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Pro-Democracy Icons Honour Tinubu, Soyinka, Ajibulu, Others In Lagos
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
At a historic gathering of Nigeria’s democratic forces in Lagos, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and foremost democracy activist Chief Segun Ajibulu were among distinguished Nigerians honoured for their enduring contributions to the nation’s democratic journey.
The recognition was conferred during the public presentation of “NADECO Story,” a book authored by former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) General Secretary and spokesman, Ayo Opadokun, at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. The event celebrated individuals and institutions that played courageous roles in resisting military dictatorship and restoring democratic governance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
However, special attention was drawn to the unwavering sacrifices and continuing democratic engagement of Chief Segun Ajibulu, who was described by speakers and participants as one of the unsung pillars of the June 12 struggle.
According to Opadokun, Ajibulu’s commitment to democracy went beyond rhetoric and personal convenience. During the dark years of military repression, while based in the United States, he reportedly made several covert trips back to Nigeria to work closely with pro-democracy activists and strategists committed to ending military rule. These risky engagements, often undertaken at great personal danger, strengthened the international and local resistance against dictatorship.
Chief Ajibulu’s role was not limited to the historic NADECO era alone. Participants at the ceremony noted that he has remained actively committed to democratic ideals even in contemporary Nigeria through advocacy, grassroots mobilization, youth engagement, and support for initiatives promoting justice, good governance, national unity, and civic participation.
His longstanding contributions earned him the prestigious “Hero of Democracy Award,” a recognition many attendees described as long overdue for a man whose dedication to democratic values has remained consistent across decades.
Speakers at the event described Ajibulu as a steadfast democrat and bridge-builder whose influence helped sustain both local and diaspora support networks during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent political periods. They noted that while many democracy activists faced intimidation, exile, imprisonment, and economic hardship, Ajibulu remained resolute in championing constitutional governance and civil liberties.
The ceremony also honoured several other icons of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, including living and posthumous recipients such as Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Kudirat Abiola, Chima Ubani, and Bamidele Aturu.
Observers at the gathering said the recognition of Chief Segun Ajibulu sends a strong message to younger generations that democracy survives through courage, sacrifice, and sustained commitment. They added that his continued involvement in national development conversations demonstrates that the struggle for democracy does not end with the return to civilian rule, but continues through active participation in nation-building and the defense of democratic institutions.
The Lagos event ultimately served not only as a remembrance of the sacrifices of June 12 heroes, but also as a celebration of individuals like Chief Segun Ajibulu whose dedication to democracy continues to shape Nigeria’s political evolution today.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu(first right) decorating Dr. Hycinth Azuka Edozie with his new rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. Mr. Chidi Dozie is helping the IGP in the task.
Early morning fire has engulfed a part of the Justrite Superstore in the Akowonjo area of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, however, said the incident, which happened at a store around Jimoh Bus Stop, Egbeda-Akowonjo, Lagos, was extinguished by firefighters.
“The incident involves the second floor of the commercial building, housing the electronics section of the store,” the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said in a statement on Thursday.
“Upon arrival, firefighters swiftly deployed firefighting equipment and commenced coordinated operations to contain the fire, prevent its spread to adjoining sections of the building, and safeguard lives, property and the environment.
“The Fire has been put out, and recovery of the remains is ongoing to bring the mop-up exercise to a wrap. The cause of the fire is suggestive of an alternative power source solar inverter system, while no casualty has been recorded.”
Footage of the inferno, shared on social media and by the agency, showed smoke billowing from the rooftop.
See more photos from the fire outbreak below:
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced three suspects in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to life imprisonment.
According to the court, the sentencing of Abdulrazak Umar, alias Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, alias Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, alias Abu Itisar, will start from the date of their arrest.
Before the verdict by Justice Salim Ibrahim, counsel for the defendants pleaded with the court to sentence them on liberal terms. He added that they were first-time offenders and had pleaded guilty.
Ibrahim pointed out that this showed that they were remorseful of their actions, and all the counts they were charged with are not related to the kidnapping.
He added that the convicts were married men who have children and have aged parents who are dependent on them. He pleaded with the court to give them a second chance at life and sentence them on liberal terms.
Counsel for the prosecution, however, pointed out that the convicts were aware of the people on the battlefield, and as true Nigerians, they should have reported it to the authorities.
After the charges were read to them, they pleaded guilty to membership of a proscribed terrorist group.
At their arraignment on alleged terrorism at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the three defendants also pleaded guilty to concealing information on the planning and execution of the abduction.
However, only the first accused person, Abdulrazak Umar, alias Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid, pleaded guilty to counts 7, 8, 9 and 10, which bordered on training and passing instructions and inciting terror group members on a particular religious ideology.
The three accused persons were on trial by DSS on a 10-count charge bordering on kidnapping, concealment of information, and terrorism-related offences.
According to the charges, the defendants, all from Niger State, are accused of knowingly withholding information about individuals linked to terrorist activities, participating in kidnapping, and using a messaging platform to facilitate terrorist training.
Photo: IGP Disu decorating Dr Azuka Edozie with his new rank of AIG
Fire Engulfs Section Of Justrite Superstore Building In Lagos
Oyo kidnappings: Court sentences three suspects to life imprisonment
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