Tag: Olawepo-Hashim

A former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has commiserated with the government and people of Benue State on the killings in the State which seem to have defied logic and solutions.

Media report indicates that at least 100 people have been killed in an attack by gunmen in a village in the State, according to Amnesty International Nigeria.

Sources said the attack took place from late Friday into the early hours of Saturday in the village of Yelwata.

Benue State is in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, a region with a predominantly Christian population within Northern Nigeria.

The region faces competition over land use, with conflicts between herders, who seek grazing land for their cattle, and farmers, who need arable land for cultivation.

Last month, at least 42 people were shot dead by suspected herders in a series of weekend attacks across Gwer West district in Nigeria’s central Benue State.

Read Also: North Central youths endorse Olawepo-Hashim for 2027 presidency

Hashim maintained that this is the time for President Tinubu to end the killings  as the Commander-in-Chief not to politically grand stand. “No excuses, no finger pointing, just end the killings. The bloodletting has gone on for far too long” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hashim has also condoled with the Christian community in the neighbouring Plateau State over the death of the Chairman of the Christians Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo.

In a condolence letter to the State’s CAN, he maintained that “our heart aches for you in this trying period.”

The frontline politician added that “we celebrate the Late Chairman’s remarkable  leadership, dedication to duty and service to the body of Christ.”

While praying for peace, strength and guidance in the days ahead, he maintained that the legacy of the Late Lubo will continue to guide the body of Christ in the State.

Coalition of youth leaders from the North Central region has formally endorsed businessman and veteran political activist, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as their preferred presidential candidate in 2027.

The endorsement was announced at a high-level press conference in Abuja by the Youth for the Actualization of North Central President (YANCP), a political movement that advocates for regional inclusion and generational renewal.

Speaking at the event, YANCP National Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, described the endorsement as “a historic call for fairness,” insisting that the North Central region has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s political and economic development but has yet to produce an elected president.

“The North Central has bled, sacrificed, and stood firm at every critical juncture in Nigeria’s history,” Musa stated. “Yet we have remained sidelined when it comes to the ultimate leadership position. This injustice must end, and in Dr. Olawepo-Hashim, we have found the statesman to lead that charge.”

Dr. Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential aspirant and prominent figure in Nigeria’s democracy movement, previously served as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He is widely regarded for his efforts in bridging regional, generational, and ideological divides within the nation’s political sphere.

YANCP’s National Secretary, Fatima Tanko, emphasized the group’s desire for transformational leadership, describing Hashim as a man of “intellectual depth, economic foresight, and moral clarity.”

“We are tired of recycled politics,” she declared. “Dr. Hashim is not just from the North Central, he is for all Nigerians.”

Read Also: Olawepo-Hashim, Dangote, Akpabio, others honoured in Lagos

Often referred to as Nigeria’s “Middle Belt,” the North Central zone includes states such as Kwara, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. The region is known for its ethnic and religious diversity and has produced several Senate Presidents and military leaders, but it has never produced an elected president since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

With the country facing economic challenges, regional discontent, and rising youth agitation, analysts say the YANCP’s early move could significantly influence the tone and alliances leading up to the 2027 polls. The coalition’s endorsement, backed by an increasingly digital-savvy youth demographic, is expected to spark broader national debates on zoning, equity, and the future of political leadership in Nigeria.

Political commentators note that while the 2027 elections remain two years away, the early momentum could offer Dr. Olawepo-Hashim a strategic advantage in building cross-regional support and consolidating a national movement around his candidacy.

For now, the message from the North Central is clear: the region is no longer content with being a political kingmaker. It wants to wear the crown.

Plastic waste has become a silent yet dangerous invader in our homes, oceans, and even our food chain.

A renowned philanthropist and businessman, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, said this during this year’s Environmental Day celebration.

In a goodwill message he personally signed, the frontline politician and former presidential candidate affirmed that through the theme of this year’s event: Plastic Pollution and What We Can Do to Tackle It, “we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect the planet that sustains us all”.

He added that this year’s theme is a powerful call to action for individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to confront one of the most urgent environmental crises of our time.

Olawepo-Hashim said: “Plastic waste has become a silent invader in our homes, rivers, oceans, and even our food chain. It threatens wildlife, undermines public health, and disrupts ecosystems in ways that demand immediate and sustained action. Nigeria, like many nations, is not immune to these dangers.

“From clogged drainage systems in our cities to polluted waterways in our rural communities, the evidence of plastic pollution is everywhere.”

The statesman maintained that “there is hope—and there is something each of us can do”.

It added: “We must rethink our relationship with plastic. This begins with reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, encouraging innovation in sustainable packaging, and promoting large-scale recycling programmes. Governments must strengthen regulations and enforcement, while industries must invest in greener alternatives. Most importantly, our citizens—especially the youth—must lead a cultural shift toward environmental responsibility.”

Read Also: Plateau killings: Olawepo-Hashim prays for restoration of peace in Nigeria

Warning everyone to take action against plastic waste, the former presidential candidate said: “We must also remember that environmental protection is not merely a policy issue; it is a moral obligation. We owe it to future generations to act boldly today so that they inherit a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.”

The environmental advocate maintained that “on this World Environment Day, I urge every Nigerian and every global citizen to reflect, engage, and act.

“Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution. Together, we can build a future where nature thrives, and humanity lives in harmony with its environment.”

Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the recent surge of violence in Plateau and Ondo States, describing the ongoing killings as a tragic sign of Nigeria’s failing security system.

In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Hashim expressed deep concern over the continued bloodshed across the country, questioning the government’s inability to halt the violence.

“How many more innocent lives must be lost before real and lasting solutions are implemented? When will this bloodletting stop?” he asked.

He called on the federal government to take firm control of the country’s security situation and advocated for the devolution of key security responsibilities to state and local governments.

According to him, Nigeria’s highly centralised security structure is overstretched and has proven ineffective in addressing threats at the grassroots level.

Hashim also highlighted the lack of collaboration with neighbouring countries as a major factor contributing to insecurity, pointing to the unchecked flow of arms and bandits across Nigeria’s porous borders as a persistent danger.

Read Also: Olawepo-Hashim to opposition: ethnic politics harmful to Nigeria’s unity

“Bandits and terrorists now operate with calculated ease, simply relocating from areas of intensified Federal Military presence to regions with low or delayed security attention,” he said, noting a pattern of violence shifting from the North East, to the North West, and now to the North Central.

Describing the trend as an “adaptive insurgency,” Hashim stressed that the Nation must adopt a decentralised and intelligence-driven security strategy that includes full collaboration with subnational governments and regional partners.

“The people deserve peace, and the time to act is now,” he concluded.

Hashim warned that what is happening in Nigeria is far more complex than isolated communal disputes. “What is going on in Nigeria is not isolated communal disputes but coordinated rural and semi-urban guerrilla warfare by a motley alliance of forces of terror and banditry that have chosen the entire Northern Nigeria as their theatre of operation,” he said.

Dr Hashim also condoled the families of the victims who lost their lives. “Our hearts go out to the families and communities who lost their loved ones and those who are wounded, we pray for strength for them and speedy recovery,” he said.

Meanwhile, Police sources revealed that ‎ preliminary investigations and operations in response to these attacks have led to the arrest of two suspects in connection with the killings in Bokkos, who are currently assisting with the ongoing investigation

Gbenga Hashim, a notable businessman and politician, was a presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections and has remained an influential voice in national policy debates.

former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has described ethnic rhetoric being deployed by some opposition politicians as obsolete and harmful to Nigeria’s unity and development.

He rebuked those opposition politicians employing ethnic tactics to gain political advantage.

In a statement, Olawepo-Hashim warned that the continued deployment of ethnic sentiments in political discourse is a distraction from the pressing issues confronting the nation.

He called for a shift toward solution-driven engagement that addresses Nigeria’s economic collapse, rampant insecurity, and foreign policy failures.

“Those still stuck in the old game of ethnic blackmail should understand that Nigerians have outgrown that playbook. The people are looking for competent leadership, not ethnic champions,” he declared.

Olawepo-Hashim expressed particular concern over recent attempts to brand the administration of President Bola Tinubu as a “Yoruba government,” dismissing such claims as both baseless and ironic.

Read Also: Olawepo-Hashim bags pan-African leadership prize

“President Tinubu struggled to win support even among his own ethnic group,” he said.

“He lost Lagos—arguably the heart of the Yoruba political base—in the 2023 presidential election. So, on what ground is anyone now calling this a tribal government?” he asked.

The former presidential hopeful also accused some of Tinubu’s former allies—who were instrumental in his rise to power—of now resorting to ethnic incitement because their personal ambitions were unmet.

“It is pure hypocrisy. You cannot install a government and then disown it on ethnic grounds when your expectations aren’t fulfilled,” he asserted.

To reinforce his argument, Olawepo-Hashim cited historic instances where Nigerian voters defied ethnic lines in favor of leadership they believed in.

His words: “In 1993, Kano voters chose Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba man, over their kinsman Bashir Tofa. In 2023, Lagosians voted for Peter Obi, an Igbo candidate, over Tinubu. Yet, they returned Governor Sanwo-Olu of the APC. Nigerians are far more politically mature than many politicians assume.”

Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD) has honoured businessman cum politician Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim with the Thomas Sankara Pan-African Leadership Prize.

YOUPAP is an African youth organisation dedicated to fostering leadership and entrepreneurship across Africa.

The award, the organisation said, is in recognition of Dr. Olawepo-Hashim’s outstanding contributions to leadership and his alignment with the ideals of the late revolutionary icon, Thomas Sankara.

The presentation took place during a courtesy visit to the former presidential candidate’s office in Abuja.

Read Also: First Lady urges Nigerians to take TB seriously

In a statement by Olawepo-Hashim’s media team, YOUPAD President Henry Nwankwo praised Hashim for his “selfless leadership, astute erudition, and articulate attributes,” highlighting his remarkable influence on the African continent.

“Dr Olawepo-Hashim is one of those rare African leaders writing their names into the very heart of history through their unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and social development,” Nwankwo stated.

According to him, his leadership style reflects the core values espoused by Thomas Sankara — self-reliance, integrity, and a deep sense of service to the people.

The Thomas Sankara Pan-African Leadership Prize is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of African unity, social justice, and grassroots empowerment.

Businessman and former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has commissioned a newly constructed one-kilometer asphalt road in Ifedolapo community, located in the Pipeline area of Ilorin, Kwara State.

The commissioning ceremony was performed by the former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Victor Obong Attah, and was attended by a distinguished gathering of political and business leaders from across the country.

Among the dignitaries present were former Governor of Jigawa State and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Sule Lamido; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape; and Chairman of Sobi FM, Mallam Lukman Mustapha.

Others included former Kwara State Commissioner for Water and Women Affairs, Dr. Mopelola Abdulmalik Bashir, and former Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Akaje Ibrahim, among others.

In his remarks, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in infrastructure development, noting that quality roads are essential for economic growth and community well-being.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting development projects that improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Victor Obong Attah commended Olawepo-Hashim for his vision and philanthropic efforts, describing the road as a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the area.

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, also praised Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim for the road project.

In a lighthearted moment, he jokingly renamed the road “Gbenga Residential Area (GRA),” stating that he expected nothing less from a man of Olawepo-Hashim’s stature.

Read Also: Olawepo-Hashim lists how rising insecurity affects agricultural productivity in Nigeria

He further noted that people in Kwara did not fully recognize Gbenga’s value as much as those outside the state do, emphasizing his national significance as a leader.

Residents of Ifedolapo community, led by their Chairman, Alhaji Gani Adeshina, expressed their gratitude, highlighting the road’s impact in easing transportation, boosting local businesses, and improving access to essential services.

The newly commissioned one kilometer road is an addition to the various micro-level major roads Olawepo-Hashim has mended over time, linking Excellence Hall to the newly constructed Danialu Awolowo Road.

This initiative further solidifies Dr. Olawepo-Hashim’s reputation as a leader committed to national development and community empowerment.