The Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolatito Shobowale, is dead.

According to reports, Shobowale had been battling an undisclosed illness for a long time before she succumbed.

The acting chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, Ladi Oluwaloni, confirmed the news in a tribute on Friday, describing her death as both shocking and devastating.

Oluwaloni emphasised that her legacy of selfless service, integrity, and commitment to good governance would continue to inspire future generations.

He extended his condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.

“As we bid farewell to this remarkable leader, we take solace in the fact that her impact will live on in the hearts and lives of those she served.

“May the Almighty grant her eternal rest and give us the strength to uphold the values she stood for,” he added.

Shobowale was widely regarded as a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in the growth and transformation of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA.

During her tenure, she championed infrastructural development, improved healthcare, and community empowerment initiatives, laying a strong foundation that continues to benefit residents.

Oluwaloni was sworn in as acting chairman just days ago by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following the prolonged absence of the substantive chairman.

He revealed that he received the sad news while on an official assignment at the Lagos State Secretariat.

“Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Shobowale was more than a leader; she was a mother, a mentor, and a pillar of strength to many.

Her passion for grassroots development, resilience in governance, and deep love for the people of Ayobo-Ipaja will never be forgotten,” he said

…..Grand Ambassadors of University of Calabar, inducted into Hall of Fame.

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of its establishment, the University of Calabar,the prestigious institution thursday evening honoured a number of eminent Nigerians including Dr Betta Edu, President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of the Representatives, Rt.Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and Cross River state Governor, Senator Bassey Otu among others.

They were awarded with the Grand Ambassadors and Legacy Face of the University. They were also permanently inducted into the University Hall of Fame.

Speaking shortly after she was conferred with the Award, Dr Edu thanked the University’s management for finding her worthy of the recognition, describing it as “incredible honour” and pledged to continue to be a good Ambassador of the University.

She also paid glowing tribute to President Bola Tinubu “for his support and fatherly guidance”Her words: “Thank you to the University’s esteemed Management and staff for this incredible honour. I am truly humbled to receive this award, and I am grateful for the recognition in the hall of fame.

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to my golden Vice Chancellor and her team , the Student Union Government and my lecturers who have always supported me throughout my journey, and built leadership foundation for my public service.

“I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude and joy,this award is not just a recognition of my own efforts, but also a testament to the far that more responsibilities have been given to me with far reaching impact in Nigeria and the globe.

Speaking further, Dr Betta Edu paid special tribute to Unical, describing the institution as “my very powerful University that actually built the leadership skills in me””To support the school’s infrastructural projects, Edu announced that “the Class 2009 of the Medical school will be contributing to the completion and equipping of the new medical center for University of Calabar and we will be doing that by supporting initially with N15 million Naira.

They have asked me to make this pledge on their behalf.Ealier in her welcome address, Professor Obi recounted the journey of Unical from its days as the campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and when it took off in 1975 as a full fledged university, and described the journey as ” 50 years of resilience, 50 years of impactful knowledge and service to humanity.

“We are very proud to have the Senate President of Nigeria as one of us. We are proud to have deputy speaker of the house of reps, the governor of Cross River state, Minister, senators and indeed the deputy governor Cross River State, we are very proud of My daughter, Doctor Betta Edu for always making the University proud, she added.

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has confirmed the release of withheld local government allocations for the state.

Ibas assured that necessary steps will be taken to ensure the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

He spoke on Friday during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt.

Ibas described the gathering as a pivotal moment in the collective effort to restore stability and progress in the state.

The sole administrator decried the economic hardship in the Niger Delta, saying that despite the region’s wealth of natural resources, its people continue to suffer.

“This is unacceptable,” he stated, emphasizing the need for transformation and accountability.

The administrator expressed concern over the delay in salary payments across local government areas, acknowledging the struggles of affected workers.

“I feel the pain of the workers,” he said, assuring them that the withheld allocations had been released and that his administration would ensure that salaries are paid without delay.