News
Nigeria’s 2023 Polls: 2 Killed, Man Escapes Death, Many Injured in Lagos Political Clash
By Soji Adebayo, Lagos
As Nigeria concluded its 2023 general elections, hopes for a peaceful democratic process were once again overshadowed by rising insecurity and politically motivated violence. The failure of authorities to ensure accountability for past election-related abuses and to curb the growing wave of thuggery has continued to threaten citizens’ right to vote without fear or intimidation.
One of the most tragic incidents during the polls occurred in the Agege area of Lagos State, where two people lost their lives, several others sustained injuries, and one man narrowly escaped death.
The victims, Mr. and Mrs. Salami, were the parents of Mr. Salami Yusuf Olatunji — a staunch advocate for good governance and an active member of an opposition political party in Lagos.
Eyewitnesses who spoke with The Gleamer News revealed that trouble began shortly after a political gathering turned chaotic. What initially started as a heated argument between rival supporters quickly degenerated into a violent clash involving suspected political thugs armed with dangerous weapons.
Within minutes, the scene was thrown into confusion as residents and passersby ran for safety while the violence spread rapidly across the area.
Tragically, Mr. and Mrs. Salami, who had come to support their son’s campaign activities, were caught in the crossfire and killed. Their son, Mr. Yusuf Olatunji, was not spared either. He sustained severe injuries — including a broken leg and head wounds — but managed to escape with his life. He was later rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Speaking from his hospital bed, a grief-stricken Olatunji described the incident as a nightmare that would haunt him forever. “My parents believed in a better Nigeria and supported my passion for change. I never imagined they would pay the ultimate price for it,” he said tearfully.
Residents of the community have condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a sad reminder of the dark days of political thuggery in Lagos. Many expressed frustration over the recurring cycle of election-related violence that often goes unpunished.
“This is exactly what we have been warning against,” said one community leader. “Politicians must stop arming thugs to intimidate opponents. We cannot continue to lose innocent lives every election season.”
Observers say the Lagos tragedy reflects a broader national pattern of political intolerance and insecurity that has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s electoral process. Rights groups have repeatedly called on the government to strengthen security, enforce electoral laws, and ensure justice for victims of political violence.
As the 2023 elections came to a close, incidents like the Agege attack underscore the urgent need for authorities to prioritize citizens’ safety and uphold the integrity of the democratic process. Without accountability and reform, Nigeria risks allowing the cycle of bloodshed and impunity to define its elections once again.
News
AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs
By James Samuel, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.
This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.
“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.
“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”
He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.
“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.
He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.
“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.
She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.
“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.
The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.
The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
