News

Buhari, Jonathan, governors, Tinubu, others pay tribute to late Odumakin

Published

5 years ago

April 4, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, governors and other prominent Nigerians in paying tribute to the spokesman for the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin, who died on Saturday.

Buhari, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, described Odumakin as dutiful and a person of conviction.

Odumakin was President Buhari’s spokesperson when he ran for the 2011 presidential election on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

The President recalled Odumakin as “dutiful, and a person of conviction.”

He expressed sorrow at his demise “when he had a lot more to contribute to society and the nation at large.”

Buhari prayed God to “grant repose to the soul of the departed activist, and comfort all those who mourn him.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also commiserated with the wife of the deceased, family and associates and prayed that the Lord will “comfort the family, and bless his memory always.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan described the deceased as a great voice for equity and a courageous patriot.

“He was a great asset for just causes whose considerable contributions to the growth of civil society is not in doubt.

“He also acquitted himself as a seasoned journalist and columnist who promoted egalitarianism and social well-being, in his regular essays,” Jonathan said in a condolence message to the Odumakins.

He added, “Mr Odumakin exits this world with rich democratic credentials, having played active roles in the years of activism that birthed and stabilised civil rule in our country.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the death of the human rights activist was a rude shock.

He said, “Much as our heart grieves over this unpleasant development, we must take solace in accepting it as an act of God and acknowledge the fact that Yinka lived a life of purpose in defence of the ordinary people of this country and to enthrone a better Nigeria.”

The Chief Edwin Clark-led Southern and Middle Belt Forum of Nigeria described Odumakin as a fearless and courageous nationalist.

The group in a condolence message signed by Chief Clark, National Leader; Prof. George Obiozor, President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo; Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President-General, Middle Belt Forum; and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) said the news of Odumakin’s demise came to them as a rude shock.

They said Odumakin was a backbone who in the past few years worked tirelessly to give the organisation both national and international visibility and recognition.

They said, “Although he was an Afenifere chieftain, his commitment to building a Nigerian state where fairness, equity and justice reigns was unparalleled.

“For Southern Nigerian and Middle Belt Forum, Yinka was a backbone who in the past few years worked tirelessly to give the organisation both national and international visibility and recognition. He also brought clarity and common understanding to the problems bedeviling our country, aimed at providing timely solutions to them.

“Yinka has etched his name in steel in the anal of Nigerian history. He will, therefore, be remembered by all citizens as one of our greatest citizens ever.”

Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, called him a gem and a dependable ally.

He said, “We’ll all miss his voice. We’ll miss his commitment, we’ll miss is bravery because the late Yinka Odumakin’s fearless image loomed larger than what we can easily forget in a hurry.”

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said much as its own views were always in disagreement with those of the interest represented by the deceased, their differences were “on principle and not personal.”

The ACF National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe, said, “We had hoped that Odumakin would live long enough to work for and see the new day. His death today has robbed us of that opportunity.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said, “The death of Odumakin is a huge loss to the nation and particularly the PDP, given his erudite contributions to national dialogue and relentless commitment towards the development of democratic ethos in our country.

“Odumakin was consistently focused in fighting for a nation in which the principles of equity, fairness and justice will thrive in every sphere of our national life.”

He lived a selfless life –Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said, “Odumakin was undoubtedly a great nationalist, passionate leader and champion of a true Nigeria that would work for every citizen.

“Odumakin as civil rights activist was selfless. He spent the greater part of his life in the service of humanity, particularly the emancipation of the Yoruba people, the development of the South West region in particular and the nation in general.

“He stood firmly behind the attainment of constitutional democracy and fiscal federalism as the basis for sustainable development and lifting the masses out of poverty.”

A nationalist who gave his all — Akeredolu

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State said, “His roles in the enthronement of popular democracy as well as his fiery advocacy for the rule of law remain undoubtedly legendary.

“We recall his fiery beginning in the struggle as the Publicity Secretary of Obafemi Awolowo University Student Union where he discharged his duties creditably.

“He represented a memorable era having participated actively in the passion and action for a better Nigeria in his lifetime. Those left behind will find great inspiration in Yinka’s legacies to continue with the struggle.”

Fayemi: He was a man of the people

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said, “This is a very sad day. The Yoruba and indeed Nigeria have lost an illustrious son, a voice for the voiceless, a fearless and dogged fighter, and a leader who loved and served his people passionately.

“For me, Yinka’s death is a personal loss. He was not just my comrade in the democratic struggle, he was a brother and a friend. He was firm in his conviction, focused and progressive-minded. Even when we disagreed, he was never disagreeable.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe, his widow, members of his immediate family, associates, and the leadership of Afenifere, at this trying period. We pray that God grants him eternal rest and gives the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

A dependable ally of the masses – Olurode

Lai Olurode, former National Commissioner of INEC and a professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos, said the passing Yinka Odumakin is a devastating loss to the progressive camp and to all lovers of a great and peaceful Nigeria.

He said the deceased was a dependable ally of the masses who was consistently committed to a great but restructured Nigeria.

Olurode said, “He was a dogged and committed fighter for causes that he believed in. And really, he was committed to fighting against whatever would rob off negatively on the masses, no matter their ethno-religious identity.”

He also said Odumakin was “unrelenting and consistent in the pursuit of truth. He had no permanent friend except in what is just, fair and right.

“The last time he was in touch with me was a couple of weeks back and in respect of the death of yet a greater Nigerian, Alh. Lateef kayode Jakande. He wanted some clarifications about LKJ’s unbelievably Spartan life, which I obliged him. May the soul of Odumakin rest in peace and may God be with his wife, Dr. Mrs. Joe Odumakin and the children he left behind.”

Pro-democracy Movement declares 7-day mourning

The Convener of the June 12 Pro-Democracy Movement of Nigeria, Olawale Okunniyi, announced a seven-day mourning for the loss of Odumakin.

Okunniyi said Yinka Odumakin was one the fiercest and most prolific comrades of the Pro-Democracy Movement in Nigeria, who fought the cause of a just and equitable Nigeria and therefore deserved to be immortalised by the Pro Democracy Movement.

Related Topics:Featured tribute Yinka Odumakin

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News

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

Published

14 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday.

The agency, in its weather outlook released on Sunday, also warned that strong winds could occur ahead of thunderstorms in some areas.

For Monday, NiMet expects thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Taraba and Kebbi during the morning. Later in the day, moderate rainfall is expected across several areas in the North-East, Kaduna, Taraba and Kebbi.

In the North-Central region, parts of Niger State could experience thunderstorms and light rain in the morning, while most parts of the region may record thunderstorms with moderate rainfall by afternoon or evening.

The southern states are also expected to experience wet conditions. NiMet forecasts cloudy skies in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. More thunderstorms and light rain are expected later in the day.

Tuesday and Wednesday Forecast

On Tuesday, the northern region is expected to have patches of cloud in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rain possible in parts of Taraba.

By afternoon or evening, most parts of the region could experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain.

In the North-Central, parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states are expected to receive thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in the day.

Southern areas, including parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and the South-South, may also experience thunderstorms and light rain.

NiMet expects more widespread rainfall on Wednesday, particularly across northern and North-Central states. Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba are among the areas listed for morning thunderstorms and moderate rain.

The agency also forecasts thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across much of the South later on Wednesday.

NiMet advised residents to secure loose objects and take precautions against strong winds. Motorists were urged to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, while residents were advised to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms and stay away from tall trees.

Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather information when planning flights.

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

News

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

Published

14 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

Civic organisation Working People United has congratulated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, praising her contributions to humanitarian services, education, healthcare and the empowerment of vulnerable Nigerians.

Oluremi Tinubu celebrates her 66th birthday on Monday, September 21, 2026, with messages of goodwill coming from individuals and organisations across the country.

In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday, National Coordinator-General of Working People United, Prince Williams Akporeha, described the First Lady’s years of public service as an important part of her contribution to Nigerian society.

Akporeha said the organisation recognised Oluremi Tinubu’s continued involvement in programmes designed to improve the welfare of children, women, young people and underserved communities.

He particularly highlighted her advocacy and interventions in education, healthcare access, youth development and economic empowerment, saying such initiatives were directed at addressing challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

According to the group, the First Lady’s humanitarian activities have focused on providing practical support to communities and creating opportunities for people who might otherwise have limited access to social and economic resources.

Working People United also commended Oluremi Tinubu’s interest in family welfare and children’s development, describing those areas as important to the long-term development of the country.

The organisation said efforts to strengthen access to basic education and healthcare, particularly at the grassroots, remained critical to improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

It also praised initiatives aimed at providing young people with skills and economic opportunities, noting that youth empowerment could help reduce vulnerability and expand participation in the economy.

Akporeha urged the First Lady to sustain her advocacy for vulnerable Nigerians as she begins another year of her life.

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

International

18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse

Published

14 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse

Eighteen suspects accused of involvement in the 2021 assassination of former Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been transferred from Haiti to the United States to face trial.

US officials said the suspects were transported to Florida on Sunday, as American authorities continue their prosecution of people allegedly connected to the plot.

Federal prosecutor Jason Reding Quinones said the suspects were flown from Haiti on a military aircraft to face proceedings in the Southern District of Florida.

He said US authorities had so far indicted 30 people in connection with the assassination and warned that the prosecutions were not over.

Among those transferred was Joseph Felix Badio, a former anti-corruption official with Haiti’s Ministry of Justice who has been identified as a major suspect in the investigation.

Haitian government and police sources said the other suspects included Colombian nationals who were allegedly part of the group involved in the operation.

Colombian Nationals Among Suspects

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 17 of its citizens had been transferred from Haiti to the United States.

The ministry said the Colombian government was monitoring the development but had not participated in the decision or process that led to the transfer.

Moise was killed at his private residence in Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021. Investigators said a group of about 20 Colombian military-trained mercenaries had been hired in connection with the operation.

The president’s security detail came under scrutiny after failing to prevent the attack.

In May, four men were convicted in a Miami federal court over charges connected to the plot, including conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moise and providing material support for the operation. They could face life imprisonment.

US prosecutors said the men were linked to CTU Security, a Florida-based private security company, and had allegedly been attracted by the prospect of lucrative contracts after Moise was removed from power.

The assassination plunged Haiti further into political and security turmoil. The country has since struggled with gang violence and remains without a president, while preparations continue for elections scheduled for December, subject to security conditions.