The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Elerinmo felicitates Ooni of Ife on 10 years on throne

    Elerinmo felicitates Ooni of Ife on 10 years on throne

    Alayelua Oba Dr. Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, the Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesa in Osun State, has congratulated the iconic leader and custodian of Yoruba heritage, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, as he marks ten years on the throne.

    Oba Enitan Ogunwusi became the 51st Ooni and monarch of Ife after his predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, joined his ancestors in August 2015.

    Elerinmo noted that for the past ten years, Oba Ogunwusi’s reign has been impactful in Yorubaland and beyond, marking an era of transformative leadership and harmonious inter-cultural integration among races and polar divides

    In a message from the Elerinmo’s palace, Oba Arowotawaya II, whose royal gong on this special day for His Imperial Majesty will pummel, said the leadership of the revered Arole Oduduwa deserves to be celebrated. He said Ooni Ogunwusi is not only a monarch grounded in cultural preservation but also in his ability to connect personally with people from all walks of life.

    Oba Elerinmo described the bond between Ooni Ogunwusi and himself as one that exemplifies deep mutual respect and friendship, founded on a shared vision for the progress of the Yoruba race worldwide.

    “His ten years on the throne have witnessed an impactful and transformative change. Ooni’s humility, grace, and wisdom are qualities that have made him a beacon of hope, particularly for the youths of our nation.

    “He has consistently shown his commitment to nurturing the next generation, empowering them to rise above challenges and become leaders of tomorrow. This he did by the establishment of many impactful projects, such as the Ojaja University for higher education located at Eye Korin in Kwara State, with a campus to be opened in Ile-Ife as part of activities marking his 10th Coronation Anniversary.

    Remarkably, Ojaja Malls, an event centre established in various cities that include Ojaja Mall Ife, Akure, Osogbo, and Lagos. In the hospitality industry, the Ife Grand Resort stands as one facility that gave hundreds of youths jobs. Besides that, Ooni has engaged in many empowerment initiatives that have benefited many beyond Yoruba land,” Elerinmo said.

    In addition, Oba Arowotawaya II explained how Ooni’s reign has been marked by immense contributions to the advancement of the Yoruba race, noting that his efforts towards fostering unity, peace, and development among the Yoruba people are commendable.

    Read Also: Sultan, Ooni preach unity, peaceful co existenceat ACF Silver Jubilee

    “His Majesty’s passion for empowering the youth, women, and widows has been evident in numerous initiatives that have uplifted many lives, creating opportunities for growth and progress,” remarked Elerinmo.

    He extolled Oba Ogunwusi’s giant stride in cultural matters, saying he has been a pivotal figure in elevating Yoruba culture, particularly through his remarkable efforts in transforming the annual Olojo Festival into a world-class tourism event.

    He noted that what was once a localized celebration, restricted to the people of Ile-Ife, has now gained global recognition, with guests from various parts of the world attending to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

    “As you celebrate your first decade on the throne, the Elerinmo palace and Chiefs in Council acknowledge Your Majesty’s exceptional leadership skills, wisdom, and your compassionate heart. Your reign has brought unity to the Yoruba land and positioned our cultural heritage on the global stage.

    “On this ceremonious occasion, we pray for God’s continued blessings upon His Majesty. May your reign be long, peaceful, and prosperous. May you continue to lead in wisdom, strength, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the welfare of your people, and the entire Yoruba race,” Elerinmo said.

    Meanwhile, Ooni Ogunwusi has vigorously re-imagined his reign as a cultural and tourism renaissance for Ile-Ife. Within ten years of ascending the throne, he redesigned Ife land as a “tourism zone,” with the aim of transforming the ancient city into a world-class destination. Under his watch, several heritage sites and cultural assets have been refurbished or rebranded. He has supported the celebration and institutionalization of Yoruba traditional festivals, reinforcing the spiritual and historical identity of Ife and Yorubaland, both at home and in diaspora.

    Ooni’s cultural diplomacy has reconnected strongly with the African diaspora, especially in the Americas and the Caribbean, strengthening spiritual and ancestral bonds. For many Yoruba at home and in diaspora, his reign embodies a renewed pride, dignity, and hope, suggesting a future where tradition and progress walk hand-in-hand.

    As part of his vision, he initiated the creation of the House of Oduduwa Foundation, through which many of his social, cultural, and development projects are channelled. Ooni Ogunwusi has placed youth and women empowerment at the centre of his reign. Through various programmes under his foundation, he has provided training and support for artisans, craftsmen and women, entrepreneurs, and the less privileged.

    Through empowerment schemes, often targeting widows, poor families, or disadvantaged youth, he has promoted social inclusion, dignity, and economic opportunities.

    Over the years, he has earned a reputation as a unifier, peacemaker, and bridge-builder, not only among Yoruba sub-groups but also across Nigeria’s complex ethnic and religious divides. One of his early notable acts was to heal a longstanding rift shortly after his coronation, visiting the throne of Alaafin of Oyo, symbolically ending a decades-old institutional discord between Ife and Oyo.

    The significance of Ooni Ogunwusi’s achievements lies not just in monuments or ceremonies, but in the transformation of identity, economy, and social fabric, as he has shown that traditional leadership can be a catalyst for modern development, not just symbolic.

  • Amorim defends his use of midfielder Mainoo

    Amorim defends his use of midfielder Mainoo

    Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has defended his failure to start any academy player in the Premier League this season and repeated his reasons for not giving Kobbie Mainoo an opportunity.

    Amorim has stressed previously he feels the academy is doing a good job.

    He has also said he will not break the proud record that dates back to 1937 of United having at least one homegrown player in the matchday squad.

    United are paying a lot of attention to the academy. They hired Stephen Torpey from Brentford to lead it and, last night, 15-year-old star forward JJ Gabriel was in the directors’ box at Old Trafford to watch the 1-1 draw with West Ham.

    Yet, actual playing time for the club’s academy players at first team level has been limited.

    Mainoo and local-born defender Tyler Fredricson both started the EFL Cup defeat to League Two Grimsby in August.

    Fredricson has not played another minute for the first team since, while Mainoo has featured for 171 minutes across nine substitute appearances in the Premier League. He came on in the final minute at Crystal Palace at the weekend and remained on the bench throughout the West Ham game, when Amorim used five substitutes.

    When Mainoo was injured, Jack Fletcher, son of former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren, was on the bench for the draw at Tottenham last month. For the last three games, England Under-20 forward Shea Lacey was an unused substitute.

    “I just want to win,” said Amorim. “I don’t look (at) who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch.”

    Mainoo’s problem is that Amorim sees him in competition with skipper Bruno Fernandes, who has not been replaced since the win at Liverpool on 19 October six games ago.

    The 20-year-old could have joined Napoli on deadline day in the summer, having told United he wanted a loan move in order to try and preserve his place in England’s World Cup squad.

    That plan was blocked but it is understood Mainoo’s opinion remains the same and he feels he needs a loan move to help develop his career.

    Amorim has shown signs of frustration at the regular questions about a player who in 2024 scored in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City and followed up by starting the Euro 2024 final with England.

    Asked if he understood why Mainoo’s status as a homegrown English player made him of specific interest, Amorim said: “Of course I understand, and my job is to answer.

    “But you always ask me the same thing. I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie. He starts for England. But that doesn’t mean that I need to put Kobbie [in] when I feel that I shouldn’t put Kobbie [in]. It’s my decision.”

    Amorim offered no guarantees the situation will change even when Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo leave for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon and Ivory Coast later this month.

    “I don’t know, I don’t know,” he said.

    “It’s the same question. I don’t know what is going to happen. It depends. I’ve seen the training, if it’s the best thing for the team, I will put [him in], that is the only way I know how to respond to that.”

    Amorim has opted not to give Lacey his senior debut even though United have failed to win two of the three games he was on the bench for and the Liverpool-born player was the only attacking option with Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha both missing games through injury.

    The lack of involvement gives the impression Amorim doesn’t trust the academy to develop players to the standard he needs.

    “Any players?” he said. “We have Kobbie Mainoo…”

    When asked specifically about Lacey, he added: “So you are asking me why I don’t put Lacey (on) to play, when I have other guys that are internationals who are also on the bench.

    “I try to put (on) the best guys, the prepared guys, for this moment of the club, in trying to win the game. That’s the only thing.”

    BBC Sports

  • Ondo ready for global investment to drive economic growth, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo ready for global investment to drive economic growth, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting large-scale global investment, saying the state is now strategically positioned for international competition.

    The governor gave the assurance on Thursday in Akure at the 2025 End-of-Year Celebration of the Johnvents Group, where he highlighted ongoing reforms designed to strengthen the state’s investment climate across critical sectors.

    Aiyedatiwa noted that Ondo state is endowed with vast natural resources, rich agricultural assets, a growing industrial base, and one of Nigeria’s most promising deep seaport corridors under development. 

    He said his administration is determined to unlock these advantages to draw substantial foreign participation.

    With representatives of British International Investment, the International Finance Corporation, African Finance Corporation, United Capital, and Commercio Partners in attendance, the governor said Ondo is now fully integrated into international investment networks.

    “Prosperity in the 21st century thrives on collaboration and shared ambition. This is a story that assures every investor here, and every partner across the world that Ondo State is ready for investment, ready for expansion, ready for innovation, and ready for global competitiveness,” he said. 

    According to him, the government’s readiness is anchored on deliberate, far-reaching reforms, including a strengthened security architecture, improved road networks linking production clusters to markets. 

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa urges Nigerians to celebrate bravery of troops fighting Boko Haram, ISWAP

    He listed others to include power interventions around industrial zones, digitised government operations, and a streamlined one-stop investment window through the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA).

    The governor described the rapid rise of the Johnvents Group – now operating across three continents – as clear evidence that Ondo State has become a viable hub for world-class enterprises. 

    He cited the conglomerate’s more than ten factories, 1,500-member workforce, thousands of benefiting households, upwards of 5,000 engaged farmers and support for over 10,000 young people as “real-world outcomes” of the state’s economic transformation agenda.

    “These developments show that Ondo has become a destination where investors can operate with confidence, speed, and predictability, ” Aiyedatiwa said. 

    The governor identified agriculture as the state’s strongest comparative advantage, noting the ongoing transformation of value chains in cocoa, cassava, cashew, oil palm, timber, and aquaculture.

    He assured global players that the state offers an environment where operations can scale without friction.

    Aiyedatiwa, however, congratulated the Johnvents Group for driving Ondo’s industrial renaissance and expressed optimism that more global investors would take advantage of the state’s emerging opportunities.

    In his remarks, the Group Executive Director (Real Sector), Mr. Tarun Chawla pledged the company’s commitment to promoting the state’s image while productively engaging its residents. 

    He applauded the governor for providing the enabling environment that allows businesses to thrive.

  • Segilola Resources sweeps multiple national honours, strengthens community impact, mining sector leadership

    Segilola Resources sweeps multiple national honours, strengthens community impact, mining sector leadership

    Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) ended November on an impressive note, earning industry-wide recognition for both its community impact and sectoral contributions.

    The company was honoured with the Community Development Champion of the Year award at CSR Reporters’ Social Impact and Sustainability Awards (SISA), held on the 28th of November in Lagos at the MUSON Centre.

    At SISA, SROL’s recognition as Community Development Champion of the Year further strengthened its reputation as a leader in transformational CSR, prioritising education, skill development, local enterprise growth, health, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. 

    The award ceremony honoured organisations whose initiatives have made meaningful social, economic, and environmental impact, under the theme “People, Planet, Purpose: The CSR Imperative”.

    Speaking about this monumental win, Austin Menegbo, Country Manager at SROL, said, “This award reaffirms our belief that our relationship with our host communities should be symbiotic and that our initiatives should be intentional, relevant, and impactful. We are honoured by this recognition and remain committed to creating lasting value for our host communities and Nigeria at large.”

    In addition to the SISA honour, SROL received a landmark national recognition: the Award of Excellence: Upholding the Principle of Decent Work from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nigeria. This historic award, the first ever presented to any organisation in Nigeria, celebrates SROL’s commitment to people-first work practices.

    It follows closely after the company’s HR OSCARS Sectoral Award from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Nigeria, which recognised excellence in employee welfare, development, and adherence to global HR standards. The Ministry’s award was received on behalf of the organisation by Oluwaseun Fagesi (HRM) and Olusola Olusomidomo (DGM), who reiterated SROL’s dedication to fostering a workplace anchored in dignity, safety, inclusion, and growth.

    Adding to its milestone achievements, SROL was also honoured with the “Distinguished Corporate Award” by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ilesa Branch. Presented on 27 November at the 4th Distinguished Lecture and Inauguration of the 2025 Branch Executives, the award recognised the company’s contributions to engineering excellence and its support for advancing industry standards. This recognition aligns with the event’s theme, “Engineering and Operations in the Mining Industry,” and underscores SROL’s commitment to innovation, technical development, and strategic partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s engineering ecosystem.

    The event’s keynote lecture was delivered by SROL Operations Manager and Deputy General Manager, Engr—Olusola Olusomidomo, who presented a comprehensive framework for managing engineering and operations in mining projects. Overall, the program served as a strong celebration of excellence.

    Through these recognitions, SROL continues to drive purpose, partnership, and progress, ensuring that the impact of mining extends far beyond the mine site to the people and communities who enable and share in its success.

  • Chevron to participate in NUPRC 2025 licensing round

    Chevron to participate in NUPRC 2025 licensing round

    Chevron Nigeria has hailed the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as a business enabler and has expressed its intention to participate in the 2025 licensing round.

    The Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, Jim Swartz, gave the commendation when he visited the NUPRC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja on December 4, 2025.

    NUPRC’s Head, Media and Strategic Communication, Mr. Eniola Akinkuotu, who made this known in a press statement, quoted Swartz as saying, “We will participate in the next licensing round. Our intention is to continue to grow in Nigeria.” 

    The Chevron boss hailed the Commission Chief Executive, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, for his visionary leadership and for ensuring that the Petroleum Industry Act is enforced to the letter.

    “My assessment is that you have continued to support us. You have shown that Nigeria is a leader in this sector. Chevron specifically appreciates the enforcement of the willing buyer, willing seller provision. I am also happy about your position on decommissioning and abandonment which came up at the National Assembly recently,” he said.

    Mr. Swartz described the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s economic history.

    He said the PIA – coupled with the style of the NUPRC’s enforcement – had restored predictability and made Nigeria an investment destination once more.

    “The NUPRC listens. The NUPRC supports business. As a regulator, the NUPRC is transparent,” he stated.

    Read Also: Chevron host communities’ workers seek intervention on welfare

    Mr. Swartz added that Chevron has recorded zero incidents of sabotage in the last one year.

     “Chevron has not recorded any oil theft or attacks on our pipelines this year. This is the longest we’ve gone without oil theft,” Mr. Swartz said.

    Mr. Swartz revealed that TotalEnergies Nigeria had signed a farm-out agreement with Chevron for a 40% stake in the PPL 2000 and PPL 2001 offshore exploration licences in Nigeria.

    He said Chevron was looking to the NUPRC for a swift approval as it sought to develop the assets quickly.

    The Chevron boss also disclosed some of the company’s goals for 2026 including plan’s to bring in a drilling rig in late 2026 on a newly discovered resource near Egbami as well as an extension of the lease of some assets which it is already developing.

    In his remarks, the NUPRC helmsman, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, said Chevron’s decision to take part in the 2025 licensing round was evidence that Nigeria remained a key investment destination.

    Komolafe called on other oil companies to emulate Chevron by coming out to share their testimonies as this would encourage potential investors.

    He said although the 2024 licensing round was described as the most transparent in Nigeria’s history, the NUPRC was working to taking up a notch.

    The NUPRC said, “We are committed to delivering a transparent licensing round which will even be better than that of 2024. It will be transparent and digital. Our portal has gone live and we have 50 fields on offer.”

    Komolafe also expressed delight over Chevron’s testimony that it had recorded zero incidents of oil theft in the last 12 months.

    He said this was a reflection of an improved business environment provided by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government and security agencies.

    The NUPRC boss therefore called on investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s positive fiscal and regulatory environment.  

  • Massive land clearing in Kwara Smart City as work begins on KWSUED’s Senate Building, Gate House

    Massive land clearing in Kwara Smart City as work begins on KWSUED’s Senate Building, Gate House

    Kwara State Government on Thursday handed to a contractor the site for the construction of a multistorey Senate building for the State University of Education — a major step in the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s smart city project.

    Along with other top public and private sector infrastructure, the university’s permanent site is designed to be in the First District of the Kwara Smart City at the Alalubosa suburb of Ilorin East Local Government Area.

    Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, said Kwara Smart City will have 20 districts, the first of which comprises the University and a few other iconic infrastructures. 

    Thirty of the 120 kilometers of roads within the First, Second, and Third Districts

    have so far been cleared for the smooth take-off of the smart city project, according to the commissioner. 

    “What we are doing today is to officially hand over the site of the University of Education to the contractor. We expect a quality job that will provide a standard campus for the people of Kwara State,” the Commissioner said as he handed over the site to the contractor, MC&T Nig Ltd.

    “We are making history because we have a visionary leader, who believes that to develop any state, or any nation, you must invest in education and other supporting infrastructure. 

    “This is mostly a virgin land and, in a couple of months, we are going to see the development that will happen here, from education to the health sector, housing units and others. 

    “Everywhere will be planned, from residential to commercial, education zone, enterprise zone, recreational, among others, all within 20 districts connected by sustainable transportation. This is worthy of commendation and emulation.”

    He commended AbdulRazaq’s vision of bringing Kwara to “the world of what a formal urban development should look like”.

    gunsola said the Governor has also facilitated 250 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and another 100 units under the Renewed Hope Housing Estate.

    Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Tertiary Education Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Alhaja Risikat AbdulAzeez; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye; Vice Chancellor of KWASUED, Prof. Medinat Salman; and Baale Alalubosa, Alhaji Sakariyau Sonibare.

    Modibbo and Ajakaye took turns to acknowledge the leadership qualities of Governor AbdulRazaq for conceiving the project, noting this demonstrates the importance the Governor attaches to education and physical development.

    Modibbo applauded AbdulRazaq for prioritising education in the state. 

    “We have a visionary leader who believes that to develop any state, to develop any country, for nation building, you must invest in the education sector. Education is the most important empowerment as far as we are alive that you can give because it gives a level playing ground to all children,” she said.

    Ajakaye lauded the Governor for his commitment to seeing through such an iconic project, saying that the concept is about sustainable living and development.

    “This is about visionary leadership. I am using this opportunity to call on everybody to come on board. This is a project for the future. Beyond the university, it is about how we are going to live sustainably over the next few decades,” he said.

    Baale Alalubosa, Alhaji Sonibare, thanked the Governor for citing the University’s main campus in the community, expressing hope that the initiative will stimulate rapid growth and development of the area.

  • Fed govt reaffirms commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria

    Fed govt reaffirms commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria

    The federal government has restated its determination to address rising security challenges across the country, especially in the northern region.

    This assurance was given by Alhaji Muhammad Auwal Amin, representative of the Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Abuja, during a two-day capacity-building workshop on Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).

    The workshop, held at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse, was organised by the Partnership Against Violence and Extremism (PAVE Network) with support from the North-East Youths Initiative for Development (NEYIF).

    Amin disclosed that the NSA’s office, in collaboration with PAVE Network, has begun the process of domesticating the National Action Plan on PCVE in Jigawa State as part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity and enhance peacebuilding and community resilience.

    The forum brought together key security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, media professionals, civil society organisations and youth groups under the theme, “Stakeholders’ Roles in Community Resilience and CB-RRR.”

    Amin reaffirmed that the NSA’s office remains committed to assisting states in developing practical frameworks to counter violence and extremism.

    “We are in Jigawa to support the state government in domesticating the PCVE National Action Plan to produce a state-specific Action Plan (SAP) that will help curb violent extremism,” he said.

    He commended PAVE Network for leading the initiative and urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained to their communities to foster lasting peace.

    Read Also: Kachikwu urges Tinubu to expose sponsors of insecurity

    In his remarks, the state chairman of PAVE Network, Comrade Muhammad Musbahu Basirka, said the initiative aims to strengthen community resilience and deepen collaboration among critical stakeholders. 

    He disclosed that the Jigawa State Government has already constituted a PCVE Steering Committee that will soon draft the State Action Plan for government approval.

    Basirka praised the state government’s commitment to enhancing security and promoting peaceful coexistence.

    Also speaking, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jigawa State chapter, Rev. Maurice Koli, represented by the Association’s Secretary-General, Rev. Pemos Gideon, commended the NSA’s office and PAVE Network for the initiative. 

    He described the project as timely and called for the commitment of all stakeholders to ensure lasting national peace and stability.

  • JUST IN: Rivers Speaker, other Assembly members defect to APC

    JUST IN: Rivers Speaker, other Assembly members defect to APC

    The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has led other 15 members of the House to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Amaewhule announced the defections during plenary on Friday, blaming it on the division in the PDP. 

    The Speaker said he had formally notified his ward chairman of his decision to leave the PDP for the APC.

    He said, “Distinguished colleagues, APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time.

    Read Also: APC invites Rivers chair over alleged removal

    “But as I speak today, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress. I am happy to be a member of APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. Mr President is doing so much for this country.”

    Amaewhule lauded President Bola Tinubu’s leadership insisting that the President “means well for Nigeria’’ and had shown “love to Rivers State.”

    Details shortly…

  • Waje advocates safer online culture at 6th Governors’ Spouses Conference

    Waje advocates safer online culture at 6th Governors’ Spouses Conference

    Award-winning Nigerian singer and humanitarian, Waje, attended the 6th Nigerian Governors’ spouses forum conference held in Abuja today. 

    The high-level gathering brought together wives of state governors, policymakers, development partners, and social advocates to address key national issues spanning women empowerment, healthcare, education, youth development, and social welfare.

    Waje, who has long championed women’s rights and youth development, contributed to discussions on the role of societal influencers in shaping culture and driving positive change. She noted that beyond policy and programmes, the everyday attitudes modelled online and offline also determine the kind of society we build.

    Reflecting on the responsibility of public figures, especially men, she said, “I truly believe male influencers and creators have more power than they sometimes realise. The first thing is what they normalise, the jokes they laugh at, the language they use, and what they allow in their comment sections. Silence can sometimes feel like endorsement.”

    Read Also: Waje opens up on teenage pregnancy, single motherhood journey

    “Men can also call out harmful behaviour publicly—not in a shaming way, but in a way that educates. A simple ‘this is not okay’ from a respected male voice can shift culture faster than a thousand debates.

    They should also actively amplify women’s voices, especially when women speak about abuse, harassment, or inequality — not speaking over them, but standing beside them. When men model respect online, it permits for boys to do the same offline.”

    Her remarks reinforced the conference’s broader message: that meaningful social transformation requires not only leadership from institutions but active, intentional influence from individuals with cultural reach.

  • Gbenga Hashim visits Segun Awolowo’s family, offers prayers ahead of funeral

    Gbenga Hashim visits Segun Awolowo’s family, offers prayers ahead of funeral

    2027 presidential hopeful and businessman, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, on Thursday, paid a condolence visit to Mrs. Adebola Awolowo, widow of the late Segun Awolowo, offering prayers and words of comfort as the family prepares for the commencement of his funeral rites in Abuja.

    Hashim said the atmosphere in the Awolowo home was “heavy with grief,” reflecting the depth of pain felt by relatives, friends, and associates of the late statesman. 

    “The grief in the air as the funeral ceremony kicks off today is thick. May the Lord be our strength,” he said.

    The visit came two weeks after Hashim released a deeply emotional tribute to Segun Awolowo, former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and grandson of the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo. In the tribute titled Good Night My Brother and Friend, Segun Awolowo, Hashim recalled receiving news of his passing while in Madrid, a moment he described as “shocking and unsettling.”

    Read Also: 2027: Ondo APC leaders seek unity, inaugurate grassroots committees for Tinubu’s re-election

    He said the late Awolowo was part of a close-knit Abuja circle of friends bound together for over two decades. Hashim narrated how, during a visit months before his death, he found Awolowo energetic, optimistic and fully immersed in his work. “He proudly introduced me to his senior management team,” he added.

    Hashim also recounted what he now considers Awolowo’s parting message: “Gbenga, please keep standing for Nigeria. Among all of us, you’re the one I know has the capacity to stand.”

    Describing him as “a rare gem—humble, thoughtful and deeply patriotic,” Hashim said Awolowo carved his place in public life through character, service and hard work rather than by leaning on his famous surname.

    He said their friendship, strengthened over the years by deep conversations and moments of prayer, was a gift he will always cherish. “I am grateful for the friendship we shared and pained that it ended too soon,” he wrote.

    Segun Awolowo’s death has continued to draw widespread tributes from political, business and social circles across the country as preparations for his funeral intensify.