Story of the Ikeja Bomb Blast — January 27, 2002

On a day like this, 27 January 2002, a devastating explosion rocked the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos, changing Nigeria forever.

What started as a fire outbreak inside the military armory triggered a series of massive explosions, throwing the city into chaos and fear. Many residents thought Nigeria was under attack or that a coup was underway.

The blast was heard and felt up to 30 miles away. Tremors collapsed homes and shattered windows as far as 10 miles from the epicenter.

According to the Red Cross, at least 1,000 bodies were recovered, while many others were reported missing and never found.
Over 5,000 people were injured, and more than 12,000 residents were left homeless, with entire neighborhoods destroyed.

In panic, about 20,000 people fled Lagos on the night of the explosion. Survivors gradually returned over the following week to scenes of loss and devastation.

Military reports later stated that the disaster was caused by a bomb that detonated inside the armory, setting off other stored explosives.

In a moment that remains unforgettable, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the Ikeja Cantonment barefoot, addressing victims and assessing the damage firsthand.

The Ikeja Bomb Blast remains one of the deadliest peacetime disasters in Nigerian history.

Read. Remember. Retweet to educate someone.

#IkejaBombBlast
#January27
#NeverForget
#NigerianHistory
#Lagos
#NigeriaStories

If you want, I can also make it short

Story of the Ikeja Bomb Blast — January 27, 2002

On a day like this, 27 January 2002, a devastating explosion rocked the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos, changing Nigeria forever.

What started as a fire outbreak inside the military armory triggered a series of massive explosions, throwing the city into chaos and fear. Many residents thought Nigeria was under attack or that a coup was underway.

The blast was heard and felt up to 30 miles away. Tremors collapsed homes and shattered windows as far as 10 miles from the epicenter.

According to the Red Cross, at least 1,000 bodies were recovered, while many others were reported missing and never found.
Over 5,000 people were injured, and more than 12,000 residents were left homeless, with entire neighborhoods destroyed.

In panic, about 20,000 people fled Lagos on the night of the explosion. Survivors gradually returned over the following week to scenes of loss and devastation.

Military reports later stated that the disaster was caused by a bomb that detonated inside the armory, setting off other stored explosives.

In a moment that remains unforgettable, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the Ikeja Cantonment barefoot, addressing victims and assessing the damage firsthand.

The Ikeja Bomb Blast remains one of the deadliest peacetime disasters in Nigerian history. #IkejaBombBlast #January27 #NigerianHistory #NigeriaStories

Gbolahan Macjob’s Ireke Breaks Global Records as NIDCOM Boss Abike Dabiri-Erewa Hails Historic Achievement

The Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has applauded Nigerian international broadcaster and producer, Gbolahan Macjob, for the record-breaking success of his epic film Ireke: Rise of the Maroons.

In a statement by NIDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the achievement as a remarkable milestone for Nigeria, noting that the production has shattered international records for a Nigerian local language film.

The film, which narrates the untold story of African slave rebellion in the Caribbean, has won global praise for spotlighting African and Nigerian history on the world stage. Beyond diaspora audiences, Ireke has captivated Caribbean communities, British viewers, and international film enthusiasts.

Dabiri-Erewa lauded Macjob’s creativity and impact, emphasizing his Abeokuta roots and career growth — from a Mass Communication graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic to an Emmy-nominated BBC World Service journalist. She praised his continuous contributions to Nigeria’s global image and youth development through training initiatives and donations.

Highlighting the film’s historic feats, Ireke is the first Nigerian local language movie to premiere at Cannes, the Nollywood film with the longest UK screening, and the first to hold simultaneous premieres in London, Lagos, and Abeokuta. It also became the only Nollywood film to stage a press screening before its premiere.

With major screenings lined up in Canada, Ireke continues to cement its place as one of the most internationally celebrated Nigerian films ever.

“2.5 Million Votes for Tinubu!” — Edo Governor Okpebholo Makes Bold Pledge

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has set the political stage abuzz with a daring promise — 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next elections.

Speaking at a rally in Benin City, Okpebholo likened Tinubu’s leadership to that of the United States, declaring:
“If Nigeria had two presidents like Tinubu, we would be like America.”

The Governor hailed Tinubu’s infrastructural strides, economic reforms, and unity-driven policies, calling them the keys to Nigeria’s future stability and growth. He emphasized his loyalty to the President’s vision, describing himself as “your son” to Edo people and a devoted ally to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Analysts say the pledge is among the largest political endorsements in recent Nigerian history, positioning Edo as a critical battleground for upcoming elections. While supporters see it as a show of political strength, critics question its feasibility — but one thing is clear: Okpebholo has thrown his weight firmly behind Tinubu.


#Okpebholo #Tinubu #EdoState #RenewedHope #NigeriaPolitics #PoliticalPledge #Leadership

Nigerian History Would Not Have Been Completed If I Failed 2023 Election’ – Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu has stated that Nigeria’s history would not have been complete if he had lost the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu Announces Scholarship Scheme For Caribbean Students In Nigeria
Naija News reports that President Tinubu made this known on Sunday, while speaking in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, at the 8th Day Fidau prayers for the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s history would not have been as complete and rich if he had failed the election.

Paying tributes to Oba Adetona for his role in his political journey and success in the 2023 general elections, Tinubu said the late monarch assured him that he would win the election and secure a re-election.

He praised the late monarch for his wisdom, steadfastness, resoluteness, and encouragement of the June 12 course and democracy.

He said, “Our history would not have been completed, carefully and richly, if I failed the last election.

“I was successful because of your support and the blessing of late Awujale. I came to him, he blessed me.. He said ‘you will win that election and you will win one more time. Go ahead.’

“Today, he is no more. He is gone.”

Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, whom he described as “Okanlomo Eleyi of Ogun State” for his role before, during and after the monarch’s burial.

Dignitaries present at the prayers include the Governors of Kwara, Ondo, and Ekiti States, as well as the Deputy Governors of Oyo and Lagos States, and ministers, among others.