By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has intensified efforts to secure the release of 46 abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and deploying a specialised rescue team to the area.

The President’s directives were conveyed on Sunday by a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during visits to the affected Esiele and Yawota communities, where armed men abducted dozens of schoolchildren and teachers on May 15.

Members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, Olatunji Disu; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen.

Christopher Musa; Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Addressing community leaders and residents, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the incident and had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the victims.

“Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he assured, adding that the rescue mission would be intelligence-driven and combine both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to avoid endangering the captives.

The delegation also disclosed that requests by residents for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.

The abductions occurred when gunmen riding motorcycles simultaneously attacked schools in Esiele and Yawota communities, including Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The attackers reportedly fled into the forest corridor linking the Oriire axis to the Old Oyo National Park after seizing pupils, teachers and motorcycles belonging to residents.

Among those abducted is a two-year-old pupil, Christianah Akanbi, while videos released days after the incident showed the principal of Community Grammar School, Rachael Alamu, and a nursing mother among the captives pleading for assistance.

Public anxiety has deepened following reports that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity. During the initial attack, the mathematics teacher was reportedly beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative lost his life after encountering improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors during early rescue attempts.

As part of measures to strengthen security across the forested belt exploited by criminal gangs, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in partnership with the Oyo State Government.

The presidential team also paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and later visited the widow of the slain teacher, Mary Oyedokun, assuring her of government support.

The latest intervention follows assurances by Governor Seyi Makinde that security agencies were working round the clock to rescue the victims. The governor said he holds daily strategy meetings with service commanders and remains committed to securing the safe return of all those still in captivity.

Tinubu has also directed security agencies to intensify operations aimed at rescuing the victims and bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice.

By Paul Mumeh

Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, former Governor of Enugu State, stands tall as one of the most intriguing, visionary, and intellectually gifted political figures of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Physician, philosopher, statesman, motivational speaker, and political strategist, the man fondly called “Ebeano” remains a phenomenon whose impact on politics, governance, and public discourse continues to resonate far beyond Enugu State.

Born on May 30, 1960 in Port Harcourt, Rivers state with an uncommon blend of intellect and courage, Senator Nnamani first distinguished himself in medicine as a specialist doctor before venturing into politics.

Yet even in politics, he never abandoned the analytical depth and precision of a medical professional. His approach to governance reflected diagnosis, treatment, and long-term planning — qualities that made him one of the frontline members of Nigeria’s celebrated 1999 class of governors.
As Governor of Enugu State from 1999 to 2007, he redefined governance and political organisation in the state. At a time when democracy was still fragile and experimental in Nigeria, Chimaroke Nnamani emerged as one of the loudest advocates of people-oriented governance. He coined and popularised the now-famous phrase, “Dividends of Democracy,” a concept that has since become a permanent part of Nigeria’s political vocabulary. What many now repeat casually was, for him, a philosophical conviction — that democracy must translate into visible benefits for ordinary citizens.
Beyond governance, Nnamani transformed the political landscape of Enugu State through the establishment of the Ebeano political family — a structure that evolved from a movement into a political dynasty. Since 1999, regardless of changing political parties and shifting alliances, the Ebeano philosophy has consistently produced political office holders; councillors, local government chairmen, state and national assembly legislators, ministers, and governors — while nurturing influential leaders across the state. That enduring relevance remains a testament to the strategic depth and organisational genius of its founder.
As Senator representing Enugu East in two different eras — from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023 — Nnamani remained a powerful voice of reason, intellect, and candour. Highly cerebral and unapologetically frank, he earned respect as a politician who never shied away from difficult truths. He called a spade a spade, regardless of whose interests were affected. In an environment where political correctness often overshadows honesty, Chimaroke Nnamani chose courage over convenience.
His Ebeano Lecture Series further revealed the depth of his intellect and foresight. Through those lectures, he dissected local and global issues with philosophical clarity and uncommon eloquence. Time and again, many dismissed or misunderstood his positions, only for subsequent events to vindicate his predictions and perspectives. Like a thinker ahead of his era, he often saw tomorrow before others fully recognised today.

Perhaps nowhere was this more evident than during the political turbulence of 2023. Against prevailing sentiments within the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Nnamani openly supported Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress. To many of his political associates and constituents, the move appeared controversial, even unacceptable. They rose against him politically, interpreting his action as betrayal or political aberration. Yet, in his characteristic manner, Nnamani insisted on what he believed was the pathway forward.
Ironically, not long after the 2023 elections, many within the same political establishment and among the voices that opposed him began embracing the Tinubu administration with enthusiasm. Those who once condemned his position gradually became apostles of the same political direction he had earlier championed, with several eventually aligning with the APC. Once again, Chimaroke Nnamani’s foresight appeared vindicated.
Yet politics, especially in Nigeria, can be frustrating to the well-intentioned. Despite the sacrifices and political risks he took, Senator Nnamani found himself isolated and unrewarded. Even the political structure he supported did not reciprocate his loyalty in the manner many expected. Left in the political cold, he chose dignity over bitterness and returned to his first calling — medicine — resuming professional practice in the United States, where he is reputed for his work in foetal medicine, the specialised care of unborn babies.
There is profound symbolism in that journey. After years of helping to birth political ideas, institutions, and leaders, the doctor returned to the science of preserving life itself. It reflects the essence of the man: resilient, purposeful, and deeply committed to service regardless of circumstance.
At 66, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani’s story is not merely one of political victories and setbacks. It is the story of conviction. It is the story of a man who often walked ahead of the crowd — misunderstood in the moment but vindicated by history. It is the story of a statesman whose ideas outlived controversies and whose political philosophy continues to shape generations.
As he celebrates this milestone, this should not be a moment of discouragement over the fickleness of politics or the contradictions of human nature. Rather, it is a moment of reflection, renewal, and reaffirmation of purpose. Nigeria still needs voices of courage, intellect, and foresight. The nation still needs statesmen willing to chart difficult but necessary paths toward unity, justice, and development.
For Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, aka Ebeano, the journey at 66 is not an ending but the continuation of a legacy built on vision, resilience, and uncommon courage.
Happy 66th Birthday to a physician of bodies, a diagnostician of society, and a philosopher of politics. May the years ahead bring renewed strength, greater fulfilment, and the satisfaction of knowing that history often remembers pioneers more kindly than contemporaries do.

From Yagana Ali, Yola

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has credited the remarkable achievements of his administration in the last seven years to divine grace, financial discipline, and careful planning, describing the transformation across the state as divinely inspired and people-driven.

Marking seven years of the “Fresh Air” administration, Governor Fintiri said that despite the complexity of managing a large and diverse population, Adamawa has witnessed huge prosperity and visible progress across all sectors.
“Notwithstanding the complexity of managing the massive population of the State, it is evident that Adamawa has been hugely prosperous,” the Governor said. “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone that has been a co-traveler in this journey over the last seven years. It has not been easy, but to the glory of God, it is evident that there is huge prosperity in Adamawa.”
He noted that beyond policy and political will, prudent management of resources has been central to the administration’s success.
“In all these, the complexity of managing people means there has to be something else driving it. In all situations, we give glory to God. In all situations, we are grateful that He has given us the opportunity to become a source of joy to the people of Adamawa. Our success is also anchored on financial discipline and careful planning. “No one is left behind and nothing is left untouched.” he stated.
Governor Fintiri commended the resilience, patience, and unwavering support of the people of Adamawa, saying their partnership has been critical to the progress recorded since 2019.
“The last seven years have been very eventful and very fruitful. You can see remarkable progress going on across the length and breadth of Adamawa. This would not have been possible without the support and resilience of our people. You stood with us through the challenges, believed in the vision, and partnered with government to deliver results,” he said.
The Governor assured citizens that the administration remains committed to consolidating on the gains made and expanding service delivery in the year ahead.
“So, for me, the last seven years have been very eventful and very fruitful. We can only do better and render more services to the people in the next one year. Our commitment remains: “No one is left behind and nothing is left untouched,” Governor Fintiri added.