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SOME FOREIGN MEDIA DEFILE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TO WEAVE FALSEHOOD ON NIGERIA’S SECURITY—OLADIMEJI ODEYEMI

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4 years ago

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SOME FOREIGN MEDIA DEFILE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TO WEAVE FALSEHOOD ON NIGERIA’S SECURITY—OLADIMEJI ODEYEMI- Following the recent  editorial  of The Financial Times of London in which  the paper  described Nigeria as a country plagued by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, many Nigerians have unanimously taken exemption to the position of the paper saying it does not, in any way,  capture the true state of security in Nigeria.
The UK-based newspaper, among other things, had posited that contrary to Nigeria’s government’s claim, Boko Haram remained an ever present threat and the country risks becoming a failed state.
But, in a swift reaction, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, a Nigerian security analyst and a counter-terrorism expert,  punctured the submission of the paper in its entirety, saying the London paper did not only erroneously rely on unverifiable internet figures but its editorial standpoint is fraught with terrible lies.
Odeyemi  who spoke in an interview maintained that it is unfortunate that foreign media organizations have made themselves  the face of the forces that seek to propagate falsehood on insurgents’  dominance of Nigeria’s security environment.
The Convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria said:  “Except we want to lie and deceive ourselves, is the north not better, especially North East than it was before 2015 when Boko Haram had over 14 local governments in its custody? I think Nigerians should ignore the poorly thought-out editorial as well as the groups who are gleefully hailing it. It was a wasted effort.”
He added that “With all due respect, I think there is a script being acted and some international media agencies have already been conscripted to play it out.
Amazingly, they push out the scripts without any recourse to rules of engagement in the media which includes verification of all indices to be addressed to ensure credence of the report.
“From my little knowledge, I am aware that the editorial of any news medium is the heart of that media organisation because that is the position of that newspaper on the topic of consideration.
“If Financial Times could churn out such editorial as their position on this same Nigeria that we are currently living in, then there is much to be desired. Beyond that, I think the editorial veered off some of the key happenings in Nigeria and that has been the bane of many foreign media reports on the country, lately.
“The truth is that you can’t rely on resources from the internet to form either a news or editorial reportage.
“Yes, we still have pockets of security challenges, but the reality on ground is that the level of security in Nigeria has over time improved, especially in the North East and this is due to the pragmatic approach of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Service Chiefs.”
Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi spoke further on  the abducted Kankara school boys which  generated drama in Katsina state. He said:
“I think we must first of all thank God and commend President Buhari for providing the leadership that led to the rescue of the boys. However, I want to applaud the Nigerian Army over the release of the abducted students.
“The saying that success has many relatives is trite here but we must give honour to whom it is due. The Army showcased a high level of human rights compliance, professionalism and proactiveness in carrying out its responsibility of securing the lives of the abducted schoolboys.
“I really don’t want to get into the politics of the issue but the Nigerian Army was responsible for the release of the boys. The Nigerian Army was able to track the abductors with the boys, they were pinned down and surrounded,” he noted.
The security expert  however, called on the international media and  demanded an end to their media brutality against Nigeria.
He emphasized that the Nigerian  military has  accomplished much and investors are  gaining maximally from the unprecedented national security achievements.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

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5 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

 

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured. The incident occurred when over 7,500 participants, far exceeding the expected 5,000, rushed to gain entry to the event.

The funfair was reportedly organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.

Naomi, who was arrested alongside Hamzat, reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for medical attention. A senior hospital staff member confirmed the development, stating, “Both of them are currently at the hospital. The police have secured the premises, and no further details can be disclosed.”

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso. A police source revealed that the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the case, stating, “For further details, you’ll need to contact Abuja.”

Victims and Medical Response

The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission. He added that some casualties were brought in dead and that the Oyo State Government is covering all medical expenses.

At the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, five fatalities were reported, though none of the bodies were taken to the hospital’s mortuary. The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the death toll.

Government and Public Reactions

In response, the Oyo State Government mandated strict safety measures for all public events, especially those involving children and the elderly. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Dotun Oyelade, warned event organisers of severe penalties for compromising public safety.

Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the tragedy as “painful and preventable,” announced the cancellation of his December 25th birthday celebrations to honor the victims. “There will be no birthday celebration this year. I will remain indoors to reflect,” the governor stated while receiving a condolence delegation from the South-East PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Condolences from PDP and Fayemi

The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its condolences to the Oyo State Government and families of the victims. PDP Publicity Secretary Chief Sanya Atofarati attributed the tragedy to economic hardships, which he said pushed families to seek free entertainment for their children.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also extended his sympathies, urging authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation continues, as authorities work to uncover the causes of the tragedy and ensure accountability.

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Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

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6 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday at the popular Araromi spare parts market, Agodi-Gate, in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying property worth millions of naira.

The fire, which began around 2 a.m., continues to rage as firefighters struggle to contain the inferno.  The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the seriousness of the situation and called for assistance from water tanker owners.

“We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation,” Akinyinka stated.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined as investigations are ongoing.

This incident adds to a series of recent tragic fires in Ibadan. On Friday, a fire claimed the lives of a husband, his wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of the city. The blaze, which occurred at 3:46 a.m., gutted a storey building.

Earlier in the week, another fire incident on Sunday morning destroyed three shops in the city, though the quick intervention of the state fire services prevented the flames from spreading to 13 neighboring shops.

Last Friday, a fire engulfed a Christ Apostolic Church parish in Lagelu Local Government Area during a vigil, trapping worshippers inside. The tragedy struck around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, leaving the community in shock.

These repeated incidents have raised concerns about fire safety in Ibadan, prompting calls for enhanced preventive measures and quicker emergency responses. Investigations into the cause of the Araromi market fire are underway, while efforts to control the blaze continue.

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NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

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18 hours ago

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December 20, 2024

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NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

 

Comrade Oyewumi Festus, the leading Presidential Aspirant for the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), has praised President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the substantial increase in the education sector allocation in the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged the “Restoration Budget,” was presented to the 10th National Assembly on Wednesday, December 8, 2024, and earmarked ₦3.5 trillion for education.

NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

Comrade Festus described the allocation as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing education in Nigeria, which he called a significant step toward securing the nation’s future.

Speaking at Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja during his campaign tour on Friday, December 20, 2024, Festus urged the Federal Ministry of Education to channel a considerable portion of the allocation toward polytechnic education. He emphasized that polytechnics are the backbone of Nigeria’s technological development, highlighting their critical role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and skilled manpower needed for economic growth.

“Nigeria’s polytechnics have long been the cornerstone of the nation’s technological progress. A strong investment in technical and vocational education will drive sustainable development and innovation,” Festus stated.

During the visit, Comrade Festus commended the Kogi State Government and the management of Kogi State Polytechnic for their strides in infrastructure development, prioritizing staff and student welfare, and ensuring campus security. He also extended his gratitude to Governor Ododo for reappointing Professor Usman Ogbo as the institution’s Rector for a second term.

 

As part of his address, Festus appealed for increased support for the Students Union Government (SUG) and the broader student community, emphasizing the need for effective representation that transcends campus boundaries.

The NAPS aspirant was warmly welcomed by the SUG President, Miss Oluwadamilola Enimokanyi, who acknowledged his advocacy and commitment to the advancement of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

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