position the Party as a model of innovation and transparency in Nigeria’s democratic system.

Best Brain Initiative Honours Hon. Yemi Taiwo as Drug-Free Society Ambassador

 BEST BRAIN INITIATIVE HONOURS HON. YEMI TAIWO AS DRUG-FREE SOCIETY AMBASSADOR 

The Oyo State Library Board on Tuesday played host to the Best Brain Initiative Foundation, a youth-focused non-governmental organization committed to societal development, education, and the campaign against drug abuse. The visit was marked by an atmosphere of collaboration and recognition as both institutions pledged to work together for the advancement of young people in the state.

Leading the Foundation’s delegation was its Executive Director, **Amb. Dr. Ojewola Olawale**, who commended the Library Board for its continuous efforts in promoting literacy and youth empowerment. He noted that the Foundation’s mission aligns with the Board’s vision of nurturing young minds and equipping them with the knowledge and discipline needed to succeed.

The high point of the event was the **decoration of Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, as the “African Ambassador for a Drug-Free Society.”** The honour, bestowed by the Best Brain Initiative Foundation, was in recognition of his tireless commitment to creating an environment where young people can thrive free from the destructive influence of drug abuse.

In his address, Amb. Dr. Olawale described Hon. Taiwo as “a leader whose dedication to a drug-free society is both inspiring and exemplary.” He emphasized that Hon. Taiwo’s record of advocacy and policy direction in support of healthy living among youth makes him deserving of continental recognition.

Responding to the honour, Hon. Yemi Taiwo expressed deep appreciation to the Foundation, assuring them of his unwavering resolve to continue championing causes that safeguard the future of the younger generation. “This decoration is not just a recognition of my efforts, but also a call to greater responsibility. Together, with organizations like Best Brain Initiative, we will build a safer and healthier society,” he said.

The event also featured discussions on **strategic partnerships** between the Oyo State Library Board and the Foundation. Both parties agreed to design and implement joint programmes that focus on education, awareness campaigns, and drug prevention projects targeted at schools and communities within Oyo State.

Participants at the event highlighted the crucial role libraries play in shaping society, not just as knowledge centres, but also as safe spaces where youths can find alternatives to vices such as drug abuse. The meeting thus reinforced the importance of expanding the reach of the Library Board in its community engagement efforts.

The decoration of Hon. Taiwo as an African Ambassador also symbolizes a **continental recognition** of the importance of local leadership in addressing global challenges such as drug abuse. It further amplifies Oyo State’s role in setting an example for other regions across Africa.

As the ceremony drew to a close, both institutions reaffirmed their **commitment to collaboration**, pledging to intensify efforts that will foster literacy, empower youths, and promote drug-free lifestyles. The visit ended with renewed optimism for a stronger partnership that will drive positive social change.

With this landmark event, the Oyo State Library Board and the Best Brain Initiative Foundation have set a new pace for community-based advocacy, demonstrating that the fight against drug abuse requires unity, education, and dedicated leadership.

Chairman Yemi Taiwo, Oyo State Library Board Honour Soun of Ogbomoso on Birthday

 CHAIRMAN YEMI TAIWO, OYO STATE LIBRARY BOARD HONOUR SOUN OF OGBOMOSO ON BIRTHDAY

The Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, Hon. Yemi Taiwo, alongside the Board’s Management ably led by the esteemed State Librarian, Samuel Awotona, has extended warm felicitations to His Imperial Majesty, the Soun of Ogbomoso Land, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, on the occasion of his birthday.

This was contained in a goodwill statement issued and signed by Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, on Friday. The statement described the monarch as a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and visionary leadership whose reign continues to inspire his people.

The Board noted that the celebration of the Soun’s birthday is not just a recognition of his personal milestone, but also an opportunity to celebrate his unwavering dedication to the development, peace, and progress of Ogbomoso Land. According to the statement, Oba Olaoye’s reign has been a beacon of unity and a source of inspiration to many within and outside Oyo State.

The Oyo State Library Board highlighted His Majesty’s remarkable contributions to the growth of educational, cultural, and socio-economic development initiatives. Under his guidance, Ogbomoso Land has continued to thrive as a hub of learning, commerce, and cultural preservation, earning respect and admiration across Nigeria.

The statement emphasized that the monarch’s reign has promoted peace and stability while uplifting countless individuals and communities through visionary policies and unwavering support for inclusive growth. His efforts in fostering peaceful coexistence and educational advancement were commended as exemplary.

“As custodians of knowledge and promoters of literacy, we at the Oyo State Library Board recognize the immense value His Majesty places on education, enlightenment, and cultural heritage,” the statement read. “We are proud to identify with a monarch who embodies the ideals of progress, learning, and communal harmony.”

On this auspicious occasion, the Board joined the people of Ogbomoso Land and well-wishers across the globe in praying for the monarch’s continued strength, wisdom, and good health. It expressed confidence that his reign would remain characterized by peace, progress, and prosperity for his people.

The Library Board further reiterated its commitment to supporting the developmental initiatives of the monarch, especially in the areas of literacy promotion, cultural preservation, and community development. It pledged to work closely with His Majesty to nurture an enlightened and culturally vibrant society.

Igboora Welcomes Statewide Reading Campaign

 IGBOORA WELCOMES STATEWIDE READING CAMPAIGN 

The Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, Hon. Yemi Taiwo recently declared open the One-Day Readership Promotion Campaign held at the Igboora Township Hall, Ibarapa Central Local Government. 

The event, themed *“Building a Sound Mind for Academic Success,”* marked a significant push toward strengthening reading culture and academic development in rural communities.

Represented by Alhaja Sekinat Akanbi, Hon. Taiwo in his opening address acknowledged the presence and commitment of educators, students, community leaders, and sponsors in fostering literacy development. He underscored the role of libraries in shaping critical thinking, academic achievement, and continuous learning, especially in today’s information-driven world.

Hon. Taiwo emphasized that the ability to read, analyze, and comprehend information is now more crucial than ever. He called on educators and youth to embrace reading not just as an academic exercise but as a lifelong companion. He assured attendees that the Library Board remains committed to removing barriers to access and to making reading enjoyable and accessible for all.

He further stated that the Board is dedicated to improving library infrastructure, increasing access to reading resources, and launching creative programmes to stimulate reading interest among diverse populations. With those remarks, Hon. Taiwo declared the campaign officially open and called on all stakeholders to unite in advancing a culture of knowledge and literacy.

In his welcome speech, the State Librarian, Mr. Awotona Samuel, highlighted the importance of nurturing a strong reading culture among Nigerian youth. He lauded the turnout and enthusiasm of participants, stressing that libraries are key drivers of academic excellence, discipline, and personal growth. Mr. Awotona encouraged students to discover joy in reading and urged community leaders to help revive libraries within their communities.

The day’s activities included an enlightening lecture, the launch of Library Ambassadors, engaging Book Tasting sessions, and a competitive Spelling Challenge. Mr. Awotona applauded the active participation of students and reiterated the need for collective efforts in sustaining a vibrant reading culture across the state.

The Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Adeleke Olusola, represented by Hon. Atilola Oyeyemi, Chief of Staff of the Local Government, commended the initiative, noting that it was the first of its kind in Ibarapa Central. He reiterated the commitment of the local administration to building a modern library facility in the area, encouraging students to take full advantage of the learning opportunities being presented.

Guest speaker Dr. Oyewo Rasaq Oyekanmi delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled *“Building a Sound Mind for Academic Success.”* He explained that academic excellence stems from a sound mind—defined by clarity of thought, emotional balance, and resilience. Dr. Oyewo offered practical strategies for mental development and called for collaborative efforts from families, educators, and the broader community in supporting students' mental wellness.

Dr. Oyewo concluded by advocating for a balanced educational approach that incorporates mental health awareness into the school curriculum. He stressed that sound minds create successful students and responsible citizens, inspiring all present to view mental well-being as central to educational advancement.

In his goodwill message, His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, the Olu Igboora, represented by Chief Gani Adefemi, welcomed the initiative to his domain and commended the organizers. He expressed optimism that the planned library project in the area would accelerate educational growth and strengthen community development through literacy.

The event, attended by traditional rulers, educators, government officials, and students from across Ibarapa Central, was a remarkable step in repositioning libraries and reading as foundational tools for national development.

Library Ambassadors Launched to Champion Reading Culture

 

LIBRARY AMBASSADORS LAUNCHED TO CHAMPION READING CULTURE

 

In a major step to rekindle the reading culture among young learners, the Oyo State Library Board has successfully wrapped up its one-day Readership Promotion Campaign tagged “Building a Sound Mind for Academic Success”, held in Eruwa, the heart of Ibarapa East Local Government. The campaign, which took place at the prestigious Awojobi Hall, united students, educators, and stakeholders in a vibrant celebration of books, knowledge, and academic empowerment.

The event specifically targeted Junior Secondary School Two (JSS2) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students from selected schools across Ibarapa East. Its core mission was to promote reading as a fundamental pillar of academic success and intellectual development among adolescents in the region.

From motivational speeches to competitive spelling challenges and thought-provoking book tasting sessions, the event packed a punch of educational value and inspiration. One of the major highlights of the day was the official launching of “Library Ambassadors”—a corps of student champions selected to promote reading habits among their peers within their respective schools.

Declaring the event open, Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, captured the essence of the initiative in his powerful message. “Reading is more than just words; it’s a gateway to imagination, innovation, and critical thinking—skills essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world,” he said. His words resonated deeply with the young audience, as he urged them to see books as tools of transformation and knowledge sharing.

In his address, the State Librarian, Mr. Samuel Olukayode Awotona, emphasized the campaign’s vision: to cultivate sound minds by igniting a genuine passion for reading. “A well-read student is a well-informed citizen. Our goal is not only academic excellence but the development of critical thinkers and responsible future leaders,” he said, while commending teachers and partners who contributed to the campaign’s success.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Adejare Alabi, a renowned academic and educational consultant, delivered a compelling lecture on mental discipline, effective study habits, and the role of positive thinking in academic pursuits. “To succeed, students must treat their minds as gardens—what you read is what you sow,” he said, urging students to manage stress, embrace libraries, and read with purpose.

Teachers in attendance described the initiative as “long overdue” and praised the Library Board’s commitment to spreading the culture of reading, especially in underserved communities. According to them, the campaign filled a critical gap by motivating students to develop intellectual curiosity and stronger academic habits.

Students, on their part, were visibly excited and engaged. Many took part in the spelling challenge competition and book tasting sessions, where they were introduced to various genres of literature—ranging from inspirational to fiction and non-fiction works. Winners were awarded books and educational materials to encourage further reading.

The Library Ambassadors initiative was a particular favorite, drawing applause from the audience. These young ambassadors are expected to serve as literacy advocates in their schools, encouraging classmates to embrace books and participate in reading-related activities. Their selection was based on their enthusiasm, academic performance, and communication skills.

Also featured during the event were motivational talks by literacy advocates and educationists who emphasized that reading opens doors to boundless opportunities. The campaign’s message was clear: academic excellence begins with the habit of reading—and that habit must be nurtured from a young age.

Books and reading materials were distributed to participating schools, a gesture that underlined the campaign’s practical impact. Educators described the donation as a much-needed boost to their school libraries and teaching resources.

The campaign was not just an event—it was a movement. It served as a clarion call to parents, educators, and policymakers to invest in reading culture as a long-term strategy for youth development and community upliftment.

As the curtains fell on the day’s activities, students left Awojobi Hall inspired and motivated. “This has changed how I see reading,” said one SS2 student. “Now I know that books are not just for exams—they can also shape my future.”

The Oyo State Library Board, through this campaign, demonstrated that with vision, collaboration, and commitment, a literacy revolution is possible—even in the most rural parts of the state. The success of the Ibarapa East edition is expected to pave the way for similar interventions across other local governments.

In a world dominated by distractions, the message from Eruwa was loud and clear: reading remains the ultimate superpower. And with initiatives like this, the future of education in Oyo State looks brighter than ever.