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

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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.

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Gen CG Musa Support Group Celebrates Grand Patron as 2025 Man of the Year

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Gen CG Musa Support Group Celebrates Grand Patron as 2025 Man of the Year

Gen CG Musa Support Group Celebrates Grand Patron as 2025 Man of the Year

 

The Gen CG Musa Support Group has extended its warmest congratulations to its Grand Patron, His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR (Rtd), the Honourable Minister of Defence, following his prestigious designation as the 2025 Man of the Year by OurNigeria News Magazine.

In a statement released to the press and signed by the Director General of the Support Group, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, the Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the group hailed the recognition as a fitting tribute to a leader of exceptional character and accomplishment.

The statement illuminated the distinction of the award, emphasizing that it transcends the formal titles of “General” and “Minister.” It celebrated the core of the man himself—a leader renowned for his profound humility, incredible kindness, and genuine respect for all individuals. “People see the legacy and the title,” the statement noted, “but some of us are lucky to know the man behind it.”

The Support Group underscored that this accolade is a direct acknowledgment of the Minister’s exemplary personal conduct. It is an award not merely for the office he holds, but for the consistent humility he carries into every room and every interaction, a quality that has defined his leadership both in and out of uniform.

The honour also serves as a powerful validation of General Musa’s distinguished and unblemished track record of service to the nation. His decades of dedicated service within the military, which culminated in his ascension to the pinnacle as the Chief of Defence Staff prior to his retirement, are cited as the foundational pillars of his esteemed reputation.

The Gen CG Musa Support Group expressed profound gratitude to OurNigeria News Magazine for its discerning choice, noting that the award serves as a significant source of encouragement for the Honourable Minister. It reaffirms the nation’s appreciation for leadership that blends strength with compassion, strategic vision with unwavering integrity, and lofty achievement with grounded humanity.

Gen CG Musa Support Group Celebrates Grand Patron as 2025 Man of the Year

This recognition solidifies General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s status not only as a defender of the nation but as a paragon of virtuous leadership, whose influence and example continue to inspire confidence and respect across Nigeria.

About the Gen CG Musa Support Group:

The Gen CG Musa Support Group is a collective dedicated to promoting the ideals and supporting the leadership of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, celebrating their service and contributions to national peace, security, and unity.

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Baba Kuboye, Fela Kuti’s Nephew, Gains Global Spotlight as Grammys 2026 Beckon

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Baba Kuboye, Fela Kuti’s Nephew, Gains Global Spotlight as Grammys 2026 Beckon

Baba Kuboye, a Grammy Award nominated Afrobeat artist and nephew of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti is fast cementing his place as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary African music, with growing global attention ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The Lagos-born musician earned a Grammy nomination through his contribution to the Contemporary Blues Album by Antonio Vergara, a milestone that underscores his rising influence beyond Afrobeat into global music spaces. Son of respected Afro-Jazz musicians Fran and Tunde Kuboye, Baba’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in a rich family legacy that blends music, activism and cultural consciousness.

Raised in a vibrant musical household in Lagos, Baba Kuboye grew up surrounded by live performances at his parents’ famed jazz hub, Jazz 38, where he began performing at an early age. His close relationship with his uncle, Fela Kuti, profoundly shaped his sound and philosophy, inspiring a commitment to socially conscious music that speaks truth to power.

In 2023, Baba Kuboye reached a major career milestone when he showcased his EP, From Ikoyi With Horns, at the globally acclaimed SXSW Festival in the United States, performing alongside his 13-piece band. One of the standout tracks from the project, Ikoyi Boy, won Best Afrobeat Song at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, further solidifying his international appeal.

Known for his innovative fusion of traditional Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary sounds, Baba Kuboye’s music addresses pressing social issues including racism, mental health, and inequality, echoing the protest-driven roots of Afrobeat while speaking to modern realities.

Beyond the stage, Baba Kuboye continues to shape the industry as the founder of Down 4 Whateva Entertainment, recognized as the first minority-owned independent Afrobeat label in the United States. Through this platform, he is championing cultural authenticity and creating opportunities for emerging African talents.

His work has received international exposure on platforms such as BET and MTV, alongside honours including the Stardust Award from North Texas Performing Arts.

As anticipation builds toward the Grammy 2026 season, Baba Kuboye stands as a powerful symbol of Afrobeat’s global evolution, rooted in heritage, driven by purpose and resonating across continents.

Fans can stream Afroverse: The Album by Baba Kuboye on all major digital music platforms and follow him on social media:
Instagram: @Babakuboye
X (Twitter): @Babakuboye
TikTok: @Babakuboye

 

Baba Kuboye, Fela Kuti’s Nephew, Gains Global Spotlight as Grammys 2026 Beckon

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Nigeria will be at peace when youths are gainfully employed

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Nigeria will be at peace when youths are gainfully employed

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

A philanthropist, Mr Calistus Chukwuedozie says Nigeria will be at peace when its youths are gainfully employed and in turn solve the problem of insecurity across the nation.

Chukwuedozie, a past President of the Rotary Club, Victoria, Lagos made the assertion at the memorial thanksgiving in honour of his late father, Pa Anthony Onuchukwu Chukwuedozie at Catholic Church of Transfiguration, VGC, Lagos,.

He said he observed first-hand how employment can help curb insecurity when he travelled to his home town Ihiala, Anambra state for his father’s burial.

He credited Onyema’s employment initiatives in Mbosi, Ihiala, where at least one person per household reportedly benefits from job opportunities within Air Peace as a major factor fostering calm, unity and economic stability in the area.

“I was at home for almost one month during my father’s burial ceremony and noticed that there was no report of kidnapping, robbery and criminal activities in my community.

“When I made enquiry, I was told that the Chairman of Air piece, Allen Onyema, gave over 250 youths of the community employments and promised them more jobs.

“With what he did for the community, he was able to solve the problem of insecurity and the youths listened to him when he advised them to shun crime.

“ I for one have more than 100 people under my employment.

“Families forced their bad children to give up crime and renounce it and many of them have turned new leaves.’’

He reiterated that if well to do people in each community in the South East or Nigeria at large should replicate what Allen Onyema did, every youth will be gainfully employed and nobody will be a willing tool in the hands of criminals.

`The government on their own should liaise with Banks to give soft loans to many people who want to start small scale businesses.

`Many of our youths have learnt one trade or the other, but have no money to set up their businesses.

If they can get access to soft loans for their businesses, the nation will be a greater and peaceful place do businesses.’’

Chukwuedozie, the CEO of MICCALLY AUTOS, who also spoke about the enduring values his father stood for said the man’s life journey was defined by principle, discipline and service to humanity.

He described his father as a man deeply rooted in integrity, adding that his father’s remarkable life as a soldier, teacher and farmer reflected both strength and nurture.

Beyond his career paths, Pa Chukwuedozie’s greatest legacy, according to his son, was his unwavering commitment to raising all seven of his children into accomplished academic and business professionals.

“In my ancestral home, Ihiala, my father was widely revered as a community leader whose counsel and character commanded respect.’’

He commended the Inspector General of Police for his efforts in ensuring stability and safety of all citizens.

“The peace I experienced during my stay at home was a direct result of sustained communal engagement and youth empowerment.

“I also advocate for broader government inclusion in education and skills acquisition programs for the youths as productive engagement remains one of the most effective tools against insecurity and social vices.’’

The memorial event drew tributes from notable guests, including Chief Edwin Eze Ogidigha of Oraifite, Chairman of Yamaha Sub-Saharan Africa who described Pa Chukwuedozie as a man whose influence extended far beyond his immediate family.

He praised the late patriarch for positively shaping generations through his character, discipline and wisdom.

He said that the remarkable achievements and values seen in his children stand as living proof of a life well lived.

A guest Onwa of idemili, Nnamdi Ifebi who spoke in the same vein on security said that the steps that the governor of Anambra State has taken to address the issue of security have also yielded positive results.

“What miscreants were doing before now, thinking that they were untouchable is now a thing of past. I commend the governor and security agencies for their good job.”

As prayers were offered and stories shared, the memorial thanksgiving became more than a remembrance.

It evolved into a celebration of legacy, community impact and the quiet power of a man who lived with honour.

In every tribute echoed a singular truth that Pa Chukwuedozie may have departed this world, but the principles he lived by will continue to walk boldly through the lives he touched.

 

Nigeria will be at peace when youths are gainfully employed
By Ifeoma Ikem

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