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Eko NAFEST: How Sanwo-Olu’s Wife Made Little Precious’ Dream Come to Pass

Published

4 years ago

November 12, 2022

Eric

Hers is a story of how weeping may endure for the night as tremendous joy follows in the morning.

Her name is Precious Inioluwa Olabanjo. She is an SS2 student of Model Secondary School, Alabaka, Akura, Ondo State. She came to Eko NAFEST to represent her school and state in the essay competition, themed “Culture and Peaceful Coexistence” but ended up crying! But her cries did not go unnoticed.

Discovered by the eagle eye of Vanguard’s Arts and Culture editor, Osa Amadi, little Precious finally sobbed her way to national recognition and reception.

Amadi had pulled out a stunning human interest story out of her case, which caught the attention of the indefatigable and humane Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Otunba Segun Runsewe.

This is the story!

Precious is one if the delegates of the ongoing Eko NAFEST 2022 where she was supposed to participate in essay writing competition. She was determined to contribute to how Nigerian culture will drive unity and love for one another, but that was not to be; the rule of participation says one participant for each state. She was caught off guard because someone else was already selected to represent her state. She consequently gave in to emotions and broke down in tears. She was inconsolable.

The pain of being left out the competition tore her young heart apart, and caught the which also caught the attention of the ebullient DG, who must have also cried from the inside like a father. But rules are rules, and cannot be broken r changed to favour anyone, especially not by the one who was part of making the rules as chief driver of NAFEST and as a journalist. But there was another way to make amends.

As a caring father, Runsewe took Precious case to Mama NAFEST, Mrs ibijoke Sanwo-0lu, who played host to children from the 36 states of the Federation and FCT.

Narrating Precious’ story, which touched the heart of everyone present, including the first lady of lagos state, Otunba Segun Runsewe revealed his deep love for Nigerian children whom he believe must be encouraged and supported to be ambassadors of Nigerian Cultural tomorrow.

Mrs Sanwo-0lu was gracious to little precious and indeed to all the children present whom she gifted not only ice cream and the best of Nigerian cuisine, she gave each of them computer lap tops and other academic materials to help them to surf the world of information.

Precious Inioluwa Olabanjo had the singular honour of giving the vote of thanks, drawing tears of joy from many eyes.

“Mummy, I must thank you for the honour done to me and other children here today. Mummy, you restored my hope and I also wish to thank our daddy, Otunba Segun Runsewe and all those who made it possible for me and others to be here. Thank you mummy, I love you!” She said.

No doubt, little precious’ case may remind us that Weeping over our individual and national issues may ” Endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning” Psalm 30 v5. This is one of best narratives of how Nigerian children love our culture, history and tradition.

What could have been a nightmare for little Precious turned around to become a dream come true.

Featured

Certificate Forgery: Group Seeks Tinubu’s Disqualification from 2027 Election

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2026

Eric

The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Kano seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election over allegations of certificate forgery.

‎According to court documents seen by Daily Trust, the plaintiff alleged that Tinubu presented forged academic certificates from Chicago State University and a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 elections.

‎‎The suit, marked FHC/K/CS/312/2026, lists Tinubu, INEC, and Chicago State University as defendants.

‎The plaintiff contended that Tinubu never attended Government College Lagos as claimed, noting that the school was established in 1974, four years after Tinubu allegedly graduated.

The CSO further argued that Tinubu does not possess a valid secondary school certificate, which is the minimum constitutional requirement to contest for the presidency.

‎It claimed that INEC had failed to act on its petition dated June 19, 2026, demanding clarification on Tinubu’s eligibility.

‎‎In its statement of claims, the group referenced a 2023 U.S. court ruling in In Re: Application of Atiku Abubakar (No. 23 CV 05099), which compelled Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.

‎The plaintiff insisted those records revealed false entries and inconsistencies, including a forged University of Cambridge General Certificate of Education.

‎The prayers asked by the plaintiff included declaration of forgery against Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate, issuance of an order directing INEC to disqualify him from the 2027 presidential election, directing CSU to strike Tinubu’s name from its records and perpetual injunction restraining INEC from uploading Tinubu’s name as a candidate.

‎The plaintiff also submitted affidavits of non-multiplicity of action, witness statements, and letters to the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, demanding disclaimers on the alleged fake NYSC certificate.

Featured

Lagos Island Red Cross Holds Annual Thanksgiving Service

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Lagos Island Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has held its 2026 Annual Thanksgiving, to express gratitude for another year of provision of succor and comfort to as many that are in need.

The thanksgiving service, which was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, on the last Sunday of June, was led by the Division Coordinator, Chief (Olori) Aderonke Elegushi.

Speaking to The Boss on the activities of the Island Division of the Red Cross over the years, Olori Elegushi noted that it has been a thing of joy to be at the forefront of releasing the milk of human kindness to as many that needs it, and when they need it.

Coordinator, Lagos Island Division Nigerian Red Cross Society, Chief (Olori) Aderonke Elegushi (m), Vice Coordinator Abimbola Adeshile (2nd left), Secretary Ajibola Adu (2md right) and Saheed Ayinde Yusuf (1st right)

“This is what I love to do, and this is what the Red Cross is all about; lending helping hand and spreading love across borders, especially here in Lagos Island.

“In everything, we won’t forget our Maker, the Almighty God, through whose power we are able to do the little and much we can do. That explains why we here today to give thanks as it’s a tradition every year,” Olori Elegushi said.

Olori Elegushi also noted that as an not for profit organization, the Society seeks support well-meaning Nigerians and Lagosians to come to their aid so that the gospel of continuous lending of helping hand to the needy will continue unabated.

“We also seek the support of well-meaning individuals, organizations, and the Church in our efforts to expand our humanitarian activities. With adequate funding and partnerships, we can organize first aid and health awareness programmes for public school students, train more volunteers, equip communities with emergency preparedness skills, and carry out outreach programmes that will positively impact lives across our society,” she concluded.

Olori Elegushi, who will soon join the octogenarian club, was accompanied at the thanksgiving event, by Vice Coordinator Abimbola Adeshile, Secretary Ajibola Adu, Saheed Ayinde Yusuf, and a host of other members, dressed in their sparkling white uniform.

The Red Cross Society is an international organizational saddled with the responsibility of providing healthcare services among other humanitarian services to the people of the world. The Society is domiciled in every part of the world.

Featured

Insecurity: Adeboye, Oyedepo Urge More US Military Action in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

Eric

The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, have thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for recent military action against terrorism in Nigeria, urging Washington to do more to halt the unrelenting attacks.

Both clerics spoke at the “Faith Heroes Award Gala” in Washington D.C. on June 26, 2026, organised by Save Nigeria Group USA, SNGUSA, with the US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition.

The event honoured Trump, Congressmen Chris Smith and Riley Moore, and other advocates of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Addressing a packed audience of activists, policymakers and faith leaders at the Hilton Garden Inn, Capitol Hill, Adeboye said the scale of violence has moved beyond what any religious leader can handle alone.

“Terrorism is now at my doorstep,” he said. “If you want to help us, help us more.”

The RCCG leader, who had faced criticism for not speaking out earlier, said he chose “spiritual warfare” instead of public escalation. He noted that Trump’s December strikes on terrorist camps did not surprise him because the U.S. President had warned of consequences.