Jakande
I stood rooted to the ground watching the convoy accompanying the hearse conveying the remains of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the unmatched reference point in modern governance in Nigeria, and the poster face of fearless journalism, to Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi. Everywhere, upon learning about the passing of the convoy and identifying it as Jakande’s, people abandoned whatever they were doing and rushed to learn his route to bid him farewell. Waving their hands, they hailed him “Jakande, Baba dada; (Jakande, the good old man); “Irin re o!”(Safe journey).
It was an outpouring of love at every bend, at every corner as the convoy departed from his Ilupeju home. Jakande left in a blaze of glory. But for the restraint, indeed, restriction imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lagos would have been shut down with vehicles and crowds jostling to say good bye to an icon, a byword in governance and in journalism. I did state in July 2019 on the occasion of his 90th birthday,
February 15, 2021
From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police command has confirmed the release of a female journalist with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Port Harcourt.
Mrs Chidiebere Onyia who regained her freedom early hours of Sunday, was abducted last Tuesday, on her way from office along Woji axis Port Harcourt.
Following the abduction of the nursing mother, the pen professional, civil society groups and all well meaning Nigerians called for her harmless and unconditional release.
At about 8pm on Sunday, the Police command made an official statement on her release.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nnamdi Omoni, she regained her freedom with no ransom and was abandoned on the road by the kidnappers.
Northern Group Gives Nigeria Government 3-Month Ultimatum To Fix Insecurity Or Face Mass Protests saharareporters.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from saharareporters.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.