News
Obasa Congratulates Alake, Omatseye, Otitoju on National Honours
Obasa congratulates honoured media veterans, praising their sacrifices and role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy during national struggles
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Lagos, congratulated veteran Nigerian journalists and media practitioners recently honoured by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for their contributions to democracy, praising their sacrifices and enduring impact on national development.
Also read: June 12: Obasa Calls for Peace, Unity Within APC, Backs Renewed Hope Agenda
Obasa described the recognition as a “well-deserved tribute” to media professionals who played critical roles during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles, particularly around the June 12 era and the fight against military rule. He said their courage helped shape public accountability and defend democratic values at great personal risk.
The Lagos Assembly Speaker specifically commended honourees including Oladele Alake, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Richard Akinnola, Dr Tunji Bello, and Louis Odion, noting that their work across journalism, public affairs, and governance has remained influential in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He stated that the national honours reflected the importance of preserving institutional memory and recognising individuals whose professional sacrifices contributed to the freedoms enjoyed today. According to him, the awardees stood as symbols of resilience, integrity, and patriotic service.
Obasa further praised President Tinubu for acknowledging the contributions of journalists who, in his words, endured persecution, detention, exile, and repression while defending the public interest during critical phases of the nation’s history.
“This is a fitting recognition of the roles these renowned journalists played in the June 12 pro-democracy struggle and the fight against military rule,” Obasa said. “They were the voices of courage and conscience.”
He added that their contributions helped strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundations and expand civic engagement, stressing that the sacrifices of media practitioners should never be forgotten.
Obasa also urged current and upcoming journalists to maintain high ethical standards, emphasising the need for responsible reporting that supports national unity, good governance, and democratic stability.
Also read: Oyo Police Arrest Four Armed Robbery Suspects with Gun
He concluded by calling for a renewed commitment to press freedom balanced with professional responsibility, noting that a stronger democracy depends on a vibrant and accountable media space.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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