₦airaland Forum

“I hereby give the CON award to Ken Saro Wiwa and OON to the remaining Ogoni 8 and also grant them a State FULL PARDON” - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today granted posthumous national honours and presidential pardons to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other members of the Ogoni Eight. These were men who were executed in 1995 by the military regime of General Sani Abacha under circumstances that remain deeply controversial.

While I acknowledge the symbolic importance of this gesture and the possible sense of relief it may offer to the bereaved families, I am also compelled to ask: Pardon for what?

Let’s not forget what this word (pardon) fundamentally means. It implies wrongdoing. It suggests guilt. It infers that those who are being pardoned were, in the eyes of the law and society, justly convicted and are now being shown mercy.

Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow Ogoni activists were not terrorists, criminals, or economic saboteurs. They were environmental and human rights crusaders, victims of a military dictatorship that sought to silence dissent with bullets and bayonets. Their only "crime" was daring to speak truth to power, to challenge a foreign oil company environmental exploitation of Ogoniland, and to demand justice for their people in a country where oil wealth often meant misery for host communities.

The curse of Oloibiri!

The trial that led to their deaths was marred by lack of due process, allegations of bribed witnesses, and global condemnation. It is not a matter of mere opinion; it is historical fact that the tribunal that sentenced them was widely denounced as a sham.

To now issue a pardon, nearly 30 years after they were hanged, is to quietly reaffirm that they were rightly convicted in the first place. It lends false legitimacy to an act that was an egregious miscarriage of justice by all moral and objective standards.

I feel what would have been more appropriate and indeed more powerful is an exoneration, not a pardon. To exonerate is to say you were wrongfully accused and condemned. That is the truth of the Ogoni Nine. That is the honour they deserve.

The families of these heroes, and indeed all of Nigeria, deserve more than symbolic gestures. They deserve the truth, officially stated and recognized.

They deserve to see history corrected, not just commemorated.

The memories of these heroes deserve clarity, not compromise or shrouded in English definitions.

A pardon, however well-intentioned, falls short. Maybe I'm the one who doesn't understand English enough. I hold it that, the legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues is too important, too sacred, to be framed by the language of guilt.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be commended for taking a bold step toward healing; but let that healing be rooted in truth, not tokenism.

They were not criminals. They were not convicts. They were heroes. They deserve to be remembered and officially declared — as such!

Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT) is the Editor of News Bulletin Nigeria.

Osun lawmaker, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi popularly known as Irekandu has distributed free National Examinations Council (NECO) forms to forty-five (45) students in Obokun State Constituency.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the media team and released to newsmen on Tuesday, June 10.

Recall that Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi had earlier given scholarships to more than 100 out of school children in the constituency.

While distributing the free NECO forms, Adewumi disclosed that he decided to embark on such an initiative to promote education and empower students in the constituency.

Adewumi who acknowledged the hardship in the country, further disclosed that his contribution via distribution of free NECO forms is to improve access to quality education and and reduce the financial burden on families.

Education remains my top priority. I will continue to do my best for our people, he vowed.

Adekunle Tosin, a beneficiary of free NECO forms thanked Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi for his good gesture and generosity.

“My parents had told me that I would miss this year's NECO due to lack of funds but she got so happy after she was informed about the promotional examination to pick selected students who would benefit from the scheme”.

According to Tosin, she prepared for the examination and was fortunate to be picked as one of the beneficiaries of the free NECO forms.

The distribution of free NECO was praised by students who benefited and their parents, describing Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi as a legislator who understands the importance of education, pain of the poor and underprivileged.

The Offa Descendants Chief Lecturers’ Forum (ODCLF) held its first-ever physical meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Secretariat. The meeting marked a major step toward uniting Offa’s academic leaders for the benefit of the community.

Present at the gathering were senior lecturers of Offa origin from various institutions nationwide.

Among them was the forum’s national coordinator, Engr. Dr. Sholadoye Muniru Oyewale of Kaduna Polytechnic; Dr. Maruf Mohammed of Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru; Engr. Jimoh Abdulganiyu retired from Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti; Dr Ajibade Saheed and Dr Lawal Tunde Dauda of Federal Polytechnic, Offa; ESV. Dr. Wasiu Shittu of Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi; Prince Olanipekun Nurudeen of Federal Polytechnic, Offa; and Prince Kamar Imole of Niger State Polytechnic.

In his welcome address, Dr. Oyewale praised Dr. Maruf Mohammed for initiating the meeting, describing it as an important step in bringing Offa’s top academic minds together to collaborate and give back to the community.

Discussions focused on the forum’s role as a platform for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and community support. Members agreed that ODCLF has the potential to contribute meaningfully to development efforts in Offa and beyond.

One of the meeting’s highlights came from ESV. Dr Wasiu Shittu pointed out that ODCLF is the first known forum of its kind in Nigeria, bringing together Chief Lecturers based on professional status and shared heritage.

Dr. Lawal Tunde Dauda supported this, noting that Offa has a strong history of pioneering local initiatives that inspire others across the country.

As part of the resolutions, the Planning and Organizing Committee (PL&OC) was directed to begin work on the December 2025 Inaugural Assembly.

Members based in Offa were encouraged to step up local outreach, while those outside the town were tasked with offering strategic support.

The meeting ended with a group photograph and a shared commitment to making ODCLF a force for progress in Offa.

Our able president, your royal Obas,, royal chiefs, elders, community leaders, fellow youths, and distinguished guests present today
I greet you with deep respect

With a heart full of gratitude and humility, I stand before you today to accept the responsibility and honor of serving as the Olori Odo of the Yoruba Community in Kaduna State.

This is not just a title, but a sacred trust — one that demands integrity, unity, and service. I deeply appreciate the confidence reposed in me by our revered royal father, the kingmakers, our elders, and the youths who have believed in my ability to lead.

As Olori Odo, I pledge to be a servant-leader — to listen, to learn, and to lead with wisdom, courage, and humility. I will work to foster unity among our youths, promote peaceful coexistence, and preserve the rich culture and values of the Yoruba people here in Kaduna.

Our generation must rise to build bridges, not walls — to pursue education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. I will work closely with our elders, youth bodies, and community stakeholders to initiate programs that benefit our people and uplift the image of our great Yoruba nation.

I call on all Yoruba youths in Kaduna State to join hands with me as we embark on this new chapter. Let us be proud of who we are. Let us be agents of peace, progress, and positive change.

In the words of our forebears, "Ise l’oogun ise". Let us work together for the good of all.

May the Almighty guide me in this new journey and grant me the wisdom to lead with justice and compassion.
I accept this responsibility with honor and promise to uphold it with dignity.

E seun gan. Modupe o.
Iba gbogbo agba o!
Iba gbogbo Omo Yoruba o!
Iba Ile-Yoruba!

Prince Segun Teniola
Youth Leader, Kaduna State..

The ancient town of Yaba in Ondo State witnessed a colourful display of Yoruba culture and royalty on Saturday, May 24, 2025, as Chief Ifasooto Abdulakeem Adegbenga, popularly known as Ifa Dollar and revered as Oba Oluogboni Agbaiye, formally wedded his partner, Chief (Mrs) Balkis Adeola Adedeji, the Yeye Awise of Odùduwà Land.

The traditional wedding ceremony took place at Number 2, Awosika Street, Yaba, Ondo, and was graced by prominent traditionalists, cultural enthusiasts, and well-wishers from various parts of the country. The celebration reflected the rich heritage of the Yoruba people, blending sacred rites with heartfelt joy.

Guests adorned in the official colours of magenta and white added elegance to the event, which featured traditional music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere of festivity. The reception immediately followed the wedding at the same venue, with dignitaries and community leaders paying tribute to the couple's commitment to culture, unity, and spiritual values.

The union stands as a testament to the enduring strength of indigenous traditions and the evolving role of royal figures in contemporary society.

Ajase-Ipo Volleyball Club (AVC), founded under the leadership of Head Coach Afelele Taiye Hassan, is a promising sports team representing Ajase-Ipo in Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara State with commitment and excellence.

Although the club is still in its early stages, it has already demonstrated remarkable growth and ambition since its inception.

Driven by the dedication of young, passionate players and the unwavering support of community leaders, AVC is striving to establish itself as a significant force in Nigerian volleyball.

The club's journey took a significant step forward in 2022 when the National Executive of the Ajase-Ipo Descendant Union (ADU) provided essential support, paving the way for the team to gain recognition in the Nigeria Volleyball Federation League.

The following year, in 2023, AVC made its debut in the national league featuring in the National Volleyball Division II League, where both players and coaching staff faced the challenges of competing on a bigger stage for the first time.

Despite a modest performance in their inaugural season, the team's resilience and determination laid the foundation for future success.

In 2024, AVC returned to the Nigeria Volleyball Federation League, showing remarkable progress. With improved skills, teamwork, and the invaluable experience gained from the previous year, the club achieved a significant milestone by securing third place in the league.

This accomplishment marked the first time the team reached the medal table, showcasing the rapid development of the young players who are now better prepared to face higher levels of competition.

The growth and achievements of Ajase-Ipo Volleyball Club would not have been possible without the steadfast support of key figures who have contributed to the team's journey. Notable individuals include Alhaji Sikiru Aliu, the team patron; Alhaja Shakirat Aroworowon, the matron; Alhaji Maruf Musa, the National President of ADU and the team chairman; Chief Hammed Aiyedun, the ADU National PRO and team executive director; and Professor Wale Sulaiman, founder and CEO of the RNZ Foundation. Their commitment and belief in the potential of AVC have been instrumental in guiding the club toward its present achievements.

Under Coach Hassan's leadership, Ajase-Ipo Volleyball Club continues to focus on providing opportunities for its players to grow, compete, and pursue their passion for the sport. The club aims to transcend its current status and establish a legacy of excellence in volleyball, fueled by the ongoing dedication of its young athletes and the unwavering support of the Ajase-Ipo community. With faith and determination, AVC looks forward to a future filled with more accomplishments on and off the court.

Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT) an online journalist, blogger, lecturer and public relations manager.

He's the editor of News Bulletin Nigeria. He writes from Offa, Offa LG, Kwara State

It is no longer news that the atmosphere of Nigeria economy is not friendly and favourable to Nigerian masses, especially the public/civil servants who serve as an integral constituent and important stakeholders of this nation as an entity. This is no doubt, one of the reasons many of them are travelling out of the shores of this country to hustle for greener pastures.

In their desperate bid to either achieve this brain drain (Japa) or other emergency family obligations, many of them would resolve to source for loans either from private credit thrifts & cooperative societies where friends or relatives could stand for them as guarantors or from savings, loans and investment Schemes of their respective labour Unions. This experience is the same with public/civil servants in Ogun State MDAs, who are members of the Savings and Loans Scheme of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU); a labour Union affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

However, this economic hardship being encountered by so many members of this Union has culminated and prompted some subscribers of this Union's Savings and Loans Scheme, mostly women, who could not access it due to its high interest rates, and those who are not qualified for these loans, due to their financial incapability to repay from their net salaries, to be exposed to despicable offer to have sex with the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Ismail Oladipupo Sanyaolu, known by many as Asunmo, who is the principal signatory to all the accounts of the Union and the Savings and Loans Scheme, with other male Committee members, who are managing the Scheme for him in proxy; an unconventional practice which is not known to any well structured and licensed financial institution or cooperative societies.

While speaking with one of the female members, Mrs Adebimpe Kareem (not real name) explained that the Chairman (Asunmo) has been on her neck for over three years now, "he would continue to disturb me despite the fact that he knows my husband - they both worked in the same Agency when he was still a Clerical Officer. He would always promise to offer me loans if I agree to go to bed with him. Infact, I almost fell to his trap last month when I was seriously in need of loan to pay for my children school fees last month September during school resumption, when I called him for a financial assistance".

Another female member who doesn't want her name in print, narrated her experience on how she was sexually harassed in her office on a particular day she went to update her passbook at the Union Secretariat, opposite MKO Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta. She lamented that even though she was in the know that the Chairman (Asunmo) is a notorious womanizer who has dated some of her female colleagues, especially many who are his close members of the Union, she couldn't have imagined that he was that irresponsible and lacks self control.

A male member who is very close to one of the Aides of the Chairman explained that, the NCSU Chairman, Comrade Ismail Oladipupo Sanyaolu is like a small god in his own capacity, owing to the fact that he lavishes money from the coffers of the labour Union without any question from any quarters. He stressed further that, he has taken sexual advantages of many female members especially those whom he compensated with positions in various units and organs of the Union.

"This is the man that always advise us to make sure that we should at least have one or two concubines in each MDAs in the Ogun State Public/Civil Service to enable us win elections when the time comes because this is what helped him during his 2018 and 2022 elections and will still work for him by the time he will be campaigning for his anointed candidates in the coming elections" was another revelation we confirmed from a very close ally who confided in our Reporter but doesn't want his name in print.

While this act has been a 'norm' in the Union from the inception of the administration of Asunmo and co, confirming that people who are genuinely qualified for loans are deprived by giving flimsy excuses and the ones who know how to warm the beds of the leadership of the Union and the Saving and Loans Scheme Committee, can laugh their ways seamlessly to the bank and cash money anytime, anyday.
We hope that, with the recent approval of #77,000 minimum wage for Ogun State workers by Governor Dapo Abiodun, vulnerable workers who are unavoidably prone to this despicable and immoral experience from the leadership of the Union will have a sigh of relieve, when the new payment commenced.

The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General YD Ahmed has inaugurated Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Centre inside Delta State Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku.

Speaking at the inauguration during his visit today, General Ahmed said the centre would serve as additional advantage and morale booster in the training of Corps Members in vocational skills.

He commended the NYSC Delta State Coordinator, Mr Alao Olusegun for his determination in completing the laudable one block of six-room project which was conceived by Late Mrs Folake Ndubusi-Johnson, a staff of NYSC Delta State Secretariat, who died in 2021.

General Ahmed commended the vision of the deceased staff who birthed the centre while he prayed that God repose her soul.

Before the inauguration, the Director General had advised the 2023 Batch 'C' Stream Two Corps Members to respect the constituted camp authorities and use the three weeks Orientation period to establish long lasting friendship.

He warned them to be security conscious and avoid adventures that may expose them to danger.

"Respect the culture and traditions of the people you are going to serve. Add value to your communities.

Avoid the use of hard drugs, cybercrimes and other activities that can put you in danger", the DG said.

Earlier in the day at Anambra State Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu in Awka South Local Government Area of the State, General Ahmed admonished the Corps Members to embrace the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC namely; Orientation Course, Place of Primary Assignment, Community Development Service and Winding-Up/Passing-Out activities.

In both camps, the Director General was informed that the Corps Members have adjusted to the regimented camp life and are actively participating in all camp activities.

Eddy Megwa fnipr
Director, Press and Public Relations

Stop parading yourself as Adeleke's supporter, group knocks Prof Olaitan

Osun Eagle Eye On Good Governance has called on Prof. Peter Olaitan, the embattled Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, to stop parading himself as true supporter of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Recall that Prof. Peter Olaitan pretended to make cover-ups by using the opportunity of attending a media parley organised by the Association of Veteran Journalists in Osogbo, the state capital, claiming successes of some progressive actors in Osun State Medical team as his private and personal glory to retain his seat as CMD of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, which is characterized as a daydream.

The group said "It is crystal clear that the acclaimed glory of the said medical outreaches conducted in the State was a project designed and submitted by a brilliant female medical professional; Dr. (Mrs.) Adefila to Osun State Government, which he (Prof. Peter Olaitan) had no knowledge of until its implementation stage which he was asked to chair."

The right group had earlier called the attention of Osun State Government and general public to beam search lights on the managerial and accounting system of the teaching hospital system encompasses with lots of Gross official misconduct. "We had in earnest, called for outright removal of CMD and the teaching hospital Accountant in respect to many atrocities committed by the duo in UTH management team.

"We are committed to expose any shady activities perpetrated in the State Government ministries, agencies and commissions under this progressive Government of His Excellency Senator Ademola Adeleke, as we pledge to uncover those plotted to mislead this Government.

"We, however, caution the Head Of Service (HOS) and Auditor General Office, to stop making unnecessary cover-ups and pretending of not aware of of shady activities going on in the hospital system and warn their stooges of taking unnecessary bribes, stopping them to carry out their official duties.

"We call on the Auditor General to initiate an audit exercise in Uniosun Teaching Hospital books. There is no ministry or agency of government that we don't have their operational and shady activities with us.

The rights group call on Osun State Government to be extra careful, watchful and call for immediate relief of office to some devil elements, marauders planted in the State Civil Service by past APC led administration to destabilize the present administration.

The group eulogises Osun People State for the support given to the current administration as they solicit for more supports and prayers for Governor Adeleke.

Osun Eagle Eye On Good Governance has call on the Osun State Government for immediate removal of Prof Peter Olaitan, the Chief Medical Director of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital Osogbo and the UTH Accountant, to cub the misappropriation and mismanagement activities surrounding the management of the only State owned teaching hospital in Osun.

Recall that the rights group had earlier called the attention of Osun State Government under the leadership of peoples Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke; Osun State House Of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Wale Egbedun; Board Chairman, Barr. Niyi Owolade; Head Of Service, Mr. Samuel Aina and Auditor General Office of the State to beam search light on the teaching hospital system over the allegations levelled against the management team headed by Prof. Peter Olaitan.

The group further challenge the Head of Service to stop unnecessary cover-ups of the elements of distraction and devils planted in this progressive Government.

The group has longtime ago, call for removal of Prof. Peter Olaitan as Chief Medical Director of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo due to the underlisted undefendable points:

- Mal-administration
- Misappropriation of funds
- Lack of maintenance of Hospital facilities
- Poor staff welfare
- Siphoning of UTH IGR through a private tax collection company from Lagos (REMITTA), by deducting 2.5% of the total IGR of the teaching hospital on daily basis as consultancy or service charge, jointly shared by CMD and Former political appointees of the past administration of APC till now.
- Using the teaching hospital fund to support Immediate past APC led Government campaigns in Irewole, Ayedaade, Isokan Federal Constituency in the last gubernatorial election among many shady deals he involved in.

It is on good note to call the attention of Osun State Government to caution some of the unscrupulous political elements and acclaimed contractors working underneath to substantiates the stay of the alleged CMD in office.

It is necessary to call the attention of the State Government to disregard the acclaimed end of tenure of office by Prof Olaitan to be June, 2024 as fake and crooked lies. The incumbent CMD tenure of office ended in March, 2023, while we are using this medium to call for CMD and Accountant removal to allow necessary actions and hitch free audit exercise to take place.

Recall that the Uniosun Teaching Hospital Accountant has been in that seat since year 2000 and up till now, for over 20 years, he is still on the seat which is against the civil service rule. This action will uncover many shady activities perpetrated over years back in that agency.

Osun Eagle Eye On Good Governance is committed to expose any shady activities perpetrated in any of the ministries, agencies and commissions under this progressing Government of His Excellency Sen. Ademola Adeleke, to allow the good works to continue as he is working both day and night to resurcitate the 12 years Mal-administration of APC rule in Osun State.

We appreciate all and sundry for mutual support given to the incumbent Government to have a better and new Osun we all yawning for.