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Dissecting The Character Of Dignity & Integrity In Public Service: A Peep Into Joseph Akinlaja’s Story, By Emmanuel Ajibulu

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Akinlaja is indeed a household name in Nigeria, predominantly in the South West region of the country.

Historically, the family is linked to the Yoruba culture and tradition with many indelible milestones. The family has played a crucial role in the political and social landscape of Nigeria.

With notable and iconic figure like Hon. (Comrade) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja; he literally demonstrated capacity and rare distinctions in public service, both as a trade unionist and also in the political circle. He embodies reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and always of the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall.

He is one leader who has consistently praised the character of discipline and high moral rectitude in his own leadership. He has described himself as a leader of quiet strength, discipline and enduring grace, and has urged those very close to him particularly his mentees to emulate these unblemished qualities that characterise the virtues of ‘Omoluabi’, a commitment rooted in honor, hardwork, diligence, loyalty, decorum, patience, forgiveness, wisdom, and self-restraint even at the risk of personal disadvantage.

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Akinlaja is one of such few leaders who act out of compassion, altruism, empathy, and love, he is undeniably a key contributor to the moral good of humanity and community. For him, cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom. As a democrat, he is convinced that nation-building demands that political players should compete passionately and govern responsibly while also giving room for posterity to judge them kindly.

Akinlaja is a thorough bred public intellectual, a delight to every journalist in an interview, a devoted churchman, elder statesman, consummate Alternative Dispute Resolution expert, passionate federalist, ardent conciliator, and an indomitable rock of the progressive tradition of Yoruba politics.

Apart from his electrical electronics engineering background from the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos in 1979, he proceeded to read Political Economy from Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR). He attended various Labour Relations course at the International Institute of Labour Studies (ILO) Geneva, Switzerland 1981.

He further attended a course in Economic Development in Africa by organization of African Trade Union Unity OATUU (1982), Industrial Relations Course at University of Ibadan 1982, a course in Financial Analysis of Enterprises, ILO Training Centre, Turin, Italy, 1992, a course in Trade Union Development by OATUU in Congo Democratic Republic (1993), a course in Management of Enterprises in De- Mofort University Johannesburg, South Africa 1998, a course in Management at London Management Centre (2003), a Training/Course in Mediation /Conciliation by Swedish Labour Institute 2006.

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Subsequently, the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) conferred on him qualified mediator’s status and was officially decorated as a Chartered Arbitrator on Thursday December 6, 2018 during the NICArb annual investiture and awards ceremony.

This highly revered septuagenarian also has a penchant for demonstrating commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged. Through his visionary initiatives and philanthropic endeavors, Akinlaja has solidified his position as a champion of progress, a beacon of hope, and a paragon of selfless service to various vulnerable segments of the society including indigent students, wisdows and the physically challenged.

Recounting his value to humanity, this Ondo-born entrepreneur who was born in April 1, 1950 succeeded in revolutionising the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) both administratively and operationally when he held sway as the General Secretary of the Union between year 2000 to 2004.

During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous struggles and negotiations that significantly improved the welfare of oil and gas workers. He is particularly credited, alongside other NUPENG leaders for fully organizing the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG (PTD-NUPENG), the “mechanized” arm of the union.

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His dedication and leadership saw him rise to the position of Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). After a distinguished career in trade unionism, he voluntarily retired from NUPENG in 2004 and essentially transitioned into active politics.

He contested and won a seat in the Federal House of Representatives, representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency from June 2011 to June 2019.

He was a vocal voice in the hallowed chamber whose quality representation attracted many laurels locally and internationally. Akinlaja’s wealth of experience in the Nigeria Oil and Gas industry informed the decision of the then Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 8th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara to appoint him as Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).

Beyond his political and achievements in trade unionism, Comrade Akinlaja is also an accomplished businessman and author. He has documented his experiences and insights in several books, including NUPENG: An Example in Progressive Unionism, The Place of Petroleum Tanker Drivers in NUPENG, and his autobiography, LABOUR, POLITICS AND GRACE.

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It is believed that good character is essential for effective leadership in public service, as it fosters a positive culture, enhances growth opportunities, and helps navigate uncertainties and challenges. Moreover, great leaders are a unifying force in organisations. They inspire people toward a shared vision for something better.

Great leaders equally create the conditions for making a meaningful impact. They elevate leadership consciousness, engender collaboration, and ensure everyone feels valued. By creating a sense of belonging, they create a pull towards contribution, empowering everyone to contribute, turning collective efforts into transformative change, that is what Akinlaja stands for and represents.

-Emmanuel Ajibulu is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com), a general purpose online news platform (veracitydesk@gmail.com).

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Just in: FRSC Starts 2026 Nationwide Recruitment

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has officially commenced its 2026 nationwide recruitment exercise, beckoning on qualified Nigerians to apply for various positions across its Officer, Marshal Inspectorate and Road Marshal Assistant cadres.

According to the Corps, the online application portal opened on Friday, July 3, 2026, and will remain accessible for four weeks. The recruitment exercise is completely free, with the agency warning applicants not to pay any individual or organization claiming to facilitate employment.

Interested applicants are required to submit their applications through the official FRSC recruitment portal at HERE

Available Cadres
The recruitment covers three major categories:

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Officer Cadre – Open to holders of B.Sc., BA, HND and other relevant professional qualifications.

Marshal Inspectorate Cadre – Available for candidates with qualifications such as ND, NCE and other approved credentials.
Road Marshal Assistant Cadre – Includes opportunities for eligible SSCE holders, artisans and drivers, depending on the position.
Required Documents
Applicants are advised to prepare the following before beginning their application:

National Identification Number (NIN)
Educational certificates
Birth certificate or age declaration
Recent passport photograph
NYSC discharge, exemption or exclusion certificate (where applicable)
The FRSC also advises applicants to use their personal email address and phone number during registration and to ensure all information provided is accurate. Shortlisted candidates will be required to present printed copies of their completed application forms during the screening process.

The Corps urged interested Nigerians seeking a career in the Federal Government to apply early in order to avoid heavy traffic on the recruitment portal before the application window closes.

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Finally, US Confirms Withdrawal Of Troops From Nigeria

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The United States has withdrawn the majority of its military personnel deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism mission in the Lake Chad Basin, while maintaining intelligence sharing and other security cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Commander of US Air Forces in Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, announced the development during a virtual press briefing on the outcome of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.

He said the partnership between Washington and Abuja remained active, particularly in intelligence operations targeting the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh).

According to Anderson, the specific mission that required the deployment of US troops has been completed, prompting the withdrawal of most personnel.

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However, he noted that the United States would continue providing intelligence assistance at the request of the Nigerian government.

“And so that operation in the Lake Chad Basin of Nigeria not only helped the countries in that immediate region; it also helps countries globally as that disrupts the ISIS network,” Anderson said.

“And so — and then we have withdrawn much of our forces that were just there for that operation, but are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help continue with the intelligence sharing and the understanding that’s necessary to be able to prosecute these difficult tasks,” he added.

The US Air Force commander described Nigeria as a key regional partner with a capable military, saying the collaboration between both nations had produced notable gains in the fight against ISIS.

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He credited intelligence cooperation between the two countries for enabling an operation that eliminated the second-highest-ranking figure in the global ISIS network.

“I think there partnership that we’ve shown recently with Nigeria, where Nigeria’s a very capable and large country — it’s got a strong economy; it’s got a large, educated population; it’s got a very capable military.

“But there are things that we have learned in the counterterrorist fight over several years that we were able to assist and integrate with them to help them with their intelligence and help with the intelligence sharing that eventually led to a cooperative effort to where we were able to bring some unique capabilities that the U.S. brings and be able to prosecute together the number two leader within the ISIS or Daesh organization who is responsible for much of their global operations, their global media, and their recruiting”, he said.

Anderson said the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence collaboration over prolonged foreign troop deployments.

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“So I think as we go forward, that is an example of how we’re looking at engaging with partners to help them be more effective by only bringing unique U.S. capabilities that allow the partner to be effective in these fights,” he said.

He also called for deeper intelligence cooperation among African countries to tackle terrorism, drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes.

The US commander cited a recent multinational operation that intercepted a record 31-ton shipment of cocaine originating from South America and passing through the West African coastline, saying effective intelligence sharing made the seizure possible.

“I was able to coordinate through our interagency in the United States, through AFRICOM, and then notify some of the partners. And eventually it was a Spanish ship that interdicted the ship that had 31 tons of cocaine on it, and it turns out is the largest interdiction of drugs at sea that we’ve ever seen,” Anderson said.

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He added that sustained collaboration among African governments, international allies and private-sector stakeholders would be vital to confronting security challenges while fostering economic growth and attracting investment across the continent.

The United States deployed about 200 military personnel to Nigeria in February 2026 to assist with intelligence, surveillance and counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin as both countries expanded cooperation against ISIS and other extremist groups operating in the region.

The deployment came after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and pledged increased American support for counterterrorism efforts.

On December 25, 2025, US forces carried out air strikes on two terrorist camps in the Bauni Forest, located in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

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The security partnership reached a major milestone in May 2026 when a joint US-Nigerian operation killed Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIS, during a raid on his hideout in Borno State.

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Ogoni family demands justice for son arrested at age 14, jailed 18 years without trial

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An Ogoni family in Rivers State has instituted legal proceedings against the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and the Federal Ministry of Interior over the alleged unlawful detention of their son, Gospel Kinanee, who spent 18 years in prison without trial after he was reportedly arrested as a 14-year-old boy.

The lawsuit follows Gospel’s recent release from custody after nearly two decades behind bars, a period during which he was allegedly denied his constitutional right to a fair hearing and access to legal representation.

Speaking during an interview with Arise News, Gospel’s elder brother, Paul Kinanee, narrated the family’s painful ordeal, describing the years of uncertainty as one marked by relentless searches, emotional trauma and devastating loss.News

According to him, Gospel disappeared one night in 2007, prompting family members to launch an extensive search across Rivers State. They visited several police stations, detention centres and correctional facilities in a desperate attempt to locate him, but every effort proved unsuccessful.

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Paul disclosed that the family even searched the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre, where Gospel was unknowingly being held, but officials reportedly informed them that no inmate bearing his name was in custody.

He said the prolonged uncertainty over Gospel’s whereabouts had a profound emotional impact on the family, adding that both their mother and father died without ever knowing what had happened to their son.

The family’s search came to an unexpected end when a lawyer conducting a routine visit to the prison noticed an inmate whose appearance matched descriptions of the missing teenager. Suspecting he could be the long-lost Gospel, the lawyer later returned to the facility with Paul Kinanee, who immediately recognised his younger brother.

By the time of the reunion, Gospel was 32 years old, having spent more than half of his life in detention.

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According to his family, the years of incarceration without trial, combined with prolonged isolation and harsh prison conditions, have left him with serious psychological and mental health challenges, making his rehabilitation a major concern.

Reports indicate that throughout his detention, Gospel was never formally tried before a court of law and was allegedly denied access to legal counsel, raising significant concerns over due process and the protection of fundamental human rights within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.Demographics

His freedom eventually came during a jail delivery exercise conducted by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, who reviewed the cases of inmates awaiting trial. Gospel was among 21 inmates ordered to be released during the exercise after it was discovered that they had been unlawfully or excessively detained.

The Kinanee family is now seeking substantial financial compensation and judicial accountability, arguing that the prolonged detention robbed Gospel of his childhood, education, opportunities and good health.

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They contend that the actions and alleged negligence of the relevant authorities caused irreversible damage to both Gospel and the entire family, which endured years of anguish while desperately searching for him.

The case has sparked renewed public concern over prolonged detention without trial in Nigeria and has intensified calls for comprehensive reforms aimed at preventing similar miscarriages of justice within the country’s criminal justice and correctional systems.

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