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President Tinubu : A United, Prosperous Nigeria Is A Must

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President Tinubu : A United, Prosperous Nigeria Is A Must

** Urges leaders to build bridges as Governor Ododo marks first anniversary

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that unity is the only formula that works for national progress, urging Nigerian leaders to draw lessons from the natural confluence of River Niger and River Benue in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

Specifically, he said the confluence of the two rivers in Kogi is a metaphor for the collective strength required to navigate Nigeria’s challenges and foster unity and collaboration for the nation’s prosperity.

Speaking on Monday in Lokoja at the Kogi Dialogue, which was part of events marking Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s first year in office, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said, “The convergence of these rivers is not just a geographical event; it is a divine lesson in strength and continuity. It symbolizes the power of unity—where individual streams combine to create a force capable of shaping destinies and carving paths.

“Just as water merging with water becomes stronger, so must we as leaders and citizens merge our efforts to build a united and prosperous Nigeria.”

The President praised Governor Ododo for launching the Kogi Dialogue, describing it as “a spark of wisdom and a critical step toward fostering reconciliation and progress.”

He urged leaders across all levels to build bridges across the country, as well as prioritise dialogue as a tool for resolving differences and promoting national cohesion.

He said, “Dialogue is not just an opportunity to air grievances. It is the true path to justice, reconciliation, and understanding. Without dialogue, history will pass us by, leaving us abandoned by time and forgotten by progress.”

President Tinubu particularly appealed to political and community leaders to be more amenable and unified in their support for government to create the needed environment for growth.

“Now is the time to reject division and embrace unity as the only formula that works. Chaos and discord are ladders for the self-serving, but unity is the bridge that carries us all forward.

“Kogi State stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we recognize the strength in our diversity. From the confluence of rivers to the convergence of ideas, this state symbolises what Nigeria can become when we come together with purpose and vision,” the President said.

President Tinubu however acknowledged that though there are challenges with governance in turbulent times such as the economic pressures and security threats facing the nation, true leadership is tested in tumultuous times.

He called on the people of Kogi and Nigeria to see themselves as “threads in the intricate fabric of progress.

“Each of us has a role to play in weaving a stronger, more united nation. Let us ensure that personal desires do not pull against the collective current of unity and development. We cannot hope to build a stronger Nigeria if we allow division to fester at home. Leaders must rise above personal ambitions and put the welfare of the people first,” the President added.

In his remarks, Governor Ododo, thanked President Tinubu and the people of the state for their support for his government since assumption a year ago, even as he urged them to remain committed to the growth and development of the state, leveraging the opportunities and resources available in Kogi.

The Governor paid glowing tributes to VP Shettima for his support and inspiration in all that his government has done since assuming leadership about a year ago.

He said Kogi is blessed with rich human, natural and material resources with an enviable cultural diversity that needs to be harnessed for the prosperity and transformation of the state.

Urging indigenes if the state to put Kogi first in all they do, especially in the exploitation and management of its resources, Governor Ododo said the time is rife to recaliberate the socio-economic fortunes of the state and take the area to greater heights.

He noted important development in the state since his assumption of office, including the upgrade of healthcare centres, improvement of infrastructure in the education sector and the introduction of free education at the basic level, and bursary for students in tertiary institutions.

On his part, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, applauded the cordial relationship between the current and former governors of Kogi State, noting that a healthy relationship between a predecessor and his successor was necessary for the development of the state.

He urged other state governors to emulate the example set by Governor Ododo especially in engendering development and improving party politics in the country.

Also, former governor Yahaya Bello, recalled the vision of the founding fathers of Kogi State, noting with satisfaction that the current administration was moving in the right direction.

The highpoint of the VP’s visit was the commissioning of road projects executed by the Ododo administration during his first year in office.

Also present at the event were the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Bukar Dalori; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; former governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada; Senator Jubril Echocho; Senator Sunday Karimi; Hon James Falake; Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande; Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Salifu Oyibo; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, and the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Umar, among others.

President Tinubu : A United, Prosperous Nigeria Is A Must

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UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts

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UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts

By: Michael Mike

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has said the principles of the United Nations Charter offers guidance to Nigeria and other African countries bedeviled by terrorism and other violent conflicts.

The message was given by the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of United Nations.

Ochogwu said: “Today, October 24, 2025, marks exactly 80 years since the entry into force of the United Nations Charter. As the world commemorates this historic milestone, we are reminded of the enduring vision of the Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. This vision remains profoundly relevant to Africa and to Nigeria, where the pursuit of peace, justice, and inclusive development continues to shape our collective aspirations.

“In today’s complex and rapidly changing security environment, the principles of the Charter, namely sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law offer essential guidance. Across Africa, the persistence of violent conflicts, terrorism, and governance challenges underscores the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation, preventive diplomacy, and mediation capacities. Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her experience in regional peacekeeping and conflict resolution affirm our commitment to these ideals and to the transformative role of international law in sustaining peace and security.

“The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) stands as a bridge between national policy and global peace initiatives. We reaffirm our partnership with the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and institution-building. In this decade of action, we must deepen investments in peace infrastructure, youth empowerment, and cross-border cooperation to realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

He added that: “As we look to the future of the United Nations in Africa, the challenge before us is clear: to make peace sustainable, justice accessible, and security inclusive. The continued faith of Member States and communities in the principles of the UN Charter is an enduring source of hope for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous continent.”

UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts

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How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity

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How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity.

By Fathia Adenike

The heartbeat of Nigeria’s bustling cities and quiet villages lies ìtàn a Yoruba word meaning “story” or “history” a powerful force shaping cultural identity. Across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscapes Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa,and beyond. Storytelling isn’t just tradition; it’s a living bridge connecting past, present, and future.It’s an Oral Threads of Heritage,From moonlit Yoruba folktales whispering òrìṣà deeds to Igbo elders recounting ancestral proverbs, Nigeria’s oral traditions transmit values, wisdom, and belongings. These stories embed moral codes, communal bonds, and cosmological maps that ground Nigerians amid rapid change. Ancient myths seep into contemporary Nigerian life. Olókun’s oceanic power meets Lagos’ tech-driven streets; Ọṣun’s fertility echoes in art exploring feminine resilience. Writers like Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart and Ben Okri The Famished Road weave such mythic threads into explorations of identity, disrupting colonial ruptures.

Today, Nigerian storytelling leaps into digital realms. Podcasts like “The Nairaland Podcast and Twitter threads” retelling folklore showcase ìtàn’s adaptability. Social media becomes a virtual àbù̀ (drumbeat), amplifying voices across Nigeria’s youthful diaspora.

Ìtàn fosters cultural resilience. As Nigeria navigates urbanization, migration, and tech disruption, these stories offer anchors. They articulate collective memory, mediate conflict, and nurture belonging across ethnic lines Igbo, Yoruba.

Hausa in a nation of profound diversity.In Nigeria’s mosaic, ìtàn remains a vital pulse reminding Nigerians, globally, of roots nourishing identity’s complex, beautiful branches. ìtàn remains an irreducible heartbeat reminding Nigerians globally of identity’s deep, branching roots nourishing complex beauty. As Nigeria braids tradition with cutting edge innovation, these stories transmute into luminescent beacons, diachronistic continuity. Resonating poignantly in diaspora conversations spanning oceans.

Echoing vibrantly in Nigeria’s creative expressions celebrating Ultimately, ìtàn transcends mere retrospection; it dynamically sculpts Nigeria’s unfolding narrative vectors. These andaren’t antiquarian tales; they’re heritage-infused blueprints propelling Nigeria’s stories into uncharted tomorrows narratives carrying ancestral essence into modernity’s unspooling scroll. ìtàn brings identity filaments, affirming storytelling as Nigeria’s quintessential cultural DNA.

How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity

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ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture

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ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture

ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture

LAGOS, NIGERIA – October 11, 2025 — Nigerian sportswear brand, ShightVault is making bold strides in redefining the culture of movement and style in Africa. The brand recently led a major collaboration with the Èkó Runners Club, hosting a vibrant community event themed “RUNWITHLAGOS” at The Finery, Ikoyi.

The activation brought together over 280 guests, including more than 140 runners who took part in a 5KM morning run through the heart of Lagos. The day unfolded into a full lifestyle experience, from yoga sessions and high-intensity training classes to ice baths, networking, food, drinks, and friendly competitions, blending wellness and urban culture in one energetic celebration.

At the center of it all was ShightVault, showcasing its limited-edition collaborative run-fit, a sleek performance line that sold out quickly at the venue.

Speaking at the event, Riches Efe Arhiakpore, Executive Director of ShightVault, described the collaboration as a reflection of the brand’s growing vision:

ShightVault is more than a sportswear label, it’s a movement. This collaboration with Èkó Runners Club represents how we want to connect fashion, fitness, and community. We’re open to working with more run clubs across the country and internationally as we expand our reach in both the sports and fashion industries.

The event was powered by key sponsors including KNGSMN, Pocari Sweat, ZoneX, Red Bull, and Glacee Table Water, alongside partners who helped deliver one of Lagos’ most engaging fitness activations of the year.

As ShightVault continues to grow beyond Nigeria’s borders, the brand is positioning itself as a global voice for African sportswear innovation, bridging performance, design, and cultural expression in every stride.

ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture

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