Category: General News

Oba Ladoja Sustains 20-Year Charity, Distributes Food, Cash to over 5,000 Ibadan Residents
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‎By Adewale Owoade
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‎Over 5,000 residents of Ibadanland have benefitted from a Ramadan and Lent food package distributed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
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‎Each beneficiary received cash, school bags for children and food items such as rice, beans, semovita, garri, maize and noodles during the distribution held at the monarch’s private residence in Bodija, Ibadan.
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‎Speaking while presenting the annual Ramadan/Lent packages, Oba Ladoja said the gesture was part of his commitment to giving back to society and supporting the less privileged.
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‎The monarch, who was represented by his wife, Rashidat Olayinka Ladoja, noted that the initiative had been sustained for about 20 years.
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‎She said, “Baba Ladoja has been doing this for the past 20 years, but this is the first time we are organising it since he ascended the throne as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
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‎“So, it is not different from what we have been doing before. The only difference is that the number of beneficiaries is larger this year.
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‎“Last year, we distributed to about 5,000 people. This year, the beneficiaries are more than 5,000. We thank God the arrangement has been hitch-free and orderly.”
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‎She added that Oba Ladoja had always prioritised the welfare of the people throughout his years of public service as a senator, former governor and now as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
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‎Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is marked by fasting, prayer and acts of charity, while Lent is a period of reflection, sacrifice and generosity among Christians.
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‎Community leaders and beneficiaries at the event commended the monarch for sustaining the programme over the years.
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‎Some beneficiaries said the food items and financial support would help ease the burden on their households at a time when many families are grappling with rising food prices.
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‎The distribution exercise forms part of Oba Ladoja’s broader humanitarian efforts aimed at supporting the less privileged and strengthening social bonds among residents of Ibadanland, regardless of religious affiliation.
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The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has confirmed that he will personally attend the Golden Jubilee celebration and Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) scheduled to hold in April in Ibadan.
The monarch gave the assurance on Thursday when he received members of the NANTA AGM Planning Committee at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.
The delegation was led by Mrs. Lola Adewole and included the association’s Second National Deputy President, Dr. Tokunbo Dagunduro, as well as its Financial Secretary, Mr. Yinka Ladipo.
Oba Gbadebo commended the association for sustaining its activities and professional relevance for five decades, noting that keeping a professional body united and active for 50 years reflects resilience, visionary leadership and a shared commitment among members.
He prayed for the continued growth of the association and its sustained contributions to Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector.
According to the monarch, NANTA has played a significant role in promoting Nigeria’s culture and travel trade industry, a feat he described as exemplary and worthy of emulation by other professional organisations.
The Alake also assured the delegation that he would grace the anniversary celebration, noting that Egbaland and Ibadan share deep historical, cultural and traditional ties.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mrs. Adewole, told the monarch that the association has consistently promoted Nigeria’s cultural tourism offerings as a vital national asset.
She said the association sees the country’s rich cultural heritage as a goldmine that must be preserved and harnessed to support economic growth and social development.
Adewole explained that the theme of the Golden Jubilee celebration, “Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts: Redefining Our Role as Global Ambassadors,” reflects NANTA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s cultural tourism economy.
As part of activities ahead of the anniversary celebration, the NANTA team also visited the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, to formally invite him to the Ibadan conference.
During the visit, the delegation highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Ogun State and its importance to national tourism development and economic growth.
Meanwhile, NANTA, through its National President, Dr. Yinka Folami, has congratulated the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on his appointment.
In a letter dated March 9 and acknowledged by the police authorities, Folami pledged the association’s readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force to tackle fraudulent activities within the travel trade sector.
He also formally invited the police chief to the association’s elective Annual General Meeting in Ibadan, noting that the gathering would provide an opportunity for the Inspector-General to interact with travel trade professionals on ways to promote a secure and globally compliant travel industry in Nigeria.

Team screens over 100 police constable recruits, as Enugu CP visits venue

No fewer than 100 applicants of the ongoing physical and credentials screening of constables recruit have been successfully screened by the team for the exercise.

The Spokesman of Police Command in Enugu State, disclosed this on Tuesday in Enugu after the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, paid an assessment visit to the venue of the exercise in Enugu.

During the visit, the commissioner commended members of the screening team, comprising police officers and officials of the Police Service Commission, the Federal Character Commission, and other relevant bodies, for their commitment and professionalism.

He urged them to remain focused and ensure that only qualified and deserving candidates are selected at the end of the exercise.

The commissioner, who also addressed the applicants, warned them against falling prey to fraudsters who might attempt to defraud them under the guise of facilitating their recruitment.

He reiterated that the “recruitment is completely free of charge”.

The state police advised the applicants to conduct themselves in an orderly manner while strictly adhering to all instructions and guidelines for the screening.

The physical and credentials screening for successful applicants from Enugu State in the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables into the Nigeria Police Force has entered its second day.

The exercise, which is being held at the Police Senior Officers’ Mass, Agbani Road, Enugu, commenced on March 9.

IWD: POWA empowers 100 wives of deceased officers in Enugu

The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) has distributed bags of rice, tubers of yam, cartons of noodles and other essentials to over 100 wives of deceased police officers within the state.

The food empowerment was part of POWA’s activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).

Declaring the celebration open on Tuesday in Enugu, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, congratulated police officers’ wives and women generally on the 2026 IWD Day.

Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Mrs Hope Okereke-Isiani, the commissioner described this year’s theme, “Gift to Gain,” as timely and commendable.

He noted that the act of giving foster unity, compassion, and social support within the policing family and the wider society.

In her address, the acting Chairperson of POWA, Enugu State Chapter, Mrs Sarah Okwor, assured police officers’ wives of continued support in strengthening their families and extending assistance to the needy among them.

Okwor appreciated the National President of POWA, Mrs Oluwafunmilola Disu, for her support and for making the nationwide IWD celebration worthwhile.

In the event, Mr. Sylvia Abanah, Chairperson of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Enugu State Branch and former Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) delivered a lecture on the IWD theme, “Gift to Gain.”

As part of the activities, participants received medical checkups and lecture on the prevention of cervical cancer and stress management by Enugu State Police Command’s Medical Services.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Onyeka Mamah, appreciated the police command and the leadership of POWA in the state and national levels for the gesture and continued support.

The event was attended by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Finance and Administration, Mrs Leticia Onwuchekwa; the State POWA Liaison Officer, SP Chinelo Ezekwe; executives and members of Late Police Officers’ Wives Association (LAPOWA).

NGO trains 40 Youths on Digital Storytelling, Photography to amplify community voices

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Saving African Youth Dream Initiative has trained 40 young people in digital storytelling, documentary filmmaking and photography to help amplify community voices and preserve cultural heritage.

The Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Abdulateef Abdulkareem, said the training was designed to bridge the gap in documenting and sharing stories from local communities.

Abdulkareem said many African communities were culturally rich but their stories were not adequately shared beyond their immediate environment.

“Within our communities, there are many untold stories and talented young people who are interested in telling them but lack the tools and skills to do so effectively.

“What we are doing is to equip them with digital storytelling skills so they can document their communities through short stories, documentary films, photography and other media practices,” he said.

He explained that the programme also involved older participants to enable intergenerational learning and ensure that young storytellers benefit from the experiences and perspectives of elders.

According to him, the training has 40 participants drawn from diverse backgrounds including photojournalism, media practice, documentary filmmaking and digital content creation.

Abdulkareem said the initiative aimed to inspire participants to produce stories that would promote social change and highlight realities in underserved communities.

“At the end of the training, we expect participants to create stories that will inspire change in their various communities.

“We want them to amplify their voices using digital tools in an ethical way while also showcasing the rich cultural heritage we have,” he said.

Abdulkareem who was also the founder of the initiative, said the programme was part of the Build Deck Project supported by the Hadis Foundation and funded by Illuminate.

He added said the training would empower both young and older participants to document real-life issues affecting people in their communities.

“The aim is to enable them to document everyday realities, especially in underserved communities, and share those stories with the world,” he said.

One of the facilitators, a documentary photographer, Mr Abubakar-Sadiq Mustafa, said the training was also focused on teaching participants how photography could be used as a powerful storytelling tool.

Mustafa, whose works focus on climate change, displacement, identity and culture, said many people often view photography only as a tool for social events such as weddingsand naming ceremonies.

“Photography goes beyond documenting private events. It can be used to tell stories, raise awareness and influence social change,” he said.

He added that participants were also being trained on the ethical use of photographs to prevent misuse that could fuel misinformation or conflict.

Mustafa said photography had historically played major roles in shaping global narratives, including documenting wars and humanitarian crises.

He noted that photographers could also contribute to preserving culture by documenting traditional practices that might eventually disappear.

According to him, such documentation will enable future generations to experience and understand their cultural heritage through digital archives.

Mustafa encouraged participants to also explore photography as a means of livelihood.

“Photography has been my source of livelihood and it has transformed my life.

“I believe it can also help many of these young people build sustainable careers,” he said.

Another facilitator, Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus who spoke on the topic responsible journalism and consent protocol said it was important to adhere to the ethics of journalism in the face of digital storytelling amidst the saturation of the social media.

She also noted that seeking consent of sources of information was important as they need to give approval on how their stories will be told.

CCIDESOR decries economic hardship, insecurity, violence, political exclusion of women in Nigeria

The Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR) has decried the level of economic hardship, insecurity, community and domestic violence; and political exclusion faced by women in Nigeria.

The acting Director of CCIDESOR, Nnenna Onyenoha, disclosed this in a special congratulatory message issued to newsmen in Enugu to celebrate 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).

Onyenoha said that CCIDESOR celebrates women in Nigeria and classify them as the “Nigeria Gender of the Year because of what you have endured while contributing to societal development.”

According to her, the group calls on the Nigerian government, politicians, industrialists, leaders at the state and local government levels and all citizens to reflect deeply on the realities faced by Nigerian women.

She urged all to take deliberate steps toward addressing them before 2027; so that the 2027 International Women’s Day celebration would be more meaningful.

“In this periods of economic recession and limited opportunities, Nigerian women – many of whom already face structural barriers to economic empowerment – become even more vulnerable to poverty, impoverishment and exclusion.

“In Nigeria’s worsening security situation, women and girls remain among the most affected.

“From violent attacks on communities to the tragic abductions of schoolgirls and community women, Nigerian women continue to face disproportionate risks and threats to their safety and dignity.

“Across communities and homes, the painful realities of gender-based and domestic violence, rape and other forms of sexual violence, even against highly placed elected female politicians and businesswomen persist in many parts of our country,” she said.

The acting director said that in Nigeria’s political space, women are still treated largely as outsiders; adding that political violence, the monetisation of our politics, and exclusionary practices continue to limit women’s participation.

“A clear example is the very low representation of women in the National Assembly. Out of 109 Senate seats, fewer than five are currently held by women, reflecting the deep structural barriers to women’s political inclusion.

“Nigeria’s male dominated National Assembly is almost deeming the hope of millions of Nigeria women in passing the NASS special seat bill for women.

“We use this day to urge them to act faster and pass the bill,” she said.

Onyenoha commended the tireless efforts of women’s rights defenders, activists, and advocates who continue to work under extremely difficult conditions to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls across Nigeria.

“Nigeria must take concrete steps to: Strengthen laws and policies that protect women’s rights and promote meaningful political representation for women.

“Expand economic opportunities for women as well as improve security and justice systems that protect women and girls.

“Only through these actions can Nigeria restore and guarantee the full economic, social, political, and legal rights of women,” she added.

WACOL launches fundraising for sanctuary accommodation for vulnerable, treats 82,000 cases of GBV

The Women Aid Collective (WACOL) says it has launched fundraising for sanctuary accommodation for the vulnerable even as the organisation treated 82,000 cases of Gender Based Violence in the country.

The Founding Director, WACOL, Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN), disclosed this at a 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) Press Briefing held in Enugu on Friday.

The theme for the 2026 IWD is “Rights. Justice. Action. For all Women and Girls,” and the campaign slogan for WACOL fundraising is, “Give to Gain”.

Ezeilo said that the 2026 IWD, to be held on Sunday, March 8, remained a call for action; thus, moving beyond rhetoric and towards concrete action for women and girls both on justice, protection and empowerment.

According to her, we are compelled to confront the heartbreaking truth that some of our nation’s heroes and women are being tragically betrayed by the very systems they trusted; as women and girls getting justice remain difficult.

She said, “For over 28 years, WACOL has handled more than 82,000 cases of violence against women and girls.

“Today, we shine a spotlight on two harrowing cases, one on institutional neglect and another on predatory abuse that demand immediate and decisive intervention.

“Lets start with the painful case of Officer Grace Ohiaeri—a woman who spent nearly three decades as a victim of the institution she swore to serve.

“In 1998, Officer Grace Ohiaeri performed a heroic act, disarming a dangerous criminal to protect Nigerian citizens. Her reward was not a commendation, but malice and institutional cruelty.”

Ezeilo noted that within 28 years of silence and suffering: her salary was abruptly stopped in 1998 without a just cause and this was ongoing even while she is technically still in service.

“Now, elderly and frail, the Police Force is evicting her from her official quarters because of proposed “renovations,” leaving a national hero with absolutely nowhere to go.

“This is a national disgrace. In the spirit of IWD 2026, WACOL officially petitions the highest authorities to restore her dignity and her future.

“We, therefore, call on the Inspector General of Police, Olatuji Disu, and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Bitrus Giwa, to take immediate action:

“Pay Officer Grace her full salary arrears for the past 28 years and promote Officer Grace to her appropriate rank and grant her an honorable retirement,” she said.

Ezeilo said that the second case remained that of Miss Faith Odoh and her four children under extreme poverty, which left her family vulnerable and preyed upon by the worst in our society.

“Odoh’s 12-year-old daughter was systematically abused by five different men. The final predator was a man who abused the power given to him as a pastor and Neighborhood Watch Chairman—the very person providing their “free” shelter.

“While WACOL has ensured the suspect is awaiting trial, this family is now being evicted. These traumatised children are out of school and in desperate need of a safe sanctuary to begin healing.

“This is where our “Give to Gain” Campaign steps in. Our action today is about providing concrete solutions for these two women who represent the victims of institutional neglect and societal cruelty across Nigeria.

“We call on the public, corporate organisations, and all people of conscience to join us in an urgent fundraising drive to secure permanent and safe accommodation for the vulnerable,” she said.

Oyo FCC Commissioner Pledges Equity, Inclusiveness in Public Service

By Adewale Owoade.

The Federal Character Commissioner representing Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to ensuring that no section of the country feels marginalised in governance and public administration.

Abass-Aleshinloye gave the assurance during a press conference and inaugural meeting with staff of the Commission in Oyo State.

He emphasised that the Federal Character principle remains a vital instrument for promoting national unity, integration and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s diverse society.

“The Federal Character principle remains one of the pillars for promoting unity, national integration and inclusiveness in our diverse nation. It ensures that no section of the country feels marginalised and that every state and region has a sense of belonging in the governance and administration of our great nation.

“We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that recruitment, appointments, promotions, infrastructure, policy implementation and other opportunities in the public service reflect the diversity of our country and adhere strictly to the guidelines laid down by the Commission,” he said.

The Commissioner also assured the people of Oyo State that their interests would continue to be adequately represented at the Commission. He stressed that efforts would be sustained to ensure the state receives its fair share of federal opportunities while upholding merit and professionalism in public service.

“Specifically, I want to assure the good people of Oyo State that their interests and concerns remain well represented at the Commission, while also encouraging merit, competence, and professionalism in public service.

“At this time in our national journey, it is important for all stakeholders—government institutions, political leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens—to support policies and initiatives that promote fairness, transparency, and national cohesion.”

Addressing staff of the Commission in the state, Abass-Aleshinloye described their role as critical to the effective implementation of the Commission’s policies and urged them to remain professional, dedicated and transparent in the discharge of their duties.

Earlier, the State Director of the Commission in Oyo State, Mr Muyiwa Babanumi, thanked the Commissioner for the visit and pledged the staff’s cooperation towards achieving greater success.