Over the course of history, including the last century, the world has seen the emergence of individuals who have taken it upon themselves to use their resources to make the world a better place.
Just as the Holy Book of the Christians says, there will always be among us the poor, just as there will always be among us the privileged. Hence the worthy duty and moral obligation for humans to lend a helping hand to one another as we continually seek to make the world a better place for ourselves and the generations to come.
And it’s no secret that the history books hold many records of individuals who have made a mark for themselves by living selfless lives, one that has seen them dedicate themselves to making a difference.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, among others, left a selfless legacy of what pure humanitarianism is; even after her death, her name still resonates.
Setting an example for all in Nigeria and on the African continent, Dr. Lola Bayode has taken it upon herself to do the unprecedented.
The Ondo-born and bred daughter of the soil is a trained medical professional, a philanthropist and a humanitarian with an unusual passion for the wellbeing of the underprivileged. Currently, she is the Deputy Head, Social Director by the Africa Union, a post she has held since October 9, 2020.
Driven by pure love to help others, Dr. Lola built the biggest orphanage home in Africa, a facility that consists of 750 homes for children, a 500-capacity skill acquisition centre for women, large halls for events, a modern clinic, and a worship centre.
Ever since its official commissioning on October 14, 2021, by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the facility has continued to take children in their numbers, helping them create a new chapter for themselves and also renewing their hope in humanity.
In a society that boasts of various influential figures who undoubtedly have the financial means to do this, Dr. Lola, despite having no large financial prowess or holding a public office that could have attracted funds for her, has succeeded in doing what many others have failed to do.
Children whose lives would have been truncated and probably forgotten have been taken in, cared for, and nurtured to thrive. She serves as a reference point for what humanity should be all about, and it’s inspiring to see a lady like her making a difference.
Recently, a viral message made rounds on the social media. It was written by a lady identified as Oluwakemisola, who narrated how Dorian Homes took in an 11-year-old boy whose parents had neglected because his mother reportedly opted to start a prostitution job.
According to the writer of this viral post, within 24 hours of notifying Dorian Homes, the boy was taken in as a new member of the facility.
There’s no more worthwhile job than the job of helping others, showing humanity that humanity is worth saving, and for a fact, the world today is better with Dr. Lola Bayode. No doubt, the children she has saved today—those in whom she has invested her resources to give a new lease on life—would grow up to become successful in their various chosen endeavours, and they would also continue to show light to the paths of others.
While we appreciate the intervention of Dr. Lola, it’s important that we find it necessary to also contribute to the selfless legacy that she is laying. One Dr. Lola might be able to move hundreds of miles, but with the support of all, she can move a thousand more miles.
Even as she celebrates the first year anniversary of the home, which has continued to put smiles on the faces of the many, giving meaning to their lives, we must take it upon ourselves not only to celebrate her but also to ensure the sustenance of the institution which was created by her.
Our society needs more of angels like her, and we must take it upon ourselves to encourage initiatives like this, this is also a clarion call to the State government to sponsor projects like this, it is to the glory of the State when the lives of its people who have given up on life find help, having a new reason to live and survive.
The first anniversary of Dorian homes is not just a celebration of its first anniversary but it is a reminder to us all that we have our roles to play, no matter how small or insignificant.
Coalition Commends Buratai for seeking establishment School Safety Task Force
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria has applauded the former Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador, (Lieutenant-General Rtd) Tukur Buratai on his call for the establishment of school safety task force in the country for the development of education.
Buratai had said that the task force would provide tailored security solutions to schools in high-risk areas across the country.
The Coalition, in a statement by its Convener, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi and Secretary, Hon. John Atani, said Buratai understands that establishing the task force will help in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
It noted that the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, especially in the North, would be addressed with the school safety task force.
The Coalition said: “Buartai has once again demonstrated his expertise and concern in addressing insurgency, banditry and out-of-school children in the country.
“The recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that 60 per cent of the 10 million out-of-school children are girls should worry any Nigerian that believes in the leaders of tomorrow.
“Establishing the school safety task force can provide tailored security solutions to high risk areas. Education is a fundamental human right and a critical driver of national development, and if we fail to protect it, we jeopardise the future of our nation.
“However, if we rise to this challenge through innovation, collaboration and unwavering commitment, we can ensure that every Nigerian child has access to safe, equitable, and quality education.”
The Coalition also commended Buratai’s recent interview on Arise Television, saying that the General has addressed the allegations of misappropriations of public funds under his watch.
According to the Coalition, the army recorded unprecedented, outstanding, monumental and incontestable achievements, including counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, banditry and other sundry crimes, as well as human capital and structural development across the nation under Buratai.
“There was no single fund given to Buratai directly that he used apart from the budgetary processes, and all those budgetary releases were properly accounted for. The records are there in the procurement system of the Nigerian Army.
The Coalition in the statement once again appreciated Ambassador Buratai for his loyalty and selfless services to our nation and humanity. The Coalition also call on our media institutions to always interogate various allegations against distinguished Nigerians who have served the nation meritorioisly. Fact should be established before such news are aired.
Luxury or Lie? Regina Daniels’ Rolex Sparks Social Media Uproar!
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has found herself at the center of controversy after a social media user accused her of flaunting a fake Rolex watch. This revelation comes just days after the actress allegedly purchased the luxury timepiece, fueling speculations about ongoing marital turbulence with her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko.
The scandal erupted when a social media investigator posted alleged evidence proving that Regina’s Rolex was counterfeit, sparking a flurry of reactions from netizens. The claims quickly gained traction, pushing the actress to respond in a now-deleted Instagram story.
In her post, Regina tagged her brother, @sweezzy, seemingly directing the blame towards him while expressing her confusion. She wrote, “Brother, @sweezzy abeg come and explain because I don’t understand what’s going on.” This public call-out immediately added more fuel to the already blazing controversy.
Social Media Reactions Erupt
As expected, social media users wasted no time in dissecting the situation, with some mocking the actress for shifting blame onto her brother, while others speculated on the true nature of her alleged luxury purchase.
Bruno Leonard remarked sarcastically, “Shey dem write Rolex for there abi dem no write? 😀😀😀” insinuating that even if the brand name was present, it didn’t guarantee authenticity.
Angel Beauty threw shade at the actress, “Very good actress. Who else will she push the blame to for damage control if not her jobless brother? After all, success no pass anybody house na them dey pack am for hand.”
Another social media user highlighted the potential marital tension in the midst of the scandal, “Ned will just be like in his room🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 e never even reach three months o. You guys will learn the hard way.”
Investor Kivido suspected a publicity stunt, commenting, “I swear him wan use him brother shine LoL 🤣🤣” suggesting that Regina may have deliberately involved her brother to deflect attention from the allegations.
Bright Ijeize speculated on a possible scam, “If be say they run her brother street, that guy dey do mumu too much.” implying that Regina’s brother might have been tricked into acquiring the watch.
Barrister Nelson delivered the final blow with his comment, “Inside life 🤣 Just like I said earlier today, she is not aware the watch is fake. E don happen.”
The Bigger Picture: Damage Control or a Genuine Mistake?
Regina Daniels has always maintained a lavish lifestyle, often showcasing high-end fashion and luxury accessories on social media. However, this incident has cast doubt on her credibility, with many questioning whether she intentionally bought a counterfeit item or if she was unknowingly deceived.
Meanwhile, her husband, Ned Nwoko, has remained silent on the matter, further fueling speculations about possible unrest in their marriage. Could this be an orchestrated distraction from personal issues, or is Regina genuinely a victim of a bad purchase?
For now, the Nollywood star’s swift deletion of her response post only raises more questions than answers, leaving fans and critics eagerly watching her next move. One thing is clear—this controversy isn’t dying down anytime soon.
El-Rufai’s Shock Defection Sparks Political Firestorm as Presidency, APC Hit Back
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has ignited a political storm with his dramatic defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP), a move seen as a direct challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
El-Rufai, in a scathing critique of the APC, accused the party of derailing from its founding principles and pledged to mobilize opposition forces to unseat the ruling government. “I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and by-elections,” he declared.
His defection letter, addressed to his ward in Kaduna State and publicly shared, detailed his frustration with the APC’s leadership. “Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics. Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation,” he wrote.
The Presidency and the APC wasted no time in hitting back, dismissing El-Rufai’s move as an act of desperation driven by “an inordinate ambition destined to fail.” The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, downplayed El-Rufai’s influence, stating, “We will interrogate the motive in the coming days. Associating with sore losers to unseat the incumbent is not an ideology, neither is it progressivism.”
Similarly, the APC leadership in Kaduna brushed off El-Rufai’s defection as insignificant. Kaduna APC Secretary, Yahaya Baba-Pate, described it as “political gyration,” emphasizing that the party remains solidly behind President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani ahead of 2027.
Beyond Kaduna, El-Rufai’s sudden political maneuvering has sparked intense speculation. His recent high-profile meetings with opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, suggest broader realignments ahead of the next election cycle. At a recent conference on strengthening democracy, El-Rufai openly called for opposition unity against the APC, further fueling speculations about a potential mega coalition.
However, not all opposition figures are convinced. Salihu Lukman, a former APC chieftain involved in the proposed coalition talks, criticized El-Rufai’s defection as premature, stating that “we expected him to be more patient so we could walk out as a group.” Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed his move as a strategic blunder, while the Pat Utomi-led National Consultative Front welcomed him as a key player in the anti-APC movement.
As political realignments intensify, El-Rufai’s defection sets the stage for what could be a fiercely contested 2027 election. While his ability to unify the fractured opposition remains uncertain, his departure from the APC marks a significant rupture within Nigeria’s ruling party. The coming months will reveal whether his bold gamble will reshape the political landscape or end in failure as his critics predict.