society
STILL ON THE ISSUE OF RAPE
Lately, the Nigeria public space has been buzzling with rising public concerns about the issue of rape and other sexual violence arising from the rape and murder of two females of tertiary institutions, Uwa and Barakat in Benin and Ibadan respectively.
Sadly and unfortunately, one is disturbed that it took the simultaneous rape and murder of these two innocent girls for the society to rise up to the menace of the epidemic of rape and sexual violence which has been with us from time immemorial. But the crucial question bordering one’s mind now is that, as concerned as a lot of us seemed to be, about the menace of rape in our society, are we prepared to go the whole hog in tackling this epidemic of which we are all guilty for what our society has become?
One is intrigued by the concerns raised from certain quarters and beg to disagree that rape has assumed an alarming proportion of late. This is far from the truth which is that the rampancy of rape has been with us for a long time, only that a number of factors which will be dissected later have been responsible for the low or non official reportage in the public space.
This writer can vividly recollect the menace of rape among secondary school students in the eighties, most especially during inter school house sports competition when students (boys) formed rape gangs and moved from one inter house sports competition to another raping girls as though it was a competition for medal. At the end of the day, these cases of rape go unreported because of the fear of stigmatization by the victims, notably innocent school girls, hence my disagreement that rape has assumed an alarming proportion of late.
It is important to mention that the menace of rape will be better appreciated if we can sincerely and holistically take the pains and time to understudy how this crime against humanity occurs on a per second basis at an alarming proportion in our heavily populated neighbourhoods of face me, I face you residences, then perhaps, one’s submission that the menace of rape has been with us for a long time, will be better appreciated.
As we go further in our concern to stem the tide of rape and other forms of sexual violence in our society, it is important to situate where the problem actually lies, with a view to proffering lasting solutions.
First and foremost, the primary cause of rape is the failure of the family to instill discipline in the male child just as we strive to do with the female child. The boys who later become men and indulge in this crime are a product of the dysfunctionality of the home. In most homes, the focus is on preventing the girl child from becoming wayward, while abandoning the boys to become menace to the society as a result of lack of parental upbringing.
Another cause is our warped judicial system. Rape cases take donkey years to prosecute and it is technical, thus subjecting the victim and her family to negotiations for out of court settlements by offenders family who are ready to go any length to settle out of court, even if it requires compromising the prosecuting agency, the police.
Also, the society is not helpful to the travails of the victim and her family who are often subjected to abuse and intimidation by state officials who see the victim and the family as being careless to have allowed the rape to occur as though it took place with their consent. A lot of times, victims and their families undergo physiological and mental torture, which goes a long way to discourage them from seeking justice and hence they go away, licking their wounds and the society is the worst for it.
The culture of silence and stigmatization is a big negative in the fight against rape and sexual violence. The society stigmatizes the victims in such a way that the scar becomes permanent. The society treats the victim as the one who invited the rape rather than condemning the criminal for violating the laws of the land.
Ignorance and poverty is another factor constituting to the menace of rape in our society. A lot of our citizens in our heavily populated neighbourhoods, due to ignorance and poverty, are too afraid, poor and ignorant to seek justice in view of their perception of the security agencies who are very unfriendly to the plight of victims of rape. Education and sensitization is key to unlocking the door for people to seek justice.
Having analysed the causes of rape, rather than just jumping on the ephemeral bandwagon clamour of social media activism which does not address the surface of the issue, what are the concrete steps that needs to be taken to arrest this crime if we are to have a safer society for our girls and mothers?
One, we need to rework our judicial system, such that there should be a time frame of say 3 months for the trial and conclusion of rape and sexual violence cases. In that way, we would have reduced the trauma of the victim and her family and also reduced the chances of the society not getting justice due to the compromise of both the victim and offender’s families settling out of court.
There is the need to make it a criminal offence punishable by law, for families who try to circumvent the law, by not reporting rape cases and settling it outside the scope of the law.
The need for advocacy on education and sensitization on the effect of rape and sexual violence on the victim and the society at large is very important. The culture of silence and stigmatization must be aggressively addressed.
The state can mitigate the shortcomings of the fight against rape and sexual violence by creating a desk for that purpose at police formations in collaboration with civil society organizations.
The security agencies need to be mobilized and empowered with the necessary tools and resources to cultivate their buy in into the fight against rape and sexual offences rather than what presently obtains.
While one commends the efforts of the media for bringing this menace to the front burner now, one must not forget those who have always been working to arrest this menace by proffering realistic solutions and those agencies of state who are now reworking the laws to deal with this epidemic, with the hope that by holistically examining the issue, we will be able to once and for all, frontally confront and subdue this epidemic to the glory of God and benefit of humanity.
Nelson Ekujumi,[email protected].
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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