News
Widow of Ogun State’s First Civilian Governor, Chief Lucia Onabanjo, Passes Away at 100
Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, the widow of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, Ogun State’s first civilian governor during Nigeria’s Second Republic, has died at the age of 100.
The family announced her peaceful passing on Monday, January 11, 2026, in a statement released on Tuesday by her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, Chairperson of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission.
“The family of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, former Governor of Ogun State, announces with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,” the statement read. “Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo (1925–2026) was called to glory on Monday, January 11.
We thank God for her long and fulfilled life, and for the enduring legacy of love, strength, and faith she leaves behind. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
“Born in 1925 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Madam Onabanjo moved to Lagos at around age 10 to complete her education. She trained at the Teachers’ Training College in Yaba, Lagos, and built a career in teaching spanning over two decades.
She was married to the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who served as governor from October 1979 to December 1983 under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Their union produced four children—two sons and two daughters—though their first daughter predeceased them.
As the state’s maiden First Lady, she provided steadfast support to her husband during his tenure, which was noted for establishing key institutions like Ogun Television and Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University).
She was also actively involved in community service, with a keen interest in children’s welfare, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian causes. She served as Iya Ijo of St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral in Ijebu-Ode.
Tributes have poured in from prominent figures. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described her demise as “the end of a glorious era,” praising her exemplary life devoted to God, family, and humanity, and noting her role in supporting her husband’s fight for democracy and social justice.
President Bola Tinubu condoled with the family, highlighting her compassionate investments in lives across the community, state, and nation, and urging the preservation of her legacy of love for the poor and vulnerable.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Madam Onabanjo’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Ogun State’s foundational political families, leaving behind a profound legacy of grace, resilience, and service.
A joint security operation against terrorists has led to the rescue of nine persons in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to inside sources, Forest Guards, under the supervision of the Directorate of Security Services and working with members of the local hunters and vigilante group, embarked on bush-combing operations. They discovered a hideout of the kidnappers and engaged them.
Nine persons were rescued in two separate operations in the forest of Obbo Aiyegunle. One of the kidnappers was neutralised while others fled with gunshot injuries.
One of the rescued persons is said to be receiving medical care at an undisclosed medical facility in the local government.
News
Zamfara LG Chairman Abduction: Security operatives intensify rescue efforts
Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.
• Family of the abducted Zamfara LG Chairman
Aliyu Danjal, Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed that on hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
News
IGP Disu orders officers to shoot anyone carrying illegal firearms
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity.
Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, saying the move followed President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that the lingering security crisis in the state must be brought to an end.
The police chief maintained that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that law enforcement agencies would no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.
” You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
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