Society
Aiyedatiwa Reopens Ikare Central Mosque, Calls for Unity at Ramadan Iftar
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has formally reopened the Central Mosque in Ikare, ending years of dispute within the Muslim community.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during an Iftar gathering at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, where Muslim faithful broke their fast together.
The governor described the reopening as a milestone for religious harmony and communal peace in the state.
“This Ramadan reminds us of peace, empathy, love, and compassion. I thank residents for their support and cooperation. May Allah bless our Sunshine State,” he said.
Why it matters
The resolution of the mosque dispute signals a broader effort to promote unity in a religiously diverse state.
Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season—Lent—are running concurrently, a development the governor described as a “divine reminder” of shared values.
He urged Muslims, Christians, and followers of other faiths to see diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.
“Our diversity is our strength and harmony forms the foundation of Ondo State’s progress,” Aiyedatiwa added.
Calls for tolerance and shared responsibility
The governor emphasised that religious devotion goes beyond fasting and prayer, highlighting the need for generosity, integrity, and compassion in everyday life.
He also called for collective responsibility in maintaining security across communities.
“Security is a shared responsibility… Report suspicious activities and do not harbour criminals,” he urged.
Security concerns and government response
Addressing safety concerns, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged isolated kidnapping incidents but said more than 99 suspects had been arrested.
He dismissed reports of bandit activity, including claims linked to the airport in Akure, insisting that security agencies were targeting kidnappers, not terrorists.
The governor also condemned staged kidnappings, where individuals fake abductions to demand ransom, describing them as criminal acts.
Muslim leaders raise concerns
Muslim leaders welcomed the reopening of the mosque but raised concerns about representation and opportunities.
The Chairman of the Ondo Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Zikrullah Adam Chandy, praised the governor for hosting the Iftar.
“This gathering is a rare opportunity for Muslims to engage directly with the governor and his cabinet,” he said.
However, the Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdulhaheem Yayi-Akorode, called for greater inclusion of Muslims in governance, particularly in appointments and upcoming House of Assembly elections.
Civil service promotions explained
Responding to concerns about promotions, the governor said advancement in the civil service is based on seniority.
He explained that officers on Level 16 would eventually rise to permanent secretary positions, warning that bypassing due process could demoralise career officers.
Religious message: faith and good conduct
In a lecture at the event, Sheikh Batuta Al-Adaby stressed that good character is central to religious practice.
He said acts of worship that create division are unacceptable, highlighting truthfulness, gratitude, and responsible leadership as key virtues.
What’s next
The Ondo State government says it will continue programmes in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic development, while maintaining engagement with religious communities.
The reopening of the Ikare Central Mosque is expected to serve as a test case for resolving similar disputes and strengthening interfaith relations.
The Olugbodi family of Ara Kingdom in Egbedore Local Government Area has announced the death of Mrs Grace Olabisi Olugbodi, a community matriarch and woman of faith, aged 83.
Her death occurred on 18 April 2026, exactly one week after the burial of her husband of over 65 years, the late J.O. Olugbodi.
Family members described the timing as poignant, reflecting a lifelong bond that endured beyond death.
A life of faith, resilience and family
Mrs Olugbodi, fondly referred to as “Extraordinary Grace”, was known for raising nine children, eight boys and one girl and supporting many others within and beyond her immediate family.
In a statement, the family said she lived “a life of hard work, fortitude and a strong mindset that would not back down in the face of life’s many challenges.”
They added that she was “a pillar of faith, love and grace,” whose life reflected deep Christian values and service.
Her influence extended beyond her household to church communities and social networks where she was described as a mentor, supporter and spiritual guide.
Family tribute
Her son, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, Executive Vice-Chairman of Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications Group, said her passing brought both grief and comfort.
“Though we mourn, we rejoice that she is now resting peacefully in the bosom of her Maker, reunited with her husband. She was indeed an extraordinary blessing.”
Why it matters
The passing of Mrs Olugbodi highlights the enduring role of matriarchs in Nigerian families and communities particularly in shaping values, faith, and resilience across generations.
Her life story reflects broader cultural themes of family unity, spirituality, and the significance of legacy in Nigerian society.
Funeral arrangements
The family has announced the following funeral programme:
Service of Songs and Tributes: Friday, 8 May 2026 at Union Baptist Church
Funeral Service and Interment: Saturday, 9 May 2026 at First Baptist Church Ara Kingdom at 11:00am
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members.
What’s next
Family members say the ceremonies will celebrate her life and legacy, bringing together relatives, friends and members of the Christian community she served for decades.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged officers to prioritise research and continuous learning, as he pledged closer collaboration with healthcare professionals to tackle unlicensed medical practices in Nigeria.
Mr Disu made the remarks during two separate engagements in Abuja, including a book launch by former police chief Sunday Gabriel Ehindero and a meeting with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives.
Police chief highlights importance of research
At the event held at the Police Resource Centre Jabi, two books — Reflections on Policing and Security and My Adventure in Policing Nigeria were unveiled.
The ceremony was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Mr Disu described the publications as vital resources for modern policing.
“The publications are practical reference materials for contemporary policing,” he said.
He urged officers to embrace documentation and study evolving law enforcement practices.
“Preserving institutional memory and studying the evolution of law enforcement practice are essential to operational effectiveness and upholding the rule of law.”
Police, nurses unite against medical quackery
In a separate meeting at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the police chief hosted a delegation from NANNM led by its president, Haruna Mamman.
The discussions focused on rising concerns over unlicensed medical practitioners across the country.
Mr Mamman warned that fake healthcare providers pose a serious risk to public health.
“The increasing patronage of these quackeries by unsuspecting citizens poses a severe threat to public health and undermines the integrity of the medical profession.”
He called for police intervention to curb illegal clinics and protect patients.
Shared responsibility in protecting lives
Responding, Mr Disu acknowledged the critical role of nurses and midwives in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He drew parallels between policing and nursing, describing both professions as rooted in service, empathy, and resilience.
“Both professions require expertise, integrity, empathy, and a commitment to serving people during their most vulnerable moments.”
The police chief also proposed stronger communication between the Force and healthcare bodies to support joint operations.
Why it matters
The dual engagements reflect growing concern over public safety in both law enforcement and healthcare sectors.
Experts say weak regulation and public awareness have enabled the spread of unlicensed medical services in parts of Nigeria.
Closer collaboration between police and health professionals could improve enforcement and reduce risks to patients.
What’s next
Authorities say discussions will continue on establishing joint mechanisms to identify and shut down illegal medical facilities.
Police leadership also plans to promote professional development initiatives within the Force.
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has warned Nigerian youths that drug abuse carries long-term consequences that could permanently damage their futures.
Speaking at the combined 29th and 30th convocation lecture of the University of Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Marwa said substance abuse has shifted from a street-level issue to a serious campus problem.
“A criminal record for drug offences is a life sentence on your career before it even begins,” he said.
“You cannot practice law, medicine, or engineering with a drug-related conviction.”
Why it matters
Mr Marwa said Nigeria risks losing a generation of young people to addiction, crime, and mental health challenges if urgent action is not taken.
He warned that modern drug use is no longer limited to traditional substances like cannabis but now includes synthetic opioids and designer drugs such as Colorado, Loud, and Methamphetamine.
According to him, social media has also become a new channel for drug distribution, with students increasingly involved in trafficking networks.
“Drug abuse does not affect only the user. It ripples outward—families suffer, institutions are damaged, and society bears the cost,” he added.
Alarming statistics on youth involvement
Citing national data, Mr Marwa said young Nigerians remain the most affected group.
He referenced findings from the National Drug Use and Health Survey, which showed that most users fall between the ages of 25 and 39, with many introduced to drugs as early as 19.
He also revealed that:
Over 77,000 drug offenders were arrested in the past five years
More than 60% were young people
Thousands of those treated for drug dependence were also youths
“We even see children below 15 experimenting with illicit substances,” he said.
Drug abuse and campus violence
Mr Marwa linked substance abuse to rising cases of cultism and violence in tertiary institutions.
He explained that drugs affect brain function, impair judgment, and increase the likelihood of risky or criminal behaviour.
“Drug abuse is the twin brother of cultism and campus violence,” he warned.
Experts in public health say such patterns are consistent globally, where substance abuse often correlates with crime, poor academic performance, and long-term psychological damage.
Message to graduating students
Addressing graduating students directly, Mr Marwa urged them to stay focused as they enter a rapidly evolving world shaped by technology and finance.
“You are about to enter a world that is AI-powered and fintech-driven. There is no room for a clouded mind,” he said.
“If your friends require you to be ‘high’ to belong, you are in the wrong company.”
He added:
“Nigeria needs your talent, your energy, and—most importantly—your sober mind to lead us into the next decade.”
Calls for collective action
The NDLEA chairman called on universities, families, and government institutions to intensify drug education and prevention efforts.
He also praised the University of Abuja for working with the agency to strengthen campus surveillance.
“A nation cannot thrive when its youth—its greatest asset—are compromised,” he said.
“We must surmount the substance abuse challenge.”
What’s next
Mr Marwa urged tertiary institutions across Nigeria to expand drug awareness campaigns, particularly during student orientation programmes.
He said failure to act could leave young people “stranded in the wilderness of life,” while success would secure the country’s future leadership.
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