The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Africans undervalue Africa – Kassianah Joint

    Africans undervalue Africa – Kassianah Joint

    Ivorian American, Kassianah Aya Joint (Kassy), who has picked an enviable career in Peacekeeping Operations has said Africa can be a great continent, greater than Europe if Africans change their perception about themselves and the continent.

    She said, “I weep for Africa because we don’t realize our greatness. Africans undervalue Africa. How can Europe be stronger than a continent of over a billion people? Ask yourself that. Population wise and square footage wise, it doesn’t add up. So, the issue isn’t the size but the strategy. For example, African Americans are petitioning to get reparations from the American government. So, why can’t different African countries petition to get reparations from their colonizers that stole from them? That is one way.

    The African Union can set up strategic plans with the different government leadership from every country on the continent. We have to find a way to keep and cultivate our resources into Africa. We also need to modernize many programs and systems on the continent. How are we going to do that when Africans undervalue Africa and went to run to the Western world every chance they get.

    “The way we separate ourselves by nations is our greatest undoing. I think we need more accessibility of movement on the continent from country to country. I think we also need more accountability from leadership. And of course less corruption for Africa to be great again,” she added.

    Speaking further, she said, “Africans have been so oppressed as a people (whether Continental African, Caribbean or descendants of slaves) that we need leaders in this generation looking to leave a mark and make a difference in our communities. There is so much work that needs to be done as well as unlearning many of the wrong things we were taught (through colonization & slavery). Dividing ourselves from each other and looking at each other is not the way.”

    Kassianah Aya Joint majored in Finance & International (Foreign) Affairs. Living in New York, the stock exchange and being financially empowered intrigued her. She started working on Wall Street as an analyst. It gave her experience and skills with understanding money, the economy and business.

    She registered her business in 2014 and started her entrepreneurial journey. As she grew, so did her passion for empowering her people back home. An opportunity at the UN presented itself after many organizing many protest rallies throughout America and she took it.

    “I believe in young leaders in government, politics and diplomacy, especially within the African Diaspora for our people. I vow to continue to be a voice for us. Its my passion,” she had cheekily voiced her mind

    Her company, Joint Venture Group LLC, was registered in the State of NY, USA. They have different subsidiaries which includes FrancoSuite & Kuziva Foundation as well as other business ventures

    After relocating from her home country of Cote d’Ivoire, Kassy as she’s fondly called, settled in New York, New York,

    USA upon completion of her undergraduate education in Foreign Affairs and Finance at Pace University.

    Along the line she noticed a gap in media companies that represent Francophone artists, interests, companies and culture. There are numerous outlets that publicize what’s happening in pop culture in the United States and many Anglophone countries, offering platforms to celebrities as well as up and coming artists, influencers and creatives in general.

    This type of platform was lacking in her home country and Francophone countries in general, and she decided to do something about it.

    Kassianah is also a humanitarian with passion to work for the betterment of the black race. She has a plan to run an NGO to be called called Kuziva By Kassy to help young ladies finish their education and start their careers.

    Her primary passion is advocating for Africans living in the Diaspora for years.

  • The Adebayos welcome first child, to be named Zeenat Adebayo

    The Adebayos welcome first child, to be named Zeenat Adebayo

    Celebrity couple, Issa and Happiness Adebayo have welcomed a baby girl, who is their very first child after years of marriage.

    The baby girl, according to the parents was born at about 8.40am on the 10th of October 2016 at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria and is to be named Zeenat Adebayo.

    “It was overwhelming when I had her, my heart kept fluttering at the sight of her. I was mesmerized by her tiny body. The feeling of a new mom is inexplicable,” said the mom about the newborn.

    She added that she would do all in her power to make the girl a blessing to the world by sparing no expense in her capacity as a mother to make her great.

    The mother, Happiness Adebayo, is popular as a number one and biggest human hair seller in Nigeria and Chief Executive Officer of Glee Luxury Hair and Skincare.

    The father on the other hand is one of Nigeria’s leading automobile dealers and business moguls, Issa Adebayo of Still Autos Limited and Chief Executive Officer of Adebayo Group of Companies.

  • Horror in Ikorodu: Badoo cult kills man, injures wife and son over ‘police informant’ claim

    Horror in Ikorodu: Badoo cult kills man, injures wife and son over ‘police informant’ claim

    The quiet community of Ikorodu was thrown into mourning and confusion late Sunday night as suspected members of the notorious ritual cult group, Badoo, unleashed terror on the Oduneye family, leaving one dead and two others critically injured.

    The gruesome attack, which occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, 2016, claimed the life of the family patriarch, Mr. Nelson Oduneye. His wife, Mrs. Augusta Oduneye, and their son, Simeon Oduneye, sustained varying degrees of injury during the invasion.

    According to eyewitness accounts and residents, the assailants, who are infamous for their signature use of grinding stones to crush the skulls of their victims, gained entry into the Oduneye residence under the cover of darkness.

    Sources revealed that Mr. Nelson Oduneye was struck repeatedly with a grinding stone, dying instantly from the trauma. Mrs. Oduneye was also attacked but survived with severe injuries. In a desperate bid for survival, the son, Simeon Oduneye, reportedly managed to escape through a window before the assailants could finish him off. His whereabouts remain unknown as of press time.

    Preliminary investigations suggest the attack may have been a reprisal. A text message reportedly sent by the gang and obtained by The Nation accused the father and son of being police informants.

    The cult group alleged that the Oduneyes provided intelligence that led to a police raid on a Badoo hideout in Odogunyan in early October. Sources close to the family disclosed that Mr. Oduneye and his son had recently visited a family friend in the exact location that was later raided by security operatives. It appears the cult group had been harbouring a grudge against the family, believing them to be the architects of the police crackdown.

    Read Also: Four ‘killed’, three injured as Customs chases smugglers

    When The Nation visited the Ikorodu General Hospital, where Mrs. Augusta Oduneye was rushed for emergency treatment, the atmosphere was tense. Medical officials prevented our correspondent from gaining access to the victim, citing the need for patient privacy.

    However, a medical staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the tragedy.

    “The woman is in critical condition and is being stabilized,” the source said. “I can also confirm that the body of Mr. Nelson Oduneye has been deposited at the hospital morgue.”

    Residents of the area have decried the incessant and unchecked attacks by the Badoo boys, describing the situation as a total breakdown of security. Many were seen clustering in groups, discussing the incident in hushed tones, fearful that they could be the next targets.

    “We are no longer safe in our own homes,” a visibly shaken neighbour said. “If they can kill a man just because they suspect him of helping the police, then who is safe? We are calling on the government and security agencies to come to our aid before we are all wiped out.”

    When contacted for comments, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident. She stated that the command is aware of the attack but declined to give further details immediately.

    “We are aware of the situation in Ikorodu,” Badmos said. “I will get back to you as soon as I am fully briefed on the specific details of the investigation.”

    As at the time of filing this report, The Nation is yet to hear back from the police regarding arrests or further developments.

  • Nollywood Producer Benita Onyiuke Breaks Barriers in movie Hands Full of Tears

    Nollywood Producer Benita Onyiuke Breaks Barriers in movie Hands Full of Tears

    Benita Onyiuke proves that she’s not afraid to tell real stories with Hands Full of Tears. A movie produced by star actress about chasing your dreams—even when your body is telling you to stop. The Anambra born diva tells the story of a sickle cell warrior chasing her dance dreams against all odds.

    Benita plays a young girl with sickle cell anemia who just wants to dance. That’s all. She’s not asking for too much, just a chance to do what she loves. But her father says no—he’s scared the stress will kill her. She hides it from him and keeps training with her friends anyway, even when her health takes a hit.

    Then love shows up. She meets a guy in school and they fall hard—but she keeps her condition a secret. That secret ends up breaking everything when her stepmother (who comes back into the picture after her mum lands in a coma) tells the guy she’s a sickler. He walks away. Her dad dies. Her mum is still in a hospital bed. And for a while, she’s completely alone.

    It’s that kind of story that feels too real.

    But like any good comeback, she doesn’t give up. Just when everything seems over, her boyfriend comes back. He helps her believe again. She starts auditioning again. And boom—she gets her big break.

    The movie ends on a high note, with her finally on stage doing what she was born to do. And just when she thinks her joy is complete, her mum wakes up and shows up at the performance. It’s emotional. It’s soft. It’s the hug your heart didn’t know it needed.

  • Nurse abducted in daylight in Ile-Ife; community demands action

    Nurse abducted in daylight in Ile-Ife; community demands action

    ILE-IFE, Osun State — A nurse with Mushin General Hospital in Lagos, Adeola Kolawole, was abducted in broad daylight on Tuesday while visiting her cousin in Ile-Ife, sparking outrage and urgent calls for stronger security.

    Eyewitnesses said the attackers struggled briefly with Mrs. Kolawole and her cousin, Mr. Quadri Taofeek, before forcing her into a waiting vehicle and speeding off. “It happened so fast, we couldn’t believe what we were seeing,” said a bystander who requested anonymity.

    Speaking by phone, the Head of Nursing at Mushin General Hospital, Mrs. Roseline Oladimeji described Mrs. Kolawole as “deeply committed to patient care,” adding: “She is compassionate and hardworking; this has left us all shaken.”

    From his hospital bed, Mr. Taofeek said the family is devastated and appealed for public assistance. “We just want our sister back. If anyone have any information about the abductors, please come forward,” he pleaded.

    The Osun State Police Command confirmed an active investigation. SP Folashade Odoro, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, said, “Although no suspects have been identified or apprehended at this time, we are working tirelessly to locate Adeola and reunite her with her family.”

    Community members have begun organizing prayer vigils and awareness walks, while local leaders urged authorities to bolster patrols and intelligence gathering. “This is unacceptable. We must ensure everyone’s safety,” said community leader, Elder Samuel Ayorinde.

    As the search continues, colleagues at Mushin General Hospital say they remain hopeful. “She’s not just a nurse; she’s a friend to many of us,” a fellow nurse said. “We’re praying for her safe return.”

    Anyone with credible information about Adeola Kolawole’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Osun State Police Command or the nearest police station.

  • Tragedy Averted: Okada riders foil attempted abduction of woman at Fara Park

    Tragedy Averted: Okada riders foil attempted abduction of woman at Fara Park

    Brave commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, were hailed as heroes yesterday evening after they intercepted a group of men attempting to abduct a 34-year-old woman, Mrs. Benedicta Sunkle, at the Fara Park area of Ajah.

    The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:30 pm, sent shockwaves through the quiet residential community. Witnesses say a group of men, suspected to be acting on behalf of a traditional authority from the victim’s home state, pounced on Mrs. Sunkle in an attempt to force her into a waiting vehicle.

    The abduction was thwarted when the victim’s piercing screams alerted a group of nearby Okada riders. Displaying remarkable bravery, the riders mobilized and gave the kidnappers a high-speed chase through the internal roads of Fara Park. In a coordinated move, the riders successfully blocked the vehicle’s path, preventing the assailants from reaching the Lekki-Epe Expressway, where they likely would have disappeared into the evening traffic.

    One of the riders, identified as Lanre Ogunyemi, recounted the tense moments to The Nation. “If no be God and the fact say we determine and pursue them, dem for don carry the woman go,” he said in Pidgin English, emphasizing that the kidnappers were inches away from succeeding before the riders forced them to a halt.

    Read Also: Mum alleges foul play in daughter’s death

    The victim’s husband, Mr. Henry Sunkle, who arrived at the scene shortly after the rescue, was visibly shaken and struggled to maintain his composure. Speaking to our correspondent, Mr. Sunkle revealed that the attempted kidnapping was not a random act of violence but the culmination of a long-standing campaign of intimidation.

    “We have been suffering threats from family members who insist my wife must undergo circumcision again,” Mr. Sunkle disclosed. He explained that Benedicta nearly lost her life only three months ago during a botched traditional circumcision that resulted in severe medical complications and profuse bleeding.

    According to the husband, the traditional authorities have remained adamant about “finishing” the process, despite the life-threatening risks involved. “She nearly died last time. I am calling on the police authorities and the government to come to our aid. We have nobody else to run to,” he pleaded.

    When contacted via telephone, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmus, confirmed that the command had received a report regarding the incident.

    “We are aware of the situation at Fara Park,” SP Badmus stated. She, however, noted that she was awaiting a full briefing from the divisional office and promised to provide more details as soon as the preliminary investigation is concluded.

    As of the time of filing this report, The Nation is yet to receive further updates from the police authorities. Meanwhile, the residents of Ajah continue to praise the local Okada riders for their vigilance and courage in protecting one of their own.

  • Police foil planned attack, kidnap of ‘chief priest’

    Police foil planned attack, kidnap of ‘chief priest’

    The Rivers State police command yesterday foiled an attack, and an alleged plan to kidnap one Prosper Onoriose by people suspected to be members of a deadly cult group.

    It was gathered that the men, about four in number accosted Mr Onoriose in Rumuokoro area of Port Harcourt the state capital, and were attempting to forcefully take him away in their vehicle, but he resisted, which led to a struggle that drew the attention of passersby.

    Speaking on the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, Chika Nzebulu, DSP, said the alarm raised by people around drew the attention of a nearby patrol team which intervened.

    “The victim, a male, was rescued by our patrol team, who were nearby. When they confronted the attackers, it was discovered that they had deadly weapons on them, including a gun, but the officers had to exercise restraint in using deadly force to diffuse the situation, not to cause harm to other people around the scene.

    “In efforts to put the situation under control, the attackers escaped from the scene, but our men were able to apprehend one of them”, he said.

    According to him, “preliminary investigation revealed that the attackers are members of a cult group, known as Ebire, who claim to be the keepers of the Emuebri shrine in Uduophori community in Ughelli area of Delta State.

    “The arrested culprit revealed that they came to Port Harcourt to retrieve their chief priest, who was supposed to be the custodian of the community shrine. But that he abandoned the shrine, which is the protector of the community, and left the town, even though he knows no one else can communicate with the gods except the chosen one.

    “He claims that after the death of the former chief priest, the mantle fell on Mr Onoriose to man the shrine, but he allegedly abandoned the shrine and the people to their fate, saying he was a born again Christian who would not serve or worship at any traditional shrine”.

    The PPRO continued that the arrested culprit said no one else can serve at the shrine, except the chief priest died, or his most senior child takes his place, and that if the priest had no surviving child, the god would now pick another person to continue the work.

    “The suspect said it is an abomination for anyone chosen by the god to refuse, and anyone not chosen to even attempt to enter the shrine.

    “He further said that after Mr. Onoriose ran away from the community with his family, they had to send out a notice to every community member, everywhere to look out for him. And that it was one of their people who informed them that Onoriose was sighted in Port Harcourt”.

    He said they had been in the town for about four days before they were able to track the ‘chief priest’ down. And that when they tried to convince him that he had to return to take his rightful place, he refused.

    When asked what the police would do about the matter, the police spokesperson said “unfortunately, it’s a traditional matter, and there is not much we can do. We have sent a signal to Delta State command to arrest the other members of the group who tried to kidnap Mr Onoriose, and they would be charged with disturbing the peace, and being in possession of a lethal weapon.

    When asked how the police would protect Onoriose and his family, in case another attempt was made to kidnap him, or his child, Nzebulu said he regretted that there was not much they could do, as they did not have the resources to provide round the clock protection for him and his family, even as he disclosed that it was discovered that Onoriose and his family have had to move around for some time trying to avoid the Ebire group that had been searching for them.

  • Masked gunmen riddle doctor’s car in Akure, driver, bodyguard wounded

    Masked gunmen riddle doctor’s car in Akure, driver, bodyguard wounded

    A quiet Sunday turned violent in Akure after suspected gunmen trailed and opened fire on the vehicle of Dr. Ayodeji Agboola, a medical specialist with the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board.

    According to information made available to our correspondent, Dr. Agboola had just returned home with his family from church when, about an hour later, two masked men on a motorbike allegedly pursued his car and riddled it with bullets. The medical practitioner escaped unhurt, but his driver and a bodyguard sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed for urgent medical attention.

    Neighbours who heard the gunfire said the attack lasted only moments. “We just heard rapid shots and people shouting ‘down! down!’ The bike sped off before anyone could get a plate number,” a resident who pleaded anonymity told our reporter. Frightened residents remained indoors as the assailants fled the scene.

    Hospital sources at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure confirmed that the injured driver and bodyguard were receiving treatment for gunshot wounds. Their conditions were described as stable as at the time of filing this report.

    Speaking by phone, Mrs. Belinda Agboola, wife of the medical doctor, urged the Ondo State Police Command to intensify investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    “Our lives have been in constant danger, and we have done no harm to anyone. We call on the police to do all in their power to protect us,” she said in tears, while expressing sympathy for the wounded and appealing for government intervention.

    When The Nation contacted the Ondo State Police Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident, adding that he had not yet been fully briefed but would provide an update. As at press time, the Command had yet to issue an official statement.

  • We build reliable systems to advance computer engineering in a changing world – Afolabi

    • By Oladayo Nuel

    In today’s world, every click, transaction, and digital record rests on invisible systems built by computer engineers. These systems power essential services, yet their value is only truly revealed when they are pushed to the limit, during an emergency, a crowded examination portal, or a hospital rush hour. 

    For Adekunle Oluseyi Afolabi, that is the true measure of the field: not in glossy designs, but in whether systems remain reliable when society relies on them the most.

    Computer systems, he notes, are often created with speed and efficiency in mind, leaving reliability and accessibility as afterthoughts. This imbalance, he warns, can have costly consequences. 

    “A system that fails in a hospital or government office is not just a technical failure,” Afolabi explains. “It affects lives, delays services, and erodes trust in institutions.”

    Afolabi’s work has consistently emphasized building systems that respond to local realities rather than imported templates. His contributions in academia, through research and teaching, stressed the importance of context-driven solutions in computer engineering. 

    He worked on developing frameworks that highlighted adaptability as a core principle, challenging the notion that systems could simply be imported and applied wholesale. “Technology cannot be copy-and-paste,” he notes. “We must always ask: who are the users, what are their realities, and how do we make the system sustainable for them?”

    The rapid spread of mobile technology further sharpened these concerns. While smartphones expanded access to digital services, they also exposed weaknesses in systems not designed for large-scale use. Afolabi has been clear that success must be judged outside the laboratory. 

    “The test of computer engineering is not whether a program runs in the lab,” he reflects. “It is whether it can serve thousands of people reliably outside of it.”

    He has also warned against the short shelf life of many projects, which are launched with enthusiasm only to collapse under poor maintenance and a lack of skilled manpower. For him, sustainability must be part of design from the very beginning. 

    “A well-built system is not the one that dazzles on launch day,” Afolabi stresses. “It is the one that can be maintained, improved, and scaled by those who use it locally.” His call reflects a larger issue in the technology ecosystem: the urgent need to train engineers who understand both the technical and social dimensions of their work.

    Ultimately, Afolabi’s perspective places software engineering at the heart of national development. In a world where digital systems are increasingly tied to governance, healthcare, and economic growth, his insistence on reliability and adaptability offers a timely reminder that trust in technology is never automatic. It is earned.

  • Gabriel Ayomide Festus co-wins Green Author Prize

    Gabriel Ayomide Festus co-wins Green Author Prize

    Nigeria’s literary scene has once again been illuminated by the remarkable talent of Gabriel Ayomide Festus, a poet whose works delve deeply into themes of grief and absence. His latest achievement, winning the prestigious Green Author Prize, cements his status as one of the country’s most promising contemporary poets.

    Speaking on his win, Ayomide expressed both gratitude and surprise. “Co-winning the Green Author Prize was a pivotal moment in my career. I remember feeling overwhelmed, not just because of the recognition but because it reaffirmed my belief that poetry—our stories—matter. It’s not just about stringing words together; it’s about capturing emotions that linger in silence.”

    Born in Ibadan, a city renowned as the cradle of Nigerian literature, Ayomide has built a reputation for his unique poetic style, which intricately weaves together language, time, and absence. He describes absence as “the history of my mind” and language as “the symbol of my desire”, a philosophy that underpins much of his writing.

    His journey into poetry began in 2013 while studying Philosophy at Obafemi Awolowo University. His first major literary encounter was with Naked Soles, an anthology by Gbemisola Adeoti. “That book changed my life,” Ayomide recalled. “I had always been fascinated by words, but Adeoti’s work showed me that poetry could be raw, simple, yet profound. It gave me permission to write.”

    He soon discovered Words, Rhymes, and Rhythms (WRR), an online community of young African poets, which became instrumental in his literary development. In 2014, just a year into his poetic journey, Ayomide co-won the third edition of the What Can Words Do?! Poetry contest, organized by renowned poet Kukogho Iruesiri Samson. “That contest introduced me to a wider audience,” he said. “It made me realize that poetry could be more than just a personal outlet—it could be a voice for many.”

    Seeking inspiration beyond Nigeria, Ayomide explored the works of North-Eastern African poets, particularly Safia Elhillo. Her acclaimed collection, The Life and Times of Susie Knuckles, had a profound influence on his approach to poetry. “Elhillo’s work opened my eyes to the idea that poetry could carry both history and intimacy in the same breath,” he shared.

    Ayomide’s impact on the literary world continued to grow as he won multiple awards and pioneered discussions on Africanism and the poetics of grief. His breakthrough moment came in 2015 when he co-won the inaugural Green Author Prize, Nigeria’s most prestigious poetry award for young writers. This recognition led to the publication of Verses from the Niger, a collaborative poetry collection that sold an impressive 3,000 copies.

    “The Green Author Prize wasn’t just an award for me; it was a door opening. It allowed me to publish my first collection, something I never imagined would happen so soon. It also connected me with poets who, like me, were trying to make sense of the world through words.”

    Reflecting on his journey, Ayomide acknowledges the challenges. “There were moments of doubt, of course. Poetry is not exactly the most celebrated career path, especially where I come from. But every time I questioned myself, poetry answered back. It reminded me why I started.”

    With each poem, Ayomide Festus continues to explore the depths of grief, loss, and absence, using his words to heal, inspire, and redefine contemporary African poetry. His journey from Ibadan to international acclaim serves as a beacon of hope for young poets aspiring to make their mark on the global stage. “I hope my story reminds people—especially young African writers—that their words matter, that their stories deserve to be heard.”