Personality in Focus
Our Decision to Rid Lagos of Indiscipline, Traffic Offences, Miscreants, Irreversible – Jejeloye, Chairman, Task Force
The Chairman, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce), CSP Shola Jejeloye, has said that there is no going back in his administration’s decision to free Lagos State from the shackles of indiscipline, traffic offences and other attendant delinquencies that have limited its move to the smart city status.
CSP Jejeloye made the remarks in Lagos when the executive members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) led by its President, Mr. Samson Oki, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
In his address, he lauded the efforts of the association for expressing interest in and identifying with the agency, adding that they are trying to do their best to ensure that laws and orders are obeyed in Lagos State.
Jejeloye expressed satisfaction with the visit, especially at such a time to share ideas and talk about the issues that bother on the wellbeing of Lagosians in particular, and Nigerians in general.
“Apart from the fact that law and order must be obeyed; the protection of lives and property is equally one of our primary responsibilities. And in a situation whereby law and order are not obeyed, then lives and properties cannot be protected. That’s why we decided to make our decision irreversible to ensure that the state is free from crimes, hoodlums and other kind of social menace,” he said.
The Chairman used the opportunity to call on celebrities to be advocates of discipline and positive role models to the youths, who will be trained as Medical Doctors, Engineers among others instead of wasting money going abroad hire expatriates to come and do our jobs for us.
“Who will do that work when all of them want to turn to Naira Marley? What is the meaning of celebrity? I don’t know the meaning? In those days, celebrities were like role models and those that make sacrifices for the society. They instill morals into the society. Not anymore. The only morals we enjoy now is just naked life, very naked life,” Jejeloye lamented.
“The responsibilities of our office is multifaceted, therefore, our decision is not to rest on our oars. Our task is not limited to traffic offenders hence we want to take it to the market places where these people will feel the impact.
“Don’t be tired of us. Continue to give us the needed support. Use the little knowledge and experience you have acquired to be a vehicle of change. Money is not only corruption; the abuse of power is also corruption.
“Let us continue to work together because without you, there is no us. We try to toil the part of the law and not suffer backlash. Posterity is a time keeper and time is a great healer.”
On the use of drugs by commercial drivers, Jejeloye explained that almost 80% of the drivers take drugs. Therefore, we have had meetings with their leaders, educated and enlightened them on the dangers of use of drugs.
“I implore passengers and commercial drivers to make effective use of officially recognised bus stops to minimise attacks by miscreants as most of them stay at odd places outside officially approved bus stops.
While congratulating the Chairman for his recent appointment and promotion, NAOSNP President, Mr Oki said since the coming on board of Jejeloye, significant changes have been experienced, especially in the mode of operation that has brought tremendous calmness to driving within the metropolis.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has died. He was aged 90.
Oba Olakulehin, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne, and two days after his 90th birthday
Oba Olakulehin received the staff of office from Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne from the chieftancy rung of Balogun Olubadan, following the demise of Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died at the age of 81 years on March 14, 2024.
Personality in Focus
Things Fall Apart Festival 2025: Chimamanda Adichie Calls for Igbo Unity, Honoured by ATPN
Global literary icon, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has been inducted as an Honorary Fellow of theAssociation of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), in recognition of her remarkable contributions to promoting Nigeria’s cultural identity through literature. Her works, which have earned worldwide acclaim, continue to project Nigerian—and particularly Igbo—culture on the global stage.
The honorary induction took place during the Things Fall Apart Festival (TFA) 2025, held in Enugu and organized by the Centre for Memories – Ncheta Ndigbo, with endorsement from the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the ATPN, and in partnership with iTour Africa. The festival is a celebration of the legacy of Chinua Achebe’s timeless novel, Things Fall Apart.
Adichie, who chaired the festival, delivered a stirring address that emphasized the urgent need for unity and cultural pride among the Igbo people. Also present at the event were several dignitaries including Sir Ike Chioke, Managing Director of Afrinvest; Sir Emeka Mba, former DG of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission and founder of Afia TV; and celebrated actor Chief Nkem Owoh (Osuofia).
Speaking on behalf of ATPN National President Omo-Oba Adetunji Femi Fadina, the association’s Deputy President II, Wilson Uche Ugwu, emphasized the vital role of cultural identity in tourism development. He urged Nigerians—especially the Igbo—to take pride in their heritage and support initiatives that preserve and promote indigenous culture. Ugwu also reaffirmed ATPN’s commitment to professionalism among tourism practitioners and the need to avoid distorting Nigeria’s rich history and traditions.
In her keynote speech, Chimamanda Adichie made a powerful call for internal reflection and unity within the Igbo community:
“Ndigbo k’anyi tetalu n’ura. Let us wake up. Ife emebigo n’ala Igbo. Things have fallen apart in Igbo land,” she said. “We often speak of political marginalisation, and indeed any honest assessment of post-war Nigerian history acknowledges that. But before we can truly challenge external forces, we must first ‘clean house.’ We are giving those who want to marginalise us even more reasons to justify their actions.”
She stressed that unity does not mean uniformity but a conscious choice to collaborate for a greater goal despite differences.
“If all governors and senators from the Igbo-speaking states come together and set aside party affiliations, it would bestow a significant bargaining power to influence policies beneficial to the region.”
Adichie also delved into the erosion of Igbo language and identity, lamenting the decline of Igbo literature and the increasing pride in raising children who do not speak their native tongue.
“Languages are beautiful, and the more languages a child can speak, the better. But what’s happening in Igbo land is not about the ability to learn languages—it is about the lack of value for what is ours. Even our naming culture is eroding. We now give names not for their meaning, but for how ‘Western’ they sound.”
She drew parallels with the Germanic tribes, who despite having multiple dialects, united to form a modern German state. In contrast, she warned that internal divisions within Igbo society, often rooted in political rather than cultural identities, are weakening the community.
“Igbo is Igbo. Nobody is more Igbo than another. The distinctions we make today—‘Anambra Igbo,’ ‘Delta Igbo’—are political, not cultural. Our strength lies in our unity.”
The Things Fall Apart Festival 2025 served not only as a celebration of Achebe’s literary genius but also as a rallying point for cultural rebirth and communal introspection. It was a fitting occasion to honour Chimamanda Adichie, a torchbearer of African storytelling and cultural preservation.
Famous American televangelist, Jimmy Swaggart, has died at the age of 90.
Jimmy Swaggart’s death was announced on his Facebook page on Tuesday.
He reportedly died two weeks after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Louisiana home on June 15 2025.
The once most recognized Pentecostal preacher in the United States, was brought down in the late 1980s by sex scandals.
The pastor of the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, was reportedly caught on camera in 1988 with a prostitute in New Orleans.
Jimmy Swaggart was embroiled in a prostitution controversy in 1988 after he accused Marvin Gorman, his fellow preacher, of infidelity.
In retaliation, Gorman hired a private investigator who caught Swaggart with a prostitute.
The development triggered a national scandal, prompting him to temporarily step down from preaching.
Addressing the incident during a tearful sermon in 1988, Jimmy Swaggart apologized to his parishioners.
“I have sinned against you. I beg you to forgive me”, he said.
After the scandal, he, however, continued preaching for decades, but with a reduced audience.
