Connect with us

society

Save us from continuous attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen, Ubulu-Uku community begs IG

Published

on

Police Debunk Crashed Helicopter's Tale, Shed light On Incident

By Ifeoma Ikem

Journalists of Ubulu-Uku origin resident in Lagos have called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Idris Adamu to save them from constant attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

They made the call during the recently while addressing newsmen under the auspices of the Association of Ubulu-Uku Journalists in Lagos.

They said that the incessant attacks of suspected herdsmen on Ubulu-Uku community, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State has left the people in constant dread.

They, alongside the community itself, have called on the IGP, to urgently intervene to save them from this menace.

According to its Chairman Frank Oshanugor, “Ubulu-Uku is an agrarian community which essentially survives through farming, which is now unfortunately under constant threat.
“This is because herds of cattle are always invading and trampling our farmlands, and we dare not confront the herdsmen for fear of our lives”.

The community revealed that the aggressive attitude of the herdsmen was a permanent threat to their lives as most often, ‘they (herdsmen) rape, and even kill our wives and children’.

They want the IGP to investigate the increasing spate of violent attacks by suspected herdsmen and kidnappers on indigenes of their town along the Isa – Ogwashi road.
One of the more recent, they revealed, was the case of a 23 year-old woman Victoria Okocha who was kidnapped and gang-raped along that road.

Mr Frank Oshanugor, who is the Editor-in-Chief, Security Express magazine, further said, “It has become quite obvious that Ubulu-Uku is no longer safe for both indigenes and settlers.”

He recalled that when suspected Fulani herdsmen killed Mr Albert Chikwe Ojinji in 2019 on his farm, the police were expected to realise that Ubulu-Uku and environs were no longer safe.
It was clear that the area had been infested with killer herdsmen among whom were kidnappers.

Continuing with their revelations, they recalled that in 2010, an Ubulu-Uku indigene, Mr Nwafor Megbune-Iwelu, was similarly attacked on his farm by suspected herdsmen.
The attackers, whose cows had ravaged Iwelu’s farm, left him for dead but he survived, though he lost the active use of his hands.
“The association considers all these and incidents of kidnapping in Ubulu-Uku, at one time or the other, as unbecoming.”

The journalists called on the IGP, Governor Okowa and the Delta state Commissioner of Police to do everything in their power to track down Victoria Okocha’s kidnappers and rapists
“No stone should be left unturned in the police investigation with a view to stemming the tide of these unprovoked violent attacks”, they insisted.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

society

Dr Habeeb Olalekan Okunola Crowned Lagos State Man of the Year 2025

Published

on

Dr Habeeb Olalekan Okunola Crowned Lagos State Man of the Year 2025

 

In a highly anticipated and significant announcement, Chief (Dr.) Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, MON, OFR, the President of CINI Holdings, has been officially recognized as the 2025 Lagos State Man of the Year. This prestigious honor, awarded by the organizers of the Lagos State Man of the Year Award (LASMAYA), emerged from a comprehensive polling process that highlighted Dr. Okunola’s strong rapport and unwavering support from the community, culminating in an impressive tally of 6,926 votes from a total of 16,940 valid votes cast.

The organizers attributed Dr. Okunola’s nomination to his remarkable passion for entrepreneurship, which has been consistently demonstrated through his various ventures and initiatives. As the head of CINI Holdings, he has played a pivotal role in forging partnerships with both local and international conglomerates, driving innovative solutions across multiple sectors, including real estate, construction, energy, and procurement. His entrepreneurial acumen and strategic foresight have not only propelled his company to new heights but have also contributed significantly to the broader economic landscape.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Dr. Okunola is widely respected as a philanthropist and visionary leader. He is the founder of the Habeeb Okunola Foundation, an organization dedicated to uplifting disadvantaged communities throughout Lagos. Through the foundation, he has spearheaded a multitude of initiatives aimed at improving education, business healthcare, and economic opportunities for those in need. His steadfast commitment to humanitarian efforts and community development has solidified his reputation as a beacon of hope and inspiration within Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, often referred to as the “Centre of Excellence.”

This year marked the Thirteenth Edition of the Lagos State Man of the Year Award (LASMAYA), an initiative designed specifically to celebrate and honor extraordinary individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact across various sectors within Lagos State. Dr. Okunola’s exceptional achievements were lauded not only for their quality but also for their transformative effects on both the local economy and the social fabric of the community. His leadership has been instrumental in nurturing entrepreneurial initiatives and promoting innovation, both of which are critical for the sustainable development of the state.

LASMAYA is organized by the Centre for Policy Development and Political Studies, a division of Hany Communications Ltd., with the mission of identifying, celebrating, and honoring exemplary role models who embody excellence and integrity within the Lagos State community. The recognition of Dr. Okunola this year serves as a testament to his relentless dedication to societal advancement and his influential role as a transformative leader in various spheres.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Okunola expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters, emphasizing that this accolade transcends personal achievement and represents a collective victory for everyone who shares his vision of a prosperous Lagos.

“This recognition is a tremendous surprise to me, as I have always worked quietly to impact lives positively. I embrace this honor wholeheartedly, acknowledging the significant role I have played over the years in Lagos, Nigeria, and beyond. This accolade invigorates my commitment to do even more, inspiring collaboration with others, as innovation is key in creating wealth, uplifting lives, and providing effective solutions to pressing issues. I extend my sincere thanks to my supporters, partners, well-wishers, and the thousands who voted for me.”

He further reaffirmed his dedication to fostering innovation, advocating for sustainable growth, and promoting inclusive development, while calling upon all stakeholders to continue celebrating excellence in every area as Lagos moves confidently toward a brighter future. Dr. Okunola urged everyone to uphold the principles of service, excellence, and community engagement, which he believes are essential for propelling Lagos toward continued success and progress.

Continue Reading

society

Yoruba Forum Commends Shettima for Unalloyed Loyalty to Tinubu

Published

on

Yoruba Forum Commends Shettima for Unalloyed Loyalty to Tinubu ...Says President Made Right Choice for VP in 2023

Yoruba Forum Commends Shettima for Unalloyed Loyalty to Tinubu

…Says President Made Right Choice for VP in 2023

 

The Yoruba Youth Progressive Forum (YYPF) has praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for his “unalloyed loyalty” to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that his selection in 2023 was a pivotal decision for Nigeria’s progress.

Addressing a gathering of youths, stakeholders, and media at a press conference in Lagos, the YYPF celebrated Shettima’s steadfast commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing him as a “pillar of humility, steadfast loyalty, and composure” in the face of relentless opposition-driven rumours aimed at destabilising the administration.

Yoruba Forum Commends Shettima for Unalloyed Loyalty to Tinubu
...Says President Made Right Choice for VP in 2023

The Forum emphasised Shettima’s loyalty predating his vice presidency, recalling his support for Tinubu during the 2023 primaries when he boldly championed a Southern presidential candidate, a stance requiring “the highest moral courage and strong commitment to equity and justice.”

“Even long before 2023, when others hesitated and doubted, he stood boldly behind the candidature of Ahmed Tinubu, believing in his capacity and defending his credibility with political bravery,” the YYPF stated.

This decision, they argued, showcased Shettima’s dedication to national interest over regional sentiments, setting a precedent for unity and cooperation.

The YYPF condemned what they described as “unfounded rumours, speculative assertions, and politically engineered fallacies” propagated by opposition elements to sow discord between Tinubu and Shettima.

“We denounce the cheap attempts by some political desperadoes to stir discontent between the presidency and the vice presidency,” the Forum declared, labelling such efforts “unpatriotic” and doomed to failure.

They praised Shettima’s silence amid these provocations as a mark of wisdom and discipline, noting, “A silence that’s not weakness, but wisdom. A composure that’s not detachment, but discipline.”

Highlighting Shettima’s contributions, the YYPF underscored his role as an indispensable ally to Tinubu, from policy formulation to political coordination within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Reports from within the APC and across the National Executive Council continue to validate his place as a key strategist, a voice of reason, and a loyal steward of the Tinubu mandate,” they said.

The Forum pointed to Shettima’s diplomatic engagements on security issues, his speeches at public events, and his posture during cabinet meetings as evidence of his maturity, strategic insight, and clear understanding of his duties as Vice President.

The YYPF also celebrated Shettima’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that despite being a Northerner, he has consistently upheld the ideals of “governance of inclusivity” central to Tinubu’s administration.

“He has proven that politics can be principled, and that one can rise through the ranks not by betrayal, but by consistency and strategic alignment,” the Forum stated.

They, however, dismissed attempts to paint Shettima in divisive colours, asserting that his embrace of unity and cooperation has made him a symbol of national integration.

Issuing a stern warning to detractors, the YYPF declared, “Those who are determined to distort the image of the Vice President with malicious narratives are enemies of national progress.

“They must desist or risk being publicly exposed for their treacherous schemes.”

The Forum clarified that their commendation was not driven by ethnic bias or political gain but by a “factual appraisal” of Shettima’s character and competence, which they said transcended tribal boundaries.

In a call to action, the YYPF urged Nigerians to move beyond “archaic differences of North versus South or East, and Christians versus Muslims” and rally behind leaders who prioritise the nation’s future.

“What we are witnessing is a strategic President who has found in Shettima a vice who is not competing for glory but complementing his vision,” they said, emphasising the dividends of harmony, focus, and national cohesion yielded by Tinubu’s choice.

Continue Reading

society

Insecurity: Group Scores Defence Minister Badaru Low on Performance

Published

on

Insecurity: Group Scores Defence Minister Badaru Low on Performance

Insecurity: Group Scores Defence Minister Badaru Low on Performance

 

The Arewa Action Group (AAG), a civil advocacy coalition based in Kaduna, has issued a damning assessment of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, accusing him of gross incompetence and declaring his office “technically vacant” in the face of worsening insecurity in the northern region.

Insecurity: Group Scores Defence Minister Badaru Low on Performance

In a strongly worded press statement on Sunday signed by the group’s president, Comrade Ibrahim Adamu Bature, the AAG expressed deep frustration over what it described as Badaru’s “utter cluelessness, lack of coordination, and commercial mindset” in handling one of the most sensitive roles in the nation’s security architecture.

“For all practical purposes, the office of the Minister of Defence is vacant. Mr. Badaru has not shown any intellectual capacity, strategic seriousness, or political coordination required to confront the scale of insecurity Nigeria is currently facing. His continued stay in office is a grave disservice to the country and especially to northern communities being slaughtered daily without response,” Bature said.

The group lamented that despite occupying such a critical post, Badaru has failed to provide any concrete roadmap or vision for strengthening Nigeria’s defence posture or synchronising efforts across the armed forces, intelligence services, and the political leadership.

“This is a Minister who behaves more like a merchant of contracts than a custodian of national security. His background in procurement and state-level politics does not qualify him to lead a ministry that should be defining the strategic and operational directions of our military in a time of war,” Bature declared.

According to the Arewa Action Group, the Defence Minister’s lacklustre performance has coincided with a sharp deterioration of security across the north, from Sokoto to Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, and Borno states.

The group said the absence of firm civilian oversight of military operations has created a vacuum being exploited by terrorists, bandits, and insurgents.

“Insecurity has worsened because there is no political leadership at the top of the Defence Ministry. Service chiefs are left to operate in silos. No one is setting a clear agenda or holding anyone accountable. What we are seeing is a Ministry of Defence reduced to the execution of fencing contracts and furniture procurement, not one fit for the battlefield,” the statement added.

The group said while President Tinubu has demonstrated commitment by enhancing military funding and initiating new security collaborations with regional partners, these efforts are being undermined by the “absence of competent civilian leadership” at the Ministry of Defence.

“President Tinubu must act now to rescue the Defence Ministry from the grip of passivity. He needs a serious-minded person who understands strategy, who can liaise with service chiefs, brief the President candidly, engage the National Assembly robustly, and reassure Nigerians that this government is in charge,” Bature urged.

The AAG further warned that with the security architecture failing in the north and morale among soldiers and citizens alike wearing thin, the stakes are too high for mediocrity and political appointments that prioritise loyalty over performance.

“This is not a ceremonial post. Nigerians need a Defence Minister who is present, proactive, and politically mature to align the military’s efforts with civilian expectations,” the group insisted.

In conclusion, group passed a vote of no confidence on Minister Badaru and called on President Tinubu to immediately appoint a more qualified and serious individual with the competence and will to lead the Ministry of Defence.

“Nigeria is at war. This is not the time for trial-and-error leadership. We call on Mr. President to put the interest of Nigerians above politics,” Bature said.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending