Personality in Focus
Miners Beware: Parks No Go Area
By Frank Meke
It was like interpreting a war movie script. Across the country, well armed and technology backed intelligent criminal gangs have zeroed attention on invading Nigeria’s protected areas in search of minerals resources and willing to eliminate and destroy anything or persons at sight irrespective perceived resistance.
Nigerian National Parks, seventeen in number, holds in trust for generations unborn, critical, and unique flora and fauna resources, including several minerals resources, assets vital to national socioeconomic development and advancement in science, agriculture , fisheries, green tourism , hydrology, pharmacology and climate change.
The laboratory values of Nigeria’s conserved biosphere ecosystem are intrinsic and, over time, have become the destructive destination of illegal loggers, and now, illegal mining agents , armed to the teeth and ready to spill blood.
These earth rapers suspected to be special units of the gestapo and rampaging army of insurgents from Zamfara and Niger states operate in coordinated and clandestine militarism, ready to pull triggers at anyone or groups that may stop them from their illegal mining activities.
Recently, at the rich biosphere space of old OYO National Park, the criminals in connivance with strange cattle breeders also suspected as cross-border cow minders invaded the Park and when confronted by the Eagle eyed team of Park Rangers, resisted arrest and subsequently pulled out their hidden arsenal of sophisticated guns and wasted two gallant Rangers.
Unfortunately for the criminals, the two Rangers before being gunned down had called for reinforcement , which speedily ambushed their gateway from the scene of crime and arrested thirty-seven of them who were now guests of the Nigerian police. No doubt they have a date with the courts soon for murder and wilful and deliberate damage to earth resources under protection.
In Niger state, the Park Rangers at Kainji Lake National Park, in collaboration with the Nigerian military, have made life unbearable for the invading army of nature criminal elements , determined to exploit resources under protection to fund their insurgency and purchase ammunition.
In Cross River National Park, Park Rangers in swift response, proactively engaged heavily armed illegal Miners at ifumpa axis of the Akamkpa sector of the Park, neutralising their effort and arraigned them in court.
It was a red flag operation, a critical warning call-out signal by the National Park Service under Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator General of the Federation, to all illegal loggers, miners , grazers and poachers of fauna and flora resources, that enough is enough, indicative of the grave consequences which awaits unwanted visitors to Nigeria’s protected green. environment
Justice Okokon Essisen, the presiding judge of the magistrate Court in Akamkpa, clamped the nature terrorists to six months imprisonment, though with an option of two hundred thousand naira each.
Justice okokon stated that the activities of the illegal miners in Park contravened section 31 (1) (p) on illegal mining and also on illegal entry as captured under section 30(1)[O] of the National Park Service laws.
The convicted miners languishing at the calabar facilities of Nigerian correctional service were unable to meet up their options of jail conditions as provided by section, 37(1) 37(2) [c] 37(1) (2) [b] respectively.
Lamenting the renewed interest by illegal mining agents in the Parks across the country, the Conservator General disclosed that all unit parks have been put on red alert to arrest, demobilise all strange and illegal visitors in the protected areas, adding that Park Rangers have paid the supreme price to ensure that the covers Nigerian green biospheres were no longer busstops for illegalities and market places for insurgents.
Consoling families of the two gallant Rangers who lost their lives in the not too recent old OYO debacle, in persons of late Deputy Conservator of Park, A. P Ayemboba and Chief Park Inspector, A. Adedokun, the CG, praised the commitment and patriotic dedication of Nigerian Park Rangers, adding that the late officers did not die in vain and would not be forgotten in the history of conservation management in Nigeria.
He warned that national parks management will do everything in its power and in accordance with the laws, to bring to justice any persons and groups that may want to turn Nigeria’s protected areas to endposts of illegal natural resources exploitation and destruction.
Nigeria, Dr Goni added, is troubled by enemies of its socioeconomic and political development in recent times, who have vowed to stop and kill security agencies from frustrating their rebellious activities, noting that NPS is ever determined to keep away nature criminals away protected areas ecosystem, particularly as the world is battling with effects of climate change hazards, driven by extremely misplaced aggression by illegal activities of mankind, particularly daring rouges prospecting and speculating on earth resources for selfish reasons.
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), has commiserated with the Nigerian Police Force, the Lagos State Command and the Commissioner of Lagos, CP Fatai Tijani over the loss to death of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, Khan Salihu, who passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026 after a brief illness.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Eric Elezuo, on behalf of the president, Mayor Samson Oki, the Association expressed heartfelt condolences on the irreparable loss, noting that DCP Salihu was a thoroughbred Officer, who approached his job with discipline and equanimity, obtaining trust from both colleagues and the general public.
“With heart full of regret, but total submission to the will of Almighty God, we, the members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), commiserate with the entire Nigerian Police Force family, especially the Lagos State Command, and its Commissioner, CP Fatai Tijani, on the death of DCP Khan Salihu,” the statement noted.
“DCP was a discipline officer, whose stock in trade revolves round professionalism, stewardship and the need to deliver on the security and safety framework of the Police, and Lagos State in particular, where he died in active service.
“He was an extremely professional senior officer, humble, discipline, media friendly, always willing to support.
“The Police hierarchy and the entire Nigerian media space will sincerely miss him even as we pray that Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” the statement concluded.
According to the Lagos Command, “DCP Khan Salihu will be fondly remembered for his dedication, humility, professionalism, and selfless service to the nation and the Nigeria Police Force. His legacy of service and commitment will continue to inspire officers and men of the Command.”
May his soul rest in perfect peace just as God grants his family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Personality in Focus
Eminent Gents Int’l Announces Philanthropist Abiodun Enilari Paseda As New President
By Eric Elezuo
The Eminent Gents International Club, an association of eminent gentlemen, who have proved their mettle in the society, and committed to lending a helping to the upliftment of the society, has announced Sir Abiodun Paseda as its new president.
Paseda takes over from Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni, who performed creditably well during his tenure in office.
The announcement was made following a keenly contested electoral process, where Paseda was elected unopposed. His election, according to a cross section of the club members, was made possible as a result of the confidence members reposed in him owing to his acknowledged discipline, focus and leadership abilities.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Eminent Barr. Taiwo Odumosu, commended members for the maturity, discipline, and commitment they demonstrated throughout the process, noting that despite minor challenges encountered, members conducted themselves in a manner that reflected the values and ideals upon which the Club was founded.
Immediate Past President Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni
Barr. Odumosu congratulated the newly elected officers and urged them to provide purposeful and inclusive leadership capable of strengthening the unity and growth of the Club.
Among members of the executive council, who will be working with Eminent Paseda are Eminent Barr. Oluwaseun Basorun, who was elected as the Vice President and Eminent Ariyo Abass, who won the General Secretary position.
Others are Eminent Ganiu Omotoso for the office of the Assistant General Secretary, Eminent Akinsanya Olaseni as Financial Secretary, Eminent Muyiwa Jayesimi as the Treasurer, Eminent Barrister Yomi Akodu as the Public Relations Officer and Eminent Segun Fetuga, who won the position of the Social Secetary.
Eminent Odumosu admonished the incoming administration to ensure that no member is left behind in the affairs of the Club, and to place the welfare of members at the forefront of its programmes and policies in order to continue to enhance the beautiful etiquette of the almost 20 years Club.
The Eminent Gents International Club was established in 2006 as a group saddled with the responsibility of catering for the less privileged, the needy and the have-nots of the society. The Club strongly believes in giving back to the society, with an overriding philosophy, which revolves around pooling skills, resources and experience to create a sustainable change, and improve the lives of those in need.
New Vice President Eminent Barrister Oluwaseun Bashorun
Consequently, the Club has prioritise engagements in targeted initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues affecting the needy cutting across food, heathcare, shelter, clothing and not forgetting empowerment.
In his acceptance speech, Eminent Paseda pledged to live up to expectations, and ensure that the founding principles of the Club is not derailed.
He congratulated his co-executive council members, urging everyone to give their best performance to ensure the success of the administration in particular, and the Club in general.
A distinguished Nigerian based in London, England, Paseda is the Chief Executive Officer, Focus on Disabilities (FOD) Foundation, a not for profit organization that is saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the wellbeing of those living with disabilities. The organization, founded in 2010, has supervised the provision of sundry humanitarian assistance to people living with disabilities across Nigeria and the African continent with special mention to England, his place of residence.
He is a stern believer in the lifting of the downtrodden in the society, and has been awarded the Humanitarian award by Ceebee Gold Foundation.
A recipient of the BEFFTA Award, Africa achiever Award, Scotland among many others, Paseda has since 2012 been distributing movement enhancing materials to the disabled across the continent. Some of these distributions include 60 wheel chairs and disability aids in Kano and Kaduna states in 2012; distribution of clutches, wheel chairs, food items among other things in Ogun state in March and September 2013. Ever since, the selfless giver has not looked back in supporting the less privileged with his resources. He runs an all-expense paid home for people living with disabilities in Odogbolu, Ogun State
Paseda’s humanitarian outreach stretches across Africa and the UK where he is reputed to have touched a lot of lives.
A new chapter in clinical leadership has commenced at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, with the appointment of renowned Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Olusola Adebisi, as the institution’s new Head of Clinical Services (HCS). He officially resumes duty today, Monday, June 15, 2026, following the expiration of the tenure of his predecessor, Dr. A.S. Adediran, whose stewardship contributed significantly to the advancement of clinical services within the tertiary healthcare institution.
The appointment, approved by the 7th Board of Management at its 6th Extraordinary Meeting held on June 8, 2026, is hailed as a strategic move that places one of the hospital’s most experienced clinicians and respected administrators at the helm of its clinical operations. With a distinguished career spanning renal medicine, healthcare leadership, organized medicine, and community service, Dr. Adebisi brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence to the role.
Until his appointment, Dr. Adebisi served as Head of the Nephrology Unit at FMC Abeokuta, where he earned recognition as one of the leading authorities on kidney-related illnesses within the West African sub-region. A passionate advocate for preventive nephrology, he has spearheaded numerous community sensitization initiatives, including annual World Kidney Day campaigns aimed at promoting early detection and management of kidney disease. He has also mentored and supervised generations of resident doctors, medical officers, and specialized nephrology nurses, helping to sustain a culture of clinical excellence.
His leadership credentials extend beyond clinical practice. Dr. Adebisi previously served as Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), FMC Abeokuta Chapter, where he was instrumental in fostering professional harmony and academic advancement among consultants. He currently serves as Faculty Treasurer of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), a role that underscores his financial discipline, organizational trust, and administrative competence. His earlier engagements with the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) further enriched his understanding of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Adebisi is actively involved in civic and community development. He currently serves as President of the Rotary Club in the Oke-Ona Egba District, championing humanitarian, maternal health, and community empowerment initiatives. He is also the Social Secretary of the Abeokuta Sports Club, contributing to social cohesion and cultural development within Ogun State.
A devout Christian and committed family man, Dr. Adebisi is widely respected for a leadership style rooted in integrity, compassion, and service. As Head of Clinical Services, he is expected to focus on strengthening patient-centred care, enhancing clinical research and residency training, improving interdepartmental collaboration, and promoting institutional harmony across all clinical cadres.
Speaking on his vision for the office, Dr. Adebisi emphasized the need for innovation, professionalism, and teamwork in healthcare delivery. “Our objective remains clear: to deliver compassionate, world-class, and accessible healthcare to our immediate community and beyond, fueled by clinical innovation, integrity, and absolute dedication to human life,” he said.
With his assumption of office today, stakeholders within and outside FMC Abeokuta express optimism that his blend of clinical expertise, administrative experience, and people-centred leadership will further strengthen the institution’s position as a leading centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, training, and research.
