New leather hub will position Lagos as a global leader in leather production and innovation… Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has hailed the newly commissioned industrial leather hub as potent enough to position Lagos as a global leader in leather production and innovation.

Located in the boisterous Matori, Mushin area of the state, the hub, now known as the Oluremi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub, is designed to generate more than $250m annually in export turnover when fully operational, create 10,000 direct jobs while over 150,000 artisans would benefit from training and start-up support to boost productivity, and position Lagos as the leather logistics capital in West Africa.

Equipped with modern industrial leatherwork machinery capable of mass-producing shoes, bags, belts, packaging bags, and other leather products, the commissioning of the hub on Saturday was part of activities lined up for the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu’s three-day official visit to Lagos.

In a goodwill message delivered at the ceremony, Obasa commended the state government for its initiative and investment, stating that the hub reaffirms the state’s leadership vision to transform Lagos into an industrial powerhouse.

He said, “This is more than just a facility; this hub symbolises our resolve to harness the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of our people. I am convinced beyond measure that it will empower artisans, create thousands of jobs, and position Lagos as a global leader in leather production and innovation.”

The Speaker further commended the state government for naming the leather hub after the First Lady, which he said is “a fitting recognition of her excellent service to the state as a three-term senator, her empowerment initiatives over the past two decades, and, also, as the wife of our beloved President.”

Presidency Advised to Consider Strategic Lockdowns as Security Solution

Policy memorandum from CRADI outlines targeted, intelligence-led measures against insurgents and bandits

The Presidency has been advised to adopt strategic, intelligence-driven lockdowns as part of a new framework to counter terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent criminality threatening national stability.

This recommendation was contained in a Policy Advisory Memorandum submitted to the Federal Government by the Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI) and authored by conflict and security expert, Isa Mohammed.

The memorandum argues that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity requires urgent, innovative approaches beyond conventional military operations, pointing to lessons from other conflict zones as well as Nigeria’s own COVID-19 lockdown experience.

A Nation at a Crossroads

Nigeria currently faces overlapping layers of violence:

• Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency in the Northeast.
• Banditry, mass kidnappings, and illegal mining in the Northwest.
• Farmer–herder clashes and communal violence in the North Central.
• Separatist-linked attacks in the Southeast.
• Oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and cult-related violence in the South-South.
• Rising cases of kidnappings and armed robbery in the Southwest.

According to the memorandum, this mosaic of insecurity has eroded public trust in state authority and demands a coordinated strategy that can disrupt criminal networks while safeguarding civilian lives.

“Conventional military campaigns alone cannot address these overlapping threats,” Mohammed wrote. “Strategic lockdowns, when carefully designed, can restrict terrorist mobility, cut off supply lines, and create the operational space for intelligence-led security operations.”

Buratai’s Call Sparks Policy Debate

The proposal builds on a recent intervention by former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd.), who called for a nationwide strategic lockdown as a tool to curb rising insecurity.

CRADI responded by convening a Policy Lab under its Co-Creation and Innovation Lab (CCIL), bringing together security practitioners, conflict analysts, governance experts, humanitarian actors, and community stakeholders.

The Lab drew lessons from Nigeria’s COVID-19 lockdown, which, despite its economic costs, succeeded in reducing certain forms of crime and giving security forces a clearer view of population movements. Participants agreed that lockdowns can be effective, but only if targeted, intelligence-driven, and sensitive to humanitarian needs.

Targeted, Not Blanket Lockdowns

The memorandum strongly cautioned against a nationwide shutdown, arguing it would cripple livelihoods without delivering sustainable security. Instead, CRADI recommended zonal lockdowns tailored to local dynamics.

Northeast: Seal borders with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon; enforce curfews around the Lake Chad Basin and Mandara Mountains.

Northwest: Impose lockdowns in forest belts such as Rugu, Kamuku, and Birnin Gwari; ban illegal mining; restrict rural mobility.

North Central: Enforce lockdowns in conflict flashpoints; secure farmlands with patrols; regulate grazing routes to reduce clashes.

Southeast: Introduce night curfews; restrict unauthorized assemblies; secure major highways against attacks.

South-South: Implement surveillance lockdowns along pipeline corridors and waterways to combat oil theft and cult-related violence.

Southwest: Apply tactical restrictions in forest reserves, especially the Ondo–Ogun axis, which has become a haven for kidnappers.

Security and Humanitarian Balance

The memorandum stressed that any lockdown must prioritize civilians’ welfare. Relief distribution, medical services, and humanitarian corridors must be integral parts of the plan.

“Lockdowns cannot succeed if they punish communities more than they hurt terrorists,” the Policy Lab concluded.

Civil society groups, traditional rulers, and religious leaders were identified as key partners in sensitization and community buy-in. International partners such as the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS were also highlighted as potential providers of technical and logistical support.

Oversight and Rule of Law

The memorandum insisted that the rule of law and accountability are essential if the strategy is to maintain legitimacy.

It proposed the creation of a Joint Oversight Mechanism comprising parliamentary committees, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society actors to monitor enforcement, prevent abuse, and provide citizens with grievance platforms.

Security personnel would be required to operate under clear rules of engagement that respect constitutional rights while allowing decisive action against armed groups.

Implementation Plan

The strategy would unfold in phases:

First 3 months: Map security hotspots, enact legal frameworks, and sensitize communities.

Next 3–6 months: Enforce lockdowns, deploy security forces, and provide humanitarian relief.

After 6 months: Evaluate effectiveness, with adjustments made as needed. Successful areas would transition into community policing and peacebuilding efforts, while unresolved hotspots could see extended lockdowns.

Lockdowns would be strictly time-bound, lasting three to six months in any area, with extensions subject to National Assembly approval.

Measuring Success

Quarterly reports would be submitted to the Presidency anthe d National Assembly. Progress indicators would include:

Reduction in attacks and kidnappings.

Arrest or neutralization of high-value targets.

Destruction of terrorist and bandit camps.

Safe return of displaced persons.

Restoration of farming, trade, and socio-economic activities.

Restoring Authority and Stability

In its conclusion, the memorandum framed the proposal as an opportunity for the Federal Government to regain the initiative in its security strategy.

“General Buratai’s call for a strategic lockdown is an urgent reminder that Nigeria must rethink its approach to insecurity,” Mohammed wrote.

“If implemented with strong oversight, humanitarian sensitivity, and clear timelines, strategic lockdowns can help restore state authority, protect vulnerable communities, and lay the foundation for peacebuilding and long-term stability.”

Strength in Unity: NUSA Kempton Park Ward Inauguration Sets Standard for Nigerian Diaspora Leadership.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com

Introduction.

On Saturday, the 23rd of August 2025, Nigerians in Kempton Park, Gauteng, witnessed a landmark moment as the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) successfully conducted the election and inauguration of its Kempton Park Ward executives. Held at the prestigious Friedman Stad Hotel, the event was not only calm and peaceful but also entertaining and filled with optimism for the future.

The ceremony drew an impressive presence of national and provincial leaders of NUSA, including the President General, Adv. Smart I. Nwobi, the BoT Chairman, Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen, the Grand Patron, Hon. Ikechukwu Anyene, the Secretary General/Acting Gauteng Chairperson, Mr. Yomi Jola-Michael, his assistant secretary, Hon. Coker, the Deputy Organising Secretary, Hon. Emeka Dibie and the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President General, Hon. George O. Sylvester.

Their presence underscored the seriousness of the moment, proving once again that NUSA is a union of structure, discipline and grassroots accountability.

Why the Kempton Park Ward Election Matters.

NUSA is not merely a social association; it is the umbrella body representing Nigerians across South Africa. It advocates for Nigerian rights, mediates in times of crisis, engages South African authorities on issues of policy and fosters unity among Nigerians.

The inauguration of the Kempton Park Ward executives was therefore not just another election. It was a strategic expansion of NUSA’s grassroots structures, a bold statement that Nigerians in Kempton Park will now have direct representation, closer support systems and a structured pathway to engage with both NUSA leadership and South African authorities.

Kempton Park is home to thousands of Nigerians engaged in trade, academia, business, religious ministry and the arts. Having a recognized ward structure here is a reassurance that NUSA is present where its people are most active.

Presence of Leaders: A Testament to Unity

The caliber of leaders who graced the event revealed its historical importance.

Adv. Smart I. Nwobi, President General of NUSA, delivered the keynote remarks. He congratulated the newly elected executives and urged them to prioritize service above self. His words reminded everyone that leadership is a responsibility not a privilege.

Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen, BoT Chairman, one of the most respected financial minds in the Nigerian diaspora, highlighted the importance of accountability, stressing that leadership without integrity is leadership bound to collapse.

Hon. Ikechukwu Anyene, Grand Patron of NUSA, represented the moral conscience of the union. His symbolic role as patron brought a sense of tradition and stability.

Mr. Yomi Jola-Michael, Secretary General/Acting Gauteng Chairperson, along with Hon. Coker and Hon. Emeka Dibie, underscored the administrative strength of NUSA. Their presence confirmed that the Kempton Park Ward is fully integrated into the provincial and national hierarchy.

Hon. George O. Sylvester, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President General, reminded the gathering of the importance of media visibility. Through his work, NUSA ensures transparency, documentation and a positive narrative about Nigerians in South Africa.

This unity of leadership at all levels (national, provincial and ward) gave the inauguration a seal of legitimacy and inspiration.

A Peaceful and Democratic Process.

Elections often come with tension, but the Kempton Park Ward election defied that trend. It was orderly, transparent and peaceful. This calm atmosphere sends a powerful message (not only to Nigerians but also to South African observers) that Nigerians are capable of conducting democratic processes with dignity and respect.

In an environment where migrant communities are often stereotyped or misrepresented, such peaceful processes are crucial in reshaping narratives. It shows Nigerians as builders of democracy, not disruptors of order.

The Role of Ward Structures in NUSA.

Ward structures like Kempton Park are the heartbeat of NUSA’s mission. While the national leadership provides vision and advocacy, ward structures provide direct connection to the people.

The functions of the Kempton Park Ward will include:

Community Representation ~ Serving as the mouthpiece of Nigerians in Kempton Park.

Conflict Resolution ~ Mediating disputes among community members before they escalate.

Advocacy & Protection ~ Standing against xenophobic threats, police harassment and immigration challenges.

Empowerment Programs ~ Organizing workshops, training and youth initiatives for Nigerians.

Cultural Promotion ~ Hosting cultural festivals that showcase Nigerian heritage, strengthening identity while fostering integration with South Africans.

By empowering grassroots voices, NUSA ensures that no Nigerian feels abandoned in South Africa.

The Challenges Ahead.

While the event was a success, the new ward executives inherit enormous challenges. Nigerians in South Africa continue to face pressing issues such as:

Immigration hurdles and documentation delays.

Police profiling and harassment, often based on nationality.

Xenophobic tensions in some communities.

Economic instability affecting migrant businesses.

The need for youth mentorship to prevent involvement in crime.

The task before the new leadership is therefore not ceremonial but deeply practical. They must be proactive, innovative and courageous in tackling these realities.

A Call to Leadership.

In his charge to the new executives, President General Adv. Smart I. Nwobi reminded them:

“Leadership is not about titles or recognition; it is about service, sacrifice and the courage to act when others remain silent.”

This statement encapsulated the vision of NUSA, to raise leaders who are accountable, compassionate and resilient in protecting Nigerian dignity abroad.

NUSA’s Broader Mission.

The Kempton Park Ward inauguration fits into the broader vision of NUSA, which includes:

Advocating for Nigerian rights across South Africa.

Building strong diplomatic bridges between Nigeria and South Africa.

Promoting unity in diversity among Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion or social status.

Coordinating emergency response for Nigerians in distress.

Enhancing Nigeria’s image abroad by encouraging law-abiding conduct and excellence among Nigerians.

Over the years (since 2008), NUSA has been the first responder during crises; whether in xenophobic outbreaks, legal battles or welfare cases. The addition of stronger ward structures ensures this mission continues at a faster and more efficient pace.

Summing Up: Unity as a Way Forward.

The Kempton Park Ward election and inauguration marked a new dawn for Nigerians in Gauteng Province. It was not just a gathering; it was a statement of unity, democracy and progress. With respected leaders in attendance and newly elected executives ready to serve, Nigerians in Kempton Park can now look to the future with confidence.

As NUSA continues to strengthen its grassroots structures, the union stands taller as the legitimate voice of Nigerians in South Africa. The message is clear: Nigerians are UNITED, ORGANIZED and READY to CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY to their host country while never forgetting their homeland.

The inauguration of the Kempton Park Ward will be remembered not just as an election, but as a milestone in the journey of Nigerian diaspora leadership; a reminder that when Nigerians come together in peace and unity, no challenge is insurmountable.

Published by saharaweeklyng.com