GOMEP to FG: Tackle Root Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

GOMEP to FG: Tackle Root Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

The Guild Of Online Media Editors And Publishers (GOMEP) Nigeria has charged the Federal  Government of Nigeria to prioritise the welfare of  the Nigeria Armed Forces with absolute transparency and accountability, so as to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the personnel and secure the country from the challenges of insecurity.

This comes as Nigeria marks this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honor the nation's fallen heroes and veterans who have sacrificed for the peace and security of the country. 

According to GOMEP, the call was timely, considering the numerous challenges facing the Nigerian armed forces, including inadequate funding, poor equipment, and lack of transparency and accountability in the management of resources of the agencies within the armed forces.

The group stated that improved personnel welfare is very crucial, given the sacrifices made by the personnel in defending the nation.

In a media briefing  in Abuja, the nation's capital, to appraise security in Nigeria, especially as the country marks her Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the media body unequivocally condemned the challenges faced by the security personnel in the country, despite yearly huge resources allocated to each of the agencies, and opined that lack of welfarism and mismanagement  of the resources account for 80 percent of non sustainability of the gains recorded by the Nigeria armed forces.

They also frowned at the  alarming rate of insecurity  in the country, describing it as alien. 

The National Secretary of GOMEP, Comrd. Akpovoke Otiti, argued that there was no better time to give a facelift to the Nigeria armed forces than now, insisting that every Armed Forces Remembrance Day throws an opportunity for the nation to reflect on the sacrifices made by the personnel of the Nigeria armed forces, urging the Nigeria government to recommit to supporting their welfare, with much emphasis on transparency and accountability of the resources allocated to them. 

"Today marks another year  to acknowledge and extol the contributions of the members of the Nigeria Armed Forces, especially those that have paid the ultimate price for peace and security of our dear country.

"We gathered here as a media body whose primary objective, among others is to hold the government accountability by appraising their efforts at all fronts, with security taking the centre stage today, especially as our country marks another  year of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. 

"Judging from what is on ground regarding the efforts of the Nigeria Government to boost the morale of the security personnel, one can say that more work needs to be done. 

"The Nigeria Armed Forces are reckoned with globally because of their enthusiasm and commitment, even in the face of numerous challenges, ranging from poor welfare, to non provision of sophisticated equipment to tackle the surging insecurity in the land. 

"Although some gains have been recorded, the Nigeria government must ensure that the welfare of these personnel, who against all odds, risk it all for peace and security of this country, are top priority, especially as President BolaTinubu has pledged to prioritise the welfare of our gallant security personnel. 

"We cannot be talking about economic growth and foreign investment if the country is insecure. 

"We cannot even be confident for the next general elections in an atmosphere of heightened insecurity.

"We demand for thorough transparency and accountability in the management of the resources of the security agencies, which on several occasions have been riddled with corruption over the years. 

"As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launches the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund, GOMEP is using this occasion to call for transparency and accountability in the management of the resources, such that the funds allocated for any security purpose are efficiently and effectively utilised to strengthen security in the country. 

 "Transparency and accountability should be the hallmark of any progressive and forward-thinking government for the promotion of  good governance, and reduction of corruption, because the gains translate into national development", Akpovoke concluded.

Remembrance Day: Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Leaders Pledge Support for Fallen Heroes' Families.

Remembrance Day: Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Leaders Pledge Support for Fallen Heroes' Families.

The Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, has praised the patriotism and unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces, acknowledging their sacrifices in protecting Nigeria's territorial integrity and maintaining peace. Speaking during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, he pledged ₦150,000 on behalf of political officeholders to support the families of fallen heroes and veterans.

Hon. Oluwagbenga emphasized that the annual event serves as a solemn reminder of the need to honor and support those who have paid the ultimate price for the nation’s unity. He also appealed to all indigenes of Irepodun/Ifelodun LG, both at home and abroad, to continue prioritizing the welfare of these gallant officers and their families.

The President of the Ex-Service Men Association also took the opportunity to sympathize with the widows, children, and families of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, lauding their sacrifices for the unity and development of the nation. He called on political, religious, and community leaders to enhance their support for the Legions, especially at the grassroots level, to address their needs effectively.

Hon. Oluwatuyi’s pledge was echoed by the Chairman of the Traditional Council, Oba Jacob Boluwade Adeniyi JP, who announced a donation of ₦50,000 on behalf of the royal fathers. Other notable figures at the event included Hon. Chief Alade Adewale, Chairman of Araromi LCDA, and Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence, Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, who both commended the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and pledged to continue supporting their families.

In his remarks, Hon. Alade Adewale, the Chairman of Araromi LCDA, emphasized the importance of collaboration in caring for the families of fallen heroes. “The sacrifices of our heroes are the foundation of our peace and progress. We must ensure their families are not left behind,” he said.

Similarly, Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence, Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, commended the Armed Forces for their pivotal role in maintaining national stability and urged the community to remain steadfast in supporting them.

Chief Mrs. Bimbo Yusuf, the outgoing Director of Information and Civic Orientation for the LG, lauded the event, describing it as a commendable demonstration of unity, patriotism, and respect for the nation’s heroes.

The event underscored the importance of providing necessary resources to the Legions, such as uniforms, jungle boots, office equipment, and employment opportunities for the children of fallen heroes. The President of the Ex-Service Men Association appealed for more support to enhance the welfare of veterans and their families, enabling them to contribute effectively to local security.

The celebration featured a colorful march-past, with an inspection of guards conducted by the council chairmen and paramilitary officers, including representatives from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Irepodun/Ifelodun LG and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Prayers were offered by Christian and Islamic clerics for the fallen heroes, followed by the laying of wreaths by political, traditional, and paramilitary leaders to honor their sacrifices.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area was a heartfelt tribute to Nigeria’s fallen heroes. It highlighted the shared responsibility of individuals, communities, and leaders to honor the sacrifices made for the nation's unity and peace.

This report was compiled by

Asubiojo G.O – Director of Information and Civic Orientation Department, Irepodun/Ifelodun LG.

Bishop Abe demonstrated unwavering commitment to humanity, says Oyebanji at commendation service.

Bishop Abe demonstrated unwavering commitment to humanity, says Oyebanji at commendation service.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has described the demise of the late Retired Bishop of Ekiti Dioceses and Archbishop of Anglican Communion, Most Rev Adedayo Abe as a glorious exit of a man who, all his life, demonstrated unwavering faith and commitment to humanity and a man who lived a life of purpose and devotion to God throughout his life.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Wednesday at the commendation service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado Ekiti said the late Bishop’s life was a testament to unwavering faith and commitment to humanity.

Reflecting on his life, the Governor who commended the deceased for his humility, service to humanity and his contribution to the spiritual upliftment of the society. He said the late Bishop was not just a servant of God but also a beacon of hope and source of inspiration to many in the state and beyond.

“After listening to the sermon of our father that preached, this is indeed a glorious exit for Daddy, it is painful but like we are told, when God says time is up, there is nothing anybody can do. 

“But reflecting on Bishop Abe’s life, it is glorious because he lived to a very ripe age, 82 in Nigeria is a big deal and he lived well, he served God all his life and as far as we are concerned, based on his lifestyle and the sermon, heaven is assured for him”. the Governor said.

Earlier in his homily, the Retired Bishop of Igbomina Diocese, Most Rev Michael Akinyemi described the late Bishop Abe as a true man of God, known for his faithfulness, accountability and dedication to God’s work.

While commending the deceased for his remarkable compassion and willingness to go the extra mile for others, the clergy noted that his selflessness and humility set him apart as a shepherd with a heart after God, Rev Akinyemi urged the congregation to emulate the late Bishop’s life of service.

Your Patriotism Saved Nigeria from Anarchy, Oyebanji Praises Military.

Your Patriotism Saved Nigeria from Anarchy, Oyebanji Praises Military.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has praised the patriotism of the men and officers of the Nigerian Army, saying their sense of commitment to national duties saved Nigeria from drifting into anarchy and protect the country’s territorial integrity.

The governor posited that it was in recognition of this onerous duty that Ekiti state government under his watch donated a whopping sum of N10 million to support the war veterans, besides the personal donation he made for the upkeep of those who fought to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, during a programme commemorating the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the palatial Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

The event featured laying of wreaths, which was performed by the Governor, Speaker of the Ekiti Assembly, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, representative of the 32 Artillery Brigade Commander, Major Gen Imam Babakura, Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Eribo, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and other high profile dignitaries.

Addressing the war veterans and soldiers, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said Nigeria could have been plunged into ebullition, through horrendous activities of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers, but for the efficiency of the Nigerian Military, who deployed their strength to avert such sordid scenario.

Oyebanji thanked the military profoundly for partnering other security networks to make Ekiti safe for habitation and investments, assuring that his administration shall work hard to cement the bond of unity among the security outfits in the state.

He commended those who lost their lives in the course of fighting for the nation and those who are still at the battlefields to restore normalcy to all the beleaguered areas.

In an extreme exhibition of empathy, Oyebanji urged Nigerians to pay huge respect and lend supports to the families of those in these categories in the spirit of brotherhood and patriotism.

“Let me seize this opportunity to specially commend the immense contributions of the military in Ekiti State to the relative peace we enjoy in Ekiti State. Without your efforts, the society could have been in a state of anarchy.

“Your sleeplessness, restlessness and commitment are the reasons we can all go about our daily businesses with the conviction of coming back unhurt.

“I am committed to supporting the Legions as exemplified by my personal donation at the emblem launch and I am aware that the state government equally donated a sum of N10m for their support.

“This is an expression of my appreciation to the military personnel and the legionnaires on this important event. I can assure you that we will continue to do everything to make life more comfortable for you”.

Reflecting on the state of the nation, Oyebanji appealed to the citizens to unite and confront the insecurity pummeling the nation and constituting serious malaise to the socio economic growth of Nigeria.

“As we reflect on the sacrificial patriotism displayed by the fallen heroes, we must acknowledge the continuing challenge of insecurity that still confronts us as a nation. As a season like this calls for unity , cooperation and solidarity.

“We must tolerate one another to build a great nation where peace and justice reign”.

Oyebanji assured that he would ramp up efforts to make lives more abundant for the servicemen, war veterans and other Ekiti residents, by scaling up performance in the areas of road infrastructures, human capital development, security, job creation, food security and good governance.

2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Ajoni LCDA Chairman Joins Counterparts to Honor Nigeria's Fallen Heroes.

2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Ajoni LCDA Chairman Joins Counterparts to Honor Nigeria's Fallen Heroes.

Today, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, marks a significant occasion as the Executive Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Ambassador Prince Michael Oluwadare Ogunbemi, joins his counterparts from Ikole Local Government area, including Hon. Bayo Omojola, Mrs. Adeyemi, of Ikole west LCDA,and Hon. Chief Adebayo Ojo Ajayi, Chairman of Kajola LCDA, to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

This annual event honors the sacrifices of Nigeria's fallen heroes, veterans, and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The ceremony includes speeches to pay tribute to the bravery and patriotism of Nigeria's military personnel, special prayers by the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Ikole, and wreath-laying to remember the fallen heroes.

Prior events included a Jumat Service at Central Mosque Ipao-Ekiti on January 10, 2025, and a Sunday service at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Ayebode-Ekiti, on January 12, 2025. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a nationwide event that acknowledges the contributions of Nigeria's military personnel, past and present .

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Calls on Stakeholders to Collaborate with the State Government in Empowering the Girl-Child at the 14th AOFFEP Awards.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Calls on Stakeholders to Collaborate with the State Government in Empowering the Girl-Child at the 14th AOFFEP Awards.

In her address at the 14th Annual Adeyinka Ologbenla-Falusi Female Empowerment Programme (AOFFEP) awards ceremony held at C.A.C Grammar School in Efon-Alaaye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, urged stakeholders to collaborate with the state government to empower the girl-child.

This prestigious event honored outstanding female science students from Efon-Alaaye, marking a significant milestone in promoting gender equality and educational excellence in science, organized by Prof. Adeyinka G. Falusi, a distinguished scientist and L'Oreal-UNESCO (FWIS) laureate, the awards recognize the achievements of top female science students in Efon-Alaaye while serving as a call to action for the empowerment of young women in STEM fields.

This year’s top honors were awarded to Oni Adeola Gold of Our Saviours School, Efon Alaaye for her scoring 74%. Afolayan Adediwura from Ekiti State Government College, Efon Alaaye secured second place with a score of 70%, while Oluwatoyin Mosunmola of Gloryland College, Efon-Alaaye completed the top three with a score of 64%. The event also recognized  other deserving candidates with consolation prizes.

In her remarks, Mrs. Babafemi commended the awardees for their brilliant performances and stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive educational environment that promotes gender equality. "Science and innovation are crucial to sustainable development. "However, gender disparities persist in this domain with women making up only one-third of the global scientific workforce," she stated. 

Prof. Falusi, in her keynote address, shared insights from her personal journey, emphasizing the critical role that early education and parental support played in her success as a woman in science. She paid tribute to her parents for their steadfast support, which helped her overcome societal barriers. "As the saying goes, 'Train a girl, and you train a nation,'" she urged parents and guardians to invest in their daughters' education and act as their champions.

The event served as a  reminder of our collective responsibility to empower girls and dismantle systemic barriers that hinder their progress. 

Personalities at the event included Pastor Chief M.T. Olowookere, former Commissioner for Information Hon. Odunayo Ategbero, and Efon Local Government's Education Secretary, Mr Femi Afolayan. 

As part of the awards, participants received cash prizes for their academic excellence, with the top three female students recognized explicitly. Additionally, the best male science student from each secondary school in Efon Alaaye was given a prize reflecting AOFFEP's inclusive approach to education.

Gold Adeola, speaking on behalf of the awardees, expressed her gratitude to the event organizers and pledged to continue her diligent pursuit of a career in  science "Everything I have achieved today is due to hard work and the unwavering support of my parents," she stated, encouraging her peers to remain committed to their academic goals.

The AOFFEP awards celebrated not only academic excellence but also served as a beacon of hope, encouraging future leaders to have their careers in science.  The call to dismantle gender stereotypes echoed throughout the event,  emphasizing the need for a collective commitment to gender empowerment.

WHY THE IDOWU OSATUYI TROLL?🤔

WHY THE IDOWU OSATUYI TROLL?🤔

_Igi ti o ba l'eso ni araiye ma nju'ko lu._ (It is the tree that bears good fruits that haters haul stones at). 

Please don't chart that path. You can do better. Come out of the facade into the open and do something better with yourself. I'm talking of the guy who borrows the pseudonym of Idowu Osatuyi to troll our Governor for governing us, his people, well. 

You and I and all other persons in this clime know you don't bare your name or face. You're a fake identity. You're neither truthful not confident to be real. You're rather pinching a jejune name to propagate negativity. Pity! You're actually writing in despair. You want to be recognised, but you're punching the air, not substance. 

Before you post something online from behind the safety of your keyboard, ask yourself if your contribution is educating, entertaining, or otherwise enlightening the people; or if you are simply acting like a troll.

Of course, sharing your ideas and beliefs have the potential to create more in-depth conversations. Words matter, and now more than ever, it is temptingly easy and cheap to tap out a few poorly chosen ones to be pithy, or in some cases, mean-spirited. You're only hurting yourself by doing so. 

_Oo se mi, ara re lo nse..._ 

Those who are ignorant, obnoxious, or spiteful like you, behave like trolls because they feel threatened by people who try to progress from the current state to a possibly far better future. Trolls prey on the weak, the unsuspecting, and those who don’t validate their beliefs. Fundamentally, trolls, and bullies of all types, are fearful and insecure. Ekiti people have since left their Gomorrah. But Like the biblical character of Lot's wife, a disobedient woman who was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back, you're still looking back to our past, to see whether there is something  for you to take into the future to haunt us. Zilch! 

In case you are expecting this writer to confront you by addressing the (non) issues raised by you in your unprovoked diatribe, Nay, I won't, and I'm sure I'll be hurting you by not doing so. The reason is not far fetched, you're only attempting to be relevant by dragging my like to  your stenchy gutter, where only your like permanently reside and try to beat us with the gutter experience. Well, I won't let you have your way with that. 

So, do you still want to demonstrate your fears, follies and insecurities, or would you rather prefer to join us in our journey to Eldorado in Ekiti? 

When you join the forward looking team, you become a magnet for alternative ideas and critique positively. You'll be more courageous enough to enter the arena and be a leader of thought. Critics in your present state are not always cohesive. You have lost the art of loyal opposition and instead, behave like whiners or victims, incessantly bashing those who are in the thick of things, doing what they can, to try and make ends meet. And BAO is actually making things better among the Ekitians. Know this, know peace. 

If you want to start leading instead of whining, come out from behind that unsecure dark glow of your screen. Stop being unnecessarily cagey. You're even not doing well for yourself as a keyboard warrior. Rather, you're failing in your attempt at bashing the contributing advocates.

Again, know this, know peace: If you spend all of your time spewing wrong thoughts and criticisms on the social media, you’re accomplishing nothing. I repeat, you're inducing puke. So, why don’t you take that energy and actually work with the positive people to improve things and get the opportunity to implement your ideas, if you have any. You don’t have to run for office to make your community a better place. You simply have to be positively focused by tapping into what BAO is doing presently. The cynics of BAO administration are reducing daily and they now come in your like -incongrous and irrelevant. The more of us seeing where Ekiti is heading in BAO's time, the better. Come and join us. 

If indeed you love your community as you're trying to profess, then do not troll the person toiling to breath life into the same community. Rather, start with one or two items on the list of positives and take action immediately. Instead of cluttering the internet with useless sniping, or tearing people down, you can choose to become a positively contributing force. Even if you intend to oppose whoever is currently in charge of things in your world, you can still do it decently, and strive to become the better option of yourself. Every critic should feel compelled to not only offer their hot-take but also provide an alternative course of action; otherwise, it’s a wasted opportunity that only the lousy louts perpetuates. And they don't get far before they run out of gas. 

My advice: Don't be one of such in this good times of BAO. Ekiti is currently on the right path and won't reckon with your like. Not now, not ever any more. 

_-SEGUN DIPE is my real name._🤣