Africano Trumpeters Digital, Iwo Road, Ibadan (2026)

19/11/2025

Bimbo Kolade Celebrates Male Role Models on Int'l Men's Day

Today, I raise a toast to celebrate men all over the world, especially Nigerian men.

Men; that specie specially created by God to represent His essence, His love and His benevolence. Men who shape our families, communities, and society.

Can anyone imagine for a moment a world without men!

Unfathomable!

Today, in recognition of the International Men's Day- a global awareness day for many issues that men face, including abuse, homelessness, su***de, and violence, I roll out the drums in honour of men who lead with integrity, who work hard, and who give of themselves quietly and consistently. I honour fathers, brothers, husbands, sons, and mentors who stand as pillars of responsibility, courage, and support.

As we celebrate today; we take cognisanze of the six pillars of International Men's Day which are:

i. promoting positive male role models, (ii). celebrating men's contributions to society, (iii). focusing on men's health and wellbeing (iv). highlighting discrimination against males, (v). improving gender relations and promoting gender equality (vi). and creating a safer world for everyone.
These pillars work to acknowledge the challenges men face while celebrating their positive impact on their communities.

Today also reminds us that men, too, face pressures and silent struggles. So we encourage our men to care for their wellbeing, to seek help when needed, and to know that true strength includes compassion and vulnerability.

To all the men making a positive difference — we see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you.

Happy International Men’s Day!

Thank you.

Signed:
Hon. Bimbo Kolade.

19/11/2025

NANS President, Olushola Oladoja Calls for Unity, Excellence on International Students’ Day

SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS (NANS),

COMR. OLUSHOLA OLADOJA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ DAY CELEBRATION
HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA, 17TH NOVEMBER 2025

Protocols…

The President and Commander in chief of armed force FRN
The Chairman of the Occasion
The Grand Patron and National Patron of NANS
Our Special Guests of Honor
Our Lead Guest Speakers
The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja;
Distinguished Management Staff;
Members of the Academia;
Our Esteemed Guests from WAEC, NECO, JAMB, and NELFUND;
Leaders of Student Unions and Organizations;
Award Recipients;
Gentlemen of the Press;
My fellow Nigerian students;

All protocols duly observed.

With a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude, I stand before you today on this historic occasion of the 2025 International Students’ Day Celebration, hosted here at the prestigious University of Abuja.

This annual event is not just a gathering but a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and limitless potential of Nigerian students. Across campuses, classrooms, and communities, students remain the heartbeat of national development, the hope for innovation, and the engine of a prosperous future.

Today, we celebrate you.
Today, we honor your excellence.
Today, we re-affirm our commitment to building a Nigeria where students can dream, thrive, and lead.

This year's celebration focuses on Academic Excellence, Youth Empowerment, and National Development — a theme that reflects our collective journey and the critical role students play in shaping the future of our country.

In an era where the global community demands knowledge, skill, creativity, and discipline, Nigeria must never be left behind. Our students are already proving that they can stand tall on the global stage, and today, we highlight some of those

One of the iconic features of this 2025 celebration is the NANS Academic Excellence Award, an initiative designed to stimulate healthy competition, encourage brilliance, and reward outstanding performance.

Today, we are proudly honoring:

1. The Best-Performing Student in the 2025 WAEC Examination

Selected by the West African Examinations Council for exceptional achievement.

2. The Best-Performing Student in the 2025 NECO Examination

Nominated for outstanding distinction in the national exam.

3. The Best-Performing Candidate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)

As identified by JAMB for the highest performance in the country.

4. The Best Student in Each Faculty of the University of Abuja

A recognition of faculty-level academic champions whose consistency, brilliance, and dedication reflect the true spirit of scholarly excellence.

These awards symbolize our belief that hard work must be recognized, and excellence must be rewarded. To the recipients and their families: today, you have written your names in gold.

The National Association of Nigerian Students remains committed to:

defending the rights and welfare of students,

advocating better funding of education,

supporting policies that promote access and equity,

strengthening student leadership across institutions,

and building a united student community across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Our engagement with bodies like NELFUND, WAEC, NECO, JAMB, federal agencies, and university administrations is driven by one mission — to ensure that the student remains at the center of national development.

I urge every student here today to remember that the future is not a distant dream — it begins now, with every choice you make, every book you read, every class you attend, and every skill you develop.

Nigeria is undergoing profound changes. The world is shifting towards knowledge-driven economies, digital transformation, innovation, and skills restructuring. You must position yourselves to lead in:

technology,

health sciences,

public administration,

arts and humanities,

agriculture,

engineering,

entrepreneurship,

and community development.

As your national president, I assure you that NANS will continue to champion causes that open doors for Nigerian students to excel, compete, and contribute meaningfully at home and abroad.

I extend my sincere gratitude to:

The Vice Chancellor and management of the University of Abuja,

Representatives of WAEC, NECO, JAMB, NELFUND, REA, FHA, NCC, OGFZA, Ministry of Finance

Student leaders and unions across Nigeria,

Our distinguished guests,

And the hardworking members of the NANS executive.

Your support and presence have made this celebration a success.

As we join millions of students around the world in celebrating International Students’ Day, let us renew our commitment to education, excellence, peace, and nation building.

Let us remember that we are the strength of this nation.
We are the hope of tomorrow.
We are the torchbearers of a new era for Nigeria.

Together, we will rise.
Together, we will excel.
Together, we will build the Nigeria we dream of.

Thank you, and God bless all Nigerian students.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Comr. Olushola Oladoja
President
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

18/11/2025

Governor Makinde: You Don't Own Democracy, Fight for Your People's Welfare | Sola Abegunde

I have been seeing very disturbing videos, pictures and reading equally disturbing news of the unfortunate incident at the National Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, located at Wadata Plaza in the Federal Capital Territory.

Very unfortunate and disturbing narratives.

Let me say this, that, if truly, teargas were fired directly at people, in a manner that could occasion injuries, I do not support such actions from Security Agencies.

However, it is important to say that the events at Wadata Plaza this morning was avoidable.

In the first instance, I could be wrong, but I think the faction of the PDP, led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike were the first to put out a notice for a National Executive Council, NEC meeting yesterday.

It was later in the day that I began to read in the news that the Makinde faction had also slated its factional NEC meeting for the same venue, Wadata Plaza and about same time.

That was the beginning of today's crisis.

The factional NEC meetings couldn't have been a tea party.

There is no way the two factions would meet at the same venue and there won't be crisis.

Secondly, it appeared like the Wike faction were the first to gain entry into Wadata Plaza this morning but Makinde and his Bauchi state counterpart forced their ways through the security agents and from that moment, the crisis escalated.

Like I said, I have seen very disturbing videos of this ugly scenario.

I saw a particular video where some young men were attacking a door within the Party Secretariat, breaking glasses and acting violently while Governors Bala and Makinde watched.

I saw how the duo forced their ways through security lines to gain entrance into the Plaza.

When I saw the tenacity with which Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed fought to gain entry into the Wadata Plaza, I asked myself if the duo could be that tenacious in fighting for the entitlements and the well being of their respective citizens.

Now, before the lickspittles begin to twist my narratives and present me as an apologist of either of the sides, let me explain why I think Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed acted recklessly.

I think they could have left the Wike side to do whatever it is that they had wanted to do today and perhaps, fix their own NEC meeting for tomorrow.

Secondly, having gotten to the place and discovering that the other faction had already gained entry, I thought could they have at least waited and allowed them to finish before they attempt to gain entry.

I know their supporters would say oh, what if the Wike side took over the place and lock it up for good?

My simple answer to that is, did they not eventually take over the place and ended up doing what they set out to do despite the fracas?

The problem with Governor Seyi Makinde and his co travelers is that they don't know who not to fight, when not to fight and how not to fight.

Governor Makinde in particular is surrounded by a great number of mediocre and sycophants.

Yesterday, an unknown fellow took me up on certain issues I raised about the Circular Road and Governor Makinde's romance with some individuals and Groups.

The fellow accused me of being emotional and unrealistic without specifically bringing any material facts to back up his accusations.

When I Challenged him to bring out his facts so that we could engage intellectually, he claimed that the information at his disposal, if let out, would shake the tables.

I immediately lost interest in engaging with him.

Very many like him are around the Governor.

Good in theories but having nothing to show in practice.

Like I said, strategically, Governor Makinde is too weak to confront his foes who are more formidable, war tested and vicious.

He is like a toddler who challenged his grandfather to a wrestling match.

The loin clothes of the old man is blinding him.

When I saw Governor Makinde saying that he and his followers are fighting for the survival of Democracy, I felt like, he thinks that we are all gullible.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who, against the provisions of section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, declared that he doesn't believe in local Government autonomy, now turned to a freedom fighter?

Governor Makinde who disobeyed all the layers of Courts in Nigeria to install Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, his puppet, as the Eleruwa of Eruwa, is now fighting for Democracy?

Can Democracy thrive where there is no justice and the rules of Law is been trampled upon as he enjoys doing?

Governor Makinde who declared that he saw a lacuna in the judgment of the Supreme Court which granted financial autonomy to the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria is now the one who wants to defend Democracy in Nigeria?

Governor Makinde who once declared that he wasn't going to obey the judgment of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria which ordered him to pay the accumulated salaries and allowances for the Local Government Chairmen and Councilors elected under Ajimobi, is now the messiah, who wants to fight for Nigeria's Democracy?

Governor Makinde, who, in 2021 and 2024 stifled opposition political parties during local Government elections, dispatching thugs to wreck havocs in Eruwa and many other places is now our Champion of Democracy?

Only two sets of people would believe him.

Those who do not have correct information about him or the gullible ones.

My simple advice for the Governor is that he shouldn't concern himself with the fight for the survival of Democracy in Nigeria.

It is beyond him.

He should also reconsider the decision to go AWOL by staying in Abuja for two weeks just because he wants to be fighting for the survival of Democracy.

His primary assignments are in Oyo state.

He can not set fire in people's homes in Ibadan and hide away in Abuja on the pretence of fighting for Democracy.

If he had dedicated half of the energy he has been wasting on the PDP, to governance in Oyo state, there won't be protesters on the roads in Ibadan.

Governor Makinde's struggles in Abuja is a personal war for his survival.

He can only fool the uninformed and the gullible ones with the Democracy narratives.

Instead of giving it all in a personal dogfights in Abuja, Governor Makinde should come home and give his all to resolve the crisis his Government is perpetuating at the Circular road.

Just yesterday, a Chieftain of the PDP, Haliru Amma, in an interview, alleged that Governor Makinde pushed for the factional National Convention of the PDP at Ibadan " at all costs" despite internal disagreements within the Party.

He made this remarks in an interview on Channels Television.

He alleged that the Convention went ahead for two major reasons: the personal interests of the former PDP Chairman, Umar Damagun and Governor Makinde's heavy financial investments in preparations.

There is no doubts that Governor Makinde invested so much time and resources on the factional National Convention.

The question is, whose resources?

Could it have been the Governor's personal resources or state resources?

Your guess is as good as mine.

Yet, some lickspittles would not want you to talk about this manifest recklessness.

I said earlier that Governor Makinde doesn't know who not to fight, when not to fight and how not to fight.

I am surprised that he left the battles in his backyard to keep raging while at the same time, he launched another battle against formidable political opponents in Abuja.

That is not clever at all.

You can not fight a war on multiple fronts and expect to win.

Why no one would take Governor Makinde serious in this self imposed battle for the survival of Democracy is the fact that he is not different from those he chose to be fighting with now.

Was he not a member of the G-5 in 2023?

Did he and others not work with the opposition to destroy the PDP in 2023?

When did he apologize for his actions of 2023?

If the PDP knew what they were doing, they ought to have expelled him and others a long time ago?

I also said that Governor Makinde doesn't know how not to fight.

If he does, he and his faction woul not walk into an open trap this morning.

He would have known that any altercation within the premises of the PDP National Secretariat would provide a valid excuse for the police to step in and once that happens, he and his followers would be at a disadvantage.

Immediately they announce the holding of their NEC meeting for this morning, they got into a trap.

I will not talk about those who he ought not to fight for now.

In the fullness of time, we will all see.

Like I said, Governor Makinde should return home to attend to governance in Oyo state.

He has gotten his ego bruised enough at the National stage.

If he keeps pushing his luck, he will get his ego battered.

If you don't choose your battles wisely, you are bound to be messed up. ( Eni to ba ju ni lo...).

Sola Abegunde.

18/11/2025

Kebbi Students Abduction: In Grief, NANS President, Ladoja Calls for Urgent Action, Urges Security Reforms

The president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Olushola Oladoja has lamented Kebbi state students abduction and called for urgent action following the school.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is grappling with overwhelming grief following a tragic attack at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. This incident, which took place on November 17, 2025—coinciding with the celebration of International Students' Day—resulted in the brutal killing of Vice Principal Mr. Hassan Yakubu Makuku, along with the abduction of 25 female students by armed assailants.

International Students' Day is traditionally a moment for honoring the resilience and potential of students worldwide. However, this year, the day has been marred by an act of violence and despair, leaving the Nigerian student community in shock.

NANS had intended to commemorate the day with awards celebrating outstanding academic achievements, including:

- ₦100,000 cash prizes for the top ten students in each faculty at the University of Abuja.
- Laptops for the best performers in the 2025 WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations.
- A ₦200,000 cash award for the Nigerian winner of the TeenEagle International English Language Competition.
- Additional recognition for students showcasing leadership and innovation.

Instead of festivities, the Nigerian student body finds itself again responding to a heartbreaking crisis. The recent abduction has triggered memories of previous tragedies, including the infamous mass kidnapping in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014, and several abductions across Northern Nigeria in states like Katsina, Niger, Yobe, and Kaduna.

This series of events underscores a critical demand for effective preventive security measures to safeguard schools from such targeted attacks. NANS has condemned this act of terror and is calling on the Federal Government, the Kebbi State Government, and the entire security apparatus to utilize all available resources for the immediate rescue of the kidnapped students.

In their statement, NANS outlined several urgent demands:

1. A strong condemnation of the attack perpetrated by criminals.
2. An appeal for the deployment of all necessary resources to recover the abducted students.
3. A demand for proactive security measures around educational institutions, particularly girls' boarding schools.
4. The implementation of intelligence-driven operations to dismantle the networks facilitating these abductions.

“Students—especially female students—must never be targets of terror. Enough is enough,” stated NANS President Comr. Olushola Oladoja.

NANS extended heartfelt condolences to Mr. Makuku's family, praising his courage in resisting the attackers. They also expressed their support for the families of the kidnapped students and emphasized a unified call for their safe return.

On this International Students' Day, rather than celebrating achievements, the student community stands united in mourning and determination to protect the rights and safety of every Nigerian student.

07/11/2025

Adieu, my personal person, Hon. Mutiu Adebayo Kasali,

"Inna Lilahi Wa Inna Ilaehi Rojihuun."

Hon. Mutiu was a great, good and just man. Despite being the Personal Assistant (P.A.) to the council chairman, Bashorun Kunle Oladeji (OMOBAO), then, he used to relate and honour me as if he was my own P.A. too.

He's a bridge-builder who worked loyally with the chairman and harmoniously with me, my aides, political functionaries, council staffers, politicians and everyone that came across him.

On behalf of myself, my family, my personal aides then and now, and my political movements, I mourn the demise of the late Hon. Mutiu Kasali, and I pray that Almighty Allah repose his soul in Al-Janat Firdausi and grant the bereaved fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, "Inna Lilahi Wa Inna Ilaehi Rojihuun".

Signed:

Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo (Socrates),
ex-Vice Chairman,
Aare Latosa Local Council,
Oyo State, Nigeria.