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
FROM GLOBAL IMPACT TO NATIONAL SERVICE: DR. PRINCESS CHETACHI NWOGA-NWOGA-ECTON ACCEPTS CALL TO SERVE OWERRI ZONE
FROM GLOBAL IMPACT TO NATIONAL SERVICE: DR. PRINCESS CHETACHI NWOGA-NWOGA-ECTON ACCEPTS CALL TO SERVE OWERRI ZONE
In a defining moment that has electrified the political landscape of Imo State, globally acclaimed philanthropist, Dr. Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has officially accepted the clarion call of Owerri Zone youths to contest for the Senate seat in the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking from the United States, where she continues to advance her humanitarian engagements, Dr. Nwoga-Ecton made her position known in a heartfelt and resolute address that has since resonated across communities at home and in the diaspora.
A distinguished recipient of the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award under the administration of Joe Biden, Dr. Nwoga-Ecton has built a legacy rooted in compassion, service, and global impact.
As the Founder of the When In Need Foundation, she has transformed countless lives through initiatives focused on empowerment, healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Beyond her widely recognized humanitarian strides, she is also a passionate and consistent advocate of agriculture. For many years, Dr. Nwoga-Ecton has championed farming as a tool for economic growth and food security, personally supporting farmers across several local governments in Imo State.
Through her initiatives, she has distributed seedlings to farmers, helping to boost local agricultural productivity and encourage sustainable livelihoods.
Her impact is equally profound among widows and women, whom she has continually supported through financial assistance and structured skills acquisition programs.
These empowerment efforts have enabled countless women to regain economic independence, rebuild their lives, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Responding to the persistent and passionate agitation by Owerri Zone youths, she declared:
“After deep reflection, consultations, and prayers, I have decided to humbly accept the call of our vibrant and courageous youths to serve.
This is not a personal ambition, but a collective mission — a responsibility to represent, to uplift, and to deliver purposeful leadership to our people.”
Her acceptance has been met with overwhelming jubilation, especially among young people who have long advocated for credible, people-oriented representation.
For many, her decision signals the dawn of a new era — one anchored on integrity, inclusiveness, and visionary leadership.
Dr. Nwoga-Ecton emphasized that her transition from global humanitarian service to active political participation is a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to humanity:
“Service knows no boundaries.
Whether on the global stage or within our communities, the goal remains the same — to create opportunities, restore hope, and build a future that works for everyone.
Owerri Zone deserves a strong, compassionate voice at the Senate, and I am ready to answer that call.”
Political analysts have described her entry into the race as a game-changer, citing her international exposure, proven track record, and deep grassroots connection as key strengths that set her apart.
For the youths of Owerri Zone, their voices have not only been heard — they have been answered.
And in Dr. Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, they see not just a candidate, but a symbol of hope, a vessel of change, and a leader ready to chart a new course for the future.
Dr. Chris Oko Odey
Abuja.
The award she received from the US is the presidential lifetime achievement award not award of excellence please take note before publishing
society
STILL ON DELE MOMODU by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode
STILL ON DELE MOMODU by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode
I saw Dele Momodu’s response to my article on him & was amused.
I tried to be polite & restrained in that write up & I didn’t realise that it would hurt him so deeply. Yet for that I offer no apology.
I said he sounded tired & worne in his interview with Seun Okinbaloye but from his response today it is clear that he is now completely unhinged.
He has blown his gasket & his reaction is rooted more in emotion than it is in logic.
Frankly I feel sorry for him because it is clear that he is fighting a lost cause, he is badly diminished & he is now a shadow of his former self.
For Bobby Dee the glory days are certainly over & I suspect that by 2027 when Tinubu emerges victorious he will crawl back into the hole that he originally came from.
Perhaps at that time he will go back to taking pictures of former Governor Nyesom Wike, the Adeleke’s & other prominent figures for a living & shining their shoes.
Playing clips of things that I said about President Tinubu 11 years ago when I was in the then opposition & when I led the media section of President Jonathan’s presidential campaign organisation will not help him to get rid of the stench of faeces that he has immersed himself in today & neither does it derogate from the fact that he was speaking rubbish when he said Tinubu is a dictator.
Unlike others I will never deny what I have said in the past about Tinubu or anyone else but at least I had the decency & courage to admit that I was wrong & ever since I left the then opposition and joined the APC in 2021 I have not looked back.
Not only did I fight for Tinubu in 2023 during the presidential campaign but I have remained loyal & committed to him & his cause since then and I have no apology for that either.
Unlike Dele I did not benefit from him for close to 40 years, eat from his plate, collect handouts from him, stay in his house, claim to be his brother and yet refuse to support him in achieving his dream of becoming President.
Bobby Dee’s nose is so far up the posterior of those he is now slaving for that he forgot to mention the fact that every single one of them, at some point or the other in their sorry lives & career, have not only changed political parties several times over but have also opposed Tinubu bitterly & even more vehemently than I ever did only to go back & later re-align with him.
I do not begrudge them or blame them for that because that is the nature of politics all over the world.
There are no permanent friends or enemies but only permanent interests and in my view it is in the interest of Nigeria that Tinubu continues the reforms that he started in 2023 after he was elected President.
It is also my view that Nigeria must never fall into the hands of the conglomeration of court jesters, sorry clowns & motely crew of insufferable jokers that Dele is now speaking, slaving & fronting for.
I will still be gentle with my old friend because I have a soft spot for him but if he ever crosses the line with me again I will stop being so restrained.
He does not have the stomach for a real fight because he is vain and thin-skinned. He also has an over- inflated opinion of himself and a huge ego.
These are weaknesses in this game and not strengths and as we get closer to the presidential campaign he will learn this the hard way.
Meanwhile he should stay in his lane otherwise I will give him plenty to write about.
For him to compare Tinubu to Abacha was wrong and if he was anything like the dictator that Dele claims he is both Dele and those he speaks for today would either be dead or in jail.
He should count himself lucky that our President is a democrat and not a monster.
Dele’s lies, duplicity & shameless perfidy have finally been exposed & are as obvious & glaring as his very large stomach.
I advise him to do some press ups & go jogging because unlike before I will no longer remain silent as he & his friends throw mud at our President.
Game on!
(FFK)
society
OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship
OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship.
The Chief Imam of Agelete Central Mosque, Ikoyi Lagos, Alhaji Jamiu Asanbe, has urged Muslims to remain sincere in their acts of worship and avoid the temptation of seeking public praise for good deeds.
The respected Islamic scholar gave this admonition while delivering a lecture at the OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Lagos.
Speaking on the importance of sincerity in Islam, Sheikh Asanbe cautioned Muslim faithful against what he described as “showboating” — the practice of performing charitable acts or religious duties merely to gain recognition or admiration from others.
According to him, every act of worship in Islam must be done purely for the sake of Almighty Allah.
He explained that while acts such as prayer, fasting, and charity are fundamental pillars of faith, their true value lies in the intention behind them.
The cleric therefore encouraged Muslims to remain genuine in their devotion and avoid mixing their faith with the desire for worldly praise or attention.
Sheikh Asanbe also reminded the faithful that the holy month of Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal. He urged believers to increase acts of generosity, particularly by supporting the needy, vulnerable members of society, and orphans.
Earlier in her remarks, the Convener of the Ramadan Lecture and CEO of OWUTU FM, Hajia Adejoke Muyibat Balogun, encouraged attendees to use the sacred month as a time for reflection, self-improvement, and community development.
She described the lecture theme as carefully selected to promote spirituality, strengthen faith, and encourage peaceful coexistence within the community.
Balogun expressed appreciation to the numerous guests and supporters who attended the event, noting that their presence reflected the strong bond within the community.
She further reaffirmed OWUTU FM’s commitment to sustaining the annual Ramadan Lecture, praying for Allah’s continued guidance and mercy in the years ahead.
The 2026 edition of the Ramadan Lecture attracted dignitaries and representatives from various organisations including Uzamot Communications, Okutex Fabrics, and the Yeye Asiwaju of Ojota Kingdom.
The event also featured engaging activities such as a quiz competition, where winners were presented with gifts. In the spirit of Ramadan, iftar meals were shared with guests, reinforcing the values of unity, generosity, and compassion that define the holy month.
Through initiatives like this, OWUTU FM continues to play a vital role in promoting faith-based dialogue, community engagement, and social harmony.
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