society
Female Circumcision: Family Threatens One Of Their Own
Female Circumcision: Family Threatens One Of Their Own
The family of Mr & Mrs Popoola of Babatunde Egungbohun Street, Ayobo,Lagos; whose wife is a native of Ekiti State, has recently cried out to the general public and those in the corridors of power to come to his family’s rescue.
Popoola made the cry while reacting to a letter served him and his family in October 2020. The letter which was said to emanate from one Elder J.K. Alabi of High chief Majiyagbe Alabi family, who serves as the family head from his wife’s paternal compound mandated Popoola,to provide their daughter (name withheld) for prompt family circumcision rites, which he insists remains an ancient tradition held in high esteem.
The family head threatened that,every male or female child from the extended family must be circumcised and thoroughly involved in the rites,failure to which heavy sanctions would be meted out.
However, due to Popoola’s orientation and exposure, particularly efforts by the first lady of Ekiti State Governor and a popular NGO, Fida, who have launched series of campaigns against such awkward practices,believes that,female circumcision should be a thing that shouldn’t be heard of;in the current century. He lamented that,inspite of condemnations against female genital organ mutilation,people still compel family members into it. He added that, it is a child abuse, and forcing innocent children into this act remains a criminal behaviours under the Nigerian constitution, which may lead such family into court sanctions.
Speaking further, Popoola narrated how a letter of reminder was sent to him again in December 2020. He recalled that, out of confusions and panic,he decided to travel abroad with his immediate family and the said daughter. However, as if that was not enough,High Chief Majiyagbe family led by the mother-in-law on the order of the family chairman (Elder J.K. Alabi) with certain other members of the extended family visited his residence,to issue a warning to them.
Popoola who had thought the impromptu journey would have calmed down the whole family pressures, since the set date;chosen for the circumcision have passed,but surprisingly,while him and his entire family was away, the family head alongside the other family members came to issue a verbal warning; saying, “wherever your Oga might be hiding,we will fish him out,soon. He must bring his daughter for circumcision as we commanded him.” Mr. Popoola was also hinted on arrival that out of the four families that were invited, one willingly submitted their daughter for the circumcision while another family was forced in releasing their daughter since they have no place to hide. The other two families are the one fighting for their survival as we speak.
The gate keeper while narrating the incident to his boss marveled at the devastation of the visitors and how desperate they were,to get the child circumcised.
On hearing the gate man’s accounts, Popoola couldn’t believe his ears,since he thought he had escaped;and the whole scenario might have become a forgotten issues. He therefore,out of dismay visited a nearby police station,to channel his grievances,by petitioning the head of the family and everyone involved in the life-threatening saga. He wondered why male or female circumcisions now becomes an issue to warrant threat to one’s life in Nigeria, especially despite numerous local and international campaigns against mutilation of female genital organs.
Popoola maintained that, he does not want to take laws into his hands,that is why he decided to take it legally; while he calls on concerned authorities to kindly vet into the issue,by securing his life and those of his immediate family members,since they have received various threats should they fail to get his daughter circumcised.
He envisage the High Chief and others may come after the life of his daughter. Therefore he calls on the government to come to their rescue, because despite his petition to the Area P Police Command , the police after their investigations issued a statement that the suspects are currently at large and efforts to arrest and prosecute them is being frustrated, and that have not stopped the Majiyagbe Alabi’s family to continue to call and threaten Mr. Popoola that his daughter will be circumcised no matter what.
society
RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY
*RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY*
In a remarkable display of compassion and community support, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, in collaboration with UFAM Holdings Ltd, successfully distributed food relief to over 1,000 less privileged individuals in the Mando community, Afaka, Igabi, Kaduna State, as part of the Ramadan celebrations.
The initiative, aimed at alleviating hunger during this sacred month, saw community members receiving essential food items to ensure they can observe Ramadan with dignity and sustenance. The distribution took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre, where beneficiaries gathered to collect their food packages.
During the event, the Deputy Chief Imam of Mando Central Mosque, Sheikh Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, expressed his gratitude for the philanthropic effort. “We appreciate this gesture immensely,” he stated. He urged the public to keep the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, in their prayers, acknowledging his ongoing commitment to helping the less privileged. He also highlighted the contributions of UFAM Holdings Ltd, urging support for their charitable endeavors.
Beneficiaries of the food relief expressed their profound gratitude, offering prayers for Allah’s blessings on both the foundation and the company for their generous assistance during this holy month.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR Rtd, former Chief of Army Staff and Grand Patron of the Foundation, who was represented by Col Haruna Idris Zaria Rtd, thanked the public for their continuous prayers. He emphasized the importance of using the month of Ramadan to pray for the betterment of the country and an end to the insecurity plaguing the nation. He also urged the community to support and pray for security agencies, recognizing their sacrifices in maintaining peace and safety.
This charitable initiative not only highlights the spirit of Ramadan but also reinforces the importance of community solidarity and mutual support during challenging times.
Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Momodu’s remarks spotlight elite affluence as analysts warn of resistance to cost-cutting reforms.”
Prominent publisher and politician Dele Momodu has reignited debate over the vast wealth attributed to sections of Nigeria’s political class, asserting publicly that certain politicians could raise as much as $500 million at short notice to secure presidential power. Though no names were mentioned, the claim has sharpened national conversations about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of governance.
Nigeria’s persistent struggle with corruption is well documented by bodies such as Transparency International, whose global assessments frequently rank the country low on public sector integrity. The optics of expansive private mansions, luxury assets, and foreign-based lifestyles among political families continue to fuel public suspicion, particularly in a nation grappling with inflation, debt pressures, and widespread poverty.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of reform advocacy by Peter Obi, who has consistently argued for cutting governance costs and institutionalizing fiscal discipline. Political economist Professor Pat Utomi maintains that entrenched elites often resist structural reform, describing elite capture as a systemic barrier to democratic accountability. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has similarly warned that democracy without transparency breeds cynicism and instability.
While no specific officeholders have been formally indicted in connection with Momodu’s remarks, the broader issue remains potent: public demand for principled leadership is rising, and scrutiny of political wealth is unlikely to fade as future elections approach.
“Obi Would Defeat Even Jesus at the Polls”: Viral Remark Sparks Political Debate Online
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A viral statement by a prominent supporter of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has ignited widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. The supporter, popularly known as Mama Pee, declared during a live social media broadcast earlier this week that “If Jesus comes down to contest in Nigeria, Obi go win am,” a remark intended to emphasize Obi’s perceived popularity among his core supporters.
The comment, which surfaced on X and Facebook, quickly generated sharp responses from supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While many Labour Party loyalists defended the statement as political exaggeration, critics described it as reflective of growing personality-driven politics.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and placed third according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, has not issued any public response to the remark.
The episode underscores the continued intensity of political engagement following the 2023 general elections, with online discourse increasingly shaping narratives around Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.
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