Personality in Focus
Writers Celebrate Chinua Achebe’s 94th Posthumous Birthday
Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.
In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.
One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.
Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.
Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.
He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.
“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.
The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.
As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.
The Zonal Command Headquarters, Zone 2, Lagos, has announced the appointment and resumption of duty of DSP Afolayan Gbanga as the new Police Public Relations Officer.
The appointment, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), was as a result of the redeployment of Police Public Relations Officers of the rank of CSP by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
The statement stated DSP Gbenga’s credentials as follows:
The newly posted Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Afolayan Gbenga who hails from Ijero Ekiti local Government Area of Ekiti State enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 20thof December, 2018 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police Regular Course 1 and was trained at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State where hebagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.
DSP Afolayan Gbenga has attended combat operation course at the Police Mobile Force Training school, Ila Orangun, Osun State and Operational Leadership and Command Course (OLCC) at the Police Staff College, Jos, Plateau State.
He has served in various capacities at Enuowa Division, Fanibi division, CP monitoring Unit, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer all in Ondo State Command. He has also served as the Personal Assistant to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Zone 17 headquarters and Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command. Until his recent deployment as the Police Public Relations Officer, he was serving at the Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos.
DSP Afolayan Gbenga possesses requisite knowledge and experience in administration, operations, investigations and in Police Public relations and has expressed his deliberate action in ensuring that he creates and solidifies a reliable and trust centered communication as well as a progressive partnership with the community/public through result drivenengagement and service.
The Zone 2 Headquarters hereby call on members of the public, the good people of Lagos and Ogun State, the media, and other stakeholders to extend their usual support and cooperation to the new Police Public Relations Officer as he assumes office and discharge his duties.
He can be reached on 09062011772 and 08166350754
His Social Media handles include;
X: @Gbeyngar
Facebook: Afolayan Gbenga
Instagram: @Gbeyngar
A former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), is dead. He was aged 71
The former CJN reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks before his 72nd birthday on December 31.
Muhammad’s death was confirmed in a condolence statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS).
In the statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association described his passing as a significant loss for the country.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.
“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large,” NAMLAS said.
The association hailed Justice Muhammad as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”
According to NAMLAS, throughout his judicial career, Muhammad “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”
“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners,” the statement added.
Beyond his role on the Bench, the association noted the late jurist’s mentorship of young Muslim law students across the country.
“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country,” it said.
The association also highlighted that the deceased’s “support, moral guidance, and openness to the aspirations of young Muslim legal minds reflected his deep belief in mentorship, continuity, and the nurturing of future custodians of justice.”
It extended condolences to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Nigerian Judiciary, the Government and people of Nigeria, and the entire Muslim Ummah”.
The association offered prayers for the repose of his soul, asking that Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him “the highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus.”
The newly appointed Police Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, has assumed office, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) can report.
Babaseyi was appointed last week by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, following the transfer of all Police Public Relations Officers of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). He succeeds CSP Omolola Odutola, who is reported to have maintained a legacy of professionalism, transparency and friendliness, and has been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command for higher national assignments.
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi is a Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, and a Diploma in Law from Osun State University. A distinguished member of the 1st Regular Course of the Nigeria Police Academy, his academic and professional background provides a solid foundation in police operations, investigations, administration, and strategic communication.
He has served in several operational, investigative, and administrative capacities across divisions and specialized units. He previously served as Divisional Crime Officer at Monatan and Kajorepo Divisions, and as Officer-in-Charge of Ilaji and Lagelu Police Posts in Oyo State, where he led criminal investigations, supervised personnel, and coordinated crime prevention strategies. His operational expertise was further strengthened by a three-year deployment with the Police Mobile Force (22 PMF) as Unit Commander. In 2023, he trained at the Nigeria Army School of Special Forces, Buni Yadi, and subsequently led personnel in joint military operations under Operation Hadin Kai across Yobe and Borno States.
DSP Babaseyi also brings strong experience in police administration and public relations to his new role. He previously served as Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command and as Secretary to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, where he was deeply involved in command management, strategic planning, and inter-agency coordination. Until his appointment as Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, he distinguished himself in media relations and information management.
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi is happily married with children, and can be reached on 0816 238 2281.
