society
ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN MFR, AT THE 2019 TOYIN FALOLA CONFERENCE ON AFRICA AND THE AFRICAN DIASPORA (TOPAC), HELD ON MONDAY, 1ST JULY, 2019.
ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN MFR, AT THE 2019 TOYIN FALOLA CONFERENCE ON AFRICA AND THE AFRICAN DIASPORA (TOPAC), HELD ON MONDAY, 1ST JULY, 2019.
Protocols,
On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ogun State, let me welcome the academic community and other members of the entire intellectual community to the 2019 Toyin Falola Conference on Africa and The African Diaspora (Topac), being held here at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State.
- Let me also commend the management of Babcock University for sustaining the tradition of scholarship since its establishment. This University and others remain part of the reason our dear State is referred to as the education capital of Nigeria. The hosting of this Conference with the theme “Religion, the State and Global Politics is another symbolic demonstration of this Universitys commitment to its mandate of providing quality tertiary education and research and providing solutions to issues of concern to the university and its host community. I also wish to thank the Chairman and the Members of the planning committee for inviting me as the Special Guest, I want to commend you for your commitment and good planning which had made todays occasion possible.
- Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt that the theme of the Conference could not have been more apt considering recent developments in the polity and the attachment of religion. Religion, which should have been a unifying factor, that should bring us closer to our creator has suddenly become a dividing factor. Rather than seeing ourselves as one entity of humanity, we have continued to see ourselves as different, divisible units with varied worldviews.
- In the past, we have always assumed that religion and the State are two different entities. But recent events have continued to lay bare the fact that the connections between religion and the State are increasingly relevant. We have continued to see demonstrations that most of peoples’ actions and commitments are derivable from their religious beliefs. If we have to talk about security, peace, co-existence and even, socio-economic development, we cannot divorce religion.
- In recent times, the global community has been confronted with acts of terrorism which have been tied to religion, whether rightly or wrongly. What is more confounding is the fact that these acts of terrorism are also supposedly sponsored by politicians against the State, and, or by Government against another Government.
- In Nigeria, we have had more than our own fair share of acts of violence which some quarters have tied to religion, and even the State. We have the Boko-Haram issue in the Northern part of the country, which has been linked to a religious terrorist movement, ISIS; there is also the rampaging security threats of Herdsmen-Farmers clash and Kidnap which some people have linked to a grand plan by a particular tribe to take over the rest of the country. I find these acts condemnable and no efforts should be spared to bring the perpetrators to book. If you ask me, these are common criminals and should be treated as such.
- It is also not out of place to state that all these developments within a nation also determines its global perception. In the past, we have had the Western and Eastern Blocs, based on political cum economic philosophy; and we have also had the Non-Aligned Movement. However, recent events have also shown that more nations are forming alliances, not just on geographical location, but also, on religious ideology. We have continued to see international organisations which have religion as its basic credential for membership. It is no surprise that membership of such organisations raise serious discourse amongst citizens of such nations.
- In our contemporary geographical landscape, therefore, we cannot afford to ignore issues of religion, with particular reference to religious freedom and tolerance on one hand; and, on the other hand, violence and oppression. And, in the light of this, State policy makers, Scholars, and all Stakeholders will have to think out of the box and come up with improved and more practical approaches in dealing with our diverse religious ideologies so that religion will be a unifying factor that will provide impetus to socio-economic development of Nigeria. That is why I will state once again that this conference and its theme could not have been more apt because it provides us another veritable platform for cross-fertilization of ideas that will foster religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence for all-round development of our dear country.
- In Ogun State, we appreciate the role of religion in socio-economic development. And, we have mapped out strategies in engaging religious leaders and all our people so that apart from seeing religion as a tool of spiritual fulfillment, they will also see it as a vehicle that drives economic viability of our dear State. We appreciate the importance of the cooperation and support of our people to the successful implementation of the Building our Future Together agenda. Our Administration is irrevocably committed to fairness, justice, equity and inclusiveness.
- Let me not pre-empt the Guest Speaker because I have no doubt in my mind that he will do appropriate justice to the topic. It is my belief that the discussions that will ensue will be quite engaging and at the end of the conference, all of us will feel the time spent has been worth the while.
- Once again, I commend the management of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State; and, the organisers of this conference for coming up with this important topic.
- As I wish all of us a rewarding and fruitful deliberations, it is with a sense of duty that I declare this Conference open to the glory of God and continued peaceful coexistence of humanity.
- I thank you all for listening and God bless.
Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR
Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Monday, 1st July, 2019.

society
Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos
Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.
The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.
According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.
The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.
At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.
She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.
The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.
Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.
Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.
They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.
The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.
society
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.
May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.
In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.
### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.
2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.
UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.
3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.
4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.
For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.
United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.
society
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.
In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.
According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.
He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.
“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.
The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.
He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.
“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.
Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.
While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.
“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.
The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.
He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.
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