Nigeria’s Elections: A Word From Babatunde Jose

 By Banji Ojewale

Ismail Babatunde Jose, described as the “legendary doyen of Nigerian journalism’’ (The Guardian of UK) and “the grandfather of Nigerian journalism’’ (British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC), was responsible for the emergence of a galaxy of talent in the industry in his generation.

*Babatunde Jose

He toiled on the raw aptitude of these young persons coming under his care and, with strategic precision, dropped himself into them, as it were, seeking those who would collect the baton and perpetuate his tradition of unyielding enterprise. They would continue the race resolutely and relentlessly, and refuse to let down cheering crowds and a mentor given to nothing but to see you turn in your best for the community of news consumers.

School Abductions In Nigeria Must Never Become Normal

By Osikale A. Adetomiwa

The recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State is a painful reminder that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. Beyond the immediate trauma suffered by the victims and their families, the incident has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of students, teachers, and educational institutions across the country.

The reaction of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) was necessary and commendable. By speaking out forcefully against the attack, the union drew national attention to the dangers confronting schools and reminded both government and society that educational institutions should be sanctuaries of learning, not theatres of fear.

June 12: Nigeria’s Annual Ritual Of Glorifying A Sham ‘Democracy’

 By Olu Fasan

The decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to name June 12 as Nigeria’s “Democracy Day” was motivated by self-serving politics, not principled conviction. Before he became president in 2015, Buhari never once publicly condemned the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

*Tinubu and Buhari

However, in 2018, as he prepared to seek re-election the following year and faced deepening unpopularity in the South-West, Buhari changed the annual “Democracy Day” from May 29 to June 12 to curry favour with the South-West, which had turned the annulment into an ethnic issue. Professor Wole Soyinka said at the time that Buhari took the decision “with an eye on electoral fortunes, undoubtedly.” He was right!

Pastor Kumuyi At 85: Discipline, Distinctives And Disquisitions

By Banji Ojewale

Vladimir Kuts was Russia’s unforgettable long-distance runner who, in a wildly combative career that lasted only three years in the 1950s, trashed the records for both the 5000 and 10000 metres in one single competition. He didn’t believe there was any limit to man created in the image of God. Any being with such Divine trappings couldn’t fail.  They would strive to reinvent the wheel, march across dreaded territory and plunge wordsmiths into uncharted depths to attempt to capture their achievements.

*Pastor Kumuyi

Therefore, retiring from global athletics while still at his peak when there were no more challenges, Kuts worked as a coach in the Central Army Club in Moscow and declared his mission: to discover a boy who would run faster than himself. It was a tall call; nobody could match Kuts’ tenacity, iron will and speed in his day. For many, it was illogical and inconceivable that a mentee would align with his lionized mentor’s agenda to outdo the legend.  But the Russian Spartan didn’t rubbish race records resting on rational thinking. Nor on public opinion. Or on emotions.