General

Ambode Desecrated Office of Governor Attacking Me—Sanwo-Olu

Published

8 years ago

01/10/2018

By Dipo Olowookere

The main challenger for the Lagos State governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary today, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the attack on his person by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday at a world press conference in Ikeja, the state capital, as unfortunate.

The Governor had alleged that Mr Sanwo-Olu, who has the support of various party stakeholders in the state, was not fit to govern Lagos State.

According to Mr Ambode, his challenger was once arrested in the United States for spending fake American Dollars at a night club and had allegedly been admitted at the Gbagada General Hospital in Lagos for rehabilitation.

“His records are there at Gbagada General Hospital,” the Governor had said, stressing that Mr Sanwo-Olu “does not have the competence to do what he is being propelled to do.”

But reacting to the allegations, Mr Sanwo-Olu said the Governor must have uttered those words under tension.

“I felt sad for Lagos as I watched press conference by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Many things he said were beneath the dignity of our people and the exalted office he now holds.

“Perhaps the tension and anxiety of the moment got the better of him. If given a chance at cooler reflection of what he said, I am sure he would regret his descent into such low conduct.

“In this vein, I forgive him and hope he regains his balance and proper comportment no matter the outcome of tomorrow’s contest. After all, we are both here to improve Lagos not to wrestle in its streets.

“Let it be heard by all that I hold the people of Lagos State with great respect and affection. Their welfare is my utmost concern and it is what drives my pursuit for the governorship nomination of the APC.

“As such, I also hold the office of Governor of our state in high esteem. I shall never consciously do anything that will undermine the dignity of the office nor will I engage in personal attacks against the holder of that officer.

“My pursuit of office will continue to be based upon issues that matter to Lagosians and not on attacks against someone’s character, even when he attacks mine. For anyone to engage in unwarranted character attacks against me, [it] reveals more about that person’s character than it says about mine.

“However, I must clear up some inaccuracies in the Governor’s statement. His allegation of that I was arrested for spending fake dollars at a night club in the United States is untrue. In fact, the Governor knows I travelled to the United States just last month. I would not have been allowed to travel or even get a visa if I had been involved in what the Governor falsely alleged.

“That the Governor claimed I underwent some unidentified type of ‘rehabilitation’ at the Gbagada General Hospital is also shameless and untrue. Promulgation of salacious rumour should not be part of the job description of a governor. This is not the stuff of high office.

“People should question whether it is ethically right for the Governor to turn what should be confidential medical information about a citizen into a weapon of political warfare. But for avoidance of doubt, let it be stated that I never received any treatment whatsoever at the Gbagada General Hospital.

“Today, instead of making a convincing defence of his performance, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode sought to sow fear into the hearts of Lagosians. But Lagosians are an intelligent and brave people. They can see through the smoke and the fog.

“I am here not to tear my opponent down but to help build Lagos up. With me, you will hear about progress on education, health, sanitation, proper tax levels, economic development, infrastructure, jobs, public services and other things that enhance the lives of people.

“I am a serious person and this primary is a serious matter. I have not the time or inclination to attack character when there are so many real issues to address. We will continue to focus on the issues that matter in the lives of the people of Lagos. Lagosians want an answer to the sanitation crisis cast loss of jobs caused by Mr Ambode’s Visionscape misadventure.

“Our people will want to know why Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has not been able to build a single General Hospital in the State when his immediate predecessor Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) built 11 General Hospitals. Lagosians are waiting to hear what our solutions are. They want to know why hundreds of competent civil servants got summarily dismissed and how this has undermined public services.

“As a candidate for the party’s nomination and hopefully as your next governor, my approach will not be to sling insults but to propose solutions to the problems of the day,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

General

DSS Re-Arraigns Malami, Son on Terrorism, Firearms Charges

Published

15 hours ago

15/04/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday re-arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) and his son, Abdulaziz, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The counsel to the DSS, Mr Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), told the court that an amended charge has been filed to replace an earlier one on which they had been arraigned.

Mr Kehinde applied to withdraw the earlier charge and requested that the amended one be read to the defendant for the pleas to be taken afresh.

The counsel to the defendants, Mr Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), confirmed that his clients were served with the amended charge and agreed that the fresh charge be read to the defendants.

Mr Malami and his son are alleged to have, in December 2025, prepared to commit acts of terrorism by having in their possession and without a license, a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar.

However, Mr Malami and his son both pleaded not guilty, following which the prosecution sought a date for the commencement of the trial.

Mr Aruwa did not object to a date for trial, but prayed the court to allow the defendants to remain on the bail earlier granted them by the court, on the conditions they had met.

With Mr Kehinde not opposing Mr Aruwa’s oral application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the defendants should continue on the bail earlier granted them on February 27, which conditions they had met.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned till May 26 and June 15 for trial.

Counts in the amended charge read:

“That you Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without license, a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without a license a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar, contrary to Section 26 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and punishable under Section 26 (3) (a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

General

DHQ Denies Deploying Repentant Boko Haram Fighters to Tackle Terrorism

Published

15 hours ago

15/04/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that repentant and active Boko Haram members are being armed to fight alongside Nigerian troops under Operation Safe Corridor.

The allegation, made in a viral video by a Danish vlogger identified as Jones Raw, was described by the military as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”

The Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, clarified that the facility shown in the video is not one of the programme’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) camps.

He explained that the official OPSC facility handling former Boko Haram members is located in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, and operates as a secure and controlled military environment.

According to him, the location depicted in the video does not match the structural design, layout, or operational setting of the recognised facility.

He further noted that neither the vlogger nor the individuals featured in the footage have ever been granted access to the camp.

The officer stressed that Operation Safe Corridor is a strictly non-kinetic, multi-agency initiative focused on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of carefully screened individuals.

“At no point are participants armed, mobilised, or deployed for combat operations,” he said, adding that beneficiaries are handed over to state authorities after completing the programme and remain under monitoring frameworks.

He added that the initiative operates with the support of international partners, including the European Union, ensuring adherence to global best practices and transparency.

The DHQ maintained that the programme remains a key component of Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, aimed at reducing the number of active fighters and encouraging voluntary disengagement from insurgent groups.

He also invited credible observers to visit the OPSC facility in Mallam Sidi to independently verify its operations, urging the public to disregard the misleading claims, which seek to destabilise the country.

General

10 Reasons to Join the MTN MIP 2026 Webinar April 16

Published

22 hours ago

15/04/2026

Business Post Contributor

If you work in media and have been watching the industry shift around you, faster news cycles, shrinking revenues, AI in the newsroom, the MTN Media Innovation Programme may be exactly the kind of intervention your career needs right now.

Now in its fifth edition and bigger than it has ever been, MIP 2026 is calling for applications. The webinar on April 16 is your best first step.

What Is the MTN Media Innovation Programme?

The MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) is a certificate course run by the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, with a focus on the convergence between ICT and the media. It is a fellowship for journalists and media practitioners across the entire spectrum, including social media, designed to help them build capacity at both professional and business levels, delivered over a six-month period.

The programme gives participants skills to create better content, run media businesses, and earn money in a tough industry. It mixes classroom time, international trips, and real-world visits.

This year, the programme crosses a significant milestone. The cohort has been expanded to 25 fellows, up from 20 in previous editions, as a deliberate reflection of MTN Nigeria’s 25-year anniversary.

Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, explained the thinking behind it: “The expansion to 25 fellows this year is a deliberate reflection of our 25-year milestone, and a reminder that as the media industry continues to evolve, there is a continued need to invest in the people and ideas that will shape its future.”

MTN is hosting a webinar on April 16 to walk prospective applicants through everything they need to know. Here is why you should be on that call.

You will understand exactly what MIP is built to do. MIP is designed to increase participants’ knowledge and skill base and help them understand the changing media landscape and how to effectively use technology to create impactful media content. The webinar is your clearest path to grasping that mission before you apply.
You will learn how to apply correctly, before it is too late. With less than a week between the webinar and the closing date, attendance gives you just enough time to fix mistakes and strengthen your submission before the April 22 deadline.
You will know for certain whether you qualify. MIP is open to media practitioners and digital content creators across the entire spectrum, including social media. But eligibility has specific requirements. The webinar helps you confirm your fit before you invest time in the application.
You will understand what the selectors are actually looking for. Shortlisted candidates are reviewed independently based on professional merit, potential impact, and their commitment to the evolution of African media. Knowing this helps you position your application more effectively.
You will grasp the full scope of the curriculum. Fellows build skills in three main areas: the telecom industry, media innovation, and writing and reporting. Modules cover media entrepreneurship, ethics, fintech, 5G, financial reporting, and more. The webinar will walk you through what that looks like in practice.
You will learn about the international component. Accepted participants get a seven-day, all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa for special training in Johannesburg, including a day at MTN Nigeria Headquarters and another at MTN Group Headquarters, plus industry visits and tours at an Innovation Hub.
You will hear what past fellows actually experienced. The alumni speak for themselves. Oloye Ayodele Samuel, CEO of Rock FM Jalingo and a past MIP fellow, described it this way: “This fellowship is a transformative experience that has completely shifted my perspective. From Nigeria to South Africa, the training and conversations have ignited a burning desire to push beyond the status quo. It’s a new future reimagined, and it’s coming soon.”
You will see the career value of the alumni network. The programme has built a strong alumni network, with participants occupying key roles across media organisations and contributing to public discourse through impactful storytelling. The webinar will show you what that network looks like and what it can open up for growth.
You will get your questions answered live. A few things sharpen an application like a direct answer to the question you were afraid to ask. A live session removes the guesswork that costs candidates competitive ground.
You will leave with the momentum to apply actually. Content Strategist and MIP 2 fellow Anu Odubanjo put it plainly: “If you are in the media industry, here is a life-changing opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Being selected as one of the 20 fellows for the second cohort of the fully funded media fellowship out of over 2,500 applications was definitely the highlight of 2023 for me. Truly an unforgettable experience and one I will forever cherish.”