Oduduwa News

The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) is set to celebrate ten years of uninterrupted operations, marking a significant milestone as one of Nigeria’s few civil society organizations that has operated entirely without foreign funding or external institutional backing since its establishment.

Registered in January 2016, PeacePro has spent the last decade demonstrating that locally driven organizations can survive, grow, and make meaningful contributions to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, research, and policy advocacy through indigenous resources and community support.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat described its ten year journey as evidence that impact is not determined by the size of an organization’s funding but by the strength of its vision, credibility, and commitment to public service.

According to Hamzat, its decade long record challenges the widespread belief that African NGOs must depend on foreign donors to remain relevant and effective.

“Over the years, PeacePro has undertaken numerous interventions aimed at preventing violence, promoting dialogue, and strengthening peaceful coexistence across Nigeria”.

In 2017, the organization played a key role in efforts that helped curtail a communal crisis in Osun State. It also intervened during a period of rising tension in Northern Nigeria following the circulation of a hate song that threatened to fuel hostility against a particular ethnic group.

The organization has further facilitated dialogue among conflicting parties, supported out of court settlements, and conducted fact finding missions in conflict prone areas, including Southern Kaduna during periods of intense farmers herders clashes.

Beyond conflict intervention, PeacePro has established itself as a notable voice in peace and security research. Through flagship initiatives such as the Nigeria Peace Index, State of Peace Report, and Africa Peace Insight, the organization has generated data, analysis, and policy recommendations on peace and security trends in Nigeria and across the African continent.

The organization has also led several advocacy campaigns, most notably its campaign for the demilitarization of Africa and slavery accountability by countries and organizations who made gains or inherited gains of slavery. Through research, public engagement, and policy advocacy, PeacePro has consistently argued for governance driven and people centred approaches to peace and security, while advocating reduced dependence on military solutions and foreign security arrangements.

As it enters its second decade, PeacePro says it remains committed to advancing peacebuilding, strengthening democratic values, promoting social cohesion, and supporting sustainable development across Africa.

Hamzat noted that its greatest achievement over the last ten years is not merely the projects it has implemented or the reports it has published, but its success in proving that an independent African institution can sustain itself, maintain its voice, and make a measurable impact without foreign funding.

For PeacePro, the tenth anniversary represents more than a celebration of longevity. It is a testament to the capacity of indigenous organizations to build resilient institutions, influence public discourse, and contribute to national and continental development through local initiative and local ownership.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has criticized the borrowing profile of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that the current government has accumulated more debt in three years than the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari did in eight years.

Obi made the assertion while expressing concerns over Nigeria’s rising debt burden and its implications for economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and the welfare of citizens.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the Tinubu administration has engaged in what he described as “remarkably imprudent borrowing,” leading to a significant increase in the country’s public debt stock within a relatively short period.

He argued that while borrowing is not inherently bad, loans should be tied to productive investments capable of stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, boosting exports, and improving the living standards of Nigerians.

Obi maintained that the continuous accumulation of debt without corresponding improvements in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and manufacturing raises concerns about the country’s fiscal future.

The Labour Party chieftain called on the federal government to prioritize prudent management of public resources, reduce wasteful spending, and channel borrowed funds into projects that would yield measurable economic returns.

He further urged policymakers to focus on increasing productivity, supporting local industries, and expanding the nation’s revenue base rather than relying heavily on borrowing to finance government operations.

Obi’s comments come amid ongoing debates over Nigeria’s debt profile and the sustainability of the country’s fiscal policies, with economists and financial experts continuing to weigh in on the government’s borrowing strategy and its impact on future generations.

As of recent years, Nigeria’s public debt has continued to rise due to a combination of domestic and external borrowings aimed at funding budget deficits, infrastructure projects, and other government obligations.

The Federal Government has, however, consistently defended its borrowing strategy, arguing that the loans are necessary to finance development projects, stimulate economic growth, and address critical infrastructure gaps across the country.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has expressed concern over the alleged illegal extortion of candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), accusing some schools and examination supervisors of imposing unauthorized charges on students.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the examination body disclosed that it had received several complaints from candidates who were allegedly compelled to make payments under various pretexts, including transportation of examination materials, welfare levies, and so-called cooperation fees.

WAEC described the development as a serious threat to the credibility and integrity of the examination process, stressing that candidates should not be made to pay any fees beyond officially approved charges.

According to the council, the unauthorized collections place undue financial burden on candidates and their parents while undermining fairness and public confidence in the conduct of the examination.

The examination body further alleged that some schools were collecting money from students for KAPEK calculators despite the fact that the calculators had already been provided free of charge by WAEC.

“These reports are disturbing because they place unnecessary financial pressure on candidates and compromise the integrity of the examination process,” the council stated.

WAEC warned schools and examination officials involved in the practice to desist immediately, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with examination regulations.

The council also urged candidates, parents, and members of the public to report any cases of extortion or unauthorized charges to the appropriate authorities for prompt investigation and action.

AHORO-ESINLE, OYO STATE — The abducted Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has appealed to the government to negotiate with her captors, dismissing reports that the abductors demanded a N1 billion ransom or the imposition of Sharia law across Nigeria.

In an emotional message from captivity, Mrs. Alamu said several media reports circulating about the demands of the abductors were inaccurate and had complicated efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.

According to her, the kidnappers are neither demanding huge sums of money nor seeking the introduction of Sharia law, contrary to reports in some sections of the media.

“The terrorists are not asking for Sharia law, they’re not asking for money, they are not asking for N1 billion, they are not asking for cars. All they need is for some of their people to be released. Please help us beg the government to negotiate with them,” she pleaded.

Mrs. Alamu further disclosed that she and other abducted victims had spent 24 days in captivity, describing their ordeal as traumatic and distressing.

“Please, I have come to make some clarification. Today makes it 24 days that we have been in this place. Some press media outlets are complicating the issue by stating that the people who abducted us requested N1 billion ransom and demanded Sharia law across the country. These claims are not true,” she said.

The principal’s appeal has intensified calls for urgent government intervention to secure the safe release of the victims, while raising concerns over the welfare and safety of those still being held captive.

Security agencies and government officials are yet to officially respond to the latest claims

The suspected leader of an Aiye Confraternity cell in Lagos State, Emmanuel Nwokolo, has admitted that his involvement in a series of deadly cult-related attacks left him emotionally disturbed and unable to sleep at night.

Nwokolo, popularly known as “Oblo,” was arrested alongside three other suspected cult members during a police operation in the Ajangbadi area of Ojo Local Government Area. The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command following intelligence reports linking them to violent cult activities and multiple killings in Ajangbadi, Shibiri, Ishashi and surrounding communities.

Speaking during interrogation, Nwokolo reportedly confessed to participating in the killing of four members of rival cult groups. He, however, claimed that his gang had been unfairly blamed for a higher number of deaths recorded during the prolonged supremacy battles between rival cult factions in the area.

According to him, the killings took a psychological toll on him, leaving him troubled by recurring thoughts of the victims and struggling to sleep. He reportedly expressed regret over some of the violent acts carried out during the clashes.

Police investigations revealed that a video allegedly showing the killing of unidentified persons was recovered from one of the suspects’ mobile phones. During further searches, operatives recovered two locally fabricated pistols, one revolver pistol and 13 live cartridges believed to have been used in criminal operations.

The Lagos State Police Command said the suspects confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in a series of violent attacks that terrorised residents of Ojo and neighbouring communities.

Police spokesperson, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in other crimes, identify additional gang members and arrest accomplices still at large. The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cultism and violent crime across the state, urging residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies.

The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow in the Lako Community along Aiyegun–Anaye Road, Ibadan, allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers involved in the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her children.

The demolition, carried out on Monday, was led by officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, with support from operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. The operation forms part of the state government’s intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities across Oyo State.

The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3, 2026, at the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan, before being rescued by security operatives.

According to the state government, the demolition sends a strong warning to criminal elements and demonstrates its resolve to dismantle all structures and networks used to facilitate insecurity within the state. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and sustaining the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

In a major strategic move to accelerate infrastructural and academic expansion, the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, paid a high-profile courtesy visit to renowned business mogul and statesman, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.

The high-level meeting, which took place on Thursday, 4th June 2026, at his Abuja office solidified a massive partnership that will see the direct transformation of the university’s research architecture.

During the visit, Professor Liman expressed the profound gratitude of the University Senate and Management to Dr. Hashim for his extraordinary financial benevolence.

Specifically, the Vice-Chancellor lauded his major donation toward the NSUK Research Complex Building Project, which is officially scheduled to break ground and commence construction in July 2026. She commended his devoted goodwill and relentless commitment to fostering public-private partnerships that advance the growth of higher education in Nigeria.

Recognizing Dr. Hashim’s remarkable accomplishments across diverse global industries, Professor Liman stated that the university is eager to harvest from his wealth of experience.

In this regard, she formally presented the University’s intention to host Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim for a prestigious Public Lecture. The event will provide an intellectual platform for the corporate titan to share deep insights, entrepreneurial strategies, and leadership experiences with the university community, faculty, and students.

Responding to the delegation, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo- Hashim expressed absolute delight at receiving the Vice-Chancellor and her team. He highly commended Professor Liman for her visionary leadership, noting the rapid progress, expanded global visibility, and structural relevance the university has gained since she assumed office.

Dr. Hashim expressed immense enthusiasm for the upcoming July groundbreaking of the Research Complex, reaffirming his total commitment to its successful execution and timely completion.

“I am deeply proud of the progress recorded under the Vice-Chancellor’s watch. This Research Complex is just the beginning. I look forward to deeper, mutually beneficial collaborations that will position NSUK as a premier center of excellence on the continent.” His Excellency, Hon.Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.

The historic visit concluded with an exchange of institutional ideas and formal photographs to commemorate the strengthening alliance between the university management and the corporate elder statesman.

A commercial motorcyclist in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, was reportedly assaulted by an irate mob after a young woman allegedly accused him of attempting to kidnap her.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred in a busy area of Ore when the woman suddenly raised an alarm, claiming that the motorcycle rider was trying to abduct her. The accusation immediately attracted the attention of passersby and residents, who descended on the rider before security personnel could intervene.

Sources said the mob subjected the motorcyclist to severe beating, leaving him with varying degrees of injuries. His motorcycle was also reportedly damaged during the attack as the crowd sought to exact instant justice.

However, preliminary findings later suggested that the rider may have been innocent of the allegation. Witnesses familiar with the circumstances claimed that the misunderstanding arose after a disagreement over transportation arrangements, prompting questions about the credibility of the kidnap claim.

The development sparked tension in the area, with some residents condemning the growing trend of mob action based on unverified accusations. They warned that such incidents could lead to the loss of innocent lives and undermine efforts by security agencies to tackle genuine cases of kidnapping and other crimes.

The injured motorcyclist was reportedly rescued and taken for medical attention, while security operatives moved to restore calm and prevent further violence.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released an official statement on the incident, while investigations were said to be ongoing to establish the facts surrounding the allegation and determine whether any arrests would be made.

Residents have called on members of the public to always report suspected criminal activities to security agencies rather than resorting to jungle justice, stressing that every accused person deserves a fair investigation before any conclusions are reached.

Barely three days after their abduction, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully rescued Mrs. Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons, Paul and Peter.

The victims were rescued alive during a late-evening operation conducted by police operatives at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6.

The successful rescue operation brought relief to family members and well-wishers who had expressed concern over the whereabouts of the victims since their abduction. Details of the operation and the circumstances surrounding the rescue are expected to be made public by the authorities.

The Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly condemned the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the act as criminal, inhumane, and completely contrary to the teachings of Islam. The group also rejected reported demands by the abductors for the implementation of Sharia law, insisting that terrorists and kidnappers do not represent Islam or the Muslim faithful.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, the community said Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent people. According to the group, genuine Islamic principles promote justice, peace, and the sanctity of human life, values that stand in direct opposition to the activities of criminal gangs.

The Muslim body expressed deep concern over the plight of the abducted victims, many of whom are schoolchildren, including toddlers reportedly as young as two years old. It called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of all those still being held captive.

The organisation further urged residents across Oyo State to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to security authorities, and resist attempts by criminals to use religion as a justification for violence and lawlessness. It reaffirmed its support for ongoing efforts by both the Oyo State and Federal Governments to secure the release of the abductees.

As part of efforts to mobilise spiritual support for the victims and their families, the community announced a special prayer session under the leadership of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere. The prayer gathering is aimed at seeking divine intervention for the safe and speedy return of the abducted teachers and pupils.

The condemnation comes amid growing public outrage over the May 15 attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where dozens of pupils and teachers were kidnapped, triggering protests and calls for stronger security measures across Oyo State.