Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, has reportedly died after a confrontation with police officers at a roadblock in the Upper Sokponba area of Benin City.

In response, civil society groups have issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the police to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the incident.

Eboigbodin, who was driving with his wife, was reportedly stopped on Monday by the police.

According to Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Eboigbodin’s wife stated that the officers demanded the vehicle’s papers, which were up to date.

They raised concerns about a discrepancy between the car’s glass engraving and its plate number.

Despite offering an explanation, the police allegedly seized his documents, ordered his arrest, and called for a tow truck to impound the vehicle.

The situation quickly escalated, and Eboigbodin reportedly collapsed at the scene.

His wife and bystanders rushed him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Witnesses claim the officers fled without offering any help.

The Edo State Police Command has denied the allegations of misconduct.

Police spokesperson SP Moses Yamu stated that the account provided by civil rights groups does not match the version of events given by Eboigbodin’s wife to the authorities.

Civil society organizations, including ANEEJ and the Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOSCO), have called for justice for Eboigbodin.

Rev. Ugolor remembered him as a dedicated leader, former NLC Chairman in Edo State, National Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and a pioneer in various civil society movements.

Comrade Omobude Agho, Coordinator-General of EDOSCO, expressed shock at the police’s actions, stressing that Eboigbodin was a respected and well-known figure in the state.

The groups have given the police 48 hours to identify the officers involved and provide a full explanation of the incident.

They have also emphasized the need for reform within the Nigerian Police Force and greater accountability for officers’ conduct.

Eboigbodin’s death has sparked widespread anger and demands for justice from labor unions, civil society organizations, and the public.

Former Economic Adviser to the President on economic matters, Professor Osita Ogbu, OON, has made a case for the establishment of the institution of Chartered Journalists as a means of distinguishing core professional Journalists from quacks.

Ogbu made this call while delivering a lecture on the Theme: “Journalism in a Developing Economy: The Dignity of Professional Practice”, at the ongoing NUJ Enugu State Council Press Week.

Ogbu who is a Professor of Economics and global economic consultant, called for exhibition of integrity, attitudinal change and professionalism by Journalists in the discharge of their duties.

He said, “Journalism is not an all comers affair and practitioners must imbibe reading culture, be knowledgeable, package and develop themselves, dress well and serve the public interest through shaping public discourse” .

“The role of Journalists is to interface and act as intermediary between the government and the governed as well as shape the society for the better,”

Professor Ogbu while describing Journalism as a noble profession advised Journalists to engage in constant search for knowledge to distinguish them from quacks.

He commended the organizers of the 2024 NUJ Enugu Press Week and Conference chaired by Comrade Emmanuel Ikechukwu- Jonathan for the choice of the topic and hoped for internalization of knowledge derived from the lecture.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of NUJ Enugu Council, Comrade Sam Udekwe, explained that the Press week was an annual event meant to bring members together to explore ways of improving on their profession and sharing conviviality as well as honouring those who distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavor.

The Secretary of the Press Week Committee, Comrade Ignatius Okpara, in his remarks, appreciated Prof Osita Ogbu for his brilliant lecture and members of the union for their presence.

The grand finale of the NUJ Press Week comes up on Friday 6th December at the press centre in Enugu.

The high point of the event was the investiture of NUJ Icon of Democracy Award on Hon. Chidi Obetta, Member Representing Nsukka /Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives National Assembly, Abuja, and NUJ Corporate Award on Afrinvest West Africa Limited.

While Obetta was honored in recognition of his numerous completed projects and many Empowerments in his Constituency, Afrinvest West Africa Limited was honored in recognition of their service to corporate space in Africa and humanity.

The Group Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Dr. Ike Chioke received the award on behalf of Afrivest while Hon. Okwy Ossai received the award for Hon. Obetta.

It was a day rich in glitz and glamour last week in Enugu as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State received the Beacon of Tourism Advancement Award at the Jands Visionary Awards during the just concluded Domestic Tourism Conference organised by Jands Travel Business School, Enugu.

The award was in recognition of his administration’s effort to create a conducive environment for Nigeria’s travel, tourism, and hospitality industry to thrive in the state.

Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke who received the award on behalf of Governor Mbah commended the organisers for deeming it fit to honour those individuals who have dedicated their efforts in the advancement of tourism and hospitality in the region.

Dame Madueke, who also received the Tourism Impact Award, noted, “Jands has long been a beacon of excellence in tourism and hospitality sector. Not only for its commitment to quality services but also for recognising those whose hard work and innovation drive this vital industry forward.”

Individuals and brands in the nation’s travel and tourism industry, as well as the Nollywood entertainment world, also lined up for recognitions at the award ceremony.

Speaking at the, Enugu, Mrs. Chioma Obi, urged members of the public to join industry experts, entrepreneurs, and key players in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector for national development.

Obi who spoke on the topic titled: “The Role of Tourism Education in Advancing Domestic Tourism: Unlocking Opportunities through Knowledge, Networking, and Personal Development”, dwelt on the importance of knowledge, capacity building, tourism education, connections, personal development, among others.

Mrs. Obi, who is also the founder of the Flowing Feathers Tourism Writing Competition, noted that the challenges facing tourism in Nigeria included accessibility issues, awareness gap, funding, and resources. The day of glitz and glamour at Jands Visionary Awards rounded up the Domestic Tourism Conference in Enugu.

The Nollywood legend, Michael Uchegbu who was crowned as the Best Actor in a Leading Role stole the show at the colourful event as he was almost “mobbed’ by his fans at the Hall of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) the venue of the investiture.

Ovation from the audience rented the air as the Nollywood Actor – Stan K. Anandi stepped up to the podium to receive the Movie Industry Impact Award. There were sounds of laugher everywhere in the hall as the event anchor – Okechukwu Okibe Esq – and the recipient exchanged pleasantries comically.

The awards presented by the Southeast Zonal Director of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr Ebiloma Shaibu, and the Director of Jands Travel Business School- Mrs. Chioma Obi were in two segments as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State who was described as a trailblazer in governance and his Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke had at the opening of the 2-day workshop recieved theirs, amidst jubilation.

Other awards were:

Entrepreneurial Travel Consultant of the Year Award (Bereeth Travels & Tours Ltd, Rivers State)

Most Innovative Travel Agency Award (Folabod Travels & Tours Ltd, Rivers state)

Rising Star Travelpreneurs Award (Nnodum Udoka Lydia – Younder Travels & Tours, Imo state

Travel & Leadership Titan Award (Tina Ogechi Ifeanyi-Ogbonna (UCAN Travels & Tours Ltd, Rivers State)

Outstanding Lead Actress Award (Oge Gabriel)

Clients Choice Award for Excellence. (Ofoke Eucharia Chinyere – Gold Peggy’s Travels, Ebonyi state)
…amongst others.

Earlier in his speech, Hospitalian Rasaq Dada, Chief Operating Officer, Whiteorange Hospitality called for competent management and recruitment of tour guides, urging employers of labour to take the advantage of services provided by Jands Travel Business School, Enugu.

“We are here to encourage innovation and help to influence the tourism sector’s future through our all-encompassing courses aimed at equipping trainees with the knowledge, skills and right attitude to grow and excel in the industry” he said.