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Ese Oruru: The inspiring triumph of a survivor

By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

In April 2020, then governor of Kano State in north-west Nigeria, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, took time off his expensive preoccupation with denying the ravages of the Corona Virus on his state to preside over the “conversion” to Islam of two adolescent females. Governor Ganduje, who later became the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was not famous for his learning or piety. Instead, he was infamous for having been caught on camera stuffing what appeared to be wads of foreign currency into the capacious pockets of his traditional gowns.

Instead of making an effort to clear his name, Ganduje procured a court order four years later in March 2024 to preclude an investigation into these scandalous allegations. Why he felt qualified to become the vulgar face of ostentatious proselytizing in the conversion of the girls may, therefore, remain a mystery. Following the conversion ceremony, however, there were suggestions that the young girls were then married off to men in Kano.

One month after Governor Ganduje’s venture into “Conversion TV”, on 21 May, at the opposite end of the country, Jane Iyang, a judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta, convicted Yunusa Dahiru (also known as Yunusa Yellow) for the crimes of trafficking in and rape of Ese Oruru, a child. The court sentenced Mr. Dahiru to 26 years in prison. The Court of Appeal subsequently reduced the jail sentence to seven years and in June 2023, Mr. Dahiru regained his freedom from the prison in Kano at the end of his abbreviated jail sentence.

While the country was caught in the maelstrom of the misadventures of Abdullahi Ganduje and Yunusa Dahiru, respectively, most forgot about the girls who were their victims.

In August 2015, Yunusa had taken schoolgirl, Ese Oruru, from the family home in Opolo, Yenagoa, without the consent of her parents to his home state in Kano, where he claimed to have converted her to Islam before “marrying” her. She was not more than 14 years old, and some reports suggested that she was in fact younger. Thereafter, he impregnated the teenager. In May 2016, she gave birth to a baby girl. For many girls, this would have been the end of their ambitions.

At the trial, the state charged Yunusa Dahiru with five counts of criminal abduction by means of coercion, transporting and harbouring Ese in Kano, illicit intercourse, sexual exploitation and rape of a child. When he took Ese from her family, Yunusa was 22.

At its beginning in 2015, the Ese Oruru case degenerated quickly into the usual Nigerian polarities of north against south and Christians against Muslims, which did profound injustice to the facts.

In September 2015, the Kano Emirate Council issued a statement detailing the steps taken by the Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on the matter. At the request of the Emir, an investigation by the Shariah Commission in the State had concluded that the girl was not yet of “the age where she could take the decisions attributed to her without the approval of her parents.” These were the decisions reportedly to change her faith and to get married. As a result, the Emir directed that she should be handed over to the police “for return to her family.” In March 2016, Ese finally returned to her family in Bayelsa.

On all sides of the advocacy and the debate that ensued, the full panoply of Nigerian inartfulness was on display with religious, ethnic and other epithets freely traded. Conveniently, much of this noise was designed deliberately to avoid the issues or wield disgraceful trumps to mask over them.

The case of Ese Oruru clearly raised profound policy issues of social, legal and moral significance that go to the heart of Nigeria’s coexistence.

Read Also: 9 years after atrocious abduction case, Ese Oruru graduates from university

Let’s begin with the social. Marriage is at the foundation of the family as a basic unit of society. However, the parties to a marriage must be people with the capacity to consent to it. In Ese’s case, she was not more than 14 when she was taken from her state, Bayelsa, which defines the age of consent as 18. It should be clear to all but a pervert that a 14-year-old is hardly a position to consent to marriage nor to bear the physiological, emotional or psychological burdens that come with it.

To avoid these strictures of social policy, Yunusa decided to relocate Ese in three ways. First physically, he removed the child from her family and from her state to Kano where there was no Child Rights Law at the time. The State adopted a Child Rights Law only in 2023. Second, he re-located her in terms of her civic rights from a statutory regime to a theological one. Third, to complete her metamorphosis for the purposes of his carnal pursuits, Yunusa purported to relocate Ese’s faith identity from Christianity to Islam.

So, to avoid a clear legal prohibition against child marriage, he willfully undertook the crime of trafficking in a child in order to facilitate the invention of a theological trump that excuses child marriage. But this scheme ran into a problem: Ese was a minor. She did not have capacity in theology, physiology, and psychology to change her faith identity. If she could not, then the invented trump was fantasy. Yunusa’s response to this was to claim Ese was above her real age in order to confer on her a legal capacity that she could not have.

For the people invested in this sequence of bizarre contortions, their plea was that they were on a mission to win souls for the Almighty with what must have been a holy phallus. Yet, nowhere in the Holy Books of any of the great faiths is there any support for a project of genital conversion of minors or, indeed, of anyone.

What happened in Ese Oruru’s case was quite plainly the trafficking of a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation under the artifice of faith. Every person of true faith should have been appalled at this counterfeiting of theology for child abuse. Religion is not supposed to be a defence to child abuse and cannot be.

In Nigeria, however, otherwise enlightened people appeared willing to be corralled into this debasement of faith. The day after the conviction of Yunusa Yellow, on 22 May, 2020, presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, promised an admirer on a social media platform that he would “try to contact those” who could help to change the verdict of the court against Yunusa. The response of the Presidency to this was eloquent silence. Mr. Ahmad’s foray into the realm of rigging the courts ranked second in infamy only behind what must be taken as his confession of support at the highest levels of power in Nigeria for a notion of child abuse in the name of the Almighty.

The conviction of Yunusa Yellow was, therefore, a signal moment for legal and social policy and for the protection of coexistence in the enjoyment of the right to freedom of conscience and religion in Nigeria. It confirmed what should have been evident to everyone: that the Almighty is not a child molester.

The sequel to all this has been nothing short of inspirational. This month, Ese Oruru graduated with a second-class upper-division degree from the Department of Education Technology at the University of Ilorin. This attainment attests to her intellect and resilience. It is a remarkable story of what is possible when a country guarantees for its young girls equal opportunities in the pursuit of their fullest potentials.

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at [email protected]

The views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Law & Society Magazine.

Meet Nigeria’s new military chiefs

When President Bola Tinubu changed the heads of Nigeria’s four major military institutions on he removed Christopher Musa, an army general, as the Chief of Defence Staff and replaced him with Olufemi Oluyede, the former army chief.

Waidi Shaibu, a general like Mr Oluyede, was then appointed as the new Chief of Army Staff.

The changes were announced in a statement by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare.

The president retained E.A.P. Undiendeye, a major-general, as Chief of Defence Intelligence. He replaced Emmanuel Ogalla, the former Chief of Naval Staff, with Idi Abbas, a rear admiral. S.K. Aneke, an air vice marshal, was appointed to succeed Hassan Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.

The presidency has now shared the profiles of the new military chiefs.

Below are the profiles as shared by the presidency.

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF

MAJOR GENERAL WAIDI SHAIBU (N/9895) DSS DSO(LR) FTAM psc fdc (+) CM FCM FCMH MSS MA MNIM THEATRE COMMANDER JTF (NE) OP HADIN KAI

1. Major General Waidi Shaibu was born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. He gained admission into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 41 Regular Course in 1989. He was commissioned on 17 September 1994 as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

2. The senior officer holds the underlisted academic qualifications to his credit:

a. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna – 1993.
b. Holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.
c. Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar.
d. Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.
e. Master’s Degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Washington, D.C., United States of America.
f. Alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Programme in Leadership for the 21st century: Chaos, Conflict and Courage.
g. Advanced Executive Certificate in Applied Leadership and Strategy from the National Productivity Senior Executive Programme.
h. PHD in Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan (In view).

MILITARY COURSES

3. Our revered General has also attended several military courses both home and abroad.

a. Young Officer Course Armour -Nigerian Army Armour School Bauchi (1995).
b. Young Officers Course Infantry- Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji (1996).
c. Company Amphibious Operation Course-Amphibious Training School Calabar (1997).
d. Platoon Commanders Course Armour- Nigerian Army Armour School Bauchi (1998).
e. Communication Instructors Course Armour- Nigerian Army Armour School Bauchi (1998).
f. Junior Staff Course- Ghana (2001).
g. Company Commander’s Course Armour- Nigerian Army Armour School Bauchi (2003).
h. Senior Staff Course- Jaji (2005/2006).
i. Exclusive Economic Zone Course 2007.
j. Battalion Commanders Course Armour- Nigerian Army Armour School Bauchi (2011).
k. Defense Resources Management Course- Kenya (2015).
l. Higher Defence Management Course- National Defense College, Abuja (2015/2016).
m. Counter Terrorism Fellows Programme at the College of International Security Affairs- Washington, DC, USA (2017).

OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE

3. Our erudite Guest Lecturer has participated in several operations, both home and abroad.

a. Operation HARMONY.
b. Operation BOYONA.
c. Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA.
d. Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
e. Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO.
f. Operation HADIN KAI.
g. Operation DESERT and LAKE SANITY.
h. African Mission in Sudan.
i. United Nations Mission in Liberia.
j. He was also part of Nigeria’s Foreign Training Assistance Mission to Liberia.

APPOINTMENTS HELD

4. In the course of his illustrious career, our esteemed resource person has held several command, instructionaland staff appointments.

a. Platoon Commander 245 Recce Battalion.
b. ADC to General Officer Commanding 3 Divisions.
c. GSO II Ops at Army Headquarters.
d. Principal Staff Officer/Military Assistant to Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia.
e. Company Commander 242 Recce Battalion.
f. Military Observer/Logistics Officer, African Mission in Sudan.
g. Chief of Staff, 23 Brigade Headquarters, Yola.
h. Training Officer, Armed Forces Simulation CentreJaji.
i. Commanding Officer 243 Battalion Monguno.
j. Chief Instructor, Nigeria Army Armour School.
k. Principal Staff Officer (Army) Defence Headquarters.
l. Assistant Director Peace Keeping Operations Defence Headquarters.
m. Director Coordination and Directing Staff, National Defence College, Abuja.
n. Commander 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama.
o. Ag Chief of Training for Exercises and Training AHQ Abuja
p. General Officer Commanding 7 Divisions and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI.
q. Director of Defence Admin DSA.
r. Theatre Commander OPHK
s. CURRENT APPOINTMENT- Director of Armour Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre WEF 22 Apr 25 till date.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

5. Our highly decorated General has numerous honours and awards to his credit.

a. Distinguished Service Star (DSS),
b. Distinguished Service Order (DSO LR),
c. Foreign Training Assistance Medal (FTAM),
d. Pass Staff College (psc),
e. Fellow National Defence College Dagger (+).
f. Command Medal (CM).
g. Purple Heart Medal for Counter Insurgency Operation in North East.
h. Field Command Medal (FCM).
i. Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH).
j. General Operation Medal (GOM)
k. Defence Operations Medal (DOM).
The Theatre Commander is a proud member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM).

HOBBIES

6. His hobbies include:

a. Reading,
b. Early morning walk
c. Deep contemplations.

7. The General is happily married and the union is blessed with children.

2. CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF:

REAR ADMIRAL IDI ABBAS (NN/1739)

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was born on 20 September 1969. He hails from Kano State, North Western part of Nigeria and was commissioned as a Mid-shipman on 18 September 1992 as a member of 40th Regular Course. He attained the rank of Rear Admiral on 10th September 2020, having satisfied all professional and ethical requirement for such an elevation. Rear Admiral Idi Abbas has held several Appointments in the course of his illustrious career in the Nigerian Navy, with the foremost being the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he performed credibly well in checking the activities of illegal oil theft and sea pirates within his maritime domain.

2. He is currently serving at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, where he has continued to bring his rich experience to bear in drafting policy guidance to aid operations of the generality of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Rear Admiral Abbas is fortnight and imbedded with the right composure, temperament as well as maturity to hold higher strategic responsibility. He is a devoted Muslim and married with children.

3. CHIEF OF AIR STAFF:

Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (NAF/2182)

1. Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke was born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State to the family of Air Warrant Officer (rtd) Sylvester and Mrs Ngozi Aneke. He hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State in South-Eastern Nigeria. Air Vice Marshal Aneke attended Army Children School New Cantonment ‘A’ NDA Kaduna from 1976 – 1982 where he obtained his first school leaving certificate. He proceeded to Government College Kaduna from 1982 – 1987 where he obtained his West African School Certificate.

2. Air Vice Marshal Aneke started his military career on 10 September 1988 when he was enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 40th Regular Combatant Course. Consequently, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer into the Nigerian Air Force on 10 September 1993. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Bsc) in Physics, Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He also has a Masters in Political Economy and Developmental Studies from the University of Abuja and a PhD (in view). He has a professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, Florida.

3. Air Vice Marshal Aneke has attended various military courses during his career in the Nigerian Air Force. These include a professional certificate in Aeromechanical Engineering from the officers Engineering School Technical Training Group (TTG) (now Air Force Institute of Technology), Ab-initio Flying Training from 301 Flying Training School and Basic Flying Training from 301 Flying Training School, now 401 Flying Training School. He attended the Prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College, where he obtained Certificates for the Junior and Senior Staff Courses, respectively. Air Vice Marshal Aneke attended the United States Air Force Air University Montgomery Alabama, where he obtained his Masters in Strategic Studies from the US Air War College.

4. Air Vice Marshal Aneke has held numerous appointments in the Nigerian Air Force, some of these appointments include Admin officer at Aircraft Overhaul Centre Aircraft Maintenance Depot Ikeja, Admin officer and Group Logistics Officer at 301 Flying Training School NAF Base Kaduna, Commanding Officer Base Services Wing Air Maritime Group Benin and Staff Officer United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in Congo (MONUC) Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Other appointments held include Fleet Training Officer, Wing Chief Admin and Wing Chief Operations all at the Presidential Air Fleet Abuja, Group Operations Officer and later Commander 307 Executive Air Lift Group Abuja, Deputy Director Evaluation (Air) Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Command Evaluation Officer Air Training Command Kaduna, Command Operations Officer and Evaluation Officer Tactical Air Training Command Makurdi. The very senior officer has also held key appointments as Chief of Staff Air Training Command Kaduna, Command Operations Officer Tactical Air Command Makurdi, Director of Safety Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, Deputy Director Operations Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Director of Policy Headquarters Nigerian Air Force and Deputy Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy (Africa’s Foremost Military University) Kaduna. He is currently the Air Officer Commanding, Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command domiciled in Yenagoa where he is doing well in adding value to the strategic intelligence of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in check mating all forms of criminality within his Commands’ Area of Responsibility.

5. Air Vice Marshal Aneke has participated in various operations within and outside Nigeria. As a Squadron Leader, he participated in Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations in Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta Region from 2004 – 2005. He also participated extensively in operations in Congo where he served as an Air Operations Officer in Kinshasa and Chief of Air Operations in the Kindu Region between 2005 and 2006. The very senior officer also brought his operational and field experience to bear as Wing Chief Operations in the Presidential Air Fleet, Abuja. As Commander Executive Airlift Group, he maintained an operational oversight over the use of crew and equipment of the Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft, which was the Nigerian Air Force frontline intelligence platform for all counter insurgency operations. As Chief of Staff in Air Training Command, Kaduna, he was responsible for the coordination of air operations between the Command and other military components of Operation Thunderstrike, in North-Western Nigeria.

6. Air Vice Marshal Aneke is type-rated and has flown the following aircraft: Air Beetle 18, Air Beetle 18 extended version, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulf Stream 550 and the Hawker 4000. He has an Advanced Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with a total of 4,359 flying hours. His medals and awards include GSS, DSS, GSM, FCM, Psc, USAFWC, MSc, MIAD, MPEDS. Air Vice Marshal Aneke is a pilot of repute, and his professional and personal conduct are commendable. He is calm by disposition and, by all standards, a good team player. He is also upright, dependable, and of the right maturity and carriage to handle strategic responsibility. Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke is recommended to be appointed as the Chief of Air Staff.

7. Air Vice Marshal Aneke is happily married to Mrs Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and the marriage is blessed with three Boys, Chukwuebuka Kelvin Aneke, Ifeanyi Chukwu Brian Aneke and Uchechukwu Jason Aneke. He enjoys flying, music and movies and is grateful to the Almighty God for the journey and progress so far.

4. CHIEF OF DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE:

MAJOR GENERAL EMMANUEL AKOMAYE PARKER UNDIANDEYE (N/9563) GSS FCM TSM psc plsc fndu fdc ICTF MASSS MSc FCAI fnarc

1. Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye was born in Bedia in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State to the family of Mr Sylvanus and Mrs Maria Undiandeye on 2 September 1968.

2. He attended the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, and further attended the Royal Military Academy (Standard Military Course 922), Sandhurst, UK to complete his cadet’s training. On commission, he has attended several military courses, some of which includes, Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Lagos; Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji for Junior and Senior Courses. He has also attended the National Defence University, Washington DC, USA and the National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria, which he rounded up with a Masters Degree from the University of Ibadan. Furthermore, he attended the Senior Executives National and International Security Programme at the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Administration, USA, as well as the International Intelligence Directors Course in Chicksands, UK.

3. His qualifications include B.A. (Honours) History and Master of Arts Strategic Security Studies. He is an International Counter Terrorism Fellow (ICTF) of the National Defence University’s College of International Security Affairs (CISA), Washington DC, USA.

4. The Senior Officer has held several command, staff and instructional appointments in the course of his illustrious career spanning over decades. He has also contributed immensely in several initiatives in support of National and Global Security. Most notable of his appointment include Chief of Staff at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, where he coordinated Nigerian Army Operational Intelligence gathering, analysis and dissemination, Director Lessons Learnt at the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation, and Director of Foreign Liaison here at the Defence Intelligence Agency. He also served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, as Director Psychological Warfare at Defence Headquarters and as the Deputy Commandant at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre. Until his recent appointment, he was the Commandant at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre, Jaji. Internationally, He has also held several notable appointments, amongst which are Deputy Chief Operations Officer, United Nations Mission in Liberia, Deputy Chief of Assessments, UNHQ – New York, and a pioneer seconded staff to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) that aided in the prevention of all-out war between South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan. General Undiandeye assumed command as
the 17th Chief of Defence Intelligence on 23 June 2023.

5. Maj Gen Parker Undiandeye holds the following Medals, Awards and Decorations: Grand Service Star (GSS), Defence Meritorious Star (DMS), Defence Administration Medal (DAM), Field Command Medal (FCM), Training Support Medal (TSM), International Counterterrorism Fellow (ICTF), and United Nations Headquarters Medal 2013. He is a Fellow of the National Defence College (fdc), Nigeria, and the National Defense University, Washington DC, USA (fndu). He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administration (FCAI), Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security (FIIPS) and Fellow of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (FNARC). His intelligence, instructional, and operational experiences would give him a good overview and coordination of the Armed Forces’ activities.

6. He is happily married to Jane Ekor, and their union is blessed with 3 Children. His hobbies include reading, playing golf, photography and nature watching.

5. CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF

LIEUTENANT GENERAL O.O OLUYEDE (N/9318) NAM CMH GSS psc mni FCM FCMH TSM COM CCA

1. Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede was born on 21 June 1968 in Ikere-Ekiti Town, and hails from Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He attended Holy Trinity Primary School, Ikere-Ekiti, and proceeded to Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, for his secondary education. Thereafter, he gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as a member of 39 Regular Course. On completion of his cadet training, he was granted Regular Combatant Commission on 19 December 1992 in the rank of second lieutenant with seniority in the same rank effective 12 September 1987. He is of the Infantry Corps. He has risen in his noble profession to the rank of lieutenant general and became the 29th indigenous Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, first in acting capacity with effect from 30 October 2024 and substantively, in November 2024.

2. In the course of his meritorious military career, he has attended several courses both at home and abroad, where he distinguished himself creditably. Some of these courses include the Young Officers’ Course (Infantry) and Regimental Signal Officers’ Course, as well as Commanding Officers’ Course, all at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji. He also attended the United Nations Logistics Officers’ Course at the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Centre, Ghana and the United Nations Military Observers’ Course at the now renamed Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, among others. Similarly, he attended the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji for his Junior and Senior Staff Courses, and he is a member of the national institute and a proud alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), where he did his Senior Executive Course. To further hone his leadership skills, he attended the Strategic Leadership Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Despite the rigours of military profession, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede made time out to develop and improve his intellectual standing. He holds both a Bachelor and Master of Arts Degree in Economics from the Nigerian Defence Academy, among others. He has also attended and participated in several workshops, seminars and conferences in the course of his career, which contributed to preparing him for the highest appointment in the Nigerian Army.

3. Lieutenant General Oluyede has served in several formations, units and training institutions where he held command, staff and instructional appointments within his illustrious years of service. Some of these appointments include Platoon Commander and Company Second in Command in 65 Mechanised Battalion and 177 Guards Battalion, respectively. He was Platoon Commander and later Officer Commanding in 2 Amphibious Battalion. For his initial instructional experience, he was an instructor and later Senior Instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He held the appointment of Staff OfficerGrade 1 in Charge of Personnel and Welfare Services as well as Logistics and Operations at different times while serving at Headquarters Joint Task Force (Operation RESTORE HOPE) and Headquarters 82 Division, respectively. He also served as Deputy Director of Examinations at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command. He was Chief of Staff at Headquarters 13 Brigade before attending the Senior Executive Course at NIPSS. He was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff Civil-Military Cooperation at Headquarters 1 Division and later Director at Army Headquarters Department of Army Standard and Evaluation. He was Commandant of Amphibious Training School. He was appointed Commander 27 Task Force Brigade under Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East Theatre, from where he was made the Acting Commander Sector 2 in the same theatre. On his promotion to the rank of Major General, he was appointed substantive Commander Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Thereafter, he was posted to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and appointed Senior Research Fellow, after which he was moved to the Army Headquarters Department of Army Policy and Plans and appointed Director Plans. After a brief stint at the Army Headquarters, he was appointed the General Officer Commanding 6 Division. He was later posted to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, Directorate of Inspection and Compliance and appointed the Director. He joined the privileged few who rose to command the elite Infantry Corps before his appointment as the Acting and later the Substantive Chief of Army Staff in November 2024.

4. The seasoned Infantry General has also participated in a number of operations, both home and abroad. His posting profile traverses considerable deployments and participation in several Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations as well as Internal Security Operations across the country. Indeed, his military exploits began as a young platoon commander in 65 Mechanised Battalion, from where he moved with the unit to participate in the historic Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). During the ECOMOG operations, he was reported to be full of initiatives, dedicated, loyal and performed his assigned tasks without supervision. It was, therefore, no surprise that despite his young experience, he was entrusted with the onerous assignment of providing security for the Presidential Lodge, a task he discharged admirably. Overall, he was assessed to be an officer who accepted instructions with matured calmness and implemented them satisfactorily. He was also observed to be an articulate and honest officer who took keen interest in the welfare of his troops. As Officer Commanding in 2 Battalion, his conduct was reported to have been outstanding, especially during the initial militia crisis in Rivers State, where he exhibited courage as well as outstanding leadership qualities. He was noted to have successfully led his company to curb the nefarious activities of the Niger Delta Volunteer Peoples Force, a formidable militant group that threatened the peace and security of Niger Delta region. While serving in Sector 1 Joint Task Force, his bravery and response to the unforeseen was thoroughly put to test when a patrol team led by him was attacked along Chanomi Creek. Despite being overwhelmed, he was noted to have put up a spirited fight under heavy enemy fire that enabled him to safely extricate his men. He was also noted to have made valuable contributions to the overall planning of subsequent operations leading to the successful dislodgement of a notorious militant leader and his men from their well-fortified enclave, Camp 5.

5. Notably, the senior officer was renowned for leaving a trail of remarkable achievements wherever he served. He was also able to flexibly switch between staff and command roles, demonstrating his versatility and achieving commendable results. For instance, while the Deputy Chief of Staff in HQ 1 Div, he was seconded to 1 DISFORCE (an outfit coordinating 1 Division operations) and appointed the Operations Officer. In this role, he was noted to have coordinated several significant operations under the umbrella of Operation MESA and Operation SHARAN DAJI (a nickname for the operation against cattle rustling and armed banditry in 1 Division AOR). Indeed, several remarkable operational achievements were recorded by the Division during this period that led to a major degradation of armed banditry, cattle rustling, armed robbery and all other sundry crimes within Kaduna State and 1 Division Area of Operations.

6. As the Commandant Amphibious Training School (ATS), he was observed to have displayed exceptional and transformational leadership attributes that impacted positively in the rapid development of the School. He initiated the relocation of ATS students’ hostel with the approval of the Chief of Army Staff from the old site to a new one at no cost to the Nigerian Army. He equally initiated the construction of an integral swimming pool for the School after 34 years of its existence, also at no cost to the Nigerian Army. He established a SkillsAcquisition Centre where his soldiers’ wives and other women in Eburutu Barracks were trained in the art of sewing, soap making, hair dressing, among other skills. He renovated the Regimental Sergeant Major’s House, 2 Single Officers Quarters, 1 Married Officers Quarters and the Commandant’s house. Furthermore, he rehabilitated 4 x 30 family blocks (created additional facilities) for the ATS’ soldiers and their families. He also refurbished 3 hitherto condemned gunboats belonging to 81 Division, which were later deployed to Takwa Bay in Lagos. He refurbished 2 x K38 unserviceable boats backloaded from Operation DELTA SAFE, which were subsequently deployed to block Kula Estuary on River Bonny to boost the anti-illegal oil bunkering operations in the general area. In addition, he refurbished 2 Seamarks boats that were dry docked for years to support the 19 Brigade at Baga operating in Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East. Most telling was that all these notable achievements were made from the School’s meagre resources. It was therefore no surprise that the senior officer was among the recipients of the prestigious Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award in 2018.

7. Furthermore, the senior officer was noted to possess a mastery of a blend of operational art and administrative leadership as well as field command expertise. These attributes he aptly exhibited when he served as the Commander 27 Task Force Brigade and Commander Sector 2 Buni Yadi, Operation HADIN KAI. On assuming command, he quickly reorganised, restructured, and fortified the defences of his Brigades, making them less vulnerable to Boko Haram Terrorist attacks. These changes contributed immensely to the successful defeat of terrorists’ attacks in Buni Gari and Damaturu in 2019. Notably, he coordinated the operations which repelled and defeated BHTs attempted infiltration of Damaturu on 22 Dec 19, leading to the recovery of 1 x gun truck, 1 x anti-aircraft gun and a cache of 12.7mm rounds from the terrorists. Indeed, the operation was reported to have led to the death of 2 prominent terrorists’ commanders, including the notorious Abu Muktar and about 30 of their foot soldiers. As a commander who displayed keen interest in the welfare and well-being of his men, he spared no cost in ensuring that the feeding of the soldiers was improved. To improve his men’s living conditions, he also bought a 60 KVA generating set and overhauled the 150 KVA set, which was in a state of disrepair. These interventions had a tremendous impact on his men’s morale. Similarly, in an effort to bolster his combat efficiency, he refurbished 2 of the 3 Main Battle Tanks of the Brigade, a good number of soft skin vehicles and the water tanker. It is pertinent to state that all these were achieved with the modest resources available to the Brigade. These efforts remarkably boosted the operational capacity of the formation.

8. The remarkable achievements earned him a citation from his General Officer Commanding, where he was described to have exhibited all the leadership qualities expected of an officer. The citation further noted that the huge impact he made in accomplishing his operational objectives were hinged on his brilliant and sheer determination to succeed regardless of the enormity of challenges before him. He was always quick to assess the security situation within his AOR and developed mechanisms to harness available resources and apply them decisively in operations. In the same vein, it was reported that his resilience, doggedness and intuition aided his achievements in command. He is a good motivator and takes great care to address morale and administrative issues with his personnel. These qualities endeared him to his men, who were ever willing to follow his lead.

9. As GOC 6 Division, General Oluyede brought his wealth of experience to bear, which quickly led to stability in the Niger Delta. His leadership style and engagements created the enabling environment for operational efficiency, as witnessed in the increased daily oil production output during his reign as the GOC. He appreciated the peculiar situation obtainable in 6 Division AOR and developed mechanisms to harness available resources and apply them decisively. He displayed exemplary leadership, provided required administrative and operational directions, guidance and motivation to commanders, officers and men under him. This philosophy resonated across the Division AOR. He also championed and achieved several CIMIC projects and renovation/construction of facilities at the Division Headquarters and across the AOR. His achievements as GOC set the template that subsequent GOCs adopted, leading to operational success and stable oil and gas production in the Niger Delta.

10. On his appointment as Acting and later Substantive Chief of Army Staff, General Oluyede demonstrated the progressive continuity of successive commands. As the Chief of Army Staff, he leads through the lens of decades of invaluable experiences he has gained in his career. He immediately set out to put the soldiers’ interest first and indeed became the soldiers’ soldier. He also honoured the memories of past Chiefs of Army Staff who died on active service. His Command Philosophy of “Consolidating the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment” is matched with decisive actions. In achieving this, he has rekindled and awakened the fighting spirit of the troops. In the spirit of exemplary leadership, he commits to visiting the frontline troops regularly. He has made the welfare of troops a priority and has tremendously improved on it. Accordingly, he increased troops’ ration cash and operational allowances. His Soldiers’ First approach has also seen sweeping positive interventions in personnel administration including accommodation, emoluments, health care and other welfare needs of officers/soldiers and their families. He has left no stone unturned in ensuring that no Nigerian territory is lost to insurgents under his leadership of the Nigerian Army. Similarly, to add impetus to the operations, he approved the establishment of a second Depot for recruitment of soldiers in Osogbo. He also approved the commissioning exercises for Short Service Combatant Commission, Direct Short Service Commission and Executive Commission to improve the officers’ manpower.

11. The Nigerian Army across board has seen several weapons and equipment refurbished and procured for deployment in the various theatres. Some of the equipment procured include Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, night visibilityequipment, troops lift vehicle and other Armoured Fighting Vehicles to enhance troops’ protection. General Oluyede always upholds the principle of humanitarian laws by ensuring that troops respect for human rights and rules of engagement is observed at all times. Given his wealth of experience in strategic thinking, Chief of Army Staff initiated the restructuring of Nigerian Army formations and units which is aimed at addressing contemporary realties and meeting future challenges.

12. In recognition of his meritorious service to the Nation, characterized by exemplary leadership, the Chief of Army Staff is honoured with several medals and awards. Some of which are; the Nigerian Army Medal (NAM), Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS) and Grand Service Star (GSS). Others include Passed Staff Course (psc), Member of the National Institute (mni), Field Command Medal(FCM), Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH), Training Support Medal (TSM) and General Operations Medal (GOM). He is also a holder of the coveted Corps Medal of Honour (CMH) and prestigious Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award (CCA).

13. Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede is married and blessed with children. He enjoys travelling, playing basketball and volleyball.

14. He is the current Chief of Army Staff.

CV Supplied to Editors of Premium Times by The Office of The Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy.

‘My name is gossip!’

By Bob and Debby Gass

‘Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.’ Psalm 141:3 NLT
If you’re inclined to gossip, read this carefully:

‘I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cunning and malicious, and I gather strength with age. The more I’m quoted, the more I’m believed.

I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless; they can’t protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face. To track me down is impossible.

The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I’m nobody’s friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it’s never the same. I topple governments, wreck marriages, and make innocent people cry. Who am I? My name is gossip!’ Solomon said, ‘Rumours are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart’ (Proverbs 18:8 NLT).

When it comes to the sin of gossip, note carefully what Jesus said: ‘Every idle word…men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned’ (Matthew 12:36–37 KJV). One day we will stand before God to be evaluated and rewarded. Revelation 20:12 says, ‘And the books were opened. ’ (KJV)

The word ‘books’ indicates there will be several. So might there be a ‘book of words’? If you believe there could be, you won’t break someone’s heart by spreading their secrets, betraying their confidence, ruining their good name, and undermining their self-esteem with ridicule and innuendo.

You simply won’t do it. David prayed, ‘Control…what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.’ And that’s a prayer each of us needs to pray on a regular basis.

SoulFood Icon
Soulfood: Ezra 9-10 John 7:1-13 Ps 104:1-18 Pro 24:26-27

Answering the Question: What is a prenuptial agreement all about?

By M. O. Idam

On the heels of growing cases of marital crisis, legal questions have been raised in search of solutions to the issues of succession among spouses. However, in a deliberate but clever attempt to prevent the likelihood of issues in the future, some spouses enter into a prenuptial agreement before marriage.

Prenuptial Agreement (Prenup, described also as Pre-marital Agreement, Ante-nuptial Agreement or better still, Agreement Before Marriage) is an Agreement or contract entered into by two intending spouses before marriage to determine their respective rights and obligations in the event of separation, divorce or death.

A prenuptial agreement is usually made in respect of the following issues :

  • Property sharing
  • Financial Support
  • Debt settlement
  • Inheritance and other financial obligations.
  • Care and provisions for the Children of the marriage, except where none is expected.

The Matrimonial Causes Act, by the provision of Section 72 (2), recognises the right of a couple to enter into a Prenuptial Agreement, but however, vests the court with ultimate discretion to consider such an Agreement in matters of property sharing, only where it is fair, just and equitable.

In Ogunyade v. Ogunyade (2011) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1277) 72 (SC), the supreme Court, emphasizing the importance of parties’ autonomy and freedom to freely enter into a contract, affirmed the validity of a prenuptial agreement and held that, as long as the agreement is entered into voluntarily, and its terms are reasonable and fair, it is binding on parties.

Gleaning from Ogunyade Ogunyade (Supra), certain conditions must be set out for a prenuptial agreement to be valid and enforceable, namely:

  1. Voluntary Consent: the agreement should not be secured through undue influence, fraud, misrepresentation, inducement, deceit, or coercion.
  2. Full Disclosure: There must be no concealment or dishonest declaration of assets. Each party must make a full disclosure of their assets to the other party before the agreement is entered into.
  3. Independent Legal Advice: Each party must be free to seek and must have sought independent legal advice before the Agreement is entered into.
  4. Fairness and Reasonableness: the Sharing of properties and other financial settlements made in the Agreement must be adjudged fair and reasonable.In Ogoyone Vs. Ogoyone (Supra), the Court of Appeal upheld the trial court’s decision, which upheld a Prenuptial Agreement, demonstrating the Court’s willingness to enforce such an agreement once its terms are reasonable and fair.

The Court of Appeal in Ogundare v. Ogundare (2021) JELR 108825 (CA) not only affirmed the right of parties to enter into a prenuptial agreement, but also emphasised that, in making such an agreement, adequate provision must be made for the welfare of the unborn children of the prospective marriage. Otherwise, the court may, in its discretion, make such orders as are necessary to protect the best interests of the child(ren) of the marriage.

CONCLUSION:
Interestingly, a prenuptial agreement is not alien to Nigeria’s jurisdiction. A prenuptial agreement is recognised under Section 72(2) of the Matrimonial Causes Act, but it is not automatically binding — the court reserves the discretion to enforce it only if the conditions listed above are present. 

M. O. Idam, Esq.

Happy 53rd birthday to the illustrious Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN!

To the esteemed 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association on his special day!

Sir, as you celebrate this milestone birthday, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering commitment to the legal profession and your tireless efforts to promote justice and fairness in Nigeria. Your leadership has been a beacon of hope for many, and your passion for driving legal reforms has inspired a new generation of lawyers.

May this special day bring you joy, peace, and happiness as you reflect on your remarkable achievements. May your birthday be filled with love, laughter, and celebration surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues who admire and respect you.

As you embark on another year of life, I pray that God grants you good health, wisdom, and strength to continue leading the Nigerian Bar Association with integrity, passion, and vision. May your legacy continue to inspire and motivate others to strive for excellence in the pursuit of justice and fairness.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday celebration and a prosperous year ahead, filled with success, happiness, and fulfillment.

Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam

Plateau cleric, Evangelist Dachomo says life in grave danger over viral video on killing of Christians, demands global action

Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo, a Plateau-based cleric and regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations, has accused the government of ignoring what he calls a genocide against Christians in northern Nigeria.

A viral video recently showed Dachomo at a mass burial for victims of an attack in Heipang community near Jos.
He said he filmed the burial to keep historical records of the ongoing persecution and to strengthen future generations in faith.
According to him, the video serves as proof that Christians are being systematically targeted and killed.

Dachomo revealed that Fulani herdsmen invaded Heipang last Thursday, killing eleven people, including children.
He said the attackers butchered victims “without conscience,” while the government continued to deny any Christian genocide.
That same day, armed men kidnapped the wife of a reverend and demanded ransom for her release. Five others were injured and taken to the hospital.

He added that, days later, gunmen invaded another hospital and abducted two female church members.

The cleric lamented that many Christians have fled to southern Nigeria to escape the escalating violence, while accusing soldiers of standing by while attackers looted villages and seized farmlands.

“If Christians had attacked Muslims,” Dachomo said, “the entire military would invade our communities.”
He recalled several deadly attacks during Christmas celebrations in Riyom, Daruwa, Barkin Ladi, and Bokkos.
“We are tired of burying our people,” he said. “Sometimes we abandon corpses because there are no youths left to dig graves.”

Dachomo blamed government inaction for the continuing violence.
He cited the case of a farmer sentenced to death for killing a herder in self-defence.
“Does this mean Nigeria has been handed over to Islam?” he asked.

The evangelist accused the military of complicity, saying soldiers now fail to protect Christian communities.

“Our people live in fear,” he said. “They rape our women and children, and anyone who complains gets killed.”

According to Dachomo, the killings began in 2001 when foreign mercenaries from Chad, Niger, and Libya joined local militias.

He insisted the attackers were imported to wipe out Christian settlements.

Despite constant death threats, Dachomo vowed to keep speaking out.
“I’ve been attacked before,” he said. “They killed my grandmother and removed her heart. My uncle was also murdered.”

He said the Nigerian Army once issued a statement accusing him of incitement, but he maintained his message was one of truth and survival.

The cleric said attacks happen almost nightly, forcing communities to live in constant fear.
“Each night we pray it’s not our turn to die,” he said.

While a few individuals have donated funds for victims’ hospital bills, Dachomo said international help remains minimal.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly to stop the killings and bring perpetrators to justice.

“Nigeria belongs to both Christians and Muslims,” he said. “The president must ensure peace and protect every citizen.”

Shina Peters reveals how he faked madness to gain public attention

Shina Peters, the veteran Afro-Juju legend, has revealed how he faked madness to regain public sympathy and attention.

He discussed the incident during an interview on The Honest Bunch Podcast.
After leaving Prince Adekunle’s band, Peters faced harsh criticism from fans who accused him of betraying his mentor for money.

To repair his image, his team devised a controversial publicity stunt and suggested he appear mentally unstable to evoke compassion from the public.

Peters said they asked him to braid his hair for three days without loosening it.
He then wore torn clothes to complete the look.

Next, his team took him to Oyingbo Market to buy ewedu while secretly recording the scene.

He, however, admitted he had no idea what they planned at the time, but the strategy eventually changed how the public viewed him and revived his reputation.

The 67-year-old musician also offered insight into how rapidly his life advanced and why he’s hesitant to record new music now.

From humble beginnings, Peters said his career kicked off at the age of 10. He added that by 13, he had purchased his first car; by just 14, he became a father; and by 16, he had built his first house.

“I started my career at the age of 10. I had my first child at 14. I bought my first car at 13. I built my first house at 16,” he recounted.

Despite these early successes, Sir Shina revealed he has no immediate plans to return to the studio. He explained that the current music climate doesn’t align with his creative mindset:

“About 65 per cent of my fans are Igbos, not Yorubas. They keep asking for new music, but I can’t just go to the studio anymore. The atmosphere is not conducive for me. I don’t even know what to sing.”

Originating from Lagos in 1958, Sir Shina Peters pioneered the Afro-juju genre, a fusion of traditional juju music with Afrobeat and funk rhythms. His breakthrough albums in the 1980s and 1990s, such as Ace and Shina Peters Live, secured his legacy as a defining figure in Nigerian music.

Reflecting on his largely Igbo fanbase rather than one rooted in the Yoruba community he belongs to, Peters noted how deeply his music crossed regional lines, something he views as both remarkable and humbling.

While he acknowledged the demand for fresh tracks continues to grow, he emphasised that genuine inspiration can’t be forced. Instead of chasing chart trends, he appears content preserving his legacy and letting his earlier work speak for itself.

5 Years On: #EndSARS Youth Activism

By Mojúbàolú Olúfúnké Okome

20 October 2024 was the 5th Anniversary of Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests. We should soberly reflect on the implications for democracy and human rights.

The 2020 #EndSARS protests shows us an example of courageous youth activism, generational politics, and digital organizing that foregrounds and underlines a demand for democracy, inclusion and human rights. These are laudable ideals. The youths, some of whom remain in jail, and many of whom lost their lives, are to be commended. We should also be committed to having the kind of catastrophe that involves state suppression of citizens’ rights to protest not ever happening in our dear country.

The #EndSARS protests erupted in October 2020 as Nigerian youth demonstrated against police brutality by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), demanding good governance, accountability, and an end to state impunity. On October 20th, peaceful protesters at Lagos’s Lekki tollgate faced gunfire from the Nigerian Army after authorities disabled floodlights and cameras, resulting in at least 15 confirmed deaths.

Key Takeaways

Generational Framing

  • Nigerian #EndSARS Youth protesters branded themselves “Sọ̀rọ̀sókè” (Speak Up!) and labeled the older generation “Gbẹ́nudákẹ́” (Be Quiet/Silent), suggesting elders were complicit through their silence on state violence
  • I challenge this characterization as ahistorical, noting that Nigeria has a long history of youth protests, including the 1978 “Ali Must Go” protests, 1989 anti-Structural Adjustment protests, 1993 June 12 protests, and 2012-2013 #OccupyNigeria

Digital Organization & Transnational Reach

  • The #EndSARS protesters used hybrid spaces—both physical locations and cyberspace—to organize, communicate in real-time with transnational Nigerian diaspora communities, disseminate information, fundraise, and advocate
  • The movement drew inspiration from Black Lives Matter following George Floyd’s killing, with BLM publicly declaring solidarity with #EndSARS and both movements using similar language and horizontal organizing structures
  • The Feminist Coalition, led by young women, used Flutterwave to collect 25 million Naira ($55,000) between October 8-13 before the Nigerian government disabled the account
  • Horizontal Leadership Model
  • When the Nigerian state attempted to negotiate with “leaders,” protesters responded that everyone was a leader—an organizing principle characteristic of contemporary social movements like Occupy Wall Street, the Arab Spring, and Black Lives Matter
  • Older generation analysts criticized this as “disorganized,” but I argue that leaderlessness was a strategic choice reflecting modern horizontal movement organizing

 Inclusivity & Limitations

  • The queer community openly participated in #EndSARS protests in unprecedented ways, though they faced homophobic resistance that forced even the Feminist Coalition to reduce their vocal support, revealing limits to the movement’s inclusivity
  • Women participated robustly but faced expectations to defer to men and handle welfare/care work alongside protesting, showing persistent gender hierarchies within the movement
  • Class divisions emerged: middle-class, educated, tech-savvy urban youth were most visible, while marginalized poor youth who joined displayed more anger and engaged in looting government COVID-19 relief warehouses

 Ideological Character

  • For me, #EndSARS was not radically anti-capitalist but rather called for reforms to make existing political and economic structures function better, reflecting protesters’ neoliberal sensibilities and alignment with liberal democratic values
  • Protesters refused to enter formal political processes or join government inquiry commissions, suggesting reluctance to be absorbed into a system they critiqued as corrupt

 Structural Grievances

  • Nigeria ranks 161st out of 180 countries on the Human Development Index and scored only 46.6 in overall governance on the 2019 Ibrahim Index, showing youth had legitimate reasons for discontent
  • Economic precarity, unemployment, underemployment, and the attractiveness of “jápa” (urgent international migration) strategies drove youth frustration

 Lasting Questions

While the protests were temporarily suppressed through state violence, they represent youth fulfilling their generational mission to challenge injustice, though questions remain about building durable institutions and whether virtual organizing can sustain long-term political transformation.

Okome Professor of Political Science, African & Women’s Studies Brooklyn College, CUNY

The views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Law & Society Magazine.

Ex-Sudanese Ambassador and Permanent UN Rep. calls for protection of African cultural values at AFBA 2025 conference

Former Sudanese Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Omer Dahab F. Mohamed delivered a compelling presentation at the 2025 African Bar Association (AFBA) Annual Conference in Ghana.

He emphasized that culture forms the foundation of a nation’s identity and power in international relations.

He warned that distorting or undermining cultural values weakens national strength and sovereignty.

According to him, protecting Africa’s cultural heritage is vital to preserving its independence and integrity.

Ambassador Dahab praised the Inter-Parliamentary Network of Family for proposing a new Charter to defend family values.
He said the family remains the fundamental unit of humanity and is currently under serious threat.
He added that national parliaments play a crucial role in ensuring public participation and executive accountability.
This approach, he explained, prevents constitutional violations by ensuring government commitment to legislative decisions.

Quoting the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights of 1981, he reminded participants that economic, social, and cultural rights guarantee civil and political rights.
He also cited the 2006 African Charter on Cultural Renaissance, which links culture to Africa’s political and social liberation.
He concluded that all rights are equal and mutually reinforcing under international law.

Ambassador Dahab stressed that Africa cannot preserve its culture without creating an enabling environment for families.
He said economic development and trade among African states are essential for cultural survival.
He referred to the Draft African Charter on Sovereignty and Values, which promotes intra-African trade and economic growth.
He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a key driver of this goal.

He noted that AfCFTA is the world’s largest trade agreement by the number of participating countries.
He explained that the agreement aims to boost intra-African exports, reduce trade costs, and remove customs barriers.
He said, if implemented, AfCFTA could lift 30 million Africans out of extreme poverty by 2035.
He also projected that Africa’s exports could grow by $50 billion, strengthening the continent’s economic sovereignty.

Ambassador Dahab stated that both the Draft Charter and AfCFTA reflect genuine African will and ownership.
However, he criticized some external agreements, including the 2023 Samoa Agreement and the 2025 AU Convention on Violence Against Women and Girls.
He said these instruments attempt to impose a “sexual rights agenda” on Africa, including same-sex marriage and abortion.
He argued that such “new rights” have no foundation in international human rights law or African constitutions.

He cited American scholar Francis Fukuyama, who described these as “new-minted rights” aimed at social equalization.
He stressed that Africa must reject foreign agendas that contradict its values and legal traditions.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Dahab expressed optimism about African parliaments reaffirming the continent’s sovereignty and values.
He urged the African Union to actively support this effort through its relevant commissioners and institutions.

He called for stronger collaboration with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the AU Commission on International Law and concluded that united action and dialogue would strengthen Africa’s independence, identity, and global voice.

Nigerian mom arrested for murder in U.S. after 9-year-old daughter died in hot car

A Nigerian woman based in Texas has been charged with murder after her 9-year-old daughter died in a hot car.

36-year-old Gbemisola Akayinode was arrested last Friday for the murder of 9-year-old Oluwasikemi Akayinode after the girl’s death was ruled a homicide as a result of hyperthermia (heat stroke), according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Young Oluwasikemi died on July 1 after she was left in a car for over eight hours on a 99-degree day while her mother went to work at a manufacturing plant in Galena Park near Houston, according to court documents.

Gbemisola Akayinode said that when parked at work at about 5:45 a.m., she left her daughter with food, a rechargeable fan, ice cubes, and water, and lowered the car’s back windows halfway, court documents said. She gave her daughter melatonin and saw her start to fall asleep in the back seat, according to court documents.

According to court documents, Gbemisola Akayinode also said she didn’t check on Oluwasikemi until her shift ended at 1:53 p.m., but that when she reached the car, her daughter was unresponsive and blue, and she screamed for help.

The accused mother said she had taken Oluwasikemi to work with her several times previously, including the day before, according to court documents. She said she brought her daughter with her because she didn’t have money for day care until her next paycheck, but investigators determined the foreman at her job was paying for day care for her, court documents said.

Officials said in July that they were waiting for the 9-year-old’s autopsy results before deciding if any charges would be filed.

Gbemisola Akayinode is due in court on Monday.

At least 30 children have died in hot cars so far this year, according to national nonprofit KidsAndCars.org. At least 1,160 kids have died in hot cars in the U.S. since 1990, the organization said.

ABC News

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