NGO launches free medical outreach for over 500 beneficiaries under Tukur-Tukur Foundation in Kaduna

Sahara Weekly Reports That a Non-governmental Organization, under the auspices of De-Lace International in collaboration with Tukur-Tukur Foundation,n has launched a free medical outreach program in the Kaduna community.

The Chairman of Tukur-Tukur Foundation, Col.Haruna Idris Zaria (Rtd,) said the Foundation is committed to carrying out humanitarian interventions across the country whenever the need arises through the provision of medical succor to the vulnerable, underprivileged members of the society by giving them free medical services.

“Tukur-Tukur Foundation carries out free eye screening and cataract surgery; minor eye problems are treated with drugs, drops/ointments, and reading glasses are issued free. We give our wheelchairs and crutches to physical disabilities to ease their daily movement. We equally give our free educational materials such as school uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, etc. Tukur-Tukur Foundation also gives out religious books for spiritual upliftment. Col. Zaria said.

Earlier, the Managing Director of De-Lace International, Hajiya Safiya Bashir, expressed gratitude to the grand Patron of Tukur-Tukur Foundation, Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), for the opportunity given to her organization to launch the free medical outreach for the benefiting community.

“It is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that I stand before you today to launch DE-LACE INTERNATIONAL’S Free Medical Outreach Program. This initiative is not just an event; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the health, well-being, and prosperity of the communities we serve.

“We have earmarked 500 persons with different ailments to benefit from the initial stage of the program today.

“We believe that a healthy community is the foundation of a thriving society. Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and through this outreach, we aim to bridge gaps, alleviate suffering, and bring hope to those who need it most.

“Today, we are here to provide free medical consultations, screenings, treatments, and health education to ensure that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can take a step toward a healthier future.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to our team of skilled medical professionals, volunteers, and partners who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible. To our employees, your support and enthusiasm for this cause reflect the heart of our organization—a heart that beats for positive impact and meaningful change.

“To the members of our community joining us today, thank you for trusting us to be part of your health journey. We are here to listen, to care, and to empower you with the tools and knowledge to lead healthier lives.

“This outreach is our pledge to stand by you, not just today, but in the days and years to come. As we embark on this day of service, let us be reminded that small acts of kindness can spark great change.

“Together, we are building a healthier, stronger, and more united community. I am honored to be part of this transformative moment, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact we will create together. May this outreach mark the beginning of many more initiatives to uplift and empower our community”. Hajiya Safiya Bashir said.

Highlights of the event were the giving out of assistive devices, ear, nose,e and throat treatment, free eye screening and cataract surgery, testing of Blood Pressure (BP), and treatment of ulcers, malaria, and typhoid fever, amongst other ailments.

The Erosion of Democratic Norms: Allegations Against Seyi Tinubu and the State of Human Rights in Nigeria

By George O. Sylvester

In recent times, Nigeria has been gripped by a series of events that have raised serious concerns about the state of its democracy and the protection of human rights. Central to these concerns are allegations involving Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which have sparked widespread debate, condemnation and calls for accountability.

Allegations of Coercion, Bribery and Violence

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has accused Seyi Tinubu of orchestrating a violent disruption of their national convention in Abuja. According to Sahara Reporters, armed thugs were allegedly deployed to the venue, resulting in chaos and the imposition of Comrade Olushola Oladoja as a factional national president of NANS. Observers argue that this was a calculated attempt to hijack the student body for political mobilization in anticipation of President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. Despite the presence of security operatives, including members of the Department of State Services (DSS), no intervention was made, an omission that suggests silent complicity.

In a particularly disturbing development, the legitimately elected NANS president was reportedly abducted, stripped naked and beaten to stupor by armed assailants suspected to be working under the directive of powerful political interests. Eyewitnesses described the attack as savage and calculated, aimed at forcing the victim into submission and clearing the path for a loyalist to be installed as president. This violent assault not only constitutes a gross violation of human rights but also exposes the depths of impunity that have taken root under the current administration.

In another damning revelation, a factional leader of NANS reportedly refused a bribe of ₦100 million allegedly offered by Seyi Tinubu in a bid to buy loyalty and silence dissent. This act of attempted corruption underscores the desperation and depth of influence-peddling in the corridors of power. Rather than being an isolated incident, it reflects a disturbing pattern of coercion and subversion of independent institutions by the political elite.

Undue Influence and Breach of Protocol
Further compounding public anxiety is the reported undue access granted to Seyi Tinubu in matters of state. President Bola Tinubu himself admitted that unauthorized individuals, including his own son, had attended Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, an egregious breach of official protocol. Although the president later issued a directive restricting access to such high-level meetings, the damage had already been done. The admission alone has fueled suspicions about the growing, unchecked influence of unelected individuals in shaping national policy behind closed doors.

Rising Discontent Amid Economic Turmoil

The allegations against Seyi Tinubu come at a time when Nigeria is struggling under the weight of unprecedented economic hardship. The removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira have triggered massive inflation and a steep decline in purchasing power. NANS has publicly called on President Tinubu to address the spiraling cost of living, warning that many students can no longer afford tuition, accommodation or even basic meals.

Public figures are also speaking out; Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe took to social media to plead with Seyi Tinubu to implore his father to act:

“People are hungry, Nigerians are dying and are going out of their minds.”

These sentiments reflect the anger and despair of millions of Nigerians who feel increasingly betrayed by a government that appears detached from their everyday suffering.

Political Voices of Resistance
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as a leading critic of the Tinubu administration’s treatment of civil liberties.

“The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing,” he said.
“The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.”

Similarly, human rights activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has condemned the government’s policies, accusing it of gross mismanagement:

“This is the worst I have seen in my lifetime of record poverty, youth unemployment and a broken system run by cronies and family members.”

International Condemnation: Global Human Rights Perspectives
Global human rights watchdogs have not remained silent. Amnesty International has consistently flagged Nigeria for its deteriorating civil liberties. In a recent report, the organization noted:

“Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, we are witnessing increased suppression of dissent, clampdowns on peaceful protesters and targeted harassment of activists and journalists. The Nigerian government must end its intolerance of criticism and uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens.”

Human Rights Watch (HRW) echoed these concerns, highlighting impunity at the highest levels. An HRW senior researcher stated:

“The shrinking civic space and widespread abuses of power we’re witnessing in Nigeria today are not only a threat to democracy but a danger to regional stability. The government’s failure to act against politically connected individuals accused of wrongdoing speaks volumes.”

The United Nations Human Rights Office also issued a pointed warning:

“Nigeria, as a signatory to multiple international human rights conventions, must demonstrate a commitment to transparency, justice and rule of law. Allegations involving government-linked actors must be swiftly investigated and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliations.”

Cultural Resistance: Eedris Abdulkareem Speaks Truth to Power
In a powerful cultural response, veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem released a series of critical tracks that directly challenge the Tinubu administration. Known for his fearless commentary on corruption and injustice, Abdulkareem called out the growing authoritarianism, nepotism and economic rot consuming the nation. His lyrics, filled with raw truth and poetic rage have become anthems of protest.

In a blistering verse, he raps:

“Tinubu don turn our pikin to president-in-waiting,
Dem no dey vote am, but e dey run everything.”

This cultural resistance reinforces the growing disillusionment with Nigeria’s political leadership and echoes the voices of millions who feel voiceless in their own country.

A Nation at a Crossroads
The allegations against Seyi Tinubu spanning bribery, coercion, violence, undue influence and nepotism which underscore a deeper crisis: the erosion of democratic norms and the suffocation of civil liberties. As the country grapples with record inflation, surging insecurity and a shrinking civic space, the behavior of those in power must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny.

If Nigeria is to salvage its democracy, it must reaffirm its commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law. This is not merely a political necessity, it is a moral imperative. The youth, who represent the future of this country, must not be silenced, co-opted, or bribed into complicity. Their voices must be heard, their rights protected and their aspirations nurtured.

Only then can Nigeria hope to reclaim the democratic promise enshrined in its constitution and begin the long, difficult journey toward national renewal.

*Tayo Folorunsho Calls for Investment and Structural Reforms to Propel Abuja’s Entertainment Industry to Greater Heights*

Tayo Folorunsho, a Nigerian Media consultant / entertainment expert and founder of Edutainment First International Ltd/GTE and The Big Break Moment Africa, has raised concerns about the challenges of running an entertainment business in Abuja.
Despite the hurdles, he remains committed to overcoming them, urging for significant investments and coordinated reforms to unlock the full potential of the city’s entertainment industry.

Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is renowned for its political significance, booming real estate sector, and vibrant economy. However, Folorunsho, who has successfully run entertainment ventures in Lagos, notes that Abuja’s entertainment market is still in its infancy. Unlike Lagos, where the entertainment scene operates year-round, Abuja’s event calendar is more limited, with activities mostly concentrated around festive periods. This seasonal nature, combined with inconsistent support from relevant agencies, poses a major challenge for entertainers and event managers looking to build sustainable businesses in the city.

In a recent media interview, Folorunsho described his initial experience in the Abuja market as a “misadventure.”
“The first strides I made in Abuja were marked by setbacks. Despite the city’s vast potential, it operates with a different approach, and my early efforts were met with difficulties,” he explained.

He highlighted several key frustrations, including bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of proper infrastructure to support the entertainment sector.
“In Abuja, the support system is difficult to navigate. Different agencies often come up with excuses such as ‘you’re not in the budget,’ or ‘the budget hasn’t been released.’ These obstacles make it harder to establish a successful entertainment business,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Folorunsho remains optimistic about Abuja’s entertainment future. He believes the city has enormous potential for growth, especially due to its expansive land space and thriving tourism sector—factors he sees as foundational pillars for the development of a robust entertainment industry.
“The land space and tourist attractions in Abuja are among its strongest assets. These factors, if properly harnessed, can propel Abuja into a leading entertainment hub,” he noted.

He encouraged up-and-coming entertainers in Abuja to remain rooted in the city and focus on building lasting infrastructure rather than relocating to Lagos.
“I urge entertainers who are gaining recognition in Abuja to remain and focus on building a lasting foundation for the entertainment industry in the city.”

While Abuja currently lacks an all-year entertainment culture like Lagos, Folorunsho insists the city holds untapped potential.
“Festive periods are when most events happen in Abuja, but with the right strategies, the city can develop an entertainment culture that thrives all year round,” he added.

He envisions a future where Abuja could rival—and even surpass—Lagos as Nigeria’s entertainment capital.
“I foresee a future where Abuja will become a booming entertainment destination. The city has the potential to surpass Lagos in terms of its entertainment industry, but this will require investment, policy reforms, and a collaborative effort from all stakeholders,” he emphasized.

Folorunsho calls for greater investment in the sector and a comprehensive overhaul of policies affecting the entertainment ecosystem in Abuja. He believes that with the right reforms, Abuja could become a central hub for entertainment in Nigeria, creating new opportunities for both emerging and established talents.

About Tayo Folorunsho
Tayo Folorunsho is a Nigerian media consultant / Entertainment expert and the founder of Edutainment First International Ltd/GTE, a leading Education and Entertainment company.
Over the years,Folorunsho has played a pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian entertainment landscape, particularly through his work in Lagos and Abuja. His dedication to developing Abuja’s entertainment sector positions him as a key advocate for investment and reform in the industry.