news
What Dr. Sani Abubakar Told Me About Buratai In 2017
What Dr. Sani Abubakar Told Me About Buratai In 2017
By Collins Mbakwe
Recently, certain events propelled me into going down memory lane. The wanton killings and the carnage scenes across the country in the past one or two years have been issues of major concern to all well-meaning Nigerians.
Between 2011-2013, it was gory tales of sorrows and pains; torrents of tears and wailings from fathers, mothers, wives, husbands, men, women, school boys and girls, parents, relations, friends, aunties, uncles, Nigerians of all persuasions, the international community gazed into the skies artificially darkened each time Boko Haram terrorists detonated mass bombs at targets. The agonies and anxiety of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) intensified and confusion replaced reason, as insurgents freely and boastfully multiplied heinous atrocities against Nigerians.
Thousands fled the region while others scampered for safety. As of 2012, I was still in Maiduguri much to the consternation of my relatives and friends who were on my neck to return home to my state for safety. But like one fated to be slaughtered by the insurgents, I paid no heed. The situation was getting worse by the day. It came to a point, where I felt I was no longer alive. That was in April 2012. No one told me to run for my dear life. I had to leave Maiduguri with my life still intact by the skin of my teeth. And as I left, I bid Maiduguri a final goodbye, because I felt soon it would be desolate.
In January 2017, I got a call from Dr. Abubakar Sani whom I worked with while in Maiduguri. He told me that he would want me to return to Maiduguri, that he would want to work with me on a certain project he was preparing to launch. I couldn’t believe it. Momentarily, I was bereft of speech, trying to collect my thoughts. Several thoughts flew into my head like a buoyant wave. Had I not known him to be a nice, detribalized man and a man of high intellect and probity, I would have concluded that he wished me dead, for asking me to come to Maiduguri after all I saw. Immediately, I turned on the recording on my phone.
The first thing I asked him was where he was calling from, and he said it was Maiduguri. I goggled in disbelief and snapped my fingers synchronously. Then, I asked him, “How can we work comfortably and safely in a city where human bodies are littered on the roads and streets?” Then, he gave me a response that later brought me back to Maiduguri in 2017, and after five years plus, I have had every reason to say that he was right. I never forgot his words that day. They were quite reassuring although hard to believe.
His words on phone to me that day, “Believe me, Collins, Maiduguri has not returned to that state that once made it ‘the home of, but the constant carnage scenes in the city of Maiduguri are now an issue of the past. We now sleep with our eyes closed. People now move freely for their businesses and work. The new Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai with his unrivaled military tactics, bravery, and good leadership skills, has restored hope on the security challenges bedeviling the state.
Of course, the fight is far from being over, especially in some rural areas, but with Buratai at the helm, many more successes would be recorded.
The new COAS unmistakably knew of the dauntingly sacred and delicate task entrusted to his hands. His briefs were clear and understood, as defeating and terminating the reign of terrorism in Nigeria and specific terms, the Northeast region, where it ferociously raged uncontrollably.
It is right to say that he was anointed on a rescue mission of Nigeria manacled by terrifying and soulless, bloodsucking terrorists.”
He continued, “The past year has seen the reward of Buratai’s professional competence in leading Nigerian troops to wipe away the sorrows and pains at the break of dawn. He has fulfilled every word of promise to Nigerians in the counter-terrorism campaigns to the amazement cum excitement of all Nigerians and the international community.
He has proven himself a soldier of the strong breed who does not issue empty promises; Nigerians know his credentials as a warmonger with bags of unbeatable tactics and strategies.
You must have read that in December 2016, Gen. Buratai with his team pleasantly astounded Nigerians with an unexpected New Year gift; the Nigerian troop’s demystification and invasion of the dreaded Sambisa forest to Camp Zero.
To think that Buratai met troops whose morale on the battlefield was dampened as a result of several factors and yet find a way of boosting their morale to put in their best in the fight against insurgency has earned him a place with the pantheons of Nigerian heroes.
From 2017 till when Buratai retired, I never had any reason to scurry for safety any day.
After Buratai’s retirement, in January 2021, I wanted to leave the state once again for fear of the insurgents taking over again. But, Dr. Abubakar who is currently the publisher of Northeast Star Magazine asked me to be calm. He spoke highly of the new COAS, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya. He however said that he is worried. According to him, winning a war against terrorism and banditry is not something only the military can undertake. ” The leaders and the led, the military and the civilian have to synergize to improve the security of the country. If all state actors do not rise to the security challenges, it may spread to a point where it may be uncontrollable,” he concluded.
Sadly today, the country is bleeding profusely. The security situation is nothing short of anarchy. Insecurity as Dr. Sani envisaged has spread uncontrollably like wide fire. Nowhere is safe in the country now. My state, Imo where I fled to when Maiduguri was inhabitable is now one of the most unsecured places to live in Nigeria. Where then shall we run to?
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.
The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.
A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.
The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.
The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.
As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.
Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.
Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family
Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens
By Femi Oyewale
Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.
Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.
Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.
Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood
The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:
• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.
• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.
• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.
Philanthropy and institution building
Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.
What makes him unique
Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:
1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).
2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.
3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.
The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism
To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.
-
society5 months agoRamadan Relief: Matawalle Distributes Over ₦1 Billion to Support 2.5 Million Zamfara Residents
-
Politics2 months agoNigeria Is Not His Estate: Wike’s 2,000‑Hectare Scandal Must Shake Us Awake
-
society4 months agoBroken Promises and Broken Backs: The ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Law and the Betrayal of Nigerian Workers
-
society3 months agoOGUN INVESTS OVER ₦2.25 BILLION TO BOOST AQUACULTURE