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Prodiva set to celebrate Nigeria’s unity in diversity on Independence day

Published

1 year ago

September 1, 2025

Prodiva Set to Celebrate Nigeria’s Unity in Diversity on Independence Day

As Nigeria is set to mark its 65th Independence Day on October 1, 2025, a new cultural initiative, Prodiva, has unveiled plans for a vibrant celebration of the nation’s prosperity through its diversity.
The event, titled “Prodiva Independence Fiesta”, is the brainchild of Bolatito Ajibode, a veteran banker turned entrepreneur, who is passionate about showcasing Nigeria’s unique cultural identity.
The celebration is being organized by Prodiva, a name derived from Prosperity and Diversity, and will take place at Muri Okunola Park in Lagos, according to a statement obtained on Monday.
Sponsored by Ginger Up Nigeria Limited, makers of healthy ginger-based beverages like Ginger Up and Ginger Shot, the fiesta will feature a panel of young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
These trailblazers, many of whom have launched successful small and medium-scale businesses, will share their journeys—challenges, triumphs, and lessons—in a bid to inspire the next generation.
“Our goal is to energize young Nigerians to believe in what is possible here at home,” Ajibode said.
“We want to motivate them to build rather than flee, to see opportunity rather than despair.”
The keynote speaker at the event is Ifedolapo Runsewe, the innovative founder of Freee Recycle Limited in Ibadan, which has gained national attention for its transformative work in tyre recycling.
In addition to motivational talks and cultural showcases, the event will also offer free exhibition booths for partner brands and businesses to display their products and services.

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Ajibode, who describes herself as “a woman with green blood” for her unwavering love for Nigeria, said the Lagos edition is just the beginning. Prodiva Independence Fiesta is envisioned as an annual, nationwide movement, rotating across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“By God’s grace, it will become a national event,” she said. “After the second edition in Lagos, we plan to move to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano—eventually hosting it simultaneously in all six zones.”

A Cultural Fabric with a Purpose
The inspiration behind Prodiva is more than just a celebration—it’s also about creating a unifying cultural identity. Ajibode first launched the Prodiva fabric in 2020 to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary.
Unlike Ghana’s iconic kente cloth, she felt Nigeria lacked a fabric that truly represents all its peoples.
Prodiva fabric is a carefully designed textile that incorporates symbols from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones:

North Central – Lush green landscape, representing the region’s vast agricultural potential.

North East – The handcrafted calabash, used for serving cow milk, symbolizing tradition.

North West – The Arewa knot, a symbol of unity and political identity.

South West – The Oduduwa crown, signifying heritage and authority.

South East – The Ofor staff, representing justice and truth in Igbo culture.

South South – The Fedora black hat, also known as the Niger Delta cap, symbolizing resource control and identity.

“Despite being the largest consumer of Ankara in Africa, Nigeria lacked a signature fabric like Ghana’s kente,” Ajibode noted. “So I decided to create one that reflects who we are—diverse, yet united.”
With support from design experts at Yaba College of Technology, the Prodiva fabric was born and has since gained traction as a proudly Nigerian attire. It will also be promoted during the Independence Fiesta, encouraging Nigerians to wear local instead of imported fabrics.

From Kitchen Startup to National Brand
Ajibode’s story mirrors the very essence of Prodiva. In 2016, while still a top executive at Stanbic IBTC Bank, she began making a ginger-and-honey mixture at home for her husband. When imported ginger granules disappeared from shelves, she saw an opportunity. With support from her employer’s Outside Business Interest (OBI) policy, she started Ginger Up Nigeria, now the country’s pioneer in commercial ginger-based drinks.
Today, the company employs over 50 people and is steadily building a footprint beyond Nigeria.
After a 32-year banking career across three major banks, Ajibode retired in July 2025 from her most recent role as Deputy Managing Director of the Lekki Free Zone Development Company, where she served for three years.
She now focuses full-time on growing her ginger beverage business and promoting Prodiva as a cultural and entrepreneurial movement.
For Ajibode, this event is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action.
“We are the prosperity in our diversity,” she said. “And it’s time we told that story to the world.”

Prodiva Set to Celebrate Nigeria’s Unity in Diversity on Independence Day

Related Topics:diversity Independence Day Nigeria Prodiva

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Bauchi Woman Arrested After Co-Wife Dies in Alleged Pestle Attack

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3 hours ago

September 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Bauchi Woman Arrested After Co-Wife Dies in Alleged Pestle Attack

A 33-year-old woman, Hauwa’u Haruna, has been arrested by the police in Bauchi State after her co-wife, identified as 43-year-old Jamila Adamu, died following an alleged attack with a pestle.

The incident occurred at about 4:05pm on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Tafawa Balewa Housing Estate in Bauchi metropolis, where the two women reportedly lived in the same household with their husband.

According to the Bauchi State Police Command, Haruna allegedly picked up a pestle during a confrontation and struck Adamu on the forehead.

The victim reportedly lost consciousness after the alleged assault.

Police said officers from C-Division, Bauchi, were alerted to the incident and responded to the residence. Adamu was subsequently taken to Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, where a medical doctor reportedly confirmed her death.

Her remains were deposited at the hospital mortuary pending an autopsy, while the police commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The police said the alleged pestle used in the attack was recovered and retained as an exhibit. Haruna was also arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

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The police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, said preliminary findings indicated that the suspect was allegedly acting under what the command described as hallucinations when the incident occurred.

However, the police description does not by itself establish a medical diagnosis or explain the cause of the alleged behaviour. Further investigation, including the circumstances surrounding the incident and any relevant medical assessment, would be required to establish the facts.

The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and prosecution.

The commissioner also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged members of the public to seek timely medical and psychosocial assistance for people experiencing serious behavioural or psychological difficulties.

Police have not disclosed a specific motive for the alleged attack or provided details of what triggered the confrontation between the two women.

The incident has consequently remained under investigation as authorities work to establish the circumstances that preceded the alleged assault and the events that led to Adamu’s death.

The case is expected to be subjected to further investigation before any criminal liability is determined through the appropriate legal process.

Bauchi Woman Arrested After Co-Wife Dies in Alleged Pestle Attack

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Lagos Driver Arrested After Police Sergeant Dies During Stop-and-Search

Published

3 hours ago

September 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos Driver Arrested After Police Sergeant Dies During Stop-and-Search

A 21-year-old Lagos driver has been arrested after a police sergeant was fatally injured during a stop-and-search operation in the Egbeda area of Lagos State.

The deceased officer, identified as Sergeant Johnson Okediji, was reportedly knocked down and dragged beneath a Lexus ES 350 during the incident, which occurred at about 2:20pm on Saturday, September 26, 2026, along Olugbede Street, Egbeda.

The driver, identified by the police as Olumide Olusola, was arrested after officers pursued him following the incident. The Lexus, with registration number FKJ 223 KX, was also recovered and taken into police custody.

According to the Lagos State Police Command, officers were conducting a stop-and-search operation when they flagged down the vehicle.

The command said the driver initially stopped but allegedly accelerated as Sergeant Okediji approached the driver’s side of the vehicle.

The officer was reportedly knocked down and dragged underneath the moving vehicle for several metres despite efforts by other police officers and passers-by to stop the driver.

Okediji sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries in the incident.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital before being referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His remains were subsequently deposited at the Mainland Hospital Mortuary, while an autopsy was ordered to assist with determining the circumstances surrounding his death.

The police later arrested Olusola and recovered the vehicle involved in the incident.

However, the suspect has disputed the police account of what happened.

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While being paraded by the command, Olusola reportedly denied deliberately hitting the officer, claiming instead that the vehicle suffered a brake failure as he approached the police officers.

He said he had taken the vehicle to a mechanic the previous day to replace its brake pads and was informed that the work had been completed.

According to his account, he later noticed that the brake was still slipping after he bought fuel on the day of the incident. He said he intended to return the vehicle to the mechanic when the incident occurred.

The competing accounts have not been resolved, and the police investigation is expected to establish how the collision occurred and whether the driver’s actions amounted to a deliberate attempt to evade the officers.

The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by police officers during stop-and-search operations, as well as the need for motorists to comply with lawful police checks.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani said the command would continue to enforce the law while ensuring that officers performing their duties operate within established rules.

The incident was disclosed during the command’s September operational briefing, where the commissioner also gave an account of other arrests and recoveries recorded during the month.

The police said 32 suspects were arrested during the period, while officers recovered 43 vehicles, five pump-action firearms, five locally made pistols, 20 live rounds or cartridges, 15 expended ammunition and about ₦2.5 million in cash, among other exhibits.

The command said investigations into the death of Sergeant Okediji were continuing.

The case is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death, including the suspect’s claim of brake failure and the police allegation that he accelerated after initially stopping for the search.

Lagos Driver Arrested After Police Sergeant Dies During Stop-and-Search

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Rivers Approves State Police Bill as Kano Assembly Starts Consideration

Published

3 hours ago

September 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Rivers Approves State Police Bill as Kano Assembly Starts Consideration

The Rivers State House of Assembly has unanimously endorsed the constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services in Nigeria, while the Kano State House of Assembly has begun considering the proposal as the nationwide legislative process gathers pace.

All 25 members of the Rivers Assembly voted in favour of the State Police Bill during plenary on Monday, September 28, following consideration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.

The bill was transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly by the National Assembly on September 16 for consideration and concurrence.

Rivers Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the lawmakers had consulted their constituents before taking a position on the proposed constitutional amendment.

He said the proposal would create a constitutional pathway for states to establish their own police services while allowing the National Assembly to prescribe minimum standards for policing nationwide.

The Rivers Assembly’s resolution is expected to be formally communicated to the National Assembly as part of the constitutional amendment process.

Meanwhile, the Kano State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of the bill after lawmakers resumed plenary on September 28.

The Kano Assembly had earlier indicated that it would examine the proposal when it reconvened, with lawmakers expected to scrutinise its provisions before taking a formal position.

The Kano development is part of a wider process involving the 36 state legislatures. The National Assembly has clarified that the State Police Services Bill is the only constitutional alteration proposal so far transmitted to the state assemblies for consideration.

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Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, a constitutional amendment passed by the National Assembly requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can proceed to the next stage.

This means at least 24 of the 36 state assemblies must approve the proposed amendment.

The National Assembly has given the state legislatures a 30-day administrative timeframe to consider and communicate their resolutions, although the Constitution itself does not prescribe that period as a statutory deadline.

The state-level consideration follows the passage of the executive-sponsored State Police constitutional amendment bill by the Senate and House of Representatives earlier in 2026.

The proposed amendment seeks to provide constitutional backing for a decentralised policing structure in which State Police Services would operate alongside the existing Federal Police Service.

The proposal also contains provisions intended to establish national minimum standards and safeguards for state policing.

According to the proposed framework, the Federal Police Service would continue to operate across Nigeria, while individual states that establish state police would have their own police services subject to the constitutional and legislative requirements.

The proposal comes amid longstanding discussions about restructuring Nigeria’s policing system and bringing law enforcement closer to communities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has previously backed the establishment of state police, saying a decentralised policing structure could complement the existing federal security architecture and strengthen grassroots policing.

The Presidency has also said that any new state policing framework would require provisions covering recruitment, training, funding, oversight, discipline, firearms control, complaints mechanisms and other safeguards before state police services begin operations.

The legislative process has already produced different responses from state assemblies. Osun and Edo have also backed the proposed amendment, while other assemblies, including Oyo, Nasarawa and Gombe, have begun or scheduled consideration of the bill.

The proposal, however, has not yet created State Police Services in Nigeria. It must first secure the constitutionally required support from at least 24 state assemblies and complete the remaining stages of the constitutional amendment process.

With Rivers having endorsed the proposal and Kano now considering it, attention is shifting to the decisions of the other state Houses of Assembly as the State Police Bill moves through the next phase of the constitutional review process.