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NAZAP Condemns Kidnap Of Ex-presidents Wife, Bola Abioye

Published

4 years ago

July 12, 2022

Sahara Weekly

NAZAP Condemns Kidnap Of Ex-presidents Wife, Bola Abioye

By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe

The Nigerian Association of Zoological Gardens and Wildlife Parks (NAZAP), has condemned in totality the kidnap of Mrs Bola Abioye, the wife of the association’s former president, and General Manager of Imo State Zoological Garden, Mr Francis Abioye.

Mrs Abioye was abducted at First Baptist Church, Nekede, Imo State, on Sunday, July 10, by unknown gunmen dressed in police vests.

Reacting to the sad incident, NAZAP’s President, Barr. Dipo Bali described the development as unfortunate, urging the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, to ensure that she is rescued, and the perpetrators of the heinous crime are made to face the wrath of the law.

“The abduction of Mrs Abioye is an unpalatable occurrence. She is neither a politician nor a government official. She is a private person. She had just finished church service and thanksgiving when she was kidnapped, it is very sad.

“The membership and executives of NAZAP frown at the development. We conjointly condemn it and call on all security agents in the state and indeed the country at large including the Nigeria Police (NP), Department of State Security (DSS) and all others to swiftly swing into action and ensure that the woman is released without delay.”

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Lumiegee Shines Bright: Nigerian – London Based Music Sensation Wins Silver at Global Music Awards for “Yehba”

Published

3 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Lumiegee, the talented Nigerian recording artist, audio engineer, and songwriter, has been honored with two Silver Medals at the prestigious Global Music Awards (GMA) for his captivating single “Yehba”.

The GMA, a top-tier international music competition, recognized Lumiegee’s outstanding work in the AfroBeats genre and the music video for “Yehba”, solidifying his position as a rising star in the music industry.

“Yehba” has been making waves in the Nigerian music scene, earning Lumiegee recognition from Soundcity TV Africa, CMJ TV UK, and other prominent music platforms. This latest accolade further cements his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in Afrobeats.

Lumiegee’s music style, a fusion of Afropop, R&B, Soul, and World music, has captivated audiences worldwide. His unique sound draws inspiration from legendary artists such as King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Stevie Wonder.

The Global Music Awards is a respected music industry recognition platform, promoting award honorees through social media and press releases to over 20,000+ musicians, music managers, record labels, and industry contacts.

Website: https://www.globalmusicawards.com/honorees/home
For more information on Lumiegee and his music, visit @lumiegee on Instagram.

*About Lumiegee:*
Lumiegee, born Olumide A. d’Goke Adeisa, is a Nigerian recording artist, audio engineer, and songwriter with a decade of experience in the music industry. His music blends cultural influences, emotional depth, and catchy hooks, resonating with fans across Africa and beyond.

Contact:
@lumiegee (Instagram)
LumieTech

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Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

Published

4 days ago

February 14, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has paid a glowing tribute to his predecessor, Lt. Gen. OA Ihejirika, as the retired General marks his 70th birthday.

In a heartfelt message released in Abuja on Friday, Buratai described Ihejirika as not only a distinguished soldier and statesman, but also a commander, mentor, and “architect of leadership” whose influence shaped a generation of senior military officers.

Buratai recalled that his professional rise within the Nigerian Army was significantly moulded under Ihejirika’s command, citing key appointments that defined his career trajectory.

According to him, the trust reposed in him through early command responsibilities, including his first command posting at Headquarters 2 Brigade and later as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, laid a solid foundation for his future leadership roles.

“These opportunities were not mere appointments; they were strategic investments in leadership,” Buratai noted, adding that such exposure prepared him for higher national responsibilities.

He further acknowledged that the mentorship and professional grounding he received under Ihejirika’s leadership were instrumental in his eventual appointment as Chief of Army Staff and later as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.

Buratai praised Ihejirika’s command philosophy, describing it as professional, pragmatic, and mission-driven. He said the former Army Chief led by example, combining firm strategic direction with a clear blueprint for excellence that continues to influence military leadership practices.

“At seventy, General Ihejirika has earned the right to reflect on a legacy secured,” Buratai stated, praying for good health, peace, and enduring joy for the retired General as he enters a new decade.

He concluded by expressing profound gratitude for the leadership, mentorship, and lasting example provided by Ihejirika over the years.

The tribute was signed by Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who described himself as a grateful mentee and successor, underscoring the enduring bonds of mentorship within the Nigerian Army’s top leadership.

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Sagamu Plantation Row: Igimisoje-Anoko Family Challenges LG Claim

Published

1 week ago

February 9, 2026

Sahara Weekly

The Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko family of Orile-Oﬁn in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State has strongly disputed claims by the Sagamu Local Government that a large expanse of land near the Sagamu–Ikenne Road belongs to the state government, insisting that the property remains ancestral land belonging to their forefathers.

The family’s reaction follows a public warning issued by the Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Ogbeni Jubril Olasile Odulate, cautioning residents against purchasing or occupying portions of what he described as a “state-owned rubber plantation” located beside the Ogun State Low-Cost Housing Estate near the NYSC Orientation Camp.

In the statement, the council alleged that some individuals were illegally selling and developing the land and maintained that the property had been earmarked for the proposed New Sagamu Government Reserved Area (GRA).

However, the Akarigbo family has countered the claim, describing the land as private ancestral property and not government-owned.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Omoba Babatunde Adegboyega Igimisoje, Secretary of the Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko family, said the land forms part of Orile-Ofin, which he described as the ancestral headquarters of Remo before the creation of Sagamu town.

According to him, the area is an inheritance from their forefathers and historically belongs to the Akarigbo lineage.

“Orile-Ofin is our ancestral land and the headquarters of Remo in those days. It was during the reign of our forefathers that Sagamu was later formed and settled in 1872, while Orile-Ofin remained our village,” he said.

He explained that the specific portion currently in dispute historically belonged to Oba Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko, whom he described as the last Igimisoje-Anoko to reign as king on the land.

Reacting to the local government’s ownership claim, Adegboyega insisted that the rubber plantation was never government property.

He said the land was only temporarily acquired by the old Western Region government in 1959 for agricultural purposes.

“In 1959, the Western Region acquired the land for rubber plantation, but that did not transfer ownership to the government permanently,” he stated.

The family further claimed that the land was later returned to the original owners.

According to him, during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel between 2008 and 2011, steps were taken to return the land to the family, while his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, allegedly revoked lingering government control and formally handed it back to the Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko family.

“It was duly returned to the rightful owners. So it is surprising to now hear that the land is being described as local government property,” he said.

He cautioned the council chairman against interfering in what he called a family land matter.

“The rubber plantation land is not government land and does not belong to the local government. The chairman should not join an issue he does not fully understand,” he added.

In the same vein, Prince Abdul Fatai, an executive member of the Anoko family, also warned the local government to stay away from the land, describing it as their forefathers’ heritage.

He appealed to the Ogun State Government and the Akarigbo of Remoland to intervene in the matter to prevent tension and ensure peace in the community.

“We are calling on the state government and the Akarigbo to step in so that this issue can be resolved peacefully. This is our inheritance, and we want justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sagamu Local Government had maintained that the land belongs to the Ogun State Government and warned that anyone found buying, selling, fencing or developing plots in the area would face arrest and prosecution.

The dispute has now set the stage for a possible legal and administrative battle over ownership, with both sides standing firm on their claims.

Residents say they hope authorities and traditional institutions will urgently intervene to clarify ownership and prevent further conflict or losses for unsuspecting buyers.