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LASG RECEIVES CA-COVID FOOD PALLIATIVE PACKS

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SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES LAGOS HOS, MURI-OKUNOLA AT 50


…Commences Distribution Of Items To Lagosians

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday commenced distribution of 107,546 food palliative packs which were handed over to the State Government by the Coalition Against COVID (CA-COVID) for distribution to Lagosians, especially the vulnerable and less privileged in the State.

The food items were received on behalf of the State Government by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Alausa in company of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde and the Acting Commissioner of Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, among other state officials and representatives of CA-COVID 

Governor Sanwo-Olu later distributed part of the items to some of the beneficiaries who were present at the ceremonial handover of the food palliatives.

Speaking on behalf of the State Government, Ms Olusanya said the food items were meant for the indigent residents of the state and the elderly.

According to Olusanya, a single beneficiary will get each pack containing 10 kilograms of rice, five kilograms of garri, five kilograms of sugar, one kilogram of salt, two cartons of noodles (Indomie) and one carton of pasta, for his or her family.

She said: “We are here today for the handing over ceremony of the Coalition Against COVID-19 pandemic distribution for the food items that were donated by this group as far back as April-May but which Lagos officially is just receiving.

“According to the CA-COVID team, Lagos State is supposed to receive 107,546 beneficiary packs for our citizens – for the indigents, the elderly, for those that do not have the wherewithal or the capacity to have food on their tables on a daily basis.” 

Speaking on the items received so far, the Commissioner said the food items are being repackaged by the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that each beneficiary gets the right quantity of items.

Olusanya said that in terms of the distribution modality, the state would borrow a leaf from the experience garnered during the lockdown period when it pioneered the distribution of over 50,000 food beneficiary packs. 

She said: “We have this food items at a location, where our team from the Ministry of Agriculture is doing the repackaging, to ensure that a single beneficiary pack gets to the right people and also with the right quantity. We do not want a situation where they receive the items and they claim that they have not received garri or they have not received rice. 

“That is why under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, we have taken the pains to get bags marked, to print on them the Lagos State logo, the CACOVID logo and to put these items in each pack, such that we have transparency across board. 

“But nonetheless, with regards to the 107,546 packs, we are still repackaging and so far, the team has been able to repackage about 50,000 beneficiary packs. Until we finish repackaging, before we can ascertain and say this is the quantity that we have actually received as Lagos State.”

She stressed further that “CACOVID-19 team is also working alongside our team to ensure that in terms of the audit, in term of the numbers, we are both on the same page. So currently, about 50,000 is what we will say we have taken possession of and we will start with the redistribution in the next couple of days.” 

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of CA-COVID, Mr. Amaechi Okobi, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his leadership role in managing COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State. He said: “We thank you for your support. We thank you for the tireless efforts you have put in to ensure things are going well as they have been going. There is no gainsaying that COVID-19 took us by surprise but with people like you supporting us, we would win this battle.

“The Commissioner has been very eloquent about what we have done. The idea here is to take care of our fellow men. One million, six hundred and sixty six thousands, six hundred and sixty-seven Nigerians need our help. All Nigerians need our help but we are focused on the lowest five per cent to ensure that in this extremely tough time, they are at least fed. We have lockdown that prevented them from working. So, they need help. Could we do more? We will love to and could the Governor do more, I know he will love to do more. But this is a start and we are just basically saying that Nigerians for Nigeria are fighting this fight.”

He stressed further that: “The efforts to get this food and palliatives are gigantic but to distribute the food items is even more because we know all the problems we would face. So, I ask on behalf of the CACOVID that you continue to support to ensure that every last Nigerian that the commissioner mentioned gets these items. It is critical. It impacts our credibility. It impacts the work of serious people that want to actually do something.

“Without you Sir, we cannot do this. So, we are asking you to support us as you always have to continue to help us so to make sure that every Nigerian that should get this, gets it. We thank you for your efforts so far. God will continue to strengthen you. But this is a huge task but we have no doubt that you will succeed. We thank you.”

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Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism

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Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism

By George O Sylvester

The arrest and continued detention of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a stark manifestation of the Tinubu administration’s escalating authoritarianism. This incident not only infringes upon constitutional rights but also exemplifies a broader pattern of political repression and suppression of dissenting voices in Nigeria.

A Disturbing Pattern of Repression
VDM’s apprehension on May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting a GTBank branch in Abuja, has been met with widespread condemnation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar labeled the arrest as a “blatant abuse of power” and a violation of fundamental human rights, urging Nigerians to resist oppression under the current administration . Despite the EFCC’s claim of multiple petitions against VDM, the lack of transparency and due process in his detention raises serious concerns about the agency’s motives.

This incident is not isolated. Across Africa, there is a troubling trend of governments employing state apparatus to silence critics. In Uganda, Eddie Mutwe, an opposition member, was allegedly tortured while in custody, with visible signs of abuse upon his court appearance . Similarly, in Kenya, young activists have faced abductions and torture for their online expressions against the government .

The Weaponization of Legal Institutions
The EFCC, established to combat financial crimes, appears to be increasingly utilized as a tool for political persecution. The lack of formal charges against VDM and the opacity surrounding his detention suggest a misuse of legal institutions to intimidate and suppress dissent. Such actions erode public trust in the justice system and undermine the rule of law.

This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria. In Ethiopia, the government has been accused of using anti-terrorism and hate speech laws to detain journalists and suppress critical coverage, leading to a significant decline in press freedom.

The Erosion of Democratic Norms
The suppression of dissenting voices like VDM’s is indicative of a broader erosion of democratic norms in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration’s actions mirror those of other authoritarian regimes that prioritize political survival over democratic principles. This trend threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of political opponents and critics.

As Nelson Mandela aptly stated, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”. The continued detention of VDM without due process is a direct affront to these rights and undermines the democratic ideals that Nigeria purports to uphold.

A Call to Action
The international community, civil society organizations and Nigerian citizens must collectively condemn the arbitrary detention of VDM and demand his immediate release. There is an urgent need to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its actions and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.

In the words of Oliver Tambo, “We are not fighting against people, we are fighting against a system” . It is imperative to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression that threaten the democratic integrity of Nigeria.

The arrest of VDM is not just an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a deeper malaise afflicting Nigeria’s democracy. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and ensure that democratic institutions serve the people rather than political interests.

Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism
By George O Sylvester

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C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

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C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

A United Kingdom based woman of God, Reverend (Princess) Adetutu Jakande, has been honoured as the Matron of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ile-Ayo International Headquarters, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

 

Generally known as a woman who lives a life dedicated to God, characterized by faith, obedience, and devotion to His will, Reverend Adetutu was presented the appointment letter by the youth forum of the church last week.

C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

According to a member of the youth forum, Reverend Adetutu was honoured with the appointment because she has proven herself as not just as a Christian leader with moral excellence, but also as a role model especially to young Christians for reflecting God’s love, wisdom, and character in her daily life and interactions.

Reverend Adetutu Jakande is the leader at the UK based Assembly of Messiah Family. She is revered for her passion for guiding and mentoring the young and old in the way of God, especially women and children.

She is also noted for her philanthropy and her passion for catering to the needs of others and providing emotional support, including her strong commitment to God’s church, and its mission.

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Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri’s Electoral Delineation

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Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri’s Electoral Delineation

Introduction

The Itsekiri people, indigenous to the Warri region of Delta State, Nigeria, have a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back centuries. Their ancestral lands, encompassing Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (LGAs), have been the epicenter of their socio-political and economic activities. However, recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning ward delineation in these areas have raised significant concerns about the marginalization of the Itsekiri people and the potential erosion of their historical rights.

Historical Context of Itsekiri Land Ownership

The Kingdom of Warri, established in 1480, stands as a testament to the longstanding presence and sovereignty of the Itsekiri people in the region. Historical records and maps, including the 1922 colonial map of Nigeria, clearly depict the Itsekiri territory as distinct and well-defined, nestled between the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups. This demarcation underscores the recognition of Itsekiri lands during colonial times, affirming their territorial claims.

Furthermore, historical accounts, such as those by European travelers in the 19th century, highlight the geographical boundaries of the Itsekiri. For instance, a traveler in 1864 noted, “At Warri, we were within one day’s row of the Sobo people,” indicating that the Urhobo (referred to as Sobo) were not originally situated within Warri but were neighbors to the Itsekiri.

INEC’s Controversial Ward Delineation

In April 2025, INEC released a new ward delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency, which includes Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West LGAs. The report proposed a reduction of wards in Itsekiri-dominated areas while increasing those in Ijaw and Urhobo regions. Specifically, the Itsekiri wards in Warri North were reduced from six to four, whereas the Ijaw wards increased from four to ten.

This reconfiguration has been met with strong opposition from the Itsekiri community, who view it as a deliberate attempt to marginalize them politically. The Itsekiri National Development Initiative (INDI) has petitioned INEC, labeling the delineation as biased and lacking transparency. They argue that such actions not only undermine their political representation but also threaten their cultural and historical identity.

Implications of the Delineation

The reduction of Itsekiri wards has far-reaching implications:

Political Marginalization: Fewer wards translate to reduced political representation, limiting the Itsekiri’s influence in local governance and decision-making processes.

Cultural Erosion: Diminished political presence can lead to the neglect of Itsekiri cultural heritage, traditions and language in policy formulations and implementations.

Economic Disadvantage: Political underrepresentation may result in fewer developmental projects and resource allocations to Itsekiri communities, exacerbating economic disparities.

Calls for Justice and Equity

The Itsekiri community’s outcry is not merely about political representation but about preserving their identity and rights. They demand that INEC revisits the delineation exercise, ensuring that it reflects the true demographic and historical realities of the region. As one community leader aptly stated, “We cannot allow our ancestral lands and rights to be eroded under the guise of administrative adjustments.”

Final Word: A Stand for Justice and Indigenous Rights

The struggle of the Itsekiri people is not a cry for favoritism but a demand for justice rooted in historical fact, equity, and democratic fairness. No nation thrives when its founding ethnic nationalities are silenced or politically diminished. The deliberate attempt to redraw boundaries at the expense of the Itsekiri, custodians of the original Warri territory is a betrayal not only of their people but of Nigeria’s constitutional promise of fairness to all.

INEC must retrace its steps and correct this injustice before it festers into deeper ethnic tensions. As Thomas Jefferson warned, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.” The Itsekiri are not begging for mercy; they are asserting their constitutional and ancestral rights.

Let the three Warris – Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West be preserved as Itsekiri territory, as history, maps and facts clearly affirm. Let not political manipulation replace justice. Let Nigeria not trample on the dignity of a people who built one of West Africa’s oldest and most organized kingdoms.

Written and Compiled by George Omagbemi Sylvester

For further insights into the Itsekiri community’s stance and protests regarding the INEC’s ward delineation, you may find the following video informative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbjD_-1YnG0

 

Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri's Electoral Delineation

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