society

Nigerian Navy Deepens Ties With Ogun Community

Published

1 month ago

April 17, 2026

Nigerian Navy Deepens Ties With Ogun Community

In a deliberate effort to strengthen civil–military relations, the Nigerian Navy School of Music on Wednesday hosted youths from the Lemode Community Development Committee at its premises, in an engagement designed to foster trust and cooperation between the military and the civilian population.

The initiative, aligned with the civil–military cooperation drive under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, reflects a growing recognition within the armed forces that national security is reinforced not only through operations but also through meaningful connections with civilians, particularly the youth.

The visiting youths from Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State were received with warmth and professionalism, as naval personnel ensured seamless coordination, adherence to security protocols, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Central to the engagement was a security orientation session aimed at deepening mutual understanding and encouraging intelligence sharing. This was complemented by cultural and social interactions that helped demystify military life, presenting naval personnel as partners in community development. The exercise underscored the Navy’s commitment to openness and sustained engagement with host communities.

Addressing participants, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Adelaja Sanni, described the visit as a strategic platform for strengthening ties between the Navy and the civilian population. He emphasised that such initiatives help to build trust, promote unity, and foster a shared sense of responsibility for national development.

“The safety of our collective space relies on the information we share. Security awareness means making the youth our primary partners in intelligence. You understand your environment better than anyone, and we rely on your vigilance to keep our communities safe,” he said.

He commended the discipline and conduct of the participants, noting that while activities of the day may pass, the lessons on cooperation and security consciousness would endure.

Sanni also acknowledged the role of Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, describing him as the key link that made the engagement possible. According to him, Folorunsho’s consistent drive for open communication, and strategic public engagement has been central to bridging the gap.

A highlight of the visit was a novelty football match between personnel of the Nigerian Navy School of Music and the visiting official football team, popularly known as Met Boys. The encounter was lively and competitive, ending 2–1 in favour of the community side. OSBD Hunsa MM scored for the Navy, while Abubakar Onifade netted a brace to secure victory for the visitors in a game defined by skill, energy, and sportsmanship. Officials, however, stressed that the significance of the event extended far beyond the scoreline.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting community, Lateef Owodunni expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that the initiative had significantly bridged the gap between the military and the youth.

“The security orientation was enlightening. We now understand that intelligence sharing is not about targeting our own people, but about protecting our communities from criminal elements. We are taking this message of vigilance and cooperation back home,” he said.

Owodunni commended the Nigerian Navy, led by Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, particularly Captain Folorunsho, for promoting a people-centred approach to security communication. He described him as instrumental in fostering inclusive engagement within the Nigerian Navy.

He also applauded the leadership of the institution under Lieutenant Commander Sanni, noting that the Commanding Officer demonstrated that lasting peace and mutual understanding are achievable through consultation, dialogue, and engagement rather than confrontation or exclusion.

The engagement was received by other top officers of the Nigerian Navy School of Music, including the Chief Instructor, Lieutenant Onaolapo Onabolu, senior departmental heads, and other key personnel of the establishment.

society

FOPCHEN Seeks Wider Engagement As Court Defers Hearing

Published

12 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Sahara Weekly

COURT ADJOURNS AGAIN AS FOPCHEN REITERATES CALL FOR MORAL REBIRTH IN SOCIETY

FOPCHEN Seeks Wider Engagement As Court Defers Hearing

OTA, OGUN STATE — The High Court of Ogun State, Ota Division, on Thursday resumed hearing in the ongoing matter involving cultural and societal concerns, before adjourning proceedings till Thursday, July 2, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

At the resumed sitting on May 28, 2026, counsel representing the various parties revisited key issues in the case and made further submissions before the court.

The matter, which has continued to generate public interest across different sectors, again drew attention from legal observers and stakeholders who described the case as one with significant implications for societal values, cultural identity and constitutional interpretation.

Speaking after the proceedings, the Foundation for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria, popularly known as FOPCHEN, renewed its appeal for dialogue and constructive engagement among Nigerians, stressing that sensitive cultural and moral issues should not be left entirely within the confines of the courtroom.

According to the group, broader conversations involving traditional institutions, civil society organisations, religious leaders and policy stakeholders remain necessary in addressing issues relating to national values and social responsibility.

Legal analysts at the court premises noted that arguments being canvassed by parties in the suit could shape future legal interpretations surrounding cultural and moral questions in the country.

Following submissions by counsel, the presiding judge adjourned the matter till Thursday, July 2, 2026, to enable parties further prepare and respond to issues raised during the hearing.

The development has continued to spark reactions among observers, with many Nigerians closely monitoring the proceedings ahead of the next hearing date.

society

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.

A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.

In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.

According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.

society

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

Published

3 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the festival as a season of sacrifice, reflection, and gratitude, urging the faithful to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, and love that strengthen the nation.

He noted that the celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a spiritual milestone but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and collective responsibility in building a stronger society.

He, likewise, emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to national progress and to support leadership that prioritizes development and prosperity.

Obasa, however, commended Nigerians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for their massive turnout during the recently concluded party primaries. He described the participation as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief in the administration’s vision for a greater Nigeria.

“The APC primaries have shown the resilience of our democracy and the confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a strong message that our people are ready to continue supporting policies that will drive growth and prosperity,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker further encouraged Muslims to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the joy of Eid should be accompanied by prayers for the continued peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“As you celebrate with family and loved ones, may this season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a stronger nation,” he added.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wished all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.