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25 years after genocide: Obasanjo praises Rwanda for emerging like colossus

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Obasanjo: A living legend - Gov. Abiodun

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday reflected on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda and declared that 25 years after the strife, the East African country is emerging like colossus.

In the same month that South Africa emerged from apartheid to enjoy the warmth of global acclaim after its first democratic election in April 1994, Rwanda descended into genocide, loosing more than 800,000 people in about 100 days.

But, the former Chairman of the African Union (AU) in a release by his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, said the lessons of Rwanda served as useful motivation for international action in Europe in the former Yugoslavian crises, as he remarked that, “it was a monumental calamity that should have been avoided or put down by the international community by acting right in the early stage of the calamity.

To him, “it was a tragedy that bestialised Rwandans and, by extension, Africans and created a great black spot on the conscience of the world. Never again should Africa experience such horrifying and tragic bestiality and never again should the international community allow such tragedy to take root anywhere in the world without immediate intervention in the interest of humanity.”

Obasanjo, in his speech titled: “From Recovery To Reform: Rwanda’s Marathon With No Finishing Line” delivered at the 25th Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda few hours ago,however commended the efforts of the country’s leadership and citizens alike, for the remarkable achievement and progress made 25years after the genocide.

“Today, Rwanda is a country easily accessible to foreigners. It is one where it is increasingly easy to do business. It is one of clean and safe streets with traffic police that do not seek bribes but polite and helpful and, where the Rwanda Development Board actively and efficiently woos investors. To the Rwanda authority, investor is a king and he or she must be so treated. The country is a standard-bearer for women, who make up the majority in parliament. It is a country where cabinet ministers are effectively held accountable for targets, where data drives policy, which is an example of how to roll out basic health insurance.”

He further emphasized that, “a quarter of a century after its terrible trauma, Rwanda is cited as an exceptional African story, in terms of its economic development and growth rates enabling its 12 million citizens to lift themselves out of dire socio-economic and political circumstances in the early 1990s.

“Behind much of this success is Rwanda’s leadership, which has an enviable record in driving the country’s transition, and with minimal resources. It is a leadership which is both impatient and focused. It is one that seems to believe through its actions that development is a marathon that must be run at a sprint. Yes, it is leadership that eschew corruption and work substantially on the basis of meritocracy.

“This leadership has also managed to garner external support fairly successfully. And this has been achieved not on the basis of its hollow promises, but rather on the basis of its concrete delivery record.

“Certainly Rwanda has managed to overcome formidable odds: a traumatic social history of frequent pogroms culminating in the genocide, its landlocked geography, its status as continental Africa’s most densely populated country (at 440 per km2, compared to the sub-Saharan average of ten times less, and a world average of 57 km2). Despite all these obstacles, Rwanda has achieved spectacular economic progress. For example, between 2005 and 2016 the income per capita grew at an annual rate of 5.2%, second in Africa only to Ethiopia. Literacy has increased from 60% in 1994 to 70% two decades later, while child mortality was halved and primary school attendance has trebled. Poverty fell from 56% of the population to 39% between 2005 and 2013.

“I salute Rwandans, the leadership and citizens alike, for this remarkable achievement and progress,” Obasanjo was quoted as saying.

He advised that the lessons of the tragedy of Rwanda “must not be lost on Rwanda, on Africa and indeed on the world as a whole. Let the blood of the victims and the stench in the country twenty-five years ago continue to water and invigorate unity, development, growth and progress in Rwanda and remain an object lesson for Africa and the rest of the world.

“Let us continue to use the lesson of the evil perpetrated on the dead a quarter of a century ago for the good of the living today. Let us all go with the theme of this conference, preserving memory without bitterness and without amnesia and championing humanity with common security and shared prosperity,” Obasanjo posited.

The 100 days of slaughter in the 1994 Rwanda genocide also left more than 300,0000 orphans and two million refugees, among them the remnants of the génocidaires who fled mostly to DRC and Tanzania.

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CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023 

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CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023

By: Boye Ola 

 

The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has called on political actors and interest groups to desist from what it described as needless witch-hunting of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, following renewed controversies surrounding his National Youth Service Corps records.

 

The organisation noted that the clarification by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) regarding the matter is not a recent development, as a formal verification letter had already been issued as far back as May 23, 2023.

 

 

The letter, referenced NYSC/CCD/VER/10/5.1/VOL1/02, had already addressed and cleared the questions surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC records.

Reacting to the renewed debate, the spokesman of the Centre,

 

Obande George, said it was troubling that issues which had already been clarified by a competent national institution were being resurrected for political purposes.

According to him, the time has come for political actors to move away from destructive engagements and concentrate on building the nation.

 

“It is important to note that the NYSC had already issued a verification letter dated May 23, 2023 addressing the matter.

Reopening issues that have already been clarified by a competent authority suggests that some individuals are more interested in political witch-hunting than in national progress,” George said.

 

The CRG stressed that democracy thrives when institutions are respected and their determinations are accepted in good faith rather than constantly questioned for political advantage.

George also commended the Deputy Speaker for demonstrating maturity and composure throughout the controversy, despite what he described as sustained provocations.

 

“Honourable Benjamin Kalu has shown remarkable calm and maturity in the face of intense public scrutiny and political provocation.

 

Instead of engaging in unnecessary public confrontation, he allowed institutions to speak through their records.”

 

The Centre warned that Nigeria’s political culture must evolve beyond constant character attacks and sensational allegations, which often distract public officials from their responsibilities.

 

According to the organisation, the country’s development requires constructive engagement among political actors rather than continuous attempts to discredit opponents.

 

“Nigeria cannot move forward if political energy is constantly spent on digging up allegations and amplifying rumours. Our leaders and political actors must redirect their focus to governance, policy and nation building.”

 

CRG therefore urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from credible institutions and avoid spreading speculative claims that could damage reputations or destabilise public discourse.

 

The organisation reiterated that respect for due process and institutional integrity remains essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

 

@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6

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IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections

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IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections

 

A Leading People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has felicitates with women in the country on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day.

 

The international Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March, commemorating women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women right’s movement. It gives focus to issues such as gender equality and reproductive rights. International Women’s Day originated from labour movements in Europe and North America during the early 20th century.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate this year’s edition of the International Women’s Day, Ajadi said the role of the women in nation building cannot be over emphasised.

 

He recalled the role played by prominent Nigerian women like Mrs Funmilayo Ransome- Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Wuraola Esan towards the liberalization and the growth of the country and urges women to follow their footsteps by not only participate in the political process but seek more elective positions.

 

He urges the political leaders to encourage and give more chances to women for them to contest and occupy elective positions in the country.

 

Ajadi also called for more respect for women, saying they are definitely behind whatever success recorded by the menfolk.

 

He said domestic violence against women should be stopped, saying they deserves respect for their role in moulding the future leaders.

 

According to the statement, “I celebrate and congratulate our women on this year’s occasion of International Women’s Day. We cannot underestimate the role played by our women both at home, in the social circle and in politics. They deserve more respect.

 

“I equally called on them not only to be a passive participants in politics but to determine to seek more elected positions in future elections. They should aspire more from the position of dancing and singing at campaigns to seek more elective positions. The ratio of men to women in elective positions in the country is embarrassing. Women should stand up and fight for more elective positions.

 

“I also use the occasion of this year’s Women’s Day to appeal to Nigerians to stop domestic violence against the women. If we treat our women well, our country will witness unprecedented developments”.

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International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

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International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

 

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, Adron Homes and Properties has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women with meaningful opportunities to serve, lead, and shape the future of Nigeria’s real estate landscape.

 

Observed globally on March 8, this year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” calls for intentional investment in women through access to resources, education, mentorship, and leadership platforms. The message is clear: when women are empowered, organizations prosper, communities flourish, and nations grow stronger.

 

In line with this vision, Adron Homes highlighted its people-first culture, which promotes gender inclusion at all operational levels. From executive management and regional administration to marketing leadership, client experience, and field operations, women continue to play strategic roles in driving the company’s growth and service excellence.

 

According to the company, creating pathways for women to lead is not just a policy direction but a proven strategy that fuels innovation, strengthens decision-making, and deepens stakeholder trust.

 

Adron Homes also highlighted its internal capacity-building initiatives designed to equip female professionals with the skills and confidence needed for greater responsibility. Through structured mentorship, leadership exposure, and performance-based advancement systems, the organization continues to raise a new generation of women leaders within the property sector.

 

Delivering a message to commemorate the day, the Executive Vice Chairman, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to inclusive progress:

 

“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ speaks to a principle we strongly believe in at Adron Homes, empowering women is an investment with lasting returns. When women are supported to lead and succeed, the impact goes beyond the workplace; it transforms families, industries, and society at large. We remain committed to building systems that help women rise and thrive.”

 

The company noted that its celebration of International Women’s Day reflects a broader mission, developing not only thriving residential communities but also a workplace culture where talent is recognized without bias and leadership opportunities are accessible to all.

 

As Adron Homes continues its expansion drive, it remains steadfast in fostering an environment where women are encouraged to contribute meaningfully, lead confidently, and grow sustainably.

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