All through six gruesome weeks of COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria, even as Federal and State governments bungled the grinding task of sharing palliatives to the country’s most vulnerable masses, one strategic collaboration between non-government organisations (NGOs) stood out as it fed over 25,000 people across Lagos State and its immediate environs.
Leveraging on the expertise gained from 11 years of battling hunger through its community kitchen, free school meals, family meals and zero hunger programmes, FoodClique Support Initiative led by its CEO, Bolajoko Fadipe partnered with Noella Foundation led by Seyi Tinubu to distribute neatly packed edibles (dry cook-able foods) in print-branded brown cartons expertly despatched by tireless volunteers in buses, cars, motorbikes and bicycles to locations both near and far flung from the NGO’s operational base in Yaba, Lagos State. Their campaign is tagged “We are #strongertogether.”
The COVID-19 exploits of FoodClique and Noella Foundation in helping government combat hunger among the helpless, drew the attention of Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who commended the charity organisation via video conferencing in March 2020 with Fadipe. The FoodClique/Noella Foundation volunteers also got invited to the Lagos State Government House in April 2020 where they got the commendation of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, his wife and his COVID-19 workforce.
In a media statement issued by Dr. Kunle Hamilton, a FoodClique partner and communication consultant, Fadipe explained how the FoodClique idea was born 11 years ago and the increasing strategic partnerships that have helped them fight hunger in the land, thanks to their teeming volunteers.
“On my birthday 11 years ago” Fadipe said, instead of rejoicing with friends, I felt a stronger urge to feed the poor and homeless and that’s exactly what I did. Fast forward to March 2020, at FoodClique, we were still contemplating our usual free community kitchen for the less privileged, until the realities of COVID-19 hit all of us.
“Our slogan at FoodClique is that hunger has a voice and with COVID-19, we heard hunger’s voice loud and clear. And we are grateful to God for the partnership of Noella Foundation chaired by Mr. Seyi Tinubu whose financial commitment and enormous goodwill extended our capacity to feed tens of thousands of vulnerable Nigerians.”
Speaking about the commitment of Noella Foundation to this humanitarian gesture, Seyi Tinubu said “It is our duty to give back to the society and I’m always hands on to help because I know the situation we are in right now is not an easy one, especially for business owners. But with our collective effort, we will achieve a lot more.”
Confident and excited, FoodClique CEO Fadipe concluded by saying, “We are grateful to God that after 11 years of our transparency and commitment to feeding the vulnerable in our society, a good number of organisations have teamed up with FoodClique to help us defeat hunger in our land.
“Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, we have been packing and distributing food boxes from the sanitized auditorium of CCC PraiseVille and ShaddaiVille Ministries at no cost. We could not have met the growing number of daily emergency boxes without our partners, donors, volunteers and Praiseville – a church hall, which has become a vital link in the distribution chain for our emergency food boxes for the vulnerable in the society. Indeed, we are stronger together and this is what must define us as Nigerians at this crucial time in our history.”
FoodClique and Noella Foundation food boxes got to communities like Spencer and Borno Way in Yaba, Makoko, Ebute Metta, Akoka, Iponri, Lagos Island, Bariga, Agege, Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Alimosho, Igando, Igbogbo, Festac, Oshodi, Ikotun, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Ijede, Ajah, Ojo and Iyana Ipaja among others.
Enhancing public safety and security: The Halo Trust, US Govt partner to provide ammunition handling and accounting training at Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting Course. The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
According to The HALO Trust’s Country Director for Nigeria, Prince Ganiyu Otunba, this training is part of aholistic NPF-HALO developed project aimed at supporting personnel capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command to mitigate explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, through the CP EOD–CBRN CP Patrick Atayero expressed gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs andThe Trust HALO for their support.
The training aimed to equip NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to handle and account for ammunition and explosives safely and securely. The course also focused on ensuring proper accounting and record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices.
The NPF appreciates the support provided by the United States government, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the society.
CP Patrick Atayero emphasized the importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.
About HALO
The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian organization engaged in the field of Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management. With over 35 years’ experience, The HALO Trust is the most experienced organization in the field of Weapons and Ammunition Management, rehabilitating and constructing armouries and ammunition stores to international standards, disposing of unsafe and unserviceable weapons and ammunition, and building national capacity to allow for the safe, accountable and secure management and control of weapons and ammunition.
The HALO Trust presently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO trained a total of 106 Nigeria security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.
“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”
The Nigerian social media space was thrown into an uproar on Tuesday as news spread about Segun Olowookere, an only child, who was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun State. The case, which dates back to 2010, has raised serious questions about justice, fairness, and the Nigerian judicial system.
Olowookere, now 31, was arrested alongside Sunday Morakinyo in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, when he was just 17 years old. Accused of robbing a police officer of two fowls and eggs worth ₦20,000, the duo was convicted in 2014 by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court.
The Arrest and Trial
According to Olowookere, his ordeal began when a group of minors, allegedly involved in theft, named him as their gang leader. Despite his denial, he was subjected to severe torture by police officers and detained without immediate legal recourse.
“The police demanded ₦30,000 for my bail, but my father could only raise ₦20,000. Before he could return with the full amount, I was transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Osogbo,” Olowookere recounted.
At trial, six witnesses testified against him. Although he pleaded not guilty and claimed innocence, the court relied heavily on a controversial confession reportedly obtained under duress. Justice Falola sentenced both Olowookere and Morakinyo to death for armed robbery, life imprisonment for robbery, and three years for theft.
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice
The harsh sentence, perceived as disproportionate to the crime, has ignited widespread criticism. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) condemned the ruling, arguing that the trial was unlawful since Olowookere was a minor at the time of the offence.
Falana stated, “The Osun State High Court lacked jurisdiction over the case. The matter should have been handled by the Family Court, which would not impose the death penalty on a child.”
Governor Adeleke’s Intervention
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation and initiated steps for a pardon. “I assure the public that this case is receiving urgent attention. Justice and fairness must prevail,” the governor announced on X.
Lingering Appeal and a Tarnished Legacy
The case is still pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, Akure, 13 years after it began. Meanwhile, Justice Falola, who presided over the trial, was recently retired by the National Judicial Council following a separate scandal involving professional misconduct.
The Human Toll
Olowookere, who has spent over a decade on death row, dreams of becoming a doctor. He has trained under medical practitioners at his custodial center and hopes to prove his innocence and contribute to society.
“I pray to God to set me free. I am not a criminal. I’ve never stolen anything in my life,” he said.
Morakinyo, his co-convict, was not as fortunate. Following years of torture, he has developed severe mental health issues and is now unrecognizable, according to Olowookere.
What’s Next?
As the public awaits the conclusion of the appeal process, Olowookere’s story has become a rallying point for advocacy against systemic injustice. Many Nigerians are calling for comprehensive judicial reforms to prevent such cases in the future.
The tragedy of Segun Olowookere is a grim reminder of the cracks in Nigeria’s justice system—cracks that have left a young man’s life hanging in the balance for over a decade.
Nigerian Man Returns ₦5 Million Mistakenly Sent to His Account Amid Economic Hardship
A Nigerian man, Ben Kingsley Nwashara, has become a symbol of integrity after returning ₦5 million mistakenly deposited into his bank account during a time of widespread economic hardship in the country.
Nwashara shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter) on December 20, posting a screenshot of the unexpected transaction alert. He expressed astonishment at receiving such a large amount during challenging financial times.
“Someone mistakenly sent me ₦5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) to my Fidelity Bank account. In this hard time? I’ve been getting calls from different persons because of this,” he wrote.
Determined to resolve the situation lawfully, Nwashara immediately contacted the police to report the incident, explaining his intent to protect himself from potential fraud accusations.
“I will be headed to the police station to make a statement. Let the bearer of the account come and confirm he or she sent it with evidence,” he added.
In a follow-up post, he shared evidence of his integrity—a receipt showing the successful return of the funds to Sliding Towers Global Limited, the original sender. Additionally, he documented his visit to the Ogui Police Station in Enugu to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Let it be on record that I’ve returned the sum of ₦5Million mistakenly sent to me by one Sliding Towers Global Limited. I’ve also made an entry at the Ogui Police Station, Enugu, to this effect,” Nwashara stated.
His actions have garnered widespread praise on social media, with many commending his honesty and strong moral compass, particularly during Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
“This is the kind of integrity we need in our society. He didn’t succumb to the temptation to keep the money despite the hardship,” one user wrote.
Ben Kingsley Nwashara’s exemplary behavior has sparked conversations about ethics and accountability, proving that integrity still thrives in unexpected situations.