metro
Stampede: Pressure mounts on Oyo govt to release Ooni’s former wife
Stampede: Pressure mounts on Oyo govt to release Ooni’s former wife
The Oyo State government is facing increasing pressure to release Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of Ooni of Ife, who was detained following the tragic death of 35 children in a stampede during a funfair in Ibadan.
Silekunola, a renowned philanthropist, has been remanded alongside two other individuals, facing charges of conspiracy, negligence, and failing to provide adequate security and medical service during the event.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been particularly vocal, condemning the detention of Silekunola as wrongful and unnecessary.
In a statement, NANS criticised the government’s failure to address the underlying issues of poverty and hunger, which they believe were key factors in the stampede.
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The student body stated that Silekunola, known for her extensive charitable work, should not be penalised for her philanthropic efforts.
NANS further argued that the tragedy showed the government’s neglect of its responsibilities to ensure adequate security during large gatherings and the systemic issue of hunger.
They pointed to similar incidents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Anambra State, where stampede during food distribution also led to fatalities, but no prosecutions were initiated.
The ongoing detention of Silekunola has sparked concerns that it could discourage other well-meaning individuals from supporting vulnerable communities in the future.
NANS called for the immediate release of Silekunola and her co-defendants, stating that their continued detention would set a dangerous precedent for philanthropy in Nigeria.
Stampede: Pressure mounts on Oyo govt to release Ooni’s former wife
metro
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has announced the gruesome murder of Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo by unknown assailants.
Rev Fr Okonkwo, who is also a pharmacist, was shot dead in Ihiala on Boxing Day.
The killing of the clergyman came barely two weeks after the abduction of a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala and their whereabouts have remained unknown.
A statement signed by Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr Raphael Ezeonu said Fr. Tobias was killed between 7 pm and 8 pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.
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The statement described the incident as a devastating loss but expressed faith in divine consolation.
Born on August 11, 1984, Fr. Tobias was ordained as a priest on July 11, 2015.
At the time of his death, he was serving as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi called on the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr. Tobias and to console his bereaved family.
The Diocese said funeral arrangements of Fr Okonkwo will be announced in due course.
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
metro
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
The Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, on Friday said President Bola Tinubu had not disappointed Nigerians.
The cleric said this during the Juma’at prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, with President Tinubu in attendance.
“We are proud of you. I remember that we encouraged people to vote for you during the campaigns.
” We thank God that you have not disappointed us.
“We know you are capable. We know you have the sagacity. We know you are competent.
“We believe and pray that you are not going to disappoint us.
” May Allah continue to be with you. Allah has entrusted Nigeria to you and will ask you for this trust,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to be grateful to Allah during times of fortune and be patient during adversity.
He reminded the faithful that unwavering hope and faith were essential to believers, even in challenging circumstances.
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He assured the president of the steadfast prayers and support of Muslim faithful as he governed the nation.
The cleric urged the president to remember accountability and responsibility to the people, saying responsibility was to the people while accountability was to Allah.
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: ” The most beloved of all people to Allah is the righteous and just leader.’
“We have seen righteousness in you and fairness and justice in you. Please keep it up and sustain it.
“You bear one of the names of Prophet Muhammad, Ahmed, someone who does what is praiseworthy.
” This name has been reflected in your past actions and we hope it will reflect in your actions now.”
The Juma’at prayer was the president’s first public outing since attending prayers at the Alausa Central Mosque on Dec. 20.
The president arrived in Nigeria’s commercial capital on Dec. 18 after presenting the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.
In honour of victims of the stampedes in Oyo and Anambra States as well as the Federal Capital Territory, which claimed lives, Tinubu had cancelled his public engagements.
On Dec. 23, the president hosted the maiden Presidential Media Chat at his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive Residence in Ikoyi.
As part of the Christmas and holiday festivities, he also received private visitors daily.
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
metro
Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
The New African magazine has unveiled a list of 100 individuals who have made significant impacts across politics, business, science, sports, and civil society in 2024.
This year’s edition takes an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the individuals who are both on the continent and abroad, explained Anver Versi, editor of the London-based magazine.
Her statement reads, “We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.
“The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad.
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“Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.”
See full list and categories below…
Politics and Public Service
- Bassirou Diomaye Faye
- Kemi Badenoch
- Muhammad Ali Pate
- Claver Gatete
- Ali Mohamed
- King Mohamed VI
- Ronald Lamola
- Yemi Osinbajo
- Nardos Bekele-Thomas
- Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Business
11. Robins Tchale-Watchou
12. Fatima Tambajang
13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah
14. Samaila Zubairu
15. Thierno-Habib Hann
16. Akinwumi Adesina
17. Tariye Gbadegesin
18. Adebayo Ogunlesi
19. Wale Tinubu
20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy
23. Olugbenga Agboola
24. Alain Ebobissé
25. Tunde Olanrewaju
26. Nassef Sawiris
27. Aliko Dangote
28. Ismael Belkhayat
29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele
30. Jeremy Awori
31. Manuel Moses
32. Hassanein Hiridjee
33. Rene Awambeng
Civil Society
34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay
35. Mohamed Adow
36. Michael Kakande
37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
38. William Asiko
39. Eva Omaghomi
40. Nelson Amenya
41. Helmy Abouleish
42. Binaifer Nowrojee
Science & Academia
43. Elhadj As Sy
44. Chinasa T. Okolo
45. Tshilidzi Marwala
46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa
47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi
48. Rediet Abebe
49. Rachid Guerraoui
50. Abdoulaye Diabaté
51. Joy Buolamwini
52. Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
53. Miatta Fahnbulleh
54. Olajide Olatunji
55. Carlos Lopes
56. Zain Verjee
57. John-Allan Namu
58. Vera Songwe
59. Nesrine Malik
60. Tayo Aina
61. Thebe Ikalafeng
62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
63. Hannah Ryder
64. Ayman Mohyeldin
65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative
66. Zineb Sedira
67. Rita Mawuena Benissan
68. Iansmith Mwenda
69. Idris Elba
70. Ken Wakia
71. Adejoké Bakare
72. Ayra Starr
73. Selma Feriani
74. DJ Edu
75. Eugene Mbugua
76. Chigozie Obioma
77. Kamel Daoud
78. Tesfaye Urgessa
79. Mehdi Qotbi
80. DBN Gogo
81. Yinka Ilori
82. Amina Lola Shoneyin
83. Ekow Eshun
84. Zhong FeiFei
85. Mati Diop
86. Hassan Hajjaj
87. Koyo Kouoh
88. Mo Harawe
89. Victoria Kimani
Sports
90. Patrice Motsepe
91. Letsile Tebogo
92. Imane Khelif
93. Tunde Onakoya
94. Gelson Fernandes
95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
96. Biniam Girmay
97. Ademola Lookman
98. Ruth Chepng’etich
99. Omar Berrada
100. Sifan Hassan
Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
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