Monday, 22 September 2025

MISSING CHILD: FATHER CRIES OUT FOR HELP OVER 12 YEAR OLD MISSING DAUGHTER

 

 A Togolese man George Famous Koffi have cried out for help from Nigerians to stand up for him after he was briefed that her only daughter got missing from her stepmother in Ibadan, Oyo State.


George Famous Koffi from Togo met a woman in Ibadan called Omisakin Julianah Oluwatosin, a native of Ile Ife at Elebu area of Alao Akala way, Ibadan whom they started dating in 2020.

“In 2021 I want to travel to my hometown to see my parents and daughter so Omisakin Julianah said she would like to follow me to Togo to see my people.

 Getting to home after my engagements, my daughter Faith Koffi decided to come with me and stay in Nigeria and I asked Julianah Omisakin and she said she can come so on getting here I have the plan of putting my daughter in boarding school but the woman insisted that I should let her lived with us since she has a daughter too called Precious and I agreed. So, my daughter has been living with her and her daughter too since that time.”


  George explained further that he later changed their accommodation to a more comfortable place because of my daughter and sending money for feeding clothing and shopping.

He narrated that at the 3rd term long break of schools around July, he was talking with his daughter until around August 1st, 2nd and 3rd to invite them to his apartment in Lagos where he works but Mrs Omisakin have been displaying some strange attitudes of restrained.

“She came to Lagos around 2nd week in August alone without my daughter so I queried her but seen her, I know something has gone wrong because she was seriously ill with wounds in her tongue and heat in her body, I bought medicines and took care of her and began to queried that why she didn’t come with my daughter after all if her own daughter stays in Ibadan, she should have allowed my daughter Faith to come”.

“On the 10th of September, I went to work and was wondering what would have happen and I called her sister in Ibadan to informed her about the state of health OF Julianah, that was when her sister informed me that it was my daughter Faith that got missing and she was worried and not know how to tell me”.

“I got home at that Night to asked her what exactly is the issue around my daughter, she began to cry that she sends her an errand but she went to fetch water and that was how she didn’t see her again”. 

Gorge Koffi , the father of the 12-year old girl has spent both spiritual , and various praying centers just to find her daughter while he is crying for help from people , especially in Lagos , Ibadan who may come across a young girl Faith.

The sad story was that Mrs Julianah Oluwatosin Omisakin hve been so adamant except she has been pleaded not knowing anything about it and all leads to no clue has to see the whereabout of Faith Koffi, daughter of Togolese George Koffi working in Nigeria.

As at the time of the report the matter has been reported and and charged to court by Nigerian Police, waiting for the final judgement pending to hold in less than two weeks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, 19 September 2025

Why churches must partner with govt on security – Bishop Mike Okonkwo

 Bishop Mike Okonkwo speaking at FOTA anniversary in Lagos


The  Presiding Bishop, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) Mike Okonkwo, Founder of Revival Assembly Ministries International, Apostle Anselm Madubuko, and  Founder and Senior Pastor of the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), Rev. Yomi Kasali, have tasked Nigerian churches on partnering with governments to fight insecurity.

They made the call at the opening  ceremony of the Giant Killers Conference 2025, organised by FOTA in Lagos on Wednesday night.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the church is also using the conference to mark its 20th anniversary.

Okonkwo said government alone cannot handle the challenges of insecurity which had become a national concern.

He said that though security is the responsibility of government, Nigerians and churches must join hand to arrest the situation.

He said: “The only way the church can assist  is to partner with the government and speak up where there is insecurity and not try to hide behind the curtain.

“Churches must speak up and be forthright, speak to powers that be, so that the government will also begin to take on their responsibility.

“As a matter of fact, it’s the government’s responsibility to provide security for the citizens. And so they need to know that  citizens are very concerned that they are not carrying out their responsibility.

“At every level.pf governance, those who cannot perform should step down from the position and allow more capable hands to take over. There is no need of buying the position where you are not performing.”

The bishop blamed Churches for the inability to rightly impact on citizens through their sermons

“The Church is a powerful voice and the  voice of God here on earth. And as a result, when we preach Christ, who transforms life to our congregation, which more or less is the grassroots, they occupy the different offices in different places in society.

“And when their lives are transformed the way it ought to be, automatically, wherever they find themselves, they’re going to also dispense that life. And it will affect the society.

“So obviously, like I’ve said in different forums, many people who are doing the wrong thing in the public sector and in society are answering James, John, Mary, Martha, they go to church.

“So the question is why are you then not doing what is right in the society? So that means that the message has not really gone down the way it ought to,” he said.

According to the bishop,  there should be emphasis through the Church back to the basics that our people must understand that church does not end in the four walls of the building.

On his part, the founder of Revival Assembly Ministries International, Madubuko, said the church needs  to pray for leaders to wake up to their responsibilities.

He said: The church is supposed to be the strongest because of Jesus but because we have gone the other way. Just like Bishop  Okonkwo said, our responsibility is to grow in the knowledge of Jesus.

“And it is this knowledge that builds us up. So when the church begins to grow in this knowledge, then the church will have its mojo back.”

On insecurity, Madubuko said  prayers are needed for God’s  intervention.

“There’s nothing one can do about it. Just pray that God will wake up the people on duty and let everybody be on his duty post.”

Kasali, said the government could  do much more to address the insecurity in the country.

He charged the church to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

“The same things we’ve said over time that the church is the  salt of the earth and the light of the world that we should be able to impact our nation, our communities.

“Right now we have the biggest churches in town, the biggest pastors, the biggest ministries but our impact is not as much held in our society.

“It’s important for us to try as much as possible to let our impact be felt beyond buildings and beyond big names. And that’s what Bishop said, and I truly concur with that thought and that opinion. That’s ours as well.

“As giant killers, we believe that there are always problems in every nation, and we should just go in there boldly.”

According to Kasali,  we should hope and , believe  that we are David, and the Goliaths in this nation facing us. We can bring down Goliath.

“Faith, integrity, honesty, faith in God’s word, faith in everything that we believe and we should have faith in this nation. Have faith in Nigeria again. Whatever is confronting us as a nation, we can bring them down with a stone and a slingshot.

“The Church is a moral institution, and we hope that the Church and its leaders and its members can go out there and become salt, not just sugar. That’s how we can impact and make positive impact in this nation. Pretty much, that’s how we can do it.

“Government can do much more. They are trying, they are making the effort but I know they can do much more. And they are doing their best, and they are doing their bit but I believe they can do much more.”

Also speaking, Kasali’s wife, Pastor Funke Kasali said part of the programme is to seek God’s face and intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.

She said: “As a wife and a mother, the killing of innocent Nigerians breaks my heart.

“The victims of kidnapping, murder, rituals, banditry and robbery could have been anyone.

“It is sickening and sad and we are tired of it. We need total overhaul of the system, parents must play a role on their children’s upbringing and instilling values,  while schools and churches should help the children to retain those values.”

NAN reports that other pastors expected to speak at the conference are Dr Felix Omobude, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Pastor Funmi Boulah Johnson, Pastor Bidemi Mark-Mordi and Pastor Tolu Odukoya.


The programme which kicked off formally on Wednesday night at the church auditorium in Surulere, is expected to end with a Thanksgiving on Sunday. 

Tuesday, 16 September 2025

KosofeRep: Hon. Kafilat Ogbara Brings Renewed Hope: Free School Packs for Kosofe Federal Constituency Children

Kosofe, Lagos: It was a day of joy, gratitude, and renewed hope in Kosofe Federal Constituency as Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, and Member of the Federal House of Representatives, launched the Back-to-School Outreach 2.0. The initiative provided over 500 children in public primary schools across Kosofe, Ikosi-Isheri, and Agboyi-Ketu LCDAs with free school packs, including bags, lunchboxes, water bottles, socks, sanitary pads, math sets, and exercise books.

The event, held at the Kosofe Local Government Secretariat in Ogudu, was graced by an impressive lineup of dignitaries. Leading the host community was the dynamic Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Hon. Moyo Ogunlewe, whose visible support and collaboration with Hon. Ogbara underscored a shared vision for youth empowerment and community development. Also present were the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Adetola Adunni Abubakar, councilors of Kosofe, Royal Fathers, and distinguished party leaders who lent their presence to the memorable occasion.

Parents, visibly moved, showered Hon. Ogbara with heartfelt prayers, describing the intervention as timely and life-saving. Many noted that, in these challenging times, the outreach had lifted a huge burden from families preparing their children for the new school year.

In her remarks, Hon. Ogbara reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to education and family empowerment. She stressed that the initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which she described as not merely a slogan but a practical promise of better days for Nigerians. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that no child is left behind, and that every family feels the impact of governance in their daily lives,” she said.

The smiles on the faces of the children—proudly holding their new school packs—reflected the success of the day. Teachers, parents, and traditional leaders hailed the program as an investment in the future, with many applauding Hon. Ogbara for her consistency in delivering people-oriented initiatives.

The Back-to-School Outreach 2.0 was more than a distribution exercise; it was a celebration of hope, partnership, and leadership. With the collaborative spirit of leaders like Hon. Moyo Ogunlewe, Hon. Adetola Abubakar, and the blessings of Royal Fathers, Hon. Ogbara once again proved herself to be a compassionate and responsive representative, deeply connected to the needs of her people and firmly committed to building a brighter future for every child in Kosofe Federal Constituency.

Monday, 15 September 2025

NIHOTOUR Unveils Renovated Lagos Zonal Office, Reaffirms Commitment to Tourism Sector

 Lagos, Nigeria – The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has officially unveiled its newly renovated and upgraded Lagos Zonal Office, marking a significant step in its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.


The commissioning ceremony, held in Lagos, drew an array of stakeholders, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across the industry, underscoring the strategic importance of the institute in national development.


Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, expressed deep satisfaction with the transformation of the facility, recalling its poor state at the time he assumed office.


> “I’m very happy today because I remember when I first visited this place after assuming office, my initial reaction was that human beings could not work here. It was not a conducive environment,” he said.




Acknowledging the funding challenges under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Fagade commended President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing efforts to make resources available, despite economic constraints.


> “The Renewed Hope Agenda has been challenging, particularly in terms of funding, but President Bola Tinubu is doing all he can. Despite these constraints, we were able to complete this renovation project, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.”




Dr. Fagade also emphasized the importance of recognizing incremental progress.


> “Some may wonder why we are celebrating this, but I always tell people—if you don’t celebrate the little wins, you won’t be ready for the big ones. This renovation is a starting point, and there’s more to come. This event is also a way to draw national attention to the tourism sector—to show that despite the country’s challenges, we are making tangible progress.”




Among the dignitaries present was the Oba of Odi-Olowo Kingdom, HRM Oba Olamide Ayinde, who praised the initiative and the Director-General’s leadership.


> “I pass through this area often, and I never even knew something like this existed here. But seeing this improvement today, I know it can only grow bigger and better. I want to thank Dr. Fagade for this great work. The building before was nothing to write home about, but now there is a clear change. I pray God gives him the wisdom to do even more,” the monarch stated.




Also lending his voice, Chief Ganiyu Olalekan Bakare, the Aro Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, highlighted the role of institutions like NIHOTOUR in driving tourism development.


> “Tourism is about movement, enjoyment, and exploration. But we need proper regulation and trained professionals to make it successful. Institutions like NIHOTOUR are essential for producing skilled graduates who will drive our tourism and hospitality industry forward.”




In her remarks, the Zonal Director of Operations, Mrs. Uche Ibeabuchi Chinyere, expressed pride in the transformation achieved under Dr. Fagade’s leadership.


> “I am very happy this is happening under my watch. If you knew the state of the office before, you’d understand why this is a big deal. It was not a place we could proudly show to guests. But now, we have a conducive environment that inspires us to do our best.”




She also offered prayers for the Director-General, wishing him a long and successful tenure marked by wisdom and impactful leadership.


The renovation of the Lagos office forms part of NIHOTOUR’s broader strategic plan to reposition hospitality and tourism training in Nigeria. Dr. Fagade reassured attendees that more projects are in the pipeline to align the institute’s infrastructure and programs with global best practices.


With the upgraded Lagos facility, NIHOTOUR is now better equipped to train world-class professionals and contribute more significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s tourism industy

Sunday, 14 September 2025

Controversy Trails Selection of New Odemo of Isara-Remo*

Isara-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

The passing of the Odemo of Isara-Remo on May 1st, 2025, was a moment of deep mourning for the town, sadly however, the succession process that followed has since sparked controversy, anger, petitions, and widespread public discontent.


By custom and tradition, the Odemo stool rotates among six ruling houses of the town, with this cycle falling on the Otete ruling house, which presented seven eligible candidates in no particular order:

1. Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Sonupe

2. Engr. Oladele Amoda

3. Dr. Kehinde Osifade

4. Olakunle Sodipe

5. Adesina Sodipe

6. Bashorun Oluwole Ogunbayo

7. Otunba Fatai Sowemimo

According to the rules, each contestant was initially required to procure the stool contestant form at ₦5 million as part of the screening process, though reports revealed that the fee was later reduced to ₦500,000 after consultations.

In accordance with the Yoruba tradition and culture of which Remo is, the selection of an Oba is guided by Ifa divination rather than voting. According to sources, the Oracle was consulted twice in public view, and a ranking was provided. The divination reportedly placed Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Sonupe first, followed by Engr. Oladele Amoda and Dr. Kehinde Osifade. Other candidates such as Olakunle Sodipe and Adesina Sodipe were ranked in the order of 4th and 5th, while Bashorun Oluwole Ogunbayo and Otunba Fatai Sowemimo placed 6th and 7th respectively.

The Oracle was also said to have warned that the distortion and manipulation of the process other than as divinely chosen, would bring hardship, unrest and discomfort to the town a concern that some residents took to heart religiously.

On September 8th 2025, during the scheduled selection at Isara palace, residents were unsettled by the presence of multiple uniformed operatives and even an armored vehicle. While officials described it as a routine security measure for peace and order, eyewitnesses interpreted it as a tactic of intimidation.

At the conclusion of proceedings, Bashorun Oluwole Ogunbayo, a real estate businessman, was announced as winner with all nine kingmakers reportedly voting in his favor. Allegations quickly surfaced that each kingmaker had been offered ₦10 million and a parcel of land. Later that evening, Ogunbayo was escorted into the Ipebi seclusion chamber, sparking fresh uproar, controversy and discontent.

The outcome has been met with discontent among indigenes at home and abroad. Critics argue that tradition was disregarded, the Oracle’s guidance ignored, and undue influence brought to bear on the process. They note with concern that the candidate ranked second to the last by Ifa divination has now been declared the town’s monarch.

Several diaspora groups have petitioned Governor Dapo Abiodun, appealing him to investigate the process, halt what they describe as a "manipulation and imposition,” and ensure that the sanctity of the Isara Remo tradition is respected and upheld.

For now, Isara-Remo remains on the edge, tense and divided between those who support the declaration of Ogunbayo, and those who insist the Ifa verdict and due process must be respected to preserve the dignity of the Odemo stool for the peace, progress and prosperity of Isara Remo.

Saturday, 13 September 2025

Kasali Urges Stricter Policies to Push Churches

 The Former director general yemi osinbajo campaign organization and the General Overseer of the Foundation of Truth Assembly, Reverend Yomi Kasali, has called for tighter government policies that would compel churches across the country to play more active roles in tackling poverty.


Speaking with newsmen, Reverend Kasali criticized some church founders for leading extravagant lifestyles while over 70 percent of their congregants live below the poverty line.

He explained that the forthcoming 2025 conference, tagged The Giant Killer, with the theme, The Stone And The Slingshot, would focus on strategies to alleviate poverty among more than 500 Nigerians.

The cleric further stressed the need for government to grant tax holidays to institutions that channel part of their profits towards supporting the vulnerable. According to him, government, the church, and wealthy individuals must collaborate to improve the lives of struggling Nigerians.

Rev. Kasali said the conference is a call to action for churches to rise as a force for change, compassion and charater and for believers to take their place in confronting the gaints killers tagged poverty.

Wednesday, 3 September 2025

‎ORUMOGEGE CUP: FOOTBALL TALENTS TO GRAB #3.5m AS Oyo GOVERNMENT, SPEAKER, LAWMAKERS, OTHERS TO STORM OGBOMOSO SOUN’S 2ND ANNIVEESARY.

Story By: Tope Eluyefa


Orumogege 2025 football festival convener, Amos Adewale Ado has called on all stakeholders to recognize the need to continue investing in sports infrastructure, training, and talent development as the Ogbomoso is set to witness the biggest football tournament in the land.


He made this statement at a world press conference where he disclosed that Ogomoso will witness another season of football talents during the tournament where the Acting Governor of Oyo state Barrister Bayo Lawal and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin are expected to lead other special guests to the celebration of the second anniversary of the installation of His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III on Monday, September 8 which will herald the kick off of the tournament.


The kick off of the second edition of Orumogege Football Competition will come up at the main bowl of the Soun Stadium Ogbomoso. This was disclosed during a press conference addressed earlier today Tuesday by the chairman of the organising committee Amos Adewale Ado held at the Palace, Oja’gbo.

He called on all stakeholders to work together to create opportunities for our football talents to excel and make a positive impact on the image of the town.

The competition whose first edition held last year and which will feature female football this year is to commemorate the second anniversary of the installation of the co-chairman council of traditional rulers in Oyo state,  Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III who was installed on Friday September 8, 2023.


Amos noted the competition apart celebrating the monarch represents a portrayal of the attachment to sports in Ogbomoso as well as belief in the power of sports to unite, inspire and empower.

“It is another celebration of the vibrant spirit of sports in Ogbomosoland. The triumph of Orumogege One has made it the most anticipated football festival in our ancient city.

“Orumogege Football Festival is a testament to the power of football to unite, inspire, and empower our community.”

He emphasized the competition aims to discover and nurture talents.

“As we showcase the talents of our young footballers, we recognize the importance of nurturing and developing their skills. We honor their dedication, hard work, and perseverance, which have brought them to this moment.

“Sport plays a vital role in shaping the minds and bodies of our youth. Through sports, we teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. It fosters a sense of communal unity and promote healthy living.”


Ado alluded to Ogbomoso’s rich sports heritage mentioning some big names in football especially, players and administrators, who hailed from the town.

“Ogbomoso has a rich sporting heritage. Many of Ogbomoso’s sons and daughters have excelled in sports such as late Layi Lagbemiro and Tunde Bamidele who were key players in the then Green Eagles at different times, Oladunni Oyekale who played in the Under -17 and Under-20 World Cups winning silver in 1987 and 1989 respectively. Seyi Olofinjana though not an indigene used the Ogbomoso platform to play for the Super Eagles.

“There are others, but we want to create an enabling environment for greater excellence in sports. We have also produced football administrators and coaches who made national and international impact. Orumogege Football Competition aims to stimulate interest in sports through various activities and rewards.”

He noted if young sports talents are discovered and nurtured the community would hope to gain from it in the future.

“Through this we can hope to reap the fruits in multiple in the future. When our youths reach stardom at the international level, they will benefit themselves, their families and loved ones and the community that nurtured them.”

To attract fabulous prizes, the final will come up in December during the Cradles Carnival. First positions in either categories will smile home with ₦1m each, while first and second runners up will grab ₦500, 000 and ₦250, 000 each.

Dignitaries expected at the kickoff according to the event’s chief organiser include Oyo state Deputy and current Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; lawmakers representing Ogbomoso zone at the state and national levels, among others.

Sponsors are called upon to partner in the competition to make it bigger and more enterprising.

“As we unveil the second edition of Orumogege Football Competition, let us also recognize the need to continue investing in sports – infrastructure, training, and talent development. We call on sponsors and well-to-do citizens to support this initiative to make it bigger and more all-encompassing in terms of variety of sports.

“Let us work together to create opportunities for our football talents to excel and make a positive impact on our community.”

Also at the event were Mr. Aina Ayobamiji Ojo, chairman of Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival pre-event committee and who is CEO of Talking Drum Hotel; Hon Rasaq Atanda a.k.a. Razor; Hon Bello Abayomi, FA vice chairman Ogbomoso zone; Comrade Adeniran Adebayo a.k.a. Babs; Salam Muhammed and Mrs. Funmi Ajagbe (Queen Sharon).


Tuesday, 2 September 2025

Hon. Prince seyi Lawal Commissions Borehole Projects in Ikeja Constituency 1 In a bid to improve access to clean water

In a bid to improve access to clean water in his constituency, the lawmaker representing Ikeja Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. seyi Lawal, has commissioned two new borehole water projects in Ward C. 


The projects, located at Ogunsolu Street and Obaganwa Street, are part of Hon. Lawal’s grassroots development initiatives aimed at meeting the basic needs of residents.

At the commissioning ceremony, Chairman of the Onikere Community Development Association (CDA), Mr. Olatunji Tikolo, commended the lawmaker for addressing a long-standing need in the community.

> “We’ve had many representatives in the House of Assembly, but none have remembered our ward like this. We sincerely appreciate Hon. Lawal for thinking of us,” Tikolo said.

In his remarks, Hon. Lawal expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and reiterated his commitment to the development of the constituency.

“This is just a start—more projects are on the way. We have concrete plans for our youth, widows, and traders. My goal is to make life better for everyone in Ikeja Constituency 1,” he stated.

He also called on the CDA and residents to take ownership of the boreholes and maintain them properly, assuring them of his continued support.

“If there are any technical issues beyond your control, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office,” he said.

Also present at the event was the councillor representing Ward C in Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Obadeyi Olayinka, who described the project as life-changing.

> “Water is life, and today, Hon. Lawal has brought life to our community. We will ensure these boreholes are well-maintained so that residents benefit for years to come,” he pledged.

The newly commissioned boreholes are part of Hon. Lawal’s broader agenda to enhance infrastructure and improve the quality of life across Ikeja Constituency 1.