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Crown Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare II, the heir apparent to the throne of the Benin Kingdom, is celebrating his birthday today, March 7, 2025.

As he marks another year of life, he has been receiving heartfelt tributes and praise from various individuals, including Goodnews Ibhade Ehiabhi ¹.

Ehiabhi’s felicitation message highlighted the Crown Prince’s exceptional leadership qualities, vision, and dedication to the progress of the Benin Kingdom and Nigeria as a whole.

The message also acknowledged his role as a unifying figure and his commitment to the well-being of his people.

Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare II is the first son of Oba Ewuare II, the current Oba of Benin, and Queen Iroghama.

He was born in the 1990s and is a graduate of the University of Oxford.

The Crown Prince is also an entrepreneur and the founder of the Odumalife Foundation, which aims to promote youth development and empowerment ¹.

As the future Oba of Benin, Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare II has been groomed to take on the responsibilities of leading the Benin Kingdom.

His birthday celebration is a significant event in the kingdom, and it is an opportunity for the people to come together and show their appreciation for their future leader.

The Benin Kingdom is one of the oldest and most revered monarchies in Nigeria, with a rich cultural heritage and traditions.

The kingdom has a long history of producing wise and just rulers, and Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare II is expected to follow in this tradition.

As the Crown Prince celebrates his birthday, he is being wished a happy and prosperous year ahead.

His people are looking up to him to provide leadership and guidance, and to continue the legacy of his father and ancestors.

Coalition of six northern based Civil Society Organisations have passed a vote of confidence Senate President Godswill Akpabio despite what it termed, “unfortunate and baseless” allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti.

According to the CSOs , the sexual allegation coming from a lawmaker is diversionary at this critical period when Nigerians are yearning for laws to help cushion effects of the harsh economy.

The group which stated this in a press statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Jibrin Musawa, described the allegation by Senator Natasha as nothing but, a calculated attempt to damage the hard earned political image and career of the Senate President .

While condemning Natasha for making such allegation against someone who is family friend and benefactor, the Coalition comprising Arewa Good Governance Forum; Peace and Unity Forum in North, Progressives Movement for Development, Development Initiative for Better Arewa and Forum for Advancement of Youths and Women explained ,”We are beginning to see the drama of Pull-him-down actions unveils in the manner sponsored protests have been deployed across Nigeria with a view to remove him for selfish political gains”.

The statement reads: ” When we are beginning to enjoy dividends of democracy under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government as a result of the cordial relationship with National Assembly, suddenly comes this unnecessary distractions.

“From information gathered from the senators and members of House of Representatives, the detractors under guise of the sexual allegations are plotting to plant their own stooge as the Senate President ,who help them execute their plans to frustrate the good works of President Tinubu.

“The 10th Senate under Akpabio’s leadership has demonstrated high sense of maturity and even the critics today,are beginning to have rethink about the abinitio underated tarnished image of the National Assembly.”

The statement however, noted that Senator Akpabio who is widely known for his jovial gestures and nature since during his days as Governor of Akwa Ibom state could have been misread and interpreted. And for anyone to accuse him of sexual harassment is an aberration.

It further stater : “Akpabio has a track records of good relationship with people; performance and selfless service to his motherland, and we can watch Natasha damage these good side of him .

“It is against this background that as members of Civil Society Organizations from the north, we have come out strongly to support Akpabio and Pass a Vote of Confidence on his leadership as the Senate President.

“It therefore called for a full-scale investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha and reject the sponsored propaganda of character assassination.”

The Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Delta State Chapter, has strongly condemned the lavish book launch of former military ruler Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), calling it an insult to the millions of unemployed Nigerian youths struggling to survive.

Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, speaking on behalf of the association, expressed outrage over the billions of naira spent on the event, arguing that such resources should have been directed toward other critical sectors, from job creation to education, and poverty alleviation.

“It’s shameful that while millions of Nigerian youths remain jobless, unable to afford basic necessities of life, our leaders continue to squander resources on self-serving projects,” Fajoye lamented. “The billions splashed at this book launch could have been invested in skills development programs, small business, grants, and other initiatives that would directly benefit the ever growing population of struggling Nigerians youths.”

Fajoye also criticized the elite donors who funded the event, alleging that most of their wealth was built on a corrupt system that continuously sidelines the poor. “While the prices of essential goods keep rising, with ordinary Nigerians barely making ends meet, these billionaires have no problems, throwing money into unnecessary luxuries, at the expense of the teaming suffering Nigerians populace,” he said.

The UYAN chairman further condemned the systemic corruption that has long plagued the country, asserting that Nigeria’s leadership has failed to prioritize the welfare of its people. He pointed out that IBB, who has been accused over the years, for annulling the country’s freest and fairest election in 1993, and has finally confessed to this fact in his book, should not be celebrated in a sane clime, but rather held accountable for his role in Nigeria’s economic and political wows.

Fajoye called on all Nigerian youths to unite and demand accountability from the country’s leadership, emphasizing that until corruption is tackled, the cycle of poverty and unemployment will persist, and by extension continue to create an unsafe environment. Stressing that “The suffering of Nigerian youths will not come to an end, unless we collectively stand up against bad governance at all levels, and demand that our leaders prioritize the interests of the people over their selfish gains,” he declared.

UYAN vowed to continue advocating for job creation and youth empowerment, urging the government and private sector to focus on meaningful investments that benefit the nation rather than wasteful celebrations of controversial figures.

Women Rights and Justice Forum (WRJF),a coalition of women’s associations working to protect the interest of women has concluded arrangements to storm the Federal Capital Territory on Monday , March 10 to hold one million people march in protest against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over alleged harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan .

According to women Rights group, part of reasons, it resolved to embark on the protest is call for resignation of the Senator President .

The group with members across the 36 states of Nigeria said it has already commenced mobilisation of women to come out and remain on the roads until President Bola Ahmed and the National Assembly remove Senator Akpabio from the highly exalted position of Senate President .

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan had accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.She also alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances.

In a Statement issued today and made available to Journalists in Kaduna, the Women Rights and Justice Forum,which condemned in strong terms any attempt by men in high positions to harass women for personal gains, hinted that,”The Million People March will be the first of a series of protests to call for the resignation of the Senator Akpabio, who allegedly harassed a woman”.

The statement signed the Coordinator of the Forum, Hajiya Hauwa Suleiman Usman explained: ” The decision to embark on the one million man March is equally to make strong statement that women will not tolerate such oppression and harassment against women in politics.

“We have waited and watched with keen interest to see if the Senate President will tow the honourable lane and apologize to Natasha after she was compelled to speak out on Arise Television, but we later discovered that some of the lawmakers and members of the public have taken side against her .

“As women, have decided to unite to stop these overt attempts to shut women down and make them second class citizens in their own country.

“To serve as deterrent to other men, we resolved to not only talk, but take decisive action to ensure that Senator Akpabio suffer for his actions to harass and undermine a woman for rejecting sexual advances.

“It unfortunate that without investigating the allegation, Akpabio’s wife, who should know her husband better concluded prematurely and dragged senator Natasha to court . But note this she will shocked after she sees evidence.

“Senator Akpabio must resign or we remain on the roads till he does so. “

By Sandra Ukeredi

In a heartfelt gesture, Senator Shehu Sani, a former senator representing Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly and human rights activist, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Nigerian football legend, Ayo Ogunlana, in Kaduna.

During his visit, Senator Sani described Ogunlana as an icon who inspired many young people during his active football career and after retirement. He expressed his deep sorrow over Ogunlana’s passing, revealing that he had always inquired about the football star and had intended to visit him before hearing of his demise.

Senator Sani comforted Ogunlana’s widow and family members, acknowledging the deep pain of their loss but urging them to remain strong. He emphasized the need to sustain Ogunlana’s legacy and expressed interest in establishing a foundation in his honor.

Ogunlana’s widow, Mrs. Ogunlana, thanked Senator Sani for his visit and revealed that her husband passed away on Friday, February 14, which coincided with Valentine’s Day. She noted that the late footballer was not sick before his sudden death.

Senator Sani’s visit was a testament to his commitment to honoring the legacy of Nigerian icons like Ayo Ogunlana. His words of comfort and support brought solace to the grieving family, and his proposal to establish a foundation in Ogunlana’s honor ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

…Vows to Join Akpabio’s wife in Legal battle

Group under aegis of Northern Democratic Alliance (NDA) has condemned what it termed , Unfounded sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti who protested the relocation of her seat accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of persistent harassment, victimization, and blocking her legislative efforts because she rejected his alleged inappropriate advances.

Natasha, who made the claim while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, detailed what she described as a troubling pattern of professional sabotage and personal intimidation — a fallout, she claimed, of her refusal to engage in an improper relationship with Akpabio.

However,in a reaction to Senator Natasha Apoti”s claim of sexual harassment, the Northern Democratic Alliance condemned the attacks on the Senate President.Saying her face-off with Senator Akpabio is unwarranted, unprovoked and shouldn’t have come from a family friend of the Senate President.

The statement reads: “We have known the Senate President since he was Governor of Akwa Ibom to his days as minister and now Senate President, and can authoritatively tell you that he’s a man who lots of respect for women .

“So , when we heard about Senator Natasha accusations, especially that of sexual harassment,it didn’t add up for us .

“The good people of Akwa Ibom,the wife of the Senate President and members of the National Assembly can also attest to fact that he’s only a cheerful personality,but a seasoned administrator who understands the implications of such act of irresponsibility while holding public office.

“It against this background that we have come to condemn Senator Natasha unsubstantiated claim of sexual harassment and victimization.”

” After careful study of the whole saga ,we have decided to join Senator Akpabio’s wife in court in legal battle against Senator , Natasha who has no evidence to prove her claim.”

… Demands Unreserve Apology for Abandoning Them

Kaduna based political group has expressed anger over the relocation of former President Muhammadu Buhari to his Kaduna residence after several years of abandoning the State .

The group, which asked Buhari to return to back to his Katsina hometown, said they never expected that he could stay away from Kaduna for 24 hours after he left office as Nigeria’s President .

According to the forum, all the privileges the former President has enjoyed and success achieved over years apparently were due to his link to Kaduna, the historical headquarters of the northern region.

It was widely reported that the former President Buhari relocated from his hometown, Daura in Katsina State, to his residence in Kaduna, marking the end of a 21-month stay since leaving office in May 2023.

In a Statement issued today and made to journalists in Kaduna the forum explained: “Buhari abandoned us after he became the President and worst still, Daura home town became his favorite place of abode .

In the statement signed Dr. Musa Ibrahim Gusau the angry members posited, ” We have always supported Buhari in all aspects of his life from the days of military rule to when he decided to join politics and ran for the highly coveted seat of President.

“He later became President in 2015 and suddenly abandoned Kaduna people from 2015 to 2023 .Today he has returned to Kaduna and expect us to give same unalloyed and organic support.

“We used to love Buhari for his regards and respect for the masses .We also strongly believe in his unquenching passion to fight corruption and work for emancipation of the talakawas ,but out mindset had changed now .

“The decision to condemn his renewed decision to relocate to Kaduna was out of anger; pains and feelings of abandonment .

“We are sad that after he became the president, he simply changed and started going to his Daura home town .Kaduna people voted for him;stood for him, but when he became President ,he abandoned Kaduna now he has returned to stay in Kaduna.

“We are therefore call on the former President to apologize to all his supporters or return to Katsina.”

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Oba Oladipo Olaitan on his emergence as the new leader of Afenifere, the influential pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization. The Forum’s President, Dr. Bittus Pogu, conveyed the message on behalf of the diverse ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt, celebrating the peaceful and seamless transition within the Yoruba group.

In a statement signed by Luka Binniyat, the Forum’s spokesman, Dr. Pogu praised the orderly process through which Oba Olaitan was selected, describing it as a clear reflection of Afenifere’s enduring commitment to internal unity, consensus-building, and the preservation of its core values. He noted that such peaceful transitions further strengthen Afenifere’s credibility as a leading voice for the Yoruba people and the wider Nigerian polity.

Dr. Pogu highlighted Oba Oladipo Olaitan’s deep-rooted dedication to Afenifere, recalling his diligent service as Deputy Leader to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo. Despite his standing as a respected royal father, Oba Olaitan never wavered in his commitment to the group’s ideals and the larger struggle for justice, democracy, and fairness in Nigeria, the statement added.

The MBF President expressed strong confidence in Oba Olaitan’s capacity to deepen the historic relationship between the Middle Belt Forum and the Southern Leadership Forum, particularly in advancing shared goals like leadership rotation, restructuring, and the push for a truly federal constitution that ensures equity, security, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

While congratulating Oba Olaitan, Dr. Pogu also paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a selfless, principled leader whose relentless pursuit of justice and national progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history. He emphasized that Adebanjo’s legacy of courage and integrity would continue to inspire both Afenifere and the Middle Belt Forum.

Dr. Pogu assured Oba Olaitan of the Middle Belt Forum’s unwavering friendship, cooperation, and solidarity as both groups pursue their shared vision for a more inclusive, productive, and democratic Nigeria. He expressed optimism that under Oba Olaitan’s leadership, Afenifere would remain steadfast in promoting the rights of the Yoruba nation and working for the overall good of Nigeria.

The statement concluded with a renewed commitment from the Middle Belt Forum to collaborate closely with Afenifere under Oba Olaitan’s leadership, reaffirming the strong partnership between the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria in the ongoing effort to build a just, secure, and prosperous nation for all Nigerians.

By Ojo Shola

The Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business at Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, on Tuesday described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the future of Nigeria, hence the need for the right investment in it.

The bank executive spoke while remarking on the launch of an initiative to establish a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Nigeria, with the groundbreaking event happening in Kagarko, Kagarko Local Government area of Kaduna State.

He said, his financial outfit, in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), decided to partner in putting the centre in place as a way of bringing AI hub to young people at the community level.

According to Mabawonku, “The goal was to create a “skillnovate” platform that enables young people to acquire ICT skills, digital skills, and social skills, ultimately adding income to them”.

Mabawonku emphasized that providing the required resources for basic coding and understanding of AI was crucial to making Nigeria an AI hub.

“Ours is to create what we call “skill novate” to empower young people and enable them to ICT skills, digital skills and social skills, and then it adds income to them.

“When people come to the NYSC for the national service, they are largely unsure of what to do within and outside the service.

“So the thinking is that for that one year or thereabouts they will spend during the national service, can they have a centre like this where they can upgrade themselves digitally so by the end of the service, they can do a lot on their own.

“So we are in partnership with the NYSC to create that platform for development for Nigerian youths.

“The best approach to making the country an AI hub is to provide the required resources for the basic coding and basic understanding of AI.

“These days, you don’t need to be a computer guru to learn AI. They are human-created tools that one can just listen to and learn greatly.

“So, we are going to equip the centre and subsequent ones with the best technology so that the young people can learn and start doing things with AI as seen in countries like China and Japan, among others.

“You can see on your social media handles how the service providers are imbuing AI in them.

“The idea of putting this facility here in Kagarko and not Kaduna is that we have noticed that when we are planning development, we always abandon the hinterlands.

“Everybody is concentrating in State capitals. So, working with the NYSC, we chose this area so we can bring the youths around together to learn and fortunately, the location is close to Abuja and Kaduna”, he added.

Tired of waiting for their entitlements to be paid after being sacked in 2017, the Kaduna State Illegally Disengaged Teachers Forum has publicly condemned former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration for its actions. The teachers, who were dismissed after allegedly failing a competency test, claim the test was unfair and designed to reduce the workforce.

According to the teachers, God will punish El-Rufai for making them suffer untold hardship over the past seven years without paying their entitlements. They also expressed happiness that El-Rufai is already facing the consequences of his actions.

The El-Rufai-led government had sacked 21,000 out of 30,000 primary school teachers who failed the competency test. However, the State Coordinator of KSIDF, Comrade Aminu Maitama, revealed that the test was not conducted in good faith. Maitama personally scored 70% on the test but was still sacked, leading him to question the motives behind the test.

Maitama accused El-Rufai’s administration of using the test as a pretext to reduce the number of teachers and cut costs, without considering the impact on education in the state.

The teachers have appealed to Governor Uba Sani to reconsider their case and pay their entitlements. They also commended Governor Sani for releasing N548 million in withheld funds to the Nigerian Union of Teachers Endwell scheme. Additionally, they requested another competency test to assess their eligibility for reinstatement.