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2025 AYANGALU FESTIVAL: THOUSANDS GATHER AS OONI DRUMS FOR PEACE, UNITY, REAFFIRMS SPIRITUAL LEGACY OF ILE-IFE …GIFTS DRUMMERS N4.95M

July 25, 2025 by admin

Thousands of culture enthusiasts, scholars, and traditionalists stormed the ancient city of Ile-Ife on Thursday for the 2025 edition of the Ayangalu Drum Festival, as the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, led the celebration with powerful drumming to promote peace, unity, and cultural continuity. The colourful festival, held at the courtyard of the Palace of Ile Oodua, drew an impressive gathering, including professors from the Departments of Linguistics and Music at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), 250 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students from OAU, and contingents from other institutions across the South-West region. In a show of support for indigenous creativity, the Ooni gifted a total sum of N4.95 million to winners of the drumming competition and cultural performers. The first-place winner walked away with N1 million, second place received N750,000, and third position got N500,000. The revered monarch also presented N2 million to performers from the Moremi Ensemble, N500,000 to ace drummer Akande Onilu, while two other drummers received N100,000 each. Addressing journalists at the event, the Ooni emphasised the sacredness of the drum in Yoruba cosmology. He said, “We believe the drum holds great significance in our daily lives. In the olden days, drums were used for virtually everything be it good news or times of war, the drum was the medium of communication. “The drum is deeply symbolic to us, the Yoruba people. Ayangalu, the originator of the drum, is venerated among the 201 deities of Ile-Ife and shares a spiritual link with Orunmila. He began his journey in Atiba here in Ile-Ife, and although some of his descendants later migrated to Oyo and Nupe lands, many still reside in Ife. Every year, we honour his legacy through this festival. “To us, Ayangalu is synonymous with the drum. I drum today for peace, for joy, and for abundant blessings. Since childhood, I have found fulfilment in promoting and preserving this sacred tradition.” Also speaking at the event, Olori Ronke Ogunwusi lauded the Ooni for his consistent moral and financial support, not only for the festival but also for cultural renaissance efforts in Ile-Ife and beyond. She praised key stakeholders such as Seamans, university professors, NYSC members, OAU pupils, traditional chiefs, and guests for gracing the occasion. “We have gathered here to celebrate our rich cultural heritage. Ayangalu represents excellence in creativity, and I urge every Yoruba person to value their roots and continue learning from one another. As the competition captivates us, let it also remind us to uphold unity and the enduring power of our tradition,” she noted

New UN Declaration Must Protect Rights Of The World’s Poorest To Nutritional Benefits Of Milk And Meat – Experts

July 16, 2025 by admin

More than 115 agrifood experts, government advisors and business leaders are calling for animal-source foods to be excluded from a UN declaration to eliminate trans-fatty acids. July 10, NAIROBI – A draft UN declaration to eliminate trans-fatty acids from global diets risks inadvertently denying the world’s poorest the nutritional benefits of milk and meat, experts have said. A new declaration to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease and diabetes proposes to eliminate all trans-fatty acids from global diets. However, while research shows that industrially produced trans-fatty acids contribute to NCDs, those found naturally in animal-source foods at low levels are not harmful and may even offer health-protecting benefits, such as preventing type two diabetes. Writing in an open letter to UN negotiators, more than 115 signatories from Africa, Europe and the Americas said: “The risk of a blanket commitment to eliminate all trans-fatty acids is that it unnecessarily discourages the consumption of highly nutritious dairy, meat and other animal-source foods. And once again, the burden will fall heaviest on low- and middle-income countries, where nutrient-rich meat, milk and dairy are already under-consumed.” The letter, which was coordinated by the Nairobi-based International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), was endorsed by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). It was also signed by experts representing the UN Committee on World Food Security, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and the World Alliance of Mobile Indigenous Peoples (WAMIP). NCDs disproportionately impact developing countries, where obesity and diet-related disease in adulthood are closely linked to undernutrition in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. In 2023, one in every five Africans faced hunger and around a third of children under five were affected by stunting. Animal-source foods like meat and milk are energy-dense and a rich source of high-quality proteins and micronutrients, including Vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, calcium, zinc and iodine. Research has found that a child who drinks milk daily can grow up to three per cent more in a month than a child who does not, yet average annual milk consumption can be as low as just 1kg per person per year in some developing countries. “A single glass of milk is among the most affordable, nutrient-rich foods available — milk has been shown to reduce stunting in children and lessen the burden of hunger,” said Namukolo Covic, nutrition expert and ILRI’s Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia. “Industrially-produced trans-fatty acids come from food processing, a sector that is still in its infancy in many African countries. These countries have the opportunity to create a new food future as their food systems transform. These food systems must transform towards eliminating industrially derived trans-fat.” The draft resolution is currently under review with member states with a final draft due to be presented for endorsement at the UN General Assembly in September. In the meantime, countries will gather in New York from July 14 to 23 for the UN’s High-Level Political Forum, which will assess progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) among others. “The contribution of animal-source foods to trans-fatty acids is very low compared to industrially derived trans-fats and should be weighed against their contributions to nutrient density, given their nutritional benefits even in small quantities,” said Ruth Oniang’o, Professor in Food Science and Nutrition and Editor-in-Chief of the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development. “For people in low-income settings, animal-source foods are often the only reliable and available source of essential nutrients, we need a nuanced approach supported by sustainability solutions. “UN negotiators must ensure this resolution recognizes the distinction between the large amounts of trans-fats of industrial origin and the low levels naturally occurring in animal-source foods.”

Sarumi Joins ADC, Calls Youth And Women To Join The Movement

July 11, 2025 by admin

Honourable Bolanle Aminat Sarumi, fondly known as BASA, is a dynamic leader, social reformer, and staunch advocate for youth and women empowerment. Renowned for her grassroots mobilization and unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, BASA has long stood as a symbol of purposeful leadership in Oyo State and beyond. In a bold and defining move, she has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oyo State, aligning her vision with a party she believes best represents the values of progress, people-driven leadership, and a reimagined Nigeria. Her transition to the ADC marks a new chapter in her political journey—one aimed at national transformation through collective action and bold leadership. Recall that, she recently resigned from been a member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. PUBLIC DECLARATION SPEECH BY HON. BOLANLE AMINA SARUMI (BASA) ON OFFICIAL JOINING OF THE AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (ADC) Delivered on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 To the dear people of the State, including my leaders, All my loyal coordinators at the local and ward levels, resilient youths and courageous women across Nigeria, Today, the 9th of July 2025, marks a defining moment in my political journey, and in the journey toward the Nigeria we all dream of. I, Honourable Bolanle Aminat Sarumi, also fondly known as BASA, officially declare to you today that I have joined the African Democratic Congress — the ADC. I do not take this decision lightly. After deep reflection, extensive consultation, and prayerful consideration, I am convinced that the ADC is the political platform that best reflects the vision of a New Nigeria—a Nigeria where good governance thrives, voices are heard, potentials are unlocked, and leadership is people-centered. I hereby use this platform today to call on all my loyal coordinators across Oyo State—both at the Local Government and Ward levels—to join the ADC en masse. This is the time to stand up and be counted. We have no time to waste. Mobilization has begun and the movement must grow stronger and louder than ever before. I also extend this call to every member of the Nigerian Youth and Women Rescue Mission—from the north to the south, east to the west—let us migrate to ADC state by state. We must unite under a platform that is inclusive, progressive, and willing to take bold steps toward national transformation. To the young people watching today: your energy, your ideas, your dreams—they matter. Nigeria needs your voice. Nigeria needs your courage. This is your time to rise, engage, and lead. To the women of Nigeria: our strength is unmatched, our hearts unshaken. It’s time to rewrite the story. Let’s show the world that women are not only the backbone of our homes, but also the architects of national change. ADC offers us a clean slate—a space to dream again, a platform to build again, a future to own again. Let us not sit on the sidelines. Let us lead from the front. Let us bring integrity, purpose, and action back into politics. Together, we will build a Nigeria that works for all, not a few. A Nigeria where our children can grow with hope, where justice and opportunity are not privileges, but rights. This is our time. This is our movement. And ADC is our vehicle. I remain your loyal servant, Honourable Bolanle Aminat Sarumi (BASA) For the people. For progress. For Nigeria. ADC Arise and Shine Nigeria

How Makinde’s Policies Transformed Oyo’s Education Sector – Commissioner•••Says Govt’ll Move Against Phone Use, Malpractices In Secondary Schools

July 11, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, has said that the positive turnaround witnessed by the education sector in the state is as a result of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde visionary and insightful leadership. He noted that the administration has implemented many policies towards transforming the sector, which prior to Governor Makinde’s assumption of office in 2019, had become deplorable, with education quality at its lowest ebb. Olayiwola, who spoke at the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Thursday, said the government’s policies on budgetary allocation, reducing the gap in education infrastructure, reducing the number of out-of-school children and increasing the workforce in the education sector, among others, have had a positive impact on the quality of education in the state. He stated that the direct outcomes of the policy actions include, among other things, the growing improvement in the quality and standard of education, reduction in education infrastructure deficit, increased education enrolment and an overall progress in the all-important sector. The Commissioner maintained that as a result of the efforts of the government, which has demonstrated the political will to improve education, the sector has attracted interventions from development partners and Old Students Associations, which are helping greatly in meeting education needs across the state. Speaking on efforts to further standardise the education sector, Olayiwola said that the state would no longer take the issue of hooliganism lightly across its public schools, saying that the state is collaborating with the police to ensure that peace and order are maintained across schools. He warned parents and wards to be wary of all activities that could reduce the quality of the education sector, noting that the state would now fully enforce the laws against use of mobile phones by public school students and also attack examination malpractices squarely. According to Olayiwola, Governor Makinde’s actions have also had far-reaching effects on the education family, which is the largest Ministry in the state, as it has 12 full departments headed by Level 17 Officers as directors, 22 Permanent Secretaries, comprising 10 Tutors-General manning the 10 educational zones and 10 Inspectors-General manning the 10 educational zones, among others. He added that the Ministry also has seven agencies including SUBEB and TESCOM; 10 tertiary institutions, including the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Senator Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, three polytechnics in Ibadan, Eruwa and Saki, a School of Agriculture in Igbo-Ora and a School of Health Technology. The Commissioner stated that as a result of Governor Makinde’s commitment to improving education, which led to the recruitment of thousands of teachers in his first and second term of office, the state has additional 15,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, who are manning 646 secondary schools and 2,506 primary schools. Olayiwola noted that the Ministry has also been in charge of overseeing private schools, performing oversight functions over them. He said: “By the time this administration came into being in 2019, the education sector in the state was in a bad shape. The governor had to highlight the problems we met on the ground. “One of the challenges then was that there was a high percentage of out-of-school children. We had a high percentage of out-of-school children, poor performances in WAEC, NECO, GCE, and JAMB and all that. “We also had one and a half university; the Technical University and half of LAUTECH due to the joint ownership with Osun State. “Also, subventions to tertiary institutions were not paid. There was an agreed subvention to be paid to these higher institutions, but it was not paid for years, and so, there were frequent strike actions in our tertiary institutions. “We also had the challenge of inadequate facilities and infrastructure in the basic and secondary schools. “Non-payment of counterpart funding for intervention projects was also another challenge. We lost opportunities of bringing in counterpart funds from outside the country because of non-payment of our own share at that time. This was because when they come with that duty, the state is expected to pay either 10 per cent of the cost of the infrastructure or 20 per cent, but to pay 10 per cent or 20 per cent was a problem to the former administration. “Schools were also understaffed. “But, because of the innovation that Governor Makinde brought into fixing the challenges that faced the education sector and because of his ingenuity, all these challenges have been surmounted. “Upon his assumption of office, children who dropped out of schools rejoined and the major evidence of this is that between 2023 and now, the number of public primary schools has risen from 2,449 to 2,506, while the number of public secondary schools, which was 573 in 2023, has risen to 696, signifying a significant improvement in the number of schools. “Up till now, people are still approaching us for approval for the establishment of more public schools. With the support of a development partner, which provided a counterpart fund, we have reduced the number of out-of-school children drastically.” In the area of reducing the infrastructure deficit in the education sector, the Commissioner maintained that the state government has built additional model schools and classrooms, pointing out how the state recently renovated and equipped 105 public schools, while work is ongoing on another set of schools. He added that the state has also succeeded in improving access for special needs students, orphans and vulnerable children. Another area where Olayiwola noted that the state government succeeded in improving the educator sector was in terms of recruitment. He maintained that the governor’s decision to recruit more teachers through a transparent recruitment process has had a positive effect on education, saying: “The recruitment of teachers has also had a positive result on education in the state. With the 15,000 teachers that we recently employed, we surpassed one of the UNESCO education standards of one teacher to 30 students. By our standard, after employing 15,000 teachers, what we have on ground now is one teacher to … Read more

Oyo Govt Moves To Sanction Defaulters, Remove Illegal Billboards

July 10, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Government, through the state signage and advertising agency, (OYSAA) will soon embark on an aggressive debt recovery exercise by removing all unauthorized, illegal, and debtor advertising structures in the state. This was made known by the Director General of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Hon. Oludolapo Esho Ajanaku in his office recently. Hon. Ajanaku underscored the imminent enforcement exercise, citing that most outdoor advertising practitioners are yet to fulfill their obligations as regards revalidation and debt reconciliation as laid down by the agency. Hon. Ajanaku explained that a series of unauthorised electronics and outdoors announcements are being displayed within the state, urging all duly registered *Third Party practitioners to complete their revalidation latest by July 11, 2025, and have* *their debt reconciliation exercise by July 28, 2025.* He admonished the business owners with signage in the state to complete their registrations with Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency by visiting *OYSAA office at the 3rd Floor of Water Corporation Building Secretariat, Ibadan.* He said, (OYSAA) will not condone any illegal billboard on the streets and would soon embark on aggressive enforcement by clampdown on any advertising practitioners structures who fail to comply with the rules and regulations of the agency.” “It would be recalled that Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, OYSAA, embarked on a revalidation exercise to streamline regulatory oversight, enhance transparency, and accountability to improve the efficiency of the agency’s service delivery and create a more business-friendly advertising environment in the Pacesetter State, he said.

How Makinde’s Commitment To Tourism Grew Hospitality Investments In Oyo- Olatunbosun

July 9, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, has said that the commitment of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde to developing the tourism sector and ensuring that it forms a key component of his economic expansion agenda has yielded many positive results in the last two years. He pointed out that with the government putting in place key tourism enablers such as road infrastructure, security and the political will as well as the creation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2023, the state has witnessed tremendous turnaround in the tourism sector. ‎He added that the turnaround has also led to increased tourists inflow as well as a massive boost in the hospitality sector, noting that while the state had a record of 1,328 hospitality businesses as of May 29, 2019, the number of investments in hospitality businesses increased to 12,128 by December 2024. ‎Olatubosun, who stated this during the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing held at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, noted that the last two years of Governor Makinde’s second term of office has also seen Oyo State recording an influx of tourists. The Culture and Tourism Commissioner also pointed out how the conducive environment created by the state government has also succeeded in attracting private investors in the culture and tourism sector, including the Kunle Afolayan Film Village in Komu, Oyo State and the AFRICHATTA Film Village in Oyo, calling on other investors to come into the state. According to him, about 18,459 visitors come into Oyo State daily as against 1,604 recorded before the advent of the administration in 2019. ‎He noted that the number of hospitality businesses including hotels (945), night clubs (78), event centres (143), eateries and restaurants (66) and tour agencies (96) increased by 10,800 as of December 2024, saying these were because of the governor’s decision to put in place key success indicators. He lauded the efforts of Governor Makinde in promoting culture, tourism and preserving the Yoruba traditional heritages in Oyo State, noting that recognition and enlistment of the World Sango Festival as an intangible cultural heritage site by UNESCO was a laudable achievement of the government and a testament to its success in tourism development. “With the help of the governor, who has put in place a conducive environment for tourism to thrive, we have achieved many things in the tourism sector in the last two years of Omituntun 2.0. I always tell people that for tourism to thrive, you need four things and the governor has done all these four things. “The first one is security. People will not go to an environment that is not secure; neither will they come to invest in such an environment. Governor Makinde has succeeded in putting in place a security architecture that helped in securing the state under Omituntun 1.0 and he has built on that under Omituntun 2.0. ‎“The second is that for tourism to thrive, there must be infrastructure development; road infrastructure, aviation infrastructure and all that. Before this administration came in, we had seven isolated zones and the roads linking them were in terrible conditions. If you wanted to go from one zone to another, it would take you long hours. Today, the governor has succeeded in connecting all the zones of the state with quality road networks. “The governor knew that to have a modern Oyo State, there was the need to interconnect all the zones. This interconnectivity and security have helped to bring people into Oyo State. ‎“Another important factor is political will. The governor has demonstrated that to drive tourism, you need political will. So, the governor created the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and he put together people who can deliver on the mandate. ‎“Today, we have achieved a massive increment in the number of visitors and tourists coming to Oyo State. This happened because of our efforts as a government. ‎“The second success story is that there is a boom in the hospitality business in the state. There is no way one can measure the success if it does not have a bearing on investments coming into the state. Before we came in, the number of hospitality businesses including hotels, night clubs, event centres, eateries and restaurants and tour agencies was 1,328. “Prior to May 29, 2019, there were 945 hotels, 78 night clubs, 143 event centres, 66 eateries and restaurants and 66 tour agencies. By December 2024, because of the efforts of the governor in putting these key success indicators in place, the number of investments in hospitality businesses had increased to 12,128. That is an increment of 10,800. ‎“Another success is that before we came in, Oyo State didn’t have any cultural festival recognised internationally. But because of Governor Makinde’s commitment to making culture and tourism thrive, having recognised that culture drives tourism, we have succeeded in having the World Sango Festival enlisted by UNESCO as a cultural heritage. It used to be known as Sango Oyo Festival. ‎”The fourth one is the first International Tourism Summit that took place last year. It recorded a huge success and the governor is building on that success by also putting in place a very powerful committee in conjunction with our consultant, which has slated July 22-24, 2025 for the summit.” ‎The Commissioner also mentioned the preservation of Yoruba heritage as a major achievement of the government, noting that the approval of August 20th as Isese Day for the adherents of African Traditional Religion in fulfillment of Governor Makinde’s campaign promise as well as the promotion and support given to the World Sango Festival, the Isese Festival, the World Egungun Festival, the Igbo Ora Twins Festival, the Aso-Oke Festival, Iseyin and the Yemoja Festival all show the administration’s commitment. ‎He added that the resuscitation of the Oyo State Performing Troupe, which has become one of the best performing troupes in the entire Southern Nigeria, is also an evidence of the administration’s success in the tourism sector. ‎”As a state, … Read more

Only Nigerians Can Stop Tinubu In 2027 – Amaechi

July 3, 2025 by admin

A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised Nigerians for being too passive in the face of worsening hardship. Amaechi said the country needs a bold and radical shift to bring about change. He stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the public launch of the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey by the Africa Polling Institute. Amaechi lamented the state of the nation and blamed citizens for allowing a small group of elites to dominate the country. “The elites who are stealing Nigerian money are not up to 100,000, but you have 200 million Nigerians who can fight them. “You sit down in your house and complain and grumble. The elites know you’re not happy. But you made yourself helpless. “Nigeria is the most docile society I’ve seen in my life. Any revolution without blood is a failure,” he said. Amaechi warned that without mass involvement and real sacrifice, President Bola Tinubu would return to power in 2027. “The only way you can stop Tinubu is to run an election of Nigerians versus the bandits,” he said. The former governor of Rivers State also revealed that he had officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress, adding that he had long distanced himself from the party’s activities. He also knocked the current political leadership, claiming things were better under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He said, “I left APC last night. I warned them not to invite me to any meeting again. “People want Buhari back because things were better during his time. Look at the exchange rate. Then it was about ₦460 to a dollar; now it’s over ₦1,500.” According to Amaechi, inflation and hunger are at crisis levels, and the government seems focused on consolidating power rather than helping citizens. “Any government that doesn’t consider the people is not worth it,” he added. He expressed disappointment with how labour unions and student bodies have lost their voices. He stated, “In the past, ASUU, NLC and NANS could shut down the government with coordinated protests. Now NLC can’t even mobilise. Why? Ethnicity.” Drawing on his experience as a governor, he noted that economic decline always leads to rising crime, saying, “Once robbery and kidnapping increase, I know there’s no money in circulation. Once people are paid, they spend money, and the crime rate drops.” Amaechi also admitted he considered leaving the country but was talked out of it by his wife. “I wanted to japa, but my wife said Nigeria is still lovely,” he said. Punch

Oyo To Build Helipad, 21 Structures In N63.4bn Govt House Overhaul

June 27, 2025 by admin

Oyo State Government, on Friday, justified the proposed spending of N63.4 billion to overhaul the over 70-year-old Government House. This was made known in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital. He lamented that the section of the media that touted the impression that the Government House was going to be renovated is either ignorant or mischievous. Oyelade said, “The present administration has over 200 ongoing projects, including the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, the 110KM Circular Road, LAUTECH, Iseyin campus, Fashola Agro-industrial hub and several other infrastructural development projects across the seven zones of the state and the Government House overhauling and reconstruction is one of them. “The Seyi Makinde administration is the least that can be accused of not getting its priorities right and for six years, the government has nurtured the finance of the state efficiently, such that the Internally Generated Revenue has increased by over 300% within this period from about N1.5 billion to N7.8 billion as at the end of May 2025. “The administration has also vigorously pursued the welfare of its workers such that it would pay over N174 billion annually in salaries and wages at N14.5 billion monthly, to the largest State workforce in Nigeria.” He explained that an administration that has employed over 27,000 workers, spent a record N13 billion on gratuities and pension for the aged, subsidises the transportation fare of over 42,000 commuters every day till date and promoted 45 permanent secretaries in one fell swoop, cannot be accused of profligacy. “The decrepit presidential lodge and the banquet hall, which will be ready for the state’s 50th anniversary celebration next year February, will be totally reconstructed while the Governor and the Deputy Governor’s main residences will be overhauled and structural, architectural, mechanical and electrical works will be comprehensively carried out. “Also affected are several quarters and chalets for visitors, senior and junior staff, whose duties would necessitate dwelling in the Government House. “The mosque, church, external botanical garden, roadworks, landscaping, fencing and furniture are also affected in the reconstruction. “It is instructive that the new building will also accommodate a helipad to allow VIP visitors including the presidency, fellow Governors, important dignitaries and the host Governor himself to commute seamlessly to and from their destinations in helicopters.” “In arriving at this decision, the governor had factored-in, the pride of the state, a befitting official residence for the number one and two citizens of the state and a legacy of a beautiful ambience for a place that once had the likes of Sir. John Rankin, Sir. Adesoji Aderemi and others as tenants.” The commissioner then described as laughable and kindergarten the suggestion by a potential gubernatorial candidate in 2027 that the people of the state would be better served by distributing N3 million of the N63.4 billion to 20,000 citizens.

Benue: PFN Demands Prompt Action From President Tinubu

June 17, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to end the persistent killings and kidnappings in Benue, Plateau, and other parts of the country. In a statement issued on Tuesday, PFN President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, described the situation in Benue State as a national tragedy, urging the federal government to rise to the occasion with urgent and effective intervention. Bishop Wale Oke stressed the need for the government to reclaim territories allegedly taken over by terrorists and restore them to their rightful indigenous owners. He noted that the continuous attacks on innocent civilians had led to widespread displacement and trauma, especially in Benue State. “The PFN sympathizes with the Governor and people of Benue State over the relentless killings. We are deeply concerned about the alarming state of insecurity in the nation, with Benue being a critical flashpoint that has suffered for too long,” he said. Faulting the current security architecture, the PFN President said a comprehensive overhaul is urgently needed. “The current security system has failed us. Killings are taking place across the country, and the carnage has been relentless. What is happening in Benue is not a case of two parties fighting; it is an invasion by illegally armed bandits seeking to displace and dominate indigenous communities,” he stated. Bishop Oke further condemned the repeated attacks on Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, describing them as “heinous acts” against vulnerable citizens who should have been under state protection. “This is not about Benue people killing themselves. These are external invaders committing atrocities. If any state deserves a declaration of emergency, it is Benue,” he added. While acknowledging President Tinubu’s recent directive for special security forces to move into Benue, Bishop Oke said the action appeared belated and insufficient given the scale of the crisis. “It is not enough to visit as a ‘Mourner-in-Chief.’ The President must act with the full weight of his office and protect the lives and land of the Benue people. Treating this as internal conflict is misleading and dangerous,” he warned. He also extended the PFN’s concerns to Plateau, Taraba, and other regions suffering similar attacks, urging the Federal Government to restore law and order across affected areas. “The Federal Government owes Nigerians a duty to restore peace and security. We believe President Tinubu has the capacity to handle the situation if he acts boldly and decisively,” Bishop Oke emphasized. He concluded with a call for credible, impartial leadership in the security sector, saying: “We cannot continue to ask the cat to watch over the meat. The time has come to place the right people in charge of protecting Nigerians.” The PFN reiterated its prayers for the people of Benue, Plateau, and the nation at large, while urging swift and genuine action from the presidency.

South-West Nigeria At High Risk Of Terror Attacks — Majeobaje Community Development Initiative Raises Alarm •••••Announces Security Workshop

June 6, 2025 by admin

The Majeobaje Community Development Initiative (Majeobaje CDI) has issued a grave warning over the escalating security threats facing South-West Nigeria, citing a growing risk of terrorist infiltration and calling for immediate, region-led action to safeguard lives and resources. At a press conference held In Bodija Housing Axis, Ibadan on Thursday the civic development organization declared the South-West “at high risk of terrorist attacks” and unveiled plans for a high-level regional security workshop to be held in July. in a well prepared speech read by the Convener of the group, Chief Akintayo Akindeko described the situation as “foreboding and increasingly existential. Chief Akindeko referenced a recent alert by U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, who warned of terrorist plans to access West African coastlines for smuggling, arms dealing, and trafficking. According to Majeobaje, this strategic objective puts states like Lagos and Ondo, both located on Nigeria’s southern coast and home to critical economic infrastructures directly in the terrorists’ crosshairs. “It should be no surprise,” Akin-Deko emphasized, “that this zone would be one of the primary targets of the relentless agents of destabilization. If left unchecked, these incursions will rob our farmers of their land, endanger our livelihoods, and ultimately deny our children their heritage.” The group noted that violent extremism, once largely confined to the Northeast and Middle Belt, has crept into the South-West through Kwara, Kogi, and Edo States, with widespread impacts now felt in Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo. Incidents such as the 2022 St. Francis Church massacre in Owo, and the killings of farmers in Iseyin and Ibarapa were cited as evidence of this growing threat. Majeobaje CDI warned that official neglect and inaction from elected leaders have worsened the situation, stating that “governors, senators, and local government chairmen have largely failed to galvanize community-based security structures, despite having access to enormous resources.” They referenced a May 2025 report indicating that of the ₦7 trillion saved from fuel subsidy removal and distributed among states, little has been visibly invested in security infrastructure. “Even in the 2025 budget, only 1% was allocated to security vehicles — the rest went to ICT, streetlights, and classrooms,” the group lamented. Calling for a shift in priorities, Majeobaje CDI announced plans to convene a 1-Day Sensitization Workshop on Securing Our Communities in early July at the Hall of Chiefs in Ibadan. The event will bring together traditional rulers, policymakers, retired security officers, and grassroots leaders to map out a strategic, legal, and sustainable path toward community-driven security in the South-West. Expected speakers include Professor Olufemi Olufunmilade of the Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies at Igbinedion University, and retired General Kunle Togun, former Deputy Director General of the State Security Service. In a follow-up session, veteran journalist and civic advocate Dr. Yomi Layinka, also a member of the initiative, clarified the group’s identity and intentions amid rising tensions and political misinterpretations. “We are not a secessionist group,” Layinka stressed. “We are a self-determination group. We are committed to the safety, dignity, and development of the Yoruba people within the framework of a just and secure Nigeria.” He added that while Majeobaje CDI supports “the good policies of the current administration,” they “will not hesitate to speak truth to power when the government goes wrong.” Concluding the conference, Chief Akin-Deko issued a stern reminder to South-West leaders: “We are not asking you to become Security Agents. But we are demanding that you prioritize security. Stop sleeping. Start leading. The time to act is now.” The press conference was attended by journalists, community leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the public.