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Kogi Youths Rise in Protest, Allege Political Persecution Against Amupitan

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Kogi Youths Rise in Protest, Allege Political Persecution Against Amupitan

 

AIYETORO GBEDE, KOGI — Hundreds of youths in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Monday staged a protest over what they described as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

The demonstrators, drawn from various youth and civil society groups, marched through major streets of the community, voicing strong support for the independence of the electoral body and expressing confidence in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and INEC National Commissioner-nominee.

 

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enemies of Fairness, Beware!” and “Fair Elections Start with Amupitan,” the protesters insisted that recent claims and rumours circulating on social media were part of a broader agenda to discredit the electoral system.

 

The protest featured a large procession of youths on motorcycles and on foot, drawing attention from residents as participants chanted solidarity songs and called for the protection of democratic institutions.
Speaking during the demonstration, a youth leader identified as Segun said the group would resist any attempt to “blackmail” or weaken the electoral body.

Kogi Youths Rise in Protest, Allege Political Persecution Against Amupitan

“We are here to send a clear message: the sanctity of INEC must be preserved. Prof. Amupitan is a man of integrity and a proud son of this land. Any attempt to malign his character or remove him unjustly is an attack on democracy,” he said.

 

The protest comes amid ongoing national debates over the appointment of new INEC National Commissioners, with some civil society organisations and opposition voices raising concerns about alleged political affiliations of certain nominees.

 

However, the Kogi youths dismissed such allegations as “sponsored propaganda,” arguing that Amupitan’s professional record and legal expertise position him to strengthen the credibility of the commission and ensure transparent electoral processes.

 

Meanwhile, INEC has rejected calls for the removal of its chairman, describing such demands as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the electoral body.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission stressed that its leadership is governed strictly by constitutional provisions, particularly Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the process for appointment and removal.

 

The Commission explained that its recent actions, including compliance with court rulings and decisions relating to party activities, were guided by the rule of law and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic framework.

 

INEC also dismissed claims of partisan bias, noting that its recognition of multiple political parties and commitment to electoral transparency contradict allegations of a one-party agenda.

 

On the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, the Commission clarified that the initiative is a routine administrative process designed to sanitise the voter register, eliminate irregularities, and enhance the integrity of electoral data.

 

Reaffirming its commitment, INEC stated that it remains focused on delivering free, fair, and credible elections, adding that it would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations.

 

The developments come ahead of key off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states later in the year, as stakeholders continue to scrutinise the electoral body’s actions and leadership.

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Concerned Uniry Schools Alumni Storm Lagos, Abuja, Kano Over ‘Secret’ Land Swap Deal

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Concerned Uniry Schools Alumni Storm Lagos, Abuja, Kano Over ‘Secret’ Land Swap Deal

 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – A nationwide confrontation is brewing as members of several old students of Unity School known as Federal Government Coleges move from quiet concern to open resistance over what they describe as a “secretive” land swap deal threatening the assets of Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges.

 

On Saturday, May 9, over 4,000 alumni are expected to flood the streets of Lagos, Abuja, and Kano in a coordinated awareness walk, branded under the rallying call “Pro Unitate – Better Together.” The protest targets a controversial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement at Federal Government College (FGC) Kano, which proposes swapping approximately 30 hectares of school land for N8.5 billion in infrastructure upgrades . According to sources, this is said to be one of 18 such PPP concessions already entered into by the FME without any consultation with the alumni of these schools.”

 

 

The deal, approved by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and awarded to Pluck Global Construction Company, would see the developer renovate classrooms, build hostels, and construct a health centre in exchange for prime land bordering the 53-year-old institution, land alumni estimate is worth over N36 billion .

 

For many within Alumnus of these schools, the issue goes beyond property, it strikes at the very soul of a system designed to unite a diverse nation. But the fiercest opposition comes directly from Kano, where the deal has ignited a firestorm.

 

“This is not just about land or infrastructure. It is about preserving a national idea,” said Shoyinka Shodunke, Global President of the FGC Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA). Speaking to journalists ahead of the protest, Shodunke did not mince words regarding the government’s decision to exclude stakeholders.

 

“Unity Schools were established as symbols of excellence, integration, and nation-building. Any action that diminishes their integrity reflects a troubling disregard for the power of education as a driver of national progress,” Shodunke stated .

 

He described the proposed PPP project as a fundamental threat to the institution’s legacy, warning that the introduction of a mixed-use residential and commercial estate sharing boundaries with the school exposes students to avoidable risks.

 

“The land identified for this project is meant for learning, not for a residential or commercial estate. Introducing a mixed-use development adjacent to the school erodes the controlled environment required for effective learning,” Shodunke added .

 

In a detailed petition to President Bola Tinubu, which has now garnered thousands of signatures across all Unity Schools, the alumni argue that the process lacked transparency. They noted that they were never consulted, despite having collectively invested billions of naira in the college over the years without taking a single plot of land in return .

 

Shodunke further revealed that the association has already established a dedicated foundation and plans to launch a N5 billion development fund in June 2026, insisting that credible, mission-aligned funding alternatives exist without compromising the school’s integrity .

 

As the May 9 walks in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano draw near, the Federal Ministry of Education has yet to issue an official response to the petitions. However, the developers have insisted that the deal followed due process .

 

For Shodunke, the walk is a final warning. “We will not relent in pursuing all lawful and legal avenues to overturn this illegal arrangement,” he declared . Alumni warn that any attempt to proceed with the land swap while legal challenges and protests are pending will be met with massive civil resistance.

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Over 4,000 Old student of Federal Government Colleges Sign Petition Against FGC Kano Land Swap Deal rejected by Alumni Nationwide

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Over 4,000 Old student of Federal Government Colleges Sign Petition Against FGC Kano Land Swap Deal rejected by Alumni Nationwide

 

 

In a powerful display of unity, more than 4,000 old students of Federal Government Colleges have appended their signatures to a formal petition rejecting a controversial land swap deal at the Federal Government College (FGC) Kano, setting the stage for a coordinated awareness walk across three Nigerian cities.

The petition, addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Education, has become the rallying point for alumni from all 104 Federal Unity Colleges, who are demanding an immediate halt to what they describe as an “opaque and dangerous” public-private partnership arrangement.

According to documents obtained by our correspondent, the proposed deal would swap approximately 30 hectares of FGC Kano’s land—valued by alumni at over N36 billion—for N8.5 billion in infrastructure upgrades, including classrooms, hostels, and a health centre.

The petition, which has now crossed the 4,000-signature threshold, accuses the government of failing to carry out due diligence or consult key stakeholders before approving the agreement with Pluck Global Construction Company.

“These signatures represent the collective voice of thousands of Nigerians who believe that our Unity Schools are not bargaining chips,” said Shoyinka Shodunke, Global President of the FGC Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA). “We have invested our hearts, our resources, and our futures into these institutions. To see even an inch of our land swapped without our consent is an affront to everything we stand for.”

Shodunke, speaking exclusively to our reporter, revealed that alumni have already established a foundation and plan to launch a N5 billion development fund in June 2026 as a credible alternative to the government’s proposal.

“We are not just opposing; we are offering solutions,” he said. “But the government must first respect our voice. Over 4,000 signatures is not a small number. It is a movement.”

The petition details several grievances: lack of transparency in the bidding process, failure to consult the school’s board of governors or alumni associations, and the potential security risks of introducing a mixed-use commercial and residential estate adjacent to a secondary school.

Armed with the petition, alumni have concluded plans to embark on an awareness walk on Saturday, May 9, in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. Organisers expect thousands to turn out in each city, carrying copies of the petition and demanding an audience with government officials.

In Lagos, protesters will gather at the Eko Atlantic city before marching to the Muri Okunola Park VI. In Abuja, the walk will culminate at the Eagle Square , where the petition will be formally submitted. In Kano, alumni will assemble near the school premises before heading to the Korota Park/Jubilee Line.

“The walk is not a riot. It is an appeal,” Shodunke clarified. “But it is also a warning. We have the signatures. We have the people. And we will not be ignored.”

As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Education had not issued an official response to the petition. However, a source within the ministry confirmed that officials are aware of the growing opposition and the planned protests.

Alumni leaders remain undeterred. With over 4,000 signatures already secured and days still to go before the May 16 walk, they expect the number to swell further.

“Every new signature is another voice saying: ‘Not our land. Not our legacy,’” Shodunke said. “We will walk until that message is heard.”

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PENTECOST TRUTH SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE ANNOUNCES ‘FRESH FIRE RECHARGE CONFERENCE 2026’

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PENTECOST TRUTH SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE ANNOUNCES ‘FRESH FIRE RECHARGE CONFERENCE 2026’

*PENTECOST TRUTH SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE ANNOUNCES ‘FRESH FIRE RECHARGE CONFERENCE 2026’

 

The Pentecost Truth School of Deliverance and Prophetic Ministries has announced its upcoming one-day impartation and recharge conference, *‘Fresh Fire Recharge Conference 2026,’* slated to commence on *Saturday, 23rd May 2026*, from *9:00AM to 3:00PM*.

 

With the Theme; *“Deliverance: Past, Present and Future”* from 2 Corinthians 1:10, the conference will hold at the School of Deliverance, 28 Ojo-Ola Street, Beside Globus Supermarket, Iyana-Ejigbo, Lagos*, and is specifically designed for old students, pastors, and deliverance ministers.

 

*Hosted by Pastor (Amb. Dr.) Sam O. Adekoya*, the conference brings together a lineup of seasoned ministers and teachers for a day of impartation, training, and spiritual renewal.

PENTECOST TRUTH SCHOOL OF DELIVERANCE ANNOUNCES ‘FRESH FIRE RECHARGE CONFERENCE 2026’

*Ministers Slated to Speak are

– *Pastor (Prof.) Tunde Agarah*

– *Pastor (Dr.) Femi Oke*

– *Pastor (Dr.) Daniel O. Joseph*

– *Prophet (Dr.) Adekunle Daniel*

– *Pastor (Amb. Dr.) Sam O. Adekoya* – Host

 

*Music Ministration* will be led by *Min. Isaac Joseph (ICE PRAISE)* and *The Voice of Truth Choir*.

 

*What Attendees should expect:*

According to organizers, the ‘Fresh Fire Recharge Conference’ is designed to equip ministers and workers in the deliverance ministry with fresh fire, biblical insight, and practical tools for effective ministry. Key features include:

 

– *Fresh Fire Impartation*

– *Deep Deliverance Sessions*

– *Expository Teachings*

– *Prophetic Ministration*

– *Conference Resource Materials* available at a token of *₦2,500*

– *Light Refreshment*

 

“This conference is a call to remembrance and rekindling,” said Pastor Sam Adekoya. “2 Corinthians 1:10 speaks of a God who delivered us from a deadly peril, and will deliver us again. Many ministers are weary. This is a divine setup for fresh oil, clarity, and strength for the next phase of ministry.”

 

*Admission and Registration:*

*Admission is FREE*, but *registration is compulsory* to assist with planning for seating and materials.

 

*Register Here:* https://forms.gle/QzQCmcFzKWYkkzJ9A

 

*Target Audience:*

All old students of the School of Deliverance, pastors, and deliverance ministers are

 

The Pentecost Truth School of Deliverance and Prophetic Ministries is a non-denominational training and ministry center focused on deliverance, prophetic teaching, and equipping believers for spiritual victory.

 

For Enquiries:* +2348023180581; +234 916 591 5711 (WhatsApp Only)

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