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The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a strategic platform for promoting solidarity, peace, development and the collective interests of member states. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, made this known on Thursday while delivering Nigeria’s official statement at the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to a statement from the Minister’s Media Office, Enikanolaiye commended the leadership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for convening the session, noting that Nigeria’s participation is guided by its Islamic heritage, domestic diversity and commitment to multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution, and respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter. Speaking on the election of the new OIC Secretary-General, the minister congratulated Ismaïl Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his emergence, stressing the importance of competence, integrity, experience, geographical balance and consensus in the selection process. The minister who noted that Nigeria was pleased with the spirit of unity demonstrated by member states, adding that the country would work closely with the new leadership to ensure a successful tenure, commended the outgoing Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, for his service. In a related development, the minister held a bilateral meeting with Ahmed shortly after his election, conveying congratulations on behalf of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian people. He pledged Nigeria’s support and called for increased visibility of OIC programmes in the country, as well as greater representation of Nigerians within the organisation. On the situation in Palestine, Nigeria reiterated its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The minister expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access and a lasting ceasefire. He also opposed forced displacement and any actions aimed at altering the demographic or territorial character of the occupied Palestinian territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif. Addressing Africa’s challenges, Enikanolaiye urged the OIC to prioritise developmental and security issues affecting the continent, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel. He called for stronger collaboration between the OIC and the African Union in areas such as counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, food and energy security, trade, education and infrastructure development. On the sidelines of the meeting, Enikanolaiye held talks with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Waleed Al-Khuraiji, and Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Mohammed Rahman Swaray, focusing on bilateral cooperation, regional security and economic integration. He also met with Sultan Bin Mahdi Al Dabbara to explore opportunities for enhanced business collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia through business-to-business partnerships. The minister called for greater unity and practical actions among OIC member states to advance shared interests and strengthen the organisation’s relevance in the evolving global order.
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The Omo Apesin of Ikireland and Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Lere Oyewumi, has expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state. He stated this when the people of Ikire town in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun state came together to celebrate and thank Almighty God for the victory. The senator thanked the entire people of Ikire for their unwavering love, confidence, support and commitment before, during and after the election. Blueprint reports that the celebration, which brought together party leaders, political stakeholders, community leaders, youths, women, supporters and residents across Ikire, was marked by gratitude to God and appreciation for the people who contributed to the success of the electoral process. Oyewumi particularly appreciated the people for standing together and demonstrating their confidence in the leadership of Governor Adeleke. He described the victory as a testament to the power of the people and a renewed mandate to continue delivering good governance and development to the people of Osun state. Senator Oyewumi, however, stressed that the election had now come and gone, urging everyone to put political differences aside and return to the path of unity, peace and collective development. The Ikire-born politician said, “The election has come and gone. What matters now is the future of Ikireland. We must come together as one people, regardless of political differences, and work collectively for the progress, peace and development of our land.” The senator appealed to supporters across political divides to embrace one another, avoid bitterness and rancour, and focus on issues that will improve the lives of the people. The federal lawmaker emphasised that politics should never be allowed to destroy the longstanding relationship, brotherhood and unity that exist among the people of the ancient Ikire community. He said the time had come for everyone including political leaders, traditional institutions, religious leaders, youths, women, professionals, business owners, civil servants and residents to join hands in building a more prosperous and peaceful Ikire. The celebration also provided an opportunity to appreciate the resilience and peaceful disposition of the people of Ikire throughout the electoral period, as Senator Oyewumi commended everyone who contributed to maintaining peace and democratic participation. He encouraged the people to continue to support initiatives aimed at advancing the community. He reiterated his commitment to the development of Ikireland and assured the people that their interests, welfare and aspirations would remain a priority. The gathering concluded with prayers of thanksgiving to Almighty God for the victory, with renewed calls for peace, unity and a stronger commitment to the collective progress of Ikire. As the political season continues, the message from Ikire is clear: the election is over, the people have spoken, and it is now time to unite, heal and build together for the XqdAgreater good of Ikireland.