society

Group identifies peculiarities of Nigerian politics; urges youths to seek political literacy

Published

7 years ago

November 14, 2018

Platform for Liberty and Democracy (PLIDE) identified the peculiarities and urged the Nigerian electorates, more especially the youths, to be politically enlightened and shun all forms of temporary gratifications at the expense of viable, long-term developmental goals that must be reflected in party manifestos and ideologies of candidates.

In a meeting held recently at Ikeja Lagos, a clear-cut difference was also made between being an educated person and being politically literate; two terms used interchangeably but are as different as day is to darkness. In the meeting, it was observed that both are indispensable experience relevant for political sagacity and necessary for making informed decisions during elections.

The peculiarities were noted to be some of the obstacles militating against the growth of democracy and making its hard for the citizens to realize the sheer strength of their voting powers in deciding who to represent them in the various political positions.

It was noted if these hitches were not confronted headlong with effective solutions, the nation would remain fettered for want of good representatives in government and thus, continue to writhe and be deprived of benefiting true democratic dividends.

Foremost among the peculiarities is the rampant poverty which the ruling elites have weaponized in order to keep the masses in perpetual captivity and are deprived of the basic necessities of life. As a result, instead of finding answers to the pervasive poverty, politicians have resorted to exploiting the situation for selfish interested by offering cash for votes. However, after the electorates have been baited with meager sum, they are then subjected to total neglect by the politicians.

“It is baffling on how the electorates forget about good manifestos, effective and workable plans of candidates after collecting money from visionless candidates on the eve of election in Nigeria” says Tope Adebayo. “This is due to stark electoral illiteracy which is different from being a university graduate …vote buying through cash and the offering of gift items known as stomach infrastructure have become norms which have been successfully used in some South-western states as evidenced by recent gubernatorial elections.”

The erstwhile gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti state spoke further, saying “spreading money within few days of elections sways votes. The God that our people serve is money. Why is it so? Lack of political awareness. I sincerely urged people not to sell their votes that would put a bad politician in office for as long as four years for a meager five thousand Naira or for whatever amount… stomach infrastructure has thrived because the electorates are ignorant of the weight of their voting mandate.”

The group therefore called on relevant government agencies responsible for public enlightenment such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to give political education to the masses so they are aware of what to expect from political aspirants.

“Government must educate the voters on what to expect of politicians during campaigns, on why they don’t need to collect money or opt for stomach infrastructure instead of planning ahead for the future.” Ope Allen added.

Other features of the Nigerian political landscape as observed by PLIDE include: massive cost of publicity during elections which gives the moneybags a matchless advantage; political apathy by the people a progressive would want to save; and a dangerous mindset on the invincibility of the two existing political parties, a mindset that requires urgent redress.

Also weighing in, the protem chairman of PLIDE, Mr. Tunde Feyi Owoseni, noted that “before anyone would seek to liberate the people, he should have first liberated himself and his family members while adding that, PLIDE is a pro-democracy and human rights movement dedicated to good governance, transparency and accountability, social justice, equitable distribution of national wealth and resources, respect for basic and fundamental human rights, true fiscal and structural federalism, opening up of the political space to involve youths, the disabled, trade unions, the female gender, etc.

PLIDE resolved to actively engage the electorate in the run-up to the 2019 elections, on the important matter of adequately and dispassionately interrogating the programs and manifestos of candidates for political offices as well as the political platforms (parties) sponsoring them.

The Platform for Liberty & Democracy (PLIDE), restates it’s determination to build a veritable ideological platform which will give voice and purpose to the aspirations of Nigerians who desire a country where Social Justice and Egalitarianism are core foundational principles in the quest to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.

Please contact us via this email address: [email protected]

NB: In the picture from left to right are: Shola Fayemi (Secretary), Tunde Owoseni (Protem Chairman), Adekunle Oniti and Ope Allen (Members)

society

International Runway Star Joy Ubeku Redefines Luxury with Launch of Jevi Couture

Published

4 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Sahara Weekly

International Runway Star Joy Ubeku Redefines Luxury with Launch of Jevi Couture

…From Catwalk to Couture: Joy Ubeku Honoured as Emerging Designer of the Year

After more than a decade commanding global runways, international model and actress Joy Ubeku is stepping into a new era—this time, not as the muse, but as the creator.

Ubeku has officially launched Jevi Couture, a haute couture fashion house built on an uncompromising philosophy that challenges the dominance of mass production in today’s fashion industry.

The announcement marks a bold pivot for the award-winning model, who has graced fashion capitals including Milan, Dubai, and Seychelles. Now serving as Founder and CEO, she is bringing her industry experience to bear with a disruptive vision she calls “One Piece at a Time.”

“Jevi Couture is not merely a fashion label,” Ubeku said. “It is a sanctuary for cultural legacy, personal storytelling, and artisanal independence.”

Rising Designer, Recognised Excellence

Her transition into design is already earning industry recognition. Ubeku was recently honoured with the Special Recognition Award as Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year at the Nigerian Women Achievers Awards 2026, held at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

This latest honour adds to her growing list of accolades, including:

Best Star Model of the Year West Africa (2023)

Best Zikomo Fashion Model of the Year (2023)

The Jevi Philosophy: Rarity Over Replication

At the heart of Jevi Couture is a firm rejection of fast fashion. Instead, the brand is anchored on three defining principles:

One-of-One Creations: Each piece is uniquely crafted and never reproduced, ensuring total exclusivity.

Bespoke Craftsmanship: From concept to completion, every garment is meticulously handmade using premium materials.

Cultural Storytelling: Designs fuse ancestral heritage with contemporary aesthetics, transforming fashion into a narrative medium.

By personally overseeing every creation, Ubeku positions Jevi Couture as a destination for clients who value identity, rarity, and artistic depth over trend-driven consumption.

Redefining the Luxury Conversation

In an industry driven by speed and scale, Jevi Couture introduces a slower, more intentional approach—one that reframes fashion as an intimate dialogue between the wearer and their story.

With a growing digital presence across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under @Jevicouture, the brand is already attracting attention from a new generation of luxury consumers seeking authenticity over uniformity.

Jevi Couture: One Piece. One Story. Yours Alone.

society

Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa

Published

18 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

“Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated workers in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of May 1st, the International Workers’ Day, describing them as the true drivers of the state’s economic success.

In a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Rt. Hon. Obasa commended the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices of workers who continue to sustain the economy and uphold the values of hard work and productivity. He noted that the progress Lagos has recorded over the years would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of its workforce.

The Speaker also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent efforts to give Nigerian workers a new lease of life through salary increases and other welfare-driven policies. He described these measures as timely interventions that reflect the President’s commitment to improving the living standards of the nation’s workforce.

“As we mark Workers’ Day, I salute the men and women whose labour remains the backbone of our society. Your contributions are invaluable, and your sacrifices inspire us to continue building a Lagos that thrives on fairness, innovation, and opportunity for all,” the Speaker said.

Dr. Obasa further assured workers that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to enacting laws and policies that protect their rights, enhance their welfare, and create an environment that fosters sustainable growth. He urged them to remain steadfast and hopeful, emphasizing that their efforts would continue to shape a brighter future for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Speaker wished all workers a Happy Workers’ Day.

society

Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage” — Dr Chris Okafor

Published

19 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage”

— Dr Chris Okafor

…No demonic force can withstand spiritual groaning

…The spiritual realm overrides the physical

Praying in the Spirit—particularly through groaning and speaking in tongues—has the capacity to break longstanding bondage and provoke immediate divine intervention.

This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during the Midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) service at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

Speaking during prophetic declarations, Dr Okafor emphasized that when believers engage in deep, Spirit-led prayer, especially in unknown tongues, they activate a higher dimension of divine response.

According to him, such prayers attract immediate attention from God and can alter difficult situations.

He noted that strategic and intense prayer against forces of bondage can shift negative circumstances. “When you engage the Spirit at that level, God steps in and rewrites the narrative in your favour,” he stated.

Addressing the sub-theme of spiritual slavery and bondage, the cleric explained that groaning in the Spirit disrupts negative spiritual influences. He added that speaking in tongues creates confusion within what he described as opposing spiritual forces, leading to a breakdown of their operations.

Prophetic Moments and Outreach

The service reportedly took on a heightened prophetic dimension, with sessions focused on deliverance and restoration.

According to the church, individuals experienced breakthroughs as prayers were offered over various personal challenges.

In a notable outreach gesture, the ministry distributed over 70 wedding gowns to single women, while also making prophetic declarations concerning families seeking children, with 27 “miracle baby” blessings pronounced during the service.

Prayer for the Nation

The PHDS gathering concluded with prayers for Nigeria, as Dr Okafor called for divine guidance for national leaders ahead of the country’s upcoming political activities.

The service combined teaching, prophetic engagement, and humanitarian gestures, reflecting the ministry’s emphasis on spiritual intervention and social support.