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Stop intimidating S-East, S-South, Ohanaeze, PANDEF tell Army

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5 years ago

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…Security situation in S’East worrisome —GOC 82 Div

…Open Grazing, source of insecurity in Nigeria —Ohanaeze youths

…No trouble-makers in South, stop the ridicule, PANDEF tells Army

…Attack on NDA: Nnamdi Kanu’s safety worrisome

WORRIED by the militarisation of the South East and south-south regions and the attendant intimidation by soldiers, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor and the National Publicity Secretary of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, have  called on the Nigerian Army to be humane and compassionate in their relationship with commuters and people of the South East of Nigeria.

However, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday, insisted that the security situation in the southeast Nigeria is worrisome; which he said has placed the burden of effective synergy on the security agencies in the zone to achieve adequate security of lives and properties of residents.

In a related development, Ohanaeze Youth Wing attributed the insecurity to the activities of  herders including open grazing which it described as the source of the current security challenges ravaging the country. The group said “migrants from other countries smuggle arms through grazing routes without being checked”

This is even as the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday, alleged that the attack on the heavily guarded Nigeria Defense Academy, NDA, Kaduna by the people it described as “rag-tag Fulani bandits” with ease and without resistance, was a deliberate ploy by the present government in Nigeria to hand Nigeria over to Jihadists, adding that the attack at the NDA Kaduna was an indication that they may be planning to attack the Headquarters  of the Department of State Services, DSS, where its leader Nnamdi Kanu is currently detained, intending to kill him and tell a fabricated story about his death.

Ohanaeze urges army to be humane

Obiozor who made the call Tuesday when the GOC of the 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Major General T.A Lagbaja paid him a courtesy visit at the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu, commended the GOC for the visit to exchange ideas.

The President General also appreciated the idea of having constant consultations with the GOC on the security situation in the southeast zone and emphasized the need to create an environment to reduce tension and feeling of insecurity in the zone.

A statement by Ohanaeze spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia said that Obiozor used the opportunity to relay to the GOC, various complaints by commuters plying the roads in South East, over what they encounter on the various Army checkpoints in the region and urged the GOC to look into the complaints.

In his remarks, Gen. Lagbaja promised to look into the complaints, including the issue of demanding that commuters come out of their vehicles and raise their hands while crossing the checkpoints.

They resolved to be having constant consultations to ensure a cordial relationship between soldiers and the people.

No trouble-makers in South, PANDEF tells Army

Speaking yesterday, Ken Robinson,  National Publicity Secretary of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, said several things have gone wrong in Nigeria but they continued to blame the south.

“It is part of the funny arrangements that we have continued to experienced in Nigeria.

“It is ridiculous and absurd that a group of men went to a military formation, Nigerian Defense Academy and killed and kidnapped officers, yet no forest, no community has been invaded.

“There has not been any mass killing in that area of Kaduna State where this incident happened, which is a complete embracement and a disgrace to the Nigeian intelligence and military.

“Again very paradoxically, and very ridiculously they  are warning trouble makers in the South-South and South- East. This country is a joke.

“Let them be serious for once and stop all these jokes. They should be serious and save the country this shame.l and disgrace. They are ridiculing Nigeria.

“It is nighttime they stopped all these jokes and face reality and go for the real trouble makers in this country.

“The trouble makers are not in Southern Nigeria  they are not the Yorubas, or Igbos or Niger Delta people who are clearly saying enough of this injustice, enough of the bias and discrimination.

“Nigerian belongs to all of us and we have contributed so much to what the country is today. The happiness in this country is the resource that comes from Niger Delta. Enough of the ridicule.:

Security situation in S’East worrisome —GOC 82 Div

Lagbaja made the remarks when the new  Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Police Command, Abubakar Lawal, paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Enugu, in continuation of his familiarisation tour of security agencies in the state.

In a statement made available to Vanguard by the spokesperson of the police command, Daniel Ndukwe, the new Commissioner of Police pledged for strengthening of the existing collaboration between the command and the army Division in the state.

The statement also disclosed that the Commissioner visited the Commander, 553 Base Services Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Enugu, Air Commodore Isaiah Taiwo, to seek his collaboration in the reinforcement of security in the state.

Part of the statement read: “In continuation of his familiarization tour of duty to the security agencies, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Abubakar Lawal, has  visited the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja and the Commander, 553 Base Services Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Enugu, Air Commodore Isaiah Taiwo.

“The Commissioner, who was received by the GOC alongside his Principal Staff Officers at the 82 Division Headquarters, sued for the strengthening of existing collaboration and cooperation between the Command and the Division, given consolidating successes recorded in maintaining public security and safety in the state.

“In his remarks, the GOC welcomed the CP and assured him of continued collaboration and support of the Division, noting that “the existing security challenges in the Southeast Zone are such that have placed on the Police, Military and other agencies, the burden of effective synergy and cooperation. He also commended the command for ensuring that the state remains one of the most peaceful in the Division’s areas of responsibility.

“Similarly, while thanking the Commander of 533 Base Services Group of the Nigerian Air Force for the warm reception accorded him and Team, the CP further called for the sustaining and strengthening of existing synergy between the Command and the group.

“The Commander, who welcomed the CP to his Office, assured him of the maximum extension of his hand of fellowship to further strengthen the existing working relationship, collaboration, and cooperation with the Command.”

Blame insecurity on open grazing —Ohanaeze youths

Briefing newsmen in Abakaliki, Damian Okafor, National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, who stated that Igbo youths were  standing by the unanimous decision of the 17 southern governors made known to the general public through a communique on May 11, 2021 added that “anybody that is subscribing to open grazing in Igbo land is the core enemy of  Igbo land and shall be treated as such.”

He said: “It is no longer news that many of us are living in pretence over a serious national issue that has kept Nigeria in a state of emergency. Nobody is free in this country again. And any country that is at war with its citizens is on a highway to destruction.

“Open grazing is an old practice of roaming ruminant animals in open fields, plains, and bushes in search of pasture or foliage. The system in the last few years has triggered conflicts between host communities and migrant herders, leading to several deaths in many states across the country.

“The southern governors have postulated that the incursion of armed herders, criminals, and bandits into the southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are unable to live their normal lives.

“They, therefore, resolved “that open grazing of  cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria; noting that development and population growth has put pressure on available land and increased the prospects of  conflict between  migrating herders and local populations in the south. Given this scenario, it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the south (including cattle movement to the south by foot).”

“If Nigeria has adopted a Presidential system of government from America, why can’t it adopt ranching from the same America to enable us to live in peace? Do you know that open grazing is the source of insecurity that is ravaging the country as migrants from other countries smuggle arms through grazing routes without being checked? Does  the federal government enjoy the massacre of  her citizens? Do you know  that open grazing has divided Nigeria more than the 1967 civil war?

“The Igbo youths stand by the unanimous decision of the 17 southern governors made known to the general public through a communique on May 11, 2021, resolving to ban open grazing of cattle in their states. We don’t want to lose more innocent lives in Igbo land. Enough of this carnage.

“Whoever (be it Senators, Rep Members, Assembly Speakers and others at large) that is subscribing to opening grazing in Igbo land should know that our 17 southern governors are not stupid to have defended their people through that resolve. That person should know that he/she is the core enemy of Igbo land and should be treated as such”.

Culled from the Vanguard News Nigeria

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Wazobia Family Funfair AT 10 – Decade of Family, Culture, and Community

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14 hours ago

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June 8, 2026

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On July 25, 2026, families from across Houston will gather at the West Oaks Mall on 1000 West Oaks, Houston, to celebrate a milestone that extends far beyond food, music, and entertainment. The 10th Anniversary of the Wazobia Family Funfair represents a decade-long journey of community building, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and family-centered engagement.

What began as a customer appreciation initiative has evolved into one of the most recognizable African community events in Texas. For ten years, the Funfair has provided a space where families reconnect with culture, children experience heritage, entrepreneurs build relationships, and communities strengthen the bonds that define them.

The story of the anniversary begins with the story of Wazobia itself. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Tunde Fashina, Wazobia was created with a vision that stretched beyond commerce. According to Fashina, the goal was never simply to sell products.

FASHINA, OHAZURIKE: For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.

“The emphasis was not more on getting the products,” he explained. “The emphasis was on creating a feeling of belonging to the customer, so that they feel at home any time they come to our place.”

That philosophy became the foundation of the business. Fashina spent nearly two years developing the business plan. The challenge was enormous. He had limited financial resources and relied heavily on relationships, determination, and faith.

“The business plan had to involve getting this business up with absolutely no money, because I didn’t have any,” he recalled.

The early years tested every aspect of his resolve. He performed multiple roles simultaneously.

“I was a cleaner. I was a restocker. I was a cashier. I did all the work,” he said. “I slept in the shop throughout for almost 18 months because I was working around the clock.”

Despite the challenges, growth came quickly.

“God showed up in ways that I could not describe,” Fashina said. “People started coming in little by little, and the growth rate exceeded everything in the business plan.”

Yet even as the company expanded, community remained central to the mission. “We created a sub-plan,” he explained. “How do we give back to those who built us? How do we let our customers know that we appreciate them?”

The answer became what is now known as the Wazobia Family Funfair.

 

 

Over the years, the event evolved from a modest appreciation day into a major annual celebration featuring cultural performances, African music, dance, games, food vendors, business showcases, and family activities.

For Paula Ohazurike, Project Manager at Wazobia, the event represents much more than an annual gathering. Her experience since she joined Wazobia reflects a recurring theme in conversations with employees and customers: Wazobia is viewed not merely as a business but as a community institution.

That philosophy is visible in the Family Funfair. The event creates a rare space where generations come together. Children born in America are introduced to African traditions through music, dance, language, fashion, and food. Parents and grandparents reconnect with memories of home while sharing those experiences with younger family members.

In a city as diverse as Houston, such gatherings carry significant cultural value. Houston is home to one of the largest African immigrant populations in the United States. Yet many families often struggle to maintain cultural connections while navigating modern American life. Events like the Wazobia Family Funfair help bridge that gap.

The significance of the Funfair extends beyond cultural preservation. It serves as a platform for economic empowerment. Small businesses, vendors, artists, and service providers use the event to connect with potential customers. Community organizations engage residents. Entrepreneurs build networks. Relationships formed during the event often extend throughout the year.

According to Ohazurike, the event has become one of the most effective community-engagement platforms within Houston’s African diaspora. The atmosphere itself reflects the spirit of family. Children enjoy games, bounce houses, and face painting. Families participate in contests and group activities. Music fills the air. Food vendors showcase culinary traditions from across Africa.

The result is an experience that feels both festive and deeply personal. Fashina believes that sense of belonging remains the event’s greatest achievement. “There is no reason for us not to provide an environment that people can be proud of,” he said. “A place where they can bring their friends and enjoy themselves.”

 

 

That vision continues to guide the organization. Today, Wazobia has expanded significantly, operating multiple locations and employing approximately 250 people. “It is something we are immensely proud of,” Fashina noted. “But this is only the beginning.” Growth, however, is measured by more than financial success.

For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.

The Family Funfair embodies that philosophy by bringing people together in ways that strengthen relationships and encourage collective progress. Perhaps that is why the event has endured for ten years. Many community events emerge with enthusiasm but struggle to survive. Sustaining a large-scale annual celebration requires trust, consistency, and a genuine commitment to service. The Wazobia Family Funfair has achieved that longevity because it has remained focused on people.

Over the past decade, families have returned year after year. Children who attended the first Funfair now return as young adults. New immigrants have found friendships and support systems. Businesses have launched partnerships. Countless memories have been created.

 

 

The anniversary therefore represents more than a milestone date on a calendar; it represents ten years of shared experiences; ten years of preserving culture; ten years of supporting businesses; ten years of strengthening families; and ten years of building community.

As Houston prepares for the 2026 celebration, organizers are looking toward the future while honoring the past. For Ohazurike, the mission remains simple. “We want people to feel welcome,” she said. “We want families to come together and create memories.”
For Fashina, the broader vision remains rooted in possibility. “We can do it,” he said. “We just have to have a goal in mind and take it one step at a time.”

Those words capture the spirit of the Wazobia Family Funfair. At its heart, the event is not simply a festival. It is a living expression of community resilience, cultural pride, and family unity. It demonstrates how a business can become a community anchor. It illustrates how relationships can create opportunities. It reminds us that culture thrives when it is shared. Ten years after its inception, the Wazobia Family Funfair continues to embody the meaning of its name—an invitation for everyone to come together.

In a world increasingly defined by division and isolation, that invitation may be more important than ever. And as families gather once again this July, they will celebrate more than an anniversary. They will celebrate a decade of belonging.

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Burbank Marriage Unravels After Woman Allegedly Used Tracking Devices to Monitor Husband

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5 months ago

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December 27, 2025

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Burbank, Calif. — What began as a seemingly happy two-year marriage ended in confrontation and police involvement after a Burbank woman allegedly used multiple electronic tracking devices to monitor her husband’s movements, authorities and sources familiar with the situation said.

According to information obtained by this outlet, the marriage between Amos and Yolanda deteriorated after Yolanda allegedly placed Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and a GPS tracking device on Amos’ vehicle and personal belongings without his knowledge. The devices reportedly allowed her to monitor his location in real time and reconstruct his daily movements across the city.

Friends of the couple said the marriage appeared stable during its early years, with the pair often seen together at community events and social gatherings. However, tensions reportedly escalated when Yolanda began confronting Amos about his whereabouts, referencing locations and timelines he had not shared with her.

The situation reached a breaking point when Yolanda allegedly tracked Amos to an apartment complex in Burbank, where she believed he had gone without informing her. Sources say she arrived at the location shortly after he did, leading to a heated confrontation in the parking area of the building. Neighbors, alarmed by raised voices, contacted local authorities.

Burbank police responded to the scene and separated the parties. While no arrests were immediately announced, the incident marked the effective end of the couple’s marriage, according to individuals close to Amos.

Legal experts note that the unauthorized use of tracking devices may raise serious privacy and stalking concerns under California law, depending on intent and consent. Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed whether an investigation remains ongoing.

The case underscores growing concerns about the misuse of consumer tracking technology, originally designed to help locate lost items, but increasingly implicated in domestic disputes and surveillance-related allegations.

As of publication, neither Amos nor Yolanda had publicly commented on the incident.

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Kaduna Governor Commissions Nigeria’s First 100-Building Prefabricated Housing Estate

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7 months ago

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November 14, 2025

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Kaduna, Nigeria – November 6, 2025 — In a major milestone for Nigeria’s housing sector, the Governor of Kaduna State has commissioned a 100-unit mass housing estate developed by Family Homes and executed by Karmod Nigeria, marking the first-ever large-scale prefabricated housing project in the country.

Completed in under six months, the innovative project demonstrates the power of modern prefabricated construction to deliver high-quality, affordable homes at record speed — a sharp contrast to traditional building methods that often take years.

Each of the 100 units in the estate is designed for a lifespan exceeding 50 years with routine maintenance. The development features tarred access roads, efficient drainage systems, clean water supply, and steady electricity, ensuring a modern and comfortable living environment for residents.

According to Family Homes, the project represents a new era in Nigeria’s mass housing delivery, proving that cutting-edge technology can accelerate the provision of sustainable and cost-effective homes for Nigerians.

“With prefabricated technology, we can drastically reduce construction time while maintaining top-quality standards,” said a spokesperson for Family Homes. “This project is a clear demonstration of what’s possible when innovation meets commitment to solving Nigeria’s housing deficit.”

Reinforcing this commitment, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State emphasized the alignment between the initiative and the state’s broader vision for affordable housing.

“The Family Homes Funds Social Housing Project aligns with our administration’s commitment to the provision of affordable houses for Kaduna State citizens. Access to safe, affordable and secure housing is the foundation of human dignity. We have been partnering with local and international investors to frontally address our housing deficit,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ademola Adebise, Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, noted that the project embodies inclusivity and social progress.

“The Social Housing Project also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing becomes a foundation for economic participation and improved quality of life.”

Karmod Nigeria, the technical partner behind the project, utilized its extensive expertise in prefabricated technology to localize the process, employing local artisans and materials to enhance community participation and job creation.

Industry experts have described the Kaduna project as a blueprint for future housing initiatives nationwide, capable of addressing the country’s housing shortfall more efficiently and sustainably.

With this pioneering development, Kaduna State takes a leading role in introducing modern housing technologies that promise to reshape Nigeria’s urban landscape.

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