Connect with us

News

Chief Ayo Adebanjo,  Afenifere Leader  Dies at 96

Published

on

A foremost nationalist, elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has died at the age of 96.

The elder statesman died Friday at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, at age 96.

He died peacefully at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025.

The family confirmed his passing in a statement made available to Channels Television on Friday.

“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.

He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the family statement read.

Advert

Adebanjo is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath,” the statement added.

The family said they are consulting with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond, to fine tune plans for a befitting funeral details which will be communicated in due course.

A condolence register has been opened at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and  his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Adebanjo,  a lawyer, a radical politician and a nationalist of Yoruba extraction was born in Isanya Ogbo, a village near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria on April 10, 1928.

He was originally a journalist before going to the United Kingdom to study law. After completing his studies, he was called to the English Bar in 1961.

Chief Adebanjo started politics at an early age, joining the struggle in 1943, as a Zikist, a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

However, in 1951 he became a member of the youth wing of the Action Group, and a mentee and political disciple of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He remained active and vocal in Nigerian politics until his death, throwing his weight, alongside his Afenifere group behind the candidacy of Peter Obi of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election.

Channels

News

KEDCO Refutes Misleading Claims on Electricity Supply to Bayero University Kano

Published

on

 

 

Management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has refuted recent reports alleging that staff and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) are grappling with unstable electricity supply.

 

This is contained in a statement signed by Sani Bala Sani Head of corporate communications Kano electricity Distribution Company.

Sani said the claims are false, misleading, and do not reflect the current reality of power supply to the institution.

Sani Bala said KEDCO is compelled to address the outright falsehoods in the claims made by sources from the institution in a recent report published by Daily Trust Newspaper titled: ‘How BUK’s Solar Project Collapsed, 2 Years After Commissioning’, on Saturday, 13th December 2025.

Advert

According to Sani Bayero University Kano is supplied with Band A electricity supply, connected via the 33kV Rice Field Feeder, with a guaranteed minimum of 21 hours of electricity supply daily, in line with regulatory provisions. Records from KEDCO’s network operations clearly show consistent and reliable power delivery to the university’s main campuses.

The Head said recently a high-level engagements were held between the Management of Bayero University Kano and KEDCO, during which both parties reached a mutual understanding on strategic energy efficiency and cost-reduction measures. Chief among these resolutions is the separation of electricity supply to the staff quarters from the main academic complex, a step aimed at improving load management, transparency, and operational efficiency.

In line with this agreement, metering process has already commenced in the university’s staff quarters, covering both the old and new campuses and said the initiative will ensure accurate energy measurement, promote responsible consumption, and enhance service sustainability.

Sani Bala pointed out that KEDCO remains committed to providing reliable, quality, and transparent electricity supply to all its customers, including tertiary institutions. We encourage stakeholders and the general public to seek clarification from verified sources and avoid the dissemination of unverified reports that may cause unnecessary concern.

The company further pledges to work closely with Bayero University Kano and othe critical institutions to support uninterrupted academic and administrative activities through efficient power supply solutions.

He added that KEDCO remain committed to enhancing service delivery through continuous improvement in power supply, leveraging investment in network expansion and upgrades.

 

Continue Reading

News

Press Week: NUJ National President Inaugurates Kano Online Media Chapel Office

Published

on

 

 

As part of activities marking the celebration of Press Week 2025, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, has inaugurated the Online Media Chapel office at the headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kano Council.

Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, who was supported by the Chairman of the Kano Council of the NUJ, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, and the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, said the NUJ constitution, which was amended, co-opted online journalist practitioners into the NUJ. One of the key requirements for being a member of the NUJ Online Chapel is to have CAC registration, and one must be an editor or reporter of online media.

Advert

Comrade Alhasan said that very soon the Nigeria Union of Journalists will come up with a scheme to ensure Nigerian journalists get insurance due to the hazards of the job.

Alhasan Yahaya added that private establishment practitioners will also benefit from the insurance scheme as they work hard to project the image of Nigeria.

On his part, the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, said the establishment of the Online Media Chapel was done with good intention.

He said that very soon the Government of Kano State will organize a retreat for online journalists in Kano, which will be held outside the state.

During the Press Week, awards were given to the Director General of Media and Communication to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, among others.

The executives of the Online Media Chapel were inaugurated on the 27th of April at the Kano NUJ Press Center, led by Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo.

 

Continue Reading

News

Jigawa State Government to Renovate Government College Birnin Kudu

Published

on

 

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has pledged to renovate the old premier Government College, Birnin Kudu, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening legacy educational institutions in the state.

The governor made the pledge during the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Birnin Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA), held at the college premises. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim.

According to the governor, priority attention is being given to long-established schools because of their historical significance and the calibre of leaders they have produced over the years. He noted that the history of Jigawa State cannot be adequately told without reference to Government College Birnin Kudu, given the role its alumni have played in the state’s development.

In his address, the National President of BIKOBA, Alh. (Dr.) Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), highlighted the association’s sustained commitment to the growth of its alma mater, working in synergy with government and development partners. He commended the Jigawa State Government under Governor Namadi for allocating funds for the renovation of the school, describing the intervention as timely in view of prevailing economic challenges.

Advert

Dr. Muhammad outlined BIKOBA’s interventions over the years, including support for water supply, desks and chairs, hostel facilities, laboratories, medical supplies, learning materials, and sporting equipment. He also acknowledged the contributions of partners such as the Dangote Foundation, Ganduje Foundation, Qatar International, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as well as class chapters and individual members.

The BIKOBA president, however, drew attention to lingering infrastructural and administrative challenges facing the college, appealing for increased financial support to rehabilitate secretariats and address critical needs. These include the reconstruction of hostels gutted by fire, renovation of dilapidated classrooms and administrative blocks, upgrading of computer centres, staff quarters, the college mosque, and conference and dining halls. He also urged government authorities to investigate alleged lapses in admission practices and restore proper entry standards to safeguard the school’s academic quality.

Chairman of the occasion, Pharmacist Hashim Ubale Yusuf, called on individual members to continue supporting the alumni association, describing such commitment as a legacy and source of inspiration for younger generations.

Also speaking, a former President of BIKOBA, Colonel Umaru Malami, cautioned members to use their time judiciously to positively impact themselves and society. He described age as transient and urged adherence to values taught by Islam. Colonel Malami further called on governments at all levels to focus on people-centred policies capable of improving living standards, rather than making empty or unrealistic promises.

The AGM concluded with calls for collective responsibility in preserving the heritage and academic standards of Government College Birnin Kudu.

Continue Reading

Trending