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Success of UNILORIN: Pro-Chancellor, Aluko Commends Ilorin Emirate For Total Support And Acceptance

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Raheem Ibrahim

 

 

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Ilorin, His Excellency, Surv. Abiodun Jacob Aluko, has commended the people of Ilorin Emirate for seeing the University as their own.

 

His Excellency, Surv. Aluko gave this commendation on Tuesday while receiving the National President of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, in his office.

 

The Chairman said that his experiences as a member of the Governing Councils of a few other universities before his current appointment showed that the people of Ilorin Emirate are fantastic hosts who do not have any problem whatsoever with the University.

 

Surv. Aluko, who is a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, said that the prevailing peace of the University and the magnitude of its achievements cannot be divorced from the fraternity of its host community.

 

He specifically thanked the people of Ilorin Emirate for always supporting the University as he also thanked the management of the Ilorin Central Jumaat Mosque for its decision to build a 250 bedspace hostel at the University, among other wonderful supports.

 

The former Deputy Governor said the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN and the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, as well as other Principal Officers have been leading staff and students of the University towards greatness.

 

The Pro-Chancellor who spoke glowingly of His Royal Highness, Mai Martaba, the Emir of Ilorin, assured IEDPU, which is the umbrella sociocultural organisation of the people of Ilorin Emirate, that the Council and management of the University would continue to work with the institution’s host community for mutual benefits.

 

Speaking earlier, the National President of the IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, thanked His Excellency, Surv. Aluko, for working harmoniously with the University Administration.

 

Alhaji Abdulmalik, who is also an alumnus.of the University, congratulated the institution on its golden jubilee anniversary and commended the University’s management under the leadership of the amiable Vice Chancellor, Prof Egbewole.

 

He then recalled that several indigenes of the community worked with other stakeholders from the old Kwara State and across Nigeria towards the establishment of the University.

 

He then pointed up that the Union had always been eager to work with successive administrations of the University to ensure a prevailing peaceful environment for the institution to operate; in addition to maintaining continuous harmonious relationship between the gown and town. He explained that the Union earlier written a congratulatory letter to the Chairman shortly after his appointment.

 

The community leader said that the people of the University’s host community would always support the University in order for it to achieve its corporate objectives as he urged the University to continue to show more concern to the yearnings of its host community.

 

Alhaji Abdulmalik was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Alhaji AbdulRauf Babatunde Issa; the National Secretary, Abubakar Imam; the National Auditor, Mr Adam Olumide Alabere and Mr Habeeb Atanda.

Security Expert Urges Technology to Secure Nigeria’s Porous Borders

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

Security expert Bone Efoziem has called for increased technological measures to monitor and secure Nigeria’s porous land, air, and sea borders.

 

Speaking at the 2025 Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) in Ikeja, Efoziem emphasized that most security threats entering Nigeria, ranging from arms smuggling to insurgency, come through unmonitored land routes rather than official airports or seaports.

 

He noted that many villages along the borders serve as informal entry points, making it difficult for conventional border security to function effectively.

 

“Almost every village around the border is a potential route into the country,” Efoziem said. “Even security officers on the ground cannot monitor all these points effectively. This is where technology, like drones and remote monitoring systems, becomes essential.”

 

He stressed that current equipment and manpower are insufficient to tackle insurgents and armed criminals operating along the borders.

 

Highlighting the limitations, Efoziem noted that soldiers often face better-equipped insurgents with night vision goggles and heavier weaponry, while border surveillance remains largely manual.

 

The expert called for redefining border security strategies and integrating technology to detect illegal movements, track suspicious activities, and enable rapid intervention.

 

He also urged community engagement platforms to allow Nigerians to anonymously report cross-border threats, improving real-time intelligence collection.

 

“Strengthening border security with technology is critical to reducing the flow of arms, drugs, and criminals into Nigeria,” Efoziem said, stressing that proactive monitoring is the only sustainable solution to the nation’s border challenges.

Over 6,800 Nigerians Killed in First Half of 2025 — Lusty Raises Alarm at CRAN Lecture

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

Over 6,800 Nigerians were killed in the first half of 2025, a figure highlighting the country’s worsening security crisis, Engineer Mustapha Kazeem Lusty said while delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) in Ikeja.

 

Titled “Harnessing Technological Innovations for Crime Prevention and Control in Nigeria,” Lusty’s presentation called for a complete overhaul of the nation’s security architecture through the deployment of advanced technological systems capable of detecting, preventing, and disrupting crime in real time.

 

Addressing security stakeholders, including representatives of the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other stakeholders, Lusty warned that traditional approaches were no longer sufficient.

 

He cited additional statistics: over 5,400 people abducted in the same period, and in March 2025 alone, 179 deaths, 115 injuries, and 217 kidnappings were recorded within just two weeks. The Nigeria Violent Conflict Database shows that banditry accounted for nearly 75% of all kidnapping victims in 2024, while National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data records 51.9 million criminal incidents between 2023 and 2024, with ransom payments costing an estimated N2.2 trillion.

 

Lusty said the rising death toll and insecurity had eroded public trust in security institutions, pushing citizens toward self-help. To reverse the trend, he proposed a six-step framework, including AI-powered early warning systems, a National Intelligent Vision Centre, encrypted community reporting platforms, deployment of surveillance drones and body-worn cameras, secure communication networks, and strengthened digital financial monitoring.

 

He stressed that localisation of technology, stronger forensic and cyber capabilities, joint intelligence dashboards, and transparent public security reporting were essential for sustainable reform.

 

While acknowledging that technology alone cannot solve the root causes of insecurity, Lusty emphasised that combining innovation with strong institutions, community engagement, and ethical governance could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

Presidential Directive On Recruitment Of 30,000 Police Officers: PSC, NPF Set up Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Drive the Process.

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    The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have established a high-powered joint Ad-hoc Committee to drive the immediate commencement of the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel. The Ad-hoc Committee, according to a press statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesman, was inaugurated today, 26th November, 2025 by the Chairman, Police Service Commission DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd) at the Police Service Commission Corporate Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, following the presidential directive to bolster the numerical strength of the NPF and enhance national security. The primary mandate of the Joint Ad-hoc Committee is to collaborate and brainstorm on creating a seamless, transparent, and efficient recruitment process. The committee will work to ensure the exercise is conducted with the highest standards of integrity and merit. In his remarks, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, who was represented by DIG (Bar) Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), fdc, stated that “the collaboration is crucial for a successful exercise”. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the recruitment is fair and based on established guidelines. DIG Lakanu is also the Chairman, Nigeria Police Force Matters Committee, PSC. The Inspector-General of Police, who was represented by CP Edwin Eloho of the Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, emphasized the importance of the recruitment in strengthening the police force’s capacity to serve and protect the citizens of Nigeria. He affirmed the NPF’s full cooperation with the PSC to ensure the timely and successful achievement of this national objective. The inauguration of this committee marks a critical step forward in the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing security challenges and improving the police-to-citizen ratio across the country. The Police Service Commission is the Federal Executive Body empowered to appoint, promote, dismiss, and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force, except the Inspector-General of Police. The Nigeria Police Force is the principal law enforcement agency in Nigeria. It is designated to, amongst others, prevent and detect crime, protect lives and property, and maintain public order and safety.

King Karma is coming!

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

 

Quote:

 

“A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life”.

 

-Holy Bible (Galatians 6:7–9).

 

 

Believe it or not, the Law of retributive justice, or call it karma is real. But what does it truly mean? In Buddhism, Hinduism, and some other religions “the force produced by a person’s actions in one life that influences what happens to them in future lives: Hindus believe in karma, meaning they will answer for their actions – if not in this life, then in the next”. Most interestingly, it has started unfolding before our eyes with specific regards to Nigeria’s effervescent political spectrum, within a short space of less than two decades.

 

 

For instance, how else can we explain the harsh reality of the fact that the very set of political helmsman who trooped to the United States,US to meet with the then President Barack Obama to lay complaint of serious “insecurity” against the President Goodluck Jonathan-led government back in 2014, with some of them asking him to resign from office are currently at the receiving end of even worse insecurity ravaging the country? These same people are embittered by the President Donald Trump-led United States tagging Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,CPC troubled by “Christian Genocide”.

That is Karma for you.

 

 

It would be recalled that a top intelligence analyst, who was part of the Obama administration, Mr. Matthew T. Page, has explained the claim made by former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, that the State Department invited 12 northern governors to Washington to seek their support on the need to achieve regime change in Nigeria during the 2015 Presidential election.

.

 

Similarly, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost the election to President Muhammadu Buhari, knowing full well that the well staged kidnap of the Chibok School Girls was aimed at denting his image as incapable of battling insurgency,

also alleged international conspiracy in the build up to the elections. The statements of both Aliyu and Jonathan were revealed in the book, entitled ‘Against Run of Play’ by Segun Adeniyi.

.

 

In fact, Mr. Page alleged that,“at that meeting, Admiral Murtala Nyako read out a memo he had written itemizing the case against Jonathan. He was so openly and almost violently against the Jonathan administration in his speech that he had to be openly rebuked at the meeting by the then Nigerian ambassador to the US, Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye, of blessed memory. It was so venomous that it prompted a rebuttal from the Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, who showed loyalty to the then Nigerian President. According to Mr. Page, this prompted most of the other Northern governors present to turn on him.

 

 

Another intriguing aspect to the political gambit was that at the same time, Obama confidant and former White House Senior Advisor, David Axelrod’s firm, AKPD Message and Media, began to work as a paid consultant for the then Nigerian opposition party, All Progressives Congress.”Subsequently,

“sublimal messages were communicated by President Obama” in the special broadcast he made to Nigerians on March 28, 2015, urging them to come out and vote. Eventually, their nebulous aim of outsting Jonthan from power succeeded.

 

 

But well aware of the insidious plans by the desperados to unleash haunting havoc on innocent people

should he refuse to vacate office, he openly stated that: “My political ambition is not worth a drop of blood of any Nigerian”. Unforgettable demonstration of an uncommon patriotriotic fervour for a country some want to rule over more by crook thsn by hook! So, what has transpired within the insecurity matrix in the past decade, since Jonathan humbly handed over the baton of political leadership to the All Progressives Congress,APC

from 2015 to 2025? That is the million naira question. The answers are the gory pictures painted before us all to see.

 

 

Ever since, the terrorism incubus has metamorphosed from mainly the Boko Haram to the ISWAP, the bandits, the Lakurawa and the Mahmuda. It has spread from the embattled North East zone to the North Western states of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kaduna in addition to the mineral – rich North Central states of Plateau, Benue, Zamfara and Kwara currently

turned from the once fertile farmlands into the killing fields of Nigeria.

 

 

And some of the traducers of the then Jonathan-led administration have started exhibiting a deep sense of remorse. One of them, a chieftain of the NNPP, Buba Galadima in a recent interview with ARISE Television has this to say; ” I’m sorry that I have come here to discuss the truth, not politics. Let me address more. During Jonathan’s birthday, I spoke to journalists. And I said something. I was one of the greatest critics of Jonathan’s presidency. I didn’t know that God will disgrace me to show me that Jonathan was even a saint, a better administrator than those that came after him.

 

 

“During his time, the insecurity reached its highest level, six weeks, I mean some few days to election. Jonathan suspended the election, put off the election, and took another six weeks. And brought mercenaries. If this government today has that opportunity of chaos one or two weeks to election, they will allow it to continue so that they can write figures and announce themselves as winners. But Jonathan stopped that election, and he knew for sure that if there was a fair election, no incumbent, the government can get second term.

 

 

He added that: “This is an educated man with PhD. He knew that. But because of his humane nature, he postponed the election for six weeks, brought in mercenaries, and within six weeks, those mercenaries stabilized Nigeria, and there was no polling booth in Nigeria thar elections did not take place. If Jonathan has done that at that time, 2015, what stops this government from copying what Jonathan has done?.” That is asking for credible answers.

. Put simply, What goes around comes around, according to Karma.

 

 

Yet, according to Galadima: “This government is only concerned about receiving the decampees or trying to destroy opposition political parties. And I want to tell them that it is not in their interest to destroy opposition, because without opposition, there is no democracy. And if there is no democracy, it means we are gravitating to fascism, dictatorship. And this is exactly where they are taking a pass. ” This should serve as food-for-thought to our political leaders.

 

 

And it is all because, whether we like it or not King Karma is coming for all those who have by crass corruption in high places diverted the wealth of this God-blessed country to satisfy the self instead of the state, and all others who have thwarted the pendulum of justice to always swing in their favour against the right choices of the long-suffering people. Not left out of course, are all those blood – sucking vampires in human skin who have at one time or another armed and sponsored all manner of terrorists, or negotiated with them,

as well as the greed-driven supporters of evil that have brought us to this sordid mess.

 

 

But to others who have remained faithful to the Nigerian dream in the long search for good governance, as the Bible rightly admonishes us.”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”

 

One thing is certain though, whatever we sow in other people’s lives, that shall we also reap because King Karma is coming for each and everyone of us.

NDLEA busts illicit drug warehouse, recovers N6.7 billion opioids, arrests baron, 5 others

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By Ebinum Samuel

This is a clear statement you’re no longer untouchable, we’ll smoke you out of your hiding, Marwa warns drug barons

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) continued their offensive action against drug syndicates in a nationwide crackdown with the dismantling of an opioids cartel in an intelligence-led operation during which a baron Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and five members of his gang were arrested with illicit substances worth over N6.7 billion recovered from their secret warehouse in a residential estate in Lagos.
Following credible intelligence that the drug trafficking organisation (DTO) was about distributing over 7.2 million pills of tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million mls) of codeine syrup warehoused in a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos state, ahead of the Christmas festive season, officers of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA led a well coordinated operation between Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th November 2025 to round up members of the syndicate and dismantle their criminal network.
Two members of the DTO: Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel were trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos on Wednesday 19th November while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck. A follow up operation to the syndicate’s warehouse at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor the following day Thursday 20th November led to the arrest of Onyekachi Nwanagu and other members of his syndicate including: Nwoye Sunday Ali; Nnacho Ogochukwu; and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.

 

In all, a total of Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand (7,272,000) pills of tramadol 225mg worth Three Billion Nine Hundred and Sixty Million Naira (N3,960,000,000) and 53 million mills of codeine syrup valued at over Two Billion Seven Hundred and Sixty Two Million Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N2,762,550,000), bringing the combined value of the seized drugs to Six Billion Seven Hundred and Twenty Two Million Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N6,722,550,000.00) only in street value were recovered and moved out of the estate in eleven trucks to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.
While commending the Commander and operatives of the Special Operations Unit as well as those of Strike Force Unit involved in the dismantling of the syndicate, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) praised the officers’ professionalism and dedication, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to the cartels preying on Nigeria’s youth.
“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement. The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, Marwa stated.
He emphasized that the Agency’s focus remains squarely on the kingpins and financiers of the illicit drug trade. “The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are.”

Fear grips Kogi community as bandits deploy chemical substances to sedate victims before abductions

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Residents of Egbe town in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State are living in fear following reports that bandits have adopted a disturbing new method in their operations spraying chemical substances in homes to sedate victims before abducting them.

Local security operatives confirmed that the community was hit by two separate attacks in the early hours of Monday, November 24, 2025. The incidents have triggered urgent warnings and increased calls for vigilance among residents.

According to security sources, the first attack led to the kidnapping of two residents. Another individual narrowly escaped after managing to send a distress message to local security volunteers. However, by the time responders arrived, the attackers had already fled into the surrounding bush with their captives.

Eyewitnesses said the bandits targeted the home of a staff member of ECWA Hospital in Odorum around 11 pm, jumping the perimeter fence and spending over 90 minutes inside the compound while spraying a chemical substance described as similar to “turari,” which caused sudden weakness in anyone who inhaled it.

The resident, who was not in his usual room, regained enough strength to alert security forces, allowing vigilantes to fire warning shots and force the intruders to flee, rescuing the victim.

Later in the day, another abduction attempt near Baba Labourer/Government Secondary School was thwarted by Egbe vigilante operatives, with no one taken.

The use of chemicals to incapacitate victims has heightened fear across the community, with residents warning that bandits are becoming increasingly sophisticated and dangerous.

Local residents commended Egbe’s vigilante groups for their resilience, bravery, and rapid response, noting that their courage remains critical in preventing further tragedies in Yagba West.

Authorities are still assessing the situation, but early indications suggest there were no casualties, and the local security outfit successfully defended the area.

Communities in Yagba East and Yagba West, particularly those bordering Kwara State, have experienced a disturbing rise in armed attacks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes in recent months, including the abduction of a timber supplier and one of his workers in Okoloke last Tuesday.

NAPTIP places Speed Darlington on watchlist

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has placed Nigerian rapper Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, on its watchlist after he reportedly failed to honour an invitation to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The development was announced by NAPTIP’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Ijeoma Mary Amugo, during a press briefing on Monday to kick off the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

According to Amugo, the agency had invited the musician to answer questions regarding a disturbing claim he made during a live Instagram session in May. In the viral broadcast, Speed Darlington allegedly boasted about having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl—an act that amounts to sexual involvement with a minor and falls under NAPTIP’s mandate to investigate.

Fielding questions from journalists, the NAPTIP’s Director of Prosecution said the rapper tried to intimidate the agency.

NAPTIP further said it has not been able to trace Speed Darlington to a known address, making it difficult to get him to answer for the alleged crime.

“So what he did was to preemptively try to intimidate us by going to the social media to say that he wouldn’t come and that he wouldn’t respond to us, that we are kind of sitting on his human rights.

“So we tried our best to physically locate him because you have to locate the suspect before justice will be served,” Amugo stated.

She said, “So, as I’m speaking to you, the last report we have is that he’s outside the country and we have not heard from him yet. We have placed him on watch list. Anytime he enters Nigeria, NAPTIP is going to continue the investigation from where we stopped. So that is the status of the case for now.”

Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello said the agency would be fine-tuning its implementation strategies to tighten the noose on offenders.

“Nigeria is making efforts to deal with the rising cases of human trafficking across the country.

“However, enforcement remains a challenge, given societal attitudes and cultural norms,” he said.

WEEK FUNSO OWOYEMI LOCKED DOWN LAGOS FOR WIFE, DAUGHTER

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By Tunde Olusunle

 

 

Thursday January 11, 2024, all roads led to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos, for the formal admission of Otunba Funso Davies Owoyemi, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants, (FCA), into the septuagenarian rungs. Those who know FDO as acronymed from the initials of his names, know him for his social unobtrusiveness and reticence. This is despite his humongous achievements as an astute professional, conscientious husband, consummate parent, devoted community leader and revered elder statesman. Turning 70 in our kind of environment with its many viccissitudes was worth giving thanks to God and inviting friends and family to join the celebration which was just what Otunba Owoyemi did on that occasion.

Nearly two years later very recently, there was compelling need for a double-barreled encore in Owoyemi’s family. It was the occasion of the engagement of one of his six delectable daughters, Oluwasolape, to her hearthrob, Precious Adeniran, on one hand, and the 70th birthday of his beloved wife, Mrs Rita Abeke Owoyemi, his inseparable partner of five decades. Beginning from Thursday October 30, 2025, therefore, Otunba Funso Owoyemi was going to lock down Lagos for the following half a week to commemorate both landmarks. And from Lagos and beyond, family, friends, associates and acquaintances rallied steadily behind the Owoyemis as they celebrated their own.

 

Chief (Mrs) Rita Abeke Owoyemi

 

The highbrow Rosetree Event Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, hosted the engagement ceremony of Oluwasolape and Precious. Expectedly, it had the orderly, organised imprimatur of FDO, classy without being exhibitionist, the best of Nigerian culture on display as the two youngsters pledged their futures to each other before the world. Lagosians continue to raise the bar of ceremonial sophistry though, ever giving their upcountry guests novelties to think about. Fulfilment was writ large on the faces of the older Owoyemis who have devoted a considerable segment of their more recent years joyfully oversighting the lateral flourish of their family, with the addition of more and more grandchildren.

Sunday November 2, 2025, the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikate, Surulere, was the venue of the 70th birthday thanksgiving of the Owoyemi matriarch, Chief (Mrs) Rita Abeke Owoyemi. It was a packed Sunday service which coincided with the annual “Adult Harvest” of the church, which was going to keep guests and parishioners in church for a long duration. The Rt. Rev. Akinpelu Johnson the Vicar and Archdeacon, led the proceedings. The excitement of celebrating with the Owoyemi family, despite Lagos’ typically unpredictable rain descent, however, overshadowed every proclivity to boredom and restlessness. Guests proceeded to The Podium Events Centre, Lekki, Lagos for the post-thanksgiving reception thereafter.

The socials were a celebration of the finest aspects of Nigeria’s cultures. Otunba Owoyemi’s kinsmen from Yagbaland in the Okun hemisphere in Kogi State, matched their in-laws from Owo in Ondo State with costume, dance and displays. It was a most befitting tribute to the life and multitasking career of a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, who worked her way to Nigeria’s exchequer, the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), from humble beginnings. Starting out in Secretarial Studies, Mrs Owoyemi with the unflinching support of her redoubtable husband would go on to become a public administrator in her own right. She trained at the Crown Secretarial College and the Pitman’s College, both in London, where she earned a Diploma and a Higher Diploma in Secretarial Studies.

 

Chief (Mrs) Rita Abeke Owoyemi

 

Within the same period, her husband, Otunba Owoyemi earned his badges as a charterered accountant and management professional. The couple wedded in London Borough of Hackney in 1979 and welcomed their first child, Olumuyiwa, one of their two sons, before returning to Nigeria during the regime of President Shehu Usman Shagari in 1980. Mrs Owoyemi began a lifelong career in the CBN in 1981 and grossed three and half eventful decades in service before her retirement at 60 in 2015. She has since redoubled her focus on mentoring and supporting not just her children and their offsprings, but siblings, relatives and adopted children, while also supporting her husband as they both age gracefully together.

Mrs Owoyemi’s commemoration was a harvest of testimonies from a broad spectrum of people and publics she encountered and impacted in a most eventful life. Siblings, childhood peers, schoolmates, colleagues, members of church, voluntary and social organisations, stepped forward to speak so glowingly and eloquently about a rare breed who has lived her life principally for others. The second child of her nuclear family, fate thrust leadership upon her when she lost her older sibling and she had to fill in spontaneously as Numero Uno in the family and pathfinder, a role she has played so very ably and gracefully.

The Owoyemis had very good company at the twin ceremonies. Former Ministers in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR at the programme, included Chief and Justice (Mrs) Bayo Ojo, SAN, CON, and Asiwaju and Chief (Mrs) Kola Jamodu, CFR. Prince Olusola Akanmode, Chief of Staff to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, GCON; Arc Yomi Awoniyi, FNIA, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State; Aremo (Dr) and Chief (Mrs) Yemi Ogunbiyi, former Managing Director of Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. Rear Admiral Okanlawon Oni, (rtd); AIG Tunji Caulcrick, (rtd); Brigadier-General Benjamin Ipinyomi, (rtd); Ambassador Kayode Shinkaiye; Chief (Mrs) Florence Omotehinwa; Justice Suyi Olateru-Olagbegi and Justice and Mrs Adeniyi Ademola, (rtd), equally added colour to the event.

Mr Eniola Bello, Managing Director of Thisday Newspapers; Mr and Mrs Akin Opeodu, FCA; Mr and Mrs Kunle Owuye; Dr Kola Ibirogba; Otunba Sam Olu Owa; Chief Kunle David; Chief and Mrs Korede Adedayo; Chief Tosin Atewologun; Chief Jide Oni as well as Mr and Mrs Bayo Ibirogba, honoured the milestone. Chief Kayode Soyombo; High Chief Tobi Oduyale; Chief Sanmi Fabode, FCA; Hon Deinde Abolarin; Mr and Mrs Iyiola Oyefeso; Otunba and Mrs Babs Alatise; Engr and Mrs Owa Adewale; Captain and Mrs Ade Olopoenia; Mr and Mrs Uwa Ehanire; Elder Tunde Alogbo and Chief Tunde Odunewu, all kept faith with the Owoyemis. Not forgetting Members of “Klub D’Aspirers” and the “Long Table” respectively.

It was indeed a fitting and memorable week of landmarks which the family of Otunba Funso Davies Owoyemi, FCA, will savour and treasure for decades to come.

Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja

JUST IN: Dharmendra, iconic Bollywood actor and Indian cinema’s ‘He-Man,’ dies at 89

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Often called Bollywood’s “He-Man,” he was known as one of the country’s most popular movie stars.

 

Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most popular stars, whose versatile performances made him a defining screen presence of 1970s and 1980s Bollywood films, died Monday. He was 89.

 

The actor, who would have turned 90 on December 8, had been in and out of a hospital in the financial capital, Mumbai, over the past few weeks.

 

A senior police official who had spoken to Dharmendra’s doctor confirmed the death on condition of anonymity.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences, saying the actor’s death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema.

 

“He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people,” Modi said on social media platform X.

 

In a career spanning over six decades, he acted in more than 300 films

 

Often called Bollywood’s “He-Man,” Dharmendra combined the old-school heroism of an action star with the tenderness of a romantic lead, making him one of India’s most iconic actors.

 

 

In a career spanning over six decades, he acted in more than 300 films

Though most of his fame came from roles in which he embodied the archetype of a larger-than-life hero — upright, patriotic and fearless — his charming performances in romantic hits equally made him popular with the masses.

 

Dharmendra’s performance in “Sholay” (1975) — Bollywood’s take on the Spaghetti Western and regarded as one of India’s greatest films — earned him enduring popularity.

 

His roles in other Hindi-language hits, from the romantic comedy “Chupke Chupke” (1975) to the action drama “Mera Gaon Mera Desh” (1971), made him one of the most recognizable film faces from that era.

 

His role in Bollywood classic “Sholay,” where he played an affable character alongside Amitabh Bachchan, his co-actor in the film, cemented his status as a superstar. The duo’s on-screen partnership also became one of Bollywood’s most iconic pairings.

 

His on-screen chemistry with actress Hema Malini, whom he later married, became one of Bollywood’s most popular collaborations, as the pair acted together in more than two dozen films.

 

But their union was rooted in scandal. Dharmendra had married Prakash Kaur before his film debut, and went on to have four children with her, including two who would follow in his acting footsteps — Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.

 

Despite his marriage to Malini in 1980, he reportedly never divorced Kaur and continued to live with her.

 

He embodied the archetype of a larger-than-life hero.

According to local media reports, he briefly converted to Islam before marrying Malini as Indian law disallows Hindus to marry twice, especially if their spouse is alive.

 

Dharmendra and Malini had two daughters, including Bollywood actor Esha Deol. His nephew, Abhay Deol, also joined the industry.

 

Later in his career, Dharmendra moved to more character-driven roles, frequently portraying paternal figures in the 1990s and 2000s in a career that continued through 2025. He was last seen in war biopic film “Ikkis.”

 

“I never thought I would come this far,” he said in a 2021 interview with Indian news website Rediff.

 

 

Dharmendra would have turned 90 on December 8

Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in India’s northern state of Punjab in 1935, he grew up in a farming family and moved to Mumbai in the late 1950s, making his Bollywood debut in 1960.

 

Over a career spanning six decades, he acted in more than 300 films.

 

In 2012, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.

 

Dharmendra would have turned 90 on December 8

 

He also briefly turned to politics, serving as a Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker in Parliament from 2004 to 2009, though his political stint was short-lived.

 

Dharmendra is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren.

 

Report Courtesy: Associated Press