Author: Nouman Ali

Psaltry International Company Limited, with backing from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), has kicked off an ambitious initiative to train 15,000 young women in cassava cultivation across Oyo State.

The programme targets women aged 18 to 35 and is designed to support the cultivation of 2,000 hectares of cassava.

Speaking during the company’s 20th anniversary celebration-which also marked the official launch of the NADF-FCMB support for the Psaltry-IDH-Mastercard initiative at the firm’s Awaye plant-Chief Executive Officer Oluyemisi Iranloye expressed gratitude to NADF and other partners for their consistent support.

She noted that the funding provided would cover land plowing, fertilizer application, chemicals, and other vital inputs required for the 2,000-hectare cassava project.

‘I want to sincerely thank everyone here and all who have played a role in Psaltry’s journey,’ she said.

‘I also extend my appreciation to the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, especially as this celebration coincides with the flag-off of the NADF-FCMB support for the Psaltry-IDH-Mastercard initiative, empowering 15,000 young women in Oyo State, aged 18 to 35, in cassava cultivation.’

Iranloye reeled out achievements of the organization towards impacting cassava farmers in the state, such as provision of an industrial borehole which supplied portable water, constant electricity, and medical outreach to many communities bordering the plant, and scholarships for cassava farmers’ children.

She said Psaltry has also facilitated the construction of the road linking Alayide, the host village, by the Oyo State government.

According to her, in the passing years, Psaltry has achieved the goal of pushing cassava floor to replace manufacturing companies’ dependence on wheat flour, production of food-grade starch for the likes of Nigerian Breweries and Nestle, as well as cassava-based sorbitol for toothpaste production and high-purity hydrogen for many industries.

‘As we mark 20 years, Psaltry is stepping confidently into a new era – one defined by innovation, product diversification, market diversification, groundbreaking research and development, sustainable livelihoods, clean energy, and environmental sustainability.

‘We generate 1.1megawatt of solar power to run our operations; nothing is wasted; our wastes are transformed into nutrient-rich animal feed. This is not only smart, it is sustainable.’

Dignitaries at the event include representatives from NADF, Abiodun Sosanya, who represented the Executive Secretary, Malam Mohammed Ibrahim, representative of Alitheia Group, Mr Oti Iletamhen, and officials of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

Others included the Alawaye of Awaye, Oba Okunlola Amidu Olawale, the head of the host village, Alhaji Gazali Alayide, and cassava stakeholders from within and outside Oyo State.

What we had thought was settled has unfortunately been re-opened: it is the subject of employing indigenous languages to teach children in their early part of schooling. The National Language Policy which formally gave the nod to the use of indigenous languages to teach in primary schools has been thrown out of the window. The policy stipulated that children from early childhood education to Primary Six should be taught in their mother tongue or the language of the environment. It was approved in 2022 as the National Language Policy for instruction in primary schools. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announcing its cancellation, said the policy did not deliver.

In his words: ‘We have seen a mass failure rate in WAEC, NECO, and JAMB in certain geo-political zones of the country, and those are the ones that adopted the mother tongue in an over-subscribed manner. This is about evidence-based governance. English now stands as the medium of instruction from pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary and tertiary education.’

According to reports, the scrapping was approved at a meeting of the National Council on Education, its 69th that took place in Akure earlier this month, from 3rd November to 7th. Dr. Alausa said pupils taught in indigenous languages struggled with basic English comprehension, hence the higher failure rates. He said using the mother tongue in Nigeria for the past 15 years has literally destroyed education in certain regions. ‘We have to talk about evidence, not emotions.’

Anticipating criticisms, the Minister said stakeholders who might differ were welcome but asked that they come forward with verifiable data to support their positions, assuring them that the government remained open.

When the report of the cancellation of the policy reached me, my mind raced to Professor Babs Fafunwa now of blessed memory. He passed away 15 years ago, but not until he had witnessed the enheartening positive triumph of decades of his struggle to see indigenous languages as medium of instruction in our schools. I began to wonder how far he may have gone in the Beyond. I do pray, very far. I recall what appeared as correlation of indigenous language with the importance of names at a certain point in his life.

Maria Virginia Haoa writing about language in January 2022 stated: ‘Language is inseparable from our way of being, our thoughts, our feelings, our joys and much more. It is through our language that we show who we are. If our language disappears, the whole socio-cultural foundation of our community of our speakers is put at risk.’

Since each human being is his name; he is not just the name he bears, he is the name, it came as a surprise and it was instructive when Prof. announced his change of name. A name when it is called rings out using voice waves. In 1990, he decided to readjust his name and I could not help but spread it in this column, so I wrote as follows: Captioned ‘Je m’appelle Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa’

‘Meanwhile, I have been advised of the affidavit to which Professor Fafunwa swore recently. He, formerly known as Professor Babs Fafunwa wishes to be known and addressed henceforth as Professor Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa. All former documents remain the same. Federal Ministry of Education and Tai Solarin to note.

‘Tai Solarin is the Prof.’s friend. The change of name is coming at a time Dr. Solarin has renewed his battle against what he has described as foreign names. Dr. Solarin admires Professor Fafunwa’s scholarship in the same manner and degree he respects Professor Sam Aluko and the late Professor Ayodele Awojobi. Dr. Tai Solarin has to adjust a habit that has endured for nearly 30 years of their friendship and mutual respect. He has no choice in the matter. It is a decree issued by the bearer and owner of the name: ‘Je m’appelle Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa.”

That was 35 years ago. Today I wish him help and pray that his path may be blessed wherever he may be, awakened into joyful activities in his continuing journey through Creation with gaze turned upwards.

According to UNESCO 2016: Studies indicate that instruction in a student’s native language improves understanding, analytical skills, and over all academic achievement. It enriches the learning experience but also promotes environmental stewardship and cultural resilience.

A study published in December 2021 by the Australian National University, according to UNESCO website, corroborates this, raising alarm on the future of linguistic diversity and underlying the point that of the world’s 7,000 recognised languages -6,000 of which are indigenous languages-around half are currently endangered, with 1, 500 particularly at risk. When an indigenous language is lost, not only does the knowledge accumulated by the community of its speakers fade away, but also the world’s cultural and biological diversity.

The principle of using native language as medium of instruction is stretched wider than just school teaching to what the UN considers as touching on fundamental rights of the citizens. This is reflected in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) adopted by the UN in 2007 to which the International Labour Organization (ILO) is said to have made substantial input. It encompasses the right for communities to practise and transmit their traditions and languages as well as to protect their heritage and objects. It is not from what any society would want to cut off their children, but to ingrain in them their uniqueness. For this reason, most major countries of the world, notably China, Germany, France, for example use native languages to teach in their schools. In the Philippines, indigenous peoples use their mother tongue as the primary language of instruction. The same obtains in Tanzania, Kenya and Tanzania. Kenya’s renowned writer Ngugi wa Thiong ‘o says: ‘Language exists as culture; it is the collective memory bank of people’s experience in history.’

International Expert Group meeting on Indigenous Languages from 8th to 10th January 2008 in New York considered language as the cornerstone of culture and the ultimate expression of belonging as it is through language that culture is shared and transmitted; a unique world view is expressed and identity is moulded and created. Connected with language is indigenous peoples’ ultimate relationship with the land.

The scrapping of the policy and the plan is obviously to halt the embarrassing high failure rates. The nation is eagerly awaiting the coming on stream of what the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed announced as other measures to address learning challenges at the foundational level. She said a training package for teachers that focuses on literacy and numeracy is being designed. It specifically targets teachers of pre-primary to Primary One to Three. ‘We are training them on the best methods to teach literacy and numeracy and the approach to classroom learning.’ It is to be hoped the training is going on simultaneously in all parts of the country and sight will not be lost of the essence of returning to the use of indigenous languages ultimately. What happens during the gestation period to stem failures must be in focus, too.

We would not know from where Professor Fafunwa was coming that made him apply himself unremittingly in the pursuit of getting indigenous languages used in Nigerian schools. I intervened in the debate at its peak in 1990, as follows:

Professor Babs Fafunwa will, it seems, need salesman Alex Nwokedi to push his product, Mother Tongue in schools, which refreshing and appealing as it is to our saturated ethnic sentiments, is not finding enthusiastic buyers in the market. Alex Nwokedi was that guy who had the magic of turning NEPA’s powerlessness to light. Darkness is darkness. What description, what definition are you going to give to a situation where there is power outage and there is no light, but utter darkness? In those days, Ogbuefi would make you to disbelieve yourself; he would try to make you comfortable and create a situation of light in your mind even though all around you was darkness. He was adept at it. He was tireless. He cared. All he was getting at was understanding. In the State House as General Obasanjo’s Press Secretary, he explained Obasanjo so well that Obasanjo smelled so sweet that the General could almost get away with anything.

NEPA’s case was bad; Obasanjo’s policies were not always without discomfort. Fafunwa’s case has merit. But habits change hard, at the same pace as the geological face of the earth. In the villages, what Fafunwa is struggling to persuade the urban people to buy is in place. It is in the villages more than 70 per cent of Nigerians live. Yet the strong opposition is coming from the substantial minority in the cities.

Part of the reason for the opposition may well be the desire to see one’s son speak Queen’s English and make him intelligent before his time so he can have a headstart in the future. The apprehension is understandable for the reason that a Mr. Crondje may emerge who will decree that you fail in English you fail in all subjects.

The experiment has been successful at Ife, by that we mean University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. Professor Fafunwa has achievement statistics to brandish to buttress his argument. But we don’t know how successful it is in the villages which have been on the same page and have been at home with Fafunwa’s programme. Ife, it can be argued, provides a rich and receptive soil to grow all-round pupils. There is hardly any parent on the campus who will fold his arms and cross his legs while his child is doing poorly in school. This is not in any way meant to diminish the noble thought behind Fafunwa’s programme.

The merit of Professor Fafunwa’s drive is, in my view, obvious. A child’s first contact with the world is through its mother and as it grows it communicates in her language. The homes where this is not the pattern must be few, indeed. Perhaps it may have to do with a medical condition that necessitates taking the baby away from her. The mother tongue is thus the language in the home. The first three years in the primary school when the local language will be the medium of instruction is the period of transition. It makes eminent sense that there is no sudden jump from language being spoken at home to a foreign language being spoken in school. It is unnatural. A child will be more at home if it first has grounding in its mother tongue and it moves step by step into the next stages of development.

A far more fundamental point is that language is a people’s culture. And culture is a manifestation of their development, that is the level of the development of their inner being. A rich inner life forms a rich culture, civility, humility and grace. Who does not rejoice in the culture of his people no matter where he may be, radiating warmth, the face shining and proudly in smiles, indeed, sunshine smiles? Time was-in the early stages of the development of man-when mankind were raw savages and their highest achievement was merry-making, pleasure, bloodletting, marriage and endless childbearing. As man developed, he grew out of primitivity and began to have high and noble aims and standards. As people must develop at their own pace in the exercise of their free will, the inalienable gift given to every man it follows that their inner clarity, perception must vary. The vehicles of expression of their perceptions must correspondingly vary-the Tower of Babel. No people may therefore be disturbed in their development. It means much more harm than is apparent to us debaters.

Everyone speaks the language that is appropriate for him and his development. When he is mature to recognise and speak the perfect language, he will do so and the perfect language already exists on the face of the earth-prepared for thousands of years for this time. It is, therefore, cruel, borne out of ignorance to attempt to separate a school child from his indigenous language that is inseparable from his being. The language of each people was derived from sounds in the elements special to their environment, infused with radiations were fashioned and shaped by Nature Beings to give each people their language intrinsic to them. The closer they are to Nature, observing Nature and obeying the Laws of Nature the sharper their perception, the higher their wisdom and the richer their proverbs.

Step forward Abraham Adesanya: Ibi ti a ti nlu lati injo. Enit’o ni nwon nlu l’oke Orun ko puro; eni t’o ni nwon jo ni Ajule Orun ko si so! (‘Where there is music, there is dancing. Therefore, whoever says there is beating of drum in Paradise, the Spiritual Realm has said the truth; and whoever says there is dancing in Primordial Spiritual Realm has not spoken amiss!’

Fafunwa’s programme is not as unworkable as it is being touted. There was a famous teacher at Abeokuta Grammar School who taught his students a science subject in the local language. The old boys of the school should remember him. There was hardly any of the students who offered the subject that did not pass it in high grades.

That said, it ought to be pointed out that Fafunwa’s critics have legitimate fears. The critics are from the cities and the cities are cosmopolitan. Do they send their children to the villages so they can be taught in the language of their parents? Their must be a way to allay their fears. If you asked me, I would say it is a question each parent should answer himself. The choice of what is best for his child is his.

Professor Fafunwa is on course, but he should be ready for battle. By the way, it may be interesting to know what the medium of instruction was in the primary school Professor Ayo Banjo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan attended; the primary school for Professor Alfred Opubor; ‘Cicero’ Bola Ige; Professor Wole Soyinka; Professor Richard Anao; Justice Omololu Thomas; Dr. Stanley Macebuh; Emeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu; and some Speakers of the First Republic such as Adeleke Adedoyin. There are more, Great speakers of English Language-all’.

We learn from the unique Work, In the Light of Truth the Grail Message, by Abd-ru-shin, and I quote: ‘True progress for each people lies solely in the development of its own culture adapted to the soil, climate and race. Man must become indigenous in the purest sense, if he wishes to develop and expect help from the Light. He should beware of adopting the habits and customs of peoples alien to his nature, not to mention foreign opinions. To be rooted in one’s native soil is a basic condition and alone guarantees health, strength and maturity.’

The initiative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has empowered 1,000 market women in four Local Government Areas of Osun State with business grants to tackle poverty and improve small-scale trading.

The initiative, tagged Ilerioluwa, which is sponsored by the Executive Director of Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olalekan Badmus, is the fifth edition in the series.

Badmus said, ‘For this fifth edition, over 1,000 women have benefited from Oyetola’s empowerment initiative. We have other strata of the empowerment scheme, which we target: admission seekers, youths, women, the aged, and the vulnerable in our society.

‘As one of the mentees of the Minister, I have learnt that he prioritises people’s welfare even when he was the governor of Osun State. He used to feed thousands of households monthly. From what he has taught us, I commenced the initiative after the government in his name.’

He explained that, ‘The major aim of this programme is to give back to society. It is organised for residents of Osun State across the federal constituency, which comprises four councils, to encourage women involved in small-scale businesses by providing grants to support their ventures.

‘This is the fifth edition, and over 1,000 individuals are benefiting from the initiative. Plans are underway to increase the number.’

The NPA boss, speaking, boasted that the unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State, will not be threatened after the December 13th, 2025, governorship primary among the aspirants.

He said, ‘APC has its own mechanism to maintain the unity of the party. I am confident that the party leadership is working diligently to ensure that all gubernatorial aspirants are united before, during, and after the primary.’

The pioneer Field Commander of Osun State Amotekun, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, said, ‘Since Oyetola left government in 2022, his organisation, Ilerioluwa, is the only political group that attends to the needs and welfare of the people of the state individually.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, describing his leadership as an inspiration to Nigerians as the revered monarch marks his 80th birthday and 35th coronation anniversary.

President Tinubu spoke on Sunday at the celebration of the dual milestones of Oba Adejugbe’s 80th birthday and the 35th anniversary of his coronation, in Ado-Ekiti.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the celebration, President Tinubu said the twin milestones were a moment of pride not only for Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State, but for the entire nation, which holds the monarch in deep respect for his wisdom, dignity, and service.

According to a statement issued by special adviser to the SGF on media and publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the President noted that the Ewi stool, one of the oldest and most respected traditional thrones in Yorubaland, embodies centuries of guardianship, order, and cultural continuity.

He added that Oba Adejugbe has upheld and elevated these values with ‘uncommon grace and distinction’ throughout his 35 years on the throne.

‘For more than three decades, Oba Adejugbe has embodied these sacred responsibilities with distinction. Under his reign, Ado-Ekiti has witnessed sociocultural renewal, strengthened communal harmony, and closer engagement with government institutions,’ the President said.

Tinubu lauded the monarch’s advocacy for education, youth empowerment, peace-building, and the preservation of Ekiti’s moral and cultural heritage, noting that these qualities had earned him admiration far beyond the state.

Describing the 80th birthday as ‘a remarkable milestone’ marked by memories of service and dignity, President Tinubu said it offered a moment to honour a royal father whose influence had strengthened national unity and enriched Nigeria’s cultural fabric.

‘His Imperial Majesty has not only preserved the prestige of the Ewi stool, he has elevated it, demonstrating the highest ideals of integrity, humility, courage, and patriotic commitment,’ he said.

Ahead of the grand finale of celebrations on November 23, 2025, the President, through the SGF, prayed for God to grant the monarch renewed strength and long life.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s deep respect for the Ewi’s contributions to peace, unity, and national development.

Senator Akume also extended congratulations to the royal family, the Ado-Ekiti Traditional Council, and the people of Ekiti, describing Oba Adejugbe as a monarch whose life ‘continues to illuminate the path of justice, wisdom, and communal progress.’

‘We celebrate not just the age of 80, but a reign that has deepened the cultural dignity of Ekiti and captured the admiration of a grateful nation,’ he said.

The Gombe State Police Command has described as false reports of an attack on the ECWA Church, Kashere, in the Akko Local Government Area.

Spokesman for the command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, dismissed the report in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the police, upon seeing the claim, reached out to an elder of the church who dismissed the reported attack as a total falsehood.

Abdullahi said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Pindiga and the Officer in Charge of the Kashere Police Outstation were the ones who immediately reached out to one of the church elders.

‘The elder, who was physically present in the church during the second segment of the Hausa service, confirmed that no such incident occurred. He also acknowledged that police officers were at the church premises throughout the day, protecting part of the routine security coverage.

‘The command views the circulation of such false information as irresponsible and capable of creating unnecessary panic among the public. The source of this misinformation will be thoroughly investigated with a view to taking appropriate action.

‘Members of the public are advised to remain calm and law-abiding, as the Gombe State Police Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents across the state,’ said Abdullahi.

Nigeria stands at a perilous crossroads today. The spectre of insecurity looms large, threatening not only the safety of lives and property but also the very fabric of our national unity, economic stability, and collective destiny. From the northern plains to the southern forests, from bustling cities to rural hamlets, the menace of banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and communal violence has become a daily reality. This is not merely a passing challenge; it is an existential crisis that demands urgent, pragmatic, and visionary intervention.

The time for rhetoric has long expired. What Nigeria requires now is decisive action anchored in innovation, cultural resonance, and institutional empowerment. It is within this context that I call upon the Federal Government to adopt what I term the Tripod Model of Security Intervention-a three-pillar framework designed to transform our approach to safeguarding lives and property. This model rests upon three strategic pillars: deploying drones and forest rangers to reclaim our forests and rural spaces, implementing state policing to localise and strengthen law enforcement, and constitutionally empowering our traditional monarchs to serve as grassroots patriotic security arms. Together, these pillars form a tripod-stable, balanced, and resilient. Without one, the structure falters; with all three, Nigeria can stand firm against the tide of insecurity.

Implementing Recommendations from Drone and Forest Rangers

Nigeria’s forests, once symbols of natural abundance and ecological heritage, have tragically become sanctuaries for criminality. Insurgents, kidnappers, and bandits exploit these vast, ungoverned spaces as hideouts, staging grounds, and operational bases. The inability of conventional policing to penetrate these terrains has emboldened criminal networks, leaving rural communities vulnerable and defenceless.

In my earlier article, Drone and Forest Rangers, I outlined a comprehensive strategy to reclaim these spaces. The Federal Government must now move beyond deliberation to implementation. Advanced drone technology offers unparalleled opportunities for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response. Drones can monitor vast forested regions in real time, detect suspicious movements, and relay actionable intelligence to security agencies.

Yet drones alone are insufficient. Technology must be complemented by human presence. This is where forest rangers come in-well-trained, well-equipped personnel dedicated to patrolling, monitoring, and securing our forests. These rangers should be armed not only with modern tools but also with ecological knowledge, enabling them to protect both human communities and environmental resources.

The synergy between drones and forest rangers will dismantle criminal hideouts, disrupt insurgent logistics, and restore confidence in rural and forested regions. Moreover, it will send a powerful message: Nigeria will no longer cede its natural spaces to criminality. Our forests must return to being sanctuaries of life, not death.

Implementing State Policing

Centralised policing, as currently practised in Nigeria, has proven inadequate in addressing the diverse and localised nature of our security challenges. A single, monolithic police structure cannot effectively respond to the unique cultural, geographical, and socio-political realities of thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory.

State policing is not merely an option; it is an urgent necessity. Empowering states to manage their own security architecture will ensure rapid response, cultural alignment, and accountability. Local officers, recruited from within communities, will possess intimate knowledge of the terrain, language, and social dynamics. They will be better positioned to detect early warning signs of unrest, mediate conflicts, and respond swiftly to emergencies.

Critics often raise concerns about the potential misuse of state police by governors for political purposes. While such concerns are valid, they are not insurmountable. Robust constitutional safeguards, independent oversight mechanisms, and federal coordination can mitigate these risks. Indeed, the dangers of inaction far outweigh the risks of reform.

The Federal Government must therefore collaborate with the National Assembly to amend the constitution and institutionalise state policing. This reform will decentralise security, empower communities, and strengthen the federation. It will also relieve the overstretched federal police, allowing them to focus on national and trans-state threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, and organised crime.

In truth, no modern federation thrives without localised policing. Nigeria must join the ranks of nations that recognise the indispensability of state-level law enforcement.

Constitutionally Empowering Nigeria’s Monarchs as Grassroots Patriotic Security Arms

Nigeria’s traditional rulers-Obas, Obis, Emirs, and other custodians of cultural heritage-occupy a unique position in our national life. They are not relics of the past but living institutions of trust, influence, and continuity. For centuries, they have served as custodians of community values, mediators of disputes, and guardians of local order.

In the contemporary context of insecurity, these monarchs must be constitutionally empowered to serve as grassroots patriotic security arms. This empowerment should not be symbolic; it must be practical, financial, and institutional. A fraction of the security votes currently reserved for governors should be allocated to fund monarch-led security initiatives.

Traditional rulers, with their deep-rooted networks and moral authority, can mobilise community vigilance, foster intelligence gathering, and coordinate local defence efforts. They can serve as bridges between formal security agencies and grassroots communities, ensuring that information flows seamlessly and trust is maintained.

Moreover, empowering monarchs will restore a sense of ownership and patriotism at the community level. Citizens will no longer perceive security as a distant, government-imposed structure but as a collective responsibility anchored in familiar institutions. This cultural alignment is crucial; without it, security measures risk alienation and resistance.

By leveraging the influence of traditional rulers, Nigeria can create a patriotic force that complements formal security agencies and strengthens community resilience. In times of crisis, monarchs can rally their people, mediate conflicts, and prevent escalation. Their involvement will transform security from a top-down imposition into a bottom-up collaboration.

The Tripod Model: A Balanced Framework

The genius of the Tripod Model lies in its balance. Each pillar addresses a distinct dimension of insecurity: technology and terrain through drones and forest rangers, localisation and accountability through state policing, and culture and community trust through empowered monarchs. Together, they form a holistic framework that is pragmatic, technology-driven, and culturally aligned. No single pillar can suffice; all three must be implemented in concert. Just as a tripod cannot stand on two legs, Nigeria cannot overcome insecurity with partial measures.

This model also reflects the principle of subsidiarity: decisions and actions should be taken at the most immediate level consistent with their resolution. Forest rangers operate at the ecological level, state police at the political level, and monarchs at the cultural level. Each complements the other, creating a layered defence system that is both resilient and adaptive.

Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now

Insecurity is eroding Nigeria’s national unity, economic stability, and international reputation. It undermines investment, disrupts education, displaces communities, and corrodes trust in government. Left unchecked, it threatens to unravel the very fabric of our nation.

The Tripod Model offers a way forward-a pragmatic, balanced, and visionary solution. It combines technology with tradition, decentralisation with unity, and innovation with cultural resonance. It is not a utopian dream but a practical framework that can be implemented with political will, constitutional reform, and institutional commitment.

I therefore urge the Federal Government to act immediately. Implement these recommendations. Empower our institutions. Restore peace to Nigeria. History will not judge us by our intentions but by the actions we take today.

Nigeria must rise to the challenge. The tripod awaits its deployment. The time to act is now.

Ademola is Africa’s First Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, Chartered Manager, UK Digital Journalist, Strategic Advisor and Prophetic Mobiliser for National Transformation, and General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas

There is a need for unity among Yoruba groups in South Africa to foster cultural preservation, economic empowerment, social cohesion and national integration, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, has said.

Adams explained that such unity would also help with economic and political empowerment, as a united Yoruba community in South Africa can better advocate for its interests, access resources, and participate effectively in socio-political and economic activities both locally and in relation to Nigeria.

Adams made the call while speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), South African chapter.

He stressed that unity among Yoruba groups in South Africa will help safeguard and promote Yoruba cultural practices, language, festivals, and traditions in the diaspora.

Such collective effort, he noted, will ensure that Yoruba heritage remained vibrant and is passed down to future generations despite being away from the homeland.

‘Unity fosters a strong sense of community and belonging among Yoruba people in South Africa. It facilitates mutual support, cooperation, and collective action in addressing social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by the diaspora community,’ Adams said.

Speaking on the essence of teaching children of Nigerians in the diaspora their indigenous language, Adams said the importance was multifaceted and deeply significant culturally and educationally. He encouraged the Yoruba communities in South Africa not to fail in this parental responsibility.

‘Teaching Yoruba to children of Nigerians abroad helps preserve their cultural identity and heritage. It connects them to their roots, traditions, values, and history, fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride in their Nigerian and Yoruba ancestry,’ he added.

In his address, the host and National Coordinator, Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) South Africa, Chief Kayode Orenisi, said the 10th year anniversary celebration of OPU South Africa was a celebration of a decade of impact, unity, and progress.

‘This is a celebration of 10 years of carrying the torch of Yoruba heritage, 10 years of promoting our values, and 10 years of standing together as one big family in the diaspora.

‘When we began this journey, our goal was simple but powerful: to preserve our culture, uplift one another, and represent the Yoruba nation with dignity and pride anywhere we find ourselves. Today, by God’s grace, we can proudly say we have stayed true to that vision,’ he added.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed that 50 pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, have escaped from their abductors and reunited with their parents.

Reverend Yohanna, who is the Proprietor of the school, disclosed that the students escaped between Friday and Saturday but were unable to return to the school.

The development came to light when some parents informed the school of their children’s safe return, while school staff discovered others during visits to families.

Providing an update on the school’s population, Yohanna said the primary section has 430 pupils, including 377 boarders and 53 non-boarders.

The total number of secondary students is still being verified, as many records were destroyed during the abduction.

‘Currently, aside from the 50 pupils who escaped and returned home, 141 pupils were not taken. As it stands, 236 pupils remain in captivity, along with three children of staff, 14 secondary students, and 12 members of staff,’ Yohanna stated.

It was previously reported by the Principal, Rev. Sr. Felicia Gyang, that the bandits initially targeted the primary school dormitory. To protect other students, the principal and fellow sisters guided secondary school pupils into nearby bushes to evade the abductors.

Yohanna, who also serves as Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called for prayers for the safe and speedy release of the remaining abducted children and adults.

‘As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims. I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government, and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.’

However, in a related development, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, described the incident as more of a scare and of missing people rather than a kidnapping, stressing that it was quick to conclude that it was a case of abduction and for any figures to have been revealed.

‘Yes, there was a scare, sporadic gunshots, and the children ran because they were targeted. And from the Google imagery, there was no mass movement of people, but people running up and down’, he said.

He, however, confirmed that some of the children have been found and reunited with their families, adding that efforts are being intensified to find the rest soon.

Speaking on TVC News Live at 10 pm on Saturday, the Governor sought calm from all residents of the state over the incident, assuring that security agencies are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure the children are rescued unhurt.

He also stressed that the incident was avoidable, stating that it is not the time for a blame game but to correct all mistakes, get the children back, reunite them with their families, and forge ahead.

He again applauded the federal government for tremendous support, especially in terms of personnel and equipment to aid in surveillance and rescue operations.

WhyteCleon Limited, a leading HR consulting and outsourcing firm, yesterday staged the Cleon Health Walk 2025, a major fitness and medical awareness campaign aimed at tackling the rising cases of diabetes and high blood pressure (HBP) among Nigerians.

The event featured free medical tests, a health lecture, aerobics sessions, and a community fitness walk that recorded an impressive turnout.

Speaking at the event, the company’s General Manager (Operations), Mr. Yakubu Wuyep, said the initiative was designed not only to promote healthy living but also to strengthen unity, encourage employee engagement, and raise public consciousness about preventable health challenges.

‘We aim to achieve a plethora of things with just this one event,’ Wuyep said. ‘We want to promote unity, networking, and most importantly, bring to public awareness the prevailing health issues. This year, from the medical records of our staff, diabetes and high blood pressure have emerged as common ailments. We want people to consciously live healthy lives so these ailments don’t take them by surprise.’

He explained that diabetes and hypertension were specifically selected for the campaign due to their growing frequency among the company’s workforce.

‘Many of our people have been visiting hospitals, and the results kept pointing to these two conditions. So we felt the need to create awareness, asking people to watch what they eat and be intentional about healthy living,’ he said.

More than 2,000 participants-including staff, partners, and friends of the company-took part in the awareness event.

On arrival, participants received free blood pressure and blood glucose checks before engaging in the fitness activities. The programme also featured a health talk by medical practitioner Dr. Kolade Faleke, who stressed the dangers of inactivity and the increasing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in Nigeria.

‘Hypertension is highly prevalent in Nigeria,’ Dr. Faleke explained. ‘One major cause is inactivity. Many of us spend long hours at work with little physical exercise. Scientific studies have shown that exercise helps curb and manage both hypertension and diabetes. This walk is a good start, but the key is to make exercise a continuous lifestyle.’

The health walk commenced at 10:29 a.m. from Bendel Close, moving through Bishop Aboyade Street to Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Akin Adesola Street, Muri Okunola Park, Adeola Hopewell Street, Akinogun Savage Street, and back to Adetokunbo Ademola to finish at Bendel Close at 11:42 a.m.

Security was fully coordinated, with support from LASTMA and the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring crowd control, orderly movement, and safety throughout the walk.

Cleon Health Walk is a biannual initiative, and according to Wuyep, this year marks its third edition in the current biannual cycle. Whyte Cleon has hosted the event since 2015, further cementing the company’s commitment to corporate wellness and employee engagement.

‘We want people to network, bond, and realize that the company truly cares for them,’ Wuyep added. ‘This is also an employee engagement activity. After today, we hope people become more conscious about healthy diets, regular exercise, and general well-being.’

Wuyep also encouraged staff members who could not attend to make a strong effort to participate in future editions.

‘There will always be a few who can’t make it, but our advice is that they join next time to benefit from the essence of the programme.’

A major relief came the way of the 2024/2025 victims of the inferno incidents in Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas of Delta State, as the Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barrister Chiedu Ebie, on behalf of the Commission presented financial support and palliatives to them recently.

Organised by the Commission in collaboration with the UsFirst Charity Foundation, the presentation took place at the Vienna Arena Event Centre, Boji Boji Agbor.

Speaking at the event, Ebie stressed that the NDDC Board is pro-people as such would continue to actualise its mandate to the people.

According to him, the Commission’s gesture was part of its renewed drive to respond to the needs of people affected by natural or man-made disasters in the Niger Delta region.

Ebie pointed out that the new leadership and management of NDDC remain committed to serving the greater good of the greater number of Niger Deltans.

‘We are here today to say to the victims, ‘sorry for your loss, wipe your tears.’ This token is our way of identifying with you and easing the pain of your losses. ‘The new NDDC is about people, compassion and accountability,’ he assured.