News
Daily Times mourns former Editorial Board member, Doyin Abiola
The management of Folio Media Group, publishers of Daily Times Newspapers, has expressed deep sadness over the death of its former staff and Editorial Board member, Dr. Doyin Abiola.
She passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 82.
Dr. Doyin Abiola was the wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election which was later annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.
This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Dr. Fidelis Anosike, Chairman and Publisher of Folio Media Group.
He described her death as shocking.
He said she passed at a time when the media industry and Nigeria needed her experience the most.
“It is with great shock and sadness that I have received the news of the passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a former Features Writer with Daily Times Newspapers who rose to the position of Group Features Editor and subsequently, a member of its Editorial Borad.
“As in the 70s, it was big news for a woman to hold such top position in the nation’s media industry and Doyin, in deed, distinguished herself and rose to the topmost of the Features Desk.
“That she later moved on to become the first woman editor of a daily newspaper of Nigeria, was a loud testimony of the stuff she was made of, as a committed professional.
“The late Mrs. Doyin Abiola was a dedicated journalist, writer, supporter of social justice, and a strong advocate for women’s rights.”
For the pioneer positions she held in Nigeria’s media industry and for distinguishing herself in subsequent leadership positions, Doyin was a pathfinder to women journalists in particular and an inspiration to the media industry in general,” Anosike said.
“We at Folio Media Group, and Daily Times in particular, join the rest of well-meaning Nigerians and the global media industry to mourn the demise of Dr. Doyin Abiola and pray that her family be comforted,” Anosike stated.
He urged the Abiola family to find comfort in knowing that the late Doyin lived a meaningful life, made great contributions to Nigeria and humanity, and passed away at the good age of 82.
Doyin Abiola studied at the University of Ibadan and graduated in 1969 with a degree in English and Drama.
After finishing school, she began her journalism career at Daily Sketch newspaper, where she wrote a column called Tiro that focused on public issues, including gender-related topics. She later joined Daily Times and then travelled to the United States to study further. In 1979, she earned a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University.
When she returned to Nigeria, she rejoined Daily Times and became a member of the newspaper’s editorial board, working with well-known editors like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.She later joined National Concord newspaper, where she became its first daily editor.
In 1986, she was promoted to Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, becoming the first Nigerian woman to hold such a position in a daily newspaper.
Dr. Abiola worked at National Concord for nearly 30 years. She also played important roles in Nigeria’s media industry.
She led the nomination panel for the first Nigerian Media Merit Award and was also a member of the Advisory Council for the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.
She received the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) in recognition of her lifelong work to promote knowledge and support the media’s role in democracy.
The DAME trustees chose her for their Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th DAME ceremony.
She was the second woman to receive this honour, after Mrs. Omobola Onajide. She was also awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986.
News
Man whose marriage ended after 2 days speaks after his ex-wife claimed he caused it by asking for thr££some.
Bobby denied the allegations made by Uchechi Sandra Nnenne that her family sponsored their wedding which took place on Jan. 4, 2025.
According to Bobby, whom Sandra called Mr B in her story, he spent over N25million on their wedding.
He also denied Sandra’s claims that he kept borrowing money from her.
He sent LIB receipts of some credit alerts he made to Sandra’s account and others made to the accounts of vendors they employed for their wedding.
He also denied requesting thr££some from her. He said he called off the wedding on Jan. 15. He alleged he did this after finding out she was pregnant for another man. He accused her of getting pregnant for her boss. He did not provide evidence to back this allegation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSShW11DMnq/?img_index=8&igsh=bDRkNzBsZXV4YXJq
Sandra also didn’t provide evidence to back her allegations. (Check her claims in previous post).
News
58-year-old man be@ts wife to de@th in Imo
Operatives of the Ahiazu Mbaise Divisional Headquarters have arrested one Vitalis Nwoko (58), of Umuagba, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, for the alleged murder of his wife, Uloma.
The arrest followed a report lodged at the Division by the deceased’s sister, who alleged that the suspect violently ass@ulted his wife during a domestic dispute. Acting promptly on the report, operatives of the Division arrested the suspect.
Confirming the arrest, the command’s spokesperson, SP Henry Okoye, said during preliminary investigation, the suspect stated that a misunderstanding between him and his wife on December 11th, 2025 escalated into a physical altercation, during which the victim collapsed. She was rushed to Cecilia Hospital, Ogbe, where she was confirmed de@d by a medical doctor.
Okoye said the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for thorough investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, while reacting to the incident, urged residents to promptly report cases of domestic v!olence, assuring the public of the Command’s resolve to deal decisively with perpetrators.
News
Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Arewa youths take stand on state police
The call for the establishment of state police received a major boost at the weekend with the backing of major socio-cultural organizations in Nigeria- Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths.
Ekwutosblog reports that for decades, there has been an intense debate on the necessity of establishing state police in Nigeria and the fear of politicization by state governors.
On February 15, 2024, President Bola Tinubu met with state governors in Abuja, where the possibility of setting up the state police was extensively discussed.
While the discussion brought a sigh of relief to some Nigerians, some stakeholders raised concerns that the country is not fit to have state police yet, expressing fear of abuse by state governors.
While some argued that the centralized Nigeria Police remains overstretched and ill-equipped to effectively police 230 million people across complex terrains, others said the governors may misuse the local police forces especially for political intimidation.
Ekwutosblog reports that the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill currently on the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is among the 44 harmonized bills now ready for consideration and voting by the two chambers.
Reports indicated that the red and green chambers may vote on the bills this week before it is further sent to state Houses of Assembly.
In separate interviews with Ekwutosblog, Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths backed the creation of state police, expressing optimism that local police may help in quelling the decade-long security challenges.
DAILY POST reports that the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill currently on the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is among the 44 harmonised bills now ready for consideration and voting by the two chambers.
Reports indicated that the red and green chambers may vote on the bills this week before it is further sent to state Houses of Assembly.
In separate interviews with Ekwutosblog , Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths backed the creation of state police, expressing optimism that local police may help in quelling the decade-long security challenges.
He argued that if governors don’t have the “apparatus of security at their command”, they would be unable to effectively discharge their duties as chief security officers of their respective states.
Ajayi advised that clauses should be inserted in the state police law that would restrain the governors from outright abuse or politicization of the local police.
Afenifere also called on the Federal Government to identify financiers of terrorism and prosecute them.
According to Ajayi, the menace of terrorism has reached an unacceptable level such that “no-one can predict where next the monster is going to rear its ugly head.
“The situation could not have been this bad were those perpetrating it not having the backing of people in high places.
“Concentrating only on kidnappers arrested in the bush would not bring an end to the scourge.
“Without the financing, endorsement, sponsorship and protection of people of means and people in high places, bandits would not be able to sustain their dastardly act for this long.”
He gave kudos to the National Assembly for the call on the Executive Arm of the government not only to name financiers of banditry but to also prosecute them.
“The step being taken by the lawmakers to also strengthen the law on terrorism is very welcomed.
“In view of the devastating nature banditry and terrorism have reached in Nigeria today, prescribing capital punishment for the perpetrators without the option of fine is in order.
“Innocent lives of thousands have been lost, some families have been wiped out just as properties running into billions, if not trillions, have been destroyed.
“So, those perpetrating such evil acts deserve no mercy when proven guilty as they themselves show no mercy on their victims,” he stated.
Northern govs may use state police to unseat President Tinubu in 2027 – Ohanaeze
On his part, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, factional Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide said though the establishment of state police is the only way to go due to the surge in killings and other activities of the bloodthirsty assailants, some Northern governors may use the local police against President Tinubu in 2027.
Isiguzoro noted that without substantive police reforms instituted by the National Assembly, which would establish frameworks to preclude the abuse of power by the 36 state governors, the creation of state police “might become a vehicle for electoral manipulation.”
According to him, “The ongoing attempts by Nigerian governors to circumvent the Supreme Court verdict regarding the autonomy of the 774 local government areas, in collusion with various State Houses of Assembly, epitomizes a disconcerting pattern of governance characterized by corruption and a flagrant disregard for constitutional rights.
“It is imperative to recognize that should appropriate police reforms not be enacted and implemented forthwith, there exists a tangible risk that certain state governors will exploit state police mechanisms to perpetrate electoral malfeasance, potentially allowing them to unseat President Tinubu in 2027—particularly given the Northern Governors’ proclivity towards such stratagems.”
Isiguzoro lamented that insecurity in Nigeria has “rapidly deteriorated, inflicting irrevocable damage to Nigeria’s international reputation”.
He reiterated the urgent necessity for comprehensive police reforms, accompanied by unwavering vigilance from the National Assembly, to ensure that the establishment of state police serves the interests of law and order, rather than becoming an instrument of political subversion.
Arewa youths back state police, call for oversight framework to stop abuse by govs
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, Alhaji Shettima Yerima said the insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and communal clashes in the middle-belt regions required tailored responses that a centralized police force often “struggles to provide”.
According to Shettima, establishing state police would allow for localized security measures, which according to him, would enable law enforcement to respond more effectively to the unique security needs of each region.
“State police officers, being residents of the communities they serve, would possess intimate knowledge of local dynamics, enabling them to address issues with greater sensitivity and effectiveness.
“Moreover, a localized approach to policing could significantly enhance trust and cooperation between law enforcement and citizens.
“When community members see familiar faces in their police force, individuals who understand their concerns and cultural nuances—they are more likely to engage positively with law enforcement.
“This trust is crucial in fostering a collaborative environment where citizens feel empowered to report crimes and cooperate with police investigations, ultimately leading to a more secure society”.
He further stated that the establishment of state police in Nigeria aligns with global trends in decentralizing law enforcement, citing some countries like the United States, Canada, and Germany, where regional policing structures were established to cater for local security needs.
Shettima said: “These models demonstrate that localized policing can lead to more effective crime prevention and community engagement. Nigeria, with its diverse regions and unique security challenges, stands to benefit significantly from a policing system that is tailored to its specific contexts.
“By adopting a decentralized approach, Nigeria can create a policing framework that not only addresses the immediate security concerns but also promotes regional autonomy and empowerment.
“This shift would reflect a commitment to democratic governance, where local governments play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of their constituents.
“Despite the potential benefits, concerns regarding the potential abuse of power by state governors loom large, particularly given the historical context of political manipulation of state resources to suppress dissent.
“Critics argue that the politicization of law enforcement under state governors’ control could lead to the misuse of state police for personal or political gain, undermining the very essence of justice and accountability.”
However, on the fear of politicization of the local police by state governors, Shettima advised that the “establishment of state police is accompanied by a robust accountability and oversight framework.
“Regulations must govern recruitment, training, and operational protocols to ensure that state police operate with integrity and professionalism.
“An independent oversight body should be established to monitor the activities of state police, providing a check against potential abuses of power and ensuring that law enforcement remains accountable to the communities it serves.
“The federal government plays a crucial role in ensuring that state police operate within a defined legal framework. Clear guidelines outlining the powers and limitations of state police are essential to prevent overreach and ensure adherence to democratic principles.
“Protocols regarding the use of force, community engagement, and the protection of citizens’ rights must be explicitly articulated to safeguard against potential abuses”.
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