The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement signed by the organizing committee’s chairman, Mr. Alonge Jamiu, and secretary, Mr. Sulaiman Alamutu.

This year’s lecture which will start 10.00 a.m., it was announced, would explore the intersection of faith, justice, and human dignity within the Nigerian context, with a central theme titled: “Faith, Justice and Human Dignity: A Muslim’s Perspectives on Nigeria’s Designation as a Country of Particular Concern.”

Two distinguished guest speakers will deliver thought-provoking lectures on pressing national issues.

Dr Abdullahi Shuaib, immediate past vice chairman of the Insurance Sectoral Group of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, will speak on: “Nigeria’s Economic Dimension of Tribal Land Conflicts: A Call for Action.”

Barrister Nyma Akashat Zibiri, respected legal practitioner and co-anchor of TVC’s Your View, will address: “Social Support Systems for Nigeria’s Victims of Violence and their Dependants, a Necessary Call for Action.”

The Annual Ramadan Lecture is a flagship programme of the union that has become a platform for intellectual engagement and spiritual reflection, bringing together journalists, scholars, policymakers, and members of the public to deliberate on issues that shape Nigeria’s socio-economic and moral landscape.

The Lagos NUJ Council invites all members, stakeholders, and the wider public to attend the important event as part of its commitment to fostering dialogue, promoting justice, and upholding human dignity in society.

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Tinubu’s way, By Azuh Arinze

The post Lagos NUJ holds Annual Ramadan Lecture on Tuesday, March 3 appeared first on Frontpageng.

The men were arrested on Thursday, arraigned and remanded in Kirikiri prison.

The accused persons who were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oshodi for dumping waste in a canal had their case adjourned till July 9.

They were identified as Quassim Jamiu, 44, from Kwara State; Ayo Jamiu, 18, from Kwara state; Alexander Innocent, 40, Akwa Ibom, Oparinde Taiwo 55- Ogun State and Moses Adelowokan, 76 years old, Osun State.

The men who were apprehended by a  team from KAI and security men had conveyed the waste in a lorry and were in the process of dumping it into the canal when security men swooped on them.

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These latest arrest is coming less than 48 hours after the state government read the riot act to all those who engage in disobeying provisions of the state environmental laws that if caught, they will face prosecution.

Speaking on the arrest, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the resolve of the state government to come down hard on all those who engage in indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

He said the state government would ensure diligent prosecution of all the arrested people to serve as a deterrence to all those similar intentions.

He reminded all those with similar intentions to be wary because they risk three months imprisonment and a fine of N250,000.

He said the state had provided PSP waste operators across all the wards in Lagos State to evacuate waste from all homes and neighbourhoods in the state for a fee.

The post Lagos: Five men remanded in Kirikiri for dumping refuse in canal appeared first on Frontpageng.

The platform for the discourse is the popular current affairs programme, Boiling Point Arena which holds every month and is now in its 29th edition.

The interview holds 8 p.m. on Sunday via Zoom and to be broadcast live on three radio stations, WASH 94.9FM, Lagos, Sweet 107.1FM and Roots 97.1FM, both located in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

To mount the podium as discussants are a top military General (whose identity remains confidential), Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a fearless journalist who was one of those who posed stiff resistance to military dictatorship in those dark days, and Mr Jamiu Abiola, one of the children of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of the June 12 mandate.

The once-in-a-month current affairs programme with an incredibly large online followership, is hosted by Dr Ayo Arowojolu, a media professional and public relations strategist who parades 35 years multi-varied career experience spanning the media, banking and education sectors.

The interview is themed: “June 12: The Babangida Apologia and Opening of Old Wounds and What Consequences to Follow, If Any”.

READ ALSO: Rewane, Adedipe, others to attend RCCG economic summit

Expectedly, the trio of Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Jamiu Abiola and the top military brass who was one of the dramatis personae before and aftermath of the June 12 saga, will validate or invalidate some of Babangida’s disclosures as expressed in his recent book.

Ojudu, a co-founder of The News and Tempo Magazines, whose journalism career spanned over four decades later transitioned into politics and got elected in 2011 as Senator representing Ekiti Central.

In the last dispensation of Buhari’s regime, Ojudu served as Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters but attached to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

For his part, Jamiu Abiola is the younger brother of Hasfat Abiola-Costello, both who are children of the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola who was assassinated during the struggle for the reclamation of the annulled election.

Jamiu Abiola in November 2024 got appointed into the Tinubu cabinet as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.

The discussants are to also offer perspectives on the implications of Babangida’s latest disclosures to the nation’s polity and the likelihood of re-opening old wounds across the different ethnic divides in the country.

Foremost traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, is expected to deliver a keynote address to herald the discourse, in his capacity as Chairman, Boiling Point Council of Royals and Elders.

According to a statement by the Chairman, Organizing Committee for the programme, Dr Eddy Ademosu, the interview discourse will in particular point the way forward for reinventing Nigeria.

Ademosu commended the Management of Sweet FM, chaired by its promoter, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, and the owners of WASH FM and Roots FM for identifying with worthy causes through partnering with the Boiling Point platform to widen the audience reach of the discourse via their terrestrial and online channels.

Boiling Point, a news and general interest group, comprises an array of eminent personalities including over 300 professors, technocrats, industry leaders, High Court justices, traditional rulers, security top shots, media professionals and several others.

The post Boiling Point: Discussants dissect IBB’s June 12 apologia Sunday appeared first on Frontpageng.

It was the president’s first public outing since attending prayers at the Alausa Central Mosque last Friday.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, urged people to be grateful to Allah during times of fortune and patient during adversity.

He reminded the faithful that unwavering hope and faith are essential to believers, even in challenging circumstances.

Acknowledging the president’s presence, Imam Jamiu offered prayers for his success in leading Nigeria towards peace, security, and prosperity.

The Imam assured the president of the steadfast prayers and support of the Muslim Ummah as he governs the nation.

“We are proud of you. I remember that we encouraged people to vote for you during the campaigns. We thank God that you have not disappointed us.

“We know you are capable. We know you have the sagacity. We know you are competent.

“We believe and pray that you are not going to disappoint us. May Allah continue to be with you. Allah has entrusted Nigeria to you and will ask you for this trust.

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“Remember accountability and responsibility to the people. Responsibility is to the people, and accountability is to Allah when you return to Him.

“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, ‘The most beloved of all people to Allah is the righteous and just leader.’

“We have seen righteousness in you and fairness and justice in you. Please keep it up and sustain it.

“You bear one of the names of Prophet Muhammad, Ahmed, someone who does what is praiseworthy. This name has been reflected in your past actions, and we hope it will reflect in your actions now,” Imam Jamiu said.

The president, spending the festive season in Lagos State, arrived in Nigeria’s commercial capital on December 18 after presenting the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.

In honour of victims of the unfortunate stampedes in Oyo, Anambra States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which claimed lives, President Tinubu cancelled his public engagements, including a boat regatta, in Lagos last Saturday.

On December 23, the president hosted the maiden Presidential Media Chat at his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive Residence in Ikoyi.

As part of the Christmas and holiday festivities, he also received private visitors daily.

The post Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You’ve not disappointed us appeared first on Frontpageng.

The stakeholders also concluded that without the support of the citizens, revenue generation and infrastructure development would remain a mirage for a long time.

Speakers at the Annual National Dialogue, the second edition which held in Abuja during the week, brainstormed on the challenges of revenue generation amidst decaying infrastructure.

They lamented that while government needed huge revenues for infrastructure developments, the obstacles to revenue generation were daunting.

Prominent among speakers at the event held at Merit House, Maitama, was the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, whose keynote address was presented the Director, Intergovernmental Relations, Dr. Umar Idris Ahmed.

Adedeji called for improved tax administration and public-private synergies to increase Nigeria’s revenue generation.

Other speakers included the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by his Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo; chairman of the event and former Postmaster General of the Federation, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi; an Associate Professor at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, NISER, Ibadan, Dr. Hakeem Tijani; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua; Executive Director, Gender Action Initiative, Dr. Mufuliat Fijabi, and the CEO of Upshot Media, Mr. Mojeed Jamiu.

The keynote speaker, Adedeji recommended that an improved tax administration would enhance tax collection efficiency, reduce corruption, and increase transparency.

While stressing on the pivotal roles the revenue generation and infrastructural development play in overcoming economic challenges, Adedeji also suggested public-private synergies through the establishment of clear frameworks for Public-Private Partnership, PPP.

“Revenue generation and infrastructural development are pivotal to overcoming the challenges of a constrained economy.

“By adopting the transparent, inclusive and efficient strategies, government can unlock economic potential, foster innovation and improve public services.

“Improve Tax Administration: Enhanced tax collection efficiency, reduce corruption, and increase transparency.

“Enhance Public-Private Synergies: Establish clear frameworks for PPPs and encourage innovative financing to attract private investment in Infrastructure,” he said.

The FIRS chairman also made further recommendations on curbing the nation’s economic constraints among which include, strengthening institutional framework, adoption of digital solutions, and prioritizing strategic projects amongst others.

“Governments should prioritize capacity-building for regulatory bodies to enhance governance and ensure effective policy implementation.

“They should also adopt digital solutions as leveraging technology for revenue collection and infrastructure management can enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and increase efficiency.

“Prioritize Strategic Projects: Focus on high-impact projects that offer maximum economic and social returns, such as transportation, energy, and water supply.

“Foster Inclusivity: Engage stakeholders at all levels to ensure that development initiatives address the needs of all social groups,” Adedeji said.

In his opening address, Adewusi who was also a Commissioner for Finance under the administration of Governor Bola Tinubu in Lagos, called for balance between the ongoing economic reforms and social equity.

He explained that revenue generation and social equity were dependent of each other while calling for the subsidization of essential services, expansion of education and healthcare center, and investment in industrialisation.

“Revenue generation and social equity are two sides of the same coin; one cannot thrive without the other.

“As we push for reforms, we must ensure that revenue generation does not come at the expense of social equity.

“Subsidies should be targeted at essential services like electricity and transportation to shield low-income groups.

“Expanding access to education and healthcare, particularly in underserved regions, is critical for reducing inequality.

“Infrastructure investments must be inclusive, ensuring that rural and marginalized communities benefit alongside urban centers,” Adewusi said.

The former Postmaster General of the Federation lamented on Nigeria’s over-reliance on the oil sector amongst other challenges which he warned threatened the country’s progress despite boasting of $477 billion GDP in 2023.

“Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, stands at a critical juncture. Despite a GDP of $477 billion in 2023 and immense natural resources, our nation grapples with significant challenges: an over-reliance on oil, a narrow tax base, and glaring infrastructure deficits.

“These issues threaten our progress, but they also present an opportunity – a call to action for all stakeholders to rethink, innovate, and collaborate,” he said.

“Tax Base Limitations: Only 41 million Nigerians are registered taxpayers in a population of over 200 million. This narrow tax base significantly limits the government’s ability to generate sustainable revenue and fund critical infrastructure projects.

“Infrastructure Deficit: Infrastructure challenges are evident in multiple sectors. – Only 60% of Nigerians have access to electricity, a key driver of industrialization and economic growth. – Poor transport networks hinder regional trade, reducing our competitiveness in global markets,” Adewusi explained.

On solutions to the challenges, Adewusi called for the expansion of revenue sources, tax broadening, attracting private investment through Public-Private Partnerships, PPP, and adoption of technology-driven solutions amongst others.

“Broadening our tax base is essential. We must improve tax compliance by leveraging digital tools and simplifying the tax registration process,” he said.

Dr. Tijani of NISER warned against the impact of an increased tax rate on the Nigerian populace, stressing that an increase in tax rate as a means of revenue generation, will lead to an increase in poverty.

“When we are collecting tax, what type of tax are we collecting? I’m not an Economist, I’m a Political Scientist. But I know that there two approaches to generating revenues.

“There is increased tax rate. If you increase tax rate, you may indirectly increase poverty. Already, people are pushed to the wall. If you increase tax rate, you are increasing the poverty of the people,” he said.

Tijani, however, suggested the extension of taxation to other legible firms and individuals.

“An option is that you can increase the tax rate by widening it. I think that is most appropriate.

“Now that we are in this economic downturn, let us widen the tax rate. Let us include those who are not paying. Let them pay instead of increasing the tax rate that can bring more hardship to the people.

“Nigeria is a big market. We are not capitalizing on that largeness, we have very large informal market.

“We can formalize that informal market and ask them to pay more. There are goods. Those goods can be formalized and taxed,” Dr. Tijani.

Another panelist, Jamiu called for correlation between increase in revenue generation and the increase in livelihood of an average Nigerian.

“There should be correlation increase in revenue generation, increase in our external reserves, and the livelihood of an average man on the street.

“It is very important. How can we do this? Improving private enabling environment that can assist us in increasing local productivity is one.

“Yes, government has subsidized electricity for those who are in Band B and below. But how many hours of electricity are they getting?

“A man who runs a barber shop for example, if he is not careful, he might not make ends meet if he spends more money in buying fuel to run his business.

“We need to find a way to subsidize these people more so that they can also say that this is my own gain from government,” Jamiu said.

Also in attendance at the NPO Reports Annual Dialogue was Kogi state Governor, Usman Ododo, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner of Information, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

Fanwo revealed that Kogi State government had invested N9 billion in agriculture between January to October 2024.

Fanwo disclosed the state government’s planned to work on improving the value-chain which he said was considered as a very key factor in job creation and enhancing industrialization.

“I strongly disagree with one of the discussants when he was talking about agriculture.

“For us in Kogi, we have to invest very heavily in agriculture. Between January and October this year, Kogi state has invested N9 billion to boost agriculture across the 21 local government area of the state.

“This is also very deliberate. We are also looking at the direction of value-chain improvement. We are the biggest producer of cassava and cashew.

“We cannot just ship out cashew and then buy the product from abroad.

“We are looking at the value chain which is very key.

“With the value-chain, we will be able to create more jobs. We will be able to attract a lot of industrialization into the state and lots of investments.

“And like I said, good infrastructure will birth more infrastructure. What to do when you improve infrastructure is to create an environment where more people will be able to pay their taxes. This is very crucial and this is one of the things that agricultural value-chain can bestow on our nation,” Fanwo said.

Other dignitaries present at the event include former Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu; Vice President/Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene; Judge of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Abdulahi Adam-Al-Ilori; Justice Kemi Kayode-Ariwoola of FCT High Court, and many others.

The post NPO Reports dialogue: Stakeholders agree on expanded tax base appeared first on Frontpageng.

In fact, I was a member of the Planning Committee, but something came up that I had to deal with in Lagos. So, I called our President, Maureen Chigbo , former President Dotun Samson Oladipo  and a few others to notify them.

Of course, I followed the deliberations in Lokoja.

In September, I got an ‘invite’ from the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) to attend a three-in-one event in Lagos on October 4.

Tagged ‘Celebrating The Voices of Impact: Nigeria Prizes @ 20’, guests gathered to felicitate NLNG on the 35 years of its Incorporation, 25 years of Production and 20 years of the Nigeria Prizes for Literature and Science.

Clearly, NLNG is a reference point in credible corporate governance, not only in Nigeria but Africa. It is also known for its consistency in accountability and transparency.

So, Friday October 4  was triple celebrations for NLNG, a leading contributor to the Nigerian economy, turning its base in Bonny Island to ‘heaven on earth’.

When I got to the venue, I met a former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs. Funke Egbemode, who delivered the Keynote Address.

I also greeted Journalism Clinic founder, Taiwo Obe; PR expert and lecturer,  Chido Nwakanma; Radio Now CEO, Kadaria Ahmed; BusinessDay Editor, Temitayo Fagbule; former presidential spokesperson, Tolu Ogunlesi; Okechukwu Uwaezuoke, Appolonia Adeyemi, Lilian Azuh, and others.

Anike-Ade Funke Treasure moderated, to the delight of all.

I had earlier greeted Mr. Andy Odeh, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Mr. Elkanah Chawai  and others from #TeamNLNG.

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After Mrs. Egbemode delivered her brilliant paper,  Fire Side Chat and Q&A, it was the turn of Mrs. Palmer-Ikuku to announce ‘some surprises’.

She called my friend, Tony Okuyeme, who turned 60 same day to come out and stand behind a beautiful cake brought by NLNG for celebration. The band rendered melodious songs.

Then, it was time for ‘Special Presentations’.

NLNG, according to her,  ‘wants to recognise and celebrate’ some media stakeholders.

I was editing some stories on my phone when I heard ‘Gabriel Akinadewo’.

I still don’t know why I was chosen for the award but I believe the hard work of our media team in Freedom Online  (www.freedomonline.com.ng) was the precursor.

Then, people started clapping.

I looked up, not really sure what was happening.  She called my name again as the winner of the ‘Most Versatile Journalist’ Award.

Honestly, I was, according to Mrs. Egbemode,  ‘pleasantly shocked’.

I sat for about five seconds, amazed, astonished, surprised.

Then, Mrs.  Egbemode said ‘ e lo gba award yin o’ (Go and collect your award).

As I was walking to the podium, I told her “This is an ambush”.

She started laughing.

I told Mrs. Palmer Ikuku same.

Mr. Odeh eventually presented the award and advised me: “Please, be consistent in what you do”.

Then, people started coming around to congratulate me.

Other winners were Vanguard Correspondent, Mrs Prisca Sam-Duru (NLNG One-Off Prize for the Voices of Impact behind the Nigeria Prizes); Mr Terh Agbedeh (the most Consistent); Mrs Chidinma Agwu (the most Punctual) and Mr Sopuruchi Onwuka (the most Engaging).

As people were congratulating me, one of my friends jokingly called me ‘Alhaji Gabriel’, apparently referring to my cap.

Let me ‘digress’ a bit.

I remember in June 2021, I was in Abuja with Dotun Oladipo, Pastor Joshua Oluseyi Fasugba

 and others for a media event when I saw the cap and bought it.

I used this ‘head covering’ when I attended a wedding in Lagos same month.

Then, I ‘forgot it’ in my wardrobe until two months ago when I ‘commandeered’ and gave it to a dry cleaner.

I used it a few weeks ago at a social event in Lagos  (before leaving the house, my wife laughed and asked ‘are you now a politician?’) and some of my friends at the event  – Temitope Ajayi , Sakibu Olokojobi , Dipo Kehinde, Mojeed Jamiu , Israel Jaiye Opayemi, Biodun Durojaiye, Habib Aruna , Azuh Arinze , Bisi Oladele –  jokingly called me ‘Alhaji’. In fact, Biodun Durojaiye said that was the first time he saw me wearing a cap, “apart from when you are in church”.

When Habib Aruna celebrated his 60th birthday on September 28, I was there, wearing the cap. Iheanacho Nwosu , Bam Olugbenga Odugbesan , Steve Ayorinde, Ramon Nasir ,   Ayodele Aminu,  Jide Ajani, Olusola Fabiyi  and others, said same.

I think I should use the cap frequently now to complete my ‘Nigerianness dress code’.

Anyway, I want to sincerely thank NLNG for this award.

All guests at the venue received gifts of high-quality Nigerian wax prints and some communication gadgets.

While leaving, I told myself: ‘To achieve anything in life, consistency is key’.

I still don’t know why I was chosen for the award but I believe the hard work of our media team in Freedom Online  (www.freedomonline.com.ng) was the precursor.

And that is the NLNG Magic.

The post EXTRA: Day NLNG ‘shocked’ me, By Gabriel Akinadewo appeared first on Frontpageng.

Tell us the details of what happened to you?

Thank you very much, I left my house at about 5.40 a.m. on that fateful day to a nearby mosque for the early morning prayer. After the congregational prayer, I stayed back a bit to do adkar that normally followed the fajr prayer and upon conclusion, I stepped out heading back home when suddenly, a dark-complexioned man accosted me asking for a particular address within the vicinity which I am not familiar with. As the discussion was going on, we got to a point where a small black bus was parked and pronto, he pulled out a pistol and asked me to enter into the waiting bus. Inside the bus were two other men all dressed in black and red attire. That was the last I can recollect.

At that point, was there no passerby that can come to your rescue?

Like I said earlier, the environment was lonely, no one was passing by and as such, nobody could come to my aid. Besides, the security guards manning the area had closed for the day since they were engaged to work from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

So, at what point did you regain consciousness?

I didn’t regain my consciousness until about Thursday at about 4:00 a.m. when we got inside a very large, well-lit building with very high wall surrounding it. It was at that point that I noticed that the three guys that kidnapped me had actually transferred me into a Sienna bus. At that point, there were three of us. Myself and another man and a woman.

When we entered into the compound, they asked us to undress, leaving only our undies, including the lady in our midst.

Like the three men that had kidnapped me at Akinbo, a suburb of of Akute in Ifo Local government area of Ogun State, those that we were eventually transferred were not speaking. They only use hands/fingers as well as eye to communicate with each other. I couldn’t decipher which tribe they were. I can’t say if they were Hausa, Yoruba or Ibo.

Like those that initially kidnapped you, can you recognize anyone among them in the event that they were caught and paraded by security agents?

Obviously no. I can’t recognize any of them. Besides, I was so scared that the image of any of them did not register in my memory.

So, what happened thereafter?

Few hours after we were asked to pull off all our cloths, a man, possibly the head ritualist among them came with a calabash with some fetish substances inside it and was calling us one by one by name.

By name, how did they know your names?

That was another thing that shocked me. I couldn’t recall when I told them my name. Maybe it was at the point when they diabolically made us unconscious. Anyway, like I was saying, the man with the calabash was calling us one by one. The first person that was called, he was asked to place his head under the calabash and was reciting an inaudible incantation. The juju man was flinging the calabash left and right. They already told us that anyone of us whose head stayed gummed to the calabash would be killed. At that point, having fully regained my consciousness, I became very frightened. At that point, I actually felt that the end had come for me.

As the herbalist was flinging the calabash on the first victim, pronto, it got stucked on his head and he was moved aside. The next victim was a woman, she went through the same process and same thing happened to her. That actually made me almost give up. In fact, the worst experience of my life happened when I watched before my very eye when one of the victims was slaughtered and his body dismembered; cut into pieces. At that point, I felt the real end had come. I had never seen where a human being was killed like that before, not to talk about being dismembered.

However, because of my strong belief in Allah, I kept on reciting my adkhar. So, when it was my time and I was called to place my head under the calabash and I did and the herbalist was performing the same exercise, I was almost dead. I can’t recollect how many time that was performed on me but Alhamdullilah, Allah saved me. The fetish calabash didn’t stick to my head.

You mean you really saw a fellow being slaughtered and body parts cut into pieces?

(He burst into tears and was wailing profusely) Yes, yes, yes. I never saw such before. It was like when cows are slaughtered and parts were shared. That was the closest to it. The scene was indescribable, very gory and frightening. So, after the horrendous and animalistic ritual was completed, they moved out and left me and one person, obviously kept behind to keep vigil on me.

At about 4:00 a.m. on Friday, I could hear the sound of vehicles, shattering of bottles and voices of people. I actually thought that we were actually very close to a town not knowing that the sound of vehicles and bottles I was hearing were those of supposed customers who had come to buy the various body parts that had been slaughtered.

As all these were going on, I was further frightened but I kept on reciting some verses of Quran and Adkhar so much that I didn’t know my voice was going out a bit loud. It was at that point that the guy who was actually left behind to keep vigil on me, who had all along been looking at me suddenly put one of his fingers on his mouth signifying that I should stop talking aloud.

Then, few minutes later, he went into the room where our clothes were kept and brought my Jalamiah and sandals to show me if they were mine to which I nodded affirmatively. He then gave them to me and asked me to put them on. After that, something miraculous happened. He beckoned on me to quietly follow him, and as we secretly stepped out of the building, he helped scaled the high fence and pushed me out of the premises.

Really?

That was what happened. Immediately I landed on the other side, in the thick forest, I started running as fast as my legs and heart could carry me. For about two hours, I was running inside the forest until I got to a farm where I met a man working. When I got to him, tattered and completely worn out, he gave me some water to wash my face and bruised body. It was at that point that he told me I was inside a forest somewhere close to Ore, a town in Ondo. He told me he could ask his friend who was with a motorbike to take me to Ore town from where I could find my way back to Lagos.

In fact, the worst experience of my life happened when I watched before my very eye when one of the victims was slaughtered and his body dismembered; cut into pieces. At that point, I felt the real end had come. I had never seen where a human being was killed like that before, not to talk about being dismembered.

When we got to Ore park, I was pacing up and down, no money to board a vehicle coming down Lagos. Less I forgot, the guy who rescued me from the place had given me my telephone handset but unknown to me, the SIM card in it had been removed.

I was pacing up and down until at a point when a military man who obviously must have been noticing me worked up to me to inquire about what happened to which I poured out my mind to. He then asked if I have money to transport myself back to Lagos, since, like he said, he was actually on his way to Maiduguri, Borno State.

READ ALSO: Gunmen kill aide to Edo Assembly Speaker

I told him that I had no money and he asked if I could recollect any member of my family or friend that can be called to alert them where I was. At that point, I remember my father’s number and he called him on his phone. Put it in speaker and I heard him asking if the man he was speaking with was the father of Jamiu to which my father answered affirmatively before he told him that I was at Ore.

Since, I didn’t have money for transport, my father asked us to find out the transport fare and after we got the rate, my father sent the money into the soldier’s account from where he collected and gave me.

Seriously?

Yes, seriously. After the soldier departed and I have boarded the bus coming to Lagos, I also asked the driver to allow me use his phone to call my father to alert him so that they would join me at Berger garage from where I would be taken home. At least, I used the driver’s phone to call for about three time before I alighted at the final bus stop.

What happened when you saw your dad and others that came to receive you?

Sincerely, it was a mixed feeling. Firstly, I couldn’t believe that I could survive such a nasty experience alive.

Now looking back, what advice can you give about all these giving your personal experience?

Honestly, I think everybody needs to remain steadfast, devoted and totally committed to serving God. It was God that saw me through. I could have long gone and probably nobody would have been able to trace me. God used His power to use people that finally saw me out of “hell”. I thank everybody that stood by my family. I thank everybody within and outside the community. I especially thank the Muslim umah that prayed for me and Allah used them to get me out. It was an experience worth sharing but too frightening to experience.

*Editor’s Note: The picture was blurred for security reason.

The post How God rescued me from the den of ritualists –Jamiu Bankole appeared first on Frontpageng.