🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian lecturer presents anti-terrorism play in US
via Punch Nigeria8 min read
Nigerian lecturer Pelumi Folajimi presented his unpublished drama manuscript, "Terrorists Upon Us," at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States. The staged reading, held last Friday at the Students’ Union Building, addresses the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Nigeria. Folajimi, a lecturer in Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, stated that the play, written in the summer of 2024, condemns religious extremism, internal terrorism, political corruption, and leadership failure, identifying these as factors contributing to insecurity in Nigeria. The event attracted several scholars, including Emeritus Professor Ketu Katrak of the University of California, Irvine; Emeritus Professor Dorothy Odartey-Wellington of the University of Guelph, Canada; Professor Modupe Olaogun of York University, Canada; and Dr Joy Wrolson of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
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Award-winning music composer Tolu Obanro, known for his work on films like Gangs of Lagos and Jagun Jagun, discussed his love for football and his journey as a Chelsea supporter. Obanro, who plays for the ECWA football club, maintains his physical fitness through regular training and matches. He revealed that he once aspired to be a professional footballer, nearly joining an U-17 team, but his family prioritized education. Despite a childhood leg injury from playing football, he continued to play throughout his primary school, secondary school, and university years, even playing against Bayelsa United during his National Youth Service Corps. Obanro began supporting Chelsea due to the presence of Didier Drogba and other black players, as well as Hernan Crespo, Arjen Robben, and Joe Cole. He expressed disappointment with Chelsea's recent performance, stating that the club "is breaking hearts" and that he has "given up" on expecting major achievements unless there is greater consistency. If he were to compose a theme for Chelsea, he humorously suggested it would reflect a "cruel world."
The Federal Government plans to create approximately 7,000 direct jobs through an estate-based ranching program, aiming to empower youths and women, boost livestock productivity, and stimulate rural economic development. This initiative, disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development following an engagement with Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, seeks to provide structured opportunities for participation in ranch operations and other livestock-related enterprises. The program is expected to support growth across the dairy, red meat, and leather value chains. Minister Maiha emphasized that this forms part of the government's strategy to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria's livestock industry, particularly in dairy production, meat processing, feed and fodder development, and leather manufacturing. He also highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms for livestock production, especially dairy farming. The dairy industry alone has the capacity to generate billions of dollars, and Maiha called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, and private investors. The ministry is also pursuing the establishment of modern abattoirs in selected states and the Federal Capital Territory, each capable of processing at least 1,000 cattle daily, to enhance meat quality and safety standards. Additionally, efforts are underway to expand pasture cultivation nationwide and establish feed resources closer to production ce
The Peoples Democratic Party is contemplating legal action against the Tanimu Turaki faction for allegedly continuing to present themselves as PDP leaders despite court judgments. Jungudo Mohammed, the party's National Publicity Secretary, stated that petitions have been submitted to security agencies, urging their intervention. However, Ini Ememobong, Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, countered that the issue is legal, not a security matter, and their actions align with court judgments and the PDP Constitution. This dispute follows a Supreme Court decision on April 30 that nullified a national convention supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, which had produced the Turaki-led leadership. Subsequently, the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees reconstituted Turaki and others into an Interim National Working Committee, operating in opposition to the Independent National Electoral Commission-recognized PDP leadership, which is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Mohammed indicated that the party is awaiting guidance from its legal department on further steps, while Ememobong maintained that their leadership is genuine and their actions are lawful.
Must ReadAfrican champion Christianah Ogunsanya has won Nigeria's first medal at the World Wrestling Ranking Series in Mongolia, claiming a bronze medal in the women's competition. Ogunsanya defeated Mongolia's Bayanmunkh in the bronze medal bout. Her campaign began with a 10-0 victory over Mongolia's Tsovoo Gankhuyag before a defeat to Japan's Kiyooka M. Nigeria narrowly missed another medal when Commonwealth champion Mercy Genesis lost her bronze medal contest to Turkey's Evin Demirhan. Nigeria women’s wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, praised Ogunsanya's achievement, stating it demonstrates Nigeria's ability to compete with leading wrestling nations and elite athletes. Akuh also noted the valuable experience gained by the wrestlers and himself, which will aid in preparing for future competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games. He thanked the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adeniyi, for enabling the team's participation. Attention now turns to the remaining bouts involving Esther Kolawole and Hannah Damola Ojo as Team Nigeria aims for more medals.