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‘They would have been rescued if they were daughters of Politicians’ – Tunde Bakara faults FG bitterly over Chibok Girls

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10 years ago

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tunde A screengrab taken on May 12, 2014, from

 

 

The General Overseer, Latter Rain Assembly, Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has lampooned politicians and political parties for using the abduction of 219 Chibok schoolgirls to score cheap political points.

He noted that the nation had not given the issue the necessary thoughtfulness and seriousness it deserved, stressing that those who are in a position to act have not taken sufficient action towards addressing it or even towards calming the anxiety of the waiting Chibok parents.

The cleric said this in a sermon on Sunday during the thanksgiving service to mark the global action week in commemoration of the second anniversary of the abduction of the schoolgirls organised by the BringBackOurGirls coalition at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

Bakare stated that the girls would have been rescued if they were children of the political and religious elite and appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise their  rescue in the midst of the numerous challenges before him. He stressed that the girls had become the symbols of the soul of the nation.

He said, “What do you think I would have done extra if my girl was involved? Have I done those things? What could  have happened, if these were daughters of Emirs or the Prelate or Primate of the Anglican Church or Methodist Church? If any of them happen to be son of Pastor Adeboye not to mention sons or daughters of governors or president, what do you think would have happened on that issue?

“Am just asking a question, what do you think would have happened? We would have done more than we have done, the whole nation has failed these children and we must repent and that is why we must honour those of you (BBOG) who have made it to be on the front burner.”

Reading Isaiah 49:24-26 from the Holy Bible, Bakare urged the BBOG and the Chibok parents not to give up, saying the girls would be rescued alive from Boko Haram captivity.

He recalled that the past administration failed to act on ‘actionable intelligence’ that could have led to the rescue of the girls, noting that the government did not take the necessary steps to rescue them until there was a global outcry.

Bakare said, “It is most severely injurious to see that the fate of our daughters has been frequently politicised. Rather than rise to the occasion as stakeholders and custodians of the security and welfare of the citizens of this nation, political parties and politicians have paid lip service, using our pain and the plight of our daughters to score cheap political points.

“We are not convinced that the matter of our daughters has been given the needed thoughtfulness. We do not believe that those who are in a position to act have taken sufficient action towards addressing this issue or even towards calming our anxiety as waiting parents.”

The fiery cleric who spoke in an emotion-laden voice for about 35 minutes, expressed the conviction that the abducted girls were alive and could still be rescued, noting that there was no evidence, not even satellite photography, suggesting that they were in a mass grave.

“We have heard varied suggestions as to the fate of our girls. We have heard that some have been married off, that some have been sold as slaves, and that some are being held captive as human shields. We have heard that some have been radicalised, and there have been suggestions that they are now being groomed and deployed as suicide bombers.  What we expect the government to do is to systematically analyse the possibilities with a view to eliminating impossibilities,” Bakare suggested.

The Convener, Save Nigeria Group, appreciated the government for the renewed military offensive and the gains recorded in the fight against Boko Haram, but added that the nation expected that the success would be translated into tracing the whereabouts of the girls or even finding some measure of closure for their parents.

“If they have been sold as slaves, to whom have they been sold? What are the locations of these slave buyers or dealers? Are they in the territories in which our girls had been held captive in the past? What attempts have been made to investigate or eliminate this possibility? Have they been sold beyond the Nigerian borders? What routes are there through which they could possibly have been taken?,” he asked.

Given the complex security nature of the abduction, Bakare noted that  rescuing the girls might require special tactical military operations, details of which could not be publicly discussed.

This, he added, should not stop the government from creating a confidential information channel that would keep anxious parents abreast of the basic facts and show that, at least, the country cared for their daughters.

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

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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6 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

 

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

 

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

 

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

 

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

 

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

 

Thank you.

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

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9 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

⸻

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

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1 day ago

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April 23, 2026

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FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

 

 

 

Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.

 

 

 

Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.

 

 

 

FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.

 

The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.

 

 

 

You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.

 

 

 

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.

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