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CELEBRATING AMALA DAY WITH FOUNDER, ADEOLA ALAMALA

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

Quote:

“Our goal is to bring the experience of home-cooked Nigerian food to more people, one community at a time. By this, we are
celebrating culture and culinary excellence”

-Olorunsomo Smart Adeola, aka Alamalla ( during the event. at the brand-new AAU Campus Outlet in Ekpoma.)

In a vibrant celebration of culture, food, and community spirit, Amala Spot with Adeola Alamala recently hosted the much-anticipated Amala Day 2025, followed closely by the grand opening of its brand-new AAU Campus Outlet in Ekpoma. The events, held on Friday, 31st October, and Saturday, 1st November 2025, with the outlet officially opening on Monday, 10th November 2025, marked a major milestone for the fast-growing local food brand known for its authentic Nigerian dishes and warm customer experience.

Amala Day 2025 wasn’t just another food event it was a festival of culture, taste, and togetherness. For two full days, from 12 PM to 8 PM, the atmosphere at Amala Spot on Sec School Road, Ujemen, Ekpoma, was filled with excitement, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of freshly served Amala, Ewedu, and Gbegiri.

Customers trooped in large numbers, eager to partake in the special 20% discount offered throughout the event. From students to working professionals and local food lovers, everyone came together to celebrate the timeless Nigerian delicacy that unites people across generations.

Olorunsomo Smart Adeola, popularly known as Adeola Alamala, is a graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science. Long before his university days, he had already been actively involved in the food industry, where he developed a strong passion for culinary excellence and customer satisfaction.

 

 

Adeola Alamala, the passionate founder and face behind Amala Spot, described the event as “a moment to celebrate our roots, appreciate our customers, and introduce new faces to the real taste of Amala done right.”

Guests were treated to well-prepared meals featuring the perfect blend of soft Amala, rich Ewedu soup, and the flavorful Gbegiri option. Many attendees commended the brand for maintaining high food standards and consistency while creating an environment that felt like home.

Beyond the delicious food, Amala Day was also about community connection. Adeola and the team interacted directly with customers, creating a friendly, family-like atmosphere. There were light games, cheerful moments, and even spontaneous dance sessions that kept the energy alive throughout the event.

What truly stood out was the spirit of togetherness Amala Spot successfully turned an ordinary weekend into a memory-filled culinary celebration. Patrons expressed their satisfaction, with many sharing positive feedback on social media and promising to return with friends.

One student attendee commented, “Amala Spot isn’t just a food place anymore; it’s a vibe. Adeola and the team made everyone feel special.”

The two-day festival didn’t just end with satisfied customers it also built momentum for something bigger: the expansion of Amala Spot into new territory.

The Launch of Amala Spot AAU Campus Outlet

Barely a week after the successful Amala Day, Amala Spot with Adeola Alamala took another bold step by launching its AAU Campus Outlet on Monday, 10th November 2025, at 2:00 PM, located before Igbinedion Hostel, AAU Campus, Ekpoma.

This new branch, designed as a “Take-Out Only” outlet, represents the brand’s innovative approach to convenience and accessibility for students and staff within the Ambrose Alli University community. The opening day featured a 10% discount on all take-out orders, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic customers eager to be among the first to experience the new spot.

Adeola Alamala expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and explained that the AAU Campus branch was inspired by high demand from university students who wanted easier access to their favorite meals. “We realized many of our loyal customers are students who love our Amala but find it difficult to leave campus often. This new outlet brings Amala closer to them,” he said.

The new outlet is a reflection of Adeola Alamala’s long-term vision to make Amala Spot not just a local eatery, but a recognizable food brand across multiple campuses and cities in Nigeria. The Ekpoma expansion shows the brand’s commitment to growth while maintaining its strong focus on taste, quality, and customer satisfaction.

According to Adeola, the success of the Amala Day celebration reaffirmed the community’s love for authentic Nigerian meals and reinforced the need to spread that joy beyond one location. “Our goal is to bring the experience of home-cooked Nigerian food to more people, one community at a time,” he said proudly.

Both the Amala Day event and the new outlet launch demonstrate the brand’s unique philosophy combining culinary excellence with cultural pride. Amala Spot is not just about serving food; it’s about sharing a cultural experience that connects people emotionally to their roots.

By offering discounts, engaging directly with customers, and expanding thoughtfully, Adeola Alamala continues to redefine what a modern local food brand can achieve. The emphasis on trust, transparency, and consistency has earned Amala Spot a loyal following and positioned it as a leading destination for traditional meals in Edo state.

As Amala Spot with Adeola Alamala looks to the future, the brand’s mission remains clear: to celebrate Nigerian cuisine, promote food entrepreneurship, and create spaces where food, friendship, and culture meet beautifully.

The success of the 2025 Amala Day and the launch of the AAU Campus outlet are only the beginning. With the love and support of its growing community, Amala Spot is well on its way to becoming a household name one bowl of Amala at a time.

Kudos to Alamala for his patriotic efforts to bring a local delicacy, such as Amala to the global stage.

Senator Natasha Uduaghan: An icon of selfless leadership 

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

 

Quote:

 

“I am honoured by the trust you have placed in me, and I am here today to reaffirm my commitment to delivering a future that reflects our shared hopes and aspirations.

 

-Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ( while commissioning some constituency projects to mark her second year as a senator representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District )

 

 

My dear respected reader, faithful fan and concerned Nigerian, let us begin with this apt quote on leadership by the two-time Prime Minister of Britain and acclaimed novelist, Benjamin Disraeli which aptly states that: “I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?” That should be food-for-thought, is it not? Of course,it is. Given the guiding credos in line with the dictates of democracy governance is all about meeting the largely accepted dreams, desires and aspirations of the led majority of people. It is not about self-aggrandizement, satisfying one’s gargantuan greed and crass corruption in high places, as fuelled by the chest-beating and self-righteous political helmsmen and yet want to be feared and worshipped! Not at all. But to God our Creator be all the glory for blessing the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, and indeed Nigeria with the exception to that nauseating rule.

 

 

She is none other than the bold, brilliant, wave-making and people -loving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing that District at the Red Chamber. The news headlines of her recent, epoch-making feat with the commissioning of some Constituency Projects.

In precise terms, the life-changing projects featured the unveiling of a 50,000-litre capacity solar-powered water reticulation system in Ganaja and solar-powered smart streetlights in Adogo, both located in Ajaokuta Local Government Area. Others included a 20,000-litre capacity borehole in Okene Local Government Area, as well as another 50,000-litre solar-powered water reticulation project in Okaito, Okehi Local Government Area, and others in Adavi Local Government

Area.

 

 

in addition, was the commissioning of smart streetlights in Obangede and Eika communities both located in Okehi LGA, as well as in Kuroko community. Other communities that benefited from the Constituency Projects include Ajaokuta village, Nagazi, Oro Layout, Ebogogo, Adogo, Ebiya, Ogaminana, Geregu, Elete,Iruvusechi, and Eika Ohizenyi..Not left out are the 40 solar-powered water projects that have been successfully executed across different communities in Kogi Central Senatorial District. There were the smart markets, a primary healthcare centre, schools, and other landmark constituency developments. And going beyond infrastructural development the senator has also empowered constituents with electric vehicles, cereal grinding machines and other essential equipment designed to promote sustainable livelihoods through small and medium scale enterprises across the District. All these outstanding achievements have triggered the pertinent questions.

 

 

For instance, people are asking how she was able to put all these relevant equipment and empowerment tools in place with the funds available to her compared to others who are yet to make the desired impact on the economic and Human Development index,HDI of their constituents? For instance, how do you juxtapose these with that of lawmakers openly distributing bread, rice, noodles, ropes, and wheelbarrows to their constituents, mostly during their campaigns for votes and bragging about such on social media?Does she receive more funds than her colleagues, or has she gone ahead to add more funds from her personal resources?

That reminds one of the wise saying that as a leader: “You manage things; you lead people” as .rightly stated by Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper. But there is more to Senator Uduaghan’s landmark projects than some people care to take note of. It should be noted that this is the second edition of her unveiling projects across the senatorial district.

 

 

It would be recalled that

she inaugurated legacy projects to mark her first year in office over a year ago. The projects inaugurated included the 1 km road network at the Abdul Azeez Memorial College,AAAMCO, Okene.

The road network was inaugurated by Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, supported by Senate Chip Whip Sen. Tahir Monguno. Other projects inaugurated were remodelled nine blocks of classrooms, four boarding houses, and 5,000 digital learning devices in the same college. The anniversary also included the inauguration of the reconstructed Ihima Police Station, and the distribution of empowerment materials to the needy members of the society.

 

 

The Deputy Senate President, represented by Sen. Ladan, described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s first year in office as very effective and praised her efforts to significantly impact her constituents. On his part, Sen. Monguno emphasised the importance of education in a country’s development and commended Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initiative to digitalise learning in Kogi Central.

 

 

Indeed, as Warren Bennis echoed “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality”and that Senator Natasha has epitomized. Said she, during her first year anniversary event,

“When I took on this responsibility, my vision was clear: to create a senatorial district of our dreams, where every child has the opportunity to learn and every young person has access to meaningful employment. To walk the talk on that she has

deployed 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools across Kogi Central, assisted the Universal Basic Education Learning Resource Centre to train teachers and programme the devices with the Nigerian educational curriculum. She has also assisted in constructing a brand-new model primary and secondary school in Osara and facilitated a centre for artificial intelligence and robotics at the Federal College of Education in Okene.

 

 

 

Added to these are the establishment of an automotive mechatronics workshop and cottage automobile workshop at the Technical College in Oboroke. Going forward, the scholarship scheme through the Natasha Foundation that has supported the tuition of 353 vulnerable indigenous students in tertiary institutions nationwide. She has worked tirelessly to attract employment opportunities for various graduates and facilitate capacity-building training and empowerment programs for thousands of beneficiaries from the District.

 

 

The facilitating fact that some of her great achievements were recorded while she was on suspension due to the Akpoti-Akpabio saga shows her clear understanding of achieving success in life as a hurdle race. In spite of the cheers and jeers of the spectators Natasha kept scaling over all the hurdles of hate, threats and intimidation from her unrelenting traducers. She was focused fully on the finishing line. As Harold Johnson,the late publisher of ‘Ebony Magazine’ rightly noted: “The greater the obstacles you overcome in life, the greater the glory you achieve.

 

 

Of great and enduring significance is that she loves to give freely to the needy members of the society. She is therefore, “protected from the enemies” as enshrined in the Biblical Book of Psalm 41 verses 1-2.

 

 

Love or hate Natasha, she has come to redefine the crude concept of the Nigerian variant of democracy where might – is – right to that of giving a listening ear to the needs, the aspirations and cries of the people the leaders claim to serve. All the projects were not only based on her sustained interaction, engagement and the rich and robust discourse she had with her constituents but equally spread across the five local governments of the Central Senatorial District.

 

 

As Max DePree clearly stated: “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.” That aligns with the root linking of democracy as it was with the Ancient Greece back in 500 BC when the led majority got fed up with both oligarchy and aristocracy.and changed the narrative to government of the people by the people and for the people. That is not rocket science.

 

 

In response to her sterling performance Dr. Tom Ohikere, a former Commissioner of Information in the state who hails from Okene LGA has this to say: “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an effective and efficient parliamentarian with unprecedented and verifiable achievements since the last two years in the Red Chamber”. While Zekeri Saidu Bala from Ero in Ajaokuta LGA praised her projects and requested for more for his people, Nasiru Onubaiye from Okehi LGA stated that:”She is first amongst her colleagues. Her legacy projects are unique and the best.To Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan, we wish you all the best in the years to come.

Great Loss As Son of Redeemed Church Founder Dies Suddenly

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Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi, the last born of the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pa Josiah Akindayomi has died. He was 62 years old.

He died on Sunday November 2..

 

His death came about 45 years after that of his father and 7 months after the transition of his elder brother, Pastor Kolade Akindayomi, who died on May 4 this year.

 

A close family friend of the late Ifeoluwa Akindayomi told Church Times that his death was shocking and too sudden.

 

‘Nobody would have thought he would die barely 24 hours after he was chairman of a wedding ceremony.

with his business and the bit he could do in God’s vineyard.” .said Akinyemi

 

He noted that his greatest strength was being able to keep his friends and his love for people.. ‘He had a good human relations and was doing quite well. The last time I saw him was during the convention of the RCCG. His house was home to many peopley who came for the convention. I am really devastated to hear of his death.’ said Akinyemi.

 

Recalling their days together at Molusi College, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, Akinyemi said, ‘He was a perfect gentle man. He picks his words and was generally pleasant. There was no air around him.. he was just like any other student.

 

“He did not go about bragging. As a pastor he truly loved God. He would not fight for anything. One would have thought he would have risen to a very high position in the church. But I guess he must have decided by himself to keep low and not agitate for anything.I am personally going to miss him.”

(Church Times Nigeria)

 

This is so sad and it’s a huge loss to the redeemed Christian church of God.

 

He was planning to relocate to Canada,given a PR ( permanent resident) but death denied him the opportunity of reuniting with his family.

 

The General Overseer, Pastor E.A Adeboye has not issued any statement as at the time of filling this report.

Old Bende People Honour Governor Otti In Grand Civic Reception

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By Ebinum Samuel

The people of Old Bende, under the umbrella of the Old Bende Progressive Union (OBPU), on Friday, October 31, 2025, rolled out the drums at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, to celebrate the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, in a grand civic reception that drew leaders and citizens from across the state.

The historic event, chaired by DIG Azubuko Joel Udah, mni (Rtd.), Chairman of OBPU, and hosted by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh (Onyeocha n’Aba), Member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, was a colourful display of unity, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the New Abia vision.

The atmosphere was electric as Ndi Old Bende, sons, daughters, friends, and stakeholders, turned out in large numbers to reaffirm their total support for Governor Otti’s people-oriented leadership, which they said has transformed Abia State within a short time.

In his address, DIG Azubuko Joel Udah commended Governor Otti for redefining governance through integrity, discipline, and service to the people. He pledged the continued solidarity and prayers of the Old Bende people as the Governor leads Abia toward greater progress and prosperity.

Responding, Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to Ndi Old Bende for the honour and their unwavering support. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and human-centred governance. The Governor reminded political actors that “power belongs to God,” cautioning against premature political boasts ahead of 2027.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi lauded Otti’s leadership style, describing him as a reformer whose achievements have earned him broad-based popular support.

Prominent Abia leaders in attendance, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, Dr Emeh Okoro, Dr Chima Desmond Anyaso, and Eze Linus Nto Mbah commended the Governor’s developmental strides and pledged continued collaboration in building a stronger, united Abia.

The celebration featured cultural performances, goodwill messages, and songs of praise symbolising the unity, pride, and hope that now define the New Abia.

It was indeed a memorable day as the people of Old Bende, under the leadership of DIG Azubuko Joel Udah (Rtd.) and the warm hosting of Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, reaffirmed their total support for Governor Alex Otti and his transformational agenda for Abia State.

PHOTOS FROM GRAND RECEPTION HELD FOR HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. ALEX CHIOMA OTTI, OFR, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE BY THE PEOPLE OF OLD BENDE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF OLD BENDE PROGRESSIVE UNION (OBPU) ON FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER, 2025, AT ENYIMBA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM, ABA

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

LASG DISMANTLES OVER 200 ILLEGAL SHANTIES, DISLODGES CRIMINAL HIDEOUTS AS LASTMA OPERATIVES UNCOVER DUMMY GUN BENEATH COSTAIN BRIDGE

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

In an emphatic manifestation of its relentless commitment to urban regeneration, environmental rectitude, and the safeguarding of public order, the Lagos State Government has executed a sweeping enforcement exercise that led to the dislodgement of illegal squatters, demolition of over 200 illegal shanties, and evacuation of derelict vehicles sprawling around Apapa Road, Ijora, and Costain under bridges.

 

The large-scale clearance operation, meticulously coordinated through a synergy of inter-governmental agencies, was spearheaded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa. The exercise strategically targeted the reclamation and sanitization of critical public spaces that had been desecrated by unlawful habitation, environmental degradation, and nefarious criminal activities.

 

During the extensive operation, personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) made a shocking discovery—a dummy firearm and other dangerous weapons clandestinely concealed within makeshift structures beneath the bridges. This alarming revelation underscored the exigency of the intervention and validated the State Government’s proactive stance against festering criminal hideouts in key transportation corridors.

 

Hon. Sola Giwa decried the appalling condition of the affected areas, characterizing the unlawful activities and shanty settlements as “a monumental affront to public decency, environmental order, and the collective security of Lagosians.” He further asserted that “no responsive and responsible government would countenance such brazen lawlessness within vital infrastructural zones that sustain the State’s socio-economic engine.”

The Special Adviser reiterated that the clearance exercise was designed to eradicate incessant traffic robberies, dismantle drug peddling enclaves, and abate chronic environmental nuisances that had plagued the axis for years. He further disclosed that the operation equally led to the removal of unauthorized garages and evacuation of long-abandoned trucks, which had been converted into criminal dens under the Ijora Bridge.

 

Hon. Giwa reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the Lagos State Government to sustain the tempo of urban renewal and environmental enforcement across the metropolis, warning that any attempt by displaced miscreants or illegal occupants to return to the cleared sites would be met with swift and decisive sanctions.

 

The multi-agency exercise featured robust participation from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and the Nigeria Police Force, all working in concert to restore environmental order, safety, and infrastructural integrity.

Other affected areas included Apapa Road, Ijora, and Costain under bridges inward Iponri, where similar demolitions were executed to dismantle criminal hideouts and reclaim encroached public spaces.

 

This bold and far-reaching intervention forms an integral component of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s holistic urban renewal and environmental restoration agenda, aimed at reclaiming public infrastructure, ensuring citizen security, and preserving the aesthetic dignity and operational efficiency of Lagos State’s transportation corridors.

 

 

 

Hon. Giwa commended the seamless cooperation among participating agencies and enjoined residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and supportive of government initiatives.

 

He reaffirmed that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration remains irrevocably committed to actualizing a safer, cleaner, and more habitable Lagos one that reflects the true spirit of a 21st-century megacity.

TOWARDS A YAHAYA BELLO DYNASTY IN KOGI POLITICS

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By Khalid Jaafar

 

 

Africa’s famous novelist and renowned literary progenitor, Chinua Achebe, avails us of a very instructive proverb in his classic work, *Things Fall Apart.* Alluding to the proclivity of man for spontaneous arrogance and grandstanding at the onset of good fortune, the proverb under reference cautions that “those who had their palm nut cracked for them by a benevolent spirit, must learn to be humble.” Older generations of Nigerians and Africans who grew up in agrarian environments, where they accompanied their parents to farm, sure know the difference between the textures of the coverings of the groundnut and the palm nut. They know that whereas the former can be broken by the snap of the fingers, stones are usually summoned in the forest and administered to the rock-hard shell of the latter. That is how tough it can be and that is why Achebe reminds of the imperative for gratitude if cracking palm nuts suddenly become as effortless as crushing groundnuts.

 

It is within the context of this proverb that this piece intends to x-ray the unbridled greed and gluttony of Yahaya Bello, immediate past Governor of Kogi State, hitherto a nondescript quantity just about a decade ago, who was hoisted by fate to the dizzying heights of fame, fortune and power. Those who know the Yahaya Bello trajectory remember that he was a lowly civil servant on grade level 12 at the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission, (RMFAC), just about a decade ago. He was reportedly disposed to living way beyond his legitimate remuneration, especially because he had an insatiable appetite for women, a pastime which required to be fiscally fed. It has been proferred that Bello came up with an ingenious rogue concept as desk officer covering some states for RMFAC, to collude with pliable state governors and local government chairmen, for the inflation of allocations to them from the federal government.

 

Bello it was said, would ensure that so much was added to the monthly average accruing to these subnationals. The difference above what should be the actual allocation, and the inflated figure, would subsequently be shared between the beneficiary subnational, and Yahaya Bello. It was through such underhand criminality, that he established *Fairplus Travel,* a private commercial transport company. Bello thus created the impression of an affluent young person, within such a short spell in the federal civil service, especially among his peers in Kogi Central, who saw him as having escaped grovelling poverty, prevalent in his parts. It is said that at this point, marabouts and psychics began to “prophesy” about Bello becoming Governor and ultimately, President.

 

How Bello a GL 12 civil servant was able to fund a gubernatorial primary in 2015 and emerge second beyond a respected veteran like the late Prince Abubakar Audu a two-term chief executive Kogi State should yet be interrogated by political analysts. It is on record, however, that in reaction to his failure at the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Bello reached out to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Captain Idris Wada, just before the gubernatorial election of November 2015, and aligned with his ambition. Bello reportedly received gratification to the tune of N100million at the time, to avail Wada of his political structure in Kogi Central, to thwart the prospects of his own party the APC, whose banner was being flown by Audu.

 

On the cusp of electoral triumph that November 2015, Audu tragically died. A combination of unprecedentedly novel permutations unimaginably threw up Yahaya Bello, a man who was not on the ballot, as “inheritor” of Audu’s votes! Audu’s running mate in that election, James Abiodun Faleke, the expected logical successor to the mandate of his principal, was jettisoned. Ten years after, that “precedencial” electoral intervention perpetrated under the watch of former President Muhammadu Buhari, its locus is yet to be located in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pristine or as amended. It remains an unprecedented electoral theft. Factors have been adduced for dumping Faleke when it mattered most. These include the desire of the Buhari cabal to moderate the growing political influence of Bola Tinubu who was a major factor in the presidential emergence of Buhari, and the need to reduce to barest minimum the presence of Christians in Government Houses in Nigeria’s North.

 

It is common knowledge that Bello’s reelection in 2019 was a brazen debasement of democracy. Electoral officers in Bello’s Kogi Central were kidnapped by gunmen, herded to Bello’s Okene home and ordered to fill out result sheets at gunpoint. Elsewhere across the state, Bello’s foot soldiers led by his Chief of Staff who would later become his Deputy, Edward Onoja, led an armed onslaught against voters. Bello’s “feat” was loudly celebrated in a spontaneous musical track performed by a section of his supporters who hailed him for giving the *ta-ta-ta-ta-ta* treatment to those who attempted to stand in Bello’s way. That alliterative expression was in obvious reference to the open deployment of illicit arms and ammunition in securing Bello his second term.

 

Despite his arguably abysmally poor performance in his eight years at the helm, Bello deployed incumbency, state power and resources to reinvent himself via his successor, Ahmed Ododo. Bello it is said, had previously promised to support as his replacement, as many of his aides as sought his blessings. Ododo was reportedly favoured because Bello perceived him as unambitious and would be easy to boss around by a control freak like him, a scenario which has largely played out in nearly two years of Ododo’s regime. Ododo it is opined, is a different breed from the loud, largely infantile Bello. He’s unassuming, humble, humane. Some say he’s timid as Bello his benefactor runs Ododo’s government by proxy. It has been alleged that Bello indeed still resides in the Kogi State Government House, while the incumbent lives in a private residence within the precincts of the seat of government. He got him to reappoint and retain most of the key operatives from his eight year rule as commissioners, advisers and heads of agencies.

 

What many find utterly distasteful and totally disagreeable is that Bello is already plotting the 12 years of gubernatorial politics in Kogi State, after 2027. Bello is in a manic frenzy about getting a second term for Ododo. This explains the impulsive “endorsement rally” held in Lokoja Saturday October 18, 2025, beneath the veneer of flagging off the 2027 presidential reelection campaign for President Tinubu. The rally therefore, was not about genuine love for the President. If Ododo does get a second term and stays in office until 2031, Kogi Central would have produced governors for the state for 16 consecutive years this Fourth Republic. The venerable Alhaji Adamu Atta from the same homestead as Yahaya Bello, was Governor of the Old Kwara State in Nigeria’s Second Republic, between 1979 and 1983.

 

But Bello is said to be looking even beyond 2031 when Ododo will be concluding his second term if he does get it. Bello announced at a recorded meeting with some of his loyalists recently, that he will also produce Ododo’s successor! Attention has since turned to Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Ododo, who is officially assumed to be Bello’s nephew but is rumoured to be his biological son. As a philandering secondary school student, Yahaya Bello is said to have fathered Ali Bello. Ali is presently answering questions about how billions of naira from the vaults of Kogi State were ferried to Abuja *bureau de changes* and converted into foreign exchange when his uncle/father was governor. This is the succession masterplan which Yahaya Bello has drawn up to keep Kogi State enslaved, suppressed, retarded and oppressed in the foreseeable future. Yet this is not about Bello’s affection for the state. He is decidedly maniacal about the retention of control over the resources of Kogi State, a matter of life and survival for him and his cohorts.

 

Beyond the political class, all perceptive, well-meaning people of Kogi State, irrespective of local government of origin, federal constituency or senatorial zone, must be very worried about the grim prospects of the privatisation of the state by the vaulting ambitions of a single individual. People must speak out, they must engage with those who are not as far-sighted about the mortally injurious political landmines which lie ahead. All right-thinkers must come together to rescue the otherwise promising state from the vice grip of Kogi State’s modern day “absolute monarch.” The time is now.

–

 

*Khalid Jaafar, a public analyst writes from Kuroko, Kogi Central, Kogi State*

Mrs.Uwala Esther: Celebrating Nigeria’s iconic agric. researcher

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

One of the most under reported subsectors of the nation’s economic landscape is that of the research institutes and the brilliant minds behind their ground- breaking innovations and inventions. Hardly does the public get to know about the challenges they face, how they overcome such, the benefis of their research findings and the applications thereof . But this is contrary to what plays out in countries such as India, Germany,the United States, the United Kingdom, China,Japan and Cuba.

So, in the bold bid to change the narrative we shall be bringing to the public sphere, some of our researchers who are making the difference. And all that is because we can longer afford to hide the good things happening to us and. It has to be in the push by the clarion call by yours truly,over the decades that we have to make the best use of our best brains.

Interestingly, one of such is Mrs. Uwala Olufunmilayo Esther who was appointed the Head of Station, National Cereals Research Institute (,NCRI),Moore Plantation,Apata,Ibadan. back in October,2024.
A seasoned Rice Breeder and Principal Research Officer, Mrs. Uwala possesses wealth of experience, academic excellence, and exemplary leadership qualities. Her passion for agriculture, which was ignited at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi), where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, specializing in Crop Production and Soil Science, between 1998 and 2003. This has furthermore, been aptly exhibited in her quest for advanced knowledge,which led her to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Agriculture with a focus on Plant Breeding and Seed Technology from 2015 to 2017. These have become manifest with her appointment,where she has continued to prove her mettle in handling human and material resources excellently.

Since she joined the NCRI in 2010 as a Rice Breeder, she has been recognized for her stellar performance and outstanding leadership in every assignment given to her. In fact, her dedication and innovative approach have significantly contributed to the institute’s research advancements. Mrs. Uwala therefore, exemplifies the qualities of a transformational leader which include integrity, empathy, vision, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Standing her out; head and shouldes amongst her peers is her servant-leadership approach which has continued to foster an environment where every staff member feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.

So, to get insight into how her duties have been playing out she was asked a few questions for her to respond to. For instance, what have been her challenges, experience and the impact made as the Head of Station,National Cereals Research Institute ( NCRI ) over the past one year?

In response, she explained that: “The challenges have been how to reposition the Research Institute back to the real status to carry out appropriate research on grains and cereals food here in Nigeria The aim is to work towards the real essence, goals and objectives of establishment On her experience, she stated that: “
Leading the Outstation has been mixed experience, having to put the institute in functional mood ,as well as making the staff motivated to deliver on the assigned responsibilities.

 

“The need to source for funds within to meet the daily needs to run the institute with meagre funds available posed serious issues,which are tackled from time to time.”

 

From that financial challenge she was asked what the federal government and the private sector should be doing to assist research institutes in Nigeria? In response, she expressed her opinion that: “The federal government should readily fund the research institutes appropriately to engage in productive research work ,that will give the nation profitable yields.

“A collaborative work and synergy should be developed between the institute and the private sector ,for smooth working relationships,towards functional edifice /establishment.The private sector will argument the gaps in smooth running and effective management ,with contributions in lacking areas ” What a brilliant position from her.

As a role model, having achieved so much even at her young age what is her piece of advice to the younger generation of Nigerians? Responding she stated that: “The younger generation of Nigerians should pay better attention to developing the agricultural sector ,towards increasing the GDP of the country , through revenue from exports . The need for the younger generation to divert attention from oil to agriculture ,which can serve as the mainstay of the economy has become an imperative “.That is apt!

In the light of the above- stated it has become pertinent to know who are her heroes and what has she gained from them? Beaming with a beautiful smile she had this tovsay: “My hero is my father, Dr Ayodele Uwala and Professor D.K Ojo,who have made significant contributions to the growth of agriculture in Nigeria.
My father has made impacts through outstanding contributions in Soybean production , currently the NSA president in Nigeria,while Professor Ojo has track records of impacts in agricultural sector in Nigeria and in theglobal arena”. A chip of the old block, one would admit.

Her background

Born on 21st May,1979 to the family of Mr and Mrs Ayodele Christopher Uwala who hail from Ose LG Area of Ondo state, she commenced her primary education at Sacred Heart Primary School,Ibadan in 1984 and passed out in 1990. Funmi proceeded to Queens school, Ibadan in 1990 and passed out in 1996 with secondary school Certificate.

A brilliant, young girl then gained admission into University of Agriculture,Makurdi,Benue State in 1998 and graduated in 2003.She bagged her first Degree in Agronomy in 2003 and on completion went for the mandatory one year National Youth Service Scheme(NYSC).

Funmi ‘s quest for higher educational advancement led to her enrollment for Masters Degree at the Federal University of Agriculture,Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in 2015.
In 2020,Funmi bagged M.Agric in Plant Breeding and Seed Technology in addition to her earlier obtained Bachelor of Science in Crop Production and Soil Science.

Mrs Uwala Olufunmi Esther Alabi is currently undergoing her Ph.D Programme on Plant Breeding at the FUNAAB

Mrs UWALA Olufunmi
,a scholar of international repute and a breeder with the NCRI, has attended wide range of Seminars and Trainings .Some of which are “Training on Developments of Core Agricultural Researcher for Promotion of Rice production in Sub Sahara Africa by JICA.
Also a Seminar at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) themed : IITA Gender ,Youth and Social Inclusion (GYSI).
At different times ,trainings and Seminars
organized by Nigerian Soybean Association (NSA)

Seminars organized by Association of Seed Scientists of Nigeria)ASSN).

Mrs UWALA Olufunmi, a top notch breeder has also attended Annual Symposium of the International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows(IARSAF) at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.

A pure bred scientist ,Mrs UWALA has also attended Workshop on ” Biotechnological Applications for Food Security and Wealth Creation at National Centre for Genetic Resources &,Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Nov 2014.
She attended Training Course on Hybrid Rice and Seed Production in June 2013 and another training course on “Hybrid Rice and Seed Production “, at Saint Louis,Senegal in Nov 2013.

She attended seminar put together by “Nestle Foods” on “Nutrition, Productivity and Nation Building in 2000.
Mrs Uwala Olufunmi Esther,a seasoned agricultural scientist,breeder of academic standard and an administrator of note, is a member of many recoganized organizations.
The General Secretary of Nigerian Soybean Association (NSA), A Member of Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN), A Member of Plant Breeders Association of Nigeria ( PBAN), A Member of Association of Seed Scientists of Nigeria (ASSN), A Member of Genetic Society of Nigeria ( GSN) and a member of Plant Breeders Association of Nigeria(PBAN).
Mrs UWALA Olufunmi Esther Alabi is an administrator with skills and outstanding leadership virtues.She served as the Desk Officer for Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of ICPC,ACTU,Ibadan Station.
She awesomely shown dedication as the General Secretary of the Nigerian Soybean Association (NSA) South West Region.
Since her first working experience at Ireti Olu Model College,Ido,Ogun State,during her NYSC year in 2003,she has displayed sterling vision and vigour ,which have continued to manifest till date.

Briefly afterward before her gainful employment into the federal government service UWALA Olufunmi Esther worked briefly at the Casava Breeding Unit , Industrial Training at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture,(IITA),Ibadan in 2001.

She sometimes supervised a Project Work titled : Effect of frequent Weed Control in two Upland Rice Varieties in Ibadan South West 2016 at the Federal College of Agriculture,IAR&T,Moore Plantation,Apata, Ibadan.
Mrs UWALA Esther has good number of papers published in international Journals and related associations publications ,both academic and proffessional. She is happily married with children.

All said, she has so far distinguished herself as a great ambassador of both her family and the academia.
We need many more of her type to be a brilliant beacon for her generation and others to come for a Better Nigeria.

I’ve never eaten in my life – 17-year-old reveals

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

 

A 17-year-old girl named Emma has gone viral on TikTok after bravely opening up about her battle with Gastroparesis, a rare medical condition that has left her without a functional stomach since birth.

 

In a video shared in July under the username @emmakok, which began trending on Monday, Emma revealed that she has never eaten a proper meal in her life. Instead, she relies entirely on feeding tubes to survive.

 

Speaking candidly about her condition, Emma explained that she is unable to consume even basic meals, making her daily life very different from that of most teenagers.

 

She said, “Hi, my name is Emma. I am 17 and I have a chronic illness called Gastroparesis. Gastroparesis simply means my stomach is paralyzed, it doesn’t work. Because my stomach is paralyzed, it can’t digest any food. Which also means I’m not able to eat any food