Connect with us

society

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

Published

on

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.

society

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA 

Published

on

ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA 

 

Kayshow Multimedia a filmmaking and Media organization this year 2026 holds its annual Abeokuta film festival at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

 

Alake of Egba land, Ọba Michael Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo has graciously endorsed the Free Training of Egba Youths on Film and Arts and the Entertainment of the the People with a FREE FILM SHOW at the AKE PAVILION. as part of the ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL 2.0.

 

 

The Convener of the Film Festival Honorable Kehinde Soaga says this year’s event promises to be more exciting as distinguished personalities are sure to attend.

 

This includes the honorable Minister for Art Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ààrẹ Lai Labode, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and other special guests.

 

The event will feature Film, Cultural Dance Cultural foods and Award Ceremony.

 

The general public is hereby invited to the Free film show at the Abeokuta film festival at the Alake Palace Pavilion on Thursday 28th of May 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

 

Only well dressed is the Entry. The Abeokuta Film Festival is an annual event taking place in the capital city of Ogun State state.

Continue Reading

society

Still Earth Holdings Strengthens Governance Structure Through EFCC–SCUML Compliance Training

Published

on

EFCC boss to Nigerians: Fight against corruption should be collaborative

Still Earth Holdings Strengthens Governance Structure Through EFCC–SCUML Compliance Training

 

Lagos, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), has conducted an intensive Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance training for the board and senior management of Still Earth Holdings.

The programme, held over the weekend, was designed to reinforce corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management across the group and its subsidiaries.

Delivering the keynote, Ibinabo Mary Amachree, Head of SCUML Lagos, underscored the importance of board-level responsibility in compliance. She emphasised that under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022, directors now face both personal and corporate liability for systemic failures.

Reinforcing this regulatory warning with a strategic vision, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, Chairman of Still Earth Holdings, framed governance as both a moral compass and a competitive differentiator for the group.

“Our responsibility as leaders is not only to deliver profits but to safeguard the reputation and resilience of the institutions we steward,” Sunmonu noted. He asserted that the board’s role is to ensure that every subsidiary—whether in construction, energy, or finance—operates under the same uncompromising ethical framework. “Governance is not a department; it is the DNA of Still Earth,” he added, highlighting that the company’s legacy depends on its ability to harmonize compliance with innovation.

The training session covered critical areas including board responsibilities in AML/CFT oversight, fundamentals of money laundering, terrorism financing risks, legal frameworks, preventive measures, and governance duties. Participants were trained on Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, customer due diligence, suspicious transaction reporting, targeted financial sanctions screening, and record keeping.

Interactive case studies exposed sector-specific risks across subsidiaries such as Tirex Petroleum & Energy, Still Earth Construction, and Still Earth Capital Finance. Discussions highlighted issues including over-invoicing, shell companies, offshore payments, contract splitting, and the identification of politically exposed persons (PEPs).

Commenting on the operational impact of this vision, Kingsley Inyama, Head of Credit Risk, described the programme as both timely and essential.

He noted: “The essence of the training is to understand when anti-money laundering violations or terrorism financing may be taking place. In business, especially in the international sector, it is important to know the source of funds.” Inyama stressed the importance of identifying beneficial owners in transactions, noting that “the penalties for failing to do so can include fines, sanctions, and even imprisonment.”

The training concluded with a commitment to several high-level board resolutions aimed at cultivating a brand synonymous with probity and excellence:

• Adoption of a zero-tolerance policy on money laundering and terrorism financing.

• Establishment of compliance committees to ensure constant oversight.

• Mandating annual training programmes for staff and management.

• Approval for independent audits to validate internal compliance claims.

The annual compliance programme was attended by staff and management of Still Earth Holdings and its subsidiaries, reinforcing the group’s commitment to embedding integrity at the heart of its operations and building a corporate legacy that transcends financial earnings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

society

King Saheed Osupa Releases New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

Published

on

King Saheed Osupa Releases New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

 

Veteran Fuji music icon King Dr. Saheed Osupa has officially released his new 2-in-1 album, Acapella & Metamorphosis, now live on Apple Music and being promoted across other digital platforms. Apple Music lists the project as a 2026 Fuji release containing five songs with a total runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

 

The release arrives after a buildup of promotional activity across social media, where posts describing the project as available on major streaming platforms helped fuel anticipation ahead of the drop. Public-facing materials tied to the rollout also framed the album as a significant new entry in Osupa’s catalog.

 

With Acapella & Metamorphosis, Osupa extends a career that has long positioned him among the most respected voices in Fuji music. His work has consistently carried the weight of Yoruba cultural storytelling, strong lyrical identity, and a sound that continues to resonate with longtime Fuji listeners as well as newer audiences drawn to traditional rhythms. Apple Music’s artist page also places the album at the top of his latest releases, underscoring the project’s arrival as his newest major body of work.

 

The album’s title gives the project an immediate conceptual edge. Acapella suggests a stripped-down, voice-led expression, while Metamorphosis points toward growth, reinvention, and artistic transition. Together, the two titles create the sense of a project that may balance classic Fuji sensibilities with a refreshed presentation, a combination that fits Osupa’s reputation for preserving the foundation of the genre while remaining visibly active in the present era. That reading is an editorial inference based on the album title and release framing, not an official statement from the artist.

 

The release also reflects a wider pattern among legacy acts who continue to treat full-length projects as statements of intent. In an era where many artists rely heavily on singles and shorter drops, a five-track, hour-long album signals patience, range, and confidence in the listening experience. For Osupa, it is also another reminder that Fuji still has room to breathe, evolve, and command attention in a fast-moving streaming landscape.

 

Fans following the rollout have continued to react positively online, with messages of support and anticipation circulating ahead of the release. With the album now available, attention will turn to how listeners receive the project and whether Acapella & Metamorphosis becomes another defining entry in the singer’s long-running catalogue.

 

Acapella & Metamorphosis is available now for streaming.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending