Category: Nigerian Tribune

Despite the transition to modern governance that gives ultimate power to elected public officials, Nigeria’s first-class monarchs continue to play significant roles in politics, culture, and community life.

Among these traditional rulers in Nigeria, some monarchs stand out for their cultural authority, historical prestige, royalty, and their role as custodians of tradition.

Here are the 10 Top First-Class Monarchs in Nigeria:

1. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II ( The Ooni of Ife):

The throne of Ooni of Ife is highly revered in Yoruba land and regarded as the spiritual leader of the entire Yoruba race all over the world.

Since ascending the throne in 2015, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, one of the most respected monarchs, has been a strong advocate for youth and women’s empowerment.

His ruling in Ile-Ife, Yoruba’s ancestral home, commands respect across Nigeria and the diaspora. Additionally, the Ooni of Ife serves as the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.

2. Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad ABUBAKAR III ( The Sultan of Sokoto):

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto and is considered the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.

He inherited the two-century-old throne founded by his forefather, Sheikh Usmanu Dan Fodio. The Sultan of Sokoto plays a unifying role in the Muslim Ummah and chairs the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

He is a respected authority on matters of peace, interfaith dialogue, and national unity. Sultan also co-chairs the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.

3. Oba Akeem Owoade I (The Alaafin of Oyo)

The Alaafin of Oyo stool, as is widely referred to, remains a powerful Yoruba seat with centuries of history tracing back to the old Oyo Empire.

According to history, Alaafin of Oyo is said to have originated from Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. Headed by the current Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade I, the institution remains one of the influential traditional monarchs in Africa.

4. Oba Ewuare II (The Oba of Benin)

The seat of the Oba of Benin remains a custodian of the ancient Benin Kingdom, with its long history of art, culture, and early contact with Europeans.

Enthroned in 2016 as Benin’s 40th Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II remains a strong advocate against human trafficking and continues to preserve the heritage of his kingdom.

5. Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (The Emir of Kano):

The Kano Emirate is no doubt one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional institutions. The Emir has cultural influence over millions in Kano and beyond. In 2024, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was reinstalled for his second reign and since been continuing the legacy of Kano as historically a hub of commerce and Islamic scholarship.

6. Oba Rilwan Akiolu (The Oba of Lagos):

Lagos’s throne is symbolic not only because of its finest history but also because it is Nigeria’s commercial nerve.

Oba Rilwan Akiolu has been on the throne since 2003 and is widely known as an influential figure in Yoruba land.

7. Prof. James Ayatse (The Tor Tiv):

The Tor Tiv is an influential figure and paramount ruler of the Tiv people in Benue State. Professor James Ayatse is a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and became the Tor Tiv in 2017. He is greatly recognized for his leadership skills.

8. Igwe Nnaemka Alfred Achebe (The Obi of Onitsha):

The Obi of Onitsha represents a great traditional emblem in one of the most historic towns in Igboland. Igwe Achebe is the traditional ruler and 21st Obi of Onitsha, who was installed in 2002. As a Harvard Alumnus and former Shell executive, Achebe represents the Igbo tradition with dignity.

9. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El Kanemi ( Shehu of Borno):

The Shehu of Borno represents the iconic institution as the custodian of the Kanemi-Bornu Empire heritage. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El Kanemi was appointed as the shehu by Governor Ali Modu Sheriff in 2009. Even though much of his tenure has been marked by the violent Boko Haram insurgency, which has been largely concentrated in northeastern Borno State, Abubakar remains a symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride for the Kanuri people.

10. Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Olubadan of Ibadanland):

Ibadan, West Africa’s largest city, boasts a unique chieftaincy system where succession to the throne of Olubadan follows a well-structured line. Following the demise of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan-in-Council nominated Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th ruler of the ancestral kingdom and was installed in a talk-of-the-town coronation on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the recent defections of two governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The ADC described the move as a gang-up against Nigerians by the governors.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, formally declared for the APC at an elaborate event in Enugu on Tuesday, while his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, took the same political step on Wednesday, along with members of his cabinet who announced their resignation from the erstwhile ruling party in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that the action of the governors in dumping the PDP was not informed by personal conviction but by cowardice.

Describing their actions as political apostasy, the ADC declared that the 2027 general elections ‘will be a contest between the people of Nigeria and the ruling party that has sent the majority into abject poverty and made life unbearable for most.’

The full statement read:

‘The recent defections by the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa States to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) validate the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s long-standing warning that President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, no matter the cost to democracy or national stability.

‘While it may seem like the APC has added more governors to its column, in reality, what has happened is that these governors have actually abandoned their people to team up with the ruling party that has made life miserable for the majority.

‘Nigerians can see the current state of the nation. They live through the APC’s failures every single day. Even those who once campaigned for the APC or had its logo on their social media profiles now avoid association with the party. Why? Because the Tinubu administration has failed on insecurity, failed on economic management, failed on healthcare, failed on social welfare, failed on corruption, and failed to restore Nigeria’s standing in the international community.

‘Every day, Nigerians are paying the price for these failures. Food prices continue to increase, jobs are non-existent, and insecurity continues to choke every part of the country.

‘When the ruling party has misgoverned the country, the only hope for the people in a democracy is for the opposition to rise in defence, propose alternative ideas, and lead the people out of their misery. This is what Nigerians expected from these governors in opposition. Instead, they abdicated. And in an act of historic political apostasy, they chose to join the grand conspiracy against the Nigerian people. They abandoned their people, not out of conviction but out of cowardice and other selfish considerations.

‘While the ruling party continues to celebrate the defection of these governors, the ADC and the opposition coalition are equally delighted that the line has been made even clearer between those who are committed to saving the country and those who merely want to join the gravy train. The people can see, and they are waiting. 2027 will be a clear battle between the people of Nigeria and President Tinubu and his gang of governors in the APC.’

Prompt engineering is actually a new career path that emerged with artificial intelligence. As a prompt engineer, you can work in various industries. You must be able to develop concise and effective prompts by exploring different techniques that bring the outputs you need.

Prompt engineers are experts. They create text-based prompts or cues understood by generative AI tools and large language models. This is unlike computer engineers who use code.

These AI prompt engineers are the intermediaries between machine learning models and humans who question them. As mentioned earlier, they write text-based cues, input them into the backend of AI tools to enable them to carry out tasks (with the proper and accurate tone) such as creating emails, essay writing, and even generating blog posts.

All the aforementioned are necessary because artificial intelligence lacks intuition. That’s why they need human intelligence to understand the human language to be effective.

Below are the steps that can help you become a prompt engineer:

1. Reflect on your goals

You need to reflect on your goals. Be outrightly sure this is what you want to do. Every decision or action you take will help you become a successful prompt engineer, that is, if you’re focused. Your goal could be to become a professional who develops AI language model technology, use it to grow your business, or just an engineer working for an organisation.

2. You need certification

It is your certification that will serve as proof that you have what it takes and that you’re employable. As someone aspiring for a prompt engineer role, a degree in data science, engineering, computer science, or other related fields can help. If you don’t, a certification in prompt engineering is necessary.

3. Build relevant skills

Prompt engineering is a field that requires diverse abilities. You need to understand human psychology, be proficient in technology, and be creative. Understanding the different language models, such as Chat GPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini, is key.

You must also be a good writer in such a way that you use prompts clear to the language model, natural to the user, and also in a conversational tone. As an AI engineer, you should also be able to provide contextual information in the prompt to yield the desired result.

4. Gain experience

What can help you to sharpen your skills is to apply what you’ve learnt before getting employment. Familiarity with cues or how they work is the easiest way to get experience. You can volunteer to work for someone, design your own projects, or practice various artificial intelligence language models.

5. Apply for jobs

After trying to gain experience, the next thing for you is to start applying for jobs. Your resume should reflect your experience, skills, and credentials. Have a portfolio that would showcase all the work you’ve done. Have a LinkedIn profile and ensure you update it all the time. Finally, your cover letter should be structured in accordance with what you’re applying for.

The Delta State Security Trust Fund was on Wednesday launched in Asaba, attracting captains of industry, security chiefs, community leaders, and top government officials.

They included the Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, who chaired the occasion; Zenith Bank Founder and Chairman, Mr Jim Ovia, CON, who served as Special Guest of Honour; and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, who served as Chief Launcher with a donation of ?10 billion.

The event, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, brought together captains of industry, security chiefs, community leaders, and top government officials, including the Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, who chaired the occasion; Zenith Bank Founder and Chairman, Mr Jim Ovia, CON, who served as Special Guest of Honour; and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, who served as Chief Launcher with a donation of ?10 billion.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state through public-private partnership in security management.

According to him, the Security Trust Fund, established by law in 2013, was designed as a collaborative platform for mobilising resources from the private sector to complement the government’s investment in security.

He explained that the fund would focus on acquiring modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, and communication tools, as well as supporting the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas of the state.

He said: ‘Security is not the sole responsibility of government; it is everyone’s business. Without adequate security, development cannot thrive, businesses cannot operate freely, and investors will be reluctant to commit their resources. This Trust Fund represents our shared commitment to peace, public safety, and sustainable growth.’

Governor Oborevwori said his administration had rebranded Operation Delta Hawk as Operation Delta Sweep, a joint task force involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps.

While noting that the synergy among these agencies had yielded significant results, including the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition from criminal elements, he outlined the government’s broader strategy for tackling the root causes of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and youth restiveness through empowerment programmes, agricultural initiatives, and massive infrastructure renewal that had created thousands of jobs.

‘Peace and security are better sustained when all citizens, especially women and youths, have opportunities to participate in economic growth,’ he said.

The Governor said 0.5 per cent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was already allocated monthly to the Security Trust Fund and appealed for sustained support from the private sector and individuals.

‘Your contributions today are not just donations; they are investments in peace, stability, and economic prosperity,’ he said, assuring that all funds would be transparently managed.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described the launch as a defining moment in the state’s history and commended Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, which he said had transformed Delta into one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and progressive states. ‘Our Governor is both a driver and an enabler of progress,’ he noted. ‘While others talk, he just gets it done,’ he added.

Aig-Imoukhuede announced a personal donation of ?100 million to the fund on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, and expressed optimism that the initiative would mobilise up to ?100 billion in 2025.

‘This launch does not end today; it begins today. Together, we will continue to strengthen the foundation for Delta’s safety and growth,’ he declared.

In his goodwill message, Mr Jim Ovia commended the governor’s foresight and described the Security Trust Fund as a bold and forward-looking initiative.

He reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s partnership with the state and pledged continued support for its developmental efforts. ‘Security is the foundation of peace, prosperity, and business growth. This fund brings together stakeholders to build a safer and more stable environment for citizens and investors alike,’ Ovia said.

Also speaking, Chief Keston Pondi, who spoke on behalf of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, lauded the governor for institutionalising a framework that enables coordinated private-sector participation in tackling security challenges.

He said: ‘What we are launching today goes beyond a financial contribution; it is a strategic investment in peace, progress, and the protection of lives and property,’ pledging Tantita’s full support for the initiative with a princely donation of ?10 billion.

In his keynote address, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, emphasised that development and security were inseparable and must go hand in hand.

He commended the ongoing transformation of road networks in Delta State, describing it as a major contributor to safety and connectivity. Akpoyibo called for increased investment in technology, training, and collaboration among security stakeholders, stressing that true security could only be achieved through shared responsibility.

Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, Mr Samuel Osasa, said the launch was aimed at reinvigorating the fund to meet emerging security needs.

He disclosed that the Trust Fund had, over the years, provided vehicles, equipment, and support to security agencies, including the recent installation of modern facilities for the State Police Command to enhance implementation of the Delta State Criminal Justice Law 2022.

He appealed to corporate organisations, private institutions, and individuals to partner with the State Security Trust Fund through generous donations, assuring that all contributions would be judiciously utilised in accordance with the law.

The event featured goodwill messages, pledges of financial support from public and private entities, and renewed calls for collaboration towards ensuring lasting peace and security across Delta State.

Basheerah Ojedeyi, a newly inducted Radiography graduate of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has regained her freedom two weeks after being kidnapped.

Tribune Online learnt that Basheerah was abducted in Niger State around 2:00 p.m. on September 29, 2025, while travelling to her hometown in Osun State, shortly after her induction ceremony in Sokoto.

According to reports, the vehicle she boarded developed a fault at Mokwa, Niger State, after which she became unreachable. Her family later confirmed that kidnappers made contact on Tuesday, 30th September, demanding a ransom of N200 million for her release.

The family, in a public appeal seeking assistance for her release, said: ‘All efforts to secure her freedom, including tough and intense negotiations to reduce the outrageous ransom demand of N200 million, have so far yielded no positive result. It is becoming increasingly clear that waiting any longer without further action could jeopardise her safety and prolong this heartbreaking situation.

‘We are therefore appealing to the public, friends, colleagues, and well-meaning Nigerians to kindly support in any capacity possible towards securing Basheerah’s safe and swift release. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to reuniting her with her family.’

In a recent development, the family confirmed that Basheerah was released on Monday, October 13, 2025, at about 6:00 p.m., following a ransom payment of N10 million.

The National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) Health Wing, UDUS Chapter, while confirming her release in a statement on Monday, expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their prayers, support, and contributions towards her freedom.

‘We urge the public not to send any money to the account number as the target has been reached and she has been released. May God not leave you to your affairs and may you find favor with God and humans. We, Naoss Health wing and on behalf of the family of Rad. Ojedeyi Basirat says thank you,’ the statement read.

Speaking with Tribune Online, Ademola Adam Oluwafisola, President of the association, explained steps taken after her abduction, appreciating the collaborative efforts among Police commands.

‘When we got the report of her abduction, we immediately informed the Sokoto, Niger, and Osun State Commissioners of Police. I personally reached out to the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, providing all details of the incident. I must commend their collaborative effort and everyone who contributed to make it possible for us to meet up with the N10 million ransom,’ he added.

The Federal Government has clarified its stance on Expatriate Quota Board policies, saying it is not opposed to the hiring of expatriates but emphasised the need for companies to justify their requests.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalena Ajani, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during a stakeholder engagement and sensitisation on Expatriate Quota Reform, the New Visa Policy, and the Post-Amnesty Programme.

While stressing that the ministry was not against hiring expatriates, Ajani maintained that companies must provide clear justification for their requests.

In a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ibraheem Zakariyya, the Permanent Secretary insisted that companies must demonstrate that the required skills are not available in Nigeria.

She, however, expressed concern that some companies, despite operating in Nigeria for decades, continue to bring in expatriates for every project.

Ajani emphasised the importance of developing local talent and ensuring that Nigerians are given priority in employment opportunities.

Regarding suggestions for amnesty for expatriates, she clarified that the ministry would not grant amnesty for non-compliance with expatriate quota regulations, stressing that companies must adhere strictly to the rules and guidelines governing expatriate employment.

She reiterated the need for companies to prioritise local talent and develop the skills of Nigerian professionals, noting that the ministry is committed to ensuring Nigerians are given opportunities in their areas of expertise.

‘The Ministry of Interior remains committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the management of expatriate quota policies. We urge companies to comply with the regulations and prioritise the development of local talent,’ Ajani stated.

In her welcome address, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s migration landscape through technology, collaboration, and people-centred policies.

‘These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to excellence in border governance and migration management,’ she said.

‘Leadership is not just about managing systems-it is about inspiring change, empowering people, and ensuring that every reform enhances both our national security and the dignity of those we serve.’

The event was attended by representatives of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), who applauded the ministry’s reform efforts and commended the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for modernising the ministry’s operations.

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Outer City Zone of Ibadanland in Oyo state have eulogised the Alhaji Olayide Abas-led State Executive Committee of the party over the successful organisation of a leadership summit in which virtually all the tendencies within the party participated.

The leadership summit, which was held in Ibadan last week, sought to look into some challenges facing the party in the state in recent years with a view to finding lasting solutions from within ahead of the next general election.

In a statement signed by the Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, and Secretary, Chief Billy Ogundele, the stakeholders urged the leadership of the party in the state to leverage on the success of the summit to fine-tune the process of genuine reconciliation among individuals and groups within the party.

The statement said: ‘It is crystal clear that APC is the Party to beat in Nigeria today with positive development happening on the political turf across the country and in view of this, Oyo State cannot afford to lag behind.

‘APC has gone through some difficult moments but with what the leadership of the party achieved last week during the summit, it is obvious that the good old days are back.

‘While we laud the efforts of many critical stakeholders in stabilising the APC in our dear state, we urge the leadership at the state level to remain focused in their quest to provide an enabling environment for all genuine members to contribute their individual quota towards the realisation of the common goal which centres on reclaiming the Pacesetter State from the jackboot of the decimated PDP.’

Meta glasses (Meta Ray-Ban) are a product of a big tech company called Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of some popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Threads, and WhatsApp. The first generation of these AI glasses was publicly announced on 20 September 2020. It was a partnership between Meta, Ray-Ban, and EssilorLuxottica. The second generation was made public on 17 October 2023, and it is a major upgrade compared to the previous one in terms of camera, microphone quality, and water resistance.

The third generation (which was announced on 20 June 2025) is the Meta Ray-Ban Display that comes with a neural wristband and artificial intelligence.

The artificial intelligence-powered device, Meta Ray-Bans Display, is a step towards the future, whereby people would spend less time looking at their phone screens.

Here are facts about Meta AI glasses:

1. It can hear like humans

The Meta Ray-Ban glasses can actually hear and see as humans. It can give you visual feedback through its tiny display screen at the right corner of the right lens.

2. Same features as smartphones

It has features you would find in a phone. You can send messages, watch videos, make video calls, and take pictures. It has a map that automatically appears on it and helps you navigate your location.

3. It can transcribe

Meta glasses can automatically transcribe your conversation with someone, which you would see and read yourself through the lens.

4. You can query it

If you want clarification on anything, you can question the Meta AI assistant, and it will respond by displaying all the information you need to know with additional audio answers.

5. It protects privacy

As the user, it is only you who can see the display screen. This is to protect your privacy and, of course, your content. You can turn the screen off when you’re not using it.

6. Clear speaker

Even if you’re in a noisy place, the glasses can make you hear clearly. Having a conversation without the disruption of the background noise is with the help of the open-ear speaker.

7. Power charger

Meta smart glasses can last up to eight hours, and their charging case gives an additional 48 hours of power.

Key Phrase: Meta glasses.

Meta Description: Meta glasses are the step towards the future whereby people would spend less time looking at their phone screen.

The National Coordinator of Concerned Professionals for Good Governance, Okechukwu Nwafor, has praised the decision of the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a well-taken decision that would help the development of the state.

Nwafor, who stated this in a statement made available to newsmen, said that Mbah’s decision was a bold step, which reflected a commitment to the progress and effective governance in Enugu State.

He said Mbah’s track record in infrastructure, education, and healthcare had already positioned Enugu as one of the fastest-growing states in the South-East.

Governor Mbah had officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at a ceremony in Enugu.

Nwafor, however, said that the move was the outcome of deep reflection and wide consultation with political stakeholders.

Nwafor said: ‘This is a collective move by the political family in Enugu State, which include members of the National Assembly, members of the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all the Local Government Chairmen and Councillors, all political appointees.’

He explained that the defection was aimed at aligning Enugu State with the APC’s development agenda, adding that the decision would further advance the state’s transformation.

He also highlighted key achievements already recorded by the Mbah administration in Enugu as including the completion of smart green schools, primary healthcare centres, and roads, as well as a 600% increase in internally generated revenue.

Nwafor said that the governor’s switch to the APC would not distort the progress already recorded, as, according to him, it would rather enhance the quality of service delivery in the state.

AN emerging voice within the Nigerian literary space, Oluwatosin Akinrinde, is set to captivate readers with the simultaneous launch of two highly anticipated literary collections – Deathbed and Other Poems and Out-of-School Children and Other Stories. These books, published by the Academic Publishing Centre, University of Lagos (UNILAG), offer an unflinching examination of the complex socio-political landscape of modern-day Nigeria.

These literary publications mark a significant moment for Nigerian literature, as they directly confront the nation’s most pressing challenges, ranging from systemic poverty, insecurity, poor educational standards, mental health struggles, and the yearning for a better life abroad.

Out-of-school Children and Other Stories is a tapestry of human experiences woven through deeply evocative narratives. The titular story follows an aspiring journalist struggling to publish an article on out-of-school children, which highlights the devastating impact of poverty and insecurity. Other stories delve into the harsh lives of street beggars from Northern Nigeria in Lagos (‘Arewa’); the tough economic realities faced by the youth (’79 Missed Calls’); and the difficult decisions made by mothers grappling with neglect and poverty (‘The Fateful Mother’). The collection boldly tackles subjects often relegated to the shadows, including the trauma of ‘kitoing’ within the LGBTQIA+ community (‘Kitoed!’) and the emotional cost of emigration (‘The Cost of Flight’).

The accompanying poetry collection, Deathbed and Other Poems is a masterful dual exploration of mortality and societal decay. The opening poems on mortality are a ‘Triptych on Mortality,’ featuring speakers grappling with the liminal space between life and death. The second, more expansive section serves as a direct, lyrical Societal Critique, touching on topics from ‘Healthcare’s Collapse’ and ‘Tribalism’s Divide’ to ‘Boko Haram’s Terror’ and ‘Police Brutality’s Yoke.’

Speaking about the publications, the literary writer, Akinrinde, noted that his works reflect the lived experiences of the Nigerian people.

‘These two books are not just creative works; they are interventions. In the stories, I wanted to reflect the human cost of Nigeria’s social fractures, ranging from children denied education to women trapped in cycles of neglect and poverty. In the poems, I sought to hold a mirror to our collective struggles, while also insisting that literature must act as a voice of resistance and possibility. My hope is that readers find both discomfort and courage in these pages,’ he noted.

Director of Academic Publishing Centre, University of Lagos, Dr Moji Shodipe, commended the author’s ambitious work.

‘These two collections are a necessary intervention in contemporary Nigerian discourse. Oluwatosin demonstrates a rare courage through tackling the multi-dimensional poverty,insecurity, and social injustices that define our time. The stories and poems serve as a vital, unvarnished record of the Nigerian experience, and these publications serve as a significant event for our literary community,’ Shodipe said.