News
‘Our Voices Unheard,’ Governors’ Wives Lament Underrepresentation
Spouses of the 36 State Governors of the federation on Wednesday called for greater visibility and communication capacity to support their social intervention work, saying their efforts often go unnoticed despite complementing state developmental programmes.
They aired their grievance at a media and leadership retreat in Abuja.
The retreat, tagged “Leading With Impact”, brought together wives of governors from across the 36 states to explore strategic communication, media engagement, and narrative building.
It was facilitated by Emmy Award-winning journalist and former CNN Africa Senior Editor, Stephanie Busari, through her firm, SBB Media.
Addressing journalists, Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, lamented that despite being wives of elected governors, they are often the intersection of compassion and influence.
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In her address, Abiodun emphasised that First Ladies across states work tirelessly to support communities, yet their voices are too often underrepresented or unheard of altogether.
She therefore urged her colleagues to use the training to work on changing the narrative and strengthening their abilities to communicate with clarity, confidence and conviction.
She said, “We each have stories that can move policy, shape perception, and inspire change, not just in our countries but across the continent. It’s about learning how to share our work with the world, not just through speeches but through strategy.
“It’s about embracing the truth that our visibility is not vanity, it is responsibility. We ought to support what the governors do, and usually, what we do is in the social space, like working with women, children and enhancing lives, things that the governors may not be able to identify, or even if they identify, they may not be able to reach those areas.
“So, what we plan to do, what we would like to do as a body and individually, is to be strengthened in those areas of communicating with people—not only communicating with them, but reaching them effectively.”
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Earlier in her speech, Busari asserted that First Ladies who are traditionally seen as ceremonial figures are increasingly at the centre of social intervention, advocacy, and policy mobilisation across sectors such as maternal health, education, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment.
She, however, lamented that many of these contributions go underreported or undervalued, largely due to limited access to structured media training or public strategy support.
“We realise that the work that they do is so vital with women, children, health, maternal mortality, things that are affecting so many aspects of our community. Like she rightly said, these are areas that the governors may not have oversight over.
“That is their role. It’s their role also to make sure that you, as members of the press and the general community, know about these things most especially the resources that people can access in their communities”, she said.
News
DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials
The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.
The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.
“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.
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Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”
The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.
News
‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu
Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.
In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”
READ ALSO:Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.
News
Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.
In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.
“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!
“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.
READ ALSO:Obi Blames Tinubu For 70% Investment Crash
The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.
“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.
“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Subsidises Kidney Dialysis Cost By 76% In Federal Hospitals
Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.
“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.
“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.
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