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Israel–Iran War: Why Should Africa Care When Nigeria Is Bleeding?

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Israel–Iran War: Why Should Africa Care When Nigeria Is Bleeding?

 

 

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com

 

 

As Israel and Iran plunge into open war, global powers are on edge and international newsrooms are in overdrive. Headlines scream about nuclear threats, oil prices, and regional instability, but here’s a harder question we Africans must ask:

 

 

Israel–Iran War: Why Should Africa Care When Nigeria Is Bleeding?

 

Why are Nigerians, Africans, and even our governments more concerned about Tel Aviv and Tehran when corpses are piling up in Benue, Borno, Katsina, and the Congo?

 

 

We have not only failed to secure our borders but have also normalized our own bloodbaths. Yet we stretch our necks toward the Middle East like loyal houseboys watching the master’s house burn while ours is already in ashes.

 

Israel–Iran War: Why Should Africa Care When Nigeria Is Bleeding?

 

1. The Israel–Iran War: Yes, It Matters Globally

To be clear, the Israel–Iran conflict is no small fight.

 

Israel has launched massive air raids on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

 

Iran responded with ballistic missiles, drones, and cyberattacks.

 

Global oil prices are soaring. Security analysts warn of possible regional implosion involving Hezbollah, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and even NATO states.

 

This war threatens global stability, from energy markets to international diplomacy.

 

But for Nigeria (and for Africa) is this where we must channel our loudest outrage?

 

2. Meanwhile in Nigeria: The Massacre Nobody Notices

 

Israel–Iran War: Why Should Africa Care When Nigeria Is Bleeding?

 

Benue State: Land of Blood and Abandonment

On April 7, 2023, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen slaughtered over 134 people in Benue State, mostly in the villages of Umogidi, Apa LGA, and Mgban in Guma LGA. Survivors told horror stories of children butchered in their sleep and bodies burned beyond recognition.

 

Governor H. Alia cried to the Federal Government. The Presidency said… nothing.

 

Borno: Home of Endless Terror

In Konduga LGA, Borno State, at least 18 farmers were beheaded by Boko Haram insurgents in November 2024, their bodies left on farmland as warning signs. In the same period, several bombings and raids by ISWAP killed civilians and soldiers in Damboa and Dikwa.

 

Yet media houses barely flashed these images across screens. No candlelight vigils in Lagos. No flags flying half-mast.

 

Katsina: Bandits Reign Supreme

On May 9, 2025, armed bandits stormed the Gidan Boka and Kankara areas of Katsina State. The death toll? More than 50 villagers. Several others were abducted. They killed, looted, and vanished into forests like ghosts of anarchy. It’s no longer even shocking.

 

Where were the GLOBAL TEARS? Where were the DIPLOMATIC CALLS for CEASEFIRE?

 

3. Congo: The Forgotten Holocaust of Our Time

While Israel gets $14 billion in U.S. aid and Iran threatens nuclear revenge, Congo remains the world’s most deadly, most ignored warzone.

 

In Eastern DRC, over 6 million people have died since 1996, a figure greater than Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria combined.

 

On January 3, 2024, M23 rebels backed by Rwanda slaughtered at least 37 civilians in Kishishe village in North Kivu.

 

In March 2025, over 300 civilians were massacred in Ituri Province by the CODECO militia, many hacked with machetes.

 

The United Nations calls Congo a “SILENT GENOCIDE.”

Nobel Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege calls it “The RAPE CAPITAL of the WORLD.”

 

So, tell me, where is our outrage? Why aren’t African leaders calling emergency summits? Why are we silent while our people rot?

 

4. The Hypocrisy of African Diplomacy

When Israel struck Iran, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned it with immediate urgency. Still, when Nigerians are killed in Benue, Borno, or Katsina, and in the Eastern parts of Nigeria, our leaders issue vague “WE WILL INVESTIGATE” press statements and return to Abuja cocktail parties.

 

We condemn Gaza bombings but ignore Zamfara villages burnt to ashes. We mourn Israeli civilians but scroll past 10,000 Congolese displaced in one weekend.

 

This is not foreign policy. This is colonial mimicry. We weep for Paris when our own cities are bleeding.

 

5. Expert Voices: Wake Up and Look Within

Dr. Chidi Odinkalu, former NHRC Chairman:

“You cannot lead in foreign affairs when your backyard is ablaze. Africa must fix its own hemorrhaging wounds before trying to bandage the Middle East.”

 

Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, Columbia University:

“Congo is the heart of Africa and its destruction is our moral indictment. No nation can outsource its conscience and survive.”

 

Dr. Akinyemi Adesina, Nigerian Conflict Analyst:

“The biggest war Africa is losing isn’t military. It’s the war of attention. We let CNN tell us what to cry about.”

 

6. What Should Nigeria Do Instead?

Face our own fires

We must strengthen local intelligence, rebuild our police system, fund border protection, and invest in modern technology, not donate statements to Tel Aviv or Tehran.

 

Convene African solutions

Instead of echoing Western fears, Nigeria should call for African-led peace missions in Congo, Sudan, and Burkina Faso. Let us form our own “AU Peace Shield,” not wait for France, China, or America to babysit our chaos.

 

Build a Pan-African Media Voice

If Al Jazeera can project Qatar’s voice, why can’t Nigeria lead the charge in building a Pan-African media bloc that puts Congo, Benue, and Borno on every screen in Africa and beyond?

 

7. The War of Narrative: Who Gets to Be a Victim?

Let’s be blunt: the world does not value African lives the same way it values Israeli or Ukrainian lives.

 

40 CONGOLESE VILLAGERS DIE? It’s “tribal conflict.”

 

3 ISRAELIS DIE? It’s “a terror attack against civilization.”

 

This racist double standard is echoed even by us, the victims.

 

Until we value our own people, no one else will.

 

8. Final take: Charity Begins at Home or It Dies There

Let the world worry about Israel and Iran. Let Nigeria first worry about Benue, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, and Plateau. And we Africans worry for Congo.

 

We don’t oppose caring about global peace, but how can a man with a bleeding wound argue about the neighbor’s broken pipe? This is hypocrisy dressed as diplomacy.

 

George Omagbemi Sylvester is a political columnist based in South Africa. He writes regularly on African conflicts, diaspora issues, and African international affairs.

 

Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

 

The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.

The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.

Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.

As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

 

Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:

“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”

 

This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.

 

 

According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.

 

 

“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”

 

Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.

 

 

By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.

 

 

For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.

 

 

As one youth participant reflected:

“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”

 

The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.

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