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Isese Festival: Emir Of Ilorin Chides Soyinka Over Accusation

Published

2 years ago

July 8, 2023

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, says the claim by Prof. Wole Soyinka on disallowing traditional festivals is not only nauseating but also uncharitable to the people of Ilorin emirate.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, had earlier written an open letter to the Emir of Ilorin on his position in preventing Isese festival proposed to be hosted in the ancient city of Ilorin.

The festival was organised by one Yeye Ajesikemi Omolara, an Osun Priestess.

Aa statement signed by the Emir’s Spokesman, Malam AbdulAzeez Arowona, in Ilorin on Friday said that the response was to provide clarifications to the highly respected scholar, who had for many decades, dominated the media as a celebrated academic Icon and promoter of African cultures globally.

“In order to set records straight, Professor Wole Soyinka tends to be economical with facts, forgetting that war is nobody’s want.

“As he decided to settle with a factor that is capable of causing chaos in the society, if not quickly averted,” he said.

The first-class traditional ruler said that the secret behind peaceful co-existence in the ancient city of Ilorin emirate and Kwara at large was the wisdom and ability of successive governments, with maximum support from traditional institution.

“This is to prevent crisis and not waiting until it erupt, because the cost of managing crises cannot be equated to the wisdom or courage required to prevent it.

“Such proactiveness is necessary in order to sustain peaceful co-existence in the society.

“It is therefore surprising to hear that the position of Professor Soyinka is identical to someone who does not consider what might transpire if the programme was hosted.

“It may result to issues which could also lead to reprisal attacks by sympathisers or promoters of such belief (Isese festival) in other parts of the country,” he cautioned.

Gambari noted that assisting the people of Ilorin emirate to shave their heads in their absence, by condemning a crisis preventive formula by constituted authority in the land is a great blunder committed by the professor.

He said that, Soyinka, a well-travelled scholar who had virtually became an ancestor in the land was expected to be an advocate of global peace and not fanning the ember of violence under any guise.

“There are many non-indigenes in Kwara who are serving and retired, including business owners who have vowed to move their families to the state, due to the peace and harmony enjoyed therein.

“Yeye Ajesikemi also confirmed that she has been living harmoniously in Ilorin for many years, not until she decided to go beyond her boundaries,” Gambari noted.

The emir said that it would be of great importance for Soyinka to use his intellectual prowess to promote peaceful co-existence in the society, rather than challenging constituted authorities on the reason why they averted crisis in their community.

He also noted that governments at all levels are overwhelmed by the numerous crimes and criminality happening in their domains and the people of Ilorin would not sit on the keg of gunpowder.

Gambari said that the emirate council would not allow violence of any kind to flare-up through hosting of Isese festival, which was not part of Ilorin culture and tradition.

“As an incorruptible former Judge of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, before I voluntarily retired in 1995 to become the 11th Emir of Ilorin, and having worked across the country after acquiring knowledge from the prestigious University of London.

“I, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR, has remained father to all and sundry in the state, irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliations with the main objective of fostering peace and harmony in the land,” he said.

The emir stressed that the cancellation of Isese festival by Yeye Ajesikemi was in cooperation with the law enforcement agencies and most importantly respect for the leadership strides of the state governor, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The governor, also doubles as the Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, and the Chief Security Officer of the state, is saddled with the responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of residents of the state, he stated.

Gambari, who is also the Chairman of the state council of chiefs, described the people of the Ilorin emirate as tolerant and hospitable but they would not be friendly with anyone insulting the Emir.

“Dear Professor Soyinka, the culture of the people of Ilorin Emirate is synonymous with peace and unity, and it must be respected and adhered to.

“The stool of Emir of Ilorin belongs to the three monarchs accorded and answering the title of Shehu in Nigeria.

“Namely; Shehu Usman Danfodio of Sokoto caliphate, Shehu El-Kanemi of Borno Empire and Shehu Alimi of Ilorin Emirate.

“It will be wrong of anybody under any guise to relegate, throw or drag such status into the mud of controversies,” Gambari said.

The Emir said that beyond the festivities, Ilorin could be described as a centre of peace and its strategic location as the capital of Kwara, which makes it a bridge between the north and southwest of Nigeria.

“With its predominantly Islamic culture, the city embraces non-indigenes with open arms, treating visitors like emissaries from God almighty.

“This reverence is beautifully displayed during the Durbar, where the Emir and his entourage of horsemen parade through the streets, making stopovers at specific family houses to pray for and connect with his subjects.

“The sea of loyal citizens, admirers, and visitors chanting “Shehu! Shehu!!” further exemplifies their love and loyalty towards their Emir,” the statement read in part.

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News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

9 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

9 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

10 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.