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The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned one Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo before Justice E. N. Oluedo of the Enugu State High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu for fraud.
The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Thursday.
The statement partly read, “He is facing prosecution on a one-count charge, bordering on stealing by conversion to the tune of N41million. The offence is contrary to Section 342 of CAP 30, Criminal Code Law of Enugu State and punishable under Section 353 (L) of the same Law.
“The charge reads: ‘That you, Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo on or about the 23rd day of November 2015 in Enugu within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently converted to your own use, the sum of Forty-one Million Naira (N41, 000, 000. 00) being money received by you from one Onyishi Maduka Samuel for the family of late Ifemelunma Okoye, in your capacity as the liquidator of Ifemelunma and Company Enterprises Limited and thereby committed an offence.'”
Okonkwo reportedly pleaded “not guilty” when the charge was read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Ajobiewe Enitan asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional facility, while the defendant, who appeared for himself, applied that he be allowed to continue enjoying an earlier bail granted to him by Justice H. O. Eya of the same court, on the same matter.
The statement continued, “After listening to both sides, Justice Oluedo granted the defendant’s application and adjourned the matter to May 13, 14 and 15, 2025 for trial.
“The defendant was initially arraigned before Justice Eya of the same court on June 23, 2022. He pleaded “not guilty” and was granted bail.”
Similarly, PUNCH reported in January that the EFCC arraigned a lawyer, Benjamin Nwobodo before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu State.
He was reportedly brought before the judge on five charges bordering on forgery and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N12 million.
[Punch]
South Africa wants to find agreement with the new US government on diplomatic, trade and other issues, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Thursday, after harsh criticism of the country by Donald Trump.
Pretoria plans to send a delegation to Washington to settle a host of issues, Ramaphosa said at an event on the sidelines of G20 meetings in South Africa that were snubbed by the US foreign and finance ministers.
“We would like to go to the United States to do a deal,” he said in a discussion with Goldman Sachs vice chairman Richard Gnodde.
“We don’t want to go and explain ourselves, we want to go and do a meaningful deal with the United States on a whole range of issues,” he said.
Trump tore into the South Africa government early this month, accusing it of “confiscating” land from white farmers and announcing he would cut off funding.
He was referring to a bill that Ramaphosa signed into law last month that stipulates the government may, in certain circumstances, offer “nil compensation” for property it decides to expropriate in the public interest.
The new law is intended to go some way in addressing historic inequalities in land ownership, with the minority white population still owning most farmland three decades after the end of apartheid.
Ramaphosa said he had a “wonderful” call with Trump soon after the US leader took office in January. But relations later “seemed to go a little bit off the rails”, he said.
The US secretaries of state and finance later said they would not attend this month’s G20 ministerial meetings in South Africa.
The United States is South Africa’s second-biggest trading partner and will take over the rotating G20 presidency next year.
“We have got to make a deal of one sort or another on trade issues, on diplomatic issues, on political issues, a whole span of issues,” the South African leader said.
“It’s inevitable that we will get together and do a deal.”
Vanguard News
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has slashed the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, for the second time this month. It has cut N65 off the previous price of N890, bringing it down to N825 per litre at the gantry (ex-depot). This follows a N60 reduction on February 1.
The ex-depot price has thus decreased from N950 per litre in January to the current price of N825 per litre, representing a reduction of N125 per litre within 26 days.
This recent price reduction will also ensure that Nigerians pay between N860 and N865 per litre for petrol at the pump in Lagos.
In a statement from the first privately owned petroleum refinery in Africa, it was announced that the price adjustment will take effect from Thursday, February 27, and is intended to provide essential relief to Nigerians.
"This strategic price adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in celebration of the Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
"It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians. This marks the second reduction of PMS prices in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60 earlier in the month. Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season," the statement read.
The refinery highlighted that previous reductions have positively impacted the overall cost of living, benefiting various sectors of the economy. They also helped ensure that Nigerians did not experience the typical fuel scarcity and price hikes associated with the yuletide season.
Dangote reiterated that its high-quality products, which have become a favourite in both domestic and international markets, will remain available nationwide, particularly through its key partners—MRS Holdings, AP (Ardova Petroleum), and Heyden—at market-friendly rates.
"Nigerians will be able to purchase high-quality Dangote petrol at the following prices across our partners’ retail outlets: For MRS Holdings stations, it will be sold for N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 per litre in the South-West, N880 per litre in the North, and N890 per litre in the South-South and South-East regions, respectively.
"The same product will also be available at the following prices in AP (Ardova Petroleum) and Heyden stations: N865 per litre in Lagos, N875 per litre in the South-West, N885 per litre in the North, and N895 per litre in the South-South and South-East," it added.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand and a surplus for export, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The refinery called on marketers to support this initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of this effort.
"This collective action will contribute to the broader economic recovery plan led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is committed to making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub," it concluded.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has exported its products to Europe, America, Asia, and other regions, recently supplied jet fuel to Saudi Arabia. The refinery has confirmed it holds over 500 million litres of petrol in storage, enough to meet Nigeria's petrol demand for several days. Additionally, the refining capacity of the 650,000 barrel per day refinery has surpassed Nigeria's average daily requirement of 385,000 barrels.
…Decries Bleeding of Public Resources by Political Elite
…Hinges Coup D’etat on Poverty, Disempowerment of African Peoples
A leading Human Rights Activist and Political Science Scholar, Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine says Nigeria, the world’s largest black democracy is yet to pass Huntington’s two-turn over test in spite of gains in democratic transition evinced by the 26 years of unbroken civilian rule since 1999. He also posits that prevailing poverty, corruption and disempowerment of the African peoples make coup d’etat a veritable option on the continent.
Presenting the 103rd inaugural lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo titled, “SHIFTING FOR GOOD: THE WEAPON OF EMPIRICISM IN THE DISORDER OF A THIRD WAVE OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA“, Akhaine argues that this departs from progress.
“Despite some optimism about its democracy the country (Nigeria) is yet to pass the Huntingtonian two turn-over test after two and half decades of civil rule. It is anything but not an indication of progress,” he contends.
Samuel P. Huntington, a political scientist at Harvard University, in his article published in the Journal of Democracy and further expounded in his 1991 book, “The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century”, had identified three waves of democratization spanning 1828-1926, 1922-1942, 1943-1962, 1958-1975 and 1974 to now.
A wave of democratisation according to him, “is a group of transitions from non-democratic to democratic regimes that occur within a specified period of time and significantly outnumbers transitions in the opposite direction during that period of time. A wave also usually involves liberalization or partial democratization in political systems that do not become fully democratic.”
Drawing an allusion from Ghana’s leap with democratic transition that has seen power changing hands in four election cycles between the two leading parties - National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New People’s Party (NPP) since 2000, Akhaine notes that Nigeria has only witnessed transfer of power from the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) once in 2015.
“The Ghanaian democracy has grown qualitatively while Nigeria’s democracy has only grown quantitatively and not qualitatively.”
Concerted attempts at institutional building was evident in Ghana “as there were some innovations and incremental improvements in the electoral process and brinksmanship. For example, the Election Commission, the judiciary, and the election security task force demonstrated institutional
strength through resilience, professionalism, and impartial adjudication of electoral matters. The international community also helped to set up the Peace Council comprising religious and civic leaders that mediated election conflicts.”
Arguing that the Nigerian republic has continued to manifest the ills of the past, he attributes this to four major pathologies.
“One is the absence of free and fair elections. Virtually all the elections since 1999 have been rigged in absolute disregard of the democratic method anchored on the principle of consent of the governed.
“It got so bad that the Commonwealth Observers reported that Nigeria went below the standard, it set for itself in the 2007 election.
“The beneficiary of that election, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, admitted so and set up the Uwais Panel to reform the electoral process.
“Consubstantial to the absence of fair elections are the politically motivated killings that have blighted the political landscape.
“The third term genie reared its head and was quickly smashed by the combined forces of the political and civil society elite.
“Two, human rights violations have characterised every administration since 1999 exemplified by heinous violations such as Odi, Zaki Biam, and
more recently Okuama massacres. Boko Haram insurgency has created additional horrific human rights violations. Identity politics writ large in the polity.
“Three, apart from periodic ethnic clashes among the various ethnic groups, ethnic identity as of old has continued to define voting patterns.
“Four, The mismanagement of public funds has been unprecedented in Nigeria's fourth republic. In the Special Political Report on Nigeria, the Nigerian economy was described as one that was non-productive and rewarded indolence.
“This perspective of the national economy has not changed. The political elite constitutes
its most hideous façade. Politics has become the only game in town due to the opportunity it provides for the blatant looting of public resources.
“The bleeding of the national economy by public
officials is aggravated by expenditure on public office holders and sundry appendages. By some estimates, over 70 percent of national income is expended on recurrent expenditure to the detriment of capital expenditure. In Nigeria, we speak painfully of stolen billions “
Revealing that 27 countries in the African Continent were ravaged by a total of 56 coup attempts between 2010 and 2024, Akhaine, a leading figure in the campaign that saw the end of military rule in Nigeria in late 90s, argues that, “ in so far as we have a problem of poverty, intolerance, corruption and the consequent alienation of the people in the continent, coup d'état would remain a constant in the political equation of Africa and thus a permanent threat to democracy in the continent.”
“Democratic reversals in the form of coup d'état, or state-level militarism have bedevilled African countries under the third wave. It is as endemic,
and significant as to constitute a reverse wave within the third wave schema albeit momentarily.
“In Africa, coups are driven by both internal and external factors. The coups in Egypt, Zimbabwe, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger illustrate a mix of these factors.
“Internal crisis often arises from the economic contradictions of society. The inability of democratic political regimes to resolve the economic problems rooted in the structure of production and then fulfil the welfare content of democracy has caused democratic reversals in the form of coup d'état,” he maintains.
The inaugural lecture which was presided over by the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Adenike Boyo, had in attendance other principal officials of the university. They include the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Fanu, Bursar, Mr. Said Olayinka and Librarian, Dr. Omawumi Makinde.
Other prominent guests include former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former General Secretary, Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Chief Ayo Opadokun, former Private Secretary to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mr Odia Ofeimun and former Arts Editor, The Guardian, Mr Ben Tomoloju.
The capacity filled lecture held at the Buba Marwa Hall at the university’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos also attracted other guests, colleagues, political elite, actors in civil society and the media.
Akhaine, a former general secretary of Campaign for Democracy (CD), an organization led by fiery Dr Belo Ransome Kuti which played a frontline role in ending military rule in the 90s, has over 100 works in prominent journals, monographs, books and other publications. A specialist in Comparative Politics, he’s a member of the editorial board of The Guardian and The Constitution, A Journal of Constitutional Development, published by the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarization (CENCOD). He missed death by the whiskers shortly after his prolonged detention in the 90s when agents of the regime of General Sani Abacha pushed him off a moving truck.
…Maintains Continent Has Been Wracked By Massive Debts
…Wants a Strong State to Play Dominant Role
A University Don, Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine has lamented the insidious role of Bretton Woods Institutions (BWIs) - World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other agents of international finance in wracking and undermining the development of Africa over the years. He argues that while “the masses in Africa desire popular democracy that is both participatory and egalitarian and guarantees their basic material needs and self-actualization,” the international finance agencies led by the United States desires a political dispensation
congenial to finance capital and its realisation.”
Delivering the 103rd inaugural lecture of the Lagos State University titled, “SHIFTING FOR GOOD: THE WEAPON OF EMPIRICISM IN THE DISORDER OF A THIRD WAVE OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA“, Akhaine, a professor of Political Science contends that the economic policies reined in on African countries by these agencies of international finance have led to debt overhang which has virtually crippled their economies, wracking them to their knees thereby making them incapable of meeting their infrastructural demands to guarantee better life for their people.
According to him, World Bank and IMF engineered policies in Africa only promotes pauperisation of the people”.
Although the Bretton Woods Institutions- International Monetary Fund (IMF) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), also known as the World Bank, were established after the Second World War with the aim of “managing the post-war global economy and promoting international economic cooperation,”Akhaine argues they have become tools for domination of the less developed economies particularly Africa.
“Neoliberal economic policies from the BWIs are de-empowering for the states of the global south, and in particular, Africa. While they inflict on the state negative sovereignty, they also encourage authoritarianism that usually thrives well under the military. The problematic nature of democratic transition arises partly from long-time socialisation to the military ethos of the larger population. Therefore, demilitarisation remains a state-building problem.”
Notwithstanding the sundry macro-economic indicators and growth projections, he says, the economies of many African countries are prostrate with burgeoning debt burden put at $1.52 trillion as of 2023 according to the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“Africa's debt is put by some estimation at about $300 billion out of which that of sub-Saharan Africa alone is put at about $236 billion. Africa's debt represents about 11 percent of the developing world's debt estimated at $2.17 trillion as at 1997. In the last one and half decades an estimated $1.3 trillion in loan and debt servicing obligations went to the wealthy countries.
“Between 1970 and 2002, Africa received about $540 billion in loans, paid back $550 billion, principal and interest, and is still saddled with a debt cargo of $295 billion. For sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),
it has received $294 billion in loans and expended
$268 in debt services and is still indebted to the tune of about $210 billion,” he reveals underlining the chilling statistics about Africa’s debt crisis.
Dismissing neoliberal policies which tend to favour rolling back the state in economic planning, Akhaine posits that, “The state needs to be brought back into the development equation. Truly, the enormity of the continent's problems requires a capable state. I have traversed the continent to know that our problems cannot be solved by private capital and philanthropy, the state must be brought back to the table.”
“The era of the third wave has been coterminous with ravages and pillaging of capital. The concept of rolling back the state has become the rallying cry of capital underlying the Marxist conception of the state as the executive committee of the dominant class in society.
“The polity requires a re-orientation of civic value.
Equally, the lack of accountability was a major administrative deficit under military rule. Solving these issues requires a grand approach in the form of process-led constitution-making to produce a grundnorm that engrosses a corpus of democratic rights and power distribution such as fundamental human rights including freedom of the press, association, and the rule of law and separation of powers in ways that the people will become the boss of democracy.”
“This foregrounds the need to review the structure of production in Africa reified, over time, by sundry market and peripheralisation measures coming from agencies of global governance that I have dubbed elsewhere as policies of secondary uneven development, that is, post-colonial policies that reinforce extant inequalities caused by the slave trade and colonialism.
“Colonial states linked African economies to global capitalism through commodification and export production. It oriented Africans towards the production of products with exchange-value thereby entrenching a counterproductive dependency. As Ake (1981) has noted, the inherited colonial economy logically reinforces disarticulation inherent in the production of exchange value in place of use-value.
“The political elite, largely neo-colonial in outlook, have been unable to surmount this contradiction and achieve the goal of governance. The situation has been aggravated by the fact that the transition from colonial rule was hurriedly done “without any fundamental transformation in the economic, cultural and bureaucratic domains.
“Worse still is the fact that the process of integration into the global economy was accompanied by an intentionality that undermined the development of indigenous capital that could have aided the development of a liberal democratic order as in the metropole. So, Africa lacks the bourgeois class capable of coalescing other classes in society into a system of bourgeois representation that is liberal democracy
“This deficit has found expression in class and ethnic cleavages in the quest for an elusive legitimacy. The consequences are protests and tensions in the society which have attracted authoritarian tactics easily exploitable by other power contenders in society. Therefore, Africa must disengage from extroversion and unleash its productive forces while fostering pan-African trade and cooperation in line with Agenda 2063,” Akhaine postulates.
The inaugural lecture which was presided over by the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Adenike Boyo, had in attendance other principal officials of the university. They include the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Fanu, Bursar, Mr. Said Olayinka and Librarian, Dr. Omawumi Makinde.
Other prominent guests include former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former General Secretary, Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Chief Ayo Opadokun, former Private Secretary to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Odia Ofeimun and former Arts Editor, The Guardian, Mr Ben Tomoloju.
The capacity filled lecture held at the Buba Marwa Hall at the university’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos also attracted other guests, colleagues, political elite, actors in civil society and the media.
Akhaine, a former general secretary of Campaign for Democracy (CD), an organization led by fiery Dr Belo Ransome Kuti which played a frontline role in ending military rule in the 90s, has over 100 works in prominent journals, monographs, books and other publications. He’s a member of the editorial board of The Guardian and The Constitution, A Journal of Constitutional Development, published by the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarization (CENCOD). He missed death by the whiskers shortly after his prolonged detention in the 90s when agents of the regime of General Sani Abacha pushed him off a moving truck.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Adenike Boyo with Prof Sylvester Odion Akhaine
![[PRESS RELEASE] Enough is Enough! The Senate Must End Its Systemic Disrespect of Women](/media/k2/items/cache/c3227c3b3c030f411fdd2e4ff3e33fb6_M.jpg)
We at Purple Women Foundation (PWF) are deeply disturbed and outraged by the deplorable treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The recent incident, where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was ordered to be removed from the chamber, is not just an attack on her as an individual but a glaring reflection of the entrenched misogyny in Nigerian politics.
The way the few women in the National Assembly are treated is unacceptable. The issue with Natasha is not new, it is part of the daily business of a male-dominated political system that thrives on disregarding, infantilising, and silencing women. Is it any wonder that there are only three female senators (out of 109 seats) eight female deputy governors (out of 36), and just 17 women in the House of Representatives (out of 360 seats) The exclusion of women is not accidental; it is deliberate.
This is not an isolated incident. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has repeatedly faced intimidation, condescension, and outright hostility from the Senate President, an attitude that extends towards the other two female senators. The remarks made by Mfon Patrick, reportedly an aide to Senator Akpabio, dismissing her response as “bottled-up anger” and making sexist, misogynistic comments about her appearance, are appalling and wholly unacceptable.
As a democratically elected representative of her constituency, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity, equal to that of her male counterparts. It is wholly condemnable that she, and other women in the Senate, are daily subjected to such segregationism, impertinence and chauvinism. If this is how they treat women in the highest echelons of power, one can only shudder to think how they treat women behind closed doors.
Purple Women Foundation stands in unwavering solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
We demand that the Senate President and the National Assembly take immediate steps to address the toxic, exclusionary, and misogynistic culture that has become synonymous with the 10th Assembly. We call on all Nigerians to condemn this pattern of behaviour and to advocate for a political system that is truly inclusive, respectful, and gender-balanced.
Women in leadership, especially in Nigerian politics, must be granted the same honour, dignity, and respect as their male counterparts. Anything less is an affront to justice and democracy.
Dignity, equity, and justice are not gendered words it's time we demand that our leaders uphold them for all. Stand up, speak out, and insist on a political system that respects and values women.
#RespectForWomen #SolidarityWithNatasha #PWFStandsWithWomen
Signed:
Adegbite Adenike
PWF Secretariat
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally issued the notice of elections for the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The commission on Wednesday in a statement, said that the early notice, aligned with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the announcement of elections in advance.
“Nomination papers for all elective positions must be submitted through the commission’s online portal and delivered to its headquarters in Maitama, Abuja,” the statement said.
The commission said the exercise would take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 8:30am, in all polling units (PUs) across the FCT.
The notice said only registered voters whose names appear on the voter register and possess valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), would be allowed to cast their ballots.
It also said that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), would be deployed for the election, reinforcing its ‘No PVC, No Voting’ policy.
The commission, therefore, urged all eligible voters and stakeholders to take note of these guidelines and prepare accordingly.
[DailyTrust]
[PRESS RELEASE] Hon (Dr) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, The Executive Chairman, Odogbolu Local Government Mourns His Royal Majesty, Oba Olusegun Adedeji Onagoruwa, Elesi 1, Alayaye Of Odogbolu
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Hon (Dr) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, The Executive Chairman, Odogbolu Local Government Mourns His Royal Majesty, Oba Olusegun Adedeji Onagoruwa, Elesi 1, Alayaye Of Odogbolu](/media/k2/items/cache/15fb0c0f888779e0508782ed1234971e_S.jpg?t=20250226_080849)
With deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the Government and people of Odogbolu Local Government, Ogun State, mourn the passing of our highly revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa, Elesi 1,Alaye of Odogbolu, who has joined his ancestors. This solemn occasion marks the end of a glorious era of wisdom, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the prosperity of our land.
The reign of Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa was a beacon of peace, progress, and unity, laying a formidable foundation for the socio-economic development of Odogbolu. Under his visionary leadership, our community witnessed remarkable transformations, empowering our people and strengthening the cultural heritage that defines us. His Royal Majesty was an embodiment of grace, justice, and fairness, earning him the admiration and respect of all.
The Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Dr. Babatunde Diya, expresses his heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the chiefs, and the entire people of Odogbolu. In his tribute, Dr. Diya acknowledged the personal and historical significance of Oba Onagoruwa’s reign, recalling the instrumental role played by the late Asiwaju of Odogbolu and formal Chief of General Staff to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, LT General Donaldson Oladipo Diya GCON, in facilitating the ascension of Kabiyesi to the throne. He further emphasized the long-standing relationship between the Diya and Onagoruwa families, strengthened by the invaluable contributions of the late monarch’s elder brother, *Olu Onagoruwa, former Attorney General of the Federation.
In this moment of collective mourning, Dr. Diya calls upon the good people of Odogbolu to remain steadfast in unity and to preserve the legacy of our beloved Oba by upholding the principles of peace, equity, and community-driven development that he so passionately championed.
As we bid farewell to our dearly beloved King, we draw strength from the indelible mark he has left on our land. His wisdom, benevolence, and leadership will forever be a guiding light for generations to come. May his soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty.
Signed, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya
Executive Chairman,
Odogbolu Local Government,
_Ogun State.
A bus driver, Ali Isah, has narrated how he escaped gunmen who kidnapped Afenifere Youth Council President, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, last week Monday in Ondo state.
In a video exclusively obtained by The Nation, the driver who suffered gunshot injury from the kidnappers said the incident occurred at Akuni, an Ondo bother town in Kogi State.
Narrating how the incident occurred, Isah said his bus had 18 passengers who were going to Kano from Akure that fateful day, adding that as soon as they passed the checkpoints mounted by security operatives, they noticed a Hummer bus was advancing in the opposite direction.
“When the bus got closer to us, the bandits opened fire. They were shooting. At first, I didn’t know that I had been shot in my leg until they had left.
“They used the Hummer bus to pack people into the bush. It happened at Akuni in Ondo State, near Ayare in Kogi State.
“When I realized that bullet hit my leg, I kept it on the throttle and continued to drive until I entered Kogi State.
“Because I was bleeding, I lost consciousness and when I woke up, I saw that I was at the hospital receiving treatment,” he said.
The Nation gathered that the driver was discovered unconscious with bullet wounds by policemen from Ayare Division in Kogi who immediately commenced efforts to stabilize him.
A source told our Correspondent that as soon as he was discovered, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi was contacted about his situation and he directed that he should be given immediately medical attention to stabilize him.
“The CP directed that we must ensure he is stabilized so that he can be questioned. After stabilizing him, the man narrated how he escaped from kidnappers in Akuni and so, the CP asked that the division should contact the Akuni Police Station where the incident happened so that they will take the driver’s statement.
“We did not know that Ojajuni was a victim of that incident. We just did our job and ensured that an unconscious man with bullet injury received treatment and regained consciousness and the division where the incident occurred was notified so they can carry on with their investigation,” said the source.
Meanwhile, a coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders on Monday night added their voice to the call for Ojajuni’s release, urging President Bola Tinubu to marshal all available resources and direct the full might of our security apparatus to secure the immediate and unconditional release of Ojajuni.
A statement signed by the National Secretary, Akeem Adeleke, also appealed to Southwest governors to collaborate and employ all necessary measures to ensure that Prince Ojajuni is rescued from his captors without delay.
It solicited the intervention of prominent traditional rulers from the southwest, adding that they should leverage their esteemed positions to advocate for the swift liberation of Prince Ojajuni.
The coalition confirmed that the kidnappers had escalated their demands insisting that two tricycles must be added to the N100 million earlier requested with a “menacing deadline set for Tuesday (today), at 3 PM. Failure to comply, they assert, will result in the execution of Prince Ojajuni.
“This alarming ultimatum exacerbates the perilous situation and amplifies the urgency of immediate intervention.
“Prince Ojajuni is not merely a leader; he embodies the aspirations and vigor of our youth, tirelessly championing the cause of the Yoruba people with unparalleled dedication and fervor.
“His abduction is not just a personal tragedy but a grievous affront to the collective conscience of our race and the nation at large.
“The scourge of kidnapping has cast a long and ominous shadow over our nation, instilling fear and eroding the sense of security that is the bedrock of any thriving society. “The liberation of Prince Ojajuni will not only reaffirm our collective resolve against such nefarious acts but also serve as a resounding testament to our unyielding commitment to justice and the protection of our citizens.
“Time is of the essence. Each moment that Prince Ojajuni remains in captivity deepens the anguish of his family, friends, and the broader community.
“We earnestly plead for your immediate intervention to bring this harrowing ordeal to a swift and just conclusion,” the statement added.
[TheNation]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again called for synergy and cooperation among security agencies to deal a final blow to what is left of terror attacks, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.
To this end, he restated his administration‘s resolve to improve the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)’s institutional capacity and position the force to actualise its inherent mandate as the frontline agency in internal security.
President Tinubu gave the charge on Monday in Abeokuta when he officially opened the fifth annual Strategic Security Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in the Ogun State capital.
The President, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, implored the conferees to focus a significant portion of their discussions on strategies for multi-agency collaboration.
“During my visit to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, I stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges.
“Synergy among all security agencies is vital to eliminating banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality. Please dedicate a significant portion of your deliberations to advancing strategies for multi-agency collaboration,“ he stated.
According to the Nigerian leader, the retreat‘s timing is crucial in advancing his administration‘s goals, just as the conference theme, „Improving Nigeria‘s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,“ aligns seamlessly with the administration‘s core objectives.
However, he observed that while one of the administration‘s objectives is to use the nation‘s human and natural resources to foster economic growth, the vision cannot be attained until the country‘s internal security becomes stable.
“We are committed to fostering economic growth by leveraging the vast potential of our human and natural resources. However, this vision is unattainable without a stable internal security landscape and strong stakeholder collaboration,“ the President noted.
President Tinubu pointed out that since coming on board in 2023, his administration had „embarked on bold and decisive reforms to address the deep-rooted challenges stemming from years of mismanagement and neglect.“
He listed the impact of some of the reforms in various sectors, including internal security, food security, unemployment, inflation, and infrastructure, acknowledging that they may have been quite challenging at the onset.
Noting that the reforms are vital to realigning Nigeria with the vision of its founding fathers, the President said, „We have introduced reforms to restore investor confidence, stabilise the macroeconomic environment, and reduce inflation.
“We are also taking firm measures to instil fiscal discipline, stabilise the foreign exchange market, and eliminate financial leakages by removing fuel and electricity subsidies. These efforts free up critical budgetary resources, enabling us to address long-standing infrastructure deficits.
“We are investing in roads, railways, and energy projects through public-private partnerships, which will lower transportation costs, expand market access, boost productivity, and create much-needed jobs.“
Mindful of creating an environment where businesses and investments flourish, President Tinubu said his administration has prioritised strengthening the nation‘s security agencies and their operational capabilities by equipping them with enough „to confront emerging threats and effectively combat crime.“
The President reaffirmed his administration‘s resolve to enhance „the institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring it is more effective and well-positioned to fulfil its constitutional mandate as the lead agency in internal security.“
He outlined the government‘s efforts to achieve this, including recruiting and retaining a competent workforce while fostering a positive and supportive work environment and bridging existing security infrastructure and equipment gaps „through a comprehensive and sustainable programme that includes renovating police barracks, improving mobility, and upgrading essential combat and protective gear.
“Implementing the new minimum wage is among the many steps we have taken to enhance the welfare of Nigerian workers, including police personnel. We will continue collaborating with the police leadership to provide financial incentives to motivate officers and all security personnel to perform at their highest levels.
“While no remuneration can truly compensate for the sacrifices made by our security forces, we remain committed to supporting them in their crucial role of keeping Nigeria safe and united,“ he added.
Acknowledging that security is a shared responsibility, President Tinubu charged communities and the citizens to „actively collaborate with the police to foster a safer society.
“No matter how well-funded, well-equipped, or well-trained a police force is, it can not succeed without the cooperation of the people it serves. Public engagement and trust are central to the success of inclusive policing,“ he maintained.
Earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State applauded President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their visionary leadership, saying their unwavering commitment to peace and national prosperity has continued to inspire him and his colleagues.
He observed that security underscores the ideal society where citizens feel saved, valued and protected, stressing that security and development are intertwined.
He highlighted Ogun State‘s contributions to efficient policing, including securing more police vehicles and motorcycles and collaborating with the French government to Secure high-tech drones.
In his welcome remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described the annual Police conference as “a critical platform for assessing the administrative and operational strategies of the Nigeria Police Force, extensive insight and realigning policy objectives with evolving global security landscape.”
He stated that in the past two years, the conference has offered valuable insight that has served contemporary policing in Nigeria, promoting innovation, collaboration and best practices.
He said the conference‘s theme naturally flowed from the last conference, which focused on the broader issues of enhanced security mechanisms and international development, emphasising internal policing.
Also, the Inspector General of Police of Kenya, Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho, said Kenya and Nigeria have enjoyed a cordial and mutual relationship for many years while seeking good benefits for their citizens.
He noted that, as African Union Police Chief, he had informed the AU heads of state and government during their meeting in July 2023 in Nairobi of the need for joint exercise and security training, particularly in surveillance of the respective borders in the wake of terrorism and trans-border crimes.
He called for collaboration to improve the needs and welfare of the citizens.
Similarly, the Inspector General of Police of Rwanda, CG Felix Namuhoranye, described the conference theme as „very significant, timely and relevant, as we resonate with the security concerns not only in Nigeria but also in Africa in general.“
He said development and peace could only occur in a secure environment, noting that inclusiveness is a moral obligation necessary in the police force and paramount in government policy.
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![[PRESS RELEASE] Chief Ayodele Adebanjo Scheduled For Burial On May 3, 2025](/media/k2/items/cache/de378ef3b2f3edcd921d14446268ecf8_XS.jpg)
Following the passing of our patriarch, elder statesman and nationalist, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo (April 10, 1928 – February 14, 2025), the family hereby notifies you of the funeral activities:
- Day of Tributes/ Service of Songs: Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Venue: Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos Time: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Wake: Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 Venue: Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s Country Home, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Church Service/Final Burial: Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 Venue: St Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Thanksgiving: Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 Venue: St Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
We covet your prayers for the family and your professional support as we continue with the preparations to give him a most befitting burial. We also look forward to your esteemed presence at all the events.
Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.
Signed:
Ms Ayotunde Ayo-Adebanjo
Mrs Adeola Azeez
Mr Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo
For the family
NB: For enquiries, please call Mr Akin Oshuntokun (+2348037021187), and Biodun Azeez (08055144956, 08055166673 WhatsApp only).
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, have been sworn in for a fresh four year term.
The Chief Justice of the state, Olusegun Odusola administered the oath to Aiyedatiwa and Adelami amid the presence of the people of the state and dignitaries who witnessed the event.
While taking the oath of office, the number one and number two citizens vowed to uphold the constitution, work within its dictates, and ensure the well-being of the people of the state.
The inauguration marks the takeoff of a new administration in Ondo State.
Present at the oath-taking event were the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Ekiti, Abiodun Oyebanji, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Youth Development, Ayo Olawande, among others.
All officers recruited before the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) establishment on June 30, 2004, including inspectors and rank-and-file staff, have been directed by the Nigerian Police authorities to submit their information.
Naija News understands that the impacted officers must submit their details to the administrative office of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command Headquarters in Abuja by Monday, February 24, 2025, per an urgent police wireless communication that SaharaReporters exclusively obtained on Sunday.
They are required to give the following details: serial number, name, gender, date of retirement, pension pin, PFA name, wage structure as of June 30, 2004, and their grade level and step as of 2004.
The memo reads, “Pension scheme X as matter of urgency X all officers X Inspectors X rank and file X enlisted before the PFA come in to existence on 30 June 2004 X down ward X to submit their details to admin office urgently X on or before Monday being 24/02/2025 unfailingly for onward to pension office FCT Police Command Headquarters Abuja X under the following heading X S/No X Name X Gender X Date of Retirement X Pension Pin X PFA Name X salary structure as at 30 June 2004 X grade level and step as at 2004 X You’re further warned to make sure that all information provided are correct or you have yourself to be blame X above for your strict compliance.”
Naija News recalls that in early February, President Bola Tinubu acknowledged that Nigerian police officers’ existing salaries are inadequate given the nation’s economic circumstances and promised to rectify the inadequacy of the pension system for them.
At a recent interactive session with retired police officers and Nigeria Police Pensions stakeholders at the Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun made this news.
According to the police head, President Tinubu has received a fresh proposal to improve the force’s pension scheme.
According to Egbetokun, Tinubu concurred at a recent meeting that the nation’s retired police officers should receive higher compensation.
The IGP added that in order to improve the welfare of its employees, the force has asked the government for an annual intervention sum.
Human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore reaffirmed his opposition to oppression on January 30 by participating in the ‘Egbetokun Must Go’ demonstration at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
This came after his release on ₦10 million bond, which included surrendering his passport and one surety of the same sum. They said he called Egbetokun the ‘illegal IGP’.
Speaking to the audience, Sowore declared that threats would not silence him.
In support of the resentful police officers, Sowore clarified that their well-being must come first.
“If it means organising a nationwide protest for their rights, we are ready. We are not doing this to patronise the police, but as employees of the Federal Government, they deserve housing, quality education for their children, and salaries that reflect their crucial role. A banker they protect earns more than them, yet without the police, banks cannot even open,” he said on the court premises.
[NaijaNews]