By : Dr. Philip B. Olusola,Lead City University, Ibadan. The concluding write-up in a three-part series on the Oriire rescue operation and the imperative for a stronger national security architecture. The successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso was a moment of relief for families, a source of national pride, and a clear demonstration of the courage and professionalism of Nigeria’s security personnel. It showed that, despite the daunting security challenges confronting the nation, our security agencies possess the capacity to act decisively and…
Category: Featured
Beyond Applause: Why Nigeria Must Honour and Reward Its Security Heroes
— By: Dr. Philip B. OlusolaLead City University, Ibadan. In recent times, Nigerians have celebrated numerous successes recorded by the nation’s security forces against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, oil thieves, and other violent criminal groups. Every successful rescue operation, every criminal network dismantled, and every community reclaimed from the grip of violence is rightly welcomed as a victory for the nation. Yet, beyond the headlines and official commendations lies a question that deserves far greater attention: what becomes of the men and women whose courage makes these victories possible? The answer…
Beyond the Rescue: What the Oriire Operation Teaches Nigeria About Winning the Fight Against Kidnapping
By: Dr. Philip B. Olusola, Lead City University, Ibadan The successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, after fifty-six agonising days in captivity is a moment of profound relief for their families and, indeed, for Oyo State and the entire nation. For weeks, Nigerians followed their ordeal with anxiety, hoping the children would return home alive. That hope has now been fulfilled. For this, the country owes gratitude first to Almighty God, whose mercy was sought in countless prayers across the…
Stealing Our Future: Highway Vandalism and the Threat to Nigeria’s Infrastructure
By: Dr. Philip B. Olusola The ongoing reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway is one of the most strategic infrastructure projects in Southwestern Nigeria. Beyond improving transportation, the project promises to boost commerce, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and stimulate economic development across the region. Sadly, this landmark investment is increasingly threatened by a disturbing wave of vandalism, particularly along the Ilesa-Ife axis, where criminal elements, popularly known as “iron condemn” scavengers, have reportedly been cutting and stealing exposed reinforcing steel bars (starter bars) from sections of the road under…
Architect of Transit: The Untold Caliber of Dr. Akutah at the Shippers’ Council
In the high-stakes theater of global maritime logistics, leadership is measured not by promises, but by structural execution. As the Nigerian Shippers’ Council navigates a defining era of port reforms and economic repositioning, the spotlight falls squarely on its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT. Behind routine executive briefings lies the story of an administrative powerhouse—a strategic visionary silently re-engineering the nation’s transit corridors and trade frameworks. Through robust, unbiased Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and firm regulatory interventions, he has protected billions…
Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis: Why Security Efforts Must Be Matched By Moral Renewal And Spiritual Engagement
By: Dr. Philip B. Olusola Nigeria is currently confronting one of the most severe security challenges in its modern history. Kidnapping, once sporadic and isolated, has evolved into a structured criminal enterprise that now threatens national stability, economic development, and public confidence in state institutions. Across the country, the victims cut across all segments of society – children, students, farmers, traders, commuters, professionals, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security personnel, and ordinary citizens. The widespread nature of these abductions has created a climate of fear in both urban and rural communities.…
From FAAC Windfall to Retirees’ Welfare: Why Ondo State Must End the Suffering of RUGIPO Pensioners
By: Dr. Philip B. OlusolaLead City University, Ibadan In every responsible society, the treatment of retired workers is a direct reflection of the moral character of government. Beyond infrastructure and policy pronouncements, a government’s true legacy is often defined by how it treats those who once served faithfully but can no longer advocate for themselves. This reality continues to cast a painful shadow over the lives of retirees of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), who remain trapped in years of hardship, uncertainty, and neglect due to the non-payment of their…
Honouring Dr. Akutah, MON: An Unbeatable Prosecutor, Historic Maritime Icon, and Humane Servant
We offer a Toast to Excellence to a true leader, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D Today, we stand in unison to celebrate an extraordinary icon of our time, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D on this special occasion of your birthday, we honor not just the passage of another year, but a stellar lifetime defined by unwavering dedication, profound intellect, and selfless service to humanity. Sir, you are a rare leader whose impactful footprints span across the legal, maritime, academic, and grassroots sectors of our nation. A…
Kidnapping of Children in Nigeria: A National Emergency Demanding Urgent Action
By: Dr. Philip B. OlusolaLead City University, Ibadan The rising wave of child kidnapping across many parts of Nigeria has become one of the most disturbing security challenges confronting the nation today. What was once considered isolated criminal activity has gradually evolved into a frightening national menace threatening families, schools, communities, and ultimately the future of the country. The situation is terribly alarming, particularly as Nigeria steadily approaches the 2027 general elections amid increasing socioeconomic tensions and security concerns. Hardly does a week pass without reports of innocent children being…
Aiyedatiwa’s Strategic Move: Lawson Olorunwa’s Appointment Signals Continuity, Stability, And A Renewed Call For Shared Responsibility At Rugipo
By: Philip B. Olusola Lead City University, Ibadan In what appears to be another strategic step toward institutional continuity and administrative stability, the Ondo State Government has appointed Engr. Dr. Lawson Olorunwa as the Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), following the stepping aside of Dr. Simeon Olorunwa Adegun upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 65. The development reflects a commitment to sustaining governance structures within the institution while ensuring that the momentum of leadership is not disrupted. It also offers an opportunity for renewed focus on the…