General News
Jesse Jackson: A Life of Faith, Politics and Global Justice
By Bisi Olawunmi
The passing of the Rev. Jesse Jackson marked the end of an era in African American political activism and global advocacy for social justice. Beyond being a Baptist minister and political campaigner, Jackson emerged as one of the most influential civil rights voices of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, championing hope, equality and international solidarity.
Jackson’s political journey symbolised the gradual rise of Black political consciousness in American public life. His 1988 presidential campaign remains one of the most remarkable moments in U.S. electoral history. Competing in the Democratic Party primary, he defied early dismissals by political analysts and mainstream media to record a stunning victory in the Michigan primary, where he secured about 55 percent of the vote in a crowded field that included front-runners such as former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and then-Senator Al Gore.
Jackson’s campaign was built around the inspiring message of “Keep Hope Alive,” a slogan that resonated deeply with marginalized communities. His Rainbow Coalition strategy sought to unite Americans across racial, religious and class divides, transforming campaign rallies into gatherings that combined political mobilisation with spiritual fervour. Observers often compared his oratory to a minister preaching from a political pulpit, blending faith with civic engagement.
The 1988 campaign eventually ended with Jackson emerging as the second-strongest candidate after Michael Dukakis, amassing millions of popular votes and more than 1,200 delegates. Although he did not win the nomination, the campaign permanently altered perceptions of African American political participation and expanded opportunities for minority leadership in U.S. politics.
Beyond American politics, Jackson played a significant role in global human rights advocacy, particularly in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. He was a visible figure in the mass protest movements in Washington, D.C., that pressured the U.S. government to adopt economic sanctions against the apartheid regime.
The anti-apartheid struggle later contributed to the passage of the U.S. Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, which was passed by Congress after overriding a veto by President Ronald Reagan. This legislative victory was widely regarded as a historic turning point in American foreign policy and international human rights advocacy.
Jackson’s relationship with Africa was equally significant. He visited several African countries and was appointed in 1997 by President Bill Clinton as Special Envoy for the Promotion of Democracy in Africa. His diplomacy reflected a belief that African development and African American progress were interconnected.
Scholars and commentators often describe Jackson as a symbolic bridge between African American political aspirations and broader African liberation struggles. His activism paralleled the global momentum for freedom movements across the continent and helped amplify international pressure against racial segregation systems.
The legacy of Jackson’s activism also intersected with the emergence of modern Black political leadership in the United States. The election of Barack Obama in 2008 was widely interpreted as part of the long political evolution that Jackson’s campaigns helped nurture, representing a new chapter in American history.
Despite political differences that later emerged between generations of African American leadership, Jackson remained committed to social justice advocacy. He continued promoting dialogue on economic empowerment, minority rights and global peace.
Jackson’s influence was not limited to politics. As a preacher, he used faith-based mobilisation to encourage hope among disadvantaged communities, often reminding audiences that social mobility was possible regardless of background.
The funeral service of the civil rights icon held at the House of Hope Chicago on March 6, 2026, attracted global attention, reflecting the far-reaching impact of his life’s work.
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000, Jackson was widely celebrated as a statesman of conscience who devoted his life to the pursuit of equality, hope and human dignity.
The life of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. stands as a reminder that political activism, faith leadership and global solidarity can converge in the pursuit of a more inclusive world.
Tinubu Mourns Football Legend Festus Onigbinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s football icon, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away at the age of 88.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the late coach’s family, the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, and football fans across the country.
Tinubu described Onigbinde as a respected football administrator and tactician who made remarkable contributions to the growth of the sport in Nigeria. He noted that the late coach played a pioneering role as the first indigenous coach of the Nigeria national football team in 1982 and was instrumental in promoting grassroots football development.
Under his leadership, Nigeria reached the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, a milestone that strengthened his reputation as one of the country’s most influential football figures.
The President praised Onigbinde for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for football, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of players, coaches, and sports administrators.
Tinubu also prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his family and loved ones.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke and delegation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Amupitan said the visit underscores the strong relationship between the electoral body and the Air Force, noting that logistics and security remain critical to the successful conduct of elections in Nigeria.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent support to INEC, particularly in providing airlift services and security assistance during elections across the country.
According to him, the collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring that electoral materials and personnel are delivered promptly to remote and hard-to-reach areas, thereby enhancing the credibility of the electoral process.
The INEC chairman disclosed that the Commission has already released the timetable for the 2027 general elections following the passage of the Electoral Act 2026.
He explained that presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on February 16, 2027.
Amupitan said preparations for the elections were already underway and assured that the Commission would share its detailed operational plans with the Air Force to ensure seamless coordination.
He also praised the Air Force for its support during recent electoral exercises, including the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, the Federal Capital Territory area council elections, and several by-elections conducted across the country.
The INEC chairman stressed that efficient logistics remain a key factor in delivering credible elections.
“As we prepare for the upcoming elections, we acknowledge the challenges ahead. However, with the continued support of the Nigerian Air Force, we are confident of creating a secure and orderly environment that will enable Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights,” he said.
Amupitan further revealed that INEC would conduct off-cycle governorship elections later this year, beginning with Ekiti State in June and followed by Osun State on August 15.
He described the polls as important preparatory exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for sustained collaboration with security agencies.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting INEC in delivering credible elections.
He said the Air Force considers its partnership with the electoral commission an important contribution to democratic governance and national stability.
Aneke assured that the Air Force would continue to provide airlift support for both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, particularly in areas that are difficult to access by road.
He added that the service was working to ensure that its aircraft fleet is fully operational ahead of the election period, with some aircraft currently undergoing maintenance to enhance airlift capacity.
“We remain ready to provide support whenever required. Once there is a suitable landing area, the Air Force can deploy materials and personnel to the location,” he said.
The Air Chief also emphasized the importance of modern technology in strengthening election security.
According to him, the Air Force has developed capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance using drones and other aerial platforms, which could be deployed to monitor areas of concern during elections.
He further proposed joint preparatory exercises and simulation drills between the Air Force and INEC to test operational plans ahead of the polls.
Abubakar noted that such rehearsals would help identify potential challenges and improve coordination among agencies involved in the electoral process.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between INEC, the Nigerian Air Force, and other security agencies would further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
The industrialization agenda of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has received a major boost with the commencement of construction of a 100-megawatt power plant and a 300-metric-tonnes-per-day Liquefied Natural Gas facility at the Taihu Industrial Park in Ologbo Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The strategic energy projects, being developed by Taihu Industry Park Ologbo Company Limited, a subsidiary of the China Clean Energy Technology Company, are expected to significantly enhance energy supply, stimulate industrial activities and strengthen the state’s growing reputation as a destination for investment and manufacturing.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held on Monday, March 9, 2026, Governor Okpebholo described the project as a significant step toward strengthening the state’s industrial base, improving energy security and accelerating economic transformation. He emphasized that his administration has deliberately pursued policies that create an enabling environment for investors, noting that the state is focused on attracting genuine investments capable of delivering long-term prosperity.
Okpebholo noted that rather than relying on symbolic agreements, his government is focused on projects that comply fully with the law and translate directly into tangible development outcomes. The governor also linked the initiative to the economic vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that reliable electricity remains the backbone of industrialization and a critical driver of economic expansion.
“With this power plant, we are creating an environment-friendly ecosystem for manufacturing, job creation and sustainable economic growth in Edo State,” he said.
Okpebholo urged the host community to continue demonstrating the hospitality for which the area is known, stressing that peaceful coexistence between investors and local communities remains essential for long-term development. He assured investors that the Edo State Government would continue to protect investments and provide the enabling conditions needed for businesses to thrive.
The Managing Director of Taihu Industry Park Ologbo Company Limited, Jiang Fan, said the projects represent a major milestone that will drive economic development and support Edo State’s expanding industrial ecosystem. According to him, the power plant and LNG facility are designed to energize industries within the park, extend energy access to surrounding communities and contribute to long-term economic growth.
“We break ground today and tomorrow we will power industries, energize communities and fuel growth. These projects will be completed within six months from today,” Jiang Fan said.
He also acknowledged the role played by the Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Eric Sino Osawaru, for facilitating engagement with the host community and ensuring smooth collaboration that enabled the project to commence. “We want to express our appreciation to the Honourable Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, Hon. Eric Sino Osawaru, who has been our torchbearer to the Ologbo community, holding our hands in managing all community issues,” he stated.
The company’s managing director also commended the people of Ologbo Community for their cooperation and support, noting that their partnership remains essential to the success of the project. He assured that the company will uphold responsible operational practices, environmental sustainability and strong community engagement throughout the life of the project.
Jiang Fan further expressed confidence that the collaboration between the Edo State Government, the local government authority and the host community would enable the Taihu Industrial Park to attract additional high-value investments and gradually evolve into a major industrial hub in the region. The industrial park is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Edo State’s industrialization agenda while serving as a model for regional economic development. The projects are scheduled for completion within six months, with a commissioning date tentatively fixed for September 9, 2026.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Eric Osawaru, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a major milestone for the local government, Edo State and Nigeria’s energy sector. He noted that the project represents the positive impact of collaboration between government, private investors and host communities, adding that it would create employment opportunities, promote skills development and stimulate infrastructure growth within the area.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, Deacon Osazuwa commended Governor Okpebholo for creating an investor-friendly climate that has encouraged major investments in the state. He said the decision to site the project in Ologbo would significantly boost economic activities and improve livelihoods in the community.
Edo State Commissioner for Power, Paul Usebor, described the project as a strategic step in the state’s drive to become a hub for reliable power generation and industrial development. According to him, the 100MW power plant will strengthen electricity supply within Edo State and surrounding areas, while the 300-metric-tonnes-per-day LNG facility will enhance cleaner energy production, improve gas utilization and boost energy security.
The first phase of the Taihu Benin Industrial Park project will occupy approximately 29 hectares in Ologbo and is being developed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, which is also serving as the major contractor. Upon completion, the facility is expected to provide reliable energy support for regional industrial development and significantly strengthen the power supply infrastructure within the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.