News

Why We’re Heavily Investing In Book And Culture Series – HOMEF Director, Bassey

Published

3 months ago

May 27, 2025

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

The Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, has explained that the organisation’s strong commitment to its Book and Culture Series stems from the need to raise environmental awareness among Nigerians, especially those in the Niger Delta.

Speaking on Monday in Benin City during the third edition of the Book Readings and Culture event, Bassey emphasized that literature plays a vital role in building environmental consciousness and preserving cultural values.

The event featured readings from the works of environmental activist and traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State.

“We are investing time and resources into this series because without reading, our struggle for a safe and healthy environment cannot be fully grounded,” Bassey stated.

“We must carry intellects along, and literature is a powerful tool to help people understand what is happening around them.”

The event was attended by representatives of the Edo State Ministry of Education, university lecturers, students, and members of civil society organisations.

Bassey stressed that the Book and Culture Series also aims to highlight cultural values that support environmental sustainability.

“Our culture forbids pollution and oil spills. These are not things our ancestors tolerated,” he noted.

“The Book and Culture Series is therefore critical for reminding us of who we are and what we stand for.”

Highlighting the environmental degradation in oil-producing communities, Bassey lamented that pollution has led to a decline in life expectancy in the Niger Delta, resulting in fewer elders and more young people with little hope for a healthy future.

During the event, King Bubaraye Dakolo read from three of his books — The Riddle of the Oil Thief, Pirates of the Gulf, and The African Voice.

He criticized the Nigerian oil sector regulators, describing them as the weakest in the world, noting that over 300 oil spills occur annually without accountability or justice for affected communities.

When asked how he managed to write five books chronicling the realities of the Niger Delta within just three years, King Dakolo attributed his output to his deep connection with the region and his ancestral roots as an Ijaw monarch.

Priye Gift Johnson, a master’s student from Benson Idahosa University and and another student from the University of Benin also read excerpts from the king’s works, praising him for preserving the stories and struggles of the Niger Delta through literature.

The event concluded with King Dakolo’s induction into the HOMEF Hall of Fame, in recognition of his contributions to environmental advocacy and cultural preservation.

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

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.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

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.”

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

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

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.

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.

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.