BASE 101.1 FM – Base Sunrise: Today’s Highlights

By: Charity Owoh, Host & Writer Nigeria woke up to a morning of reflection and urgent conversation on Base Sunrise today as Charity Owoh guided listeners through pressing national issues on her segment “My Government & I.” The show, themed “Nigeria at a Breaking Point: Justice, Security & the Crisis of State Protection,” merged high-profile events with broader societal discussions, inviting listeners to think critically about justice, safety, and civic responsibility. International Stand Up to Bullying Day The broadcast opened on a positive yet powerful note with International Stand Up to Bullying Day. People across the globe were encouraged to wear pink to take a stand against bullying in schools, workplaces, and online. Chacha emphasized that kindness isn’t always quiet, it can mean speaking up for someone being mistreated, stepping in when you see injustice, or simply being present for someone who needs support. She connected this theme to the broader societal issues discussed later, highlighting how small acts of courage and empathy by ordinary citizens an ripple out to create meaningful change in communities. Kanu Sentencing & National Reactions The program then turned to one of the most talked-about legal stories in Nigeria: Nnamdi Kanu’s life imprisonment sentence. The courtroom drama, which lasted over seven hours, included Kanu’s interruptions, removal from the courtroom, and a ruling that left many in the South-East unsettled. Chacha highlighted the reactions: South-East leaders pushing for political solutions. Lawyers describing the verdict as a “travesty of justice.” Youth and regional groups warning that the ruling could destabilize the region. The discussion invited reflection on key questions: Does the sentence calm tensions or worsen them? Should political solutions override court judgments? And what does justice mean when a region feels targeted? Security Crises: Kebbi & Kwara From legal and political debates, the show shifted to Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. Chacha recapped two alarming events: Abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State President Bola Tinubu asked the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi until the girls are rescued. The discussion explored why schoolchildren remain targets despite past tragedies like Chibok and Dapchi. Church attack in Kwara State Armed bandits attacked worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, killing 5 and abducting 38, demanding N100 million per person. Families were receiving ransom calls, and communities remained in shock. Chacha and her guest news analyst Omatseye debated why these tragedies keep recurring, how to better secure schools, churches, and communities, and whether government responses should be preventive rather than reactive. Benue Massacre Survivor Testimony A deeply emotional segment focused on Msurshima Apeh, a survivor of the Yelwata massacre in Benue State. She recounted how she helplessly watched her five children being killed in an attack that left hundreds dead and thousands displaced. Chacha stressed the gravity of Apeh’s testimony before the U.S. Congress, connecting it to Nigeria being placed back on the Country of Particular Concern list. The discussion raised questions about the protection of vulnerable citizens and whether the nation is doing enough. Civil Defence Officer Killed in Ondo The broadcast also highlighted the tragic death of a civil defence officer in Ondo State, who was fatally stabbed while trying to restrain a mentally unstable man causing public disturbance. Chacha emphasized the unpredictability of violence in Nigeria from terrorism and banditry to mental health crises and attacks on security personnel. The segment sparked discussion on training, preparedness, and mental health awareness in communities. The Big Picture: Justice, Security & Action In the closing segment, Chacha tied all the stories together under one critical question: Is Nigeria able to protect its citizens? From court rulings to mass abductions, massacres, and attacks on security personnel, the discussion highlighted the strain on trust in government and the urgent need for tangible solutions. Chacha reminded listeners that while national crises are daunting, small, intentional acts, standing against bullying, protecting the vulnerable, and participating in civic action can help rebuild safety and trust. Quote of the Day: "Kindness isn’t quiet. Whether in schools, workplaces, or our communities, standing up for what’s right, big or small, is how we create a safer, stronger Nigeria." — Charity Owoh, Host