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FG Intensifies Call for Action Against Sexual Violence

June 20, 2026 by admin

The Federal Government has advocated a collective, society-wide effort to eradicate conflict-related sexual violence, calling on relevant stakeholders to reinforce measures aimed at prevention, victim protection, and accountability in order to better protect vulnerable groups in affected communities across the country. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the call in a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict globally, on Saturday in Abuja. She said conflict-related sexual violence remained one of the gravest consequences of insecurity, terrorism, violent extremism and armed conflict, with far-reaching implications for peace, stability and national development efforts. According to her, the crimes inflict lasting physical, emotional and psychological harm on survivors, while weakening families, destabilising communities and creating obstacles to recovery, reconciliation and social cohesion. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said women and girls bore the greatest burden of conflict-related sexual violence, although men and boys were also affected, often facing stigma and challenges in accessing support. She described sexual violence in conflict as a threat to national security, social cohesion and sustainable development, stressing the need for coordinated interventions to address the growing menace effectively. The minister called on security agencies, judicial institutions, schools, healthcare providers and social welfare services to strengthen collaboration and improve preventive and response mechanisms against the menace nationwide. She also urged traditional and religious leaders to support efforts aimed at preventing violence, protecting vulnerable groups and promoting values that encouraged peace, dignity and mutual respect everywhere. Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on community organisations and development partners to deepen awareness campaigns, strengthen prevention efforts and expand survivor-support initiatives aimed at addressing conflict-related sexual violence nationwide. She appealed to parents and caregivers to promote values of respect, empathy and peaceful coexistence within families and communities, describing such efforts as essential to violence prevention. According to her, strong families remain the first line of defence against violence, abuse, exploitation and radicalisation, helping to nurture responsible citizens and strengthen social stability nationwide. The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report cases of abuse, trafficking, exploitation and other forms of violence, emphasising the importance of community participation in prevention efforts. She also called on the creative industry to use its influence to challenge harmful norms, promote positive social values and encourage attitudes that rejected violence and discrimination. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said filmmakers, musicians, broadcasters, content creators and social media influencers could help shape attitudes, raise awareness and inspire behavioural change across communities throughout the country. She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting survivors through access to justice, healthcare and psychosocial services aimed at promoting recovery, healing and restoration of dignity. The minister also advocated increased investment in shelters, Sexual Assault Referral Centres, legal aid services, research initiatives and institutional coordination mechanisms to strengthen survivor protection nationwide. She said preventing violence must remain central to national efforts to protect women, children and other vulnerable populations from abuse, exploitation and conflict-related harm across Nigeria. Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged Nigerians to stand with survivors and work collectively to build safer communities free from violence and exploitation, while promoting peace, justice and inclusion for all. NAN

Abubakar Pursued Abiola’s Release Before His Death – Obasanjo

June 13, 2026 by admin

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday disclosed that former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), was actively working to secure the release of June 12, 1993 presidential election winner, Chief MKO Abiola, before Abiola’s sudden death in detention. He revealed that Abiola’s son, Kola, was already in Abuja to take his father home when news of his death broke. Obasanjo made the disclosure at the public presentation of three books in honour of Abubakar’s 84th birthday, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and attended by President Bola Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour. Describing the events surrounding Abiola’s case, he revealed details of private conversations he had with Abubakar during the period. “Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released and you kept me regularly informed, and also related messages to the family. “Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened. “I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘our man is dead,’” Obasanjo said. Describing Abubakar as “a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker,” Obasanjo recounted how the former Head of State steadied the nation in the immediate aftermath of Gen. Sani Abacha’s death in June 1998, and moved quickly to defuse the political crisis surrounding Abiola’s continued detention. “You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death. You emerged from the cloud and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation. Political prisoners were released, and I was. “As has been said by the President of the Senate, the National Assembly is a beneficiary of that,” Obasanjo said. The former President also credited Abubakar with initiating and sustaining Nigeria’s return to democratic governance, noting the speed with which the transition was accomplished. “Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored,” he said. Speaking earlier at the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Abubakar as “a remarkable statesman with a lifetime of dedication to the service of the nation and humanity,” and recounted his role in guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition to civilian rule. Jonathan commended the former Head of State for what he described as uncommon courage and selflessness in promoting peace and progress in Nigeria, as well as his continued advocacy for peace in the years since leaving office, a legacy, he said, measured not by the number of years in office but by the achievements recorded. He further praised Abubakar for stabilising Nigeria’s democracy and for resisting any pressure to remain in office longer than necessary, describing it as a defining act of statesmanship. The former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, formally introduced the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre to the gathering, the initiative for which President Tinubu, in his remarks, directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate land along the Airport Road in Abuja, with the Federal Government committing to fund its construction. Saturday’s event featured the public presentation of three books: ‘Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,’ with a foreword by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; ‘Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar’; and ‘Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,’ reviewed by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR. The programme was chaired by former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, and featured a keynote address on “Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,” delivered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. Abubakar became Nigeria’s 11th Head of State following Abacha’s death on June 8, 1998, after the Provisional Ruling Council elected him over Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi in a vote he describes in his autobiography. Abiola, who had been detained since 1994 after declaring himself president based on his landslide victory in the annulled June 12, 1993 election, died in custody on July 7, 1998, just over a month after Abubakar assumed office. Abubakar went on to oversee a transition programme that handed over power to President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.

Chimamanda Adichie Raises Cover-Up Allegations Against Lagos Hospital Following Son’s Death

June 13, 2026 by admin

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has published a letter she wrote to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos, accusing the hospital of orchestrating a cover-up in the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege. Adichie shared the letter, dated April 16, 2026, on her Facebook page on Saturday, saying she decided to make it public “because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it.” In the letter, the author alleged that the Medical Director of Euracare, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, visited the family at their Ikoyi home on January 8, the day after Nkanu’s death, and admitted that the anaesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, had not followed the standard of care. According to the letter, Majekodunmi told Adichie on January 6 that Ogundare had given Nkanu “too much propofol” — words she described as his exact statement to her after she saw him rush into the catheterisation laboratory where the child was. She said the director accepted full responsibility and promised to dismiss Dr Ogundare. However, she alleged that he subsequently stopped communicating with the family, stating that Euracare management had taken over and effectively silenced him. Adichie further alleged that Euracare listed bacterial and fungal meningitis as the cause of death on Nkanu’s death certificate, a claim she described as inaccurate. “When Nkanu came to Euracare that morning for tests, he was conscious and talking and interactive. He was sick but he was not critical,” she stated. She added that the certificate must be corrected to reflect what she believes was the true cause: improper sedation, hypoxic brain injury, and cardiac arrest. The author also alleged that a senior figure in Euracare’s ownership sent a message to a family relative warning that she should not pursue court action because “bad things may be said about her since court cases are about winning and anybody would do anything to win.” Adichie described the message as “manipulative and implicitly threatening.” “They can drag all they wish in the mud, but our quest for justice will continue,” she said. On the ongoing inquest, Adichie noted that it was Euracare itself that first applied for a coroner’s inquest in January, citing “rumours of negligence.” She said the hospital has since deployed delaying tactics and is now seeking to stop the inquest entirely. “If Euracare cares about the truth, then why create delays and distractions and now, finally, try to stop an inquest?” she asked. The Lagos State High Court, on May 26, granted Euracare leave to challenge the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court, ordering a stay of the inquest proceedings pending the determination of a judicial review application filed by the hospital. The Coroner’s Court subsequently adjourned the matter to October 8, 2026. The Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and the Chief Coroner of Lagos State have since filed a preliminary objection urging the High Court to dismiss Euracare’s application, describing it as incompetent, premature, and an abuse of court process. Nkanu, the older of Adichie’s twin sons, died on January 7, 2026, following complications during sedation procedures at Euracare. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria subsequently suspended Dr Ogundare and Dr Majekodunmi, alongside the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, pending disciplinary proceedings. Euracare had not responded to Adichie’s post as of the time of this report.

Truck Carrying Breweries Products Worth Millions Crashes On Mokola Hill, OYRTMA Issues Warning

June 11, 2026 by admin

Millions of naira worth of products belonging to Nigerian Breweries were destroyed on Thursday when a truck conveying the goods suffered a mechanical failure and lost control while ascending the Ori-Oke Mokola hill in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident occurred along the busy route linking Mokola with the Cultural Centre axis of the Oyo State capital. A commercial tricycle, popularly known as Keke Maruwa, was also damaged in the accident, although no casualty was recorded. Speaking at the scene, the General Manager of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Commander Ayoade Adeoye, attributed the accident to a mechanical fault that developed while the truck was climbing the steep hill. According to Adeoye, the vehicle had encountered a similar problem on the same route about five days earlier, prompting intervention by traffic management officials. “The truck developed a fault while climbing the hill leading to the Cultural Centre, Ori-Oke Mokola. It had experienced a similar problem on this route about five days ago. While efforts were being made to move it, the vehicle suffered another mechanical failure and lost control together with the goods it was conveying,” he said. Adeoye disclosed that a substantial quantity of the brewery products was destroyed in the incident, resulting in losses estimated at millions of naira. Despite the magnitude of the accident, he expressed gratitude that no life was lost. “To the glory of God, no life was lost. We only recorded damage to a Keke Maruwa, and fortunately, there was no driver or passenger inside the tricycle at the time of the incident,” he added. The OYRTMA boss noted that the affected road serves as a major commercial corridor and economic hub in Ibadan, making it vital to business activities within the state. He explained that traffic movement along the route would be temporarily restricted to allow for the evacuation of the truck and clearance of the wreckage. “The route leads to Ori-Oke Mokola, which is a major business and economic hub in Oyo State. The road will be temporarily blocked while clearance operations continue. We have placed caution tapes around the area and deployed officers to manage traffic and direct road users,” Adeoye stated. He assured residents and motorists that efforts were underway to restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible. “By tomorrow morning, everything should have been removed and normal traffic restored,” he said. Adeoye also issued a strong warning to operators of heavy-duty vehicles, advising them to avoid the steep Mokola hill route due to the risks involved. “We advise truck drivers not to use this hill again. It is a very dangerous route for heavy-duty vehicles, and we do not want future incidents that could result in loss of lives,” he warned. Residents and motorists were urged to cooperate with traffic officials and comply with safety directives while the clearance operation continues.

Oriire Kidnap: Oyo City Boy Movement Director, Onireti Donates Medical Supplies To Esinele Community, Supports Oyedokun’s Family With ₦1m, Schorlarships

June 10, 2026 by admin

The Director of City Boys Movement in Oyo State, Hon. Olufemi Onireti, has donated medical equipment and other healthcare supplies to the people of Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The donation was made during a condolence and solidarity visit to the community following the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in the area. Speaking during the visit, Onireti expressed optimism that the kidnapped teachers and pupils would soon regain their freedom, noting that government authorities were actively working to secure their safe return. He urged residents to remain hopeful and prayerful, assuring them that efforts by security agencies and relevant stakeholders were yielding positive results. “We have the assurance that the teachers and pupils will return in peace. Government is working tirelessly to ensure their safe release. We are here to identify with the people of Esinele and to support the community in this difficult period,” he said. An emotional moment occurred during the visit when Hon. Olufemi Onireti was overwhelmed with emotion and broke down in tears while addressing mothers and relatives of the abducted teachers and pupils. Struggling to hold back his emotions as some of the women wept openly, Onireti assured them that their loved ones would return safely. He urged them not to lose hope, stressing that the government and security agencies were doing everything possible to secure their release. “Your children will return in peace. We share in your pain, and we will continue to pray and support you until they are reunited with their families,” he said, drawing further tears from many members of the gathering. Onireti added that the medical supplies donated to the community would improve access to basic healthcare services and provide relief to residents. As part of the visit, the City Boys Movement director also presented a cash donation of ₦1 million to the family of late Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers affected by the tragic incident. He further announced scholarship awards for the late teacher’s sons, Oyedokun Abiodun and Samuel Oyedokun, to support their educational pursuits. The Elesinele of Esinele, High Chief Tajudeen Abioye, commended both the Federal and Oyo State Governments for their interventions and support since the unfortunate incident occurred. He specifically appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde for their concern and commitment toward resolving the situation. According to the traditional leader, government emissaries who have visited the community assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils. Abioye, however, appealed to the authorities to intensify and expedite actions aimed at ensuring the victims regain their freedom without delay. “We appreciate the Federal and State Governments for standing by us during this difficult time. We have received assurances from government representatives that the teachers and pupils will be released. We appeal that all necessary steps be taken to hasten their return to their families,” he said. The visit brought hope and encouragement to residents, as community leaders and stakeholders continued to seek the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils while supporting affected families.

Sheikh Gumi: I Am Free to Travel Anywhere in Nigeria

June 9, 2026 by admin

Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has addressed the controversy surrounding his visit to Ibadan late last year, following criticism and allegations from some quarters that he was attempting to promote Islamic influence and certain Northern beliefs in Oyo State. Gumi stressed that nobody can stop him from visiting anywhere in the country, while maintaining that he was not invited by any Muslim group or individual in the South-West. In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, he said he was in Ibadan as a representative of northern Islamic scholars. He made this known barely a day after one of the victims of the abduction in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State dismissed claims that their abductors demanded the implementation of Sharia law in the state as part of the conditions for releasing the victims. the principal of Community High School, Esiele, Oyo State, Mrs Rachael Alamu, while speaking from captivity in a now-viral video, said the gunmen said they never demanded the introduction of Sharia law or a N1 billion ransom as reported in some quarters, but rather for the release of their associates currently in the custody of Nigerian authorities. Also, the Muslim Rights Concern rejected the alleged demand for Sharia in a statement issued on Monday, describing the report as “a lie from the pit of Jahannam (hell)”. MURIC argued that the so-called demand was inserted by enemies of Islam in the negotiation team to tarnish the image of Islam. However, aligning with the Islamic group’s position, Gumi wrote, “I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in SW (South-West) and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics. “I was in Ibadan, not by the invitation of any SW Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama. “Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?” Recall that Gumi visited Ibadan on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, where he served as a special guest and speaker at the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit. The event took place at the University of Ibadan. During his visit, he also attended a courtesy session alongside other prominent Southern and Northern Muslim scholars.

Peter Obi Backs Pastor Adeboye, Cautions Against Ethnic Division

June 4, 2026 by admin

The National Democratic Congress flagbearer, Peter Obi, has warned Nigerian youths against ethnic and religious divisions, urging them not to be used to promote narratives that undermine national unity. Obi stated this in a post on his X account on Thursday, amid a wave of social media attacks targeting the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over the worsening insecurity in the country. Many young Nigerians had demanded that Adeboye speak out or lead protests against the Federal Government, citing a viral photograph purportedly showing the cleric holding a placard during a demonstration against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. RCCG has since debunked the claim, clarifying that the image was taken during a peaceful walk organised under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and had no connection to any political protest. In his message, Obi said the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, offered lessons on how public discourse can be diverted from issues of governance and development into ethnic and identity-based sentiments. He said politicians who struggle to compete on ideas, performance and vision often resort to exploiting such divisions. “Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people. “Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognising the broader agenda behind such campaigns,” he said. Obi cautioned that many Nigerians often participate in such narratives without understanding the broader intent behind them. The former Anambra State governor defended Adeboye, describing him as a respected religious leader who has consistently preached peace, unity and reconciliation. He said it would be unfair to burden the cleric with responsibilities that belong to younger Nigerians, urging youths to take responsibility for driving national change. “Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace. “At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them. “The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. It is their duty to lead the conversations, champion the reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires,” Obi said. Obi further advised Nigerians to verify information, question narratives, and resist manipulation. “The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests,” he added.

I will Name Politicians Behind Oyo Students’ Abduction if… — Sunday Igboho

June 4, 2026 by admin

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has threatened to expose politicians he claims are responsible for the abduction of students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The activist said this while speaking to the new executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Students led by Akinteye Bàbàtunde at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan on Wednesday. In the now-trending video captured by Wisdom TV, Igboho asserted that he had personally volunteered to dislodge the bandits but was met with defiance by the state government. He also claimed that he had never demanded any money from the Seyi Makinde-led administration to rescue the 47 abductees. “If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are neither gnomes nor mannequins; they are humans, so that they could be dislodged. I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. I know them. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money. “The same thing they did to Jonathan is what they are doing to Tinubu. They want to make the country ungovernable for him. They even have fake news propaganda to scare the masses and divert supporters away from the President. Suppose the recent abduction is not a game. In Oyo, they made away with children. I volunteered to go, but the state government said ‘No.’” “Later, they (Oyo government) informed me that the kidnappers said if I try to force myself to come rescue the children, they will kill them all. If they are serious about rescuing the victims, they should tell my boys and me to chase them out of the forests in our regions and see if those people will remain there even with their bombs and sophisticated weapons,” he said. The Oyo-based activist further maintained that after he got approval from the Federal Government for his security network christened “Iru Ekun”, the Oyo State Government warned him from operating and that any attempt by him to rescue the children might lead to their death. “After I arranged ‘Iru Ekun’ security network, the Federal Government permitted me, but the state government said no security must take a step behind them. Do we have to wait for him to flood the forests to rescue these children? I’m just concerned about these abductees; nobody can kidnap me, not even my family, because they are spread across Canada and Germany. Why should I fret? “Despite how bad Buhari’s administration is, he completed his tenure. Why are they trying to stop a Yoruba man — Tinubu — from completing his? It was Tinubu who freed me when I was in exile. Why should I tackle him? And why are they trying to ruin his government? Igboho queried. Recall that on May 15, no fewer than 45 pupils were reportedly abducted during the Friday attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The schools attacked were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School. Sunday PUNCH gathered that tension is rising in the state following the incident. Security agencies are also said to have surrounded the possible escape routes of the assailants after they fled into a nearby forest reserve bordering Oriire communities and the Old Oyo National Park axis. A teacher at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Elizabeth Olagoke, told one of our correspondents that the kidnappers spoke Yoruba, Hausa, and Pidgin English. After a few days, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was gruesomely killed. Oyedokun was beheaded in a new video allegedly released by bandits on Sunday. The video obtained by our correspondent on Telegram on Monday showed that the teacher was gruesomely killed after being tied and forced to speak. This development led Igboho to seek approval to launch his security outfit, “Iru Ekun Security Network,” as part of efforts to dislodge criminal elements from the South-West forests. He also expressed his readiness to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, to regulate the activities of private security firms in the state.

Oyo Abduction: NBA Demands Swift Government Action, Safe Return Of Victims

May 26, 2026 by admin

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has called on governments at all levels to rise to their constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens following the recent abduction incident in Oriire area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The association made the call in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Chairman of the NBA Ibadan Branch, Barrister Ibrahim Lawal. According to the statement, members of the association joined other Nigerians in condemning “unequivocally, the savagery visited by some criminals on the quiet community of Orire in Ogbomoso.” The NBA described the incident involving teachers and pupils as heartbreaking, praying for the repose of the souls of those who reportedly lost their lives in the attack. The association, however, expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as the slow pace of the rescue mission, noting that more than ten days after the incident, there had been no significant breakthrough publicly communicated by the authorities. “The NBA would like to register deep displeasure at the seeming tardiness associated with the government rescue mission since this unfortunate incident occurred over ten days ago,” the statement read. “It is reasonable to expect that this latest assault on civility will be confronted headlong. The deafening silence attending the activities aimed at liberating the captives does not inspire hope.” The legal body further stated that although security agencies may be strategically withholding operational details from the public, the prolonged silence from government officials had become disturbing. “We shudder to imagine the horrible experiences to which the victims are being subjected at the moment,” the association added. The NBA warned that such acts of criminality must not be allowed to thrive in what was once considered a peaceful environment, stressing that perpetrators and their sponsors must be identified and brought to justice. It urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to move beyond what it termed “ineffectual reactions” to worsening insecurity across the country. “This is not the time when functionaries of government present bland platitudes as reassurance,” the statement said. “The good people of Oyo State anticipate an acceptable resolution to the current disruption of peace. They expect the return of the victims soon.” The association also advised the Oyo State Government to adopt proactive security measures to curb rising criminal activities in the state. Among its recommendations were stricter regulation of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, and closer monitoring of the influx of unidentified individuals into the state. “The operations of commercial motorcyclists must be regulated vigorously. A suspension of their operations for a stipulated period to ascertain the identity of operators should be considered,” the statement noted. It further called for thorough combing of forest reserves across the state to flush out criminal elements allegedly using such areas as hideouts. The NBA warned that citizens might resort to self-help if criminals continued to operate freely without consequences. “The ease with which criminals attack communities and escape justice should be a source of great concern to us all,” the statement added. The association concluded by urging both federal and state authorities to expedite efforts toward the safe rescue and return of all victims, stressing that the welfare and security of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government.

Itansan ArtFest 2026 Opens Bigger Career Doors For Young Models

May 25, 2026 by admin

Young models and emerging fashion creatives have been encouraged to embrace cultural fashion and artistic expression as pathways to broader career opportunities in the creative industry. The charge was given during the maiden edition of Itansan ArtFest 2026 held on Saturday at the Adeline Hall of Lead City University, Ibadan, where organisers highlighted the role of fashion, performance, and cultural storytelling in empowering youths and creating sustainable careers. The festival, themed “Beacon of the Ancestors,” featured colourful fashion parades, cultural displays, theatre performances, exhibitions, workshops, and stage presentations that showcased African heritage and creativity. Speaking at the event, the convener, Adekunle Elizabeth Adewunmi, popularly known as Adewunmi Itansan, said the initiative was designed not only to preserve cultural identity but also to create platforms where young talents could thrive professionally. According to her, many young creatives, especially models and performers, often struggle to access opportunities capable of projecting them beyond local spaces despite their talents and creativity. She explained that Itansan ArtFest was created to bridge that gap by exposing participants to industry stakeholders, cultural entrepreneurs, curators, and audiences who appreciate African-inspired creativity. “We wanted to create a platform where young people can showcase their creativity confidently while remaining connected to their roots. Fashion, modelling, theatre, and art are not just forms of entertainment; they are career opportunities and tools for cultural preservation,” she said. Adewunmi noted that the festival provided young models with the opportunity to participate in professionally coordinated fashion showcases inspired by African traditions, fabrics, and storytelling. She added that beyond the runway, participants were exposed to networking opportunities, mentorship, and creative collaborations capable of opening doors within the fashion and entertainment industries. According to her, many youths have talent but lack platforms that can give them visibility and professional direction. “We are building a generation of creatives who understand that culture can also create jobs, build brands, and open international opportunities,” she added. The convener further stressed the need for young people to see cultural fashion and artistic expression as viable economic ventures capable of contributing to personal growth and national development. Some of the participants who spoke during the event described the festival as an eye-opening experience that allowed them to gain confidence, showcase their skills, and connect with professionals within the creative space. The event also featured the launch of the cultural book Emissaries of the Gods (Iko Orisa), cultural workshops, trade exhibitions, and theatrical performances aimed at promoting indigenous heritage among younger generations. Among dignitaries present at the festival were the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ojo Abiodun; the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun; Rashidat Olayinka Ladoja; renowned artist and curator, Tunde Odunlade; and Adekunle Alonge. The names of the young models that made their debut at the fashion parade show at the event are as follows, Olaleye Adeola, Wusu Mccarthy and Mckenzie, Oguntola Diamond, Adekunle Adewale.