The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Driver ‘kills self’ at mechanic’s workshop 

    A 43-year-old commercial driver, Kabiru Bello, has allegedly committed suicide at a mechanic’s workshop in Somolu, Lagos.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred last Saturday.

    Bello, a resident of 77, Owode Ibeshe in Ikorodu, Lagos allegedly drank an insecticide suspected to be sniper at the workshop located at Ladylack bus stop, Somolu, around 1pm.

    It was learnt that Bello was inside his bus with number plate AKD724XM when he allegedly drank the substance.

    People at the workshop were said to have taken him to Adesola Clinic in Somolu where he was confirmed dead.

    Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said detectives visited the scene and discovered an empty bottle suspected to contain sniper, adding that his body was deposited in the mortuary.

    Read Also: Bank Manager commits suicide 

    Policemen attached to Ilemba Hausa Division in Ojo, Lagos at the weekend recovered two single barrel guns from fleeing robbers said to have fleeced a young man of his laptop.

    The Nation gathered that the police received a distress call around 9:30pm on Saturday that suspected robbers attacked Mr. Wale Lawal and dispossessed him of his belongings.

    Elkana said policemen were deployed to trail them, adding that the suspects abandoned their operational black Honda vehicle with number plate Lagos KJA705BU.

    “On the spot search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally made single barrel guns with 12 live cartridges, one laptop and one phone. The vehicle was moved to the station for further investigation,” he said.

  • Bank Manager commits suicide 

    Friends and family of a bank manager, identified as Ibeakanma Onyechere, have been left devastated following news of his alleged suicide on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Onyechere, a relationship manager with a popular commercial bank, allegedly drank sniper, a dangerous insecticide, at his home last week.

    The father of one might have exhibited traces of depression following his last Facebook post, “the light is gradually dimming out”, which he wrote on July 24, as well as a WhatsApp status update his relatives said they saw days before he died.

    According to a report on the social media, Onyechere left a note for his wife, Cecilia, where he professed his love for her and their daughter, urging her not to cry for him.

    The note read: “The best, that’s what l used to call you. Finally this is the end of my journey here on earth. The evil I have been battling with has succeeded in quenching the flame. You married a wrong man. You’re a good woman and you deserve the best. You need to be happy. You need to soar.

    “Please take care of our princess, Chinenyenwa. Tell her that I love her so much. Be peaceable with everyone, though not gonna be easy. Tell my family not to harbour any resentment against you. You’re a blessing to us. That’s the wish of a dying man. Don’t cry for me, but pray for me. I love you and Chinenye so much. Goodbye my beloved.”

    Although the police said they have no report on the alleged suicide, Onyechere’s relatives and friends have taken to Facebook to express their shock over his death.

    Read Also: Experts call for increased mental health education over suicide cases

    Many wondered why there was no action from those close to him when he wrote the suggestive message.

    But his brother, Adindu Ibeakanma, who reacted to the July 24 post, warned him to be careful and desist from playing with sensitive issues.

    “What kind of post is this? We don’t play with certain things. Please let us know the light that is dimming. And please be very careful Onyi,” he warned.

    His sister, Rosy Ibeakanma, wrote: “De (Brother) Onyi I saw your status that your time is ticking away so fast I did not know you were saying goodbye. RIP dear brother till we meet to part no more.”

    His friend, Frank Ugwamba, wrote: “My brother and my beloved friend, your death is still a dream to me and I sincerely do not want to wake up to its reality. I am sorry my brother, I didn’t see this post early enough, I would have stopped whatever it was that was coming to you. I am deeply sorry.”

    Emeka Chukwu said: “He put up this kind of terrible and horrific post on July 24, only two people commented. The moment the light finally went off in a pathetic and terrible way, everybody started commenting.

    “What is this world turning into?

    Why can’t we take some posts very serious especially when it is coming from our loved ones, friends and family members.

    “Had it been someone very close to him took his or her time to visit this brother Ibeakanma and question him on what he meant by putting up such a horrific post, his death by God’s grace could have been averted.

    “Who knows what he was battling with that made him to commit such a heinous act. I think nobody was there for him. I think his church, if any, has failed to work on his spirituality.

    “I think we need to take every post like this very serious if truly we want to be true ambassadors of our Lord Jesus Christ. I don’t know Mr. Ibeakanma Onyechere, he was not my Facebook friend. I feel bad for his lovely wife and daughter. May his soul rest in peace.”

    Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said the command was not aware of the suicide, as no report was made at the Victoria Island Division or any police station in the state.

  • Are youths still leaders of tomorrow?

    The popular axiom, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow” has generated so much controversy such that as youth with so much anticipation, we grew up believing the saying that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow as a promise of hope and some sort of assurance of a better tomorrow.

    However, whether it’s true or ambiguous, the underlying message of the axiom imposes a responsibility on essentially two parties – the youths who are the leaders of tomorrow and the adults who are the leaders of today.

    X-raying the unfair sidelining of the youths over the years, it is not out place to clamor for a new system of government called ‘youth-o-cracy’ – a government of the people, by the youths and for the people but sadly, our leaders of yesterday are still voraciously clinging on to the baton of power, leaving us to wonder when exactly is the future going to arrive for the youths.

    The youths of any nation can be likened to a fire, creeping forward a spark at first, then growing into a flame and “boom” brightening into a blaze. Youths are the building blocks of every nation. The stronger the youth of a country, the more developed that country.

    Read Also: Yahoo boys: Not too Young to Scam?

    Most significantly, the UN’s annual International Youth Day is a reminder that young people around the world are often relegated to the sidelines and excluded from having a say in key decision-making process that will affect them.

    The leadership cadre across African countries is filled with aged politicians who are of the notion that nation building is their exclusive right and as such youth should not be given a chance. Perhaps, their stand explains why youths are said to be leaders of tomorrow which is yet to arrive.

    If we are to solve the most pressing issues of our time, we need to tap into the dynamism of the youths and young social entrepreneurs who are disrupting inertia with exceptional innovation and creativity. The youth make the biggest demographic bracket of every nation, therefore empowering them is the logical option.

    It is time for the youths to stop seeing themselves as too young. We all have something. In a society different strata and groups of people live; such as young, old, rich and poor; the most important and significant proxy of a society which plays a decisive role is the youth and fresh generation of that society

    The youths need to understand that life is not just a series of calculations and a sum total of statistics. It is about experience and sacrifice. It is something more complex. it’s about participation, contribution and making-a-difference.

    • Alao Abiodun, Alaojoshua200@gmail.com

  • Int’l Youth Day: are we still leaders of tomorrow?

    The popular axiom, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow” has generated so much controversy such that as youth with so much anticipation, we grew up believing the saying that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow as a promise of hope and some sort of assurance of a better tomorrow.

    However, whether it’s true or ambiguous, the underlying message of the axiom imposes a responsibility on essentially two parties – the youths who are the leaders of tomorrow and the adults who are the leaders of today.

    X-raying the unfair sidelining of the youths over the years, it is not out place to clamor for a new system of government called ‘youth-o-cracy’ – a government of the people, by the youths and for the people but sadly, our leaders of yesterday are still voraciously clinging on to the baton of power, leaving us to wonder when exactly is the future going to arrive for the youths.

    The youths of any nation can be likened to a fire, creeping forward a spark at first, then growing into a flame and “boom” brightening into a blaze. Youths are the building blocks of every nation. The stronger the youth of a country, the more developed that country.

    Read Also: Nigeria and the global youth forum

    Most significantly, the UN’s annual International Youth Day is a reminder that young people around the world are often relegated to the sidelines and excluded from having a say in key decision-making process that will affect them.

    The leadership cadre across African countries is filled with aged politicians who are of the notion that nation building is their exclusive right and as such youth should not be given a chance. Perhaps, their stand explains why youths are said to be leaders of tomorrow which is yet to arrive.

    If we are to solve the most pressing issues of our time, we need to tap into the dynamism of the youths and young social entrepreneurs who are disrupting inertia with exceptional innovation and creativity. The youth make the biggest demographic bracket of every nation, therefore empowering them is the logical option.

    At this junction, It is time for the youths to stop seeing themselves as too young. We all have something. In a society different strata and groups of people live; such as young, old, rich and poor; the most important and significant proxy of a society which plays a decisive role is the youth and fresh generation of that society

    The youths need to understand that life is not just a series of calculations and a sum total of statistics. It is about experience and sacrifice. It is something more complex. it’s about participation, contribution and making-a-difference.

    Alao Abiodun is a journalist. He can be reached via Alaojoshua200@gmail.com

  • BREAKING: El-Zakzaky, wife leave for India

    The embattled leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat are on their way to India.

    They flew out to India on an Emirate flight on Monday evening from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

    Read Also: El-Zakzaky: 186 doctors from seven countries write Buhari

    They were arrested in December 2015 and have remained in DSS detention since, amidst reports of deteriorating health.

    A High Court in Kaduna granted the detained couple bail on Monday to enable them embark on the medical trip.

    Details shortly…

  • UPDATED: Lagos records first death in Saudi Arabia

    After 25 days in Saudi Arabia, Lagos contingent lost one of its pilgrims on Sunday.

    The death occurred barely two days to the completion of the hajj exercise.

    The female pilgrim was on her way to the Jamrat (where stoning of the devil is taking place) before she slumped.

    Efforts to revive her proved abortive.

    The 56-year-old woman died on the spot.

    According to an eyewitness, the deceased, who was said to be suffering from High Blood Pressure, sat down on the road.

    She stood up to continue the trekking and immediately slumped.

    Read Also: Stranded pilgrims: NAHCON absolves self

    She was also confirmed dead at Saudi Arabia hospital.

    Her remains have been taken over by the Muazazah (the person charge of Lagos State pilgrims operation in Saudi Arabia).

    The body, The Nation learnt, will be transported from Muna to Makkah where prayer will be offered for her in Masjid Haram before burial.

    Announcing the sad news to the Lagos pilgrims after Solatul Zuhr (Noon prayer), the state’s Amirul Hajj Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, described the death as “painful.”

    Dr AbdulLateef commiserated with the family of the deceased, her local government and the people she was with in Muna.

    He said the woman showed no signs of illness all through the journey to Muna, Arafat, Musdalifah and back to Muna before embarking on the stoning of the devil segment.

    He said: “It is unfortunate that she died but we take solace in the fact that she died a good death.

    “Her place in paradise is not in doubt going by the situation she was in before the angel of death took her soul.

    ” We all know that one of the best things to happen to any human being is to die in Holy Land because such a person’s sins and shortcomings will be erased and be under the mercy of Allah.

    “Though we as human beings don’t like it, it is best for us if we know.”

    The Amirul Hajj advised the pilgrims to give their pebbles to those that are strong to help them perform the remaining two -day Jamrat segment.

  • Group canvasses for state of emergency in education

    As Nigeria joins other world nations to celebrate this year’s International Youth Day, a non-governmental organisation, Development Communications (Devcoms) Network, has enjoined states and federal governments to declare state of emergency in the education sector.

    Speaking in Lagos, the Programme Director of Devcoms Network, Akin Jimoh, said, to address the present turmoil and gap in educational development among Nigerian youths, governments as well as parents and guardians, should take education as a paramount goal and a basic necessity of life.

    Read Also: Kano to establish college of education (Technical) for women

    Jimoh opined that state of emergency in education will save and guarantee the future of Nigeria. He noted that education is the best gift to bequeath to children as it would give them tools to help provide for themselves in the future with positive impact on key development parameters such that the rate of poverty, early girl-child pregnancies and other social vices will be reduced among a large number of Nigerian youths.

    Commenting on this year theme, ‘Transforming Education’, Jimoh said it is pertinent to ensure inclusive and equitable quality of education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all as enshrined in Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

  • Akeredolu preaches peace at Sallah, prays for security operatives

    Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Saturday felicitated with Muslims across the country in anticipation of celebration of this year’s Sallah, today.

    Read Also: Sallah: Matawalle grants amnesty to 150 prisoners in Zamfara

    Akeredolu hailed the Muslim community for the peaceful practice of their religion, generally regarded as a way of peace.

    He urged all Muslim faithful to continue to pray for the country, particularly as the nation continues to battle the serious issues of insecurity. Akeredolu asked them to offer prayers for the military men and women and security agencies who are battling to maintain the peace in the country.

  • Experts call for increased mental health education over suicide cases

    Public health experts speaking across various platforms have yet called for increased mental awareness and education to reduce rising cases of depression and suicide in Nigeria.

    A global health advocate who works with Avon Medical Practice, Dr. Chinomso Egemba, in an opinion article titled: ‘Protecting Nigerians from Dichlorvos: How about protecting mental health’; identified depression as a major cause of suicide.

    Read Also: You and your mental health (1)

    Egemba described depression as a psychological state of unhappiness or low morale, which could last longer than several weeks, including ideation of self-inflicted injury and suicide in extreme cases.

    “We have to call on the bodies responsible, which include the government, to increase the level of mental health awareness in Nigeria and set up toll free lines and counselling centres across the nation so that people battling depression can call or visit for help,” Egemba advised.

    Similarly, a public health advocate and digital media strategist, Dr. Chioma Nwakanma, said common health problems such as depression and anxiety affect one in four people and it may not be easy to notice.

  • Ijebu-Isiwo indigenes embark on road rehabilitation

    Indigenes of Ijebu-Isiwo community in Ijebu-Ode local government area of Ogun State have embarked on communal effort to rehabilitate the eight-kilometre potholed road leading to the town.

    An initiative of indigenes at home and in the Diaspora, they have raised millions of naira to make the road motorable for the natives in preparation for the Ileya festival and the town’s Ojude Oba  ceremony that attracts all indigenes irrespective of religious belief.

    Championed by the Oluomo of Ijebu-Isiwo, Otunba Tunji Ilelaboye, work on the road had taken three intensive weeks for completion. The traditional ruler of the town, Lamodi of Ijebu-Isiwo, Oba Adedoyin Salisu, had commended efforts of the people in rallying for the execution of the project.

    Read Also: Community provides road, electricity for residents

    He particularly commended the indigenes in the Diaspora for their financial contribution, pointing out that it is heart warming that in spite of their comfort zones abroad, they remembered their roots. Successive governments of Ogun State have pledged to tar the road leading to the town, which is a border community with Epe in Lagos State but have failed to redeem such pledges.

    A community  leader, Dr. Bisi Olawunmi, chairman of Aiyegbami-Isiwo Community Development Association,  however,  expressed optimism  about government’s attention to the road with the new administration of  Govenor Dapo Abiodun publicly acknowledging the strategic importance of the Epe-Ijebu-Ode road as a major artery to boost development in that corridor of the state.