society
Michael Sonayon Kunnuji urges FG to Promote Cultural Heritage For Unity
Michael Sonayon Kunnuji urges FG to Promote Cultural Heritage For Unity
Chief Michael Sonayon Kunnuji, the Gagbo Menu Toyon of Ajido kingdom has charged Federal Government to explore cultural heritage of all ethnic regions to promote unity in the country, noting that historical and cultural heritage of the numerous ethnic groups across Nigeria are strong enough to foster unity in diversity.
Chief Sonayon Kunnuji gave this indication while cerebrating the first coronation anniversary of his traditional title in Lagos.
While lamenting that the culturally rich heritage of the people of Nigeria is being killed on daily basis as result of new religions introduced by the colonial masters, the Gagbo Menu toyon of Ajido called on government to take the lead in reawakening cultural consciousness.
He said: “I was in Brazil three years ago and what I saw marvelled me; I saw Brazilians engage in Osun worship, Ogun and Ifa worship.
“I can’t believe that what we have rejected as evil in Yoruba land has been embraced elsewhere and they are putting on our outfits and dancing the way we do, white men and women.
“If these people can see the good in our heritage, why can’t we retrace our steps and go back to the good in them? ” Chief Kuniji quipped.
The Gagbo Menu Toyon of Ajido Kingdom, who marked his coronation anniversary in Nigeria and Benin Republic, emphasised that he was moved by the way European countries embraced African heritage.
At Cotonou , the capital city of Benin Republic, Kunnuji was welcomed by Mr Isidore Gnonlonfoun, a Minister in Republic of Benin, who is also a member of the country’s parliament.
Gnonlonfoun organised a short prayer for Senayon Kunnuji, whom he described as a brother and lover of the country.
A mammoth crowd gathered to welcome Kunnuji at the Wasoagbe area of Cotonou, where the descendants of Gagbo live.
There was a colourful cultural display as traditional Zangbeto and other masquerades danced with traditional dancers and drummers to entertain and welcome Chief Kunnuji back home after many years abroad.
Chief Kunnuji was led by elders of Gagbo to four different powerful shrines of their descendants in Cotonou.
Speaking to journalists shortly after observing different rites at Gagbo compound in Cotonou, Kunnuji said his descendants originated from Gagbo in Republic of Benin.
He said: “My forefathers originated from Benin Republic. During the war, they migrated through the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Ajido community in Badagry, Lagos.
“When they got to Ajido, they stopped, crossed the Atlantic ocean and decided to stay there.
“So, according to history , my great grand father was the first Baale of Ajido Kingdom.
“So Gagbo family came from here. In Benin Republic, we have Gagbo and Zanga family and I belong to both side.
“Gagbo is my father’s side while Zanga is my mother’s side. So, I am traditionally qualified to be Zanga or Gagbo.”
Kunnuji disclosed that he had to observe all the traditional rites at the shrines as they are normally done.
He later moved with his entourage to Zanga area of Cotonou to greet his family in his mother’s side, where he was received by his kinsmen with merry and fun.
Chief Kunnuji was welcomed back to Ajido kingdom by the youths with fanfare, where he also visited all Gagbo shrines.
The event was rounded off with pomp and celebration as guests were entertained.
Tinubu Seeks Nigerians Forgiveness During Ramadan, Calls for National Reconciliation
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“At State House Tafsir in Abuja, President urges unity, tolerance, and prayers for stability as he reaffirms commitment to tackling Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness over any perceived wrongdoing, urging citizens to embrace reconciliation and unity during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking during a Ramadan Tafsir held at the State House in Abuja, the President said, “If I have sinned against you, forgive me as Nigerians,” stressing the importance of forgiveness, tolerance, and national cohesion.
Tinubu noted that Ramadan represents a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and compassion, calling on Nigerians to use the season to promote peace and mutual understanding across religious and ethnic divides.
The President also encouraged citizens to pray for the nation’s stability and progress, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing economic and security challenges facing the country.
The Ramadan Tafsir, an annual religious gathering attended by government officials, Islamic scholars, and dignitaries, forms part of activities marking the fasting period observed by Muslims worldwide.
You Against Crime Founder Tayo Folorunsho Praises Winners of Abuja Schools Festival.
Abuja, Nigeria – The maiden edition of the You Against Crime – Schools Festival 2026 Grand Finale has concluded, marking a significant milestone in youth engagement and crime prevention efforts across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, held at the University of Abuja, brought together 78 secondary schools from the six Area Councils of Abuja, with the top six schools competing in the Grand Finale.
*Winners Emerge*
Tudunwada School, Bwari took the top spot, followed closely by The Golden Crest Royal in second place, and Government Secondary School, Kuje in third.
*CULTURE, THE CURE FOR CRIME*
The festival’s theme, “Culture, The Cure for Crime,” highlighted the importance of values, identity, mentorship, and positive engagement in preventing crime and shaping responsible citizenship among young people.
*DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKERS*
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Chairman, Amnesty International, praised the initiative, saying, “This festival is a beacon of hope for our young people, promoting values and principles that can shape a brighter future for Nigeria.”
Aisha Mohammed, Head of Enlightenment & Re-orientation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, emphasized the importance of mentorship, stating, “Empowering young people with the right guidance and opportunities is key to preventing crime and building a stronger nation.”
*PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT*
The 2026 Grand Finale Edition was proudly sponsored by Civicx Technology Ltd Int’l, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth empowerment and crime prevention through cultural reorientation and innovation.
Tayo Folorunsho, Host & Founder, You Against Crime International, addressing the media and appealed to government agencies to support initiatives like this, targeting young minds early.
You Against Crime International is a movement advocating cultural change as a long-term solution to crime. The organization remains committed to advancing youth development, civic responsibility, and nation-building across Nigeria.
TICP Customs Launches Paperless Regime, Warns Against False Declarations
The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has launched a roadmap for the full implementation of a paperless regime at the command.
Onyeka disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos, stating that the command was fully prepared for seamless digital operations ahead of the nationwide rollout scheduled for the second quarter of the year.
He described the engagement as the first in a series of consultations aimed at sensitising stakeholders on the strategies, operational framework and expectations under the new regime.
The controller commended the media for its constructive reportage since his assumption of office and sought continued collaboration to ensure the success of the initiative.
Presenting the command’s performance report, Onyeka said the Tin Can Island Command generated ₦609 billion in revenue in 2025, describing it as the highest in the history of the command.
He added that revenue collection rose from ₦116 billion recorded in January of the previous year to ₦145 billion in the corresponding period last month, representing an increase of over ₦29.9 billion.
Onyeka stated that his vision was to make the command known for trade efficiency, explaining that under the paperless regime, containers would be released without physical contact between Customs officers and clearing agents, provided declarations were accurate.
He credited the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for providing the leadership and strategic direction driving modernisation efforts across Customs formations nationwide.
The controller urged stakeholders to avoid false declarations and engage directly with the command to resolve concerns, emphasising that transparency and dialogue were essential to achieving efficient port operations.
He assured that consignments with clear scanning results and proper documentation would be released promptly, while those flagged by the risk management system would undergo physical examination, adding that the command would continue to collaborate with other agencies to reduce cargo dwell time and enhance port efficiency.
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