Renowned author, cultural advocate, humanitarian, and public intellectual, Chief Abiodun Oladimeji Lasile, has been honoured with the distinguished title of International Drug-Free/WADA Ambassador at a ceremony held on Thursday at Commerce House, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Chief Lasile, who holds the revered traditional title of Orunto Baalufe of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, is widely respected for his contributions to literature, youth development, cultural preservation, and humanitarian advocacy across Nigeria and beyond.

He is the Founder and Coordinator of The SixthSense Initiative and Sixth Sense Series Publications, organisations committed to literacy promotion, intellectual development, social advocacy, and nation-building through education and cultural consciousness.

He also serves as the Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors and is a Founding Member of the Abeokuta Polo Club.

The conferment of the International Drug-Free/WADA Ambassador recognition is a testament to Chief Lasile’s unwavering commitment to moral advocacy, youth enlightenment, healthy living, and the promotion of a drug-free society.

The honour further reflects his longstanding dedication to community development, ethical leadership, and constructive engagement with young people through literature, mentorship, and public discourse.

Speaking on the recognition, Chief Lasile expressed profound appreciation to the organisers and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for a society where discipline, education, moral consciousness, and purposeful living remain central values.

“This honour is not merely a title, but a responsibility to continue speaking against substance abuse, social decadence, and moral decline while promoting enlightenment, culture, and positive living among the younger generation,” he stated.

The event attracted dignitaries, literary figures, community leaders, youth advocates, and stakeholders from different sectors who gathered to celebrate a man whose voice and service continue to inspire social transformation and cultural pride.

Counsel to Dr. Samuel Obinna Ojogbo, a lecturer at University of Lagos accused of raping a 20-year-old student, Finyinfoluwa Owonifari, Bidemi Ademola-Bello (SAN), has accused the alleged victim of falsely implicating his client.

Ademola-Bello made the allegation during the cross-examination of the complainant at the Lagos State High Court on Monday.

During the proceedings, the defence counsel argued that inconsistencies in the witness’s testimony suggested that the allegations were fabricated to tarnish his client’s reputation.

The counsel also questioned why the complainant allegedly destroyed a key piece of evidence in the case, adding that some of her responses contradicted her earlier statements.

When asked to identify a photograph of the alleged crime scene, the witness said she could not recognise it, although she claimed the office had no window.

The senior advocate further questioned her about statements she made at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, which she confirmed making on September 2, 2025. She also acknowledged making two separate statements at the Bariga Police Station on August 28, 2025.

The statements were tendered before the court and admitted as exhibits without objection from the prosecution.

The defence also questioned the complainant about the clothes she wore on the day of the alleged incident, asking whether she had earlier told the police she wore black trousers and a short-sleeved multicoloured shirt on August 28.

She explained that when she visited the medical centre on August 22, 2025, the doctor only conducted a swab test and prescribed medication without carrying out further examinations.

The witness stated that she reported the incident to Dr. Abu, who subsequently contacted her uncle, adding that she reached out to him because he was a lecturer in her department.

When asked whether she had any personal relationship with Dr. Abu, she replied in the negative.

Meanwhile, she had previous phone conversations with Dr Abu earlier on that day as revealed by the call log she provided to the police despite testifying that she had only called Dr Abu for the first time when she reported the incident.

When asked how she got Dr Abu’s phone number, she said that the number was provided in class to everyone

Justice Ogala subsequently adjourned the matter until May 25 for further proceedings.

The Ogun state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has faulted the Arewa Youth Assembly for demanding the impeachment of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah over issues within the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), describing the move as misplaced and counterproductive.

The National Vice President of the Council, Comrade Kehinde Olorunjubelo, while briefing newsmen, Monday, stated that youth groups should not be drawn into internal party matters that have no bearing on the welfare of young Nigerians.

“Youths should not dabble into Progressive Governors’ Forum politics, and should not bastardize the youth constituency with this kind of politics influenced by the disgruntled elements”, he said

Olorunjubelo argued that the PGF is an internal APC structure with its own mechanisms for resolving disputes, and that using the name of northern youths to advance partisan interests undermines the credibility of youth advocacy nationwide.

He further stressed that young people should focus their energy on matters that directly affect their future.

“Youth should be involved in serious national issues rather than criticizing something that is not worth it”, he added

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Organization, Comrade Emmanuel Ojo in his remarks noted that governor Abiodun has been at the forefront of mobilizing support to ensure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 general elections.

“The youth across Ogun State are fully mobilized and ready to demonstrate their solidarity with the President, with the Governor’s backing. Governor Abiodun has also set a clear target for the state’s votes, underscoring his determination to deliver a strong result for President Tinubu.

“There is no doubt that Governor Abiodun has been working consistently and effectively to advance the President’s agenda. His efforts deserve recognition, not dismissal.

“He remains 100 percent committed to supporting President Tinubu and ensuring Ogun State plays a decisive role in the next election cycle”, he said