society
National Honours: Obasa Salutes Amuka-Pemu, Onanuga, Babarinsa, Other Journalism Icons
National Honours: Obasa Salutes Amuka-Pemu, Onanuga, Babarinsa, Other Journalism Icons
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa has applauded the national honours bestowed on some journalism greats like Sam Amuka-Pemu, publisher of the Vanguard newspapers; Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Dare Babarinsa, popular newspaper columnist; and Dapo Olorunyomi, founder/publisher of Premium Times.
Also on the list of recipients were Kunle Ajibade, executive editor at TheNews; Seye Kehinde, publisher of City People magazine; Nosa Igiebor, Editor-in-Chief of TELL, perhaps Nigeria’s most successful news magazine; and Bagauda Kaltho, a senior correspondent of TheNews magazine who was murdered in a bomb blast in 1996 in Kaduna State.
The media icons were part of 139 Nigerians honoured for their varied and invaluable contributions to Nigerian democracy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.
Speaker Obasa’s heartfelt salutation is contained in a statement signed by Adeshina Oyetayo, his Special Adviser on Research, Media, and Documentation.
According to him, “It is heartwarming to see these journalism greats being honoured for their courage, resilience, and steadfastly using the power of their pen to fight the tyranny of military dictatorship, risking their lives and livelihood, braving the odds, the guns, and arbitrary arrests and imprisonment, to fight for the enthronement, growth, and survival of democracy in Nigeria.
They are the true heroes of our democracy. They deserve all the honour bestowed on them.”
Obasa further thanked them for their labour of love and sacrifices for Nigeria and implored them to keep their passion for a better society aflame and alive. He implored them not be slowed down by age or any existential issue.
“The Nigeria you risked it all for is almost here. And we need you to continue to be the watchdog of our democracy,” Obasa stated.
Interestingly, Amuka-Pemu, whom President Tinubu described as ‘a legendary journalist and publisher that has remained true to his lifetime calling’ , could not have got a more fitting 90th birthday gift than the conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) title on him. Amuka-Pemu, founder of The Vanguard newspaper, turns 90 on Friday, June 13.
Like Amuka-Pemu; Onanuga, founder of TheNews magazine, and Babarinsa, co-founder of TELL magazine, were also conferred with the CON title. Olorunyomi, Ajibade, Igiebor, and Kehinde got the Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, title.
Conversely, Kaltho, who got a posthumous OON, was one of the journalists who paid the supreme price during the despotic regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
society
DR. CHIDI ANTHONY HAILS NEW IGP, OLATUNJI DISU, SEES BEACON OF HOPE FOR NIGERIA
*DR. CHIDI ANTHONY HAILS NEW IGP, OLATUNJI DISU, SEES BEACON OF HOPE FOR NIGERIA
The National President of the Christian Police Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), Bishop Chidi Anthony, has extended warm congratulations to Olatunji Disu on his appointment as the new acting Inspector-General of Police.
In a statement, Bishop Anthony expressed his confidence in the new IGP’s ability to lead the Nigeria Police Force to greater heights, saying, “We believe that Nigeria will prevail under your committed leadership.”
He prayed that God would grant the new IGP wisdom, courage, and strength to tackle the challenges facing the nation, emphasizing the importance of integrity, fairness, and justice in policing.
“Your leadership is a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow,” Bishop Anthony said, urging the new IGP to remain focused on his vision for a safer Nigeria.
The CPFN president also called on all police officers and men to support the new IGP, saying, “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.”
In his message, Dr. Chidi Anthony, General Overseer of Kings In Christ Power Ministries and president of Pentecostal Ministers Forum, advised the new IGP to prioritize community policing, engage with local communities, and address the root causes of insecurity in the country.
“We urge you to be bold, courageous, and unwavering in your commitment to serving the nation,” Dr. Anthony said. “Remember that your leadership is not just about enforcing laws, but about serving humanity and promoting peace.”
Dr. Anthony also conveyed a message of hope to Nigerians, saying, “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, but we are not without hope. With leaders like IGP Olatunji Disu at the helm, we are confident that Nigeria will overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.”
The Christian community and the CPFN look forward to working with the new IGP to promote peace, security, and nation-building in Nigeria.
*Message of Hope to Nigerians:*
Fellow Nigerians, we are reminded that our nation is greater than any challenge we face. Let us unite in support of our new IGP and the Nigeria Police Force as they work tirelessly to ensure our safety and security.
Let us pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to serving the people.
Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come. Nigeria, we are counting on you, IGP Disu!
society
RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY
*RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY*
In a remarkable display of compassion and community support, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, in collaboration with UFAM Holdings Ltd, successfully distributed food relief to over 1,000 less privileged individuals in the Mando community, Afaka, Igabi, Kaduna State, as part of the Ramadan celebrations.
The initiative, aimed at alleviating hunger during this sacred month, saw community members receiving essential food items to ensure they can observe Ramadan with dignity and sustenance. The distribution took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre, where beneficiaries gathered to collect their food packages.
During the event, the Deputy Chief Imam of Mando Central Mosque, Sheikh Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, expressed his gratitude for the philanthropic effort. “We appreciate this gesture immensely,” he stated. He urged the public to keep the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, in their prayers, acknowledging his ongoing commitment to helping the less privileged. He also highlighted the contributions of UFAM Holdings Ltd, urging support for their charitable endeavors.
Beneficiaries of the food relief expressed their profound gratitude, offering prayers for Allah’s blessings on both the foundation and the company for their generous assistance during this holy month.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR Rtd, former Chief of Army Staff and Grand Patron of the Foundation, who was represented by Col Haruna Idris Zaria Rtd, thanked the public for their continuous prayers. He emphasized the importance of using the month of Ramadan to pray for the betterment of the country and an end to the insecurity plaguing the nation. He also urged the community to support and pray for security agencies, recognizing their sacrifices in maintaining peace and safety.
This charitable initiative not only highlights the spirit of Ramadan but also reinforces the importance of community solidarity and mutual support during challenging times.
society
Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth
Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Momodu’s remarks spotlight elite affluence as analysts warn of resistance to cost-cutting reforms.”
Prominent publisher and politician Dele Momodu has reignited debate over the vast wealth attributed to sections of Nigeria’s political class, asserting publicly that certain politicians could raise as much as $500 million at short notice to secure presidential power. Though no names were mentioned, the claim has sharpened national conversations about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of governance.
Nigeria’s persistent struggle with corruption is well documented by bodies such as Transparency International, whose global assessments frequently rank the country low on public sector integrity. The optics of expansive private mansions, luxury assets, and foreign-based lifestyles among political families continue to fuel public suspicion, particularly in a nation grappling with inflation, debt pressures, and widespread poverty.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of reform advocacy by Peter Obi, who has consistently argued for cutting governance costs and institutionalizing fiscal discipline. Political economist Professor Pat Utomi maintains that entrenched elites often resist structural reform, describing elite capture as a systemic barrier to democratic accountability. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has similarly warned that democracy without transparency breeds cynicism and instability.
While no specific officeholders have been formally indicted in connection with Momodu’s remarks, the broader issue remains potent: public demand for principled leadership is rising, and scrutiny of political wealth is unlikely to fade as future elections approach.
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