Harvard scholars, others for Aregbesola’s birthday colloquium - Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics

From Toba Adedeji, Osogbo

Two dons from the University of Harvard in the United States of America (U.S.A) and the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom (UK) will be speakers at a colloquium in honour of the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Also to speak at the event, which will hold today, is a board member of the International Association of Political Consultants from Nigeria, Mr. Kurtis Adigba.

A statement by the organisers of the online event, Proumou Media Consulting, which was signed by its Head of Administration, Idowu Quadri, said the speakers are to examine via the online event: Leadership in Emergencies: Planning as Foundation for National Survival.

The firm said the event will hold online due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ordinarily, Ogbeni Aregbesola’s birthday for years now had been celebrated with a colloquium. But the prevailing COVID-19, which compels social distancing, discourages large gatherings, has compelled us to seek a way out,” the statement said.

Expected to be speak at the event is Aregbesola himself.

Journalist and media strategist, Semiu Okanlawon, is to moderate the event.

One of the speakers, Dr. Rabiat Opeyemi Akande, is a lawyer and an Academy Scholar at the Harvard University Academy for International and Area Studies, who received her doctorate from Harvard Law School in 2019 and her dissertation, a work at the intersection of constitutional law and international law, was awarded a dissertation prize.

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Another speaker, Alim Abubakre, is a Britain-based entrepreneur with an passion for training executives in Africa.

Kurtis Adigba, a policy analyst is also a lawyer and political consultant. He is the principal partner of Kurtis Adigba and Co., a law firm founded in 1998.

He is a public policy analyst famous for his brilliant contributions on Nigeria television networks, such as the Channels and TVC.

Aregbesola, who was governor of Osun State between 2010 and 2018, was appointed last year by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola congratulated Aregbesola as he marks his 63rd birthday.

A statement yesterday in Osogbo by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ismail Omipidan, hailed the former governor for his service to the state and specially thanked him for accepting to serve on the state’s Food and Relief Committee, despite his tight schedule.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of the State of Osun, I congratulate you on your birthday, and I pray that the Almighty Allah will perfect all that concerns you in life.

“I also pray that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you good health, peace and happiness.

“Enjoy your birthday anniversary to the fullest. Happy birthday to you,” Oyetola said.

The National Leader of a Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere Ilosiwaju Yoruba, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, described the minister’s birthday as the beginning of a new era in his service to humanity.

A statement by his Special Assistant, Mr. Temitope Adebayo, said Aregbesola is a rugged politician who sees every opportunity as a call to service.