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Human Rights Group Petitions APC Leadership, Calls for Immediate Arrest of Buraimoh, Olorunrinu

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The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has called for the immediate arrest of the Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Engr. Valentine Buraimoh and Hon. Dipo Olorunrinu for the roles they played before and during the May 29, 2021 local government council primaries conducted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in lagos State.

In a petition addressed to high profile APC leaders including President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Mai Mala Buni, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Alhaji Tunde Balogun, the CDHR accused the duo of possessing fire arms, disrupting the election primaries in different wards o the local government and causing general unrest and terrorising the peace of the local government with heavily armed thugs.

An armed thug

“The incumbent Council Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Engineer Valentine Buraimoh personally led thugs to chase away voters and cart away ballot boxes to unknown destination while some people suffered various degrees of body injuries particularly in Ward K, see youtube link (https://youtu.be/9N30S51jBmc), where rounds of gunshots by thugs led by Engineer Valentine Buraimoh were fired at electorates and passerby and with bullets scattered on the ground. These thugs were also seen hanging around the Black Toyota Hilux pickup vehicle Engineer Valentine Buraimoh was riding in.

“Engineer Valentine Buraimoh is not from ward K, why then was he found at other wards on the day of election with thugs numbering up to 80 thereby violating the electoral guidelines of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Hon.Dipo Olorunrinu who claims to be from Ward C was also seen in some other wards during voting hours alongside hoodlums working with him thereby also violating the electoral guidelines since he is an aspirant and not an election observer,” CDHR noted.

In the petition, signed by the State Chairman, Committee For The Defence of Human Rights Comrade Kehinde Adeoye, the group called on the President and the security agencies to immediately arrest Engineer Valentine Buraimoh in order to mop up the arms from the community during the attack and prosecute the LGA chairman in a competent court of jurisdiction.

They also demanded to know the state of the investigation by the Nigerian Police in Lagos State on the arrest of Hon. Dipo Olorunrinu by the Commissioner of Police with respect to illegal possession of fire arms and ammunition in 2018.

Mr Adeoye said that the calls for the arrest of the two men are predicated on the fact that the arms they have placed in the hands of thugs and violent elements may likely be used to terrorise the lives of innocent Nigerians, especially residents of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, and therefore should be mopped up.

The body recalled that in recent times, violent crimes which involved the letting of blood have taken place, citing the killing of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s former aide and APC chieftain, Ahmad Gukak, killing of former Enugu High Court judge, Stanley Nnaji and former youth leader ward C, APC Amuwo Odofin, Mr. Soji Abraham.

“One wonders why those arms have not been mopped up, the culprits arrested and brought to book by a competent court of Law. This portrays danger as the pump actions and riffles in possession of the thugs remain within the community in Amuwo Odofin posing as a huge security risk to residents,” the letter read.

Read the letter in full:

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI; NATIONAL LEADER OF ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU; ACTING NATIONAL CARETAKER COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN OF APC GOVERNOR MAI MALA BUNI; EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE MR BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWO OLU; LAGOS STATE APC CARETAKER COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ALHAJI TUNDE BALOGUN.
INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: WHY HONOURABLE DIPO OLORUNRINU AND ENGINEER VALENTINE BURAIMOH ARE NOT FIT TO BE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA.

The attention of the above named personalities and the general public is hereby drawn to the negative consequences of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries of Saturday 29th May, 2021 across Lagos State especially in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area.

Prior to the local government APC primaries, one of the APC chairmanship aspirants Honourable Dipo Olorunrinu Former Member Lagos State House of Assembly Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1, on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 2015-2019, had and still has a case with the Nigerian Police, Lagos State where he was arrested for being in possession of illegal fire arms and ammunitions and the case is still on since 2018. See a link on the subject matter on 15th July 2018. (https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/lagos-lawmaker-arrested-for-unlawful-possession-of-guns/%3famp). In accordance with the APC, INEC and LASIEC guidelines, no aspirant of the party must have a pending criminal trial or pending criminal record in any court of law and if found to have, is not eligible to contest any election.(reference APC nomination form page 3 & 4, INEC, LASIEC guidelines). During the campaign towards the May 29 2021 APC primaries, there were several rounds of gunshots fired into the air at 512 Road Festac Town by members of Hon. Dipo Olorunrinu’s group while he was present at the location. See a link on the subject matter on May 21, 2021. (http://globaltimesinternational.com.ng/2021/05/21/ex-lawmaker-representing-amuwo-odofin-flags-off-campaign-amidst-gunshots/). At this level of insecurity and incessant killings in the country, we feel that the situation in Amuwo Odofin LGA and indeed across the country is very fragile now and can snowball into a huge security threat.

The incumbent Council Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Engineer Valentine Buraimoh personlly led thugs to chase away voters and cart away ballot boxes to unknown destination while some people suffered various degrees of body injuries particularly in Ward K, see youtube link (https://youtu.be/9N30S51jBmc), where rounds of gunshots by thugs led by Engineer Valentine Buraimoh were fired at electorates and passerby and with bullets scattered on the ground. These thugs were also seen hanging around the Black Toyota Hilux pickup vehicle Engineer Valentine Buraimoh was riding in.

Engineer Valentine Buraimoh is not from ward K, why then was he found at other wards on the day of election with thugs numbering up to 80 thereby violating the electoral guidelines of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Hon.Dipo Olorunrinu who claims to be from Ward C was also seen in some other wards during voting hours alongside hoodlums working with him thereby also violating the electoral guidelines since he is an aspirant and not an election observer.

Our concern as members of civil society is to ensure that the lives of people are not endangered. There are pictorial and video evidences of the use of illegal possession of firearms at the primaries, see a link on the subject matter (https://youtu.be/9N30S51jBmc). On 31st May 2021, members of the civil society stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly to protest incessant killings of citizens, policemen and soldiers. A protest letter was delivered to the office of the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa to arrest the situation. In this regard, the recent brutal killings of Ex political adviser to former president Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Alhaji Ahmed Gulak (30th May, 2021), Ex Enugu high court judge Stanley Nnaji (31st May,2021), former youth leader ward C, APC Amuwo Odofin Mr. Soji Abraham (4th Feb, 2021) and many others.

One wonders why those arms have not been mopped up, the culprits arrested and brought to book by a competent court of Law. This portrays danger as the pump actions and riffles in possession of the thugs remain within the community in Amuwo Odofin posing as a huge security risk to residents. See Reference to the Executive Order signed by President Muhammadu Buhari that all illegal weapons be retrieved.

(https://thesourceng.com/buhari-signs-executive-order-banning-use-of-guns/).

There were also confirmed reports of violence and the use of arms at Surulere Local Government in Lagos State where two (2) lives were lost and also in Agege Local government where there was series of gunshots heard within the local government. There were several protests at the Lagos State Party Secretariat ACME at Ikeja on Sunday 30th May 2021 and on Monday 31st May, 2021.

We hereby call on President Muhammadu Buhari as the Chief Security Officer of the country, National Leader of the APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu as the Chief Security Officer of the state; the National Security Adviser Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd); Director General of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi; Inspector General of Police Alkali Baba Usman; Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos State Director of State Security Service (SSS) to order a high-powered investigation into this security matter and life-threathening issue considering the spate of insecurity currently in Nigeria and to also mop up the firearms from the community used during the attack.

OUR DEMAND

1.)We call on President Muhammadu Buhari and all the security agencies to immediately arrest Engineer Valentine Buraimoh in order to mop up the arms from the community during the attack and prosecute him in a competent court of jurisdiction.

2.)We demand to know the state of the investigation by the Nigerian Police in Lagos State on the arrest of Hon.Dipo Olorunrinu by the Commissioner of Police with respect to illegal possession of fire arms and ammunition in 2018.

Signed:
Comrade Kehinde Adeoye
State Chairman,
Committee For The Defence of Human Rights

The group maintains that there was no election in the local government on the day as thugs loyal to the chairman were moving from ward to ward shooting and scaring innocent voters, and call on the APC leadership to as a matter of urgency call for the arrest of the chairman to begin the process of retrieving dangerous weapons in the hands of thugs and violent elements in the community.

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Leatherworld: A Masterclass in Enduring Excellence

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Leatherworld defines what it means to be classy. And it has confidently taken the higher road. For more than three decades, it has not merely sold furniture — it has demonstrated what class truly means in business: integrity in craftsmanship, consistency in service, and vision in growth. And as its name, “Leatherworld” implies, it is a world of its own.

Founded in 1994 to meet the demand for high-quality furniture in Nigeria, Leatherworld began as a retail outlet focused on premium pieces through partnerships with Italian luxury brands. However, it has now upped its ante, spreading its tentacles with showrooms in Victoria Island and Lekki Lagos, and also in Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory.

At a time when durability was often sacrificed for cost and quick turnover, the company made a deliberate decision: it would never compromise quality to cut corners. That principle has remained its compass ever since.

This is indeed the story of Leatherworld. For over 30 years, it has defined what luxury furniture means in Nigeria. It is not just a brand, it has consistently stood for one core principle: quality that lasts.

The company’s commitment to seasoned hardwood, aged for up to seven years before production, speaks to a patience that is rare in modern manufacturing. Indeed, its furniture is designed not for seasons, but for decade

Its growth has been matched by recognitions and honours from far and wide. Notable among some of these awards and recognitions are; international honours such as the Quality Summit New York International Award for Excellence (2013) to multiple awards from reputable organisation such as; the Nigerian National Assembly 2004 Awards, Furniture and Allied Products Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Award (2008), Interior Designer Association of Nigeria, IDAN, Award (2012). Indeed, Leatherworld’s name has become synonymous with leadership in interior décor and furniture manufacturing.

But beyond awards and expansion, it is its customer loyalty that tells the real story. For many clients, the Leatherworld experience begins long before the furniture is delivered.

The brand has earned respect across borders. But class is not proven by trophies alone. It is revealed in everyday interactions. Customers consistently describe professional staff, meticulous delivery teams, and after-sale technical support that is “second to none.”

From custom requests handled with speed and care to full-room assemblies executed with precision, Leatherworld treats service as part of the product itself.

Many customers attest to owning Leatherworld pieces for over 30 years — still structurally sound, still comfortable, still elegant. In a marketplace often flooded with disposable options, that kind of longevity is not accidental; it is intentional. This explains why the customers of Leatherworld attests to the durability and high quality of its products.

“I really enjoyed my shopping experience,” says Anita Ajah, who visited the Lagos showroom. “Their customer service was unlike anything I have experienced in Nigeria.”

Diana Ufuah shares a similar sentiment. “Leatherworld is the very best in terms of quality. I bought a sofa there and it is extremely comfortable and durable. What I also find intriguing is their customer service. My family and I were treated like royalty while shopping.”

It is a recurring theme – professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail.

Oluwole Adekoya describes the experience as “first-class quality furniture reasonably priced,” recommending the brand to anyone “with a dimension for taste.”

Kunle Adegbite highlights the end-to-end service: “I found exactly what I was looking for. Not only were the choices incredible, the service was outstanding. I requested their operations team to assemble my living room and they were quick, professional, and executed it beautifully. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Chioma Okonkwo, a long-standing client is more effusive in her review: “You only get bored with the same furniture but the thought of the new price you will pay keeps you loving your FOREVER furniture from Leatherworld!”

Those testimonies indeed speak volumes. Still, Leatherworld has not dithered from its vision to revolutionise the furniture and interior design industry in Nigeria and West Africa. And its message is simple: quality furniture is not a cost — it is an investment. You choose once. You choose well. You buy for life.

Leatherworld’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the elegance of Florence and the opulence of Nigerian culture — a fusion that respects global sophistication while celebrating local identity.

Its collections range from classical and neo-classical to contemporary and simple-line designs, ensuring that individuality is never compromised.

In doing so, the company has positioned itself not just as a seller of furniture, but as a curator of lifestyle — crafting pieces that define spaces for scholars, business leaders, families and discerning homeowners alike.

In business, class is consistency when no one is watching. It is honouring promises made decades ago. It is building products that outlive marketing campaigns. It is choosing long-term reputation over short-term gain.

In a competitive industry where shortcuts are tempting and compromise is common, Leatherworld has shown that real class lies in endurance — of materials, of service, of vision and of trust.

And in doing so, it has not only furnished homes across Nigeria and West Africa; it has furnished an example of how a company can grow, lead, and still remain grounded in excellence.

Bimbo Alashe, as the founder and CEO of Leatherworld Furniture Company, leads the international furniture retailing assemblage and manufacturing company in Nigeria. The company offers top quality leather furniture and accessories in wood, glass, marble, and other authentic and elegant materials, establishing a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and design.

She is one of the most formidable entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Beyond building her company, she sits on the board of several companies and serves as a mentor to a number of aspiring and established entrepreneurs, sharing her experience and insight to help others grow.

Her story is not the typical one of a person who grows from old money. Alase had to create her story herself, making her way from the rough early days of owning a small mini-store to the point where she became a mega business owner through determination and persistence.

When Leatherworld was established, it entered the furniture space to redefine luxury and class. The business created an opportunity for her to explore her love for creativity, guided by a straightforward vision — to make high-quality furniture available to everyone.

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Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Felicitate with Muslim Ummah, Nigerians at Eid-el-Fitr

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By Eric Elezuo

The three frontline political leaders in Nigeria; President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi, have in separate messages call for the strengthening of security, sustenance of the spirit of goodwill imbibed during Ramadan as well as kindness among Nigerians as the Muslim Ummah celebrate the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr.

The messages are in response to the successful completion of the 30-day fasting – a period of dedication, sacrifice, spiritual renewal and stocktaking – which end birth the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Leading the avalanche of messages, President Tinubu, through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reiterated the need to lead a pious life seasoned by empathy and unity among humankind.

He noted that though the Ramadan season is over, but the lessons of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion, which the period is known, must consistently be the watchword of every Nigerian.

The message is captured in details below:

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.

President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasize piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

In the same vein, former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigerian and across the world on the successful completion of the mandatory Ramadan fasting, and the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr.

A press statement signed by the media office of the former Vice President, admonished Muslims to remain steadfast in piety by maintaining peace and in charitable causes.

According to Atiku, the completion of the obligatory fasting in the noble month of Ramadan should lead to more commitment to the injunctions of Almighty Allah.

“The completion of the Ramadan fasting is a call to duty that ensures we sustain the good deeds that the noble month requires of us.

“We must ensure that the lessons of the month are not lost on us and that the celebration of today is a reminder to the people, especially Muslims, to follow in the tradition of the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in seeking closeness to God through worship and maintaining peace,” Atiku said.

He further called on the government to take it more seriously, stressing that “the protection of the lives and property of citizens is a divine decree and the sole responsibility of every government.”

Atiku similarly enjoins the privileged in the society to keep providing charity to the less privileged as this would go a long way in ensuring that the rising tide of economic downturn does not weigh too heavily on the poor.

“A greater number of people are being crushed by the economic downturn and global events in the past three weeks have further exacerbated the situation. It is incumbent on the wealthy to be more compassionate by taking up the responsibility of charity to help cushion the effect of the burden on the poor,” Atiku said.

Also lending his voice the congratulatory messages, Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, urged Nigerian Muslims to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan going forward even as the 30-day fast has officially ended.

“I join you with heartfelt joy as we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the blessed festival that marks the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan.

“This occasion is a profound reminder of the power of faith, discipline, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to Almighty Allah.

“Throughout Ramadan, you have fasted, prayed, given charity, and drawn closer to God, embodying values that inspire not only the Muslim ummah but every person of goodwill. These lessons of compassion, humility, patience, and solidarity must not end with the month; may they continue to guide our hearts, our actions, and our shared life as Nigerians.”

Many other prominent Nigerians and institutions have also identified with the Muslims in celebration, drumming the lesson of service, patriotism, piety and above unity of purpose to the hearing and learning of all and sundry.

The Eid-el-Fitr is the grand finale of the Muslim 30-day fasting period, popularly known in Islam as Ramadan. It is a yearly spiritual exercise.

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TEF Entrepreneurship: Tony Elumelu Foundation Sets March 22 to Announce 2026 Cohort

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The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs will announce the 12th cohort of the flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

In 2026, the Foundation will empower a total of 3,200 entrepreneurs across all its entrepreneurship programmes:
1,751 entrepreneurs through Heirs Holdings Group: Heirs Energies, Transcorp Power, Transcorp Hotels, and United Capital; 1,049 entrepreneurs in partnership with the European Commission, OACPS, BMZ and GIZ; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with Sèmè City Development Agency; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with DEG, the German Development Agency; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and the Dutch Government; and 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with UNDP and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts.

Applications to the flagship programme were received from over 265,000 young Africans, representing all 54 African countries, underscoring Africa’s vibrant entrepreneurial sector and the funding challenge for entrepreneurs. The new cohort will join the TEF Alumni community of more than 24,000 entrepreneurs.

The selection process is conducted by Ernst & Young, ensuring an independent and rigorous assessment of applicants.

Each selected Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur will receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, access to world-class business management training on TEFConnect, one-on-one mentorship, and entry into a powerful network of investors, partners, and other entrepreneurs.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 2.5 million young Africans with access to business management training on our proprietary digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed over US$100 million in seed capital to more than 24,000 selected entrepreneurs. Collectively, these entrepreneurs have generated $4.2 billion in revenue and created more than 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Through our support for African entrepreneurs, TEF has lifted 2.1 million Africans above the poverty line, and positively impacted more than 4 million African households, with 46% of supported entrepreneurs being African women.

Ahead of the upcoming announcement, Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, reiterates his unwavering belief in the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurs:

“The future of Africa will be built by Africans who create businesses, generate jobs and solve the challenges of our continent. At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we believe that empowering entrepreneurs is the most sustainable path to Africa’s economic transformation.

I look forward to announcing and congratulating the 2026 cohort of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs and look forward to witnessing the impact they will create across our continent.”

The general public is invited to join, virtually.

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