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Slavery: We Must Never Forget the Crimes, Impacts in Africa and Beyond – Guterres
“The transatlantic slave trade was one of history’s most appalling manifestations of human barbarity. We must never forget the crimes and impacts in Africa and beyond. We honour them by standing up against ongoing forms of slavery, by raising awareness of the dangers of racism,” said the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message on the 2019 International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the TransAtlantic Slave Trade commemorated in Nigeria on 25 March 2019 at Badagry, a Slave Trade port over 400 years ago.
The UN Secretary General, in the message read by the National Information Officer of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, Dr Oluseyi Soremekun, explained that the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme was aimed at ensuring that the lessons of Slavery were learned and heeded today. “We need to tell the stories of those who stood up against their oppressors, and recognize their righteous resistance.” He added, “On this International Day of Remembrance, we pay homage to the millions of African men, women and children who were denied their humanity and forced to endure such abominable cruelty.”
Organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria and Lagos Education District V, the Observance held at Badagry Grammar School, was attended by 1,200 students, School Principals, Teachers, Traditional Rulers and some parents. The educational programme featured a visit to the Mobee Royal Family Slave Relics Museum, Badagry and the Badagry Heritage Museum; Poster Exhibition and series of drama presentations by the various schools in attendance.
Speaking further, the National Information Officer who represented the Director, Mr Ronald Kayanja, called on parents and guardians to shun all forms of modern day slavery including child labour and human trafficking. ‘The grass is always not green on the other side’, he added.
Slave trade, according to him, was racism and prejudice in practice as Africans were the main targets leading to an extensive exodus of Africans spread to many areas of the world over a 400-year period which was unprecedented in the annals of recorded human history.
Dr Soremekun disclosed that in commemoration of the memory of the victims, the General Assembly, in its resolution 62/122 of 17 December 2007, declared 25 March the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, to be observed annually, to inculcate in future generations the “causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and to communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice.
In her address, the Tutor General/ Permanent Secretary of Lagos Education District V, Mrs Anike Adekanye, noted that Slavery in any form was evil and should not be condoned in the modern society. She urged the students to be bold to report teachers, parents, uncles and anyone that attempted to subject them to any form of abuse or inhuman treatment be it in school or at home.
She, therefore, shared with the students and other members of the audience, the telephone numbers of the Police in the Badagry area and the Lagos State child protection office with the audience.
The Observance of the International Day of #RememberSlavery at Badagry Grammar School was indeed a memorable one, as students highlighted the brutality of slavery, the harms of modern day slavery, human trafficking and forced labour through dance, music, poetry and drama.
In the exhibition of twenty-one posters titled, “Remember Slavery: Say It Loud”, the students were briefed on the contribution of architects of African descent to various sectors of the American society and promoting their professional development. The various designs have also given voice to the African diaspora consciousness.
The students later visited the Mobee Royal Family Slave Relics Museum, Badagry, the Badagry Heritage Museum and the Royal Palace Mobee of Badagry Kingdom where they came into contact with the relics of Slavery. The visit to the museum was significant because Badagry was a slave trade commercial centre and a major port for the transportation of enslaved African people.
Badagry is a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) designated Slave Trade Route and widely noted as a major port in the export of slaves to the Americas.
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of three individuals in connection with last week’s tragic stampede at Bashorun Islamic High School, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left many others injured.
The accused include Abdullahi Fasasi, the school’s principal; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, proprietor of Agidigbo FM; and Naomi Silekunola, estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife. The trio was arraigned by the Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday, before Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi.
The court proceedings, held under heightened security, drew a large crowd of family members and concerned citizens. According to the police prosecutor, the defendants face four counts, including charges under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
After hearing the charges, Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi ruled that the accused be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Center, pending further directives from the state prosecutor.
Southern Governors Pay Condolence Visit
In a related development, Southern governors, led by the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, paid a condolence visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Addressing reporters after the visit, Governor Abiodun described the stampede as a tragic turn of events from a well-intentioned initiative. He urged non-governmental organizations to collaborate with government agencies to ensure better planning for charity programs.
“I am here on behalf of myself, my family, the people of Ogun State, and the Southern Governors’ Forum to commiserate with Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State on the unfortunate incident of December 18, 2024,” Abiodun said.
“The entire Southern governors are deeply pained by this tragedy. In Ogun State, we believe anything that affects Oyo State affects us as well. Our prayer is that such an incident never happens again. We will continue to hold the bereaved families and the people of Oyo State in our prayers.”
The Southern Governors’ Forum also expressed solidarity with the affected families, praying for the repose of the departed souls and quick recovery for those injured.
As Nigerians celebrate Christmas amidst festivities and reflections, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has sent a heartfelt message to Nigerians, emphasising the importance of unity, compassion, and selflessness in nation-building.
In his Christmas message on Wednesday, contained in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker described the season as a time to reflect on the love and sacrifice demonstrated by the birth of Jesus Christ.
He urged citizens to embrace the spirit of giving, kindness, and shared humanity that Christmas symbolises.
“Christmas is a season of hope, joy, and renewal,” Oseni said. “It reminds us of our shared duty to show love to one another, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliations. Let us work together to foster unity and peace in our country, especially as we navigate through challenging times.”
The lawmaker also highlighted the significance of collective responsibility in nation-building.
“As we celebrate, we must remember the less privileged in our communities. Acts of charity and kindness, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on someone’s life,” he added.
The APC chieftain expressed gratitude to his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido for their unwavering support, assuring them of his commitment to delivering more impactful governance.
He also called for patience and cooperation as the government works towards addressing issues affecting the nation, including infrastructure development, economic stability, and security.
“Let this Christmas inspire us to continue building bridges of hope and fostering the true Nigerian spirit of togetherness,” he stated.
As the year draws to a close, Oseni encouraged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the nation’s future, assuring them that better days lie ahead with collective effort and unwavering faith.
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ibadan outer city zone of Oyo State have expressed profound grief over the tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas fanfare last week.
The incident, organized by private individuals, led to the deaths of over 40 children and left many injured. The stakeholders have called on authorities to prevent a recurrence of such a calamity.
The meeting, which brought together party members from Akinyele, Egbeda, Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, and Ona-Ara local government areas, was held at the APC Secretariat on New Ife Road, Egbeda. It was attended by party leaders, stalwarts, and Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA and the lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
Demands for Accountability
In a communiqué signed by Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Chief Lekan Adeyemo, Alhaji Sule Suara, and Bashorun Billy Ogundele, the stakeholders condemned the circumstances surrounding the deaths. They accused the Oyo State government of negligence and demanded justice for the victims and their families.
“The number of children who died and those who sustained varying degrees of injuries is alarming, regrettable, and lamentable. There is more to the incident than what the public has been told. Gov. Seyi Makinde and some of his officials have made frantic but futile efforts to cover up clear cases of ineptitude, negligence, and incompetence. We demand justice for the victims while urging the government to ensure the safety of lives and property at all times,” the communiqué stated.
Party Leadership and Reforms
The stakeholders also celebrated the confirmation of Alhaji Olayide Abas as the substantive chairman of Oyo APC by the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. They expressed confidence in his ability to reposition the party for success ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oseni Reassures Nigerians
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Aderemi Oseni highlighted the rationale behind President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. He assured attendees that the current economic challenges would soon pave the way for widespread prosperity. Oseni also presented a comprehensive report on his 18-month tenure, earning a standing ovation for his exceptional performance.
Notable Attendees
Prominent APC leaders present at the meeting included Hon. Kunle Jenrade, Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope, Hon. Dauda Lawal, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, Barr. Yemi Aderibigbe, Alhaji Bello Labankadi, Hon. Wahab Oladejo, Hon. Ambali Abiola, Alhaji Morufu Lamolo, Hon. Lasun Oguntade, Alhaji Yinka Folarin, and Mrs. Esther Olaleke, among others.
Call to Action
The APC stakeholders urged the government to take immediate steps to address lapses in public event management and safety, emphasizing that such tragedies must never happen again.
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