₦airaland Forum

Veteran broadcaster and General Manager of Cardinal Broadcasting Limited (CBL), Adesege Adeniji, popularly known as WestyBaba, has earned a nomination for Best Radio Presenter of the Year at the 2026 Movie and Music Video Africa Awards (MMVAA).

WestyBaba, who currently serves as the General Manager of Cardinal Broadcasting Limited, operators of City 105.1 FM and the newly launched 93.5 AREA FM in Lagos, was recognised in the prestigious category for his contributions to radio broadcasting and entertainment.

With an impressive career spanning several years, WestyBaba has established himself as one of the most recognisable voices on Lagos radio, earning a reputation for his distinctive presentation style, infectious humour, versatility and ability to connect with audiences across different demographics.

The broadcaster, entertainer and content creator currently hosts The Early Momo Show on 93.5 AREA FM alongside fellow presenters Tombo Belle and Varoni.

Airing every weekday from 6 AM to 10 AM, the programme has quickly become one of the station's flagship offerings, combining entertainment, trending conversations, music, humour and engaging discussions about everyday life in Lagos.

According to Lagos News Hub, WestyBaba's ability to blend humour with meaningful conversations, while encouraging active audience participation, continues to define his broadcasting style. Beyond his on-air responsibilities, WestyBaba plays a significant leadership role at Cardinal Broadcasting Limited, overseeing radio operations across City FM and AREA FM.

His leadership has also been instrumental in the development and positioning of AREA FM, which officially launched on September 30, 2026, with a mission to deliver programming rooted in the language, lifestyle and experiences of Lagos.

The nomination comes at an exciting period for the broadcaster, barely one month after the launch of AREA FM, where he has continued to demonstrate his experience both as a station executive and an on-air personality.

Over the years, WestyBaba has built an impressive broadcasting career, with professional experience across radio stations including Radio Continental, Max FM, UFM and City FM.

His journey has also extended beyond broadcasting into entertainment, acting and content creation, further establishing his versatility within Nigeria's media and entertainment industry.

WestyBaba can currently be heard every weekday from 6 AM to 10 AM on The Early Momo Show, exclusively on 93.5 AREA FM.

Barely one month after its official launch on September 30, 2026, 93.5 AREA FM is already making its presence felt across Lagos, bringing a refreshing blend of entertainment, humour, music and everyday conversations to the airwaves.

Launched by Cardinal Broadcasting Limited, the broadcasting company behind City 105.1 FM, AREA FM entered the Lagos radio space with a clear mission: to create a station that speaks the language of the people, understands their experiences and captures the unique energy, attitude and culture of Lagos.

Nearly one month into its journey, that vision is becoming clearer. At the heart of the station's growing appeal is its exciting lineup of presenters, led by veteran broadcaster and entertainer WestyBaba, whose chemistry with Tombo Belle and Varoni on The Early Momo Show has quickly become one of the station's defining attractions.

Airing every weekday from 6 AM to 10 AM, The Early Momo Show delivers a lively mix of humour, trending conversations, music, listener interactions and spontaneous moments that reflect the realities of everyday life in Lagos.

One of the programme's standout segments, AREA Parliament, has become a platform for discussing issues that directly affect ordinary Lagosians.

Beyond the morning programme, AREA Workchop, hosted by the energetic duo of Mario and Reero, brings another dimension of humour, creativity and entertainment to the station's programming.

With their natural chemistry, witty exchanges and understanding of Lagos street culture, the duo delivers entertaining conversations and relatable experiences that keep the station's personality vibrant throughout the day.

But it is not just the presenters and conversations making AREA FM stand out. The station's music selection has also emerged as a defining part of its identity. AREA FM is developing a distinctive sound that combines familiar favourites, timeless Nigerian hits, contemporary Afrobeats and indigenous music that resonates with the diverse tastes and experiences of Lagos listeners.

According to Lagos News Hub, another encouraging development has been the level of audience participation. With new callers joining conversations daily, AREA FM is gradually building a community of listeners who are not merely tuning in for entertainment but are eager to contribute their opinions, share personal experiences and become part of the conversation.

That growing connection is also extending to digital platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), where the station is positioning its content around topical discussions, trending issues and conversations that resonate with Lagos residents.

For a station still in its first month, the early signs are phenomenal. The increasing participation of listeners, the distinctive personalities of its presenters and the growing conversations around its programming suggest that AREA FM is beginning to find its place in the competitive Lagos broadcasting landscape.

To think they've only just begun!

Experienced media consultant, public relations strategist and digital communications professional, Adedayo Showemimo, has joined Cardinal Broadcasting Limited (CBL), operators of City 105.1 FM and the newly launched 93.5 AREA FM in Lagos, as Head of Digital and Events.

The appointment sees Showemimo take on a strategic leadership role within the broadcasting group, where he will oversee digital communications, content development, social media strategy, brand visibility, event management and audience engagement initiatives across the company's platforms.

With over a decade of experience spanning journalism, public relations, entertainment, digital media and corporate communications, Showemimo brings a wealth of industry knowledge and an extensive network of relationships across Nigeria's media, entertainment and creative sectors.

Before joining Cardinal Broadcasting Limited, he built an impressive career working with several leading media organisations, including THISDAY Newspapers, City People Magazine, TheNETng, Linda Ikeji Media and Opera News Nigeria, where he served as a Team Lead in Content Management.

His professional journey has also seen him transition from traditional journalism into strategic communications, digital brand management, entertainment publicity and event production, establishing himself as a versatile media professional with experience across multiple sectors.

As a media consultant, Showemimo has worked with several prominent personalities, entertainers and organisations, managing publicity campaigns, media relations, brand positioning and strategic communications.

According to Lagos News Hub, his portfolio includes working as a media consultant to Nigerian singer Korede Bello and serving as Project Manager at Eric Many Entertainment, where he contributed to artist management, publicity and entertainment projects.

He has also been involved in major cultural, corporate and entertainment initiatives, including the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), where he served as Media Team Manager for its Lagos activities, as well as the Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST), where he has contributed to media strategy and publicity.

In his new role at Cardinal Broadcasting Limited, Showemimo will be responsible for strengthening the digital identities of City FM and AREA FM, developing innovative content strategies, expanding audience engagement across social media platforms and creating opportunities for strategic partnerships, events and brand activations.

The appointment comes at a significant period for Cardinal Broadcasting Limited, following the official launch of 93.5 AREA FM on September 30, 2026.

The new station, which operates alongside the established City 105.1 FM, was created to reflect the language, lifestyle, culture and everyday experiences of Lagos residents, with a strong emphasis on relatable programming, entertainment and audience participation.

*Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe's ODM Repeats London Humanitarian Feat, Feeds Thousands, Offers Free Medical Care in Lagos*

Our Daily Manna (ODM) led by renowned cleric and publisher Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe, has once again demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian service, feeding thousands of people in Lagos and providing free medical outreach during its October Anointing Service held on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

The event, which marked the return of ODM's monthly anointing service to full-scale operations in Lagos, attracted a large gathering of worshippers, beneficiaries and members of the public who participated in a day of spiritual upliftment, charitable giving and community support.

Beyond the prayers, worship and anointing sessions, one of the major highlights of the gathering was the ODM Food Bank initiative, through which thousands of people received free meals, reinforcing the ministry's longstanding commitment to addressing hunger and supporting vulnerable members of society.

The initiative mirrors a similar humanitarian outreach previously undertaken by ODM in London, where the ministry extended its charitable activities beyond Nigeria, demonstrating that its mission of spreading love, compassion and practical support transcends geographical boundaries.

Under the leadership of Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe, ODM has continued to position itself as more than a religious ministry, combining spiritual nourishment with practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of people, particularly those facing economic hardship.

At a time when many Nigerian households are grappling with the rising cost of living, the October Anointing Service provided much-needed relief to beneficiaries, highlighting the importance of faith-based organisations in complementing efforts to address social and economic challenges.

Another significant feature of the event was the medical outreach, which offered healthcare support to people in need. The initiative formed part of ODM's broader humanitarian programme, recognising that access to basic healthcare remains a pressing concern for many Nigerians.

The combination of the food bank and medical outreach added a strong humanitarian dimension to the October gathering, transforming the monthly religious event into an avenue for community impact and social intervention.

The October Anointing Service was also marked by powerful group prayer sessions, inspiring testimonies of divine healing and prophetic declarations that resonated deeply with worshippers. Several individuals who received personal prophetic messages reportedly confirmed their accuracy on the spot, creating moments of excitement, thanksgiving and renewed faith among the congregation.

The successful return of the monthly anointing service at full scale in Lagos also signals a renewed phase of activities for ODM, with the ministry bringing together its spiritual programmes and charitable initiatives under one platform.

With the October edition recording significant participation and thousands benefiting from its food distribution programme, ODM continues to demonstrate how religious organisations can play meaningful roles in tackling hunger, supporting healthcare access and promoting community welfare.

As the monthly anointing services continue, the October gathering stands out as a celebration of faith, generosity and humanity, reaffirming ODM's commitment to touching lives through both spiritual and practical interventions.

…As competition attracts young entrepreneurs across Nigerian tertiary institutions

Trade FM has officially unveiled a distinguished four-member judging panel for its ongoing Campus Business Challenge 2026, bringing together accomplished personalities from business, entertainment, technology, labour leadership and entrepreneurship to evaluate the next generation of Nigerian business innovators.

The judging panel comprises popular Nigerian comedian and actor popularly known as MC Lively; Director-General of the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde; Founder and Executive Director of the Women's Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi; and former National President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako.

The competition, an initiative of Trade FM under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Sharon Ijasan, is designed to identify, celebrate and financially empower student entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 25 across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

With a total prize pool of ₦2.25 million, the challenge will reward three outstanding student-owned businesses, with the overall winner receiving ₦1 million, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦750,000 and ₦500,000, respectively.

The newly announced judges bring diverse professional experiences and perspectives that will help assess contestants beyond the popularity of their business ideas, with particular attention to innovation, entrepreneurial potential, creativity, sustainability and prospects for growth.

Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, brings over two decades of experience in industrial relations, human resources, organisational leadership and business sustainability. As a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body, Oyerinde offers valuable insights into enterprise development, employment creation and the practical realities of building sustainable businesses.

His participation is expected to provide contestants with an industry-driven perspective on business structure, growth potential and long-term viability.

Also joining the panel is Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako, a respected labour leader and institution builder who served two terms as National President of ASSBIFI between 2010 and 2016.

During his leadership, Salako championed several landmark initiatives, including the establishment of the 53-bedroom ASSBIFI Resource Centre, the ASSBIFI Labour Hour radio programme and reforms focused on workers' welfare, capacity development and greater inclusion of young people and women.

With decades of experience in strategic management, leadership and organisational development, Salako is expected to bring valuable perspectives on discipline, business management and institutional growth.

Representing the technology and innovation sector is Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi, Founder and Executive Director of the Women's Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC).

A UK-trained economist, information technology expert and social entrepreneur, Somolu Lesi has spent more than two decades advancing digital inclusion, technology education and youth empowerment.

Through W.TEC, she has championed initiatives that equip young people, particularly women and girls, with the digital skills, knowledge and opportunities required to participate meaningfully in the technology-driven economy.

Her expertise in innovation, digital entrepreneurship and capacity building is expected to help identify student-led businesses with the potential to leverage technology for growth and wider market opportunities.

Adding an exciting entertainment and creative industry dimension to the panel is MC Lively, one of Nigeria's most recognisable comedians, actors and social commentators.

Born Michael Sani Amanesi, the Obafemi Awolowo University law graduate rose to prominence through his widely celebrated Agidi comedy skits, which humorously explore everyday Nigerian experiences and social realities.

Beyond his success in digital entertainment, MC Lively has featured in notable Nollywood productions, including Seven and a Half Dates and Fate of Alakada.

His journey from law graduate to successful entertainment entrepreneur offers an inspiring example of how creativity, consistency, originality and an understanding of one's audience can be transformed into a thriving career and business.

His presence on the judging panel is expected to bring fresh perspectives on creativity, branding, storytelling, audience engagement and the commercial potential of unconventional business ideas.

Speaking on the selection of the judges, Trade FM CEO Sharon Ijasan explained that the diversity of the panel reflects the competition's commitment to recognising entrepreneurship across different sectors.


"Entrepreneurship is not limited to one profession or industry. It requires creativity, discipline, innovation, resilience and the ability to identify opportunities where others see challenges.

"We have carefully brought together individuals whose experiences cut across business leadership, technology, entertainment and organisational development because we want our contestants to benefit from different perspectives on what it takes to build a successful enterprise.

"Our goal is not simply to reward three student entrepreneurs with cash prizes. We want to discover promising young business owners, amplify their stories and encourage a generation of Nigerians who are already taking bold steps towards financial independence and economic productivity."

The organisers further explained that winners will emerge through a combination of 60 per cent social media engagement and 40 per cent judges' assessment, ensuring that public participation is balanced with professional evaluation of the competing businesses.

Participants are therefore encouraged to continue promoting their business pitch videos, building meaningful engagement around their entries and following Trade FM's official social media platforms.

Following an extension of the submission window, the competition will now close on Thursday, October 29, 2026, giving eligible student entrepreneurs additional time to register and upload their business pitch videos.

Interested participants are required to complete the mandatory registration form, create a short video showcasing their businesses and share their entries on social media while tagging @tradefmlive.

Registration is available through:

https:///TRADEFMCAMPUSBUSINESSCHALLENGE2026

The Trade FM Campus Business Challenge 2026 forms part of the platform's broader commitment to promoting business intelligence, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic opportunities among Nigerians.

Through the initiative, Trade FM hopes to spotlight promising student entrepreneurs, encourage enterprise development within tertiary institutions and demonstrate the potential of young Nigerians to build businesses capable of contributing meaningfully to the country's economy.




About Trade FM


Trade FM is a digital media platform focused on business intelligence, market news, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities. Led by journalist and media entrepreneur Sharon Ijasan, the platform provides relevant business information, amplifies entrepreneurial stories and connects businesses, professionals and investors with insights and opportunities within Nigeria and beyond.

Social Media: @tradefmlive

Between 2014 and 2023, I worked on political communications at every level of Nigerian elections: presidential, gubernatorial, legislative. Across enough campaigns to recognise a pattern that keeps repeating itself with troubling consistency.

Candidates commission campaign films with cinematic colour grading. They hire social media teams to flood timelines with quote cards and behind-the-scenes footage. They book slots on television programmes and prepare talking points for the questions they expect to be asked. And then the moment arrives when a question they did not expect, or a narrative they did not anticipate, lands squarely in public view, and everything unravels.

Not because the candidate lacks substance, but because substance was never translated into story.

I am convinced the problem is structural, not individual. Nigerian political communication, for all its increasing sophistication in production quality, remains almost entirely reactive. Campaigns invest heavily in what people see: videos, graphics, and media appearances. But they invest almost nothing in the architecture of what people believe.

Think about how many campaigns have been derailed by identity questions that any competent strategist could have seen coming from a mile away. A candidate's ethnicity, faith, fluency in a local language, and spouse's state of origin. These are the most predictable lines of assault in Nigerian politics, as reliable as rain in July. And yet, cycle after cycle, candidates walk into them as though nobody on their team thought to look at the battlefield before the fight.

The 2023 presidential election laid this bare on multiple fronts, and I want to be clear: that election also carried real pain, irregularities that shook public trust and violence that cost lives. I do not diminish any of that. But alongside the institutional failures, there was a communications failure that deserves its own honest examination.

One campaign had enormous grassroots energy and a compelling candidate, but no coherent narrative to counter the structural question: that enthusiasm alone cannot overcome political machinery. Another had machinery and resources but could not build a story that made voters feel anything beyond obligation. The candidates who struggled most were the ones whose ideas lived in policy documents rather than in the public imagination.

And this goes well beyond the presidential race. Gubernatorial campaigns across the South-West have repeatedly stumbled over language and identity questions that were visible years before the election. Candidates in the North have been undone by sectarian narratives they never bothered to get ahead of. The pattern is everywhere, and it always looks the same: a campaign that confused being visible with being understood.

So if the problem keeps showing up in the same form, what exactly is missing? I have come to think of it as narrative architecture. The deliberate, upstream work of constructing a public story about a candidate that is so well-built and so deeply embedded in how people talk about them that predictable attacks land on prepared ground rather than open wounds.

Media training is part of it. Content strategy is one of its tools. But narrative architecture sits beneath both: the foundational work of deciding what a candidate means in the public mind and then building that meaning systematically, long before the first debate or interview.

The discipline starts with studying the battlefield before you step onto it, by cataloguing every line of attack your opponents will use, especially the obvious ones, because in Nigerian politics the obvious attacks are usually the ones that land hardest. Then you build a public story, consistently and early, that makes those attacks feel like footnotes rather than headlines.

If a candidate's background makes them vulnerable on the language question, for instance, the work begins months before anyone asks the question. You construct a narrative so rich in other dimensions of identity and connection that by the time the question arrives, it feels small; it feels like a footnote to a story the public has already accepted.

I should be clear: narrative architecture is the opposite of spin. Spin is reactive and dishonest. This work is proactive and, at its best, true. It takes what is genuinely good about a candidate, their vision, their competence, their character, and gives it a structure that the public can hold onto, repeat, and defend on the candidate's behalf.

Too many good candidates with genuine vision are losing elections, or worse, losing the public conversation entirely, because they believe that good intentions speak for themselves. They do not. The gap between what you mean and what people hear is a communications problem; if you are not solving it deliberately, your opponents are solving it for you.

Every election is a contest of stories before it is a contest of policies, and the candidate who understands this, who builds the architecture before they build the house, is the one who gets to govern. The rest are left wondering why nobody listened.

Akosua Manu, the advisor on Gender and Social Protection to NPP’s flagbearer Dr Bawumia; has called for a comprehensive investigation into the viral scandal involving a school headmaster in Obuasi, describing the incident as a disturbing reflection of institutional failures in protecting female students in Ghana.




Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Manu expressed concern over the controversy surrounding the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), insisting that the matter must go beyond possible courtroom proceedings to address systemic weaknesses that continue to expose students to abuse and exploitation.




According to her, the incident raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing safeguards within Ghana's educational institutions and the responsibility of authorities to guarantee the safety and dignity of young girls.




"The Obuasi SHTS scandal is a painful failure of the state to protect our girls," she stated.




Manu maintained that while legal proceedings and appropriate sanctions remain important, meaningful justice can only be achieved when the institutional failures that allowed such incidents to occur are properly identified and addressed.




"Real justice doesn't stop at the courtroom. We must launch a deep probe into the institutional gaps leaving many more students at risk all over the country. Accountability means fixing the system," she stressed.




The NPP spokesperson further called for a thorough and transparent investigation, insisting that the outcome must reflect the seriousness of the allegations and the evidence presented. Akosua also demanded a probe into other schools Zakaria taught at Juaben, Nsawam, Toasi saying no stone must be left unturned.




"The end should matter in this investigation, and there should be a clear consequence given the overwhelming evidence available," Manu declared.




The controversy has also brought attention to the broader responsibility of educational regulators and school administrators to create environments where students can report misconduct without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has appealed to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to urgently intervene in the alleged harassment, intimidation and extortion of sand dredgers and tipper truck operators across the state.

The association specifically called on the Governor to call Commissioner Hon Ekundayo Alebiosu and a senior official identified as Cardozo to order over allegations that enforcement officers operating under their authority have been unlawfully impounding tipper trucks and demanding payments of up to ₦500,000 before releasing the vehicles.

According to the association, the officials have allegedly been using the Governor's name to justify their activities, sometimes accompanied by armed police officers reportedly deployed from Alausa.

The association further alleged that the officials have continued to interfere with sand mining operations despite a Supreme Court judgment which, according to its interpretation, affirms federal regulatory authority over mineral resources, including sand mining.
DAN disclosed that it had previously served Form 48, a notice concerning alleged disobedience of a court order, on the officials, after which the reported enforcement activities temporarily stopped. However, the association claimed that the activities have resumed following a recent Supreme Court judgment concerning regulatory authority within 100 metres of the shoreline.

The association maintained that the shoreline provision should not be used to interfere with legitimate sand-dumping sites and operators who pay the required royalties to the Federal Government.

It also alleged that the Federal Mines Officer in Lagos had raised concerns about the enforcement activities, but that attempts to intervene had been unsuccessful.

According to the secretary general of the Dredgers Association Mr Richard Ntan "We are appealing directly to Governor Sanwo-Olu to call Alebiosu and Cardozo to order. We believe the Governor respects the rule of law and would not authorise anyone to use his name to harass legitimate business operators. Our members are carrying out lawful businesses, paying royalties and providing employment. They should not be subjected to intimidation and arbitrary payments," the association stated.

DAN urged the Governor to investigate the allegations, ensure that enforcement officers operate within their lawful powers and facilitate dialogue between the Lagos State Government, federal mining authorities and dredging operators.

The association stressed that its appeal was not intended to undermine the Lagos State Government but to protect legitimate businesses, preserve jobs and ensure respect for the rule of law.

Controversial Nigerian music producer Samklef is back in the spotlight, and this time, he says he's on a mission to cleanse the entertainment industry!

In a video shared on his Instagram page moments ago, the producer was seen playing a mouth organ while making some bold declarations about his experiences and his return.

According to Samklef, people don't like hearing the truth, alleging that certain individuals had attempted to suppress him and even have him arrested over drug-related accusations. He, however, did not identify those allegedly involved.

Apparently feeling spiritually charged, Samklef accompanied the video with an even more dramatic caption:

“SAMKLEF The BIGGEST AURA from the 7th Heaven has landed from his 7th Heaven to sanctify and purify the industy.”

Fresh controversy has emerged over the political allegiance of eight suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly following their meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, facilitated by the Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Matawalle.



An X post by Abdul Rasheeth, @Rasheethe, circulated the lawmakers' alleged denial, stating that their visit to the Presidential Villa concerned their suspension and outstanding entitlements rather than a decision to rejoin the ruling party.



However, the account differs from an earlier statement issued by Matawalle's Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, following the lawmakers' meeting with President Tinubu on Monday, October 19, 2026.



According to Dan-Wudil, the lawmakers reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their support for President Tinubu during the meeting.



The statement further disclosed that Matawalle had pledged to integrate the legislators into the Tinubu Again Movement, an initiative intended to coordinate political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.



The subsequent false tweets by elements loyal to the camp of Senator Yari therefore raised questions about whether their discussions with the President produced a firm political agreement or merely opened the door to further reconciliation.



According to sources within Zamfara political circles, the lawmakers' engagement with Matawalle continued beyond their visit to the Presidential Villa.



Sources familiar with the developments claim that the legislators attended another gathering at Matawalle's residence, where they reportedly interacted in a relaxed atmosphere with several photographs from the gathering showing some of the lawmakers wearing caps bearing President Tinubu's insignia.



Some political sources sympathetic to Matawalle allege that the controversy is being amplified by individuals opposed to his political influence, including elements they associate with supporters of former Zamfara Governor Abdul'aziz Yari.



The eight legislators had earlier announced their departure from the APC, citing concerns including insecurity, alleged injustice and unpaid entitlements. Their suspension from the Zamfara State House of Assembly dates back to February 2024, with the Assembly leadership maintaining that the disciplinary action preceded their decision to leave the party.



The lawmakers involved are Aliyu Ango Kagara, Ibrahim Tukur Bakura, Faruk Musa Dosara, Bashir Abubakar Masama, Muktaru Nasiru Kaura, Nasiru Abdullahi, Bashar Bello and Bashar Aliyu.

The BAT Movement, a political advocacy and support organisation founded by Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, has announced the appointments of Alhaji Mohammed Mabo Kassim as National Coordinator and Adedayo Showemimo as National Publicity Secretary, as part of efforts to strengthen its leadership structure, deepen nationwide coordination and enhance its public image and communication strategy.

The appointments represent another step in the Movement's ongoing efforts to consolidate its national presence, strengthen its organisational identity and establish a more coordinated framework for its activities across Nigeria.

Announcing the appointments, the Founder of BAT Movement, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, described the two positions as critical to the organisation's continued growth, noting that effective leadership, strategic communication and a well-coordinated national structure are essential to achieving its objectives.

According to Ajiboye, the Movement has continued to evolve since its involvement in the political activities preceding the 2023 presidential election, when it emerged as one of the advocacy platforms supporting the presidential aspiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He explained that the organisation's activities have since expanded beyond election-related engagement to include public enlightenment, government policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement and discussions about national development.

Ajiboye expressed confidence that the appointment of Mohammed Mabo Kassim as National Coordinator would strengthen cooperation among the Movement's leadership structures and provide a framework for effective engagement at national, state and grassroots levels.

As National Coordinator, Kassim will be responsible for coordinating the Movement's activities nationwide, facilitating communication between the national leadership and state chapters, overseeing the implementation of approved programmes and ensuring that the organisation's activities remain aligned with its objectives.

The BAT Movement Founder also highlighted the importance of strategic communication and reputation management in building a credible and recognisable organisation, describing the appointment of Adedayo Showemimo as National Publicity Secretary as an important addition to the Movement's leadership team.

Showemimo, a media and public relations professional with experience spanning journalism, corporate communications, digital media, entertainment publicity and strategic brand management, will be responsible for managing and projecting the public image of the BAT Movement, coordinating its media relations and overseeing its communication activities across traditional and digital platforms.

His responsibilities will also include developing the Movement's public relations strategy, managing official statements and press engagements, strengthening relationships with media organisations, ensuring consistency in public messaging and protecting the organisation's reputation through effective communication and image management.

In addition, Showemimo will work closely with the Founder, National Coordinator and other members of the leadership team to develop a coherent communication framework that reflects the Movement's identity, activities and institutional objectives.

Ajiboye emphasised that the Movement's continued development requires not only effective internal coordination but also a professional communication structure capable of accurately presenting its programmes, activities and positions to the public.

He noted that both appointments are intended to complement each other, with the National Coordinator providing organisational direction and operational coordination, while the National Publicity Secretary oversees public communication, media engagement and reputation management.

The appointments come amid ongoing efforts by the BAT Movement to strengthen its leadership framework, including the recent announcement of Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as National Patron and Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi Sheriff as Kano State Patron.

According to the Movement, the new leadership appointments reflect its commitment to establishing clearer responsibilities, improving institutional coordination and strengthening relationships with stakeholders across the country.

Ajiboye reiterated that the organisation remains committed to constructive engagement on government policies, particularly initiatives associated with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, while encouraging informed public discussions on governance and national development.

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Issued by:

Office of the National Publicity Secretary
THE BAT MOVEMENT
Abuja, Nigeria

ABUJA, October 21, 2026 — The BAT Movement, a political advocacy and support organisation founded by Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, has announced the appointment of Kano State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as its National Patron, alongside the appointment of Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi Sheriff as the Movement's Kano State Patron.

The appointments, according to the Movement, form part of its efforts to strengthen its leadership structure, recognise individuals contributing to governance and national development, and expand its engagement with stakeholders across the country.

Announcing the appointments, the Founder of BAT Movement, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, described the selection of Governor Yusuf and Alhaji Sheriff as a reflection of the organisation's recognition of their respective leadership roles and contributions to public affairs.

Ajiboye noted that Governor Yusuf's appointment as National Patron represents an important addition to the Movement's leadership structure, particularly in view of Kano State's significance in Nigeria's political, commercial and socioeconomic landscape.

He explained that the Movement considers constructive engagement among political leaders, public institutions and advocacy organisations important to discussions about governance, development and national progress.

Speaking specifically on the appointment of Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi Sheriff as Kano State Patron, Ajiboye commended what he described as Sherif‍f's contributions to development in Kano State and his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Your giant strides in Kano State, as well as your unwavering belief in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have not gone unnoticed. As one of the earliest Government Policy Advocacy Groups and a major support platform that championed the actualisation of His Excellency's presidential aspiration in 2023, we consider your choice for the position of Patron for Kano State as both timely and well-deserved,” Ajiboye stated.

He continued to say, 'Mahmouhd's influence in the northern part of Nigeria particularly in Kano State is commendable, his long standing relationship with Mr. President dates back to many decades, it is pertinent to mention his level of loyalty, thus his appointment his simply a testimony that he would not leave any stones unturned in ensuring that APC records success in Kano State come January, particularly at the presidential elections'.


According to Lagos News Hub, the BAT Movement, which was established as a platform for political advocacy, policy engagement and support for Tinubu's presidential aspiration, said the appointments reflect its continuing efforts to consolidate its organisational structure beyond the 2023 general elections.

Ajiboye explained that the Movement's activities have evolved to include engagement on government policies, public communication and discussions about the implementation of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.

He further noted that the organisation intends to work with its patrons and other stakeholders in encouraging informed public discussions about government programmes, development priorities and issues affecting communities across Nigeria.

According to the Movement, the National Patron and Kano State Patron positions are honorary leadership roles intended to provide guidance, institutional support and opportunities for broader stakeholder engagement.

Follow BAT Movement On Social Media:

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Issued by:

Media and Publicity Team
BAT Movement
Abuja, Nigeria

Veteran broadcaster and 93.5 AREA FM morning show host, Tombo Belle, has been announced as one of the award presenters at the 7th edition of the Galaxy Music Awards (GMA), scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the prestigious MUSON Centre in Lagos.

The popular radio personality, who currently co-hosts The Early Momo Show on 93.5 AREA FM alongside WestyBaba and Varoni, will take to the stage to present an award category at the event, which celebrates talent and excellence in the music and entertainment industry.

With over two decades of experience in broadcasting, Tombo Belle has established himself as a dynamic media personality, presenter and entertainer, recognised for his distinctive voice, vibrant personality and natural ability to connect with audiences.

Known for his engaging storytelling, humour and energetic presentation style, Tombo Belle has continued to bring his wealth of broadcasting experience to The Early Momo Show, where he joins WestyBaba and Varoni in delivering entertaining conversations, trending discussions and lively morning radio experiences to listeners across Lagos.

His appearance at the Galaxy Music Awards also represents another moment of visibility for AREA FM, a radio station created to reflect the energy, attitude, humour, culture and everyday realities of Lagos.

Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe, publisher of the popular Christian devotional Our Daily Manna (ODM), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who passed away at the age of 71.

The renowned cleric described the former governor as a man of exceptional humility, generosity and unwavering passion for God, recalling the remarkable relationship they shared over the years.

Reacting to the news, Bishop Kwakpovwe described Uduaghan as a lover of God, noting that beyond his accomplishments in public office, the former governor demonstrated a genuine commitment to faith and the advancement of God's work.

"He was one of my believers in the ODM vision, and I can confidently say that he was a man who had a passion for God," the bishop said, reflecting on the personal qualities that endeared the former governor to him.

Recounting one particularly unforgettable encounter, Bishop Kwakpovwe revealed how Uduaghan once personally drove him away from a crusade ground in Delta State after an overwhelming crowd made it extremely difficult for him to leave the venue.

"He is the only governor who once drove me in his car out of a crusade ground in Delta State because the crowd was so much that it became hectic for me to leave," the cleric recalled.

The Uduaghan family confirmed his death on Monday, October 19, 2026, three days before his 72nd birthday.

Culture plays a significant role in how people live, interact and make sense of the world around them, from the food they eat and music they listen to, to the clothes they wear, the language they speak and the occasions they celebrate. These everyday experiences also shape how people relate to products and brands, particularly when a product becomes part of their everyday routines, conversations and shared moments. Over time, that familiarity can extend beyond the product itself, creating connections that last across generations.

For brands, this kind of cultural connection can be valuable, but it is not guaranteed by longevity. As tastes, habits and influences change, established brands have to find ways to remain relevant to new audiences while retaining the familiarity built over the years. TomTom, the menthol candy that has been part of the Nigerian market for decades, offers an example of how a familiar consumer brand is navigating that shift.

For many Nigerians, TomTom is a brand deeply rooted in everyday experiences. While older consumers may remember it from their school days, road trips and daily purchases, younger audiences are discovering the brand within a more dynamic cultural landscape shaped by music, content creators, social media and digital communities. The question, then, is how a brand with such a long history can continue to have a place in the lives of consumers as their interests and experiences change.

That shift became evident in 2021 with the introduction of Breathe For It, built around music and creative expression that encouraged young people to pause, reset and remain composed under pressure. The brand subsequently worked with musicians and emerging talent to bring this to life, including Rema as a brand ambassador and Mani Lapussh, who earned the title of “TomTom Boy” in February/March 2022 after winning the Breathe For It Verse Challenge.

In June 2024, Fireboy DML and The Cavemen also joined the brand as ambassadors, reflecting its continued interest in connecting with audiences through contemporary Nigerian music. The messaging later evolved into Breathe Through It, extending the brand’s association with navigating everyday pressures.

Beyond artist partnerships, TomTom has continuously collaborated with TRACE for its Trace in the City campus tour, taking fun experiences to five universities across Nigeria. Providing another avenue for the brand to connect with young audiences in environments where music, self-expression and social interaction naturally intersect.

TomTom’s engagement with younger audiences has also extended into digital experiences and creative communities. In February 2026, the brand relaunched Mint How You Feel in collaboration with Boomplay, offering consumers personalised playlists based on their relationship status. By connecting music discovery with personal experiences, the initiative created a more interactive way for audiences to engage with the brand. This evolved further in July 2026 with the introduction of Breathe Army, a creator community that brings young creatives together to collaborate, share ideas and explore their interests. Together, these initiatives reflect TomTom's continued efforts to build relationships with younger audiences through music, creativity and shared interests that extend beyond the product itself.

For Gum and Candies Category Manager, at Mondelēz International, Tosin Oti,the approach reflects the need for established brands to keep pace with changing consumer interests.

“TomTom has been part of the lives of Nigerians for generations, and as the culture evolves, we also have to evolve with our consumers. Breathe Army is about creating a space where young people can express themselves, build connections and pursue their creativity.”

The strategy reflects the change in how consumer brands approach cultural relevance. Advertising can create awareness, but brands increasingly want to participate in the interests and communities that already command the attention of their audiences. In Nigeria, music has become one of the clearest spaces for this, connecting different generations while creating new conversations. This connection can also surface around moments of shared national and cultural significance.

During Nigeria's Independence celebrations, for instance, familiar colours, music, food and traditions bring different generations into the same spaces, while younger Nigerians add their own expressions to those occasions. TomTom's Fresh Lime variant fits naturally into this seasonal conversation through its green identity and refreshing taste. But its relevance to such moments is less about Independence and more about how familiar products can become part of ordinary occasions when people gather, celebrate and create new memories.

For long-standing consumer brands, that may be the real value of cultural relevance. A history gives a brand recognition, but it is the ability to keep creating new associations that allows that history to remain useful.

TomTom's experience illustrates this distinction. The brand's familiarity comes from years of being part of Nigerian life, while it focuses on music, creativity and young talent reflects an attempt to give a new generation its own experience of the brand.

For brands seeking to remain relevant over decades, the challenge is therefore not simply to be remembered. It is to remain present as culture changes and give each generation a reason to remember them in its own way.

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has described the broad political support expressed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council as an unusual development in Nigeria's democratic history.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday, October 14, Soludo said the gathering reflected what he regarded as an unprecedented level of political and elite consensus around a sitting President, particularly given the participation of governors and political stakeholders from different party backgrounds.

In a report compiled by the Media and Publicity Team of the Forum of Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals (FORCEPA), Soludo's address was highlighted for its emphasis on cross-party cooperation, economic policy and the relationship between political leadership and national development.

The Anambra Governor, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), explained that his party's support for Tinubu was anchored on shared interests in national unity, security and economic prosperity.

Soludo drew attention to the number of governors associated with the gathering, describing the participation of approximately 31 state governors as evidence of an unusually broad political alignment. His observation concerned the political support expressed at the event and should not be confused with a formal endorsement by every governor or every Nigerian voter.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria also used the occasion to discuss the economic philosophy underpinning the Tinubu administration's policies.

Drawing on his background as an economist, Soludo described the administration's approach as *pragmatic progressivism*, suggesting that the President's economic decisions reflected a willingness to confront structural challenges rather than postpone difficult policy choices.

According to Soludo, the administration inherited an economy facing significant pressures and had embarked on reforms intended to move the country from instability towards recovery and sustainable prosperity.

He credited Tinubu's understanding of public finance with influencing the direction of the reforms, arguing that the President's decisions should be assessed in the context of the structural economic problems confronting Nigeria before and after his assumption of office.

While supporters of the administration have pointed to macroeconomic adjustments and reform initiatives as signs of progress, critics have questioned the pace at which the benefits of those policies are reaching ordinary Nigerians.

Soludo nevertheless maintained that the administration's approach reflected a commitment to addressing long-standing economic challenges and laying the foundation for future growth.

His participation in the APC Presidential Campaign Council inauguration was also significant because of his continued membership of APGA, illustrating the increasingly complex relationship between party affiliation and political cooperation in Nigeria.

The FORCEPA Media and Publicity Team observed that Soludo's intervention placed economic policy and institutional performance at the centre of the discussion surrounding the 2027 presidential election.

As a forum bringing together Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals, FORCEPA recognises the importance of public institutions in implementing government policies, documenting development programmes and making accurate information about public-sector performance accessible to Nigerians.

Issued by:

FORCEPA MEDIA AND PUBLICITY TEAM
Forum of Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals
Abuja, Nigeria

The revised composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) may have addressed some of the concerns generated by its initial list, but the controversy surrounding the placement of certain political communicators is far from settled. Particularly striking is the treatment of Festus Keyamo, SAN, and Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, whose contributions to the political communication surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, before and after the 2023 presidential election, invite a closer examination of the criteria employed in constituting the council.

Their eventual inclusion may have corrected an omission, but it has not entirely resolved questions about recognition, experience and the distribution of leadership responsibilities.

For Keyamo, the issue goes beyond mere inclusion. Here is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a two-time minister, a former Director of Public Affairs and Chief Spokesperson of the 2023 APC Presidential Campaign Council, and one of the most recognisable defenders of Tinubu's political project. His communication style is unmistakable: fiery, spontaneous, intellectually assertive and rarely intimidated by hostile questioning. His contributions to the political debates surrounding Tinubu's candidacy and administration are well documented.

Against that background, placing a figure of Keyamo's experience outside the top leadership of the Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications raises legitimate questions about whether his previous responsibilities and public communication record received adequate consideration. To his admirers, such a placement would appear less like a recognition of his experience and more like an inexplicable relegation.

The case of Otunba Biodun Ajiboye presents an equally intriguing, if somewhat different, dimension. His initial omission from the council was particularly surprising given his record of consistent political advocacy. As Assistant Director of Media and Publicity in the 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, Ajiboye was actively involved in defending Tinubu's candidacy.

More significantly, his public engagement did not end with the announcement of the election results. Long after the campaign machinery had completed its assignment, Ajiboye remained visible in national political conversations, appearing on television, responding to opposition narratives, interpreting government policies and defending the administration's positions.

Among those now occupying leadership positions within the directorate, his sustained public visibility since 2023 makes him a figure whose contributions warrant serious consideration.

It is therefore understandable that his exclusion initially generated perceptions of political victimisation, betrayal and a failure to recognise loyalty. Those perceptions, however, should be distinguished from established facts; the internal considerations behind the original appointments have not been publicly explained.

Nevertheless, the controversy recalls the familiar, rather cynical description of politics as an unfair game, sometimes said to be more suited to demons than saints. It is an exaggerated expression, perhaps, but one that captures the frustration of those who believe that years of commitment and visible service do not always translate into institutional recognition.

In Ajiboye's case, the question is not whether loyalty automatically guarantees an appointment, but whether a demonstrable record of communication experience and sustained engagement was adequately weighed.

The revised list has now brought both men into the formal campaign structure, but their inclusion also highlights a larger question about how political organisations recognise and deploy experienced communicators. Campaign leadership requires more than visibility or personal loyalty; it demands judgment, credibility, coordination, institutional memory and the ability to explain difficult policies to diverse audiences.

Both Keyamo and Ajiboye have public records that can be assessed against those requirements. Their appointments should therefore be examined not merely as political rewards, but in terms of the responsibilities assigned to them and the contributions they will be expected to make.

For Ajiboye, whose professional journey spans advertising, telecommunications, media, culture, public administration and political communication, the development adds another chapter to a career built around the power of narrative.

For Keyamo, whose public life has combined legal advocacy, ministerial responsibilities and frontline political communication, it raises questions about the relationship between experience and formal campaign hierarchy.

The revised PCC list may have partially settled the issue of their participation, but it leaves open a more consequential debate: how should a political organisation balance loyalty, proven experience, individual temperament and strategic competence when deciding who leads its communication machinery?

City 105.1 FM Lagos has recorded another milestone as one of its leading on-air personalities, Anuforo Michael Kelechi, popularly known as Kaycee, has emerged winner of the Best Radio Presenter (Drivetime Show) – Lagos award at the (NBMA) Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards in recognition of his contribution to radio broadcasting and his engaging presentation style.

Kaycee, who anchors the station's popular SuperDrive Time Show, has established himself as a prominent voice on Lagos radio, earning recognition for his wit, spontaneity, engaging conversations and ability to connect with listeners through a blend of music, entertainment, pop culture and contemporary issues.

The award represents another significant achievement in a broadcasting career that began at City 105.1 FM in 2016, when Kaycee enrolled at the station's Media Academy. What started as a training opportunity has since developed into a remarkable professional journey, taking him from an intern learning the fundamentals of broadcasting to one of the station's prime-time presenters and a key member of its leadership team.

Today, beyond hosting the SuperDrive Time Show, Kaycee also serves as Music Director and Team Lead, Presenters at City 105.1 FM, combining his responsibilities behind the microphone with music programming, talent coordination and the development of the station's on-air content.

A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Kaycee has built a career that cuts across radio, television, music and entertainment. His versatility has also earned him opportunities to work with several leading international and Nigerian entertainment companies, including Warner Music Group, MTV Base, Universal Music Group, Chocolate City and Heineken Nigeria, contributing his expertise in artiste and repertoire (A&R), music programming and media strategy.

His experience across broadcasting and the music business has helped shape his distinctive approach to radio presentation, particularly his understanding of audience preferences, emerging music trends and the cultural conversations influencing Nigeria's entertainment landscape.

The latest recognition also highlights the role of City FM in nurturing broadcasting talent, with Kaycee's professional development serving as an example of the opportunities available to aspiring media practitioners through structured training, mentorship and practical industry experience.

Having risen through the ranks of the station over the past decade, Kaycee's journey reflects a combination of dedication, professional growth and a sustained commitment to the broadcasting profession.

…Lagos SSG Represents Deputy Governor, Delivers Keynote Address at Real Talk With Kike's 7th Anniversary
[b][/b]

It was a celebration of excellence, resilience, innovation and over two decades of remarkable contributions to the Nigerian media industry as ace broadcaster and media entrepreneur, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, celebrated her 20th anniversary in broadcasting alongside the seventh anniversary of her flagship television programme, Real Talk With Kike, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

The high-profile event, themed “The Future of Nigeria: Where Leadership, Innovation, Culture & Media Converge to Shape Nation Building,” brought together prominent personalities from government, business, media, entertainment and the diplomatic community to celebrate the broadcaster's professional journey and examine the role of leadership, innovation and responsible media in Nigeria's development.

One of the major highlights of the occasion was the official unveiling of “The Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast,” a new digital media platform jointly introduced by Kikelomo Atanda-Owo and her husband, veteran journalist, political analyst and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati.

The anniversary celebration also featured a keynote address delivered by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who represented the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

The keynote session reflected the conference's central theme, drawing attention to the intersection of leadership, innovation, culture and the media in shaping Nigeria's future. The occasion also provided an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of media practitioners in promoting constructive national conversations and encouraging greater participation in nation-building.

The event attracted an impressive gathering of distinguished personalities, including Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy; Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace; Tosin Akerele; and Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, alongside other notable personalities from the public and private sectors.

Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the relationships Kikelomo Atanda-Owo has cultivated throughout her two-decade career in the media industry.

Beyond the celebration of professional milestones, the gathering created an avenue for networking, meaningful engagement and conversations around the evolving Nigerian media landscape, particularly the growing influence of digital platforms, content innovation and strategic storytelling.

For Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, the occasion was a celebration of consistency, determination, professional growth and the enduring relevance of meaningful conversations in a rapidly changing media environment.

Through Real Talk With Kike, which has now completed seven years, she has continued to engage audiences on relationships, personal development, lifestyle, social challenges and other important subjects, establishing the programme as a platform for thought-provoking discussions.

With the successful celebration of 20 years in media, seven years of Real Talk With Kike, and the unveiling of a new podcast alongside her husband, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo has opened another chapter in her career, reinforcing her commitment to storytelling, media innovation and conversations that contribute meaningfully to society.

Ace broadcaster, media entrepreneur and host of Real Talk With Kike, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, alongside her husband, veteran journalist and broadcaster Dr. Reuben Abati, has officially unveiled “The Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast,” marking an exciting new chapter in their broadcasting careers.

The announcement was made on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during the celebration of Kikelomo Atanda-Owo's 20 years in the media industry, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. The occasion also commemorated the seventh anniversary of her flagship talk show, Real Talk With Kike, bringing together distinguished personalities, media executives, business leaders, industry stakeholders and well-wishers.

The unveiling of The Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast represents a significant milestone for the celebrated media couple, who are bringing their wealth of experience, individual perspectives and shared passion for meaningful conversations to a new digital platform.

The podcast is envisioned as a platform for engaging, thought-provoking and insightful conversations on issues shaping contemporary society, including governance, politics, relationships, family, culture, lifestyle, entertainment and everyday experiences.

Combining Dr. Reuben Abati's extensive background in journalism, political analysis and public affairs with Kikelomo Atanda-Owo's distinctive approach to human-interest storytelling, lifestyle conversations and audience engagement, the podcast promises a compelling blend of perspectives, experience and authenticity.

Beyond their individual accomplishments in broadcasting, the new podcast creates an opportunity for the couple to explore important subjects together, bringing their different professional experiences and viewpoints into conversations designed to inform, educate and entertain audiences.

For Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, the unveiling comes at a particularly significant moment in her career as she celebrates two decades of consistency, resilience and impact in the Nigerian media landscape.

Over the years, she has established herself as a respected voice in broadcasting, using Real Talk With Kike to facilitate conversations around personal development, relationships, social issues, leadership and the experiences that shape everyday life.

Dr. Reuben Abati, on his part, brings decades of experience as a journalist, columnist, public affairs commentator and former presidential spokesperson. His contributions to political discourse and national conversations have established him as one of Nigeria's recognisable media voices.

Together, the couple will seek to create a distinctive podcast experience that combines serious conversations with relatable discussions, personal insights and engaging exchanges.

There are moments when we must pause and ask: What kind of future are we building for ourselves and our children?

For too long, many of us have watched from the sidelines. We complain about unemployment, poor infrastructure, failing schools, and the struggles of farmers and small businesses. But after complaining, many do nothing. We don't vote, attend meetings, or ask questions, simply concluding that nothing will ever change.

I understand that frustration. But communities cannot change when their people completely withdraw.

That is why I have been paying attention to Wale Kuku. Truth be told, Ijebuland has rarely had a leader of such high intellect, exposure, and drive step forward—someone who, even before holding public office, has already implemented far-reaching programs in wealth creation, education, and community development.

Through New Generation, we have seen thousands receive JAMB support, digital training for youth and teachers, agricultural programs for farmers, and vital interventions for artisans, market women, and widows.

These initiatives matter because development is ultimately about people. A scholarship changes a child’s future. A business grant gives an entrepreneur another chance. A digital skill creates a new way to earn. Individually these may seem small, but connected, they build an ecosystem of opportunity.

In Ijebuland, our conversation needs to shift. Not just "Who is contesting?" but:

* What has this person actually built?

* What ideas and experience do they demonstrate?

* What kind of future are they proposing?

* What role am I willing to play?

Leadership isn't just about the person seeking office; it is about those who choose to participate. If you don't vote or ask questions, others will decide for you.

This is not a call for blind loyalty. It is a call to look beyond slogans and examine records, character, and results. I have watched Wale Kuku—a businessman and tech professional—grow increasingly involved in community development. Whether one agrees with every idea, this journey deserves serious examination.

Our future is too important to leave entirely to politicians. It belongs to all of us.

Stop complaining from the sidelines. Get informed, ask questions, study the records, and participate. When the time comes, exercise your civic responsibility based on your own judgment.

Ijebu’s future will not be built by one man alone. It will be built by people who decide their community is worth their attention.

I received a WhatsApp message from Waziri Atiku Abubakar on Sunday afternoon in response to my open letter to him which was published earlier that day titled 'AND NOW YOU CALL HIM BOLA' together with another article which I published the Sunday before titled 'THE 7TH BID OF WAZIRI'.


For the record he wrote:



"PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE FEMI. YOU SIMPLY DON'T HAVE THE CREDIBILITY TO CRITICISE ME".



My response to him, inter alia, was as follows:


"IF I AM NOT CREDIBLE ENOUGH TO EXPOSE YOU THEN WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU ARE CREDIBLE ENOUGH TO EXPOSE OR DISRESPECT OBJ, GEJ, BAT OR KS? IF I DO NOT HAVE THE CREDIBILITY TO CRITICISE YOU OR THE RIGHT TO DO SO, WHO DOES? IF I AM NOT CREDIBLE WITH ALL I HAVE EXPERIENCED, SEEN AND BEEN THROUGH IN POLITICS OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS AND THE EVIL I HAVE SURVIVED OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS THEN WHO IS? CERTAINLY NOT YOU OR AMAECHI SIR".



That is where our conversation ended.



Waziri, forgive me, but given this, coupled with the wild and indecorous words that you used against President Tinubu in the press conference that you gave just yesterday, I am inclined to agree with my learned friend and brother Festus Keyamo SAN, the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, who responded by saying,


"Atiku actually needs mental health support at this critical time as he peters out into political oblivion".





Outside of that, in the light of recent developments, I am constrained to write to you yet again.


I say this because I was told that on Sunday afternoon, at the same moment that you sent me your message on WhatsApp, your minion and most junior cheerleader, a sickly creature who looks twice his age, who is withering away from some strange disease and whose name I always forget, wrote an article in an attempt to respond to my open letter to you.



I was reliably informed that amongst much else in his "response" he wrote that my supposedly "estranged" ex-wife, who remains very close and dear to me even though we are no longer married, had said a number of ugly things about me in the past, all of which I have denied, even though we are at peace today and have put all that behind us.



The disjointed verbiage and unadulterated garbage that your dog wrote which only my press secretary found the time to read and which is below my dignity and status to respond to is, to me, like water off a duck's back.


Lions do not respond to dogs and this is especially so when that dog only has three legs and no tail.


Simply put I do not take cognisance of anything your hired help writes: I would rather give my attention to you personally.


If you do not have the strength and courage to respond to me publicly yourself, as you have done privately, then at least send your rumbustious, owambe-loving, champagne-swirling, bon vivant and chief cheerleader whose defunct Pendulum column I used to read and who is infinitely more qualified to carry out this fool's errand and not some unlettered village idiot or prize fool like the creature you sent.


That chief cheerleader also made reference to my ex-wife a few months ago during the course of an acrimonious debate that I had with him on X about President Tinubu and he insisted on bringing my family into the discourse.



Sadly it doesn't stop there.


Yet another one of your cheerleaders, a former Senator with a bald head and a silver grey beard, who sometimes insists on wearing a skirt and who sleeps with cars and motorbikes in his bedroom also resorted to attacking the family of his adversaries during the course of political discourse by once threatening to "beat and impregnate" Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, right there on the Senate floor and by insulting President Tinubu's entire family, including his children and all of their mothers, on television just a few months ago.



In fairness to him whilst admitting that he threatened to "beat" Senator Tinubu he denied the "impregnate" part but went on to say, in the most shameless, inappropriate and indecorous manner, that she had "entered menopause".




He also resorted to mocking the President's age and health in the 2023 presidential election campaign by singing insulting and utterly depraved songs at campaign rallies in the presence of the godless deplorables that were on the campaign trail with him who ought to have known better and told him to stop.



My question is as follows: are you the one that encourages these troubled souls that hover around you to resort to this uncouth behaviour or is it that they are just dysfunctional and ill-mannered?



Whatever the case I hold you accountable for not being able to control them.


I am constrained to ask, is that the best your media team can do?


Talk about what wives and ex-wives say about their husbands and former husbands or rant about the personal lives and families of others?


Should they not stick to soft-sell magazines if that is the sort of rubbish they want to write about?


In any case where were these rascals when you and I sat in President Olusegun Obasanjo's Federal Executive Council 20 years ago?


Yet since they have chosen to tread that path I pity you because what your ex-wife has said about you has now become fair game.



Ditto your family matters and the tragic misfortune that constantly stalks your closest aides each time you run for the Presidency.


If you insist that we go down this murky rabbit hole we will and we shall do so together.



Your aides forget that I am not on the ballot but you are.



There was a time when family members were regarded as being sacrosanct and kept out of political discourse and war but not anymore.



Sadly your boys have lowered the bar and your camp will regret it.


I am now constrained to go back into the records and talk about what your estranged ex-wife, Jennifer Douglas, said about you, what she did to you, what you did to her and more importantly what she allegedly did for you in the Leno Adesanya Mambilla Power Plant fraud and other questionable matters.


For example the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (2010) documented more than $40 million USD in suspect transfers involving your then-wife Jennifer Douglas.


I wonder what you have to say about this?


That is a real report even though, in fairness, it did not produce an indictment or a criminal conviction against you because, by that time, you had conveniently fled America.



Whatever she said about me, at least my ex-wife did not throw all my personal belongings, including my underwear, out into the streets from my Dubai home and keep everything that was there, including the furniture, the cars, the washing machine, the kitchen utensils and the house itself for herself.


Neither did she complain about the company I kept with men.



Again there are the words of Fati Muhammed, a Kannywood actress and former associate who claims she was very close to you.


Just a few days ago she said the following:


"I have been supporting Atiku in politics since 2007 and what has kept me away from him is his lies and broken promises".


One wonders what you did to this lady to attract such 'accolades' from her.


I guess we shall soon find out.



Outside of that we shall also talk about precisely what you did at the airports and seaports in your younger days as a Customs officer, how you allowed 51 suitcases filled with God knows what to be smuggled through Lagos Airport and what your link with a shady Italian national called Gabriele Volpi and his son Matteo really was.


I will also mention your affiliation with NICOTES (which later became Intels) and how a Customs Officer like you went from a rather conservative salary to being a large shareholder in a multi-billion dollar corporation overnight whilst you were still in Customs.


Again what you did when you were Vice President between 1999 and 2007 which led you to be the subject of an extensive investigation by the American FBI and which caused President Obasanjo to express his deep regrets about picking you as his running mate and calling you "very corrupt" becomes relevant.


So does your link with Congressman William J. Jefferson, an American legislator who was sentenced to 13 years in 2009 after the FBI found 90,000 USD cash in his freezer which was part of a 500,000 USD bribe which had been asked for and he was planning to give to a very highly placed Nigerian Government official.


It has been alleged that the Government official in question was you but, in fairness, this is yet to be proved, you were not indicted or convicted for it and I cannot therefore confirm it as a fact and neither do I claim to do so.


Yet it is worth our attention and scrutiny and we shall find out more about this sordid case and whether you had any involvement in the malfeasance.



The easiest way for you to sort this matter out though and clear the ugly rumours that you had asked for the bribe is for you to travel to America, report to the FBI and let them ask you the relevant questions.


If you have nothing to hide or fear I suggest you do this as soon as possible so that we can finally clear the air.


Again there was the unresolved allegation of the 'Special Purpose Vehicle' (SPV) which was a corporate vehicle that you allegedly told your former media aide, Mr. Michael Achimugu, that you created specially for the purpose of avoiding what you allegedly described as "open corruption" and siphoning public funds in order to raise money for funding the PDP and your private usage.


In 2023 Achimugu released an audio tape of a conversation with a man whom he claimed was you making these startling and damning confessions and that voice was heard explaining to him in graphic and clear terms how a conspiracy was hatched to commit such thievery.


In fairness, you claimed that the voice was not yours and neither can I confirm or deny that it was.


However under normal circumstances this provides enough evidence to, at the very least, result in a full criminal investigation and, if found wanting, a formal prosecution but instead of thanking God that the matter was not treated with the seriousness that it deserved you still insist on running for the Presidency whilst at the same time claiming that others do not have the credibility to criticise you. What a nerve!


The truth is that the assertion that anyone that is a freeborn Nigerian lacks the credibility to criticise a man that has so many questions to answer like you is simply asinine.


Permit me to add that there are also things you allegedly did many years earlier in the 1980s and 1990s that are, to say the least, suspicious and questionable.


We shall look into all these things after which we shall all be in a position to know who has credibility and who does not.



As an opener kindly tell us why you allegedly cannot go to America freely and without your associates helping you to get a "special package visa" as they did in 2019?


If this is true and, I have no way of confirming or denying that it is, it gives cause for concern.



These things need to be looked into and discussed because you are aspiring to become our President.



You talk about credibility but I am not the one that betrayed my principal and boss and in the process privatised the whole of Nigeria!


You did that and if you had the chance you would do it all over again.



The truth is you are nowhere near me in terms of pedigree, credibility, education, upbringing or lineage.



The only thing you have is money and though your vast wealth may buy houses, cars, gold bars, private jets, political parties and the worship and adulation of your court jesters and cheerleaders it cannot buy CLASS or CHARACTER and neither can it move the finger of God or tamper with the manifest destiny of men.




(END OF PART 1)



(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the author of this essay, is a former Minister of Aviation, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Nigeria's Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, the Aare Ajagunla of Otun Ekiti, the Otunba of Joga Orile and a Legal Practitioner)

…Three student entrepreneurs to win ₦1 million, ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 as entries open October 9


Trade FM, a digital media platform dedicated to business intelligence, market information and entrepreneurial opportunities, has announced the launch of its Campus Business Challenge, an exciting social media competition designed to discover, celebrate and financially support young entrepreneurs across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.



The initiative, which offers a combined prize pool of ₦2.25 million, is open to students aged 16 to 25 who currently operate small-scale businesses while pursuing their education. The competition will run from October 9 to October 22, 2026, providing an opportunity for student entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, share their entrepreneurial journeys and compete for funding to expand their ventures.



Under the competition's reward structure, the overall winner will receive ₦1 million, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦750,000 and ₦500,000, respectively. Beyond the financial rewards, the three winners will also enjoy publicity and business features on Trade FM, providing additional exposure for their brands and entrepreneurial activities.



Speaking on the initiative, Sharon Ijasan, Chief Executive Officer of Trade FM, explained that the Campus Business Challenge reflects the platform's commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for young Nigerians who are already demonstrating creativity, determination and business potential.



"Across our universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions, there are thousands of brilliant young Nigerians who are not waiting until graduation to become entrepreneurs. They are already building businesses, creating value, serving customers and contributing to the economy, often with very limited resources.'



"At Trade FM, we believe these young entrepreneurs deserve more than applause. They deserve visibility, encouragement and access to opportunities that can help their businesses grow. The Campus Business Challenge is our way of identifying promising student-owned businesses and giving their founders a meaningful opportunity to take their entrepreneurial journeys to the next level."



To participate, interested students are required to create a 60-second video introducing themselves, their institution and their business. Participants are expected to explain what their businesses do, why they started, what makes their products or services unique and how the prize money would contribute to their business growth.



The videos must be published on Instagram or TikTok, with participants following and tagging Trade FM's official social media handle, @tradefmlive, and using the competition hashtag #TradeFMCampusBusinessChallenge.



Following the submission period, Trade FM will shortlist 10 finalists based on the originality and potential of their business ideas, the quality of their entrepreneurial stories, their existing business efforts and prospects for growth.



The shortlisted entries will subsequently be featured on Trade FM's social media platforms for public engagement and voting. The final winners will be determined through a combined evaluation system comprising 60 per cent public engagement and 40 per cent assessment by the Trade FM judging panel.



According to Lagos News Hub, the selection process is designed to encourage public participation while ensuring that business quality, creativity, commitment and growth potential remain important considerations in determining the eventual winners.



The competition also aligns with Trade FM's broader ambition to establish itself as a leading digital destination for business news, market intelligence, entrepreneurial conversations and opportunities connecting Nigerian businesses with wider audiences.



Through initiatives such as the Campus Business Challenge, the platform seeks to extend its role beyond reporting business developments to actively spotlighting emerging entrepreneurs and encouraging a stronger culture of enterprise among young Nigerians.



Entries open on Friday, October 9, and close on Thursday, October 22, 2026. https:///TRADEFMCAMPUSBUSINESSCHALLENGE2026



For participation details and competition updates, interested applicants should follow @tradefmlive on Instagram and TikTok.



About Trade FM

Trade FM is a digital media platform focused on business intelligence, market news, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities. Led by journalist and media entrepreneur Sharon Ijasan, the platform is committed to providing relevant business information, amplifying entrepreneurial stories and connecting businesses, professionals and investors with insights and opportunities within Nigeria and beyond.

There is a legitimate national conversation to be had about the cost, structure, transparency and effectiveness of Nigeria’s pipeline surveillance architecture. There is also a legitimate argument about whether communities in the Niger Delta should derive greater economic value from the protection of the natural resources extracted from their environment.

When that conversation is reduced to ethnic insinuations, unverified figures and an apparent attempt to justify one contractor by attacking another, the country risks losing sight of the bigger issue: energy security is a national security matter, not a tribal entitlement.

That is where Asari Dokubo appears to have missed the point. In a video circulating this week, the Niger Delta activist questioned why Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has faced criticism over pipeline surveillance while, according to him, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and Dr. Osahon Okunbo were receiving as much as ₦2.7 trillion annually for protecting pipelines.

Dokubo initially referred to the amount as monthly before correcting himself to annual. Importantly, however, no documentary evidence was presented in the video to substantiate the ₦2.7 trillion figure, and reports carrying the allegation have expressly treated it as unverified.

That distinction is not cosmetic. It is fundamental. A claim of ₦2.7 trillion annually for pipeline surveillance is so extraordinary, that it demands concrete documentary evidence. Contracts, procurement records, payment schedules, scope of work, contracting entities and government approvals would have to be placed before the public.

Without such evidence, the figure remains an allegation - Not a fact. That is perhaps the first thing Dokubo missed.

The mathematics of the allegation in public domain - Therein is another problem where Dokubo's allegation appears to collapse different entities, individuals and contractual relationships into one giant financial arrangement.

Osahon Okunbo is associated with Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), where he has served in senior executive capacity. The Olu of Warri has also been publicly associated with PINL's leadership structure. The relationship between a monarch, a company and a pipeline surveillance contract cannot simply be translated into a claim that the monarch personally receives the entire value of a corporate contract.

Indeed, this is not a new controversy. In 2022, reporting on the pipeline surveillance arrangement specifically recorded a denial that the Olu of Warri personally owned PINL, while identifying PINL alongside Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited among companies awarded pipeline surveillance contracts.

More recent reporting identifies Osahon Okunbo as a key executive of PINL, with the company operating on critical pipeline infrastructure.

The distinction matters because corporate contract value is not automatically personal income.

What Dokubo gets right
To be fair, there is a legitimate question beneath Dokubo's provocative presentation. If several companies are receiving public money to protect critical national infrastructure, Nigerians are entitled to know how much each contractor receives, what kilometres of infrastructure each is responsible for, what performance indicators apply and what results have been achieved.

That is a serious governance question - So too is Dokubo's broader argument that the Niger Delta should benefit economically from the protection and development of its natural resources.

That argument should lead to a conversation about transparent procurement, community participation, local employment, measurable security outcomes and accountability - Not ethnic arithmetic(s).

Pipeline security cannot become a competition over whether an Ijaw, Itsekiri, Bini or any other Nigerian is entitled to a particular contract.

Nigeria's oil infrastructure belongs to Nigeria. The responsibility to protect it is therefore national priority - This is where Osahon Okunbo becomes relevant.

Perhaps the greatest irony in Dokubo's intervention is that he appears to have overlooked what the emerging pipeline-security model represented by PINL is actually trying to do.

Okunbo has publicly argued that sustainable infrastructure security cannot depend on force alone. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, he emphasised inclusion, community engagement and indigenous partnerships as critical to securing energy infrastructure. He has also spoken about the importance of patient capital and community buy-in to Nigeria's energy future.

In a public account of PINL's operations, Okunbo described an approach built around traditional institutions, youths, local leadership, surveillance technology and continuous stakeholder engagement.

That is a materially different proposition from simply putting men on boats and around pipelines. Modern energy security involves intelligence, technology, community relations, rapid response, environmental protection, infrastructure maintenance and the creation of incentives for communities to protect - Not destroy the assets around them.

Indeed, host-community groups have publicly credited PINL's engagement model with improved pipeline security and community relations, although such claims should themselves be assessed against independently verifiable production and security data.

The Tompolo question is legitimate to an extent, but the comparison is wrong. Tantita's role in pipeline surveillance is itself an important part of Nigeria's evolving security architecture. Reports have put the company's annual contract value at about ₦48 billion, following a federal government award reported in 2023.

The appropriate question, therefore, is not whether Tompolo deserves a contract, while somebody else does not. The appropriate question is whether every contractor is delivering value commensurate with public expenditure.

That standard should apply equally to Tantita, PINL and every other contractor. If Dokubo believes the Federal Government is paying too much for pipeline security, let the contracts be published.

If he believes one company is receiving preferential treatment, let procurement records establish it. If he believes Niger Delta communities are being short-changed, let the data demonstrate it.

If he believes there is corruption, the appropriate institutions can investigate, but once the argument moves from evidence to ethnicity, the substance begins to disappear.

According to Lagos News Hub, 'Energy security is bigger than Dokubo's quarrel, as Nigeria has spent decades paying the price for oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refining and production disruptions. Every barrel prevented from reaching the market affects government revenue, foreign exchange, investment confidence and the capacity of the country to finance development'.

Pipeline security is therefore not merely about who gets a contract. It is about whether Nigeria can secure the infrastructure through which its economic lifeblood flows.

That is the point Asari Dokubo appears to have missed. His intervention could have opened a valuable national debate about procurement transparency and the economics of Niger Delta security.

Instead, by advancing an extraordinary ₦2.7 trillion allegation without documentary proof and framing the matter partly through ethnic identity, he risks turning a serious national-security conversation into another quarrel over who owns the Niger Delta.

Nigeria needs more accountability, not more suspicion; more evidence, not more allegations; more collaboration, not more ethnic polarisation. The pipelines do not know the ethnicity of the men protecting them.

In a nutshell, the Nigerian economy does not either need such distraction(s) - What matters is whether the infrastructure is secure, whether oil production is protected, whether communities benefit, whether public money is properly spent and whether every contractor, regardless of name or origin, can account for the value delivered.

That is the conversation worth having and that is precisely why energy security should never be twisted on its head.

Ayoola Ajanaku is a Communications and Advocacy Specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria….

Cardinal Media Academy (CMA) has announced the opening of registration for its new Broadcast Media Precourse, a five-week intensive training and internship programme scheduled to commence on November 2, 2026, in Lagos.



The programme is designed for aspiring broadcasters, content creators, media professionals and young people seeking practical knowledge and hands-on experience across key areas of the broadcast and communications industry.



Participants will receive training in radio presentation, content creation, voiceover, show preparation and interviews, diction and public speaking, event hosting, and news reporting, combining classroom instruction with practical exposure aimed at preparing students for real-world media environments.



The precourse will feature an experienced faculty drawn from different areas of broadcasting, communications and the creative industry. Facilitators include broadcaster and podcaster Chukwudi Ezeugwu; radio and television host Shola Thompson; content strategist Tope Aghomatse; voiceover expert Mazino Appeal; event host Oscar Oyinsan; diction coach Oludolapo Adewale; broadcast journalist Nyamgul Agaji; and brand strategist Charles Ezerime.



Beyond technical training, the five-week programme is structured to help participants develop confidence, communication skills, content instincts and a better understanding of the demands of contemporary broadcasting.



According to Lagos News hub, the introduction of the precourse forms part of Cardinal Media Academy’s commitment to developing the next generation of media talent by creating a learning environment where participants can acquire practical skills directly from professionals working across the industry.



Registration is now open, including to prospective students who previously joined the Academy’s waitlist. The programme fee is ₦150,000, with interested participants encouraged to register early as available spaces are limited.



Classes will hold at Cardinal Media Academy, Plot 11 Lateef Jakande Road, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning November 2, 2026.



Interested applicants can register through the Cardinal Media Academy portal on the City 105.1 FM website or call 08109688638 for further enquiries.

City 105.1 FM Lagos has announced the addition of Blizz Bassy to its team of on-air personalities, bringing her vibrant energy, relatable personality and passion for great conversations and music to the station.

A creative at heart, Blizz has always been drawn to the power of conversation, storytelling and human connection. Her ability to engage people naturally and bring conversations to life has shaped a broadcasting style that is warm, spontaneous and relatable.

For Blizz, radio is not simply about speaking to an audience; it is about creating moments that make listeners feel like they are part of the conversation. Her approach combines good music, engaging discussions and an easy-going personality that transforms the traditional presenter-listener relationship into something more personal and interactive.

Her addition to the City FM family brings another exciting voice to the station’s evolving lineup as it continues to create programming that reflects the interests, conversations, entertainment and everyday experiences of its audience.

Beyond the airwaves, Blizz is passionate about storytelling and writing, as well as creating meaningful experiences that connect with people. These interests provide another dimension to her work as a broadcaster and creative, giving her an instinctive understanding of how stories and conversations can resonate with different audiences.

City 105.1 FM Lagos has announced the addition of Enny to its team of on-air personalities, bringing a fresh, curious and engaging voice to the station’s growing broadcast lineup.

With a lifelong passion for connecting with people, Enny has always been fascinated by their stories, opinions, personalities and the interesting conversations that emerge when different perspectives come together. After exploring various interests and wearing different hats over the years, broadcasting ultimately became the space where her curiosity about people, love for conversation and natural instinct for asking questions found a home.

For Enny, radio represents much more than being behind a microphone. It is a platform for self-expression, discovery and connection — an opportunity to talk, listen, ask meaningful questions and steer conversations that listeners genuinely want to be part of.

Her conversational style is built around authenticity and curiosity, allowing her to approach subjects from the perspective of someone who is genuinely interested in understanding people and hearing what they have to say. That approach is expected to bring an engaging new dynamic to City FM’s programming and its connection with listeners across Lagos.

Away from the microphone, Enny is a lover of good stories, books, movies, thoughtful conversations and new experiences — interests that continue to shape the perspectives and ideas she brings to the airwaves.

Her addition comes as City 105.1 FM Lagos continues to strengthen its on-air lineup with personalities capable of informing, entertaining and creating meaningful connections with its audience.

City 105.1 FM Lagos has announced the addition of award-winning broadcaster and media personality Debbie Banjo to its on-air team, further strengthening the station’s lineup of voices delivering entertainment, information and engaging conversations to its Lagos audience.

Debbie joins City FM as one of the leading voices on Breakfast in the City, bringing more than a decade of broadcasting experience and a distinctive combination of intelligence, humour, energy and personality to the morning show. Her arrival adds a fresh dimension to the programme’s mix of music, pop culture, current affairs and conversations around everyday life.

An accomplished broadcast journalist, event host, content creator, actor and culture influencer, Debbie has built a career that extends beyond radio. She is also known for her work in fashion and body-positive advocacy, using her platform to promote confidence, individuality and self-expression.

Her professional development includes training with institutions and organisations including Thomson Reuters, the United Nations, the University of Colorado Boulder and London Business School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Benin and the University of Port Harcourt respectively.

Over the course of her broadcasting career, Debbie has interviewed some of Africa’s most prominent entertainment and cultural personalities, including Burna Boy, Davido, 2Baba, Don Jazzy, Yemi Alade, Olamide, Phyno, Omah Lay, Seyi Shay, Runtown, Juliet Ibrahim and Tacha, among others.

Her influence has also extended into the corporate and lifestyle space, where she has worked with several global and regional brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Aldo, MAC Cosmetics, Hennessy, Chivas Regal, British Council Nigeria, Maggi, Filmhouse Cinemas, Genesis Cinemas, Cantu Beauty and Bole Festival.

Debbie’s work has earned her several industry recognitions over the years. These include Media Personality of the Year at the 2026 Port Harcourt Style Awards, Media Personality of the Year at the 2025 Port Harcourt Magazine Awards, OAP of the Year at the 2024 ELOY Awards, as well as Best Female OAP honours at the 2023 All Radio Awards and 2023 Radio Media Awards. She has also received recognition for her influence in fashion and style.

With Debbie joining the City FM family, listeners can expect an energetic and engaging presence on Breakfast in the City, combining topical conversations, entertainment, culture and the unmistakable personality that has defined her career.

For Debbie, the introduction is characteristically simple:

“My name is Debbieeeeeee!”

Nigerian-born, Italy-based musician Charles Onyeabor has recorded another major milestone in his growing international career following the successful second edition of The Charles Onyeabor Show, held on Saturday, October 3, at Hard Rock Cafe in Florence, Italy.

The event, which returned to the same venue following the success of its inaugural edition, was a sold-out affair, with music lovers turning out for a night of energetic performances, entertainment and a celebration of African music and culture in the heart of Florence.

Fresh from the release of his new album, Legacy Continua, Charles took centre stage with a commanding performance that moved between new material and fan favourites from his catalogue. Backed by an enthusiastic audience, the singer delivered a performance that reflected his distinctive fusion of Afrobeat, Afro-funk and other global influences.

The night also featured performances from an international lineup of artists including Danypreez, Emmiboy, Big Wailz, Lil Madd, Young Game, Italian-born Nigerian musician Tommy Kuti, and rapper Vas Angelov, giving the concert a diverse mix of sounds and cultures.
Another major highlight was the return of renowned Afrobeats MC and media personality Adesope Olajide, popularly known as Shopsydoo, who came back to Italy by popular demand after making a memorable impression at the first edition. His trademark energy and interaction with the audience added another dimension to the night, while DJ Fizzy, DJ Stephy and DJ Simpo kept the venue alive with music throughout the event.

Speaking after the show, Charles described the success of the second edition as both humbling and motivating.

“Florence showed me incredible love again. To return for the second edition and see the venue sold out means a lot to me. I don't take that support for granted. We wanted to create more than a concert; we wanted people from different backgrounds to come together, enjoy good music and experience African culture and energy. Seeing that happen again was beautiful.”

He added that the success of the concert represents another important chapter in the journey behind his new album and his wider ambition to take his music to audiences across the world.

“This is exactly what Legacy Continua represents for me; taking everything I have inherited, everything I have experienced and everything I am building, and moving it forward. The journey continues, and after what happened in Florence, I'm even more excited about where we take The Charles Onyeabor Show next.”

The latest sold-out outing strengthens Charles Onyeabor's growing presence on the European live music scene and builds on a career
that has seen him perform across several international stages while developing an identity distinct from, yet respectful of, the musical heritage of his father, legendary Afro-funk pioneer William Onyeabor.

With two successful editions now completed, The Charles Onyeabor Show is gradually evolving beyond a headline concert into a platform bringing together African and international performers, DJs, entertainment personalities and audiences through music.

Rising Nigerian artist TobianoAce has officially released his latest body of work, “GRAMMYBOI – The EP,” further introducing his distinctive blend of Afrobeat, R&B and rich African sounds to listeners across the world.

Released on Monday, October 5, 2026, GRAMMYBOI – The EP is now available across all major music streaming platforms. The project represents another important chapter in TobianoAce’s evolving musical journey, as he continues to build a sound rooted in soulful melodies, meaningful lyrics and compelling storytelling.

With GRAMMYBOI, TobianoAce seeks to go beyond creating music solely for rhythm and entertainment, drawing inspiration from themes of love, hope, life and authentic human experiences. The project reflects an artist increasingly focused on making music that connects emotionally with listeners while retaining the infectious energy of contemporary African music.

Blending the vibrancy of Afrobeat with elements of R&B and traditional African influences, TobianoAce brings melody and storytelling together in a body of work designed to showcase both his versatility and artistic identity.

For the rising singer, music remains an opportunity to preserve meaningful stories and emotions through sound. His approach is built around creating songs that listeners can not only enjoy in the moment but also return to because of the messages and experiences captured within them.

“Experience the sound. Feel the message.”

GRAMMYBOI – The EP by TobianoAce is available now on all major streaming platforms.

My dear Waziri Atiku Abubakar,


I listened to your October 1st speech with great interest.


It was calm and well-delivered but intellectually-flawed, highly disrespectful, inherently dishonest and utterly bereft of decency, logic and rationality.



Worse still you refused to address President Tinubu as 'President' but rather continuously and contemptuously referred to him by his first name 'Bola'.



Surely this level of pettiness is below even you. Yet despite this provocation I will not refer to you as 'Kachalla' and I will accord you the respect that I still think you deserve.



Bashorun Akin Osuntokun, the former Special Advisor on Politics to President Olusegun Obasanjo and the former Director General of the 2023 Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, spoke the minds of millions when he wrote, inter alia, the following.


"Abubakar is entitled to criticise the President, however sharply. What I found objectionable was his repeated decision to call him “Bola.” That was not a more forceful argument; it was a needless display of disrespect. This is not acceptable. It is bad manners and primarily an insult to Nigeria on whose account he occupies that office...This is not a demand for deference to Tinubu’s policies or person. It is a demand for decorum and decency... Imagine a former Vice President referring throughout a national address to a sitting President as 'Segun' or 'Muhammadu'. The rudeness would be unmistakable".


Osuntokun is right.


Yet, judging from other parts of his article, he appears to be surprised by your rank insolence whilst I am not.


Are you not the same Atiku that betrayed his principal, President Olusegun Obasanjo two years after he was elected into office in 1999 and conspired with a handful of Governors to overthrow him at the primaries and take over his seat in 2003.


Are you not the same Atiku that insulted Obasanjo publicly from 2003 up until 2007 even though you were his Vice President?


Are you not the same Atiku who sought to justify your rebellion and treachery by saying that you opposed Obasanjo only because of 'third term' when in fact your rebellion started long before 2007 and your intention was to stop him from getting a second term in 2003?


Are you not the same Atiku that recently went on Arise and referred to President Goodluck Jonathan as an "inexperienced young man" who "made mistakes" and whose inexperience contributed to him not being able to "properly manage the affairs of the country".



You were referring to a former President that is 69 years old, that led our country for 5 years as firstly Acting President then President, that was elected into office as Vice President just under 20 years ago, that was elected firstly as Deputy Governor and later Governor of his state 27 years ago as a "young man" with "no experience"?







Are you not the same Atiku that went to the BBC Hausa Service and described Vice President Kashim Shettima, a humble man who unlike you has the courage to be loyal to his boss, as being "disrespectful" simply because he challenged you to give an account of your tenure in office and to tell the world how many people you have empowered since you came into politics 33 years ago?



Your response to him was that it was against the culture of the North for him to ask elders like you such questions yet you did far worse to Obasanjo in 2002 when you attempted to strip him naked before the world, remove his shoes and crown and humiliate him out of office.



You and your legion of fallen angels went even futher by peddling the foul and abominal falsehood and diabolical mendacity that a man that was old enough to be your father and that was, as President, your principal and boss, knelt down before you, grabbed your feet and literally begged you to allow him to run for a second term in 2003 knowing that Obasanjo would rather have died than do such a thing or endure such humiliation.


Where were your Northern culture and manners then?


The truth is that you do not reflect the decency, restraint, patience, good manners, faith in God, loyalty, fortitude, kindness, generosity, charity, kindness, compassion, honor and other virtues that are associated with the North but rather it's antithesis.



You are indeed a master of intrigue and a mask of contradictions and deceit.


Yet it does not end there.






Are you not the same Atiku whose own running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, said, just a few weeks ago, was "unelectable", had "been there before and lost" and had "nothing new to bring to the table?"



Are you not the same Atiku who, after a young Christian girl by the name of Deborah Samuel, was burnt alive by a wild mob in Sokoto on May 12th 2022, initially posted your condolences and commiserations on your X handle and yet removed it one hour later for reasons best known to yourself?


This was after President Muhammadu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto and Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who was the Governor of Sokoto state at the time, had ALL condemned Deborah's murder and expressed their regrets.


Yet you could not bring yourself to do the same and instead publicly queried your aide when he did so on your behalf.



Worse still, when asked, you LIED 7 months later at a Channels Television Town Hall meeting that you had earlier condemned the killing.


Expecting any form of genuine love, decorum and decency from you is like expecting kindness from a pit bull terrier and compassion from a hungry wolf.



The truth is that you have no respect, no decorum and no sense of restraint and the only thing you are loyal to is your ambition.



You are finally manifesting your true colours, inordinate ambition, pathological obsession and sheer desperation to get power at all costs.



Yet the truth is that questionable characters that still have so many questions to answer should be embarrassed to question anybody on accountability.



Vain promises we all know you are incapable of achieving due to your greed and lack of patriotism cannot deceive anyone into trusting you.



And because you lack basic respect for the Office of the President and insist on calling him 'Bola', you, my dear Waziri, may NEVER attain that height.


*(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, a former Minister of Aviation and Nigeria's High Commissioner-Designate to South Africa, Lesotho and Estawani)*

The Forum of Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals has expressed its readiness to provide technical, strategic and institutional support to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), proposing a complementary structure focused on grassroots mobilisation, campaign messaging, election planning, monitoring and management ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The position was conveyed during the Forum’s engagement with the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, and members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), where the Chief Executives presented their vision for stronger collaboration between government institutions, political stakeholders and the party.

Leading the delegation, Chairman of the Forum and Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, said the Forum was conceived as more than an association of heads of government agencies. He described it as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, coordination and the exchange of ideas capable of contributing to national development.

“We are here not merely as Chief Executives occupying strategic positions in the Federal Government, but as professionals, public-sector leaders, political stakeholders and Nigerians deeply committed to the progress, stability and prosperity of our nation,” Raji said.

He stressed that public institutions have a responsibility to ensure that government programmes and achievements are properly understood by Nigerians, adding that the Forum would continue to encourage cooperation among Chief Executives in areas that advance national development.

“Where government has delivered, we should communicate it,” Raji said, while congratulating Yilwatda on his election as APC National Chairman at the party’s 2026 National Convention.

Raji expressed confidence that the APC leadership would continue to strengthen the party’s structures and deepen its engagement with Nigerians, saying the Forum was prepared to work constructively with relevant stakeholders to improve public understanding of government programmes, achievements and opportunities.

Building on the Chairman’s remarks, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Chairman of the Forum’s Media and Publicity Committee, gave a more detailed explanation of the Forum’s proposed role, describing its intervention as a technical partnership that could complement the work of the Presidential Campaign Council.

According to Ajiboye, the Forum has access to experienced professionals and administrators capable of contributing across different aspects of campaign organisation, including election planning, election monitoring and management, mobilisation, media management, strategic messaging and broader campaign coordination.

He emphasised that the Forum was not seeking to duplicate or compete with the PCC, but to establish a complementary mechanism capable of extending its reach and providing additional technical capacity where necessary.

Ajiboye also drew a distinction between the communication challenge of the 2023 presidential campaign and what he believes will define the 2027 contest.

According to him, the central campaign message in 2023 was necessarily built around what the APC candidate intended to do if elected President. By 2027, he argued, the conversation would have fundamentally changed from “what we will do” to “what we have done.”

For that reason, Ajiboye said Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals occupy a potentially useful position in communicating the administration’s record because they are directly involved in implementing programmes and policies across different sectors of government.

He proposed that the Forum could function as an additional technical and monitoring structure alongside the PCC, helping to identify communication gaps, strengthen campaign messaging and extend information to audiences that may not be adequately reached through the central campaign machinery.

“The communication apparatus for an election and campaign cannot be left to the PCC alone,” Ajiboye said in outlining the Forum’s position, stressing that the proposed structure would be complementary.

According to Lagos News Hub, Ajiboye also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approach to governance, arguing that some of the administration’s major reforms demonstrated a willingness to confront structural problems despite their potential political cost. In his assessment, this reflected a President prepared to prioritise what he considered necessary long-term reforms even as another election approaches.

The Forum, he said, intends to return to the party with more detailed technical proposals and practical ideas on how its members could contribute to the 2027 campaign.

Responding to the delegation, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe welcomed the Forum’s initiative and described its formation as timely.

According to remarks conveyed at the meeting, Yilwatda said the party recognised the potential role the Chief Executives could play in political communication and grassroots engagement and encouraged broad participation in the Forum among heads of relevant federal parastatals.

He stressed that electoral success requires different stakeholders to understand and perform their respective roles, while identifying grassroots mobilisation as an important component of the party’s preparations.

The National Chairman also welcomed the proposal for the Forum to develop a structure that could complement the Presidential Campaign Council, particularly in taking campaign information and government messaging closer to communities across the country.

He further indicated that the party was prepared to engage constructively with the Forum and explore broader interaction with Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals as discussions around the 2027 campaign develop.

Yilwatda also referenced President Tinubu’s long-term economic ambitions, saying government institutions have a responsibility to contribute within their respective mandates towards achieving the administration’s national development objectives.

The meeting consequently established a framework for further engagement between the APC leadership and the Forum, with both sides indicating an interest in exploring how professional expertise, institutional knowledge and grassroots networks could complement the party’s formal campaign architecture.

SIGNED :
Otunba Biodun AJIBOYE, FCIA, Frpa.
Chairman, Media & publicity committee
FORUM OF CEOS OF FEDERAL PARASTATALS