News
Renowned Nigerian writer “Mabel Segun” passes away at 95
LAGOS, NIGERIA – Sadly, Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun, the revered Nigerian author, broadcaster, and sports advocate, has died.
Just days after celebrating her 95th birthday, she passed away early Thursday, March 6, 2025, leaving a legacy of literary brilliance.
Through her groundbreaking work, Segun inspired generations, blending storytelling with cultural preservation, while championing women’s empowerment and youth education nationwide.
Her vibrant spirit endures in Nigeria’s artistic and social tapestry.
The Segun family confirmed her passing in an official statement: “It is with gratitude to God for a life well spent in the pursuit of excellence in Literature, Broadcasting, and Sports that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun (née Aig-Imoukhuede) in the early hours of the 6th of March 2025. She was 95 years old.”
Mabel Segun was a towering figure in Nigerian literature, known for her contributions to children’s literature and her pioneering work in broadcasting.
Over the decades, she inspired generations with her literary works and dedication to promoting education and culture.
Her life’s work has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s literary and cultural heritage.
She leaves behind her daughter, Omowunmi Segun, and grandchildren: Rolari, Damilola, Ayomide Segun, and Fikemi Femi-Segun.
Additionally, her enduring legacy continues through several cherished great-grandchildren, who carry forward her memory with pride.
The family has announced that funeral arrangements will be made public in due course.
Mabel Segun’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian literature and culture. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire writers and creatives for generations to come.
News
Obidient Movement’s mobilisation director resigns
Morris Monye, the Director of Mobilisation for the Obidient Movement, has announced his resignation, citing frustration with poor coordination and the financial strain of personally funding the movement’s activities.
In a statement shared on his official X handle on Thursday, Monye expressed disappointment over the movement’s lack of structure and teamwork, which he said contributed to its poor performance in the recently concluded Anambra State governorship election.
“Almost a year down the line, most of our short, medium, and long-term plans have not been met. I won’t be part of optics and no work,” Monye stated. “The poor showing at the Anambra election has also made my position untenable.”
He revealed that he had personally financed nationwide mobilisation efforts, including travel, voter awareness campaigns, and local structure support, without any financial backing from the movement’s leadership or its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Monye criticized the lack of communication, stating: “No money was given to the Directorate of Mobilisation. There’s no bank account even for the directorate. In fact, Mr. Peter Obi has never asked what we are doing in mobilisation — no communication, nothing.”
Monye also highlighted the personal toll of his role, including harassment and intimidation from government supporters, which he said endangered his safety and well-being.
“It’s a role that paints a target on your back. I’ve had to remain silent so as not to discourage anyone or appear to be complaining, but it has taken a toll on me and my family,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Monye listed his contributions to the movement, including creating an online registration system for supporters, reviving dormant support groups, establishing regional and local offices, and launching the Obidient NextGen university campus network.
He also raised funds for the Anambra election candidate and initiated a project to equip polling unit agents with affordable body cameras for election accountability, urging his successor to complete the initiative.
Monye described his time in the movement as a “privilege” but emphasized that “you can’t run a campaign simply from general goodwill. This is not 2023. The element of surprise is gone.”
He called for fresh leadership to take the movement forward.
The Obidient Movement, a grassroots political force centered around Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, gained significant traction during the 2023 elections, particularly among young Nigerians.
However, the leadership of the movement, including its National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has yet to respond to Monye’s resignation or the issues he raised.
Legal Affairs
PHOTO: Kanu in Supreme Court, submits appeal against Nov 20 ruling
The embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, appeared at the Supreme Court earlier today, to personally deliver a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting the discontinuation of his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu cited the use of a repealed law as the basis for his appeal.
Accompanied by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), this move marks a last-minute effort to stop the judgment slated for November 20.
This follows Kanu’s recent application filed at the Court of Appeal, where he requested a stay of proceedings in his trial before Justice James Omotosho.
In the motion, he urged the appellate court to suspend the judgment pending the resolution of his appeal, arguing that his trial is being conducted under a law that no longer exists.
News
Gunmen kill 4, abduct pastor, 11 others in Kaduna
In a devastating turn of events, suspected Fulani armed men carried out coordinated attacks on three communities—Jantsauni, Mai Doki, and Maiyamma—situated in the Yarkasuwa area of Kurama Chiefdom, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The assault, which took place late Tuesday night around 10pm, left four young men, aged between 27 and 30, dead and several others injured.
The attackers also abducted 12 residents, including Rev. Istifanus Dunga of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).
According to Mr. Pius Agaji Kyauta, the National Publicity Secretary of the Federated Kurama Association, the assailants stormed the communities in large numbers, firing indiscriminately and targeting homes.
A local source recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that the attackers surrounded houses, leaving residents with no option to flee.
“If you run, they shoot you; if you stay inside, they break in and take you,” he said, adding that his father and younger sister were among those kidnapped.
The communities are now in deep mourning, with no ransom demands yet made by the kidnappers.
Kyauta described the situation as a tragedy that has left the Kurama nation devastated, calling for urgent security intervention to prevent further attacks.
He emphasized the dire need for both governmental action and spiritual support to address the growing insecurity in the area.
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