Category: Celebration

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Four Ministers, Kwara Deputy Governor, Senator, Business Moguls Grace NACCIMA Conference in Ilorin.

Four Ministers, Kwara Deputy Governor, Senator, Business Moguls Grace NACCIMA Conference in Ilorin

High-ranking government officials including ministers, legislators, commissioners; business leaders; economic experts; top academics; security commanders; and traditional leaders have converged on the Banquet Hall Ilorin for the 65th Annual General Meeting/Conference and Investiture of NACCIMA.

Prominent personalities present at the Thursday event include: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Senator Sadiq Umar; KAM Holdings CEO, Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf; Alhaji Kashim Imam; Kwara State Commissioner of Business, Innovation, and Technology, Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun; among others.

HE President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) is being represented at the high-level event by Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Enoh.

NACCIMA will officially welcome its 23rd President and new members of the exco at the well-attended event today.

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“NACCIMA President, Barr. Dele Oye, delivers remarks at the ongoing 65th NACCIMA AGM Conference

“NACCIMA President, Barr. Dele Oye, delivers remarks at the ongoing 65th NACCIMA AGM Conference, currently taking place at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin.

The high-profile event has drawn prominent attendees, including the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, top government officials such as ministers, legislators, commissioners, and directors, as well as business leaders, esteemed academics, security commanders, traditional leaders, and more. Later today, NACCIMA will officially welcome its 23rd President and new EXCO members at the well-attended event.

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Governor AbdulRazaq flags off NACCIMA’s 65th AGM in Ilorin

Governor AbdulRazaq flags off NACCIMA’s 65th AGM in Ilorin

  • Delegate excited seeing huge steel plant in Kwara
  • As golf tournament, company visits, dinner highlight day one

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday flagged off the 65th Annual General Meeting/Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Ilorin.

The event began early in the day with a golf tournament at the Ilorin Golf Club, where Governor AbdulRazaq performed the ceremonial tee-off to the applause of many sports lovers.

Several business leaders, investors, captains of industry, key government officials and policy makers from across different states of the country are participating in the key event that will run till Friday.

The theme of this year’s AGM/Conference is ‘Harnessing private sector potential to achieve one trillion dollar economy by 2030’.

The golf tournament was aimed at promoting harmony, unity, love and brotherhood within the premier association.

The closing ceremony on Tuesday evening attracted prominent personalities such as former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo; incoming President of NACCIMA, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim; a retired police chief AIG Tunji Alapini; war veteran General Alabi Isama; among others.

Winners of various categories of the tournament were announced and awarded with mouthwatering prizes. Notable are Pro Oluwanishola Ologun (professional category), Golfer Elijah Obioma (ladies category), Lady Captain L.K Jimoh (veteran category). There were also consolation prizes for many other participants.

Earlier in the day, NACCIMA delegates visited four major companies in the state as part of activities marking the first day of the 65th AGM/Conference.

The companies included Kam Steel Integrated Company Limited in Jimba-Oja; TASCON Plastic Industries Limited in Ganmo; International Tobacco Company in Ilorin; and the state-owned Sugar Film Factory Studio, Ilorin.

Delegates were conducted round various sections of each of the companies.

At Kam Steel, the visitors from different parts of the country were in awe of the expansive facility contributing to socioeconomic development in the country.

Speaking on the sidelines of the visit, National Vice President of NACCIMA, Ms Patricia Idiakhoa, said she feels happy to see that a huge steel plant such as Kam Steel is operating in Kwara State, adding that it is noteworthy that they source their raw materials locally.

“It makes us happy. I’m glad that we have such a huge steel company in Kwara State,” she noted.

At the International Tobacco Company, the NACCIMA delegates received a red carpet and warm welcome. They were later shown around the huge facility by its officials.

A royal touch was added to the event as the Ciroma of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, joined NACCIMA delegates at the ITC amid pomp and pageantry.

Managing Director of the Sugar Film Factory Studio, Mr. Gbenga Titiloye, led delegates to different sections of the studio, while speaking to their operations since establishment under the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq.

For his part, TASCON’s Head of Operations, Mr. Oladimeji Ajado, said it’s a great privilege to have delegates of NACCIMA visit their company.

“Before now, we have had KWACCIMA, CONSCCIMA. This is like the climax for us. We are delighted to host NACCIMA. Our doors are always open to them. We will like to host them more and more,” Ajado said.

The NACCIMA AGM/Conference will be featuring a chain of interesting activities including cultural night, investiture dinner, annual general meeting, exco meeting, conference, among others, for the next few days.

The event is a platform for networking, business discussions, and critical deliberations that will shape the future of industry and commerce in Nigeria.

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The Notion of Democracy vs. Enslavement in Nigerian Governance

The Notion of Democracy vs. Enslavement in Nigerian Governance

The Nigerian political system has long been touted as a democracy, with all the trappings of democratic governance, including elections, a constitution, and institutions designed to represent the will of the people. However, a closer examination of the system reveals a stark contrast between the ideals of democracy and the harsh realities of governance.

In reality, the system practiced in Nigeria seems to be a government of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich. The wealthy and powerful wield significant influence over policy-making and resource allocation, often to the detriment of the masses. This has created a culture of dependency and patronage, where citizens are forced to rely on the benevolence of those in power rather than demanding their rights as citizens.

One of the most insidious aspects of this system is the use of token handouts and gestures to create an illusion of care and concern for the populace. Politicians often employ these tactics to garner support and maintain control, but they rarely translate into meaningful empowerment or systemic change. Instead, they serve to pacify the masses and maintain the status quo.

The token beneficiaries of these gestures are often co-opted into the system, becoming unwitting participants in their own oppression. They may be used to mobilize support for the ruling elite, suppress dissent, or legitimize policies that further entrench inequality. This creates a vicious cycle of dependency, where citizens are conditioned to rely on handouts rather than demanding their rights.

To break free from this cycle, Nigerians must demand more from their leaders. This includes pushing for policies that promote economic empowerment, social justice, and genuine citizen participation in governance. It also requires a shift in mindset, where citizens recognize their own agency and power to effect change.

Some potential solutions include:

  • Increased transparency and accountability in government spending and decision-making
  • Strengthening institutions that support democracy, such as an independent judiciary and free press
  • Promoting civic education and critical thinking to empower citizens
  • Encouraging citizen participation in governance through town hall meetings, public consultations, and other mechanisms
  • Fostering a culture of activism and advocacy for social justice and human rights

By working together to address these challenges, Nigerians can build a more just and equitable society that truly serves the needs of all its citizens.

The question remains, however, whether the current system can be reformed or if a more fundamental transformation is needed. Can the existing power structures be persuaded to relinquish their grip on power and resources, or will it take a grassroots movement to effect change? Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: the status quo is unsustainable, and Nigerians deserve better.

In conclusion, the Nigerian political system is a complex web of power dynamics, patronage, and tokenism. While it may masquerade as democracy, the reality is far from it. To create a truly democratic system, Nigerians must demand more from their leaders and work towards a more just and equitable society. The time for change is now.

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Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been posthumously inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame for his politically charged 1976 album, Zombie.

Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been posthumously inducted into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame for his politically charged 1976 album, Zombie.

With the recognition coming nearly 30 years after his death, he becomes the first Nigerian artiste to achieve the feat.

The announcement was made by organisers of the Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy, as part of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees.

The award differs from regular Grammy categories by honouring recordings that are at least 25 years old and have “lasting qualitative or historical significance.”

In a statement announcing the 2025 selections, the Academy said Zombie was selected “for its fearless critique of oppression, cultural impact, and enduring relevance to political resistance and African musical heritage.”

Reacting to the news, Fela’s eldest son and singer, Femi Kuti, on Wednesday shared the family’s excitement on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
His music continues to inspire & unite people across the world #Grammy.”

Originally released in Nigeria in 1976 under Coconut Records and later in the UK by Creole Records in 1977, Zombie is widely regarded as one of Fela’s most incendiary and impactful albums.

Featuring tracks like Zombie, Mister Follow Follow, Observation Is No Crime, and Mistake (recorded live at the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1978), the album was a satire of the Nigerian military, likening soldiers to mindless “zombies” who blindly follow orders without question.

Its massive commercial success ignited outrage within the ruling military regime, eventually provoking a violent state-backed assault on Fela’s Lagos commune, Kalakuta Republic.

Reacting to the news, Fela’s eldest son and singer, Femi Kuti, on Wednesday shared the family’s excitement on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
His music continues to inspire & unite people across the world #Grammy.”

Originally released in Nigeria in 1976 under Coconut Records and later in the UK by Creole Records in 1977, Zombie is widely regarded as one of Fela’s most incendiary and impactful albums

That attack, which was widely condemned by human rights groups, deepened Fela’s reputation as a fearless musical dissenter and became a historic moment in Nigerian sociopolitical consciousness.

Fela’s induction places Zombie alongside other legendary works previously admitted into the Hall of Fame, including albums from Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Cat Stevens, and Santana.

Music scholars and fans alike have described the Grammy recognition as a long-overdue global acknowledgment of Fela’s influence on world music and political thought.

Fela, who died in 1997, is widely credited with creating Afrobeat; a genre that fused jazz, highlife, and traditional African rhythms with searing political commentary.

His music inspired generations of activists and artists, from Seun Kuti and Burna Boy to global figures like Questlove and Beyoncé.

The Grammy Hall of Fame nod adds to a growing list of posthumous accolades for the late icon, who has already been the subject of multiple documentaries, biographies, and the Broadway musical Fela!

Born in 1938, Fela was a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose music consistently tackled corruption, colonialism, and authoritarianism.

Despite repeated arrests, beatings, and the destruction of his properties by successive military governments, Fela never compromised his art or message.

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Democracy Day: President Tinubu to grant presidential pardon to Ibori, Farouk Lawan and others

Democracy Day: President Tinubu to grant presidential pardon to Ibori, Farouk Lawan and others

THERE are strong yet unconfirmed reports doing the rounds in and around the premises of the National Assembly that President Bola Tinubu may take the opportunity of the Democracy Day celebration on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to grant presidential pardon to some ex-convicts who are political gladiators.

Two names that have so far been mentioned are former Delta State governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and a former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan [Shanono Federal Constituency of Kano State].

The announcement of the grant of presidential pardon may form one of the major highlights of President Tinubu’s address to the joint sitting of the National Assembly tomorrow, Thursday.

The decision by the President to deploy the platform of the Legislature in consummating his Democracy Day speech is not unconnected with the acceptance of the place of the legislature in the tripartite classification of powers as a constitutional imperative.

The legislature, in the trinity of the arms of governmental powers, is the bulwark upon which constitutional democracy rests. Sans the legislature, democratic governance takes a flight and yields its place for other forms of government.

Another highlight of President Tinubu’s speech at the joint sitting, which had already been confirmed, is the conferment of national honours on a select group of federal lawmakers.

The commemorative event – special joint sitting – is scheduled to be held in the more expansive House of Representatives Chamber.

Proceedings will commence at 11:00 a.m., while President Tinubu is expected to arrive at 12:00 noon to deliver a presidential address as the Special Guest of Honour.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, had confirmed the development in a statement last Sunday.

the announcement of the presidential pardon for politicians who are ex- convicts may either feature in the president’s speech at the joint sitting or his speech to Nigerians via a nationwide broadcast. There is also a possibility that it may be communicated in a statement by the Presidency.

Ibori is a leader in the Niger Delta region, in addition to being a national figure in Nigeria.

This news medium recalls that in 2012, Ibori was sentenced to 13 years in prison for money laundering in the United Kingdom

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Democracy or Enslavement: The Nigerian Paradox”- Comr. Sulaiman A. O.

“Nigerian politician often adopt an enslavement system of governance, masquerading it under the guise of democracy.

True democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. In contrast, the system practiced here seems to be a government of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich. These politicians might offer token handouts to certain citizens, creating an illusion of care and concern.

However, this façade crumbles when one tries to bridge the gap between the empowered and the powerful. The token beneficiaries are often used to mobilize support and suppress dissent, rather than genuinely uplifting the masses.”

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Why Compared the culture, Ilorin Emirate Durbar and Ojude- Oba – Comr Sulaiman A. O.

I’ve noticed how people are comparing the Ojude-Oba Festival and the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Celebration, which made me feel somewhat intrigued. The comparison between these two distinct cultural celebrations is interesting.

The Ilorin Emirate Durbar stands out as a unique celebration that showcases the diverse cultures of various tribes, including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Nupe, and others.

In contrast, Ojude-Oba is a celebration specifically rooted in indigenous Yoruba culture.

@Saolegend.com

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It’s my first time experiencing the Ilorin Durbar – A Chinese Reporter said

It’s my first time experiencing the Ilorin Durbar, and what an awakening it is. Ilorin Durbar 2025 begins in a blaze of color and culture.

The ancient city stirs with pride, its heart pulsing to the rhythm of drums, cheers and hoofbeats.

As dawn breaks, the streets come alive, royal pageantry spills into every corner, gallant horsemen in flowing regalia thunder past in orchestrated elegance and the very air seems to vibrate with the energy of a proud people honoring their past.

A vibrant tribute to Ilorin’s rich cultural heritage unfolds before my eyes. Graceful women, adorned in unified attire that mirrors centuries of artistry and identity, move with poise through the crowds.

They dance, chant and smile, a living mosaic of elegance and pride. Children wave miniature flags, elders recount tales of Durbar past and young men march with the vigor of a generation carrying forward sacred traditions.

This is not just a festival. It’s a homecoming of spirit, a royal celebration that bridges the ancient and the modern. In the Ilorin Durbar, history gallops beside the present, and for the first time, I find myself not just a spectator, but a participant in something timeless.

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Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State

Colours, fashion, glamour and glitz at the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Different groups are seated beautifully at the Oba Adetona Pavilion, the venue of this year’s festival.

The Ojude Oba Festival is a colourful celebration that takes place annually among the Ijebu people in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Ojude Oba, which means ‘The King’s Court,’ was originally organised by a group of Muslim faithful to pay homage to the traditional ruler of Ijebuland.