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For Free, Fair, Credible Election, Edo Youths Must Shun Violence – INEC

Published

5 years ago

August 12, 2020

Editor

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo, Dr. Johnson Alalibo, has declared that to deliver free, fair, credible and peaceful election in the state on September 19, the teeming Edo youths must shun violence.

He disclosed that in the last one month, he had not slept, in order for the activities and processes before, during and after the crucial election to be smooth.

Alalibo stated these yesterday as a guest of honour during the “Vote Not Fight Campaign,” organised by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Benin.

He said: “To promote democracy, we must promote peace. In Edo State, we have started seeing untoward activities by political actors and operators.

“The youths are more vulnerable to be used for electoral violence. If we want free, fair, credible and peaceful election in Edo State on September 19, the youths must shun violence during the campaigns and the poll.

“The politicians should avoid offensive language in their jingles and campaigns. To deepen democracy, the election must be devoid of violence.”

The REC of INEC in Edo also urged the security agencies and other stakeholders to continue to support the electoral commission, while lauding NDI for the timely campaign.

Also speaking, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo noted that INEC and security agencies were on hot seat, in order to get the September 19 election right, thereby promoting democracy and moving Nigeria forward.

He, however, called for credible information about criminals and illegal activities from members of the public.

Kokumo, who was represented by the Assistant Commissioner in charge of the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Ayo Faniyan, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), also disclosed that Edo State police command was ready for the election, with the officers and men to be neutral, as always, while admonishing all the stakeholders to join hands to promote democracy.

NDI’s Senior Programme Manager, Bem Aga, in his goodwill message, disclosed that the institute was to promote and strengthen democracy, just as he pleaded with Nigerians particularly Edo residents to vote and not fight, stressing that the crucial election should not be seen as war.

Aga urged politicians not to use the youths for violence, while declaring that the young people should always use their sense, since they represent the future of the society, thereby being at the forefront of advocacy for non-violent elections and to mobilise their peers to ensure peace.

The NDI chief declared that there would not be development without peace and that nobody would benefit from violence, while calling on Edo residents, especially the youths, to choose peace and stay away from violence, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation and fake news that could lead to violence.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Director of Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative, Prince Israel Orekha, noted that the organisation decided to partner NDI to ensure violence-free September 19 election in Edo.

He said: “Electoral violence has remained a major concern for the people of Edo State, since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Competing political interests have been consistent with their approach of recruiting Edo youths to settle political scores.

“With just a month to the September 19 off-cycle governorship election in Edo State, many people have reasons to fear that the election may not be peaceful.

“Government-related challenges like high unemployment, underemployment and poverty rates have made many Nigerian youths disillusioned and unwilling to participate in political and electoral processes. These need to be corrected through civic and voter education.”

Orekha also reiterated that Nigeria’s youths had been victims and perpetrators of electoral violence over the years, while declaring that youth supporters of the leading governorship candidates in Edo state had been complicit in the acts of violence committed so far.

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Why We Named Mandy Kiss Anti-drug Abuse Ambassador – Lagos Commissioner

Published

15 minutes ago

September 30, 2025

Editor

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has explained the rationale behind the appointment of popular content creator, Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, known as Mandy Kiss, as an ambassador for the Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse initiative.

Ogunlende, in a viral video on Tuesday, conferred the ambassadorship on Mandy Kiss.

He said, “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and you know, she’s actually agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors, Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.”

Describing drug abuse as a pandemic, the Commissioner said, “We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large followership, 402,000. We’ve had conversations, and we’re trying to do things differently.

“With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.”

The decision comes after a 25-year-old influencer publicly announced plans to pursue a controversial Guinness World Record attempt to sleep with 100 men, which had raised concerns over its alignment with societal values.

Taking to his social media accounts on Tuesday, Ogunlende shared pictures of Mandy Kiss’s unveiling in a post titled “A society thrives when it listens, engages, and redirects its future with compassion and purpose.”

He justified the appointment, stating that the content creator wields significant influence among our youth, our future leaders, and it’s vital that she be guided rather than dismissed.

Ogunlende’s post read, “With the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration being responsive and responsible, earlier today, I had the privilege of meeting with Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandykiss, a prominent content creator, following her public announcement of plans to pursue a Guinness World Record in a pursuit that didn’t align with our societal values or reflect the standards we uphold as a people and State.

“Mandykiss had initially declared her intent to attempt this record, but as a government that listens, we heard her subsequent expressions and responded swiftly with empathy.

“In an atmosphere of understanding and responsibility, we engaged in candid discussions, critically assessed the situation, and explored healthier, more constructive paths forward.

“We recognise the importance of mental health and emotional wellness, and we’re steadfast in our commitment to promoting these and crafting inclusive interventions that uplift and safeguard our citizens.”

The Lagos Commissioner added, “Mandykiss wields significant influence among young people, our future leaders, and it’s vital that she be guided rather than dismissed. What was slated to be the start of her controversial record attempt has instead become a pivotal moment of redirection.

“She has now embraced a purpose-driven cause, standing for something greater than herself. Mandykiss has been appointed an Ambassador of LASKADA (Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse), partnering with us in combating drug abuse and substance misuse among youths in Lagos.”

He said the influencer’s “journey reflects transformation rather than cancellation, a powerful illustration of what is achievable when young individuals are met with love, guidance, and opportunities for positive growth.

“Mandykiss’s story underscores the impact of compassion and purposeful engagement. It is a testament to redirecting potential towards meaningful impact.”

Recall that this appointment comes after Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, in August, announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after controversy over his alleged misconduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

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Lagos Names Mandy Kiss Anti-drug Abuse Ambassador

Published

18 minutes ago

September 30, 2025

Editor

Social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, known online as “Mandy Kiss,” has been unveiled as a brand ambassador for Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse.

In a viral video posted by a X user, #dammiedammie35, on Tuesday, Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, conferred the ambassadorship on Mandy Kiss, at an event organised by LASKADA.

He urged citizens to join the fight against substance misuse.

He said, “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and you know, she’s actually agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors, Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.

“Drugs are a pandemic that is hitting our streets, it is a pandemic that is hitting our society, it is a pandemic that is hitting our community.

“The government cannot fight it alone. We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large followership, 402,000. We’ve had conversations and we’re trying to do things differently.”

He said, “With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.”

The development comes after the social media influencer fixed September 30 to stage a marathon sex act with 100 men in a single day.

She said the event, aimed at registering her name in the Guinness World Records, will take place in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The GWR, however, has issued a statement clarifying that it does not monitor or endorse sexual activity as a record category and has therefore distanced itself from the proposed event.

While she later said the declaration was a joke, it caused public outrage, with some quarters urging Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to punish her.

Speaking at Mandy Kiss’ conferment, the Commissioner hope the influencer can help take the anti-drug message into Lagos communities.

“Everybody has a past, nobody’s perfect, but again, as a brand ambassador to Legal State Kicks Against Drug Abuse, we hope Mandy Kiss will be able to reach the nooks and crannies, you know, of Lagos to assist us in fighting this pandemic.”

He did not give details on the scope of Mandy Kiss’s duties or any planned campaigns.

LASKADA is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating a multi-sectoral, evidence-based response to the growing menace of drug and substance abuse in Lagos State by leading sustained advocacy, public education, community engagement, policy influence, and research.

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I’m Not One Of You Again, Olubadan Tells Atiku

Published

37 minutes ago

September 30, 2025

Editor

The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, revealed that he had withdrawn from active politics to focus on his role as monarch.

Oba Ladoja stated this when Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside a former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent politicians, paid him homage at his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following his coronation.

He stated, “I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

“Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.”

Recounting his political journey with Atiku, he explained, “We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

“All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people—Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice.”

Ladoja was officially presented with the staff and instrument of office last Friday by Governor Seyi Makinde, who cut short his annual leave to personally attend the historic event.

The event marked the grand finale of activities celebrating former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The coronation concluded a week-long celebration that featured a cultural day, a coronation lecture, a praise and worship service, and the monarch’s 81st birthday, which was celebrated in grand style at Liberty Stadium

The new Olubadan ascended the throne following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.