society
State of the Nation; a Muslim Muslim Muslim Muslim leadership*
*State of the Nation; a Muslim Muslim Muslim Muslim leadership*
By Bolaji O. Akinyemi
The heat generated by BAT’s preference for a Muslim/Muslim ticket in a country of disputable population of Christians and Muslims is yet to die down!
A reflection on the roles of many God fearing Nigerians who in their quest for freedom, justice and fairness, pressured BAT to yield ground and give consideration to a Muslim/Christian ticket fell on deaf ears!
Typical of him, he stuck to his guns till his long time dream to be President was delivered without consideration for Christians and Christianity!
Leadership, they say is by example, but BAT priced his ambition over National unity!
Speculations of APC as an Islamic movement with the mission to Islamize Nigeria started with his man, Rauf Aregbesola, in Osun State as Governor. The same Osun which Aregbesola allegedly in clandestine format changed its name to “The (Islamic) State of Osun! But secular minded citizens like Senator Ade Fadahunsi neutralized Aregbesola in his own town and by extension Osun East and the state as a whole. He was building Mosques for Muslims and promoting the need for secular society, I was his man in the forefront of that project. Today, Osun has a Governor who doesn’t know if he is a Christian or a Muslim and the entire state is on the dancing floor with him. On persons like Fadahunsi we must lean to find our way back to the dancing floor of secularism where religion does not matter for our collective humanity to prevail.
The insinuations BAT left unattended to in Aregbe’s Osun Islamization Agenda, and kept mute till the table turned against his interest in Osun went national.
When Buhari became the President, many took it for granted, that BAT, a freedom fighter and one of the living heroes of our democracy who led our long walk out of military bondage will ever betray our trust by substituting military bondage for Islamic yoke for nothing other than selfishness of long time dream to be President!
Throughout the 8 years of the Buhari regime amidst the attendant persecutions, and killings that people with the faith of God, through and in Christ suffered under that administration, not once did we read BAT lines or hear his voice in condemnation of the perceived genocide!
I was a strong antagonist of Muslim/Muslim Ticket, MMT, same way I would have been of a Christian/Christian ticket, CCT!
My position and of many pro-life ideologists was further strengthened by the fact that no deliberate attempt was made by the immediate past administration to stop the killings!
Lip service was paid to it though, without the follow up of a consistent, coordinated tactical engagement of those responsible.
I need not remind Nigerians of the fact of his party’s involvement that came public through Baraje and several others.
How his party arranged to bring in foreign militias from Mali, Sudan, Guinea and other Islamic States for the purpose of using them to vote and win the 2015 election!
Your decision for MMT was beyond politics. Sinister as it obviously was, I couldn’t put my finger on it, but not anymore!
The beginning of the idea was the meeting you held with Northern Elders which was publicly reported that consideration will not be given to a Northern Christian in the choice of your running mate. When the question of how you hope to sell this idea of a Muslim succeeding a Muslim, with a Muslim/Muslim ticket to the Southern Christians was asked, you assured them you know how to handle Southern Christians!
Results of the Presidential election from the south shows the contrary. Lagos was a revelation of how grievous that decision was!
May I congratulate BAT while he is still savouring the moment of the most contentious political victory in the history of Nigeria, without failing to let him know that he is presiding over the most divided nation on earth today, courtesy of his blind pursuit of his Presidential dream.
Holy and unholy arsenals were deployed to win the war!
If Nigeria was divided in 2015, it has been further fragmented in 2023 through 8 years of Buhari’s refusal to be pragmatic in leadership, particularly with respect to the activities of non State actors!
All regions are today standing alone. Worse hit are South East and North Central. Both deserve great considerations if stability is our priority!
Unfortunately, still within our regions is the slitting sword of religion tearing the people apart!
Our states are not spared. Kogi, is an example of politics taken too far in State sponsored arson!
Let me not digress, I wish to inform His Excellency and all well meaning and sincere Nigerians that substance has been given to our fear for Islamization as an official Agenda of APC as a political party. Do we really need to ride with a bus driver whose final bus stop his conductor has exposed.
It was a tactical deception of Nigerians particularly christians who gullibly bought your claim to competence over Christianity in a nation of at least a 100 million Christians!
Leadership is by example, and if BAT’s ambition couldn’t be invested for justice and fairness to our faith, why should other party men do. If Orji Uzor Kalu is magnanimous to consider himself as a deputy and not the SP what then is my reason for losing sleep!
Consideration for lives of Nigerians was what cost Goodluck Ebele Jonathan his desired ambition for second term. The blood of one to him, was worth more than the ballots of a million!
He let go of a million ballots to stop blood from flowing on our streets!
Now that Tinubu, a Muslim is the President, Shettima a Muslim, is the Vice President, we suddenly remember there are Christians in this country who should have representation at the National level through the office of the Senate President and ambition of an individual against the rule of the class as being equals, having right to Senate Presidency should be traded!
Alas, Christians who agreed that Shettima was more competent than every single Christian in Northern Nigeria have started saying they hope I am not supporting Yari in an election I have no vote.
If it was difficult to find one competent Christian in a nation of 100 million Christians to balance out BAT’s ticket, then the caucus that produced Yari, Muslim and Kalu, Christian deserves to be commended for being meticulous enough to get a Christian to pair with Yari!
Those who saw Atiku /Okowa, Obi/Datti and Sowore/Magash but rooted for BAT/Shettima are telling us of the option of Akpabio/Barau, Christian/Muslim, against Yari/Kalu Muslim/Christian pairing. All we asked for was balance of ticket from APC and we were denied. How I wish there is a caucus offering Muslim/Muslim ticket in the 10th senate. What is good for Tinubu/ Shettima is good for all!
They are now suddenly awoken by the nightmare of Muslim/Muslim/Muslim when in actual fact where we are headed is Muslim/Muslim/Muslim/Muslim!
For if the foundation be destroyed, what shall the righteous do. Our foundation of leadership and pattern of its balance for many years was broken over one man’s thirst of injustice and unfairness to win an election. Please others also have ambitions!
If you ask me how we got here I will remind you, when our tree of leadership structure under which we took shade was cut down to cultivate a new tree. Sun is now overhead, we are scrambling for shade under which we can shelter!
Tinubu has cut down the tree of justice and fairness and it will take time to grow another, when the seedlings have not been found not to speak of nursing it in the nursery!
The tree our faith as Christians in the political space fell with Buhari’s integrity against Goodluck. The stump of it Tinubu has removed by his claim of Shettima’s competence. If we neither have integrity and competence why should we be considered for leadership.
And trees takes time to grow. “Se ko ma lo bee lori owo yen!”
Dubai is a Muslim Country and things are working. Now I am ready to live in an all Muslim leadership structure, at least that is the vision of APC!
If however we desire to find our way back under the tree of life before the fruit of religion was eaten, then I will go with Fadahunsi and encourage all Senators in hope of secularism and humanity to do same. I am not from Osun, but he is my Senator at the senate on the Greater Nigeria Project, GNP.
Just as BAT has no right of interference, same way we don’t! It is a privilege to be consulted as Stakeholders but we have no votes!
All 108 Senators are classmates. Let them all dream and let their choice be respected!
Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation
The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.
The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.
Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.
This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.
As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.
Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps
Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.
Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:
“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”
This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.
society
FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria
FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria
In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.
According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.
“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”
Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.
By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.
For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.
As one youth participant reflected:
“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”
The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.
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