News
The Legendary Journey Of Lucky Dube: By Tambaya Julius

Lucky Dube, widely regarded as South Africa’s most successful reggae artist, left an indelible mark on the music industry. With a career spanning decades, he became an international icon by blending powerful messages with captivating rhythms. His extraordinary journey, cut short in 2007, remains an inspiration to music lovers worldwide.
Early Life And Musical Roots
Born Lucky Philip Dube on 3rd August 1964 in Ermelo, South Africa, he was raised by his grandmother alongside two siblings. Despite humble beginnings, Lucky exhibited a passion for music early in life.
He began performing mbaqanga, a traditional South African music genre that fuses Zulu music with jazz and contemporary styles.
In 1981, Dube recorded his first of six mbaqanga albums, quickly establishing himself as a talented artist in this genre. These early works reflected his cultural heritage, offering a vibrant mix of traditional sounds that resonated deeply with local audiences.
Lucky Transition To Reggae
By the mid-1980s, Lucky Dube took a bold step in his career by transitioning to reggae, a genre that would define his legacy.
His first reggae album, Rastas Never Dies (1984), carried a powerful message against South Africa’s apartheid system a policy that enforced racial segregation.
Although the South African government banned the album, its influence couldn’t be silenced. In 1988, his song “Together as One” broke barriers when a white radio station played it, despite the apartheid regime’s restrictions. The song became an international sensation, catapulting Dube into global stardom.
Global Recognition And Success
Lucky Dube’s global appeal soared in the 1990s. His 1993 album Victims sold over one million copies worldwide, solidifying his place among reggae’s greatest. By blending thought-provoking lyrics with irresistible melodies, Dube reached audiences far beyond Africa.
In 1996, he received a prestigious award at the World Music Awards for being the African artist with the highest album sales. He toured extensively during this time, performing alongside renowned artists such as Peter Gabriel, Sinéad O’Connor, Sting, Céline Dion, Maxi Priest, and even Michael Jackson.
His concerts were not just performances but a unifying experience, spreading messages of love, peace, and equality.
Legacy Of Albums And Impact
Lucky Dube’s discography is a testament to his versatility and commitment to addressing social issues. Over his career, he recorded more than 20 albums in Zulu, Afrikaans, and English, appealing to a diverse audience.
His final reggae album, Respect, released in 2006, highlighted themes of dignity, resilience, and hope—values that defined his life and work.
Tragic End Of A Musical Legend
On 18th October 2007, Lucky Dube’s life was tragically cut short when car thieves attempted to steal his vehicle in Rosettenville, Johannesburg.
The incident shocked the world, leaving millions of fans mourning the loss of a man whose music had transcended borders and barriers.
A Lasting Legacy
Lucky Dube’s influence endures, not just as a musician but as a cultural icon who fought against injustice through his art. His songs continue to inspire new generations, reminding us of the power of music to bring about social change.
From his early days performing mbaqanga to becoming a global reggae legend, Lucky Dube remains a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience.
News
ECOWAS Free Movement: Tinubu Initiates Dismantling of Checkpoints

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the formation of a Presidential Task Force aimed at eliminating numerous checkpoints that impede free movement.
Ambassador Musa Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, revealed this initiative during a visit to the Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Seme on Wednesday.
“We are commencing with the Seme-Badagry Corridor. A committee has been established under the auspices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and we will soon begin addressing this matter.
“We have taken note of all the concerns raised, and I assure you that the Nigerian government will tackle the other issues mentioned subsequently.”
Numerous complaints have surfaced regarding the excessive checkpoints along the Badagry-Seme corridor, which adversely affect the seamless movement of individuals and goods between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
Ambassador Nuhu emphasized, “This is the most trafficked border in West Africa regarding the flow of goods, people, and services. If free movement is to be effectively implemented in West Africa, it will be evident at this border.”
Motorists attending the meeting expressed their frustrations about the numerous checkpoints and the extortion practices by security personnel along the route.
In response, Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that any fees paid by motorists should be accompanied by official receipts.
He expressed concern that the proliferation of checkpoints and the extortion of citizens within member states undermine ECOWAS’s goal of fostering a more integrated region.
“While we must inspect passengers and road users, we should move beyond arbitrary charges that lack receipts. If payments are necessary, they should be properly documented.
“It is one thing to request that someone open their bags for inspection, but it is entirely different to demand payment that is not receipted.”
Security
3 Arrested In FCT Over Illegal Wildlife Trade

The suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the National Park Service, has arrested three persons over alleged illegal trade in endangered wildlife species in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor.
The suspects, identified as Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban, were arrested in different parts of the country’s capital.
According to her, the suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
She stated that Usman and Abdullahi were found with 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, while Jagaban was arrested for hawking three dead antelopes.
“The suspects were arrested in different parts of the city for the illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act,” the statement read in part.
“The trio is to remain in custody while investigation continues.”
NESREA Director-General, Innocent Barikor, reiterated that trafficking in endangered species remained a crime under Nigerian laws, and anyone caught culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.
Barikor emphasised on the need to protect endangered species, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He added that all living things play different roles in ensuring biodiversity sustainability.
Politics
Personal Ambitions Should Not Undermine Country, Jonathan Warns

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday warned against the creation of a one-party state, saying any nation that must practice it must do so carefully and with a well-planned process and projected outcome.
He stated this in Abuja while paying tribute to the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute.
Jonathan warned that any attempt to bring about a one-party state through political machinations to soothe only personal aspirations will be detrimental to the country.
The former president also called on the family of the late former federal commissioner to, among other things, set up a yearly memorial lecture in his honour to continue to push his ideas and what he stood for, which is a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, lamented that the labour of our heroes past was already in vain.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the endemic poverty in rural areas, the state of insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
He maintained that the labour of people like Pa Edwin Clark had not paid off, as the sacrifices people like Pa Clark made were in vain today.
The chairman on the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said that the task of ensuring that Nigeria remains united and indivisible must be ensured by all, as the nation could only make progress if national interest was put before any personal interest.