Unity Beyond Religion As Sheikh Kandayasu Imodola Leads Historic Twin Festival In Ogun

Abeokuta, Ogun State, came alive on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as Sheikh Zakariyah Idris Imodola, fondly known as Sheikh Kandayasu, led a remarkable twin celebration that blended faith, thanksgiving and community development.

The event, held at Arokoje area, Obantoko, witnessed the Maulud Nabiyy celebration marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad alongside the official foundation laying for a new mosque in the community.

The colourful gathering was organised by the JAMHIYATUL FATIHATUL KHARAAT group, founded about fifteen years ago by the revered cleric. Addressing a large congregation of Islamic scholars, community leaders and well-wishers, Sheikh Imodola expressed deep gratitude to Allah for sustaining the group over the years and guiding it to a moment he described as divinely appointed.

According to him, God owns time and seasons, stressing that the decision to commence the mosque project was not by human effort but divine timing. He explained that the invitation extended to guests was a reflection that the moment ordained by Allah had arrived, adding that every step taken by the group was rooted in sincere service to God.

Speaking further, the Islamic scholar reflected on the essence of Maulud Nabiyy, noting that while many celebrate the Prophet’s birthday, true servants of God are distinguished by sincerity and sacrifice. He emphasised that the reward for those who work for God differs greatly from those who pursue personal gains, stating that all the activities of the group were carried out for God alone and not for money.

Sheikh Imodola also cautioned against religious showmanship, noting that some people use religion to project status and lifestyle rather than genuine devotion. He revealed future plans aimed at strengthening Islamic values, particularly the establishment of a Quranic learning centre where children would be properly guided to prevent moral deviation.

Special guest at the event, Chief Joju Fadairo, congratulated the hosts on the twin celebration and the mosque project. In a message that resonated strongly with attendees, he stressed that there should be no division between Islam and Christianity, describing adherents of both faiths as children of the same parents who must coexist in unity and love.

Chief Fadairo added that religious crisis is alien to Yorubaland due to deep family ties across faiths, noting that it is common to find Muslims and Christians within the same family. He prayed for the successful completion of the mosque in peace and joy, pledging to personally return to pray with the congregation once the project is completed.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mutiu Afod thanked God and Sheikh Kandayasu for the Maulud Nabiyy celebration and the fifteenth anniversary of the group. He described Sheikh Imodola as a man whose goodness and leadership speak naturally without noise or self-praise, noting that since his arrival in Abeokuta, God has favoured him and endeared him to the people through generosity and compassion.

The event attracted notable personalities, including Alhaji Sheikh Lukman, Alhaji Olowoshile, Imam Tejumola, Alhaji Lukman Booseere, Imam Ibrahim Balogun, Imam Yusuf, Imam Ibrahim CBN, and Mr Kehinde, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, among others, who joined the community in celebrating a day marked by faith, unity and hope for the future.

Nigeria’s Misplaced Priorities: Why Deploying Troops to Benin Republic Instead of the North Underscores a Dangerous Security Blindspot
By Ifeanyi Obinali

As the dust settles from last weekend’s failed coup in Benin Republic, and the Nigerian Senate’s recent approval of troops deployment to assist the Beninese government, many Nigerians are asking: Was this really the right call — especially given the worsening security disaster back home?
On December 7, 2025, the government of Benin requested military intervention after mutinying soldiers attempted to overthrow their president. Responding swiftly, President Bola Tinubu ordered the mobilization of Nigerian fighter jets and ground troops to help restore constitutional order in the neighboring country. Reports say the intervention succeeded: airstrikes and ground forces helped quash the coup attempt. This indeed is a bold gesture to a neighbor, but at what domestic cost?
In the eyes of many observers including Nigeria’s leaders, this demonstrates solidarity with a neighbor and reaffirms Nigeria’s role as a stabilizer in the region. President Tinubu framed the move as an affirmation of shared democratic values under ECOWAS. But for many Nigerians who face daily threats from kidnappings, banditry and village massacres, the spectacle of foreign intervention feels dangerously disconnected from the urgent reality of life in the country, especially Nigeria’s north.

The northern crisis is now more than a security challenge but a humanitarian disaster. Over the last decade, large parts of northern Nigeria especially the northwest and north-central zones have been ravaged by violence: kidnappings, bandit raids, mass abductions of schoolchildren, attacks on villages and farms, and deadly raids on houses of worship.

Today, killings, kidnappings, and violent raids by so-called bandit gangs” are everyday realities of citizens in Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina and Niger. It is a shame and sad to note that 15 years after Chibok, we are still dealing with the same challenges that led to school students in Kebbi and Niger facing the same inhumane situation that they will never recover from. The worst part remains that the posture of the government still does not prove its readiness to deal with this issue decisively. How can someone order the removal of military officers and security men protecting the school in Kebbi mere hours before the bandits attacked, killed the principal and kidnapped the students, yet Nigerians still do not officially know the name of that specific individual who gave the order of removal, and worst still that person is not in custody yet – a stark manifestation of how entrenched in the system the insecurity has become, especially because it’s unusual for military movements to occur without clear authorization, especially in high-risk areas.

These attacks do more than just endanger lives: they destroy communities, displace families, force farmers off their land, and worsen poverty and hunger, a reality already highlighted in recent food-insecurity projections.

As with every sovereign nation, the government’s number one responsibility is to ensure security and the protection of the lives of every citizen. When the government commits troops abroad, especially in a reactive operation, it sends a message about what it sees as its priorities. Deploying personnel to Benin may shore up regional influence, but it comes at a cost: the very real and growing insecurity at home and the millions of naira that could have been invested in the fight against insecurity.
Given the scale of terror, banditry, and kidnapping in the north, diverting troops and military assets to another country is a miscalculation. Just the way our troops were guns-blazing to Cotonou, they could have done the same in response to the insecurity in the north, at a time when many citizens believed they most needed protection.
What message does this send to a family in, say, Katsina or Zamfara, whose village was raided last week, whose children were snatched, whose farm is burning when military jets are flying to foreign capitals instead of guarding their schools or farmland?

Beyond optics, our government’s focus should be internal, because the human cost of insecurity in the country is huge and rapidly rising. The numbers of attacks, abductions, and killings in the north have soared over the last decade. For thousands of families, insecurity is no longer abstract, but a daily terror. Citizens expect their government to guard their safety, safeguard their children’s education, and protect their land. When security appears selectively deployed abroad while domestic threats rage, public trust erodes.

There is no doubt that regional instability threatens all West African nations, and that solidarity among neighbors is sometimes necessary. But for a country still grappling with rampant kidnappings, banditry, and deadly attacks across its own territory inside which lives, livelihoods, and futures hang in the balance, stability at home must come first.

Nigerians cannot continue to remain vulnerable, their lands insecure, and their families unprotected, while foreign capitals enjoy the protection of Nigerian jets and troops. The government must before any foreign adventures, deploy the full force of its security apparatus to where it is most needed: at home in the Northeast, Northwest and North Central in particular, and Nigeria in general.

Ooni’s Chieftaincy Will Strengthen Ghana-Nigeria Relations – Ghana’s President Mahama

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the President of Ghana, expressed that his installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II CFR the Ooni of Ife symbolizes a new chapter in the long-standing bond between Ghana and Nigeria. This statement was made during the heartfelt address he delivered at the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on December 15, 2025. The installation ceremony drew numerous dignitaries and guests, all gathered to witness this significant cultural event.

In an emotionally charged speech, President Mahama emphasized that the chieftaincy title he received not only honors him personally but serves as a vital link to further reinforce the fraternal ties between the two neighboring nations. He recounted a pivotal moment from his political journey, highlighting the crucial role the Ooni played in his re-election campaign. Mahama shared a memorable experience from when he was in opposition, revealing that the Ooni had insisted on a visit to his palace, where he experienced a warm welcome and engaged in meaningful discussions.

Reflecting on that crucial visit, he stated, “Kabiyesi took me to the palace’s most sacred areas and encouraged me to express my deepest desires. After that, he assured me, ‘Go, and you will reclaim your seat.’ In 2024, to my delight, I was re-elected as President.”

Further expressing his sentiments, Mahama remarked on the longstanding kinship between the peoples of Ghana and Nigeria, asserting, “When Nigeria thrives, Ghana thrives. Our connection is profound; we are like twins born of the same mother, sharing similar aspirations whether in our passion for football or our culinary pride in jollof rice.”

He also reminisced about his childhood years spent in Nigeria, following his father’s exile. In a touching dedication, he honored his late stepmother, who hailed from Offa in Kwara State, a place he called home for several years post-university.

“I humbly accept this chieftaincy title on behalf of the wonderful people of Ghana, as it sends a powerful message about our shared relationship.” He continued, “In memory of my stepmother, Hajia Nusirat Balogun, I embrace this honor. When my father was exiled, it was decided that I should accompany him for companionship. Thus, I lived for years in Nigeria, in places like Lagos, Offa, and Kano alongside my late stepmother’s brother, Sharaf Balogun.”

During the ceremony, Ooni Adeyeye took the opportunity to express his appreciation for President Mahama. He stated, “On behalf of the House of Oduduwa, I extend our deepest gratitude to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for graciously accepting the immense responsibility of becoming a beacon of hope, a pillar of honor, and a symbol of unity for Africa as the Aare Atayeto Oodua. This distinguished recognition underscores your remarkable leadership, unwavering commitment to African unity, and lifelong dedication to humanity. The Oduduwa dynasty takes great pride in welcoming you into this esteemed rank, which stands as a testament to wisdom, courage, and stewardship for our continent.”

This ceremony not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage but also sets the stage for enhanced cooperation and collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria, further solidifying the bond between these two nations.