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Stakeholders Offer Security Options At NAOSRE Dinner Night

Published

5 years ago

December 13, 2020

A special security event convoked by the leadership and members of the National Association of Online Security Reporters (NAOSRE) on December 11 in Lagos, 2020, brought new light on the insecurity bedeviling Nigeria.

The brainstorming event––NAOSRE’s maiden Dinner Night and Discourse–– was organized by the body’s new executives that took over the helm of affairs barley two months ago, specifically on October 29.

NAOSRE’s members comprised professional journalists with strong media credentials who have worked with the conventional media and are now reporting on digital platforms, some of them, Nigeria’s finest hands in security reportage.

Established with the main objective to provide accuracy, transparency in relaying security news, the association also stands as the long expected information bridge between citizens and security agents.

To this end, it has successfully established a sustainable working relationship with key security players in the corporate world and security agencies in Nigeria, including but not limited to the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Customs Service as well as Federal Road Safety Corps.

Without doubt, NAOSRE’s clout in Nigeria’s security stratosphere was displayed by the event of December 11, which, as it were, has passed into history as a watershed in the annals of security discourse in the country.

The Dinner Night and Discourse drew participants, guests and speakers from the safety and security agencies, the legislative arm of government, traditional leadership and corporate organizations and of course, the media––both traditional and the digital media.

Interestingly, the evening of intelligent discourse with a theme: “2021 Nigeria Security: Issues, Funding and Prospect,” unlocked a plethora of security solutions and ideas.

Expectedly, the convergence of key players in the security circle opened the windows set of suggestions which would embellish 2021 security policy formulation and implementations in a manner that Nigeria would be one of the secured countries on the continent.

Femi Oyewale, NAOSRE’s President, in his welcome address, set the tone for the event:

“Today’s security discourse was birthed out of the need to address the security issues in Nigeria, bearing in mind that 2020 has been a very tough year for citizens, businesses and indeed, the security sector.”

Oyewale’s remark was, unmistakably, the needed bullet that hit the bull’s eye, considering the various security challenges that reared up in the course of the year, culminating in the catharsis of the #ENDSARS protest.

It provided room for elaborate sharing of ideas and offered a 360-degree view of Nigeria’s security apparatus. Each security apparatus spoke on the unique challenges confronting their efficiency on the job, as well as also informed the public about the gains and the good strides that have been achieved by their respective organisations.

From the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, came a detailed analysis of the use of hi-tech speed sensors to check recklessness of drivers on Nigerian roads, and thus secure road transportation in the country.

Superintendent Route Commander, SRC, E. Olasehinde who represented Bisi Kazeem, the spokesman for the Commission, elaborated the professional working abilities of Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi. He disclosed that the Corps has “Embraced technology in all its operations.”

He hinted that a drivers’ license issued by FRSC in Nigeria can validate a user’s driving permission across many countries in the world. He however sued for strict adherence to driving rules and codes by road users to mitigate the growing list of disasters on Nigerian roads.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah, gave a wide-angle view of the new developments. “We are not relenting. We continue to do our best to drastically reduce smuggling to the barest minimum,” he assured.

Represented by Uche Ejesieme, PRO Tin Can Island Port, the Customs Service elaborated its deployment of intelligence in the discharge of its duties at all the country’s points of entry.

The Customs particularly advocated for synergy among security agents in view of the multifaceted dimensions of border security.

Superintendent Adebisi Adewunmi, who represented Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Hakeem Odumosu, highlighted: “There is need to spend money and there is need to inject more funds in the security apparatus from military to the Police.”

Speaking further, he said: “In Lagos, Policemen work 24/7. They are overstretched. But with proper funding, everyone will sleep with their eyes closed.”

Adewunmi, however, noted that the work of the police is further made difficult by online mischief-makers who created unnecessary panic. “Please join hands with the police, tell us our wrongs, but don’t encourage sensational journalism that can further breach the peace in society,” he appealed to NAOSRE.

Adewunmi acknowledged the positive development arising from the fallout of the #ENDSARS protest: “We have been promised an improved salary and retirement package.”

Major Osoba Olaniyi, who represented Brigadier General Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, disclosed that “Nigerian Army is conducting internal security operations in 34 states.”

Major Olaniyi, Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Army Public Relations, explained: “We accept criticism because we are a professional institution. However, what we don’t want is casting aspersion on us, because it has the tendency to weaken the resolve of those still fighting and dishonour the memories of our fallen heroes; it also has the tendency to undermine national unity.”

Olaniyi, responding to concerns raised about members of Police and Army impunity when dealing with civilians affirmed: “Irrespective of whatever uniform we wear, we still share the same humanity with members of society. And we shall try to remain humane with you.”

Both the Police and Army agreed that there are bad eggs among their operatives.

“The military is still high on discipline. We still don’t condone indiscipline,” Major Olaniyi who speaks for Army formations in both Ogun and Lagos States, asserted.

He nonetheless advised the public to report cases of infractions to 81 Division and 9th Brigade, stressing that Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, has zero tolerance for indiscipline among officers and men especially in relating with the general public.

Corroborating Major Osoba’s submission, Superintendent Adewunmi added that: “There will always be Judas among people. The same applies to the Nigeria Police. But be assured that we are doing all we can to train our men on how to relate with the public.”

He gave the anecdote of how some communities rose to protect Police officers and prevented attacks on police stations located in their neighbourhood. “Citizens should imbibe the spirit of supporting security agents at all times,” he requested.

Various speakers from the non-security sector further expanded the evening discourse.

Dr Tony Akposheri, veteran Nollywood actor, who represented Prince Honourable Ned Nwoko, Grand Patron, NAOSRE, pointed out that the public has roles to play in the security of our society.

“We cannot leave everything to the government,” he noted and further submitted: “Nigerian security discourse is timely at this time of our nation, not the issue of sacking service chiefs; if they are sacked and the right things are not in place the situation will not improve.”

Dr Akposheri noted further that: “Our security personnel are not adequately well taken care of and the number of security operatives in this country is not adequate,” he said, pointing out other deficits including working with obsolete tools and technology.

In his view, “Children of security agents should enjoy free education from primary school to university.” This, he averred, would boost the morale of security operatives.

“We are not happy with the state of the Nigerian Police. They are not well remunerated. There should be transparency in what goes to them as earnings and allowances,” Akposheri declared.

Barrister Yinka Oguntimehin who represented Aare Ona-Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Otunba Gani Adams, dwelt on how the police institution has decayed over time. He recounted the heart-breaking revelations on a recent radio programme about the poor salary of policemen.

Aside, he added the dehumanizing condition of service Police officers are subjected, starting with the barracks where they live which have degenerated into squalor, and the burden of providing the basic tools of their jobs including their uniform, beret and boots and even the charge sheets in their stations.

While commiserating with the police force for the loss of its members during the ENDSARS saga, Oguntimehin observed: “As a matter of fact, a better police service was what the youths had demanded.”

Although, the Guest Speaker of the event, Senate Committee Chairman on Air Force, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, was unavoidably absent ––having had to fly back home earlier on that day as he was bereaved––he nonetheless made a vital contribution that became one of the main takeaways from the event.

With the participants listening to him on phone, Senator Na’Allah avowed that “A lot of issues need to be addressed if we must reverse the insecurity facing Nigeria.”

He was blunt in holding the country’s elite responsible for the degeneration of security. “There must be an institutional commitment on the part of the government to curb some of the security challenges,” he said.

Continuing, he further asserted: “It has dawned on everyone and the government that there is an urgent need to address security issues affecting the country.”

Other highlights of the night include messages of support from the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, whose message was delivered by a Principal Officer of the House, Honourable Noheem Adams representing Constituency: Eti-Osa I.

In his message, Speaker Obasa who is also the Chairman Nigerian body of Speakers, assured Lagosians and indeed Nigerians of qualitative legislative contributions to a safer society. “As legislators, we are committed to our oversight functions to ensure that appropriated funds for military operations are judiciously utilized for its rightful purpose,” Obasa vowed.

There was also a show of support by FirstBank of Nigeria Plc team. Nigeria’s leading bank’ staff were physically present at the event, a development that sent assuring signals to the banking public of FirstBank’s commitment to security in a manner that depositors with the bank do not have any need to entertain fears in the years ahead.

From the traditional enclave was HRM. Oba (Dr.) Adeoriyomi Akeem Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, Ikorodu, Lagos , to lend his voice to NAOSRE’s dinner of security solutions.

The Lagos first class traditional ruler advised government across levels to consider the use of traditional methods to checkmate criminal activities.

“Some criminal elements, who, at times, over power security agents use traditional powers. Why can’t the government look in that direction? He asked.

The highly respected Oba, who was accompanied to the event by Chief Lateef S. Saminu, Olisa Egbin, supported his suggestion with a story of a man who once secured and safe guarded a bank in Ibadan without being physically present.

He however prayed for NAOSRE and encouraged its leaders to sustain its noble task of promoting effective security communication.

Another traditional ruler at the event was HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal

Abisogun, Oniru of Iruland .

The Kabiesi was ably represented by his media aide, Femi Liadi.

Nollywood star, Paul Obazele reflected on the trauma of the recent protest and called for more citizens’ co-operation with security agents.

Related Topics:Army CUSTOM Featured Lifestyle NAOSRE Police

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2027 or Never: Why Atiku and Obi Must Unite or Watch Tinubu Bury Their Political Futures

Published

3 days ago

July 11, 2025

Sahara Weekly

2027 or Never: Why Atiku and Obi Must Unite or Watch Tinubu Bury Their Political Futures. ( Opinion)

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

In the theatre of Nigerian politics, 2027 is shaping up to be a decisive year. The All Progressives Congress (APC), despite its unrelenting failures in governance, stands poised to retain power, not because it has earned the trust of Nigerians, but because its two greatest threats: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi, may once again allow personal ambition and egos to override national interest. If the former Vice President and the ex-Anambra Governor contest separately under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP) respectively, they will not only hand President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an effortless re-election; they will jointly dig their political graves.

Let us be frank here: this is a game of numbers, strategy and timing. Tinubu’s APC has done little to improve the socio-economic conditions of Nigerians. From rising inflation to staggering unemployment, from Naira’s collapse to institutionalized corruption, Tinubu’s presidency has delivered more pain than progress. Yet, the opposition remains fragmented, delusional and distracted. This disunity is Tinubu’s biggest asset.

The APC’s Achilles Heel: Poor Governance, since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu’s administration has steered Nigeria deeper into economic despair. With inflation hovering above 34%, food prices have tripled and the minimum wage, even at the newly proposed ₦70,000, is laughably insufficient. The President’s ill-thought removal of fuel subsidies, without adequate palliatives, plunged millions into instant poverty. Education has suffered widespread strikes, insecurity is at an all-time high and foreign investors are fleeing. According to a March 2025 World Bank report, over 87 million Nigerians now live in extreme poverty, making Nigeria the poverty capital of the world once again.

Yet, Tinubu might still win in 2027; not because he is loved, but because the opposition is stupid.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: 2023 as a Lesson.
The 2023 election results should be a wake-up call. Tinubu won with 8.79 million votes, Atiku followed with 6.98 million and Obi secured 6.1 million. Together, Atiku and Obi racked up over 13 million votes, which is more than 4 million ahead of Tinubu. If that is not enough reason for unity, then what is?

The math is simple: TOGETHER, THEY WIN; APART, THEY LOSE.

Nigeria Cannot Survive Another Tinubu Term.
What exactly will be left of Nigeria by 2031 if Tinubu wins again? The country’s debt is already past ₦120 trillion and the Naira now trades beyond ₦2,000 to the dollar in the parallel market. Over 600,000 Nigerian youths migrated legally and illegally in 2024 alone, fleeing a system that offers no hope.

Tinubu’s second term would consolidate a one-party state, institutionalize suppression of dissent and weaponize state institutions like EFCC and DSS against perceived enemies. The judicial system is already under siege, with the 2023 election tribunal outcome still fresh in national memory. A repeat term will only embolden the worst tendencies of Tinubu’s reign.

As the fiery Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, warned in 2024: “When evil goes unchallenged for too long, it wears the CROWN of LEGITIMACY.”

The Problem With Atiku and Obi is EGO over NATION. There is no polite way to say it; both Atiku and Obi, for all their accomplishments, have failed to put Nigeria ahead of their personal ambitions. In public, they speak of rescuing Nigeria, but in private, they SCHEME SOLO PATHS to POWER.

Atiku, having contested for presidency since 1993, must realize that 2027 is his last realistic shot. He will be over 80 in 2031. Obi, though younger and with more electoral appeal among the youth, cannot single-handedly unseat a ruling party entrenched in power with all the state machinery.

Both men must come to the table, not as rivals, but as partners. As Prof. Pat Utomi said in 2023, “The future of Nigeria cannot be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition. We need a UNITY of PURPOSE, not a MULTIPLICITY of EGOS.”

A Coalition Is Not a Weakness, It is a Weapon. Those who say a coalition is a sign of weakness forget the 2015 precedent. Tinubu himself engineered the coalition that merged CPC, ACN and factions of PDP to bring Buhari to power. That political marriage, though shaky, was enough to unseat Jonathan. Why can’t Atiku and Obi REPLICATE the same TEMPLATE?

In 2024, the ADC began rebranding itself as a third-force platform. Many Nigerians welcomed this, especially after the LP’s structure showed signs of internal weakness. However, neither ADC nor LP, in isolation, can overcome the APC juggernaut.

The only path to victory is a merger or a strategic alliance that sees either Atiku or Obi step aside for the other, while the second becomes the Vice-Presidential candidate. This formula is not new; it is TESTED and PROVEN.

Time Is Running Out
Coalitions are not built in a day. The groundwork must begin now. VOTER EDUCATION, POLLING AGENTS, GRASSROOTS MOBILIZATION and INEC COMPLIANCE require at least two years of planning. The earlier this coalition is birthed, the stronger its momentum will be.

Nigerians are watching. The youths who marched under the #EndSARS banner in 2020 and those who voted massively for Obi in 2023, are disillusioned. Many feel used, abandoned and betrayed. If Obi and Atiku fail to come together now, the electorate may lose faith entirely and the 2027 election could witness record-low turnout.

This would favor only one man: Tinubu.

If They Fail, They’re Finished. If Tinubu wins again, it is OVER not just for Nigeria, but for the POLITICAL LEGACIES of both Atiku and Obi. A new generation of politicians will rise from the ashes of their failure. The political shelf life of both men will expire. Posterity will remember them not for their vision, but for their inability to act with courage at a defining moment.

The late Chinua Achebe once said, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” That failure now stares us in the face; unless UNITY intervenes.

The Bottom Line: One Last Chance to Rewrite History. This is the last train for Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. If they miss it, the next station is irrelevance. Nigeria cannot afford another four years of suffering, of incompetence masked as governance, of propaganda replacing policy.

They must drop their pride, pick up the phone and forge a historic alliance. Let it be known that at a time when Nigeria was on the brink, two men buried their ambitions and rose for the people.

If they don’t, Tinubu will win and it will be their names etched into history; not as heroes, but as the ones who could have saved Nigeria, but did not.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

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Dr. Jaiye Kuti expands empire with the launch of TerraHive Properties Limited

Published

4 days ago

July 9, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Dr. Jaiye Kuti expands empire with the launch of TerraHive Properties Limited

Dr. Jaiye Kuti, a celebrated Actor, producer, writer, and CEO OF Jaylex Aesthetic Productions, is excited to announce the official launch of TerraHive Properties Limited. This ambitious venture marks a significant milestone in Dr. Jaiye Kuti’s career, marrying her passion for real estate with her enduring dedication to the arts.

TerraHive Properties Limited is set to redefine the landscape of real estate in Nigeria, with a focus on land sales for residential, commercial, and luxury estates. The company proudly holds substantial hectares of prime land in Mowe and several strategic locations across Nigeria. With an eye towards the future, TerraHive Properties Limited aspires to expand its footprint across Africa, becoming a pan-African powerhouse in the real estate sector.

Despite this new venture into the world of real estate, Dr Jaiye Kuti remains committed to her acting career. “Acting is my first love, and I am not stepping away from it,” she affirmed. “In fact, TerraHive Properties Limited will enable me to take on more acting roles and embrace more strategic projects that will influence and enhance the film industry.” Prior to starting TerraHive, Dr. Jaiye Kuti started Jaylex Aesthetic Productions, a company focused on film production, music and radio productions, event management and advertising. Dr. Jaiye has been the founder and CEO of Jaylex Aesthetic Productions for over 15 years.

Dr. Jaiye Kuti acknowledged that her involvement in real estate will provide her with the flexibility and resources needed to select roles that not only entertain but also contribute positively to the cultural narrative and industry development. Through her dual endeavors, Dr. Jaiye aims to support and uplift the arts, promoting growth and innovation both on and off the screen.

As TerraHive Properties Limited embarks on this exciting journey, the company is committed to excellence, quality, and community development. With luxurious and strategically located estates, Dr. Jaiye Kuti envisions a future where real estate and the arts work in tandem to create a lasting impact.

Join us as we embark on this groundbreaking venture that promises to deliver unparalleled value to clients and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the entertainment industry and real estate sector alike.

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Tears and Tiaras: Family Holds Pink-Themed Funeral for Beloved Dog, Sparks Viral Frenzy

Published

6 days ago

July 8, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Tears and Tiaras: Family Holds Pink-Themed Funeral for Beloved Dog, Sparks Viral Frenzy

In a heartwarming yet controversial tribute, a family held a lavish pink-themed funeral for their beloved canine companion, sending shockwaves across social media.

The emotional ceremony—complete with framed photos, bouquets of fresh flowers, and tearful eulogies—was a touching farewell to a dog that had been more than a pet; it was family.

In a now-viral video, mourners—both human and canine—gathered in solemn unity as the small pink casket lay at the center of the room. Guests brought their own dogs to “pay last respects,” adding to the surreal atmosphere of love, grief, and luxury.

The event has since sparked a wave of mixed reactions online.

One user, @OloriOfOloris, criticized the display:

“This is what happens when you don’t have what to do with money.”

But another, @Divinefcb, offered a different take:

“This is what happens when the government is too good and you have money.”

While some called it extravagant, others defended the family’s right to mourn their pet however they chose, pointing out that for many, pets are more loyal than people.

The viral funeral has reignited conversations about how society views grief, class, and the lengths people go to honor loved ones—furry or not.