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Soyinka, top musical artists, business leaders rally for children’s rights

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Leaders from Nigeria’s private sector and entertainment industry on Thursday joined Nobel Laureate,  Prof. Wole Soyinka for a reading of his poem A Child Before a Mirror of Strangers, dedicated to children around the world in commemoration of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which celebrates a milestone 30th anniversary this year.

There is one common bond among all of us — and that bond is childhood,” said Prof. Soyinka.  “We have the responsibility to protect and preserve the integrity of that sole common bond, which is pertinent to all humanity.”

The event, a collaboration between UNICEF and the British Deputy High Commission, brought key leaders and influencers from Nigeria’s private sector and entertainment industry together to discuss how these sectors can help advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the realization of children’s rights.

“Achieving the SDGs and achieving child rights go hand-in-hand,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria Representative.

“Both will only be achieved if all sectors of business are fully engaged. Child rights and the SDGs need to be integrated into business principles, strategies and plans, which, in turn, can contribute to more robust and inclusive economic growth and improved employment of young people. That is good for children, good for business and good for Nigeria.”

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With a population close to 200 million people and an ever-increasing youth bulge, Nigeria is experiencing increasing demands on schools and health facilities, and growing challenges for young people to find work, amongst other challenges.

In an appeal directly to children, musician, producer and songwriter Cobhams Asuquo said, “You are all that is right in Nigeria because you are the chance to rewrite all of wrongs that generations before you have done.  You have a chance and a clean state to make this country the place we all dream of.”

A strong push will need to be made by all if Nigeria is to meet the SDGs by 2030. The private sector could be a critical key in unlocking opportunities for young people, and also addressing poverty, combatting inequality and tackling environmental problems.

“We are pleased to work with UNICEF, the private sector, and young people themselves on ideas that will contribute to a better Nigeria for current and future generations of children,” said Harriet Thompson, British Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria.

“With the anniversary of the CRC this year, the 30th anniversary of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child next year and only 10 years left to achieve the SDGs, we must work together and with urgency to scale-up solutions in Nigeria that will improve our planet and all people’s lives, especially our children.”

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NDLEA Arrests Hair Stylist, Dispatch Rider for Allegedly Selling Drug-Laced Chin-Chin to Students in Bayelsa

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a 20-year-old hair stylist, Josephine Odunu, and a 30-year-old dispatch rider, Edesemi Ikporo, for allegedly peddling illicit drug-laced chin-chin to school students and at social gatherings in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stated on Sunday that officers on patrol around the Opolo area of Yenagoa intercepted Edesemi, recovering 200 grams of chin-chin infused with cannabis sativa, intended for delivery to a buyer on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

“A swift follow-up operation led to the arrest of the hairdresser, Josephine, who distributes the drugged chin-chin from the salon where she works in the Kpansia area of Yenagoa,” Babafemi remarked.

He revealed that a search of the salon resulted in the discovery of an additional 3.00 kilograms of the illicit substance, bringing the total weight seized from the duo to 3.2 kilograms.

Investigations uncovered that they frequently distributed the drug-laced chin-chin, often mixed with cannabis and tramadol, to students and at birthday parties.

“While Edesemi handled the delivery to buyers, Josephine served as a major distributor to a wanted suspect involved in the production of the drugged chin-chin,” Babafemi added.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa State apprehended two wanted suspects, Ajim Samuel (aka Boss), 30, and Davidson John Joshua (aka Dantala), 36, on Wednesday, March 13. The suspects were intercepted along the Numan-Jalingo road, carrying 14,428 pills of tramadol concealed in their vehicle, along with 21 grams of cannabis and monetary exhibits totaling N19,280.

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Also, in Osun State, a commercial bus driver, Ogunleye Adegoke, 49, was arrested along the Gbongan-Ibadan road after NDLEA operatives discovered 2,000 capsules of tramadol, 60 tablets of rohypnol, and 10 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in the spare tire compartment of his vehicle.

The NDLEA’s statement highlighted numerous other arrests and seizures across various states, emphasizing the agency’s continued efforts in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign nationwide.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the outstanding feats of officers and men across different commands for intensifying WADA advocacy lectures, balancing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts effectively.

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Oba Balogun Integral to My Political Journey – Olafisoye Mourns Late Olubadan

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A member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. (Prince) Olafisoye Wasiu Akinmoyede, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun, describing it as a personal loss to him and the entire indigenes of Lagelu Local Government area of Oyo State.

In a heartfelt condolence message addressed to the government of Oyo State, the Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, the Lagun family in Lagelu, where Oba Balogun hailed from, and the entire indigenes of Ibadan, the lawmaker conveyed his grief and sympathy for the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun, who passed away on Thursday night, just a few days after celebrating his second anniversary on the throne as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

“Hon. Lafi,” representing the Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency, expressed, “Though late Oba Balogun’s reign was short, it was monumental and historic to the people of the ancient city of Ibadan and humanity in general.”

Recalling the pivotal role played by the late Oba Lekan Balogun in his political journey, Hon. Lafi emphasized that the deceased monarch was instrumental in his career, providing both financial and moral support from his days as a councilor up to his current position as a federal lawmaker.

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The lawmaker extended his condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, the Olubadan-In-Council, immediate and extended members of the Lagun family, and all Ibadan indigenes.

He assured them that the entire constituents of Akinyele/Lagelu stand in solidarity with them, offering prayers and support during this period of grief.

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Oyo: Oseni Mourns Late Olubadan, Reveres Oba Balogun’s Legacy

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A member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Friday, described the late Olubadan of Ibadanland in Oyo State, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, as a patriot and custodian of Yoruba values who gave his best while on the throne.

The late Oba Balogun, aged 82, who was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan Land, died at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan a few hours after he was admitted to the tertiary health facility on Thursday night.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency, said in his condolence message that the contributions of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland to the political, social, and economic life of the ancient city would remain indelible in the hearts and minds of those who interacted with him in politics and socio-economic life.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, added that Oba Balogun left an indelible mark and epitomised the qualities of a passionate leader on the Nigerian political plane and in business, using his knowledge and skill to serve God, his people, and the government in various capacities.

The lawmaker expressed his condolences to the Governor Seyi Makinde-led Oyo state government, Oba Balogun’s family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large.

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“Undoubtedly, our esteemed Olubadan wielded his influential presence to advocate for peace, harmony, and progress in Ibadan land and throughout Oyo State during his impactful two-year reign on the throne of his ancestors.

“Oba Balogun departed at a pivotal juncture in our nation’s history, leaving behind a void of his sagacious guidance and wealth of experience sorely needed. I implore Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-in-Council, the State Traditional Council, the people of Ibadan land and Oyo State, as well as all members of his immediate and extended family, to find solace in the enduring legacy and indelible mark he leaves behind,” the statement read.

Oseni offered prayers for the repose of the deceased monarch’s soul.

 

 

 

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