Metro
Sorry Tale of Nigerian Lady Attacked, Almost Raped by Unknown Man in Tanzanian Hotel
The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, Tanzania, has commenced investigation into allegations of robbery and attempted rape made by a Nigerian tourist, Zainab Oladehinde.
This was after Nigerians expressed outrage at the incident, which trended on Twitter and affected the reviews of the Warere Beach Hotel, Nungwi, Zanzibar, where the event occured.
Oladehinde had, in a series of tweets on Saturday, said she boarded a plane from Lagos to Tanzania and proceeded to lodge in the hotel to celebrate her 23rd birthday.
The victim said she was to be lodged in the hotel for six days, but a “traumatic experience” in the facility made her undergo therapy for a year.
She stated, “Around 12am, a few friends and family called to wish me a happy birthday and then I went back to my room to sleep. A few hours into my sleep, I started to feel a strange hand touching my breasts.
“Now, this was me sleeping naked on my bed in my hotel room with my doors locked. So, this was definitely a dream. I told myself and went back to sleep. Some few minutes afterwards, I started to feel my hands stroking someone’s pen*s.
“At this moment, I opened my eyes to confirm if it was actually a dream or I was in real danger. Lo and behold, it wasn’t a dream. There was a naked man lying on my bed and touching me at 2am in my hotel room!
“He started calling me baby and then I became scared because the room was dark as I had switched off the lights before I went to bed. Now, I was extremely scared.”
In that moment, Oladehinde said she asked for the man’s identity, adding that he ignored and gagged her mouth to prevent her from calling for help.
She said dreadful thoughts of being raped and killed, among others, occupied her mind, as she never knew how the man entered her room, which was locked.
According to her, the yet-to-be-identified man was about to rape her when she shouted that she had HIV, which made him to stop.
“So, I continued begging and telling him I’d allow him have sex with me but he’d need to get a condom so as not to get HIV. I kept on saying HIV whilst crying profusely at this point. As I struggled to not let him strangle me, he left the room and told me he’d be back with a condom.
“Immediately he left, I switched on the light, tried to call the hotel reception but there was no intercom or phone lines to reach the hotel reception. I couldn’t stay back in the room and wait for the rapist to come back.
“I decided it was very unsafe for me to remain in the room. If I’d die, I’d rather die trying to escape rather than let the man come back to attack me a second time. I quickly put some clothes on and left my room barefooted so as not to make noise when I get out.
“On getting outside the room, I wanted to make my way to the reception, but then I saw two security men standing outside by the pool side having a conversation. I wanted to meet them to tell them I had just been attacked by a stranger in my room.
“But I thought to myself, what if this was the person who actually attacked me? Then I became extremely scared because I’d have to find a way to get to the reception without those men seeing me,” she added.
Oladehinde said she crawled to avoid being noticed and when she got to the rooms at the reception, she knocked on the doors but no one answered.
She said, “I was crying profusely at this point because I thought I wouldn’t survive this night.
“Almost immediately, I remembered the Russian couple I had spent some time with the day before and I could go to their room to seek refuge. I started crawling on my chest till I got to their room.
“Fortunately for me, the room was opened and I ran inside. They woke up almost immediately and I told the guy, Alex, how I was strangled and almost got raped in my room.
“He advised that I stay in his room till we sort out the issue by daybreak. I called my friend to tell him I was in another room where I felt safe and he told me he had called the hotel owner. This was around 4am in the morning.”
Around 6am, the victim said she left Alex’s room and called her taxi driver, one Suley, to convey her to the nearest police station.
While awaiting the driver’s arrival, Oladehinde noted that she realised her phone battery would soon go flat when she summoned the courage to go into her room to pick up her charger.
Upon entering the room, she, however, discovered that she had been robbed of $1,100, adding that it took two hours before the hotel manager, one Mussa, attended to her.
She said, “Mussa claimed to have received a phone call around 4am by the hotel’s owner to check for me in my room after my friend called them. He said he didn’t find me in the room, so he went back to bed.
“I told Mussa to call out all the security personnel that were on duty the night before so we’d get the hang of who the culprit was. They all came out. I couldn’t recognize any of them, but I could smell the man that was in my room that midnight.
“The taxi driver arrived and we all left for the police station. When we got to the police station, I was asked to write my statement, which I did. The policemen advised I go to the hospital to do a check-up if I was raped or not.
“They were all speaking Swahili and were asking me questions instead of interrogating the suspects. When I decided to take a picture of the police station and the statement I had written, the policemen started threatening me to delete the pictures.
Oladehinde said when the nurse at a hospital she visited confirmed that there was no penetration, the policemen said they had no reason to press charges on sexual assault, adding that the only issue was the stolen money.
“The policemen at the Nungwi police station in Zanzibar kept on bullying and harassing me. They told me to leave the police station that I wasn’t raped. I was so frustrated, sad and scared. How could the police do this to me? How could the hotel do this to me? The owner and manager said I lied about my experience,” she said.
In a short video clip posted alongside the tweets, Alex was heard confirming that Oladehinde came to seek solace in his room on April 16, 2021, when the incident happened.
A statement by the Executive Secretary, Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, Hafsa Mbamba, condemned the incident, saying an investigation had commenced.
The statement read in part, “The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism is shocked and disappointed to learn of this incident and take these allegations very seriously. An immediate investigation has commenced and we will report on its findings. We condemn any harm or threat to our visitors to the peaceful islands of Zanzibar.”
The Punch
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“The destiny of Africa will not be determined by the strength of its resources, but by the quality of its leadership — leaders who see beyond personal power to build a continent where every African can rise, contribute, and thrive on the global stage.” — Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD
Leadership in Africa is not merely about occupying high office; it is a sacred responsibility to restore dignity, unlock potential, and chart a bold path toward collective prosperity. For decades, the continent has been burdened by narratives of poverty, conflict, and dependency. Yet, a new generation of visionary, ethical, and courageous leaders is rising — men and women who understand that Africa’s greatest wealth lies in its people, its diverse cultures, and its untapped potential. True African leadership must be transformative, inclusive, and globally oriented, focused on building resilient institutions, empowered citizens, and a competitive continent that contributes meaningfully to humanity’s progress.
The Imperative of Transformative Leadership
At its best, African leadership is defined by a deep sense of purpose and ownership. It rejects the politics of survival and embraces the politics of vision. Transformative leaders prioritize human capital development as the foundation of progress. They invest heavily in quality education, healthcare, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship, recognizing that a skilled, healthy, and empowered population is the ultimate driver of sustainable development.
A shining example is Rwanda under President Paul Kagame. In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda transformed from a failed state into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies through deliberate investments in education, technology, and women’s empowerment. Today, Rwanda boasts one of the highest rates of female parliamentary representation in the world and has become a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa.
Such leadership is also rooted in integrity and accountability. Corruption and weak institutions have long hindered Africa’s advancement. Leaders who model transparency, uphold the rule of law, and place national and continental interests above personal gain build the trust necessary for long-term transformation. Botswana stands as a classic case. Since independence, successive leaders have managed diamond revenues with remarkable prudence, establishing strong anti-corruption institutions and consistent fiscal discipline, resulting in one of Africa’s highest per capita incomes and stable democratic governance.
Visionary leadership in Africa further demands economic diversification and innovation. Moving away from over-reliance on raw commodity exports, forward-thinking leaders champion industrialization, technology adoption, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Kenya’s “Silicon Savannah” in Nairobi, driven by deliberate government policies supporting fintech and digital startups, has produced globally recognized companies like M-Pesa, which revolutionized mobile money and financial inclusion across Africa. Similarly, Morocco has successfully diversified its economy through investments in automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and renewable energy, positioning itself as a major industrial player on the continent.
Building Africa Through Unity and Integration
No African nation can achieve greatness in isolation. The most effective leaders champion Pan-Africanism and regional integration. They actively support frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promises to create the world’s largest single market. They strengthen Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as ECOWAS, EAC, and SADC as building blocks for a stronger African Union. By harmonizing policies, reducing trade barriers, and investing in cross-border infrastructure, these leaders turn geographic proximity into economic power and shared prosperity.
Leadership that builds Africa also invests in peace and security. Persistent conflicts continue to destroy lives and opportunities. Progressive leaders prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction. They strengthen institutions like the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and promote African solutions to African problems, reducing harmful dependence on external actors. Ghana’s consistent contribution to regional peacekeeping missions and its stable democratic transitions under leaders like Jerry Rawlings and John Kufuor demonstrate how committed leadership can anchor stability in turbulent times.
Developing Africans Globally
Great African leadership extends beyond national borders. It nurtures a new generation of globally competitive Africans — professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, diplomats, and creatives who carry African excellence to every corner of the world. This requires deliberate investment in education systems that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, and global competence. It means creating policies that engage the African diaspora, encouraging them to invest their skills, capital, and networks back home through structured programmes.
Leaders who build Africans globally also reshape narratives. They counter negative stereotypes by promoting stories of African innovation, resilience, cultural richness, and intellectual contribution. Nigeria’s booming Nollywood industry and its vibrant tech ecosystem (with hubs in Lagos and Abuja) have projected a dynamic image of African creativity and entrepreneurship to the world. Similarly, South Africa’s leadership in fields like biotechnology and renewable energy showcases the continent’s capacity for scientific excellence.
The Leadership Imperative in a Changing World
Africa faces significant challenges — poverty, infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment, climate vulnerability, and governance gaps. However, these are not insurmountable. The leadership Africa needs today must be courageous enough to make difficult decisions, inclusive enough to empower women, youth, and marginalized groups, and ethical enough to reject patronage and short-termism. It must balance national sovereignty with continental solidarity, and local realities with global opportunities.
A Call to Action
The future of Africa will not be written by external forces. It will be authored by Africans themselves — guided by leaders who understand that leadership is ultimately a trust to serve, uplift, and build. The continent does not lack potential. What it needs is consistent, visionary, and accountable leadership at every level — from village heads to heads of state, from the classroom to the boardroom.
When leadership rises to this calling, Africa will not only build itself but will also offer the world new models of resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. The time has come for a new covenant between African leaders and their people — a covenant rooted in trust, service, and shared destiny.
Africa’s story is still being written. With the right leadership, it can become one of triumph, dignity, and global excellence. The question is not whether Africa can rise — but whether its leaders will summon the will, wisdom, and courage to make that rise unstoppable.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com
In pursuance of its goal to affect humanity, foremost not-for-profit health organization, Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) has held its 2026 Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony geared towards spotlighting the values of sustained purpose, service, compassion, sacrifice, and discipline.
The ceremony, held in Lagos on Saturday 25th April 2026, brought together a remarkable corps of volunteers whose quiet, consistent efforts have shaped lives in ways statistics often fail to capture. It also created the perfect space for reflection while boldly charting the path forward for the sickle cell NGO founded by nonprofit leader, Toyin Adesola in 2008.
During the event, a 10million naira crowdfunding campaign tagged #1kforSickle to encourage Nigerians to give a minimum of ₦1,000 to support the organization’s effort was launched. Also, 11 award categories were presented to capture the impact of individuals from various spheres of influence who have supported SAMI over the years. These include haematologists, medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, IT experts, media executives, and emerging young professionals in different sectors.
The event had 4 top speakers including polymath and Founder of Immerse Coaching Company, Debola Deji Kurunmi; clinical psychologist, Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje; leadership expert, Director Oluwatoyin Banjo; and co-founder of 9ijakids, Mrs. Titi Adewusi, to forge the awareness of a greater responsibility for impact to the sickle cell community and humanity at large.
Delivering one of the most compelling sessions of the Retreat, Debola Deji-Kurunmi challenged the volunteers to rethink their personal growth as a fundamental aspect of their influence to SAMI, family, and community. Deploying the five empires of self-leadership, she emphasized the need for self-mastery, self-direction, self-drive, self-influence, and self-expansion. “It is when you lead yourself well that you can serve others better and advance the mission” she asserted.
Noting that “SAMI is moving forward from being a founder-led NGO to a legacy-led institution”, the highly sought corporate trainer fondly called DDK, encouraged the volunteers to move from consumer mindset to creator mindset, bring forward their original ideas, make more suggestions, and become more solution-oriented.
From a psychological standpoint, Mr. Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje brought a refreshing depth to the conversation, focusing on the inner life of a volunteer. His session provided a vital reminder that emotional balance, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment are hallmarks of a successful life.
He addressed the emotional impact as well as the toll that social media could play on mental health, advocating for self-awareness and introspection as critical components for mental resilience and sustainable impact. He highlighted that a state of positive mental health will encompass “emotional, psychological, and social well-being that focuses on how we feel, how we function, and the knowledge that we are separate from our problems.”
Speaking to the heart of volunteering, Mrs. Titi Adewusi delivered a powerful message focused on Why Team Spirit Matters to Building Trust and Credibility for a Nonprofit. Drawing largely from real stories, she challenged the volunteers to see their opportunities to serve the SAMI mission not only when they show up physically but in everything. Her insights served as a rallying call for volunteers, even as she officially launched the #1kforSickle crowdfunding campaign.
In a stirring address on leadership and influence, Director Toyin Banjo underscored the responsibility that comes with the privilege of leading within volunteer ecosystems. She centered her discussion on the 8 Pillars of M.O.B.I.L.I.Z.E. which are the principles of “motivate with meaning, orient and onboard, build belonging, invest in them, lead by example, inspire through impact, zoom in on zeal, and empower and entrust.” Her remarks provided a unique perspective into volunteering and urged leadership of the nonprofit to renew their commitment to continually pour into the development of its most valuable human resource team.
The Communication Officer of the health nonprofit, Abayomi Oyelami noted that the SAMI Volunteer Retreat & Awards Ceremony was to “honour the passion, sacrifice, and invisible work shaping lives in the sickle cell community, as well as to be a space for growth, learning, and renewed purpose.”
He indicated that Nigerians who wish to donate to the ongoing #1kforSickle campaign can donate via: A/c name: SAMI 500 by 1M Campaign, GTB – 0208883097 or use the online channels found on the official promotional materials.
The SAMI Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony drew to a close with a collective call for volunteers to awaken to a higher order of service, where compassion and goodwill is matched with skill and excellence.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
