Ten suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos Police Command during a raid of an internet fraud (Yahoo) training facility at Iju.
Those arrested, the police, were four Yahoo experts and six trainees.
In a statement, the spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, listed the experts as Chibuike Ihejika, 23; Stanley Ihejika, 22; Obiora Oyediba, 26, and Emmanuel Oyedibe, 25, while the trainees were Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom, 20; Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26; Uchenna Obeji, 26; Minachi Udochukwu, 12, and Chinedu Ukachukwu, 23.
Hundeyin said the students were undergoing cybercrime and fraud training at the illegal facility, adding that they were recruited from Anambra State.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspects of the facility recruited their trainees from Anambra State, engaged them to commit internet fraud and other related crimes. The proceeds from their fraudulent activities were being confiscated by the principal suspects.
“All suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further discreet investigation and prosecution.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the sponsors who financed the trainees’ enrollment in the school as well as the owner of the facility where these criminal and illegal activities took place.
“The owner of the facility is hereby warned in his own interest to turn himself in immediately at the SCID Panti from wherever he is hiding.
“The Lagos State Police Command will ensure that all suspects are charged to court for prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation into the case.
“In line with due process of the law, the underage suspect among them, Minachi Ugochukwu, 12, with healing marks of injuries on his body allegedly inflicted on him by the main principal suspect to compel him into the commission of the criminal acts, is being given medical attention and kept in protective custody till his relatives are identified and reunited with him.
“Consequently, parents and guardians are hereby strongly advised to monitor the activities of their children and wards to prevent them from being exploited, lured, or compelled into falling into criminal activities.’’
He urged victims of the syndicate to come to the SCID, Yaba, with their complaints.’’
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, also commends the police personnel involved in this operation for their dedication and professionalism that resulted in this success.
Hundeyin quoted his boss as assuring Lagosians of the command’s commitment to combat crimes, including cybercrime tagged “yahoo,”. and advising residents to report every suspicious activity or incident to the Police.
Moved by the impacts of climate change which has become a pressing global concern, the Enugu State Government has launched a Climate Policy, Action Plan and Climate Education Manual in an effort to secure an environment resilient for economic growth. DAMIAN DURUIHEOMA reports.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the Enugu State Government has taken some proactive steps towards mitigating its effects. One of the key steps being taken by the government is the launch of a Climate Policy, Action Plan and Climate Education Manual on Monday, March 17, 2025.
This, being the first sub-national climate policy in Nigeria, is to provide Enugu State with a comprehensive framework to mainstream climate action in all sectors of the economy. It was produced as guidelines to secure a sustainable climate resilient for economic growth.
The manual is made up of simple yet effective ways of combating the impacts of climate-related hazards such as flooding, unpredictable rainfall, deforestation, carbon emissions, erosion, landslide and heat waves, which Enugu, as a state, is vulnerable to.
The policy and action plan, which is being implemented in partnership with various stakeholders, including the Africa Climate Foundation (ACF) and the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), is taking off with the government already powering some of the already completed Smart Schools with green energy, while planting of thousands of trees across the city is beginning in earnest.
According to the state governor, Peter Mbah, tree planting is a formidable move to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The governor, who spoke at the launch, said that soon, tree planting in every home would be one of the criteria for building plans approval, adding that the state government and the Enugu State House of Assembly would work together to enact a law that would outlaw cutting of trees in the metropolis without approval.
While stating that climate change was no longer a distant threat, the governor, represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai warned that “it is here with us, reshaping our environment, disrupting livelihoods and challenging our collective aspirations for sustainable economic development.”
He said the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan, is a bold and forward-thinking framework that outlines the state government‘s vision and trajectory for a resilient, low-carbon and prosperous future.
Mbah said the document represents a historic commitment by his administration to lead the way in climate action while fostering sustainable development, economic transformation and social inclusiveness.
“Enugu State is endowed with an abundance of natural resources, rich biodiversity and a hard-working population determined to build a future of economic prosperity. However, like many regions across Nigeria and the world, we are increasingly vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, flooding, erosion and deforestation threaten our agricultural productivity, water security and overall quality of life left unaddressed,” he said.
These challenges, according to him, could undermine the state government’s development trajectory.
“But we refuse to let that happen. We envision an Enugu State where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” he assured.
Reflecting more on the climate policy and action plan, Mbah said: “Our Climate Policy and Action Plan is not merely a response to the challenges of climate change. It is a strategic blueprint for unlocking green investments, creating thousands of new jobs and positioning Enugu as a leader in Nigeria’s low-carbon transition.
“This plan aligns with national and international climate goals, including Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and the global objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement.
“This policy is grounded in science, equity and inclusive governance. It is Nigeria’s first sub-national climate policy, developed through rigorous quantitative modelling and extensive stakeholder consultations,” Mbah said.
The governor said his administration had leveraged the perspectives of a diverse range of stakeholders, including the youth, business leaders, academia, civil society, and local farmers, to ensure the policy reflected the aspirations of all Enugu citizens. He noted that a critical component of the plan was ensuring that climate action contributes to economic expansion.
“Our vision is to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031. We will achieve this by harnessing the power of green industries, clean energy and sustainable agriculture. By investing in renewable energy, promoting climate-smart agriculture, expanding public transportation, and modernising our waste and water management systems, we will not only reduce carbon emissions but also stimulate job creation and enhance our state’s competitiveness in the 21st Century economy.
“This is not a plan for tomorrow—it is a plan for today. The Enugu State government is already embedding climate-smart measures into our annual budgets, fostering public-private partnerships and establishing financing mechanisms such as green bonds and carbon market initiatives.
“We are determined to ensure that our commitment to sustainability translates into real action and measurable impact.
“Together, we can build an Enugu State that is not only resilient to climate change but also a beacon of sustainable development, innovation and shared prosperity,” he said.
The governor commended experts, policymakers and stakeholders who contributed to the development of the policy and action plan, saying their commitment and hard work would shape the future of Enugu State for generations to come. He also extended his administration’s gratitude to the Africa Climate Foundation (ACF) and the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) for their funding and technical assistance, respectively.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu said climate change has become a global challenge with its consequential impacts on livelihoods and ecosystems distorting national and sub-national socio-economic values and activities.
The commissioner noted that climate change policy and action plans were essential in reducing and ameliorating the situation.
“This initiative is more than a policy document; it is a commitment to our people and our future. It reflects the aspirations of our farmers, business owners, students, researchers and local communities who all contributed to its development. It aligns with Nigeria’s net-zero emissions target by 2060 and global climate agreements, ensuring that Enugu State remains at the forefront of climate governance and action.
“Policy alone is not enough. Action is required at all levels. We must work together with government agencies, private sector partners, development organisations, civil society and every citizen to ensure the successful implementation of these frameworks. The success of this policy depends on our collective will to turn strategy into tangible impact,” Prof. Ugwu said.
He commended Governor Mbah for showing interest in climate change by devoting a huge part of the Ministry of Environment to climate change.
Presenting the overview of the Climate Change Policy, Action Plan and Climate Manual, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke said the Climate Policy and Action plan integrated an energy and economic framework.
The policy, he said, had become very imperative because climate change is causing a lot of economic havoc not only in Enugu but also around the world.
Prof. Okereke revealed that Enugu State is already losing the water body, saying that the biggest impact will be on agriculture.
According to him, climate-smart agriculture is one of the ways to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.
The Chief Field Officer of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluw, commended the Enugu State Government for its Smart Green School and launch of the climate action and policy.
“One of our mandates is to ensure that all children attain rights in all circumstances and context.
“So, UNICEF is a critical member of the table to ensure social protection of child rights in alliance with climate change,” she said.
The Corporate Affairs Manager, East, of Nigeria Breweries Plc, Joy Egolum who spoke on behalf of the brewery manager, described the policy as a plan towards sustainability and ensuring that “we exist” which is what any business wants to do.
“So, what we have done with the Enugu State Government is to show that we’re partnering with them in playing our part in ensuring that we’re able to brew with green energy and so, what we’ve shared today is how far we’ve gone and what we also intend to do going forward because it’s part of our sustainability agenda.”
She listed some of the brewery’s programmes to reduce its carbon footprint in Enugu State, where it operates, saying, “We currently have about 20 per cent of our energy requirements through our 4mw solar farm.
“We’re also investing in biomass instead of disposing of some of the byproducts of our brewery operations or processes; we will now use those to get energy through biomass. We currently use compressed natural gas. We’re not averse to reducing our carbon footprint.”
Highlight of the event was the formal unveiling of the Enugu Climate Policy, Action Plan and Climate Education Manual by the governor.
A 60-year-old woman identified as Mrs. Adelugba has been allegedly killed by her labourer.
Adelugba was found dead and her body covered with leaves and palm fronds on her kola nut farm at Laje Camp in Ondo West Local Government, Ondo State.
It was gathered that the labourer led villagers to where he dumped the body after confessing to the crime.
Sources said the labourer claimed the ghost of the deceased pressured him to confess.
It was learnt that the deceased recently hired the suspect to work on her farms.
She was said to have recently caught the suspect stealing her kola nuts but he begged her not to expose him to avoid him being banished from the village.
A source said he agreed to pay or had the money deducted from his salary.
But the suspect killed the woman last Saturday and fled the village.
According to the source, ‘’It was he who eventually led villagers to the scene, where they recovered Mrs. Adelugba’s remains and took it to the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) mortuary.”
Police sources said the suspect has been transferred to the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) in Akure for investigation.
Two school teachers in Osun State have been arrested for allegedly s3xually abusing two of their pupils.
In a statement, the spokesperson of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed the incident.
She stated: ”We apprehended One Ahmadan Rufai Akorede, 22-year-old male school teacher, for allegedly molesting a seven-year-old female pupil in Ilesa, by thrusting his manhood into her mouth.
“Discreet investigation revealed that the school teacher started molesting the girl last year. According to his confessional statement, when it was closing time after school, he asked the victim to close all windows in a classroom and thrusted his manhood into her mouth.
“The suspect has been arraigned before the Magistrates’ Court in Ilesha, Osun State, where he pleaded not guilty to the one count charge and was subsequently remanded at the correctional service in Ilesa.”
She added that another school teacher after school hours would caress the buttocks of the minor in the classroom.
Adeleke said: “The suspect was arraigned by NSCDC before the Magistrates’ Court in Ilesha where he pleaded not guilty to the one count charge and was subsequently remanded at the correctional service in Ilesa.”
She added: “A 20-year-old Tiamiyu Samuel was arrested by our operatives for having carnal knowledge of a 12-year-old girl in Gbongan, Osun State.
“He had known the victim for three years and had asked her to be his girlfriend, but she rejected him. On Sunday, March 23, 2025, about 3:00 pm, the victim was passing in front of the suspect’s house when he called her and dragged her into his room with the help of an accomplice.
The suspect threatened the victim with a cutlass and had carnal knowledge of her. Thereafter, the victim started bleeding, and the suspect threatened to kill her if she told anyone. The accomplice is at large but will be apprehended to face the consequences of his actions.”
Kayode Opeifa, hours into his tenure as Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), swiftly addressed workers’ concerns and averted a nationwide protest over poor conditions and wages. Yinka Aderibigbe reports that Opeifa’s decisive leadership has sparked significant transformation, fostering industrial harmony, revitalizing cargo movement, thus positioning the NRC as a key player in Nigeria’s logistics and transportation landscape.
Just hours after taking office as Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa swiftly validated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s choice by striking a deal with agitated workers who were on the brink of launching a nationwide protest over poor working conditions and low wages. The scene unfolded with a bit of drama: during the reception marking his appointment, the two workers’ unions announced that they were suspending their protest in honor of one of their own now leading the Corporation.
Comrade Innocent Ajiji, President-General of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers (NUR), praised Opeifa’s unwavering commitment to the workers, stating that the protest would be put on hold in favour of beginning fresh negotiations with their new leader. For Opeifa, a seasoned activist and member of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), such threats of industrial action were not to be taken lightly. In a decisive move, he not only secured the unions’ commitment to halt their protest but also ensured they agreed to suspend any future industrial actions. Taking it a step further, Opeifa convened his first management meeting with the unions’ leadership, where he prioritized addressing their working conditions and advocating for better living wages. To many observers in the railway sector, achieving industrial harmony among railway workers stands as Opeifa’s most significant accomplishment in his first month in office.
While achieving industrial harmony is a notable accomplishment, Opeifa has gone further, subtly transforming the work culture at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). This shift aligns with the prediction of Chief Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), who, during his inauguration, urged workers to brace themselves for Opeifa’s extraordinary work ethic. In just one month, Opeifa has revitalised the NRC, propelling it towards becoming a vital trade facilitator and a key player in the country’s multimodal transportation network. His leadership has sent a clear message to the private sector, particularly in manufacturing and logistics, that the NRC is prepared for business.
Almost immediately upon assuming office, Opeifa initiated a strategic partnership with APMT, a leading terminal operator, to kick-start the sluggish cargo movement between the Lagos and Ibadan Dry Ports. This collaboration saw the successful transportation of no fewer than 70 40-foot containers from the Apapa terminal to the Moniya Dry Port in Ibadan via the standard gauge, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s logistical efficiency. This move was the strongest indication that Opeifa not only understood the rail economy but also knew exactly what needed to be done to reposition the national corridor as a crucial mover of goods and business facilitator, beyond its current focus on passenger transport. His strategic shift was in alignment with Article 15 of his vision, which he shared with workers upon his appointment.
Opeifa’s vision for the railway corporation includes transforming it into a major service provider that boosts tourism, connects people to jobs, facilitates the movement of agricultural produce to markets, and enhances national logistics and supply chain management. He believes these initiatives will significantly reduce multidimensional poverty. With his deep transportation expertise, Opeifa has raised hope among workers, who are now eagerly wishing for his success. As Comrade Innocent Ajiji, the President-General of the Nigerian Railway Workers (NUR), expressed: “We believe this is our time in the Nigerian Railway Corporation. For the first time, Mr. President has given us a worker-friendly MD who is focused on our welfare. We have no doubt in him because of his pedigree in public service, and we know he has the ear of his employer. Our concerns will now receive quicker attention.”
For Opeifa, the work must speak for itself. From day one, he set an ambitious bar for railway efficiency. He emphasised that the railway must regain its status as the backbone of intermodal transportation, especially for cargo movement across Nigeria. However, Opeifa knew this goal couldn’t be achieved without the full commitment of the workforce. Thus, he made workers’ welfare a top priority, reinforcing his belief that “efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction driven by passion and excellence” are key to the railway’s success. Within just 10 days of taking office, Opeifa demonstrated his determination by flagging off cargo movement from Apapa to the Moniya Dry Port in Ibadan through a new partnership with APMT Terminals. This move signalled the beginning of a broader push to deepen connectivity within Nigeria’s national rail system.
Under this arrangement, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) will facilitate the evacuation of hundreds of containers to Ibadan three times a week, using the Lagos-Ibadan (LITS) standard gauge network. A similar partnership has recently been established with Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL), enabling containers to be transported to the northern regions of Nigeria, including Kaduna and Kano, via the Lagos-Kano Narrow Gauge Line. Mr. Omotayo Dada, CEO of ICNL, emphasized that this collaboration would help mitigate the risks typically associated with road transport, which has led to significant losses for many business entities due to road-related disruptions.
Historically, cargo movement was a cornerstone of NRC’s operations, with spurs (branch lines) extending to key industrial sites, warehouses, and depots across the country, facilitating the smooth flow of goods. During its peak, the NRC operated a fleet of locomotives, wagons, and coaches dedicated to various sectors, including agriculture, industrial goods, and livestock, such as cattle and pigs, which were transported between the North and South. An insider, speaking anonymously, expressed hope that under Opeifa’s leadership, the NRC would return to its former glory as a major driver of trade, serving diverse sectors. He noted the significant underutilized assets within the corporation, including vast fuel storage facilities located near stations nationwide. These facilities, with capacities exceeding one million litres, could be leveraged by the private sector for greater efficiency and productivity.
Many believe that the NRC holds enormous untapped potential, awaiting the right leadership to unlock its full value. APMT’s major client, Mr. Ayo Olunuga, Managing Director of Transco Africa, shared a positive outlook on the NRC-APMT collaboration. He believes that the thrice-weekly cargo movement will be a game-changer in the haulage sector, significantly easing congestion on port access roads once fully operational. Olunuga pointed out that many import and export businesses would prefer rail for cargo movement due to its lower risks compared to road transport. If the rail service continues to grow, it would have a transformative impact on the economy—reducing road congestion, extending the lifespan of trucks, and contributing positively to Nigeria’s GDP through the transportation sector.
Chief Remi Ogungbemi, Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), also commended the renewed focus on rail transport, emphasizing that it would help reduce operational costs, eliminate the growing problem of extortion by street urchins, and address other operational challenges in the haulage business. “Rail haulage is less expensive, safer, and more reliable, which reduces both operators’ and customers’ exposure to risks in the haulage business,” Ogungbemi remarked.
However, as various stakeholders, including merchants, voice their hopes for the new leadership at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), workers are also urging the need for a comprehensive re-evaluation and revitalization of the corporation’s 123-year-old infrastructure. A significant concern is the rehabilitation of several long-abandoned lines that could breathe new life into key trade corridors. For example, the Baro Line in Katcha Local Government Area, Niger State, which connects to a river port, has been neglected for over 30 years. Despite this, it is currently undergoing rehabilitation to facilitate the import and export of agro-allied commodities. Additionally, workers have called for the reactivation of the Kano-Nguru line, which runs through Jigawa and Yobe states, as well as the Zaria-Kaura Namoda line serving Katsina and Zamfara states, the Idogo Line in Ogun State, and the Port Harcourt-Enugu line. These corridors, rich with agricultural potential, could significantly improve access to markets.
Another potential boon for the rail sector would be the dredging of Baro Water. This could enable the movement of containers to the Baro Port, from where they could be transported via barges into the Northern and Eastern parts of the country, further boosting trade. On the passenger transport side, the NRC has made strides with the Lagos mass transit train service, which stakeholders argue should be expanded to meet growing commuter needs. Moreover, many have called for the revival of other mass transit services that have languished in obscurity, such as those in Jos, Plateau State. Reactivating such services would provide essential alternatives for Nigerians and help stimulate local economies.
Analysts also recommend not only revitalizing old services on the narrow gauge network, particularly in the Western and Eastern regions, but also introducing new lines along the national standard gauge corridors. This would broaden access to rail services and provide more transit options for Nigerians across the country.
With the recent shift in the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s responsibilities from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list, the Opeifa-led management now faces a tremendous opportunity. It must leverage this change to make rail transport more attractive to states and the private sector, positioning it as a goldmine for growth and development.
Several states, including Plateau, Niger, Bauchi, Ogun, Enugu, and Abia on the Eastern Line, are already in talks with the NRC about constructing rail lines through the Track Access agreement. This model, which allows states like Lagos to operate their own rail services, could serve as a blueprint for other states. States must be encouraged to invest in acquiring coaches and wagons, contributing to the realization of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by ensuring comprehensive connectivity across the country, particularly linking state capitals, seaports, and industrial hubs.
Equally important is the role the private sector can play in providing more facilities and alternatives for commuters. The repeal of the 1954 Nigerian Railway Act paves the way for new players to enter the market, potentially increasing business opportunities and transforming the NRC into a more dynamic and profitable enterprise. This presents a golden opportunity for the rail sector to evolve and play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic growth. They argued that just like the airports constructed by the government, while investors buy the aircrafts to operate therefrom, the private sector should play more in the rail sector by providing more alternatives to Nigerians on the existing tracks, either by buying coaches for passenger traffic or wagons for goods thereby keeping all the tracks busy all year round.
In the midst of the controversy sparked by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, our MANAGING EDITOR, YUSUF ALLI, encountered her guardian at the Federal Government College, Idoani, Ondo State, Oba Stephen Adedeji Obaro, the Okpahin of Bekuma-Okpameri Kingdom in Edo State. Who was student Natasha? The ex-teacher provides a glimpse. Excerpts:
How many years did you spend teaching at FGC, Idoani?
Nineteen years; from 1987 to 2006.
Which subject did you teach?
English Language and Literature in English
What was the experience like?
To God be the glory, the experience was great, exciting and memorable for having the opportunity to teach and train young boys and girls who are now national leaders.
How did you become the guardian of Natasha?
I assisted her late father, Dr Akpoti to facilitate her admission to the college. Thereafter, the father asked me to take good care of her while in the college. So, we met when he came to the college to see the principal.
What kind of man was her father?
He was a gentleman and a disciplinarian.
How close were you to the family thereafter?
Our closeness was limited to his visits to the college to see his daughter.
Did you ever visit their home, and was it moderate or expansive?
I did not visit their home during her time as a student in the college. So I cannot tell if their home was moderate or expansive.
Who did Natasha resemble; her father or her mother?
From the pictures seen of her mother, she resembles her mother.
Has she other siblings?
I don’t know about that.
What did being a guardian mean in those days?
Being a guardian those days required monitoring students’ conduct and behaviour, monitoring academic performance and health care and counseling.
Was Natasha a stubborn girl?
No, she was not a stubborn girl. She was well behaved throughout her period of study at FGC Idoani.
Which house was she in FGC Idoani?
I can’t remember
Was she a prefect?
She was the head girl of the college in 1997.
When was she in the school? Did she join from JSS 1 or from SS1?
She was in the school between 1994 and 1997. She joined the school from SS1
What was her common sickness?
She was always healthy and smart because her late father, who was a medical doctor, monitored her health throughout her stay in the college.
Which was her favourite food?
Rice
Did she play pranks?
No. She was always calm, gentle, honest and focused.
Was she perfect as a student and as a head girl? Was she a tough girl?
As there is no perfect human being, I cannot say she was perfect. As for her toughness, she was a disciplined student who carried out her assignments creditably.
Was her beauty an issue in the school? Was there a case of untoward activity by or against her?
Her beauty was not an issue then and there was no case of untoward activity by her or against her.
How did you feel when she became pregnant at 19?
That did not happen while she was a student at FGC Idoani.
What roles did you play at that time?
Like I said, Natasha did not get pregnant as a student here. The head girl who got pregnant immediately after her WASCE here after Natasha’s set was from Edo State. So the question of the role I played then does not arise.
What will you remember her for?
I remember her intelligence, neatness, boldness and eloquence. I also remember her good leadership qualities and her kind disposition towards helping her fellow students in need.
Did you envisage she will get to this level?
As an educator, our expectations and prayers for our students are to see them rise to the top of their career. With the level of discipline Natasha exhibited in character and learning which earned her the position of college head girl then, I envisaged her rise, and to the glory of God I am so proud of her accomplishments.
Who else were you guardian to?
Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye, former member of House of Representatives; Alfred Ayeni (Da Mayor) of the Nigerian Army and many others who are now medical doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers , architects, etc, whose names I’m not able to tell now.
With your student now in national limelight, how do you feel?
I feel fulfilled as an educator because they are products of my sweat and the sweat of other educators.
When last did you meet Natasha?
We met in 2021 at Ibillo when she was honoured with a Chieftaincy title as the OSASAFE OF OKPAMERI KINGDOM. She was honoured by the Okpameri Kingdom because of her personal intervention in the rehabilitation of the very bad portions of the inter-state road between Okene in Kogi State, Ibillo and Igarra in Edo State.
Has she visited your kingdom?
No. She has not visited my kingdom due to her very busy schedules and commitments.
• Herdsmen scare farmers away, feed their farm produce to cows
• With our cassava, they feed their cows like parents do their babies – Victim
Many farmers in Agatu area of Benue State are battling with trauma and depression following the unmitigated terror unleashed on their investments by marauding herders. A good number of the farmers have resorted to begging for food to keep their families alive, raising concerns about food security in the days ahead. Aside from the menace of the herders, findings revealed that they have become cash cows for depraved people fleecing them of their hard earned resources in the guise of processing loans for them. INNOCENT DURU reports.
Sabo Afada, a farmer in Agatu area of Benue State, was host to some unsolicited visitors while working on his rice farm recently.
The visitors identified by Sabo as herders were neither on the farm to buy produce nor to help in tilling the soil.
“They came to vandalise the farm, and we could not stop them because they were fully armed. My family andand simply left the farm for them when they came to graze and destroy what we had planted.
“We could not stand watching them destroy our farm.
“I cried and felt very sadat the vandalisation of my farm by the herders.
“I was sot happy at all.”
Sabo said he did not put up any resistance because “they will not spare you if you make any attempt to resist them.
“If you mistakenly move close to them, they will cut you with machetes.
“If you tell them not to graze on your farm, they will not mind killing you.”
The embattled farmer said the destruction of his farm is nothing new in the area.
His words: “They started destroying my farms four years ago and have continued this year.
“This year, they have destroyed my yam, rice and beans, which is used to make okpa.
“They have rendered me helpless.”
Sabo said from being an independent man, the menace of herders has turned him into an irritating dependant.
To survive, he said, “we often go to places where the herders have not invaded to work for other farm owners.
“We do this to see if we can get one or two basins of cassava to eat at home.
“We have new yam in our place at the moment but as a farmer with a large expanse of land, I don’t have a single tuber.
“What we do is to go to people who have and beg them for some rations.
“There is nobody to help us at the moment. We are helpless.
“I am ready to farm, but there is no financial assistance.”
The command and control powers brazenly wielded by the herders have also left Abel Ogbaeba Odejo, a large scale farmer, confounded and devastated.
Abel is sad that as a citizen peacefully going about his legitimate activities on his farm, the success or failure of his investment is not dependent on his efforts but by the savage herders.
Narrating his experience with the herders, Abel said: “They met me on the farm and I told them that we had not finished harvesting rice.
“I demanded to know what they had come to do, and they said they came to pasture their cows. I said, this is not the time for that.
“Before I knew it, another set of cows surfaced on the other side.
“I have a large farm of rice. They destroyed my corn, rice and yam farms. Even one of the herders threatened to kill me.”
Continuing, he said: “The day before yesterday (Sunday) when I went to the farm, my ‘ogbono’ tree had been cut down. They also destroyed the palm trees.
“This afternoon (Tuesday), I went to the farm and saw them on my kolanut tree. They cut all the seeds on it.
“When they saw me, they jumped down and started running.
“They were with cutlasses so I could eot go after them.
“My rice farm that they destroyed is more than three hectares.
“My brother, it’s a terrible thing.”
Following the losses he has recorded, Abel said he is left with nothing. “It is just corn flour that we have eaten today. I bought it from the market.This is something I used to make in my house.
“Last year, I had about six bags. But early this year, I had one, and we have finished it.”
Also reliving his experience, another farmer in Agatu, Agbochenu Paul, said he was working on his farm, “but when I saw the herders coming towards my farm, I had to leave the place for them.
“They destroyed everything thereafter.
“Only divine intervention saved my life when I saw the damage done to my farm.
“The situation was beyond my control. It was only God who saved me. I seriously shed tears.”
Agbochenu regretted that the herders have been destroying “my farms for the past three years. I left where I was to another place and they still came and destroyed everything.
“As I am talking to you, they have ravaged everything. I plan to start all over again.
“Without farming, I am done for. I am not a secular worker. I am a perpetual farmer.”
With no help in sight to protect them from the herders’ reign of terror, Agbochenu said
“it is only God who can secure our farms for us. There is no alternative”.
‘Herders feed cows with our cascassa like parents feed children with noodles’
One of the farmers who have suffered massive losses at the hands of the prowling herders is Peter Eigege, who said: “They destroyed my farms. They destroyed my guinea corn, rice and palm tree plantation. They destroyed everything.”
Further reliving his ordeal, Eigege said: “Cassava is like noodles to the cows. The herders cleared and gave everything to the cows to feast on.”
He regretted the monstrosity of the herders, which he said was getting worse by the day.
Eigege said: “I was not the only person affected. It applied to many other farmers.
“Unfortunately, the herders are still on the farm. Our people met with their leaders and they promised that they will leave in May.”
With the deadline set by the herders to leave the farms, Peter said “anything we want to plant will be in June or July, and that will be late planting.
“If we plant very late, it will not yield as much as when we plant early.
“Early planting starts from April till May.”
Unlike his peers who said they were on their farms when herders came to unleash terror, Eigege said: “I was not on the farm when they carried out the dastardly act. They did it in the night.
“They dug out everything in the night, and when you get to the farm in the morning you will find out that your plants have been destroyed.
“I had about three hectares of Guinea corn and everything was destroyed.
“I now buy guinea corn from the market.
“I had about two hectares of yam, but I cannot boast of 100 tubers at the moment.
“Before now, the least I would have was 1,000 tubers. They destroyed everything.
“My wife used to get about six kg of 25 litres of palm oil from our plantation, but she couldn’t get up to one gallon this time around because the herders vandalised everything.
“My wife now goes to the market to buy N100 worth of palm oil for us to cook.”
Following the setback he has suffered, Eigege said: “We are living by the grace of God.
“Before, we used to eat three square meals. But that is impossible now. We manage whatever we see in the morning and arrange a proper meal in the evening.
“We are on half, zero, one eating pattern now.
“At times, I leave the little I have to eat in the morning for my children.”
A frontline farmer and former district head in Agatu, Hon Bawa Haruna, said although the herders have not been killing farmers in Agatu in recent times, their activities have left many farmers psychologically paralysed.
“They will see you, and will greet you. But as soon as you are not there on your farm, whatever you leave there is no longer your own. What you see this morning you can’t see tomorrow again.
“They will use their machete to cut it down.
“When I went to my cashew farm yesterday (Monday), I shed tears because they vandalised everything.
“My children could not lay their hands on one seed of cashew. The herders collected all of them.
“The cashew that I planted almost 10 years ago is on two standard hectares. It is more than 1,000 stands.
“When I saw the destruction, I just left because I don’t want to have hypertension.
“I just shed tears and left because nothing compares to my life.”
Before the incident on Monday, Haruna said he used to harvest a bag of cashew seed every day. “If my children should go and pick cashew, we could realise more than a bag of cashew nuts.
“But since the beginning of the harvest season, I have only one paint rubber that is just only N2,000. And it is 30 of that rubber that makes up a whole bag.
“I can’t actually give the correct figure of what I lost.”
The herders, according to Haruna, “don’t have a farm in my place, but they bring cashew nuts to sell to our people at home.
“They have only cows, and when you touch their cows, the government will respond immediately. But if you report on cashew, yam or other farm produce being destroyed, no action is taken. And nobody will arrest the herders.”
Continuing, he said: “I have no single yam in my large expanse of farm.
“If you see me with a tuber of yam, I either bought it from the market or I stole it from somebody’s farm.
“I don’t have a single seed of yam to be planted next season, now that the rain is about to start.
“They ate up my yam farm. They destroyed everything.”
Haruna said he used to have up to 3,000 heaps of yams. “I used to plant up to 3,000 seedlings. I don’t have even one tuber now.”
Farmers lose money to loan applications
Apart from the endless losses occasioned by the herders’ activities, a good number of the farmers in the agrarian community lamented how they were on many occasions cajoled to buy forms to get loans that never materialised.
In their eagerness to get loans to improve their production, the unsuspecting farmers kept giving in to as many people as sold ideas of loans to them.
Sharing his experience, Haruna said: “I applied several times. They would collect money and after assuring that everything was ready, they would not credit my account.
“I travelled to Abuja more than seven times. I know how much I spent sleeping in hotels and attending workshops.
“At the end of the day, there was no head way. This happened two years ago.
“I did not apply last year and this year because they have been deceiving people.
“The government is full of policy making but the implementation is not there.
“They will say we are implementing this, we are doing this, we are forming policy on this and that for farmers, but at the end of the day, it is people that are farming in the air that will benefit from it.”
Speaking in the same vein, Sabo said: “I have been applying for loans but I never got any.
“To apply for the loans, they often mandate us to obtain forms with N2,500.
“After obtaining the forms, they would not give the loan.
“We have the land to farm but there is no money to do this.
“I am over 60 years. We eat once a day on many occasions. But on some other occasions, we may have food to eat two times a day.”
On his part, Agbochenu said: “I applied for a loan and they gave me an ID card.
“We paid money to get the forms, but I didn’t get any loan at the end of the day and no explanation was given.
“I am willing to take out a loan to go back to the farm.”
The story was the same for Eigege who said: “I applied for a loan but didn’t get it.
“We were asked to obtain and fill forms but we didn’t get any loan.
“The people who came to ask us to apply for loans said they were representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“If I can get a loan, I will be able to return to the farm. If I don’t get a loan, I will use manual labour.
“With a loan, I can do mechanised farming.
State government not helping matters, says former district head
Heaping the blame of the vandals’ activities on the doorstep of the state government, Hon. Bawa Haruna said the government is no longer helping matters after it instructed that they should enter a peace accord with herders.
“We all agreed because the lives that we are losing, we are not regaining them. It is life that matters to us.
“If you have property and your life is not there, what is the value of that property to a dead body?
“What is the value of whatever you have when you are not alive? So we better stay alive and lose all our belongings.
“We believe that God will intervene one day even though the government is not doing the part it is supposed to do.”
According to Haruna, the arrangement was that “we should all stay together because the herders are human beings and Nigerians too.
“The herders were asked to bring their wives and their children to stay here. But where are these wives? Where are the children?
“If they are not coming for violence, where are the children? They came only with their animals.
“Publish exactly what I’m telling you. Don’t add and don’t remove.
“Let any government come and apprehend me for the kind of suffering my people are going through.”
In spite of the massive losses the farmers have recorded, Haruna says “nobody is giving them any benefit, nobody is giving them any incentive. Nobody is doing that.
“Some plans will be done over there at the federal level, pronounced, everybody will hear, but it will not get to the right people that are affected. Quote me Bawa Haruna.”
When he held sway as the district head, Haruna said, “I have been denied of my salary for about 82 months.
“I have written several letters to the governor. I have written to the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“Recently, they replaced me with another person. They have not sacked me.
“They have not terminated my appointment as district head.”
We are not aware of ugly development – Benue Govt
Benue State government says its not aware of the plight of the farmers in Agatu.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Moses Ogbaji in a terse response to our request via a text message said: “Sincerely I am not aware of this ugly development.”
The shift towards local manufacturing of solar panel is proving to be a game-changer in the industry. Importation costs, logistics challenges, and currency fluctuations have historically inflated the prices of solar panels, making them less accessible to the average consumer. However, the ongoing growth in local solar panel production, fuelled by increasing investments from LPV Technologies, is addressing these challenges by reducing foreign exchange dependency, lowering energy costs and creating jobs, ultimately benefiting the economy and supporting sustainable development, reports Assistant Editor, COLLINS NWEZE
Energy is at the heart of development; it powers investments, fosters innovation and creates new industries that drive job creation, inclusive growth and shared prosperity. Among the various renewable energy sources, solar power stands out as a game changer. It has become an increasingly cost-competitive and reliable source of energy, especially in developing economies. As demand for renewable energy solutions continues to rise, Nigeria’s solar industry is primed for rapid expansion.
However, the high cost of importing solar equipment—often accounting for up to 30 per cent of the total project cost—has long been a significant barrier to broader adoption. Recognising this challenge, LPV Technologies is leading the way in local manufacturing innovation. By offering competitive pricing, LPV significantly reduces capital expenditure (CAPEX) for solar developers and end-users. Through the use of local expertise and resources, LPV Technologies enhances cost efficiency without sacrificing quality, establishing itself as a key player in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
Financing the energy transition
The World Bank statistics showed that energy consumption accounts for more than three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions. Accelerating the energy transition requires financing, and the massive deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency while gradually retiring fossil fuels. However, in developing countries, constrained fiscal space and lack of access to finance make costly upfront investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy out of reach. In addition, macroeconomic and political uncertainties discourage investors. Multilateral development banks and donors play a critical role in scaling up support to countries with more affordable concessional financing to reduce the steep upfront costs of clean energy projects.
The World Bank partners with governments to set policy direction, establish sound regulatory and macroeconomic frameworks, and strengthen institutions—including power utilities, the backbone of the electricity sector—that can help create a series of bankable projects. Private sector investment is crucial for achieving the sevenfold increase in investments needed in developing countries for energy access and transition—roughly $1-2 trillion by 2030—which also directly benefits job creation.
Local manufacturing provides competitive advantage
The shift towards local manufacturing is a game-changer in the solar panel industry. Importation costs, logistics challenges and currency fluctuations have historically inflated the prices of solar panels, making them less accessible to the average consumer. LPV Technologies is changing this narrative through its locally manufactured solar panels. By sourcing premium raw materials from globally recognized suppliers, the company guarantees top-tier quality and performance.
This strategic approach not only reduces overall project costs but also minimizes supply chain disruptions. With faster turnaround times and reduced dependence on international suppliers, LPV Technologies ensures consistent solar panel viability, enabling solar project developers to meet tight deadlines. By producing locally, the company supports Nigeria’s vision for energy security and independence while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. According to energy expert Dr. Felix Duke, “Local manufacturing of solar panels significantly lowers the cost barrier to entry for many households and businesses in Nigeria. By reducing dependence on imports, companies like LPV Technologies create a more stable and resilient renewable energy sector.”
Job creation, economic growth
LPV Technologies’ commitment to local manufacturing extends beyond cost efficiency—it is also a powerful driver of economic growth. Nigeria’s unemployment rate is currently high, underscoring the need for sustainable job creation. By establishing local manufacturing facilities, LPV Technologies is generating both skilled and unskilled job opportunities across various functions, including manufacturing, quality control, logistics and maintenance of solar panels. This strategic investment in human capital not only addresses unemployment but also contributes to skill development within the renewable energy sector. By empowering the local workforce, LPV Technologies fosters economic growth and enhances the community’s capacity to support the nation’s renewable energy ambitions.
Renewable energy consultant, Amina Yusuf, highlights the broader impact: “Beyond direct employment, local solar manufacturing fosters the development of a supply chain that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This ecosystem growth is crucial for Nigeria’s long-term energy sustainability.”
Renewable energy goals
Nigeria is on a mission to diversify its energy mix, with a target of achieving 30 per cent renewable energy integration by 2030. This transition is critical for reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, which currently dominate the energy landscape and contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions. LPV Technologies is playing a pivotal role in this energy transition by providing high-quality solar panels tailored to Nigeria’s unique environmental conditions.
By offering locally manufactured solar solutions, LPV Technologies supports the government’s renewable energy targets while ensuring that clean, sustainable energy is accessible to all. This strategic alignment with national energy policies positions LPV Technologies as a key enabler of Nigeria’s journey toward a cleaner, greener future. Dr. Peter Okon, a renewable energy policy expert, asserts: “Companies that align their operations with Nigeria’s renewable energy targets are not only contributing to a more sustainable future but are also positioning themselves as indispensable partners in the nation’s energy transition. LPV Technologies is a prime example of such leadership.”
Local content gains
The Nigerian government has implemented several policies to promote local content, particularly in the renewable energy sector. These policies encourage local manufacturing to reduce import dependency and stimulate economic growth. LPV Technologies is strategically aligned with these regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance while delivering cost-effective, locally manufactured solar panels.
By supporting local content policies, LPV Technologies helps stakeholders meet regulatory requirements while enjoying the financial benefits of sourcing within Nigeria. This strategic positioning not only enhances brand reputation but also establishes the company as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape. Energy economist, Dr. Emmanuel Adeniran, notes: “With the right incentives and policies in place, Nigeria can become a leading hub for solar panel manufacturing in Africa. LPV Technologies is paving the way for this transformation by demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of local production.”
One of the major challenges in Nigeria’s solar industry is the delay in project timelines due to the complexities of importing equipment. Lengthy shipping durations, customs delays, and unpredictable supply chain disruptions often impact project execution. LPV Technologies’ local manufacturing line mitigates these challenges by enabling just-in-time delivery. This streamlined supply chain significantly reduces project completion times, ensuring faster deployment of solar solutions. By minimizing logistical complexities, LPV Technologies enhances operational efficiency, enabling developers to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
Solar project developer, Chinedu Obi, affirms: “Time is money in the solar industry. The ability to source high-quality solar panels locally without waiting months for shipments from overseas makes a tremendous difference in project execution and return on investment.”
Beyond offering cost savings and economic benefits, local solar panel manufacturing plays a pivotal role in advancing environmental sustainability. Importing solar panels from abroad significantly contributes to carbon emissions, especially from transportation. By manufacturing solar panels domestically, LPV Technologies effectively reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping and reduces packaging waste.
Moreover, solar energy is a key driver in Nigeria’s battle against climate change. Through the provision of affordable, high-quality solar panels, LPV Technologies is accelerating the country’s transition to renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and contributing to a lower carbon footprint. Environmental advocate, Bola Oladipo, states: “For Nigeria to meet its climate commitments, home-grown solar solutions must be prioritized. LPV Technologies’ local production model is an excellent example of how economic and environmental goals can align.”
Future prospects and industry growth
As Nigeria’s renewable energy sector continues to evolve, the role of local solar panel manufacturers will become increasingly vital. LPV Technologies’ innovative approach positions it at the forefront of this transformation, driving cost reductions, job creation, and sustainable energy solutions. Looking ahead, LPV Technologies aims to expand its production capacity, explore new technological advancements, and enhance research and development efforts. By continuously innovating and adapting to market needs, the company is set to maintain its competitive advantage and reinforce its position as a leader in Nigeria’s solar panel industry.
As Nigeria accelerates its journey towards a greener future, LPV Technologies remains a key player, driving growth, innovation, and impact in the renewable energy sector. With strong government support, increasing demand, and an unwavering commitment to quality, LPV Technologies is not just manufacturing solar panels—it is pioneering a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria.
Nigeria has over the years developed several policies and frameworks in a bid to improve energy access and bridge the energy gap through renewable energy sources. The implementation of key policies has supported local manufacturing of solar panel, a key component in solar energy architecture. The transition towards more sustainable energy sources, has ensured that solar energy remains a key player in this shift, benefiting the environment and local industries. This transition is critical for reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, which currently dominate the energy landscape and contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Experts said that solar energy can lead to significant savings on energy costs for both residential and commercial consumers. By generating their own electricity, homeowners and businesses can reduce their reliance on the grid and lower their utility bills. This financial relief allows consumers to reallocate their savings towards other needs, potentially boosting local spending and stimulating economic growth. For businesses, the cost savings from solar energy can be substantial, improving their bottom line and allowing for reinvestment in other areas. By reducing operational costs, solar energy helps these businesses remain competitive and financially viable, which in turn supports local economies by maintaining jobs and encouraging business expansion.
According to the World Bank Group, solar energy provides clean, affordable and reliable electricity access in developing countries while reducing dependence on fossil-based energy systems. The bank explained that energy is the lifeline for a modern economy and is critical for the necessities of human life—education, healthcare, food, and jobs, on a livable planet. Expanding energy access and meeting climate goals must be done simultaneously by scaling up energy efficiency and renewable energy investments that allow the phase-down of fossil fuels.
Yet nearly 700 million people still live without electricity worldwide, and about 2.3 billion people rely on polluting traditional fuels and technologies to cook their meals. Scaling up renewables and energy efficiency, investing in electrification at scale, and improving power utilities while avoiding new coal plant construction and retiring old plants are critical to providing clean energy to power homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Overall, renewable energy can help countries mitigate climate change, build resilience to volatile prices, and lower energy costs.
Title: Make Your Work A Prayer Author: Olusola Adeyegbe Publisher: Lulu.com Reviewer: Raymond Mordi Pagination: 54
If there is any voluntary activity that Nigerians are preoccupied with daily, it is prayer. Everyone across the various religious spectrums believes he knows how to pray and spends a considerable part of his daily life praying. However, a new pocketbook by Olusola Adeyegbe, “Make Your Work A Prayer: Spiritualise the Work of Your Hands,” asserts that the notions and forms of prayer held by many, which often centre around personal desires, are wrong.
The book offers a unique insight into what true and effective prayer is and how one may and should set about it with the certainty of it being granted. The author admonishes the reader to approach the book with an open heart, “ready to learn and grow” because it offers a different perspective of prayer. “One that views prayer as the expression of what truly moves us, reflected through our actions. It is not about imposing our desires on the Almighty but rather aligning our thoughts, words and deeds with Divine wisdom,” he adds in the book’s introductory part.
According to the author, prayer must not be a ritual or obligation to satisfy societal convention. He says if one must pray, it should be deeply felt within to carry the necessary fervour to link it with the streams of Light from above from where help could be attracted. Otherwise, man should ideally pray with the totality of his being in thoughts, words and deeds through his daily activities. The author states: “In his performance, every task should become a reverential worship of God, in gratitude that God has given you the chance to accomplish something extraordinary among all the creatures of this Subsequent Creation, of only you so wish.”
The subtle idea recurring in the book is that humans are born equipped to tap into the Creator’s storehouse of plenty and be successful and happy if they understand how to pray aright. The book is inspired by thework, In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message” by Abdruschin. A quotation from The Grail Message encapsulates the essence of prayer.
It reads: “If you begin your day with truly heartfelt gratitude to God, and if you also finish it with equally heartfelt gratitude — be it only gratitude for the lesson you have learned on this day through experiencing — you will live well! Through diligence and care, let everything you do arise as a prayer of gratitude! Let each word you speak reflect the love which God grants you! Then life on this earth will soon become a joy for everyone who is allowed to live upon it.”
Make Your Work A Prayer is a book of seven chapters in just 54 pages. In Chapter 1, titled “First Recognize God”, the author explains the nature of God, as far as man can perceive Him, through His laws that govern the entire universe and how the interplay of these laws and man’s conduct shapes his fate. Chapter 2, with the title “What Does it Mean to Pray?” deals with the concept of prayer and it is based on the author’s grasp of the Grail Message.
For instance, Adeyegbe states on page 6: “Coming before the Lord Almighty in prayer requires a humble spirit and pure thoughts. To approach His Sublimity, one must do so with reverence, casting aside distractions, and entering a state of quietness and purity. As expressed in the Grail Message, true prayer calls for a quiet, and pure inward sensing, which is far more potent than thousands of spoken words. This inner perception, filled with sincerity and devoid of hypocrisy, is what shapes a prayer that reaches the Luminous Heights.
“In moments of joy or distress, a single, heartfelt intuitive perception – even if it lasts only a fraction of a second – holds far more power than prolonged spoken prayers. Such deep, genuine prayers ascend to realms where help can be found. When a prayer is pure and free of selfish motives, it attracts the fulfilment that is most beneficial, leading to true advancement of the individual’s entire being.”
In Chapter 3, the author states some things to avoid in prayer. For instance, he states: “Prayer should never be a mere routine or obligation. If you do not feel an inner urge to pray, then it is best not to force it. Prayer that does not resonate deeply within your heart and soul holds no real value and will have no effect. Genuine prayer must arise from an authentic, inner impulse; otherwise, it becomes empty words.”
The author also admonishes against the habit of reciting prayers at set times hurriedly and mechanically. He states: “This approach misuses God’s Name and borders on blasphemy. Formulated prayers, especially when they are lengthy, often become mere recitations without any genuine inner response. Such actions are an affront to the Holiness and Greatness of God. As stated in Matthew 6:7-8, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
In Chapter 4, “How Prayer Works in the Life of Man on Earth”, Adeyegbe explores how prayer interacts with the basic Laws of Creation in shaping the life of man. For instance, he states on page 19: “Just like seeds planted in fertile soil, prayers that are positive and pure will yield a harvest. When you ‘sow’ a prayer in this way, you may reap calmness, strength, healing, sudden insights or solutions to seemingly impossible problems. Something good will always emerge, whether it is an increased sense of composure or balance of mind. This newfound inner peace often paves the way for a solution or an escape from the difficulty you face.
“Moreover, prayers sent out into the world can, through the Law of Attraction, find their way to others who might provide the help needed to fulfil the prayer. In this way, prayers act as bridges, connecting the person who prays with the right people, circumstances or possibilities that will bring about the desired outcome.”
Chapter 5 centres on the promise of the Son of Man who will come for the judgment and the greatest prayer of intercession ever spoken by the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” Adeyegbe states on page 26: “Before His agonising crucifixion, Jesus addressed an intercessory prayer to His Father, requesting the sending of the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit of Truth would proclaim the Word of Truth once more to the faithless, providing salvation to those still willing to listen. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed fervently for His followers, ‘Father, I pray for them: let them not be lost! Sustain them in Thy Truth, in Thy Word, and in Thy Light until the day when the Son of Man will come for the Judgment. Then I will entrust them to Him, that they may serve Him too…’.”
Chapters 6 and 7 are devoted to “The Teachings of Christ and Other Spiritual Teachers on Prayer” and “How Can We Spiritualise the Work of Our Hands”.
The pocketbook has a visually appealing cover design. Each chapter is well illustrated with a relevant photo on the opening page. Written in simple, everyday English that will appeal to the various categories of readers, Make Your Work a Prayer is an easy book to read. The author uses practical illustrations and analogies from everyday life to drive home his points. Though he drew his knowledge mainly from the Grail Message, he also used relevant quotations from other spiritual teachers, particularly the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to validate his assertions.
The book, which rolled out of the press in the last quarter of 2024, challenges the prevailing societal notions about prayer. It is recommended for those open to learning in their spiritual journey. It can be described as a beautiful Christmas present from Adeyegbe, a lawyer.
Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have arrested four suspects, including two bank employees, over alleged £138,924 (N277,848,000) bank fraud.
The suspects identified as Shuaib Oluwatobiloba Olaleye, 27; Oladunjoye Adegoke, 33; Austin Alfred, 38, and Jude Uzobuaku, 36 were arrested between March 12 and 13 over their alleged involvement in the illegal transfer of the amount from the domiciliary accounts of international airlines domiciled in the affected commercial bank.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly moved the money from the accounts of the real owners into the domiciliary account of a former employee of the bank before collecting the money.
Briefing reporters on breakthroughs recorded by the command in the last two weeks, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, said investigators were assigned to the case following a report from the commercial bank.
Jimoh, who spoke through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Benjamin Hundeyin, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said Olaleye was first arrested on March 12 in Ogun State and a Toyota Camry 2012/2013 model suspected to be a proceeds of the crime was recovered from him.
The following day, operatives arrested Adegoke in Victoria Island and a Toyota Camry (Pencil Light) was recovered from him.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Austin Alfred, 38, the Supervisor, Trade Services Department and Jude Uzobuaku, 36, the Processor, Trade Services Department, who facilitated the illegal transfer of funds to foreign accounts provided by the main suspect. Investigation is in progress,” said the police chief.
He said a total of 26 suspects were arrested for various offences, four firearms, 21 ammunition, six vehicles, a cutlass, phones, money and hard drugs recovered within the period under review.
Among the suspects arrested were Babatunde Ibrahim, 23, Michael Odova, 24, Seidu Abba, 20, and John Wisdom, all linked to Emmanuella Ogochukwu, 25, earlier apprehended for allegedly robbing her lover of N15million worth of bitcoins and three iPhones at the Okota area of the state.
The police said the suspects were arrested at the apartment of Emmanuella’s brother, Wisdom, in Okota, adding that a local pistol, four cartridges and an axe were recovered from them.
He said operatives of the command recovered Lar rifle with 12 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and SMG rifle without magazine inside a sack abandoned by suspected hoodlums along Aleke-Isiu, Imotu, Ikorodu, around 6pm on March 21.
The CP said operatives on March 14, observed the suspicious movement of some boys, Emmanuel Cletus, 32, and Adegor Joshua, 27, at Sangotedo, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, around 4am.
“Upon searching them, an automatic pistol and five rounds of live ammunition were found in their possession.
Suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the Command Headquarters for further investigation.
The command also arrested one Dolapo Ojo, 22, for allegedly receiving cars stolen from victims in the southeast.
His arrest followed an intelligence report that criminals were snatching vehicles from their owners in the southeast and bringing them to Lagos for sale.
According to the police, Ojo, who was arrested in Ikotun, received three Lexus 350 2017 models through a woman currently at large.
“One Lexus 350, silver in color, was recovered. Further investigation led to the recovery of another Lexus 330, black in color, at Ojodu Berger.
“The suspect is currently assisting a team of operatives to recover the remaining two Lexus.
“All suspects are to be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation. We would like to use this medium to assure all residents and visitors to Lagos State that under CP Olohundare Jimoh, the low level of crime experienced in
Lagos State will be sustained. We would once again like to appreciate the good
people of Lagos State for their unwavering support to the
Command; and the state government for the continual provision of logistics and
