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Gov. Bello Upgrades stool of Oba of Ekirin-Ade to a first class status after Coronation
The Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello on Saturday attended the coronation of the Akinrin of Ekinrin Oba Johnson Kolade-Otitoju where he re affirmed his respect for the traditional institution in the state and particularly Ekirin-Ade, a community he described as peaceful and courageous.
At the occasion, the Governor also directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Deedat Ozigi to immediately commence the process of upgrading the stool of the Oba of Ekirin-Ade to a first class status noting that for fairness, justice and equity which his government represents, the community deserved such recognition.
Governor Bello congratulated the newly coronated traditional ruler, who he recalled to be a pioneer teacher at Abdul-Azeez Atta Memorial College, Okene describing him as a disciplinarian while also attesting that the Royal Father have lived a fulfilled life with point of reference to successful wards the Oba has raised.
While assuring the Royal Father of continued support from the government, he noted that Ekirin-Ade would benefit from several of his administration’s plan for the traditional institution including the plan by the Ministry of LGA and chieftaincy Affairs to give traditional palaces a befitting appearance across the state.
The governor also used the occasion to congratulate Kogi West senatorial district whom he described as great lovers of education over the recent approval of the establishment of Kogi State University, Kabba. He also thanked the citizens for their efforts and cooperation towards the actualisation of this long desired aspiration by the people of the region.
He pointed out that his government was solely interested in ensuring that the people make progress and they feel the impact of good governance while he again appreciated the traditional institution for their support and encouragement which he noted has compelled his government to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
In his vote of thanks, Veteran journalist and son of the coronated traditional ruler, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju thanked the governor and his entourage for gracing the occasion to rejoice with the community and gift such a pleasant surprise of the stool upgrade.
He noted that the governor made the occasion a memorable one adding that his good deeds would continue to be remembered in the history of the state.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by the November 11 Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, his Chief of Staff, Pharm. Abdulkareem Jamiu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Deedat Ozigi, State Accountant General, Alhaji Jubril Momoh as well as other top government functionaries.
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Oshiomhole Proposes “Tit for tat” diplomacy against South Africa over Xenophobic attacks
When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,
Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo State Governor/senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, has urged the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures amid the renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Speaking during plenary, the lawmaker emphasised that Nigeria must respond firmly to protect its citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
He said, “I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears, to sympathise with those who have died. We didn’t come here to shed tears.
“If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.”
Oshiomhole linked the current tensions to broader political dynamics in South Africa, noting that anti-immigrant sentiments had featured in the country’s domestic politics and were influencing attitudes toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians and maintained that such steps would strengthen Nigeria’s bargaining position.
The lawmaker further argued that Nigerians living in South Africa were economically productive and not dependent on the host country.
“These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn.
“When we hit back, the president of South Africa will go on his knees to recognise that Nigerians cannot be intimidated,” he said.
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Nigerians in South Africa to pay their returns ticket home – FG
Mr Ebienfa said that the process will In the recent past, such reparations have been sponsored by Nigerian airline owners, particularly Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace.
•Photo: Xenophobia : South African protesters in Pretoria on Friday. Twitter photo.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigerians interested in repatriation from South Africa will be responsible for the cost of their return trip to Nigeria.
In the recent past, such reparations have been sponsored by Nigerian airline owners, particularly Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated this during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja.
The briefing came shortly after a closed-door meeting between the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and the South African Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele.
Mr Ebienfa said that the process will be self-funded and not state-funded, as it is a voluntary decision that the Nigerian government will only facilitate and coordinate.
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Ezekwesili Tackles Tinubu Over Attacks On Nigerians In South Africa
Ezekwesili described the President’s trip to France, Kenya, and Rwanda as a “total absence of leadership” at a time when Nigerians abroad are reportedly facing violence, killings, and displacement.
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has issued a public memo to Bola Tinubu, urging him to halt his ongoing foreign trips and address the escalating attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
In the statement dated 4 May 2026, Ezekwesili described the President’s trip to France, Kenya, and Rwanda as a “total absence of leadership” at a time when Nigerians abroad are reportedly facing violence, killings, and displacement.
She condemned what she called the Federal Government’s routine diplomatic response to the crisis, arguing that repeated statements, advisories, and limited evacuations fall far short of what is required.
“The recurring killing, harassment, looting and intimidation of Nigerians in South Africa is no longer a matter for routine diplomacy,” she said, warning that the situation reflects a deeper failure by the Nigerian state to protect its citizens.
Source: Leadership
Oshiomhole Proposes “Tit for tat” diplomacy against South Africa over Xenophobic attacks
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