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My binoculars : How sudden death stole my friend at the twilight of his service to humanity

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My binoculars : How sudden death stole my friend at the twilight of his service to humanity

By: Sam Kayode

Of a truth, i have peeped and recorded a lot through my curious binoculars for over a decade now. But very few of the images I see have been as solemn as when I am reminiscing about buddies I met along life’s path of destiny fulfilment. This one of David Ibukun is unique because we grew up partially together as teenagers in the 80’s and he knew my parents in the secondary school house where my late father held sway as the Vice Principal. I observed, he had a special reverence for my father and was one of those students who the old man was well pleased with because of his stable nature.

David’s sudden death last year reminded us his classmates of the Muslim Progressive High School (MPHS) Oke Odan of the enormous power of God Almighty over all of us. This is because death according to the Bible is a transitional phenomenon all mortals must taste to enjoy or regret eternity based on our deeds after His final judgement.
It is always painful when someone you knew or sat in the same class with leaves you without saying goodbye. And why it hurts so much was that we rediscovered each other in 2023 after about 40 years of not crossing paths since leaving secondary school in the 80’s.

And that did happen in jos when he was driving to somewhere and I had parked to buy somethings to assist my trip back to Maiduguri. Incidentally, he worked in jos for about six years for Total Nigeria PLC without us crossing paths because I was on and off from the cold city. On this particular day, he was driving off to round up some of his transfer details and he spotted me on the long dual carriage way that runs from mararaba jama to terminus area in jos. He was the first to see me and stopped along the road at ‘building materials’ where I was buying fresh veggies. From behind I had Sammy. Only for me to turn to see David. I was so happy to see him after a long time. We exchanged pleasantries and spent sometimes catching up with each other. He hinted that he had been transferred to Lagos island and I told him I will check on him anytime I find myself down that path.

The David I knew at the Muslim Progressive High School Oke Odan

Dave was a confidant with whom we had a good chemistry. I will never forget his consistent smiles even when classmates annoyed him. He was a calm lanky fellow like myself who could never be provoked into extreme tendencies common with the teenage generation of that era. A very dependable, unassuming and approachable fellow who was very considerate since I joined the class in form 4 from a foreign school. In our secondary school days, he was a good student of economics and was studious in all his ways in spite of the air of affluence he enjoyed with a big brother who made sure he never lacked anything. His senior brother, a custom official who took care of him like his son was a good friend of my father who was the Vice Principal of the school then. He would always branch when passing on official duties since the school was along the trunk A road coming from Sango Ota. Whenever he was passing by he would branch to see David and we often shared in the goodies he used to bring for his kid brother after seeing “Baba” as they used to call my father.
We kept faith with each other even after form five as he described his brother’s home for me around iyana ipaja area where I used to branch while visiting my uncles in Lagos. We actually lost touch after I completed my training as a journalist and got my first job with the daily times news paper with posting to Taraba state in November 1992. He too got a career with total Nigeria PLC after his professional training. Life went on in our separate worlds as expected only for us to meet on that fateful day in jos where we both had worked without knowing he was there. Dave carried the same smiles I used to know him for only to sign off suddenly into eternity last year 2024.

Fellow progressives, its been about 40 years we left secondary school and quite painful to loose “Baskay” at the twilight of our respective callings. He was still the Baskay I knew and I was the “omo Baba” with whom we had a special bond with. Being class mates at the MPHS in a community called Oke odan in Ogun State was a unique opportunity to meet as young gentlemen and I will never forget those days. Oke odan then in the 80’s was a tiny linear settlement on the way to the border town of idi iroko which was a major gateway to Nigeria. And MPHS founded by the community and taken over by government was a breeding ground for future leaders and great sportsmen in the then Egbado division of Ogun state. It became a strategic point for young minds to be reprocessed into productive humanists to contribute to our country. Sadly, like his senior brother, Dave died suddenly last year on Tuesday 12th of November after a protracted illness in a Lagos hospital.He was a humanist to the core and a peaceful and practicing disciple of Christ who showed love to all till the end.

Final rites of David

His service of Songs was held at – KT&T Hall, Plot 61, Scheme 1, Warewa Bus Stop, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway on the 16th January 2025. And this was followed by the funeral service the next day at the RCCG Gate of Heaven Parish, Redemption City of God. He was
Interred at the Memorial Gardens, within Redemption Camp.

Do have a nice rest Ogbeni David Ibukun and extend our regards to Tajudeen Shittu (Tilly) who was also one of us. But had since gone before you after a tragic car crash along the Abeokuta Sango Ota road of Ogun State.

My binoculars : How sudden death stole my friend at the twilight of his service to humanity

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Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

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Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

By Zagazola Makama

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and gun-running, following the arrest of a fleeing gang member and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

According to police sources, the operation was a follow-up to the earlier apprehension of Mohammed Bello, a notorious kidnapper and arms dealer.

Acting on intelligence obtained from Bello’s confession, the police extended their investigation to Rivers State, where they tracked down and arrested one Chedeye Mohamed.

Mohamed, a native of Kogi State, had been hiding in the Trailer Park Area of Onne, Port Harcourt. Upon interrogation, he led detectives to a bush near the trailer park, where an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of live ammunition was recovered.

The suspect confessed to carrying out kidnappings and armed robberies in Ughelli, Agbarho, and other parts of Delta State before retreating to Port Harcourt for cover after each operation.

Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

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Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

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Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

By: Zagazola Makama

A 21-year-old man, Victor Lorjaal, has been arrested for allegedly macheting his mother and elder sister to death at Aba Ele Camp, Itaji Ekiti.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on March 25, 2025.

The suspect’s brother, David Ioyzain, reported to the police that Victor attacked their mother, Mrs. Victoria Lorjaal, and their sister, Brenda Lorjaal, while they were picking charcoal on the farm.

David stated that he heard his mother screaming for help and rushed to the scene, only to find both victims lying lifeless with deep machete wounds. After the attack, the suspect fled but was later found at home with blood stains on his forehead, nose, and legs.

The community members apprehended Victor and handed him over to the police. Officers visited the crime scene, documented evidence, and recovered the bodies, which were deposited at General Hospital, Ayede.

Police sources said that the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation.

Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

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Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

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Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

By: Michael Mike

The Afro-Caribbean Investment Summit, have marked a significant step in strengthening the ties between the two regions; Africa and the Caribbean, with a focus on sustainability, economic diversification, and collaboration for shared prosperity.

The historical event which took place in Abuja Nigeria, was organised by Aquarian Consult, in partnership with the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, with theme, ‘bridging continents: Africa and the Caribbean, a partnership for prosperity.’

The event brought together political, business, and academic leaders from both Africa and the Caribbean to discuss the potential for deeper economic partnerships and long-term development.

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrence Michael Drew while delivering his keynote address highlighted the deep-rooted connection between Africa and the Caribbean.

He described Africa not just as a distant relative to the Caribbean but as the “mother” of the region.

He called for a shift from occasional discussions to a more structured, sustained collaboration in economic, cultural, political, and spiritual areas.

Drew emphasized that both regions must chart a course toward greater cooperation, recognizing their shared stories, challenges, and potential.

He highlighted the importance of addressing climate change, noting that the Caribbean, like many parts of Africa, has already felt the devastating effects of global warming.

Drew presented the geothermal energy project in Nevis as a model for sustainable energy, aiming to reduce the region’s dependency on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy solutions. He proposed that this effort could serve as a model for both African nations and small island developing states across the globe.

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, especially in the food sector. In response, St. Kitts and Nevis has been investing in modernizing its agricultural systems with a focus on climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming techniques.

“We call on Africa’s agricultural expertise to partner in these efforts, joint research, farm exchanges, and technology partnerships could revolutionize food production for both regions.

“We need reform in our financial systems to support innovation and economic growth. Young entrepreneurs, women, and small businesses often struggle to access the capital needed to bring their ideas to life. It is importance we create innovative financial instruments, such as diaspora bonds and microfinance programs, which could foster economic independence and growth across the Afro-Caribbean bloc.”

Former President of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, also emphasized on the structural challenges facing Africa. She noted that while Africa is home to vast natural resources and a growing youthful population, it accounts for a disproportionately small share of global trade and GDP.

Gurib-Fakim highlighted the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical step toward creating a unified market that could unlock Africa’s manufacturing potential.

However, she warned that Africa’s economic transformation would only be possible if the continent invests in science and technology and addresses its skills gap in order to meet the demands of the modern economy.

Gurib-Fakim also stressed the importance of education reform to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. She criticized the continent’s educational systems, which she argued “limits the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in knowledge-based economies.”

For her part, Ms. Aisha Maina, General Managing Director of Aquarian Consult, emphasized the concept of a “Global Africa,” referring to the shared identity and common heritage of people of African descent around the world.

She declared that the time has come for the Global South to invest in itself, reject externally imposed development metrics, and create its own standards for growth.

Maina called for greater collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean, not just in trade but in innovation and entrepreneurship.

She stressed that “both regions must come together, leveraging their collective strengths, to overcome historical divisions and forge a path toward mutual prosperity.”

Also, Prof. Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, President of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank), reinforced the need for institutionalized cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.

He highlighted the shared history of colonization and displacement, but also the immense potential for the two regions to collaborate on a global scale.

Oramah emphasized the role of Afreximbank in facilitating trade and investment, urging both regions to harness their natural resources and intellectual capital to build industries that can compete on the global stage.

Oramah concluded by stating that the unity of Africa and the Caribbean could form one of the world’s most powerful political and economic blocs, with the capacity to shape global affairs.

The summit, he said, “was a step toward creating a structured, organized framework for Afro-Caribbean collaboration, with the goal of increasing trade, innovation, and sustainable development.”

Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

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