Ndigbo, Yoruba Must Unite for National Progress — Stakeholders Declare at Lagos Peace Conference

By Ifeoma Ikem

In a renewed call for ethnic harmony and nation-building, leaders of Ndigbo and Yoruba communities have emphasized the urgent need for unity between the two groups, describing their collaboration as vital to peace, progress, and development in Lagos and Nigeria at large.

This message resonated strongly at a peace conference held in Surulere, Lagos, which brought together political leaders, clergy, community heads, and other dignitaries under one roof to deliberate on fostering unity and rebuilding trust between the two major ethnic nationalities.

Speaking at the event, Chief Leo Okafor, former President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos, said the peace conference was designed to rekindle the age-long bond between the Igbos and Yorubas — a relationship he said had been strained by political manipulation and selfish interests.

He disclosed that the Igbos and Yorubas have been friends from the beginning, adding that “we were one people until politicians disrupted the unity of the state for their own selfish gain.”

Recounting his experience as a former president of the Trade Fair International Market, Chief Okafor stated that there was agreement among the traders that “Igbos and Yorubas must never fight,” noting that the market was founded on the principle of peaceful coexistence.

Chief Okafor also emphasized that leadership is not about ethnicity or whose turn it is, but about the right approach to issues and mutual respect.

“We must see ourselves as brothers and sisters. Nigeria cannot progress if we keep fighting one another,” he said.

Another speaker, Dr. Akinyemi Bolaji, Convener of PVC Naija, urged the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to play a more proactive role in calming ethnic tensions across the state. He cautioned against allowing misinformation and ethnic profiling to divide the people.

He stressed that the root of Nigeria’s ethnic conflicts lies in the failure of citizens to uphold constitutional principles guaranteeing freedom of residence and business for every Nigerian, regardless of origin.

“No one owns any land except the state,” he argued. “We lost our sense of unity when we allowed the military to suspend the 1963 Constitution. It’s time we stopped fighting over what doesn’t belong to us and focused on building a united nation.”

Also speaking, Rev. Dom F. Ferguson, President General of the League of Igbo Clergy International (LICI), explained that the peace conference was part of efforts by the Igbo clergy to reunite different Igbo factions and restore brotherhood among ethnic communities.

He emphasized that peaceful coexistence between Ndigbo and Yoruba is non-negotiable, adding that political greed and manipulation have long been the source of division.

“In those days, when things went wrong, we ran to the church for solutions. The church unites all ethnic nationalities, and that’s why we’re using the League of Igbo Clergy to bring everyone back together to speak with one voice,” he affirmed.

In his remarks, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a Public Affairs analyst and former PDP presidential aspirant, linked Nigeria’s insecurity and economic hardship to the absence of unity among its people.

Stressing that the major trigger of the country’s challenges is disunity, Dr Pearse urged both ethnic and religious groups to acknowledge the influence of politics in every sphere of society and to use dialogue, not division, as a tool for growth.

“Good governance, fairness, and equity must be our focus. Unity is strength—and only through strength can we achieve progress, win elections, and enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he stated.

As the conference drew to a close, participants echoed a collective commitment to peace, mutual respect, and cooperation, reaffirming that only through unity can Lagos — and indeed Nigeria — reach its full potential.

Engr. Kayode Ojo Felicitates With Teachers, Says, They are Impetus In Nation Building

A governorship Aspirant under All Progressives Congress APC in Ekiti State Engr. Kayode Ojo greets the teachers on World Teachers Day, describing them as great impetus and steam for the development of any society.

“Teachers’ roles at modelling both children and youths towards nation building cannot be under estimated”, hence the need to always prioritise their welfares. ”

Engr. Kayode Ojo made the assertion in a statement issued and made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti on this year’s Teachers Day celebration.

The APC governorship Hopeful described Ekiti Teachers as partners in progress if properly renumerated, especially with prompt salary payment, training, retraining, incentive, motivation, and promotion, among others.

He commended them over their sacrifices to impact positively on the lives of both Students and Youth in the State, despite numerous challenges facing them at discharging their duties due to what he called systematic errors under the present administration in the State.

“Teaching profession needs to be treated with desired respect and dignity because of its foundational roles at developing the society by incurcating both academic and social values on the lives of the People.

The current Pro Chancellor and Chairman Governing council, University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN, commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising Teachers Welfares as one of the cardinal policies of his administration, hence the need for various State Governors to compliment and support the president policy.

The industrialist and engineer turned Politician assured teachers in Ekiti State of more conducive atmosphere to operate if voted into power during this month APC governorship primary and 2026 elections in the State.

According to him, teachers in Ekiti will be compensated with incentives, training, prompt payment of salary, and general motivation.

While congratulating all Teachers in Ekiti on this year celebration, Ojo urged them to continue to put in their best to develop the state.

Nowhere Will Be Safe for Criminals, Kidnappers in Kwara — Gov AbdulRazaq

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing lives and property across the state, declaring that nowhere in Kwara will be safe for criminal elements, including kidnappers and bandits.

The governor made this known after a high-level security council meeting held on Tuesday night in Ilorin.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who recently briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the security situation following the attack at Oke Ode, said he had requested additional federal support to flush out criminal hideouts across the state.

> “The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state,” he stated.

The governor disclosed that on Monday night, a joint team of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Police launched a coordinated offensive around Baba Sango, along the Kwara–Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits. The operation, he added, continued on Tuesday night.

> “Last night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate both state and federal assets into a unified strategy covering Kwara North and South,” he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq assured residents that his administration would continue to provide all necessary support to security agencies to safeguard every community in the state.

> “I have received assurances from the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To anyone seeking to destabilise the peace in Kwara — you may run, but you cannot escape justice,” he declared.

The governor reiterated that the peace and safety of citizens remain his top priority.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 1, 2025