By Omu Angela

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on Nigerians to embrace justice, unity and selfless leadership as enduring pillars of nation-building as the country marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, and the Military Governor of the old Western Region, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of the President-General of the organisation, Senator Azuta Mbata, who described the slain military officers as national heroes whose sacrifice continues to symbolise courage, loyalty and patriotism.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the memories of Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi transcend ethnic, religious and political divides, stressing that their lives remain enduring examples of honour, integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

According to the statement, Aguiyi-Ironsi dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria at a defining moment in the nation’s history, while Fajuyi demonstrated extraordinary courage by refusing to abandon his guest and Commander-in-Chief, choosing honour over personal safety.

Speaking through the statement signed by Dr. Chukwu, Senator Mbata said the remarkable friendship and shared fate of the two military officers remain a powerful lesson for Nigerians.

“The memories of Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi and Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi remind us that patriotism is measured not by words but by sacrifice. They stood for duty, honour and the ideal of one united Nigeria founded on justice and mutual respect.

“Their friendship and shared fate remain a powerful lesson that our diversity should be our greatest strength, not a source of division. As we honour their memories today, we call on all Nigerians, especially those in positions of leadership, to embrace courage, fairness, equity and selfless service as the enduring pillars of nation-building.”

Ohanaeze maintained that the most fitting tribute to the fallen military leaders is the collective commitment to building a Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal dignity, equal opportunity and equal protection under the law.

The organisation said the country’s current challenges require leaders who are guided by justice, inclusion, accountability and genuine national reconciliation.

It also urged Nigerians across all ethnic nationalities to reject hatred, violence and intolerance while embracing dialogue, peaceful coexistence and constitutional democracy.

Ohanaeze expressed hope that the memories of Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi would continue to inspire present and future generations to place national interest above sectional considerations and work tirelessly for a peaceful, prosperous and united Federal Republic of Nigeria.

By Kayode Agbala

The Osun State Police Command has arrested several suspects, including the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, following an operation linked to an alleged vote-buying investigation in Osogbo.

This revelation was contained in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, on Wednesday.

The statement said the arrest was carried out during an operation in which officers also recovered millions of naira, electoral materials and other exhibits.

According to the statement, “the operation was carried out after the command received credible and actionable intelligence that a criminal gang was operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.”

The police said “the operation targeted a residential property linked to the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), where officers were searching for a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as ‘Ashipa’, who is on the police watch list over alleged involvement in serious criminal offences, including murder.

“During the operation, police officers recovered a cash sum of N4,810,500, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

“The command stated that all recovered items had been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.”

The command confirmed “the arrest of Teslim Igbalaye, 47, alongside Akande Taiwo, 60, Oladele Abiodun, 38, Adeyemo Lukman, 45, Olaoye Muftau, 50, and Aderemi Musliu, 40. The suspects were found within the premises during the operation and had been taken into lawful custody.”

Police said the recovery of the cash and voter register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities, prompting investigators to broaden the scope of their enquiries.

“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,” the statement said.

The command disclosed that investigators were examining possible offences under the Electoral Act 2022, including the alleged bribery of voters through the distribution of money or inducements intended to influence voting decisions.

It added that investigators were also considering allegations of criminal conspiracy and the possible harbouring or concealment of a wanted suspect.

The police stated that additional offences could emerge as investigations progress, depending on the outcome of forensic examinations and evidence gathered during the inquiry.

“The Osun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that these are serious allegations with far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process,” the statement added.

The command assured residents that investigations were being intensified to identify everyone connected with the recovered exhibits, determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds, and establish the full extent of any alleged criminal enterprise.

“I wish to assure the good people of Osun State that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to enforce the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will. No individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law. Any person found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all applicable laws,” CP Gotan said.

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a National Housing Finance Authority as part of sweeping reforms aimed at expanding affordable housing finance for Nigerians.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaqha Darma, announced the proposal on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ validation workshop in Abuja.

He said the authority would emerge under a proposed National Mortgage Industry Policy designed to improve access to mortgage financing.

According to him, the reforms will also reposition the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and broaden participation in the National Housing Fund.

Darma said traders, artisans and other informal sector workers would be allowed to join the NHF with monthly contributions starting from N5,000.

He said the initiative would promote financial inclusion and enable more Nigerians to access affordable home ownership opportunities.

The minister noted that real estate services contribute about 13.4 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, valued at approximately N41 trillion.

He added that combined real estate and construction activities exceeded N77 trillion in 2025, underscoring the sector’s economic importance.

“After the rebasing of our accounts, real estate services alone account for about 13.4 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, roughly N41 trillion.

“It is our third-largest sector, ahead of telecommunications and crude oil. With construction added, the two crossed N77 trillion in 2025.

“Dubai is smaller than Kano. The difference is not money. The difference is trust, and trust is manufactured by regulation,” he said.

Darma said stronger regulation and improved housing finance would boost investor confidence and stimulate private sector participation.

He said government was also proposing a National Housing Industry Regulatory Commission to strengthen oversight of developers and mortgage operators.

The reforms form part of broader efforts to reduce the housing deficit, improve housing affordability and deepen sustainable urban development across Nigeria. (NAN).