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Celebrating A Father, Uncle, Preacher @ 85

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Pa (Envg.) Emmanuel Odushu

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

He is a teacher, a preacher, a politician per excellence, a husband, a father, a grandfather and uncle.

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I grew up as a boy to hear his name in the late 80s as a preacher and later in the early 90s as a politician, a period his name became more prominent and announced in Ebijaw Ward 6, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. His name was not only prominent in the ward alone at this period but in the local government council and Ondo State at large. Reason for his popularity as a politician was not far fetched. He contested, perhaps in the history of Ebijaw Ward, one of the most keenly contested and toughest councilorship elections on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in the ward and won.

There is this belief in Nigeria that any genuine Christian who goes into politics in Nigeria will be corrupted, but Pa (Evangelist) Emmanuel Odushu’s case was not so; he proved this cliche wrong. Like I said earlier, I first heard of his name as a preacher of the Gospel before I later heard of it in the Nigeria politics. Pa Odushu was already a preacher of the Gospel at Church of Christ before he contested the election and won. And to the best of my knowledge, he did not spoil his Christianity identity throughout his stay in the mulky and dirty water of Nigeria politics, neither have I, till date, hear any misdeed by Pa Odushu during his tenure in Odigbo council. Permit me to use this Yoruba cliche – Pa Odushu o ba omo je (Pa Odushu did not stain his family name). After his tenure as councilor, he went back to his calling (preaching) in full.

Pa Emmanuel Odushu

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As a boy then, I never knew this man was a father to me; all what I knew was there’s a man call Emmanuel Odushu who comes to the village to preach.

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Pa Odushu exemplifies the true grass to grace story. I am not here to write his biography so I will not go deep into his journey in life, but despite losing his parents in his tender age in the early 60s, Pa Odushu was, through the help of his sister, able to acquire formal education. His queen English is enviable. His brilliancy and sharp brain despite the old age is second to none. Whenever I call him on phone with a strange number, I do not need to introduce myself before he identifies me through my voice – Jona, he would exclaimed.

In my interview with him three years ago, he narrated how his desire and love for education made him to struggle through life and eventually bagged a certificate in Business English from the Manchester University, London. Today, Pa Odushu is a successful and blessed man; a teacher and preacher. His seeds too are doing great in life.

During the course of my interview with him, he expressed his displeasure at happenings in his clan and the Ijaw nation at large and passionately told me his heart desire for the Ijaw nation and Furupagha, where he hails from. To Pa Odushu, the unity of the Ijaw nation and Furupagha is paramount
” I want my people to come and reason together because we are so few yet we are divided and scattered,” he passionately said.

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When I called him last week to wish him happy birthday in advance, he thanked me and said “you my children should pray for me so that I live more years.” It is already a done deal because he has not fully accomplish his mission statement when I asked what he would want to do more if he had another 50 years to live during my interview with him. Unity among his people is paramount in the heart of Evangelist Odushu.

Pa (Evangelist) Emmanuel Odushu

“I will make sure I work out the unity of my people and the Ijaw nation at large. I will want to see that we speak in unison. One thing is, if I am able to put my side aright, the Ijaw nation will welcome us. Let’s not talk about 50 years, if I am given opportunity to stay for the next 10 years, I will do more. I will make sure my people are united. It is when we as a clan and as Ijaw nation unite that the deserved recognition will be given to us. My priority for the Ijaw nation is that we should be known as being in the forefront of the decision making of this nation,” he declared.

Papa, I am too young to pray for you but as the grace of Christ exist and He lives, may you live to accomplish all what you desired in the last paragraph. I wish you sound health and more strength, wisdom to go about some of these your heart desires.

Happy 85th birthday day sir.

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Joseph Ebi Kanjo is a Benin-based journalist and son to the celebrant.

 

 

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UNICEF Urges Women To Breastfeed Babies Within One Hour Of Birth, Warns Against Breastmilk Substitutes Usage

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The United Nations Children’s Fund has called on pregnant women in Borno State to initiate their newborns into breastmilk consumption within one hour of birth

Speaking during the flag-off event of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku, stated that only 35.5 per cent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, and only 28.8 per cent were exclusively breastfed

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According to him, this year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System”, highlights the urgent need to prioritise actions and systems leading to equitable access to breastfeeding, especially for vulnerable women in rural and conflict-affected areas.

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He said, “Only 35.5 per cent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, and only 28.8 per cent were exclusively breastfed.

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“Every child born in Borno State deserves to be initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, exclusively, breastfed for the next six months of life and continue breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond”

Francis also warned against the use of breastmilk substitutes and unsafe water, while noting that it poses a serious health risk to infants

The use of breastmilk substitutes and unsafe water in our communities can pose serious risks to the health of infants. It is therefore critical that the state enacts, enforces, and monitors the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes to protect children and promote breastfeeding,” he advised.

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He emphasised that breast milk provides all essential nutrients infants need in the first six months and offers maximum protection against illness and supports health growth and development

The UNICEF boss further called on the Borno state government and stakeholders to strengthen maternal protection polices, increase funding support, revitalise baby-friendly initiatives and prioritise community-level nutrition interventions.

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“Together, through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and sustained commitment, we can transform breastfeeding practices across Borno state. UNICEF remains steadfast in its support to the government and partners in this vital vision”, he concluded.

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NBA Slams Niger Gov Over Shutting Down Of Radio Station

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The Nigerian Bar Association has called on the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, to immediately withdraw what it described as an unconstitutional order shutting down Badeggi FM in the state.

The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN), in a statement on Saturday, emphasised that only the National Broadcasting Commission had the legal authority to regulate or shut down broadcasting operations in the country as anything contrary will amount to press gagging.

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The Association urged the governor to rescind his directive ordering the immediate closure of the privately owned Badeggi 90.1 FM.

It stressed that the action, reportedly carried out through instructions to the State Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, allegedly involved profiling the station’s owner and marking the premises for demolition.

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The statement read, “This constitutes executive rascality of the highest order. It is a blatant abuse of power that undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The Governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licences or shut down any media establishment. In Nigeria, only the National Broadcasting Commission has the statutory mandate to regulate broadcasting, including the suspension or revocation of licences, subject to due process.

“It is imperative to state that the Commissioner of Police or any security agency must not act on unlawful executive directives. Security agencies are bound by law to act within constitutional limits and not as instruments for political intimidation or media suppression.

“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39, including the right to own, operate, and access media. No person, regardless of office, has the right to arbitrarily restrict or shut down a media house without due process of law. This unlawful closure, without regulatory sanction or judicial backing, is a dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic governance.”

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The NBA further stated that Governor Bago’s directive is entirely unlawful and of no legal effect.

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Osigwe maintained that the Commissioner of Police and other relevant authorities must refuse to implement illegal orders that infringe on constitutional rights, reiterating that media regulation must follow due process through established statutory mechanisms, not arbitrary executive action.

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The Association also noted that the actions taken against Badeggi FM constitute a direct affront to press freedom and violate Nigeria’s democratic norms.

We call on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw this directive and refrain from further unconstitutional acts. The NBA also urges all levels of government to uphold the rule of law, respect constitutional boundaries, and protect the freedom of the press. A free and independent media is not a privilege – it is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of any democratic society,” the statement read.

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NGE Reacts As Govt Closes Radio Station In Niger

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the recent closure of Badeggi Radio by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, describing the action as a direct assault on press freedom and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, on Saturday, the Guild said the governor acted outside his constitutional powers and bypassed due process in ordering the shutdown of the station.

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This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where a free press is essential for holding those in power accountable,” the Guild said.

Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the NGE emphasised that press freedom and freedom of expression are guaranteed rights that must be protected.

READ ALSO:Activists Condemn Nigeria’s Natural Resources Exploitation, Finger Govt

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The Guild noted that only the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission has the legal authority to sanction broadcast stations, and only after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the broadcast code.

The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.

“Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station. The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

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“We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly.

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The Federal Government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station while an investigation is carried out,” the statement read.

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The editors likened the governor’s action to the arbitrary clampdowns experienced during military rule, warning that such decisions erode the democratic progress made since 1999.

Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago,” the Guild stated.

While acknowledging that Bago had alleged that the station incited violence, the Guild insisted that such a serious accusation must first be investigated and proven before any punitive measure is taken.

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READ ALSO:Senator Withdraws From Legislative Duties Over Health Challenge

Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken. We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals,” the statement read.

The editors urged media professionals to operate responsibly and adhere strictly to the code of ethics of journalism, but stressed that due process must always be followed by authorities.

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The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right,” the statement concluded.

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