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Sanwo-Olu Mourns Osinowo, Says He Died a Fulfilled Politician, Family Man
It was all a moment of sober reflection at the Lagos State House of Assembly, when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led the a plenary session as they mourn the late lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo.
Osinowo, popularly known as Peperrito, died on June 15. The late lawmaker was a member of the Assembly for 16 years, serving four consecutive terms before he was elected into the Senate in 2019.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led the session of tributes to the memory of the late Osinowo, saying the deceased lived a fulfilled life on the home and political front.
The Governor recalled that his path and that of the late politician crossed in 2003, noting that Sen. Osinowo’s personality meant different thing to different people.
Sanwo-Olu said the late lawmaker was endowed with uncommon wit and humour, which, the Governor said, Osinowo usually brought to any discussion no matter how seriously the subject matter.
The Governor said: “The level of political dexterity of the late Senator Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo and his unique personality are not in contest, given the testimonies and tributes since his death. We saw in video documentary how he was able to galvanise and energise colleagues at legislative sittings.
“Many people may not know that I personally knew him since 2003. Sen. Osinowo meant different things to different people. His level of dedication to good governance and development of Lagos was unique. At the State’s cabinet meeting yesterday (Monday), we appreciated his contributions and held a special session in his honour.
“I know the level of comradeship we shared. This special plenary is really not to mourn him, because he was a distinguished Nigerian who distinguished himself in service. He led a fulfilled life on the home front and had an outstanding engagement on the political trajectory of this country.”
Sanwo-Olu said Osinowo’s death must serve as a lesson to those in the positions of leadership, saying people’s good testimonies after the demise of the late Senator confirmed his selflessness as a leader.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, recalled that the process of installing leadership of the fifth Assembly brought him close to the late Osinowo.
He described the late lawmaker as “a formidable stabiliser and hero”, saying Osinowo was an influential politician who was endowed in native intelligence.
Obasa acknowledged the role played by the late Osinowo in his emergence as Speaker of the Assembly at the 8th session, stressing that the deceased was a national politician who was progressive in nature.
Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who joined the session through virtual platform, said Osinowo’s sense of humanity would be forever remembered.
“He was a welder, who brought all contending forces together,” Gbajabiamila said in a tribute.
Members of the Assembly, who paid tribute to the late Senator, said Osinowo made credible legislations while he served in the Assembly.
Hon. Tunde Braimoh, who represented Kosofe Constituency II, said the late Osinowo was selfless and pragmatic.
The member representing Surulere 1, Hon. Desmond Elliot, said he was a man filled with wisdom, having seated beside him in the chamber for four years.
He said: “Sen. Oshinowo was an embodiment of humanity and a bridge builder, who was a parliamentarian per excellence. He was generous in ideas and resources.”
Hon. Sylvester Oguntelu urged the Assembly leadership to immortalise the late Senator for his contribution towards shaping the status of the legislative council.
In his 10-minute sermon, the Mudir of the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Training Center, Morkaz, in Agege, Sheikh Habibulah Adam Al-Ilory, said Allah created life and death as a test for human beings.
Taking a reading from Quran 67: 1-2, Sheikh Al-Ilory said death remained inevitable in human existence, urging people to strive to leave legacies of good deeds and righteousness.
Also speaking on the theme: “Preparation for Death”, Chief Imam of the Assembly Mosque and former member of the House, Hon. Abdul-Hakeem Abdulateef, urged leaders to bring down themselves down before they are brought down by death.
He said humans must come to term with suddenness of death, saying: “We must not think we know our term limits.”
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Naija Times celebrates 5th anniversary, launches nonprofit arm to promote quality journalism and social impact
Naija Times, Nigeria’s leading independent online newspaper, proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary.
To mark this milestone, the management is excited to announce the launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation, its nonprofit arm, reinforcing its commitment to quality journalism and social impact.
Founded on September 15, 2020, by Ehi Braimah, a notable PR expert and media personality in Nigeria, Naija Times has delivered high-quality, unbiased, and informative content to its readers. Akpandem James and Jahman Anikulapo – two senior and highly respected journalists – are Braimah’s co-founding partners of Naija Times.
The newspaper covers politics, business, health, education, culture, and sports, while its regularly published editorials provide sharp insights into Nigeria’s pressing issues. The newly launched website, www.ntm.ng to mark the anniversary, offers a seamless, user-friendly experience, making it easier for readers to navigate the website and access Naija Times’ diverse content.
On its 3rd anniversary two years ago, Naija Times launched the book, ‘For a Better Society,’ a compilation of editorials published from September 2020 to July 2023 in Abuja, further solidifying its role in shaping public discourse.
Naija Times Journalism Foundation, accessible at www.ntjfoundation.org, expands the organisation’s mission by supporting investigative journalism on critical social issues, promoting media literacy to educate the public on evaluating information and combating misinformation, and empowering community development through initiatives that foster social cohesion and economic empowerment.
“We are proud to celebrate five years of delivering credible journalism to our readers,” said Braimah, founder and publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times.
“Five years ago, we launched Naija Times with the following goals in mind: build strong institutions, promote transparency and accountability in public spending, uphold the rule of law, and defend the public interest.
“Together with my colleagues, we remain committed to building an egalitarian society that is founded on equity, justice and respect for fundamental human rights. The launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation represents a bold step forward in our mission to drive social impact and elevate journalism practice in Nigeria.”
Naija Times Journalism Foundation is a knowledge production and journalism innovation hub dedicated to strengthening democratic governance and promoting inclusive development and accountability by empowering a vibrant and free press in Nigeria, Africa and Black Diaspora.
The Foundation’s Programmes Officer is Hart Onoboh, a seasoned programmes and communications professional with over five years’ experience, driving impactful development projects in Nigeria.
Hart has a robust background in strengthening democratic governance, combating misinformation, and facilitating community-based interventions.
Previously a fact-checker and visual communications officer at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), he led initiatives to counter misinformation and promote electoral integrity, training over 25 fact-checkers across four states in Nigeria.
Hart is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Management at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and he brings technical expertise, creative communication, and field experience to the Foundation’s advocacy and governance initiatives.
The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, is under intense interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of ₦5.7 billion paid by the Enugu State Government for an ₦11 billion contract.
Ogundele, who had earlier been declared wanted, turned himself in to EFCC Abuja headquarters and was grilled for more than 10 hours on Tuesday. His personal and company accounts have been frozen, and his passport seized to restrict his movement.
According to investigators, Ogundele convinced the state to release 50% of the contract sum—₦5.7 billion—after promising speedy delivery. However, state officials allege that work done so far is worth no more than ₦750 million, accusing him of abandoning the project.
The Enugu State Government’s petition triggered EFCC’s probe, which may see Ogundele spend more time in custody as investigations continue.
In a tearful online video, Ogundele denied any wrongdoing, framing the matter as a contractual dispute: “I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive. This is between my company and the Enugu State Government. It’s not criminality.”
…Unveils Selection Panel
The Nigeria Digital PR Summit has officially opened nominations for the second Nigeria Digital PR Awards, a prestigious platform that recognizes excellence, innovation, and impact in digital public relations across Nigeria.
Honourees will take the spotlight at the Nigeria Digital PR Awards Gala; a premium evening celebrating the individuals, organizations, and campaigns that defined digital PR in the past year, marking the 10th Nigeria Digital PR Summit. Adding flair to the night is the Digital PR Fashion Runway; a bold fusion of fashion, technology, and communications that promises an unforgettable experience.
This year, 19 award categories will honour campaigns across four classes including Campaign Excellence Awards, Sector Excellence Awards, Innovation and Technology Awards, and Individual & Professional Excellence Awards.
The Summit also unveiled a three-member Selection Panel responsible for reviewing entries and shortlisting winners.
The panel is chaired by the Founder and CEO, Fernhill Digital Consulting, Datari Ladejo, and includes the former Senior Business Program Manager, MarComms, Africa Development Center (ADC – West), Microsoft, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade; and Founder/Lead Partner, PuzzleCraft PR and Communications, Beatrice Okpara.
Nominations are open to agencies, corporate communication teams, NGOs, startups, and individual practitioners whose work has delivered measurable results and demonstrated creativity in leveraging digital platforms.
Nominations run from September 1 – 8, 2025. Shortlisted nominees will be announced during the Awards Gala on October 16, 2025, at the Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island. For entry guidelines and submission details, visit: https://forms.gle/cM2oFQTnSSqL51EC9.
Founder, Nigeria Digital PR Summit, Segun McMedal, said, “We are excited to launch this year’s call for nominations and to welcome such distinguished professionals to the Selection Panel. This panel reflects the breadth of expertise driving digital communication in Nigeria, and its stewardship will ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process.”
The seven categories in the Campaign Excellence Awards include Best Overall Digital PR Campaign, Best Brand Advocacy Campaign, Best Crisis Communication in Private Organisations, Best Crisis Communication in Government, Best Public Affairs Campaign, Youth Impact Award for Social Change, Outstanding Influencer Collaboration, and Best Use of Content Marketing.
Categories in the Sector Excellence Awards include Excellence in Public Service Digital Campaign, Digital PR Excellence in Telecom Services, Digital PR Excellence in Financial Services, and Sustainability and ESG Communication Excellence.
The Innovation and Technology Awards category include Innovative Use of Technology in PR, Best Digital Engagement with Citizens, Outstanding Digital Customer Experience, and Creative Use of Short-Form Video in PR. The Individual and Professional Excellence Awards include Emerging Digital PR Professional of the Year and Digital PR Professional of the Year.
Naija Times celebrates 5th anniversary, launches nonprofit arm to promote quality journalism and social impact
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