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Institution of Marriage Faces Extinction, Former Envoy Raises Alarm
Institution of Marriage Faces Extinction, Former Envoy Raises Alarm
By: Michael Mike
The institution of marriage is on its way to extinction while infantilism and criminal propensities are fast being accepted as the new normal, former Nigerian Ambassador to Mozambique, Albert Omotayo has lamented.
The former envoy, who In a bid to strengthen family ties in Nigeria and ensure nation building presented a book titled: “Fifty Reasons Why I Love You” to the public, decried that the rate of separation and divorce in the country is soaring, insisting that this could only be checked with true love and strong marriage institution.
Speaking at the presentation of the book in Abuja on Tuesday, Omotayo who was a Private Secretary to former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he was the Federal Commissioner for Works in the 1970s and later as the Head of State said the battle against marriage and the family is fierce and sustained, yet soft and elusive.
Ambassador Omotayo who also inaugurated Qoodrat Adebola Abeni Omotayo Literary Award (QAAOLA) in honour of his wife said: “The rate of separation and divorce is soaring everywhere, the socio-intellectual movements which articulate marriage to be bondage that must be broken are gaining more ground and their disciples are fast growing.
“The world is getting drowned deeper in the sea of consumerism and instant creation, the root of world-wide economic hardship and inter-personal intolerance which is in turn pushing our humanness to a dangerous limit and making ordinary relationships increasingly more difficult to maintain.”
The former envoy also lamented that values in all walks of life are being turned upside-down in a counter-cultural protest against “old culture and tradition.”
The retired diplomat said he wrote the book not only to promote good family value system in Nigeria, but to also appreciate his wife whom he noted staunchly believes in marriage institution and transparently lives it.
On why he inaugurated a non-profit organisation for his wife who is also an Author, and who turned 50 on Tuesday, Omotayo said “The NGO is a literary award because the crusade is not about laws, it is about the reorientation of human mind which can be challenged and move to change only through writings in all manners of genre”
In his remarks, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada commended Omotayo for coming up with a book that touches on love at the family level and advised Nigerians to read the book which he noted is capable of strengthening family ties and creating a better society.
Omotayo’s wife, Abeni who is a former Chairperson of Ekiti State Chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said she would continue to impact on lives and not relent in her efforts at promoting literary arts. She commended her husband for being a pillar of support.
A former National President of Association of Nigerian Authors, Denja Abdullahi, Chairman of the occasion, Professor Vicky Sylvester, the book reviewer, Miss Salamatu Sule, all commended Ambassador Omotayo for writing the book, and also described his wife as a virtuous woman.
Institution of Marriage Faces Extinction, Former Envoy Raises Alarm
News
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.
He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.
He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.
Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
News
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.
Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.
He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.
According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.
The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.
He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.
He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.
The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
News
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.
Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.
The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.
According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.
They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.
The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
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