Davido: With what my family went through before the Election, forgiving is very hard for me, but...

Afrobeat singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said he knew his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, would win Saturday’s governorship election but feared that the election might be rigged.

Davido said this while addressing a news conference on Tuesday in Ede, his hometown.

The singer said the election was a hard-fought battle for his uncle, adding that the people’s love and support for the governor helped him overcome intimidation before and during the election.

“They worked against him with vote-buying and intimidation, but he won.

“Someone called me before the election and said it would take only a miracle for us to win, but we eventually won,” he said.

Davido said the governor should serve as an example to other public officials in the country by delivering good governance to the people.

“This victory is a lesson that if you work well for the people, they will work for you, no matter what,” he said.

The singer also thanked the electorate for their support for the governor.

“To the Osun people who voted for us and defended their votes from the polling units all the way to the local government collation centres, I thank you.

“I really want to thank the Osun people for standing by the Adeleke family and making sure we were re-elected,” he said.

Davido said the governor had several plans for the development of the state, particularly in the area of sports.

He said that as Chairman of the Osun Sports Trust Fund, he would ensure the completion of the ongoing stadium project in the state.

“I will visit the stadium today. There are plans to also build a recreational centre for the youths, which will include a football field, swimming pools, basketball court, track and other facilities.

“Another project we are looking at is creating a concert centre, and by December, the stadium should be completed. I will hold a concert there,” he said.

He, however, said he had no future political plans in the state.

Davido said that, despite the stress and intimidation his uncle, aunt and father experienced before the election, forgiveness remained necessary for the future of the state.

I know what the whole family went through before the election, so forgiving is very hard for me, but it is something we all have to do for the future of Osun,” he said.

INEC, in the early hours of Sunday, declared Adeleke the winner after polling 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 444,815 votes.

The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, who declared the results at the INEC collation centre, said the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came a distant third with 17,180 votes.

Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, said the total valid votes cast were 985,079, while 20,721 votes were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 1,005,800.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

No Electoral Deal or Partnership with ADC before, during or after Osun Governorship Poll, says Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has denied claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the party helped him win Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said he had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during or after the governorship election.

The governor attributed his victory to God and the people of the state, adding that the ADC was never part of the coalition that canvassed support for his re-election bid.

He commended political partners who made sacrifices to ensure that the aspirations of the people were realised.

“I commend political partners who went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people.

“But we must clarify, for the sake of history, that ADC was never part of the alliance.

“Now that the election is over, I am a governor of all Osun people, irrespective of political groups, religion or race,” he said.

INEC, in the early hours of Sunday, declared Adeleke the winner after polling 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 444,815 votes.

The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, who declared the results at the INEC collation centre, said the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came a distant third with 17,180 votes.

Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, said the total valid votes cast were 985,079, while 20,721 votes were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 1,005,800.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

What I did to gain Global Attention for my Innovative Electric Vehicle Design - Nigerian Teenager

A 19-year-old automotive enthusiast from Katsina State, Nigeria, Ishaq Jamilu, has gained international recognition for his innovative electric vehicle design.

Jamilu’s electric vehicle design was recognised by the International Art Magazine Japan for its innovation.

The teenager, from Kusada Local Government Area of the state, disclosed this in an interview in Katsina on Monday.

He said his passion for automobiles began at an early age and motivated him to acquire relevant skills through self-learning.

Jamilu said he developed his knowledge through online research, technical drawing, 3D modelling and practical experience as a vehicle mechanic.

“I have always been passionate about automobiles. I started learning by myself through the internet, studying vehicle designs and practising through drawings and 3D modelling.

“My experience as a mechanic has also helped me understand how automotive designs can be developed into practical and functional vehicles,” he said.

He said his electric vehicle concept was designed to make electric mobility more affordable while maintaining performance, efficiency, durability and functionality.

According to him, the concept focuses on reducing production costs without sacrificing the essential features of modern electric vehicles.

Jamilu said the proposed vehicle featured a compact body structure, efficient use of space, a user-friendly interior and design elements aimed at improving energy conservation.

He said he was excited when his work attracted international recognition from the International Art Magazine Japan through his social media handle.

The teenager said the magazine featured his electric vehicle project in an article titled, “Revolutionising Affordable Electric Vehicles: Reducing Costs Without Sacrificing Performance.”

“I was very happy and surprised that a project I developed through self-learning in Katsina could attract the attention of an international art magazine in Japan.

“The recognition has encouraged me to work harder, improve my skills and pursue my dream in automotive design,” he said.

The young innovator said the recognition had also strengthened his desire to pursue formal education and professional training in automotive design.

“I want to study automotive design professionally, gain more knowledge and acquire the skills and equipment required to turn my concepts into functional vehicles.

“My ambition is to contribute to the development of affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles,” he added.

Jamilu said one of his previous projects involved modifying and redesigning a Peugeot 406 Sedan, combining his mechanical knowledge with creative automotive design.

He said his journey from Kusada to international recognition demonstrated the potential of Nigerian youths to develop innovative ideas through technology, determination and practical skills.

“I believe many Nigerian youths have great ideas, but they need encouragement, mentorship, training and access to modern equipment.

“With the right opportunities and support, young Nigerians can develop innovations that will attract international attention,” he said.

He appealed to government agencies, private organisations and individuals to support young innovators with specialised training, mentorship and opportunities to develop their talents.

Jamilu said he hoped to continue improving his electric vehicle concept and eventually contribute to the development of sustainable transportation in Nigeria.

According to him, the recognition is only an early step towards his broader ambition of becoming a professional automotive designer and contributing to affordable electric mobility.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline