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 Events › FOR NAZIR...� - By Chief Femi Fani-kayode by Amberly01(op): 10:58pm On May 17 |
My dearest brother Prince Nazir Ado Ibrahim of the Royal House of the Atta's in Ebiraland, Kogi state has passed & it has hit me hard. We grew up together, shared an eventful & rich childhood with many remarkable experiences & went through thick & thin together for 60 years! I thought we would grow old together & share the memories of our childhood whilst in retirement. I thought we would comfort each other in old age whilst the world quietly passed us by. I thought so much & planned so much but alas you are gone! You were one in a million brother. Always putting smiles on everyone's faces. I remember the days of Atta Lodge in Yaba, your dear father, the late Ohinoyi's house, where we all used to meet with friends & have a great time in the late 1970's & early 1980's. I remember the days in Chelsea at my apartment in Pier House, my fathers house in Brighton & your father's mansion in Belgravia. I remember the days of Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi Club & Apapa Club where we used to gather & move around in our fearsome & daring "gang" of wild & adventurous friends! I remember the boxing & karate lessons we used to have & what a great warrior & courageous fighter you were. I remember how we were at JB' s house in a place called Bourdillon near the National Stadium in Lagos & police raided the place! I remember how we fought back to back & shoulder to shoulder together against our assailants whenever either of us was attacked or threatened. We never lost brother & they never had us down! That is what made our relationship so special. Nothing & no-one could come between us. We spoke a strange language to one another & we communicated in code & with our eyes. We walked the dark side together &, by the grace of God, we both survived. I remember how we learnt to ride horses together & play polo & how we used to both love marking the streets & treading the paths of the rougher sides of old Lagos in flashy cars whilst flexing our hard & crazy muscles. I remember the rivalries we all had over the girls, I remember the fights with the white boys & the locals, I remember the squabbles we all used to have over the most insignificant things, I remember the love that our band of brothers shared, I remember the numerous controversies we got into, I remember the numerous punishments that we jointly faced from our respective parents for our many wild outings & I remember how we used to go to night clubs like Legends, Tramp, Main Squeeze, Monkberrys & others in London and Studio 54 & Xenon in New York! I remember visiting you in a place called Geneva in upstate New York & how we drove to meet our brother Des Braithwaite in Syracuse! I remember your Porsche 928 S & his & mine & I rember how, in the various cities in the world, the police would stop & ask us how we could afford such cars at such a young age. We laughed them to scorn because they did not know who & what we were & more often than not we served them with hot words & left them with teary eyes & red faces! That was in the early 1980's & my goodness we had fun! We lived life to the fullest with Azad your older brother, Des Braithwaite, Kunle Braithwaite, Tonye Amachree, Deremi Ajidahun, Layeni Fagbayi, Gbegi & Dapo Ojora, Oscar Ibru, Gregg Mbadiwe, Gbolahun Sanyaolu, Ade Adetona, Ike Monu & so many others. Later in the 1980's you became my in-law after I married your beautiful cousin Saratu Atta, who was the daughter of your Uncle, the late Governor Adamu Atta of the old Kwara state. She & I have a beautiful daughter called Folake who you used to dote over with such affection & who you had a soft spot for when she was a baby. So much happened since that time but through it all you & I loved each other in the same way that Achilles & Patrocholus loved one another. Always watching each others backs & standing up for one another, often fighting over small matters & always coming back together again. Sadly we did not spend much time together in the last few years and were only in touch from time to time but when I heard of your passing earlier today something broke in me. I realised that you were literally the living symbol of my lost childhood and the rallying point and star of those of us that grew up with you and loved you. You were the bridge between the North and the South: who spoke Yoruba better than I did but who was proud of his noble Ebira Northern heritage and his Royal roots. You were also the bridge between the children of the elites who went to the best schools from a very young age in England and those who went to the very best schools from a young age in Nigeria. We fought gang wars between the two groups in those days whenever we came home for holidays from abroad at the parties we used to meet and the various social clubs we all belonged to but you brought us all together. Ours was a generation of love and brotherhood which cannot be matched or replaced. We lived life to the fullest, we had it all, we saw it all, we watched each other's backs and accepted each other as we were. Those were the days when brotherhood meant something. Those were the days when loyalty was everything. Those were the days when we took pride in who we were and in being Nigerians. Those were the days when we, as a people and a generation, bowed to no-one and had it all. Those were the days we rocked London, New York, Paris, Athens, Cannes, Marbella, Malaga, Nassau, Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, St. Moritz, Juan Le Pins, Acapulco and much of the world without a care and with no apology. We were tough, proud, wealthy, healthy, strong and feared young Nigerian men who had everything that we could ever want and we moved together like a pack of young wild lions. Those were the days my brother and we thought they would never end. Those were thevdays when our parents would worry about us and our futures and we would exchange notes and share jokes behind their backs and make a mockery of their fears. Then came adulthood with all its challenges and responsibilities and I believe that we all kept the flag flying and acquitted ourselves well. Outside of that our nation changed and the carefree days of joy and abundance for all came to an end as the fortunes of our beloved Nigeria dwindled. We pray for better days ahead and that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the essence and greatness of our people and country the way we once did. Meanwhile my brother I commit you into the hands of God. May He forgive you for all your sins and grant you eternal peace and rest in heaven. May your name never fade away or be forgotten and may your legacy, a great legacy built by your distinguished ancestors and forefathers, remain strong. I miss you already. I miss our fellowship. I miss our shared experiences and our many secrets. I miss our joint childhood and all our other brothers many of whom have passed on. Ours is a dwindling generation. We had our time and God was good to us. We had everything and cannot complain. Now it is time for you to rest brother and for those of us you have left behind to accept the inevitablity of what lies ahead. God is with us and you are with Him. Greet our brothers that crossed over before you and tell them that FFK sends his love. I pray for your precious soul brother and know that I shall NEVER forget you, whether in this world or the next. Rest well Suku Su and may the Lord strengthen, bless and protect your family and your wife, children and loved ones that you have left behind. (FFK)
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| Politics › Democracy Under Attack: Kogi Government Accused Of Plotting To Hijack Yagba Pry by Amberly01(op): 3:35pm On May 15 |
The people of Yagba and Kogi State must not remain silent in the face of clear political manipulation ahead of tomorrow’s primary elections. It is deeply troubling that the Kogi State Government and those controlling the party structure have deliberately refused to release party membership cards to loyal party faithful. This action raises serious concerns about transparency, credibility, and the true intention behind tomorrow’s exercise. A free and fair primary election cannot exist when genuine party members are denied their rights while political machinery, intimidation, and alleged thugs are reportedly being positioned to influence the outcome. We are fully aware of the desperate tactics being prepared, and the people are watching closely. If Elder Leke is truly confident in his popularity and acceptance across Yagba, then democracy should be allowed to speak freely. Why fear a transparent process? Why deny members their cards if the support on ground is truly genuine? We therefore demand the immediate release of party membership cards to all legitimate party faithful before the commencement of the primaries. Democracy must not be replaced with manipulation, intimidation, or state-sponsored control. The voices of the people must prevail over political oppression. Yagba deserves credibility, fairness, and leadership built on the genuine mandate of the people, not manufactured outcomes.
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| TV/Movies › Nigerian Film 'the Boy Who Gave' Hit Cinemas May 15th by Amberly01(op): 9:01am On May 15 |
The Boy Who Gave, the critically acclaimed debut feature film from 23-year-old Nigerian filmmaker Allison Precious Emmanuel, has emerged as one of the most talked-about entries in contemporary African cinema following its world premiere at the 14th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF 2025), where it earned three prestigious nominations: Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Feature Film. Distributed by Nile Entertainment and marketed by PNS Marketing & PR, the film arrives in cinemas nationwide on May 15, 2026. ABOUT THE FILM The Boy Who Gave is a lyrical and heartbreaking coming-of-age drama set against the vivid backdrop of the Niger Delta and riverbanks of Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria. The film tells the deeply moving story of Idah — known as “Broda” — a teenager thrust into adulthood after the tragic death of his parents. Without family support, he becomes the sole provider for his younger siblings: the brilliant D-Boy and the spirited, mischievous Priye. The narrative chronicles Broda’s relentless struggle and personal sacrifice as he labors to keep his family together, offering a powerful portrait of the burdens placed on firstborn sons across Nigeria and Africa. FESTIVAL PREMIERE & NOMINATIONS AFRIFF 2025 Nominations: • Best Actor • Best Director • Best Feature Film ABOUT THE FILMMAKER Allison Precious Emmanuel is a 23-year-old Nigerian filmmaker, actor, and founder of The MX14 production company. His storytelling journey began at age 15, and he has since built an impressive body of work that includes winning the Sony Pictures Short Film Competition and additional competitions sponsored by the United Nations and Tecno. Emmanuel’s acting credits include notable roles in Netflix’s Hijack 93 (2024) and Africa Magic’s Daughters of Water. With The Boy Who Gave, he took on the extraordinary challenge of serving as writer, director, producer, lead actor, and production designer — maintaining creative control across every department including costume, sound, and editing to achieve a consistent visual texture throughout the film. Prior to production, Emmanuel received intensive acting coaching from acclaimed Nigerian actress Nse Ikpe-Etim, preparing him for the demanding dual role of directing while delivering the film’s emotionally charged lead performance. Emmanuel spent approximately one month writing the script intensively, followed by several months of refinement through seven to eight drafts. He initially collaborated with another writer but ultimately felt compelled to write the story himself, driven by a deep personal connection to the material. CRITICAL RECEPTION The Boy Who Gave has drawn significant attention from critics and industry observers across the African film landscape: • Pulse Nigeria called the film “a debut worth talking about” and described it as a showcase of technical prowess and a declaration of arrival from a filmmaker who refuses to compromise his vision. • Afrocritik noted Emmanuel’s capability as a debut feature director, highlighting his strategic use of technical elements from score and soundtrack to lighting and coloring. • Culture Custodian praised the film’s authentic production design, lived-in environments, realistic portrayal of working-class family dynamics, strong sibling chemistry, effective lighting choices, and thoughtful cinematographic composition. The film has been recognized for its unflinching exploration of “Black Tax” — the Nigerian cultural expectation of financial family responsibility — and its refusal to offer false hope, with Emmanuel stating that his intention was to show that life does not always get better for everyone. SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS • IMDb (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38866534/ • IMDb (Filmmaker): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15904510/ • TikTok: @theboywhogave.movie • Instagram: @theboywhogave.movie
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| Business › ₦15.6 Billion Fraud: Tunde Ayeni Denied Bail, Remanded In Prison Till May 25 by Amberly01(op): 4:47am On May 15 |
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday fixed May 25 to rule on the bail application filed by former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, who is currently being held in prison custody over an alleged N15.6billion fraud case.https://www.thecable.ng/court-fixes-may-25-to-rule-on-tunde-ayenis-bail-application-in-n15-6bn-fraud-case/ 4 Likes
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| Events › Podium Recognition Awards Returns In June 2026 by Amberly01(op): 4:39pm On May 11 |
Podium Media, one of Africa's most distinctive media and recognition platforms, is proud to announce the return of the Podium Recognition Awards in June 2026, marking a landmark double milestone: the 16th year since the celebrated awards ceremony began and the 20th anniversary of its parent company, Podium Media. Founded and led by visionary entrepreneur, broadcaster, and transformational leadership coach Titilola Aboyade-Cole (TAC), the Podium Recognition Awards has spent sixteen years doing something that few platforms in Nigeria and the diaspora have managed with sustained consistency: finding the people who are genuinely making a difference and making sure the world knows their names. The Podium story began not in a boardroom, but in a moment of righteous frustration. In 2006, dismayed by the relentlessly negative portrayal of Africans in international media, Titilola Aboyade-Cole did what builders do; she built an alternative. She launched Podium, a television programme on BEN TV and Passion TV on the Sky platform in the United Kingdom, with a singular mission: to showcase the best that Africa has to offer to the rest of the world. That television programme became a magazine; Podium International, launched in the UK in August 2008. The magazine became a movement. And in 2010, the movement arrived formally on Nigerian soil with the launch of the Podium International Recognition Awards, a ceremony that set out to honour genuine Nigerians excelling in their various fields and making their country proud. Twenty years on from that first bold broadcast, Podium Media has grown into a multi-platform enterprise spanning publishing, broadcasting, filmmaking, education, and events, with a presence spanning Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond. "When I started Podium, the goal was simple," Titilola Aboyade-Cole has said. "Find the people doing extraordinary things, often quietly, and give them the platform they deserve." Sixteen awards editions later, that goal has never changed. The June 2026 edition of the Podium Recognition Awards will be the most rigorously judged in the ceremony's history. In keeping with the platform's commitment to genuine, merit-based recognition, winners of this edition will be evaluated against a demanding, multi-dimensional framework of criteria: Measurable Impact — What tangible, documented difference has the nominee made in their sector, community, or field? Not intentions. Not promises. Proof. Consistency — Excellence in a single moment is not a legacy. The awards prioritise those who have demonstrated sustained commitment and sustained performance over time. Reach — How far has the nominee's work, influence, or initiative extended? Across communities, across borders, across demographics? Integrity — How a person achieves matters as much as what they achieve. The Podium Recognition Awards has always honoured not just accomplishment, but the character with which it was pursued. Innovation & Uniqueness — In a crowded world, what makes this individual or institution genuinely distinct? What have they created, reimagined, or disrupted that did not exist before they arrived? The June 2026 ceremony will carry the weight of two historic milestones simultaneously. For the Podium Recognition Awards, unearthing impact-makers across Nigeria and the diaspora, sixteen years of putting faces and names to the excellence that too often goes unacknowledged. For Podium Media, it is a 20th anniversary; two decades of a vision that began with a single television programme and grew into an institution. It is a story about what happens when a clear-eyed founder refuses to accept the narrative she is given and decides, instead, to write a better one. About Titilola Aboyade-Cole Titilola Aboyade-Cole, known widely as TAC, is a United Kingdom-trained broadcaster, filmmaker, author, publisher, life coach, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building businesses across media, education, real estate, and publishing. She is the granddaughter of the late legendary Bishop Aboyade Cole, and the founder of TAC Foundation, CoachTAC Academy, Podium International Nursery and Primary School in Lekki, Lagos, and Podium Films, in addition to Podium Media, the parent company of the Podium Recognition Awards. A Fellow and Advisory Board Member of the Institute of Information Management Africa, she is also a Certified Agile Coach and has been recognised internationally for her contributions to media, community development, and African excellence on the global stage.
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| Politics › To Our Beloved Brothers In South Africa - Chief Femi Fani-kayode Writes by Amberly01(op): 9:16am On May 03 |
William Shakespeare's 'Julius Caeser' is, in my view, one of his best plays ever written by history's greatest bard and playwright and it is indeed amongst my favourites. It speaks of mob psychology, ambition, power, treachery and the most brutal and painful expression of betrayal by a loved one. Caeser loved Brutus his protegee above all else but at the end of the day it was Brutus, after others had stabbed him all over the body with their knives, that struck the fatal blow deep into his ageing chest and killed him. The shock of the betrayal by a loved one and his famous last words, "et tu Brute", as he slowly bled and died, (which when translated from Latin to English means "and you too Brutus?"  conveyed his anguish and pain. It was not just Brutus' blade that finally took his life but also a broken heart.That is how the Nigerian people feel today as they witness the torment and sheer wickedness that their compatriots are being subjected to in South Africa, a nation that most of us love so deeply and dearly and that we sacrificed so much for historically. The purpose of this contribution is to critically examine what has been going on there and, for the record, these are my personal views and assesment and I do not share them in a representative capacity. Permit me to begin. According to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg at least two Nigerians have been killed as a consequence of the xenophobic tensions and attacks. Their names are Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpeyong Andrew. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the Consul-General of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa, said that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on April 20. This raises even more concerns than the ones previously held. It appears that it is not just the South African citizenry that are targetting our people but also elements in the South African Police Force. Surely Nigerian lives matter as well. The killings, beatings, persecution, humiliation, violence & discrimination that Nigerians, and other African nationals, are being subjected to in South Africa is unacceptable and stands condemned. Nigerian children are being turned back from schools, Nigerian patients are being thrown out of hospitals, Nigerian shoppers are being bundled out of shops, Nigerians stores are being ransacked and forcefully shut, Nigerian workers are being sacked and cast out of their offices and work places, Nigerian homes are being raided, ransacked and burnt, Nigerian diners are being thrown out of restaurants and Nigerian men, women and children are being beaten, insulted, mocked and humiliated in the streets for no just cause and even when and where their immigration papers are complete. South Africans are marching through the streets of their major cities, half naked in tribal wear, singing war songs, brandishing spears and other crude weapons and hunting black African immigrants, including Nigerians, as if they were animals. There is also video footage of mobs of angry and violent South African women beating up African immigrant women in the streets even whilst the latter were praying and holding up bibles. Worse of all are the cases of wild and hostile crowds of South African males chasing and stripping African immigrant women, including Nigerians, naked in the streets, beating them to a pulp and sexually violating them in the full glare of a sea of angry, wild and depraved young men who recorded the disgusting spectacle with their telephones. A number of years ago the great South African reggae singer Lucky Dube was killed by a mob of angry South Africans simply because they believed that he was a Nigerian. That is how deep the hatred for their fellow Africans has eaten into the psyche and afflicted the minds of some of our South African brothers and sisters. This surely is bedlam. It is evil. It is wicked. It is cruel. And it is like a scene from Dante's seventh circle of hell. Thankfully the United Nations have cultivated the courage to condemn these brutal and merciless attacks but much more needs to be done. I call on the Government of South Africa to secure the lives & property of our citizens & to do all it can to enhance the respect, fraternity & support that both of our nations have traditionally accorded to one another. The two largest economies on the African continent must work together in order to bring peace & stability to Africa & strengthen our collective voice on the world stage. What we must not do is allow our citizens to kill one another or subject themselves to barbaric & inhumane treatment, violence, discrimination & danger. I have no doubt that the South African Government, which is a responsible and civilised Government that is rooted in the most noble and sacred traditions and heritage of Nelson Mandela's ANC, will do the right thing, live up to its expectations in this respect & arrest the ugly situation. Nigeria assisted & funded the struggle against apartheid more than any other during the apartheid years & President Olusegun Obasanjo (who at that time was our military Head of State) even went as far as to nationalise British Petroleum (BP), the UK's then largest oil company, to punish the British when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refused to place economic sanctions on the white minority Government of South Africa. President Thabo Mbeki, the former President of South Africa, & other ANC leaders lived in Nigeria during those years & we were honored to have them. After his release from prison and after being elected, President Nelson Mandela came to Nigeria to thank us for our support for his country during those difficult years. That was 36 years and three months ago! He was accompanied by his beautiful wife Winnie Mandela on that visit and when she mounted the podium she said the following words, "we owe much of our freedom to Nigeria. I want to take this opportunity to say 'thank you Nigeria'." On his part President Cyril Ramaphosa, the sitting President of South Africa, said, just a few days ago, that "African countries helped during the anti-apartheid struggle" and that "South Africa won its freedom from apartheid and racism "on the crest of a wave of support from other nations and particularly African nations". This is a confirmation of an incontrovertible and indisputable fact which we appreciate. We donated billions of dollars to the ANC & to arming Umkhonto Wesizwe (AKA the Spear of the Nation) it's armed wing. We did the same for Zimbabwe too & funded President Robert Mugabe's ZANU & Joshua Nkomo's ZAPU in their armed struggle against Prime Minister Ian Smith's white minority Rhodesian Government. This is not to mention what we did for Namibia, Mozambique, Angola, Tanzania, Somalia, Congo & others in Africa & our efforts in West African nations like Liberia, Sierra Leonne and Chad during their bitter conflicts in which we contributed our treasure & sacrificed our blood. In all these arenas of war Nigeria played her role, paid her dues & earned the admiration of all even though many appear to have forgotten. As Obasanjo said in an interview with Mr. Soni Irabor, General Murtala Mohammed, the military Head of State to whom he was second in command & who was his predecessor in office, "we fought against colonialism & apartheid". They did this with courage & strength & many are of the view that Mohammed was assasinated primarily because he supported those anti-colonial movements in Angola & apartheid forces in South Africa. The people of Nigeria & South Africa were ONE at that time & we STOOD shoulder to shoulder against apartheid. I recall that many of us from Nigeria, including yours truly, participated in student demonstrations whilst studying at University in the United Kingdom in the late 1970's and early 1980's against the barbarism of South Africa's white minority rule. I remember that when I was at Harrow School in the United Kingdom before going to University that I had a very brutal fight with a blond haired, blue-eyed racist white Afrikaaner South African boy who came from one of their top families in that country right in the classroom after he referred to all black people as animals and told me that in his country we would have been kept in cages. He also called me a "dirty kafir" (kafir is the "N" word in Afrikaans) and my response to that was a dirty slap to his Boer face. He forgot that I was not only a member of the schools boxing team but also that up until then I had never lost a boxing match. I broke his nose in that encounter and after that he never opened his mouth to speak ill about black people again in my prescence. This happened in 1975 when I was 15 years old and I still remember those events vividly. I also remember his name but because he hails from one of the oldest, most distinguished and most respected families in South Africa till today and we became the best of friends years later I will not mention it here. I was punished by the school authorities for giving him the beating of his life after reminding him that, unlike others, Nigerians do not take rubbish from anyone but I never regretted what I did and as a matter fact I enjoyed it. This behaviour was replicated by countless other sons of Nigerian elite families who met their white South African counterparts in top British private schools in the 1970's and 1980's. I remember that my childhood and family friend Mr. Kio Amachree, the son of the highly respected Chief Godfrey Jaja Amachree QC, Nigeria's first Solicitor General and a former Under-Secretary of State of the United Nations, did the same thing to another white South African student when he was at Eton College just as his younger brother and one of my closest friends Mr. Tonye Amachree, who I attended Holmewood House Scool with in Tunbridge Wells years earlier, did to yet another racist white South African that we bumped into in a restaurant in Brighton! I also remember being arrested by the British police in 1979 along with hundreds of other members of the University Students Union and members of the Students Anti-Nazi League at a protest and demonstration that I participated in against the South African Barbarians Rugby team (a multi-racial invitational side) who had been allowed to come to play in Coventry on October 17th 1979 during their tour of the UK. We marched in our thousands singing songs of protest and refusing to be dispersed outside the rugby stadium and we were arrested in our hundreds. It was a proud moment for us all and that was the least we could do for the struggle. That is how passionately we all felt, even as young students, about what the apartheid Government of South Africa was doing to our black brothers in their country. Such was the intensity of these protests all over the UK that the last leg of their tour and their final match, which was scheduled to take place in another city, had to be cancelled and they were sent back home to South Africa with their tail between their legs. In those days, as students, we felt the same passion and anger and perhaps even more as the students that are marching all over the world for the Palestinian people and for Gaza are doing today. Permit me to go deeper and enlighten those that are too young to know, those that were not properly taught history or educated in their schools and those with short memories about the pure evil that apartheid really represented and about some of the things that Nigeria did as their contribution towards the emancipation and liberation of the black majority population of South Africa from the hands of the Afrikaans-speaking white Boers and farmers that literally regarded them as little better than animals and that sought to break their spirits, bodies and souls with the most cruel and crude system of human degradation and institutional bondage that humanity has ever known and which was, in my humble estimation, even worse than the evil of Zionism and Nazism. That system was called "apartheid" (meaning "separate development" and worse of all the defunct Roman Dutch Church of South Africa attempted to justify its pervasive, perfidious and insidious perpetration with passages from the Holy Bible.This evil system denied blacks the right to live amongst whites, have sexual relations with them or have equal opportunities with them. Blacks were confined to living in designated and barren homelands, filthy slums and heavily policed, isolated and crime-ridden satellite towns. They were forced to carry passes to enter cities, were compelled to learn Afrikaans (a derivative of Dutch and the language of their white oppressors) in school and were only allowed into the city to do the most menial and dirty jobs. The whites controleed all the levers of power in Government, headed and manned the entire civil service and all the security forces and owned 100% of the land and 100% of the companies and businesses in the country. Blacks owned nothing, headed nothing, led nothing, were not allowed to vote and were described as the biblical "hewers of the wood and drawers of the water". |
| Crime › Inside Tunde Ayeni’s Long-running Dance With The EFCC by Amberly01(op): 10:40am On May 02 |
If the story of Tunde Ayeni; businessman, former Skye Bank chairman, Ntel investor, political financier, and now, once again, a guest of Nigeria's foremost anti-corruption agency EFCC, teaches us anything, it is this: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has a very, very long memory.https://thenigerialawyer.com/inside-tunde-ayenis-long-running-dance-with-the-efcc/ 5 Likes
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| Politics › Anioma Monarchs, Stakeholders Endorse Nwoko For Second Term by Amberly01(op): 10:36am On Apr 27 |
Anioma Monarchs, Stakeholders Endorse Nwoko for Second Term, Back Southeast Alignment In a landmark unanimous decision, the Izu Anioma—umbrella body of all Anioma’s including stakeholders traditional rulers, students in Delta North , have endorsed Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term, citing his leadership in the ongoing push for the creation of Anioma State. The endorsement, announced after a high-level stakeholders’ engagement, was anchored on what the leaders described as Nwoko’s “productive representation” in the Senate and his sustained commitment to the Anioma State project. The traditional rulers also used the occasion to caution against divisive political tendencies, particularly taking aim at former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, over his recent entry into the 2027 senatorial race under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Okowa, who recently declared his intention to contest, has stirred controversy by opposing Nwoko’s position that the proposed Anioma State should be aligned with the South-East. Instead, the former governor advocates its retention within the South-South geopolitical zone. Stakeholders described this position as counterproductive, warning that conflicting narratives could undermine the long-standing agitation for state creation. In a move to preserve unity and maintain focus, the Izu Anioma reaffirmed their support for the Southeast alignment, insisting it offers the most viable pathway for actualising the Anioma State project. This position was reinforced during a meeting of the Technical Committee on the Creation of Anioma State, held at the palace of the Obuzor of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area. Presiding over the session, the Obuzor of Ibusa, HRM Louis Nwaoboshi, traced the agitation for Anioma State back to 1950 noting that successive generations have sustained the demand whenever constitutional opportunities emerged. He commended Senator Nwoko for leveraging the current legislative window by sponsoring a bill for the creation of Anioma State, with Asaba proposed as the capital. “This is a constitutional process which we, as a technical committee, are objectively piloting to fruition. Significant progress has been made, but the emergence of divisive politics is worrisome,” the monarch stated. He warned against politicising the movement, stressing that the collective aspiration for statehood must take precedence over partisan interests. “Politicising the state creation movement under our watch is unacceptable. The focus of all stakeholders must shift from party politics to the realisation of our age-long dream—Anioma State,” he added. The stakeholders further urged political actors in Delta North to exercise restraint, warning against actions that could derail the process or create unnecessary tension ahead of the 2027 elections. They emphasised that history would judge harshly anyone found working against the realisation of Anioma State, calling for unity of purpose as the constitutional process gathers momentum.
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| Celebrities › Adaobi Alagwu’s Wedding Rekindles Debate Over Past Dispute With Tunde Ayeni by Amberly01(op): 5:34pm On Apr 22 |
- By Chukwuma Daniels A few years ago, Adaobi Alagwu was deep in the trenches of society scandal; neck-deep. The man in the picture was old enough to be her father, a billionaire whose name once upon a time carried weight in boardrooms but whose private life kept leaking like a broken pipe. Tunde Ayeni; the same man who would later drag her through courts, call her a liar in the media, and let his family and foot soldiers turn her name into a national punchline. The embarrassment was brutal. The shade was merciless. For a young woman who had bet big on the wrong horse, it looked like the end of the road. But fast-forward to April 4th 2026; Tunde Ayeni’s own birthday; and Adaobi is walking down the aisle in a grand, tasteful, very public wedding that has the country's social scene and social media still buzzing. Not some low-key, “secret customary” arrangement whispered about in hushed tones. No. This was loud, elegant, and dripping with joy. She didn’t just move on. She upgraded. She landed Honourable Akarachi Amadi Etinosa; younger, vibrant, politically connected, and from everything we’re seeing, genuinely rich in his own right. A man who isn’t hiding her. A man who isn’t denying her. A man who stood proudly beside her while the whole country watched. And yes, friends of Adaobi confirm that the date was deliberate. April 4th. Every single year, when Tunde Ayeni cuts his cake and blows out his candles, he will be forced to remember the day the woman he tried to bury got married in style. Let’s be honest: Adaobi made mistakes. She swam in the sugar daddy waters and the current nearly drowned her. Many girls still do the same; trading youth and beauty for brief access to old money, thinking the cheques will cushion the fall. Adaobi’s story is now a comeback blueprint, she learnt the hard way that some billionaires don’t build empires for their side chicks; they sometimes run empires aground trying to maintain the lifestyle. Skye Bank, FETs. Workers still cursing his name today because funds meant for salaries allegedly vanished into private jets, Abuja mansions, and multiple women. At well over 60, the man is still jumping from bed to bed like a teenager with a trust fund; shameless, tired but still playing the field like tomorrow isn’t coming. In the words of a close ally, 'And can he lie? And manipulate? That is his major skill set!'. What beggars belief now is what was Ayeni's objective? He achieved nothing but more problems through numerous extra escapades and more lies. He could not keep a better woman nor a thriving business. Even those who fell for his deception initially now realize the man for who he is; a liar, a scammer and a woman desperado'. Meanwhile, Adaobi dusted herself off, she kept her head high even when the smear campaigns were at their worst. Her parents were not left out of smear and derogatory attacks but they stood firm while Ayeni’s people painted them as desperate opportunists, they didn’t fold and today, they sit at tables with kings because they chose dignity over desperation. This piece is not just about one woman’s wedding. This is a loud reminder to every young girl currently “managing” an old uncle with money: the bill always comes due. The public disgrace, the court cases, the late-night tears are real. But so is the possibility of redemption. Adaobi didn’t stay down. She didn’t become bitter. She became better. She chose growth over grudges, and the universe rewarded her with a younger, richer, prouder man who isn’t afraid to show her off. So yes; congratulations, Adaobi, you took the worst chapter of your life and turned it into the plot twist nobody saw coming. You didn’t just survive Tunde Ayeni and his circus. You outclassed it. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win.
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| Politics › Nwoko Denies Fresh Paris Club Refund Claims, Cites Multiple EFCC Clearances by Amberly01(op): 2:33pm On Apr 17 |
Senator Ned Nwoko has dismissed as “false and malicious” a recent publication by Sahara Reporters alleging new claims in the long-running Paris Club refund controversy, insisting that the matter has been thoroughly investigated and settled by relevant authorities. In a statement issued by his media team in Abuja, the senator representing Delta North said the report was a “distortion of facts” and part of a sustained campaign of misinformation aimed at tarnishing his reputation. According to the statement, no fewer than four separate investigations have been conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the consultancy agreement linked to the Paris Club refunds. These include a recent review reportedly ordered under the current administration. “All investigations reached the same conclusion: that the contractual work was duly executed, while outstanding balances remain due under established agreements,” the statement said. The full Statement reads: “The attention of Senator Ned Nwoko has been drawn to another wilful and malicious publication by Sahara Reporters alleging fresh claims relating to the Paris Club refund matters. “The publication is false, misleading, and a distortion of facts that relevant authorities have consistently examined. “For clarity, four separate investigations have been conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the matter, including a recent review ordered under the current administration. All reached the same conclusion: that the contractual work was duly executed, while outstanding balances remain due under established agreements. “These findings are also supported by official records within the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria, where all federal payments are processed, documented, and subject to audit. “Allegations linking the Senator to any improper collaboration with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, are entirely unfounded and malicious. “The Senator further notes that some of these narratives are being actively circulated by individuals including George Uboh and Omoyele Sowore, whom he believes are driving a sustained misinformation campaign for personal or political purposes. He adds that appropriate legal steps have been taken in response to criminal defamatory publications involving the individuals and their affiliated entities. “The Senator urges the public to disregard unverified narratives and rely strictly on official records and established institutional findings. “For the avoidance of doubt and for clarity, we state unequivocally that there is no 'fresh claim' and that at no time was $350m paid to Ned Nwoko or his company “He remains committed to due process, transparency, and the rule of law.” He concluded. |
| Culture › Ara @ 25: Otunba Ajiboye Joins Culture Enthusiasts To Celebrate Talking Drummer by Amberly01(op): 1:54pm On Apr 17 |
The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye on Thursday, April 16, 2026, joined music enthusiasts at the Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos to celebrate the 25th year stage performance of talking drummer, Aralola Olamuyima, popularly known as Ara. The event was organized to commemorate the enduring voice of the talking drum as well as its cultural significance as a medium of communication, channel for diplomacy, and instrument of social cohesion. Speaking as Guest Speaker at the anniversary celebration with the theme "The Future of Drumming: Policy, Preservation and Prosperity", Otunba Ajiboye, who delivered a paper titled "National Policy and Preservation of Indigenous Arts", contended that although the talking drum is an art form currently at a crossroads of globalization and digital transformation, there is a need for a national policy framework for its protection and by extension, our cultural heritage. Represented by the Director, Lagos Liaison Office, Ms. Victoria Overo, the NICO Boss said no cultural asset can survive without a deliberate and structured national policy framework. “If culture is the soul of a nation, then policy is its shield. Indigenous arts, including drumming traditions, must move from the periphery of cultural discourse to the center of national development planning." He therefore proposed a four-pronged approach, which he stressed must include institutionalization of cultural education, provision of legal protection, establishment of cultural endowment funds, and promotion of the documentation and digitization of cultural assets. While reiterating that the future of drumming should not be limited to culture alone but viewed in its economic perspective, Otunba Ajiboye urged cultural institutions, academia, the private sector, communities, custodians of culture, and youths to see the need to elevate indigenous arts to its highest level, saying government alone cannot carry the entire responsibility. The event which was spiced with performances from the celebrant, Ara, was attended by dignitaries such as Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe; Erelu Abiola Dosunmu who was Mother of the Day; President, Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Prince Pretty Okafor; and Registrar, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Ms. Toyin Naiwo.
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| Politics › With Love To Waziri - By Chief Femi Fani-kayode by Amberly01(op): 11:27am On Apr 17 |
“I will not respond to Kashim Shettima because he is disrespectful. I am older than him and I have more experience in governance than he does, so I will not respond to him. It is not part of our tradition in the North to disrespect elders. You cannot look at someone who is senior to you in both age and accomplishments and start taunting him. That is not our tradition, so I won’t engage with him.”- Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Wazirin Adamawa, 13th April 2026.https://femifanikayode.org/with-love-to-waziri-by-chief-femi-fani-kayode/ 13 Likes 2 Shares
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| Celebrities › Former Skye Bank Chairman Replaced, Humbled And Humiliated At His Game Of Deceit by Amberly01(op): 8:44am On Apr 15 |
There’s something about a comeback story that captures public imagination in a way scandal never quite can; perhaps it is the quiet satisfaction of closure, or the spectacle of reinvention either ways, Abuja based lawyer and socialite, Adaobi Alagwu is milking every bit of buzz and attention her recently held glamorous wedding is giving her with the trending hashtag #AAK on instagram. For many observers, this was more than a wedding; because not too long ago, Adaobi’s name was entangled in one of the most talked-about personal disputes in Nigeria’s social and media circles. A saga defined by denials, legal battles, and an unrelenting back-and-forth that played out in public view. At the center of it all was businessman Tunde Ayeni, whose repeated distancing from her claims became a defining feature of the narrative. Those familiar with the earlier phase of the story often point to the imbalance that defined it. The secrecy, the tension, the uneven optics of a relationship that never seemed to fully exist in the open. Even moments that were meant to signify commitment carried ambiguity, confusion, manipulation and one party's consistent and unrepentant penchant for lies. Yet, as Adaobi appears to have moved on, questions continue to trail the other side of the story. For Ayeni, the past few years have been marked by a series of public explanations and efforts to define his own version of events. But in the court of public opinion, he's often seen and regarded as a weakling of a man who is constantly embroiled with women drama, cheating allegations, fraud related cases (one of many is how he reportedly ran Skye Bank to the ground) and several other unprintable adjectives define his person. So also for Fets, a company that appears to have been established solely for the benefit of Ada. He ran Fets aground from appropriating all available funds from the business to fund his faux lifestyle and sponsor Ada’s trips and childbearing expenses in America whilst his family and other long suffering staff wallowed in debts and unpaid salaries. Ask Tade Odunowo. But that is a story for another day. Among certain social circles, there is a growing sentiment; fair or not; that his narrative and character has been complicated by contradictions and an inability to step fully away from the spotlight of controversy. Whether in media interviews or private accounts, social gists and voice notes that later surface, the impression many are left with is that Ayeni is a deceitful, manipulative, liar. And so, what we are witnessing now is less about who “won” and more about who has managed to move forward more convincingly. Adaobi’s wedding, in that sense, becomes symbolic lesson of courage; not just of personal happiness, but of narrative control. A reclaiming of identity (that Ayeni and his goons spent money, time and effort to ruin) after a prolonged period of public scrutiny. For Ayeni, however, the story serves as a different kind of lesson. Not necessarily about relationships alone, but about how quickly private decisions can spiral into public consequences, and how difficult it is to regain footing once that happens; as he continues to struggle through his old age, kids on social media are now making viral memes of him and Adaobi's new hubby, Honourable Akarachi is obviously younger, viral, more handsome and clearly a dotting father to Adaobi's child (who Ayeni continues to deny till this day). Whilst Ada has taught all a lesson in resilience by coveting for herself a well established man who worships her with her close friends very delighted for her that she landed in her feet this time around as against what she suffered in her past relationship, whilst this one worships her ground, the other was a violent man who often beats her in an attempt to maintain control; perhaps that's why she's been so blessed. Ayeni is far from settled. His wanton habit for being unfaithful continues to be his greatest tragedy. His friends, as Ada’s are at a loss as to how unaware he is to his shameless show of selfishness in self deception. Ayeni ruins his home and ruins the emotions of everywoman he meets. He neither can keep the spirits of his marital vows nor his empty promises to the numerous girlfriends he keeps. In the end, time has done what arguments could not. Adaobi has settled down, stepped into a new life, surrounded by celebration and renewed perception. The other remains tethered, at least in part, to a story that refuses to fade quietly. with his reputation of being alone, still unable to cultivate any decent relationship at home or anywhere for that matter, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
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| Politics › Ned Nwoko Calls For United Igbo Support For Anioma State Creation by Amberly01(op): 4:17pm On Apr 12 |
Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) has called on political leaders and stakeholders across the South East to rally behind the creation of Anioma State, as the sixth State of the zone, urging a unified approach to what he described as a historic and strategic opportunity for the Igbo nation. In a press statement released in Abuja and made available to journalists, Nwoko emphasized that the time has come for proponents of various state creation movements in the South East to set aside individual agitations and consolidate support for Anioma State. This call comes at a critical juncture, as the campaign for Anioma State gathers unprecedented momentum within the national discourse. The growing groundswell recently received a significant boost when Senate President Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed legislative and political backing for the initiative, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to its realization. Senator Nwoko noted Akpabio’s description of the Anioma agitation as historically justified—anchored on equity, administrative efficiency, and balanced national development. According to him, the current campaign enjoys priority attention in the 10th Senate and holds strong potential to unlock socio-economic growth. Beyond its political implications, Senator Nwoko underscored the far-reaching geopolitical and economic advantages of creating Anioma State, particularly for the South East. He noted that the emergence of Anioma would effectively reconnect the Igbo hinterland to vital coastal corridors through Delta State, providing long-sought access to the Atlantic via existing waterways and riverine infrastructure. According to him, this access would be transformative—opening up maritime trade routes, enhancing logistics efficiency, and reducing overdependence on congested ports outside the region. It would also catalyze industrialization, boost export capacity, and stimulate investments in shipping, agro-processing, oil and gas support services, and inland transportation networks. “Anioma State would not only serve as a strategic economic bridge between the South East and the South-South, but will expand the geographical footprint of the Southeast, strengthen is demographic and geographic bargaining power and undermine the tired insult that the region is just a dot on the map. “Remember that for too long, the region has been unfairly labelled and constrained as landlocked. Some opinions also deride the Southeast as a dot nation an insignificant portion of the Nigerian map. Anioma changes that narrative completely”, he stressed. Senator Nwoko emphasized that the creation of Anioma would not only drive economic expansion but also reinforce national cohesion by linking historically and culturally connected communities across present-day Delta, the South East, and parts of Edo State. Calling for strategic alignment, Nwoko urged advocates of other proposed states in the South East, including Anim, to avoid dissipating political energy on parallel campaigns. Instead, he called for a collective front in support of Anioma, noting that such unity would dispel longstanding narratives of disunity among Igbo-speaking people on matters of common interest. Senator Nwoko urged Ndigbo to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward building cross-regional and bipartisan alliances to consolidate the widespread support already achieved for Anioma State. “The continued agitation for multiple state proposals could inadvertently fuel division and reinforce perceptions of disunity, weakening the region’s negotiating strength within Nigeria’s competitive political landscape. “Anioma represents a unifying cause,” he said, adding “It transcends state boundaries, political affiliations, and generational divides. Supporting it does not require ideological uniformity, but it does demand strategic clarity and collective resolve.”
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| Celebrities › Adaobi Alagwu Remarries, Closes Chapter On Explosive Ayeni Drama - ‘biyi Adedeji by Amberly01(op): 8:45am On Apr 11 |
- Marries a younger, handsome, richer man Social media has been agog the past two weekends with news of the wedding of Adaobi Alagwu, and yesterday, popular blogger, Stella Dimioko emphasised on what many did not expect so soon; and instantly reignited memories of one of Nigeria’s most talked-about relationship dramas in recent years. One of the posts, shared by popular blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus, confirmed that Abuja-based lawyer Adaobi Alagwu had found love again and remarried. In her characteristic tone, Stella described it as a moment of triumph, writing that her friend had found true love, in her words, ‘Abuja Based Top Lawyer Adaobi Alagwu Finds TRUE LOVE And Remarries After EX Dragged Her And Denied Paternity Of His Look Alike Daughter’; after a highly publicized and emotionally charged dispute over paternity that had dominated headlines for nearly two years. According to her, the wedding was nothing short of glamorous; attended by high-profile guests, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and his wife Chioma Uzodinma, alongside a mix of political heavyweights and social elites. The bride, she added, dazzled in multiple outfit changes. Adaobi’s wedding took place on April 4, 2026; a date that may not have been chosen by accident. Interestingly, April 4 also happens to be Tunde Ayeni’s birthday, and many observers believe the timing carries a quiet but pointed symbolism. By tying her new beginning to a day already significant in his life, the wedding date now stands as a yearly intersection of two very different realities; celebration on one side, shameful reflection on the other. But beyond the glamour and curated perfection of that day lies a long, complicated story; one defined by public denials, legal battles, media narratives, and a relationship that gradually unraveled in full view of the public. Whilst it is very obvious that Adaobi planned her wedding nicely, the same can not be said of Tunde, who seems to have fallen off the radar with people who know him saying, ‘that man is still the same liar and womaniser; he has always been, a leopard doesn't change its spot, does it?’. The story of Tunde Ayeni and Adaobi Alagwu did not begin in chaos. Like many relationships that later spiralled, it started quietly, out of the spotlight, before becoming one of the most dissected personal disputes in Nigeria’s recent social history. What followed was a drawn-out conflict that moved across multiple fronts: Public statements and counter-statements, Legal filings and court appearances, Questions around paternity and multiple media interviews that revealed more than they concealed. (Exit the oldies; enter the new; Tunde Ayeni and his wife, Dr Biola Ayeni) At the center of it all was a fundamental disagreement; one that neither party was willing to concede. Ayeni consistently denied claims linking him to Adaobi’s child and rejected any suggestion of a marital relationship. Adaobi, on the other hand, maintained her position and pushed back through her legal representatives and public responses. As the dispute escalated, it became less about two individuals and more about narrative control and who would define the story, and ultimately, who the public would believe. Over time, the matter found its way into courtrooms, there were filings, affidavits, and a ruling that attempted to settle key aspects of the dispute. Yet, even as the legal process unfolded, the media narrative refused to slow down. Against this backdrop, Adaobi’s wedding feels like a turning point, not just personally, but symbolically. For someone who had been at the center of such intense scrutiny, the ability to step forward into a new relationship publicly, confidently, and seemingly unburdened by the weight of a past that once dominated headlines. By all visible accounts, her new partner has embraced both her and her child, stepping into a fatherly role and giving her a new reality read about only in books; the look alike child that Tunde Aynei denied multiple times has now found love, and acceptance and recognition in the hands of a more younger and reliable father figure. People who know Tunde have asserted that very soon, he’ll come around begging, not only Adaobi, but also her mother and perhaps even Hon Akarachi for jobs and paternity of the child. While Adaobi appears to have turned a new page, questions naturally arise about the other side of the story. For Tunde Ayeni, the past two years have been marked by futile efforts to assert his position legally and publicly. With constant denials, legal processes, and public clarification. One would think that in doing so, he would settle himself into a better, more dignified phase of life, but NO, the man has not changed from his manipulative and deceptive ways everywhere. Ayeni still remains the scum of the earth that he is, with his leaked voice note with several side chicks making rounds on Whatsapp. The man has not changed from his manipulative and deceptive ways with women at home and everywhere; he still runs after anything in a skirt making himself an unrepentant laughing stock in the social scenes in Lagos and Abuja. By many accounts, consistency has never quite been his strength; whether at home, in his cars, or even within professional spaces, he has rarely ever been associated with just one woman. At the time, when Adaobi’s friends hinted at this pattern, it was dismissed as exaggeration. But with the history now laid bare and fresh details emerging, it paints a picture of a man still struggling to find stability. For Adaobi, whatever the past held, the spotlight now tilts in her favour, while questions linger around Ayeni’s inability to maintain consistency in his personal life; a pattern that has made long-term stability seem elusive. Looking through Adaobi’s stunning wedding photos, it’s hard not to reflect on how different her story might have been had she remained in the precarious situation with Ayeni. The contrast is striking; from prolonged public controversy to a carefully curated moment of joy and renewal. At the center of this new chapter is a partner who, by all visible indications, appears present, he’s younger, handsome, richer and committed. For Adaobi, the step up and the difference is evident; a relationship defined by clarity and intention, rather than confusion, police visits, lies, assaults and contradiction. One would remember how Tunde Ayeni reportedly got to the point of violence with Adaobi in his attempt to coerce her into silence. Truly, luck has shone very highly on Adaobi. Another figure whose presence has been felt, even when she has not been at the center of the conversation, is Ayeni’s wife, Dr. Biola Ayeni. Throughout the controversy, she was referenced, defended, and at times drawn into the narrative in ways that raised their own questions. Now, with one chapter seemingly closing, Mrs Ayeni now has to deal with the monster she enabled
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| Business › Supreme Court Restores Olanipekun, Banire As Counsel In $2bn Nestoil Dispute by Amberly01(op): 1:30pm On Apr 10 |
The Supreme Court on Friday set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal disqualifying Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) from appearing as counsel for Neconde Energy Limited and Nestoil Limited, affirming the companies’ right to appoint their own legal representatives in a dispute challenging the validity of a receivership. In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, the apex court held that where the legality of a receiver’s appointment is itself in dispute, such a receiver cannot assume the authority to appoint counsel to represent the company in the same proceedings. The ruling effectively restores Olanipekun’s appearance for Neconde and Banire’s representation of Nestoil in the high-profile $2 billion debt dispute involving a consortium of lenders led by FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and FBN Trustees Limited. At the heart of the dispute was whether a receiver appointed by lenders could exclusively determine the legal representation of a company, even when the validity of that appointment is being challenged in court. The Supreme Court answered in the negative. Justice Idris noted that the questions submitted by the lenders before the trial court sought judicial interpretation on critical issues, including whether the lenders were entitled to enforce security, appoint a receiver, and whether the receiver could lawfully exercise powers under that appointment. According to the court, these questions strike at the “very foundation” of the receivership, rather than relating to routine management or realization of assets. “It would occasion a conflict of interest,” the court held, “for a receiver appointed by parties whose rights are being challenged to also determine the legal representation of the company in the same proceedings.” The apex court emphasized that the receiver’s authority is derived from the very transaction under challenge, making it improper for such a receiver to control the company’s legal defence in a suit questioning that authority. It further held that proceedings challenging the validity and scope of a receivership do not fall within the general powers granted to a receiver under Section 556(3) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and its Eleventh Schedule. In such circumstances, the court ruled, a company cannot be stripped of its residual powers to defend itself through its board of directors and counsel of its choice. “The defence of the action through its directors and the counsel retained by them cannot be said to be incompetent merely because a receiver has been appointed,” Justice Idris declared. The Supreme Court specifically faulted the Court of Appeal’s January 13, 2026 decision, which had disqualified Olanipekun, Banire, and their legal teams, while recognising the receiver as the sole authority competent to appoint counsel. Describing that position as erroneous, the apex court held that the lower court failed to appreciate the conflict inherent in allowing a receiver—whose appointment is under judicial scrutiny—to control the company’s legal representation. The case, marked SC/CV/48/2026, arises from an alleged $2 billion indebtedness owed by Nestoil and Neconde to a consortium of lenders. Following an alleged default, the lenders appointed a Receiver/Manager to take control of the companies’ assets and operations. By affirming that companies can retain independent legal representation in disputes challenging receivership arrangements, the Supreme Court has clarified a critical aspect of corporate governance and creditor enforcement, with implications for future insolvency proceedings. |
| Politics › “uphold Human Rights Or Face Consequences” - Lagos Police Commissioner Warns by Amberly01(op): 9:23am On Mar 22 |
Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos has issued a firm warning to members of the state’s task force, declaring that the unit will be dealt with if found guilty of human rights abuses. Speaking with members of the press at the command headquarters in Ikeja, Jimoh addressed public concerns triggered by a viral video showing the arrest of a traffic offender. The police boss disclosed that upon learning of the incident, he immediately directed his Public Relations Officer to establish contact with the individual behind Object TV, even as he maintained that due engagement remains open. Jimoh revealed that family members of the suspect, his wife and brother, visited his office demanding police intervention, but he made it clear that the police cannot override court processes once a suspect has been arraigned. According to him, the suspect was promptly charged to court the same day of arrest, where bail was granted. However, failure to meet bail conditions resulted in continued custody, a situation he stressed is entirely within judicial discretion. The CP was emphatic that he would not interfere with the sanctity of the court, noting that “the police action terminates where judicial processes begin,” adding that grievances must be channeled through legal representation before the court. Dismissing allegations of human rights violations, Jimoh stated that no evidence exists showing the suspect was assaulted or maltreated, insisting that police conduct in the matter remained within the bounds of the law. He reiterated that law enforcement must be guided strictly by legal provisions, stressing that no act constitutes an offence unless expressly defined by law, and procedures must be followed accordingly. Amid rising public scrutiny, Jimoh disclosed that he has commenced fresh training and reorientation for task force personnel, aimed at addressing complaints and reinforcing professionalism. While defending the unit’s operations as largely compliant, he warned that any verified misconduct would attract severe sanctions, including possible dissolution and restructuring of the entire task force. He further assured that erring officers would not be shielded, noting that disciplinary measures, including prosecution, remain on the table where violations are established. Providing insight into modern policing tactics, the CP justified the use of unmarked vehicles and covert operations, describing them as critical tools in outsmarting criminal elements who often evade conventional patrol systems. He explained that while marked vehicles serve as visible deterrents, undercover operations enable officers to detect and intercept crimes in real time, particularly in traffic-related and urban crime scenarios. Jimoh added that such strategies have contributed significantly to reducing traffic-related infractions and improving response to opportunistic crimes across Lagos. In a direct appeal to the public, the police chief urged Lagos residents to resist the urge to vilify law enforcement, instead advocating constructive engagement and collaboration. He highlighted ongoing police-youth dialogues and partnerships with civil society organisations as part of efforts to bridge trust gaps and enhance community policing. While acknowledging that enforcement often attracts resistance, Jimoh maintained that order and safety in a megacity like Lagos require collective responsibility and adherence to the rule of law. Reaffirming his openness, he invited aggrieved individuals, including the Object TV publisher, to engage with the command, stressing that the police remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of all citizens.
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| Islam › “ramadan Has Passed, But Faith Must Remain” — Sheikh Ismail Adewunmi Warns by Amberly01(op): 3:12am On Mar 22 |
Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheik Ismail Adewunmi, has delivered a powerful reflection following the end of Ramadan, cautioning believers against spiritual complacency and the tendency to abandon acts of worship once the holy month concludes. In a deeply moving message, the cleric described Ramadan as a “precious guest” that has now departed, reminding faithfuls that while the season ends, the essence of faith, devotion, and accountability must continue. Sheikh Adewunmi emphasized the relentless passage of time and the fleeting nature of life, noting that each day arrives as a witness to human deeds and departs never to return. He warned that the true test of a believer lies not in the intensity of worship during Ramadan, but in the consistency that follows. “Ramadan has passed,” he stated, “but the Most Merciful remains. Faith remains. The Qur’an remains. Acts of worship and righteousness remain.” His message underscored the importance of sustaining spiritual discipline beyond seasonal observance. The scholar, however, expressed deep concern over what he described as a recurring pattern among some believers; a regression into neglect after Ramadan. He cautioned that mosques risk becoming empty, the Qur’an abandoned, and moral standards weakened if individuals fail to carry forward the lessons of the holy month. In a striking warning, he painted a scenario where places of worship, sacred texts, and even family ties would bear witness against neglectful adherents. Referencing classical Islamic scholars, Sheikh Adewunmi reinforced his message with historical wisdom, quoting figures such as Bishr al-Hafi and Al-Hasan al-Basri, who both emphasized that true devotion to God is continuous and not confined to a single period. He stressed that worship is a lifelong obligation, one that only ends with death, urging believers to maintain a steady relationship with God beyond Ramadan. Concluding his message, the cleric delivered a poignant reminder: those who worship Ramadan may find their devotion fading with its end, but those who worship God must remain steadfast, for God is eternal. His remarks have since resonated widely, sparking reflection among the faithful on the need for consistency, sincerity, and enduring spiritual commitment in everyday life. |
| Politics › Anioma: Justice, Identity And Dangers Of Misdirected Agitaion - Omenazu Jackson by Amberly01(op): 3:35pm On Mar 21 |
I write today not out of mere concern, but from a position of deep anger, conviction, and historical responsibility. The sustained and calculated attempt by *Hope Uzodinma* to undermine the legitimate and historic demand for *Anioma State* is not only provocative but also a direct affront to the interest of Ndigbo It is an insult to our collective intelligence, our shared heritage, and the sacrifices of our progenitors who inhabited our lands before us. The Anioma question is not negotiable. It is rooted in justice, identity, equity, and the urgent need to correct a structural imbalance deliberately imposed on the Igbo nation. For decades, Ndigbo has endured fragmentation across Delta, Rivers, Edo, and beyond. Yet, we have remained resilient. The Anioma people are Igbo—by blood, by culture, by ancestry, and by destiny.These ties predate colonial rule and were sustained for centuries. However, the administrative restructuring of Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of the Nigeria Civil war, resulted in their separation from the core. This separation did not erase identity, and no artificial geopolitical boundary can erase this truth. It is, therefore, both shocking and suspicious that what is being subtly promoted in some quarters is not Anioma State but an alternative construct by the name “Anim State.” The question to be asked boldly is : Why Anim instead of Anioma State? What exactly will “Anim State” add to the Igbo nation beyond serving as a political empire for Hope Uzodinma, the current Governor of Imo State and his misguided associates. Let us not deceive ourselves. The misguided quest for Anim State is not about Igbo interest. This is about personal political ambition driven by sheer greed and selfishness. There is a growing perception that this diversion is strategically designed to pave the way for the return of Governor Uzodinma to the Senate and ultimately to the position of the office of Senate President. If that is the case, then it must be stated clearly: no personal ambition, no matter how lofty, should be pursued at the expense of the collective destiny of Ndigbo. The fundamental problem with Anim State is that it does not emerge from a coherent historical narrative. It is not anchored in a distinct identity that commands broad consensus among the people it purports to represent. It is an artificial construct, one that raises more questions than it answers. From a strategic standpoint, Anim State offers little in terms of advancing the collective interest of Ndigbo. *Anioma State,* on the other hand, represents real substance, real value, and real progress: It will reunite a major segment of Igbo people artificially separated since the Nigerian Civil War.It will significantly increase the Igbo population base, strengthening demographic relevance with 4 million people. It will expand the geographical footprint of Ala Igbo and unlock vast human and natural resources for economic growth. It will also strategically position Igbo land for access to the sea through the River Niger, opening new frontiers for commerce and industrialization and adding 7000Sqmiles to the land mass. At a time when Muhammadu Buhari once dismissed Igbo land as “a dot in the map,” it is both illogical and dangerous to pursue policies that further divide rather than expand that “dot.” We must expandvnot shrink, unite—not fragment. The Anioma project is a pathway to strengthening the Igbo position within the Nigerian equation. It enhances viability, bargaining power, and national relevance. Anything contrary is a regression. Under the watch of Hope Uzodinma as Governor of Imo State, the state has deteriorated into what can only be described as a theatre of instability. Communities have been destabilized, families displaced, and countless citizens forced into exile. Yet, in the midst of this crisis, there appears to be a glaring absence of the political acumen required to halt the drift. What then are the benefits of this leadership? Can the dead benefit from half-baked infrastructure? Can displaced families find comfort in political manoeuvring? Leadership that fails to protect lives has failed in its most fundamental duty. As far as I am concerned, this represents a grave failure of responsibility, and now a dangerous extension into sabotaging collective Igbo progress is being aggressively pursued by him in furtherance of his selfish interest. But beyond politics, the quest for the creation of Anioma State t is about heritage and sacrifice. My grandfather resisted British colonial intrusion into our autonomous community. During the horrors of the Nigerian Civil War, when our humanity was queried, my father and mother provided refuge and care to displaced Ndigbo and over 230 orphaned children. They went on to establish one of the earliest orphanage homes east of the Niger—an act of selfless service recognized with a medal from UNICEF. This is a legacy of sacrifice.And so I ask again—clearly and unapologetically: What is the contribution of Hope Uzodinma and his forbears to the sustainance of Igbo interest in Nigeria. And by what moral authority is he now attempting to obstruct a generational aspiration? In this regard, I must commend Ohanaeze Ndigbo for its principled and unwavering support for the creation of Anioma State.Its position is firmly rooted in its constitutional vision, which recognizes the broader framework of seven Igbo-speaking states within its cultural jurisdiction. The realization of Anioma State is, therefore, a critical step toward achieving a balanced and equitable structure for Ndigbo. Anioma State is not just about numbers—it is about strength, viability, and strategic expansion. It represents the emergence of a vibrant, economically viable, and culturally grounded state that will significantly enhance the collective capacity of Ndigbo within the Nigerian federation. I also commend the Governors of Ebonyi, Abia, and Anambra States for placing Igbo interest above narrow considerations and for demonstrating leadership anchored on unity and long-term vision. I call on Ohanaeze Ndigbo, traditional rulers, political leaders, and all well-meaning Ndigbo to rise and resist any attempt—internal or external—to derail the Anioma project. This is not the time for silence. This is not the time for compromise without principle. This is the time to defend our future. To Hope Uzodinma, I say this without hesitation:Stop this political diversion. Stop this obstruction. Stop standing against your own people. Allow Ndigbo to breathe. Allow Anioma State to emerge. History is watching. Posterity will judge. Anioma State is justice. Anioma State is identity. Anioma State is destiny. And no individual ambition will be allowed to override the will of a people. Enough is enough!
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| Politics › Still On Dele Momodu - Chief Femi Fani-kayode Writes by Amberly01(op): 6:56am On Mar 19 |
I saw Dele Momodu's response to my article on him & was amused. I tried to be polite & restrained in that write up & I didn’t realise that it would hurt him so deeply. Yet for that I offer no apology. I said he sounded tired & worne in his interview with Seun Okinbaloye but from his response today it is clear that he is now completely unhinged. He has blown his gasket & his reaction is rooted more in emotion than it is in logic. Frankly I feel sorry for him because it is clear that he is fighting a lost cause, he is badly diminished & he is now a shadow of his former self. For Bobby Dee the glory days are certainly over & I suspect that by 2027 when Tinubu emerges victorious he will crawl back into the hole that he originally came from. Perhaps at that time he will go back to taking pictures of former Governor Nyesom Wike, the Adeleke's & other prominent figures for a living & shining their shoes. Playing clips of things that I said about President Tinubu 11 years ago when I was in the then opposition & when I led the media section of President Jonathan's presidential campaign organisation will not help him to get rid of the stench of faeces that he has immersed himself in today & neither does it derogate from the fact that he was speaking rubbish when he said Tinubu is a dictator. Unlike others I will never deny what I have said in the past about Tinubu or anyone else but at least I had the decency & courage to admit that I was wrong & ever since I left the then opposition and joined the APC in 2021 I have not looked back. Not only did I fight for Tinubu in 2023 during the presidential campaign but I have remained loyal & committed to him & his cause since then and I have no apology for that either. Unlike Dele I did not benefit from him for close to 40 years, eat from his plate, collect handouts from him, stay in his house, claim to be his brother and yet refuse to support him in achieving his dream of becoming President. Bobby Dee's nose is so far up the posterior of those he is now slaving for that he forgot to mention the fact that every single one of them, at some point or the other in their sorry lives & career, have not only changed political parties several times over but have also opposed Tinubu bitterly & even more vehemently than I ever did only to go back & later re-align with him. I do not begrudge them or blame them for that because that is the nature of politics all over the world. There are no permanent friends or enemies but only permanent interests and in my view it is in the interest of Nigeria that Tinubu continues the reforms that he started in 2023 after he was elected President. It is also my view that Nigeria must never fall into the hands of the conglomeration of court jesters, sorry clowns & motely crew of insufferable jokers that Dele is now speaking, slaving & fronting for. I will still be gentle with my old friend because I have a soft spot for him but if he ever crosses the line with me again I will stop being so restrained. He does not have the stomach for a real fight because he is vain and thin-skinned. He also has an over- inflated opinion of himself and a huge ego. These are weaknesses in this game and not strengths and as we get closer to the presidential campaign he will learn this the hard way. Meanwhile he should stay in his lane otherwise I will give him plenty to write about. For him to compare Tinubu to Abacha was wrong and if he was anything like the dictator that Dele claims he is both Dele and those he speaks for today would either be dead or in jail. He should count himself lucky that our President is a democrat and not a monster. Dele's lies, duplicity & shameless perfidy have finally been exposed & are as obvious & glaring as his very large stomach. I advise him to do some press ups & go jogging because unlike before I will no longer remain silent as he & his friends throw mud at our President. Game on! (FFK)
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| Politics › To My Brother Bobby Dee By Chief Femi Fani-kayode by Amberly01(op): 8:05am On Mar 17 |
For my brother Bobby Dee (Chief Dele Momodu) to compare President Tinubu to General Sani Abacha and claim that he is a dictator suggests that he is suffering from a degenerating and worrisome level of cognitive dissonance. I love Dele and God knows I have immense respect for him but he sounded drained, tired and broken and spoke little sense yesterday in his interview with Seun Okinbaloye of Channels TV. May I humbly suggest to him to try and take a break from politics and political commentary for a while, get his breath back and attempt to overhaul his intellectual engine? Not only was he uncharitable and disrespectful to the President, the Vice President, the Ministers, the Senators and the newly-appointed Ambassadors, many of whom have far more experience than him in governance and Government, on that programme but he also insulted the collective intelligence of the Nigerian people. He and his associates in the ADC should focus more on trying to build up their depleted ranks and form a strong opposition that we can look forward to engaging in the field of battle for the 2027 election rather than continously obsesse and talk about what our President and our party is doing. The ADC cannot even be described as a sinking ship but rather as a badly patched up inflatable plastic life boat that has not even managed to find its bearing or leave the harbour. It has no engine, no sails, no oars, no captain, no crew, no navigational equipment, no muscle, no firepower, no war chest, no destination and worse of all it is made of rubber and not steel. How can such an ill-prepared contraption even float let alone do battle? It cannot possibly survive the rough seas and harsh winds of Nigerian politics because it lacks gravitas, focus, character, intelligence, discipline and strength. It needs to be built up, better schooled, better trained, better equipped, better educated and better prepared before it can enter the field and before we can even begin to regard it as an opposition party. Right now it can only be described as a haven and pitiful gathering of vacuous, shallow, intellectual frauds and political renegades who lack foresight and who have no direction. The fact that they have failed to take off is not Tinubu's fault, it is theirs. The fact that political leaders and the Nigerian people are flocking to APC in droves is not only because our President and Vice President are doing well but also because they view the ADC as nothing but a collection of disingenious, desperate and recycled political losers, who are addicted to power, who offer no credible alternative to governance and who, like the three blind mice, are running around in circles, chasing each other's long, mangy and wrinkled tails with no where to go. Watching my brother Dele trying to speak for them is pitiful and is even more disconcerting than his assertion that Tinubu will regret his decisions and will be deserted by everyone around him. The Bible says "who is he that sayeth a thing and it cometh to pass when the Lord God of Hosts has commanded it not?" Dele should listen to the Holy Spirit instead of to the pagan murmurings, strange whispers, demonic divinations and conjuring projections of the Prophets of Baal and the Witch of Endor. To be sure Tinubu started well, he is doing well and he will, by the grace of God, end well with no regrets in 2031. Anything short of that is the counsel of the ungodly and the manifestation and delusions of a diseased and demonised mind. I appeal to my brother Dele: leave the ranks of the forces of darkness and join us. You are far too good for the company you are keep. Your presence in the ranks of the ADC is like that of a gentle, beautiful, well bred, well fed and well manicured flamingo trapped in a sea of ugly, cruel, loud, angry, starving, cackling and relentless crows and vultures. It does not befit you. (Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the author of this essay) is an Ambassador Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a former Minister of Aviation, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, the Otunba of Joga Orile, the Aare Ajagunle of Otun Ekiti and a Legal Practioner) 1 Like |
| Politics › Had FFK Faced Mehdi Hassan, Nigeria Would Have Spoken With Fire - By Mohammed B by Amberly01(op): 11:41am On Mar 13 |
In politics, timing is everything. In diplomacy, character is everything. And in moments of national importance, leadership must be entrusted to individuals who possess not only experience but courage, intellect and an unshakable commitment to the nation they represent. It is for this reason that the appointment of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s Ambassador to a foreign nation stands out as one of the most consequential diplomatic decisions in recent years. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, better known in the South as "FFK" and in the North as "Sadauki", is one of the most brilliant, experienced, accomplished, vocal, respected, educated, profound, intellectual, patriotic, disciplined, well-read, historically literate, versatile, forceful, persuasive, sophisticated, cosmopolitan, charming, eloquent, courageous and resilient men in Nigerian politics and he has paid his dues and proved his worth over the last 35 years in politics and political discourse. In each role he has played he has excelled and succeeded even when he was in opposition. His friends value him as a great and loyal defender and his traducers and political adversaries fear and respect him because when he goes to war he is utterly relentless, takes no prisoners and literally spits fire. How I wish it was him that was interviewed by Mehdi Hassan of Al Jazeera and not the young and inexperienced Daniel Bwala because he would have not only humbled Hassan but also done Nigeria proud. He played Bwala's present role in the Presidential Villa 23 years ago as President Olusegun Obasanjo's spokesman and not only brought the then President's domestic enemies to their knees but also had a series of very hot exchanges with foreign Government officials like America's Under-Secreatary of State for Africa Jendaye Fraser and the White House over the Charles Taylor issue and Liberia. Tinubu decision to appoint him as an Ambassador for our nation was a wise one because he will fight for and protect the interests of Nigeria and the Nigerian community whetever he goes and will never sell his soul or bow to foreign imperialist interests. His appointment is not about just rewarding loyalty for the key role he played in Tinubu's presidentiel campaign organisation as Director of New Media and Special Operations in 2023 and the staunch support he has given the President over the last three years but also about putting a square peg in a square hole. If you want to put Nigeria first Sadauki is the one to do it. If he runs the Nigerian Mission in the country that he is sent to in the same way he ran the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Aviation when he was Minister to each of them one after the other twenty years ago he will do very well and both our nation and whichever nation he is posted to itself will benefit from his efforts. History teaches that diplomacy is most effective when nations deploy individuals who possess both intellect and courage. As the American statesman Henry Kissinger once noted, “Diplomacy is the art of restraining power.” To do so successfully requires deep historical awareness and strategic clarity—qualities that have long defined Fani-Kayode’s political career. Sending a politically seasoned voice like FFK to any nation that is a key partner to Nigeria signals that Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic posture with confidence. Throughout more than three decades in the political arena, Fani-Kayode has remained one of the most resilient and outspoken figures in Nigerian public life despite numerous challenges which would have broken and destroyed lesser men. Regardless of all that was thrown at him he continues to pull through and come out victorious which is why many refer to him as the "Akanda Eledumare" and the "Ayanfe Oluwa" which mean "the strange one of God" and "the beloved of the Lord". There appears to be a divine dimension to his life that makes him unstoppable and irrepressible even though his enemies are legion. One wonders what sets him apart and makes him so different. There is no doubt that his education played a part in it and this set him apart from most. He never went to school in Nigeria but was educated from the age of eight in England starting off at Holmewood House School in Kent, one of the UK's best and most famous Preparatory schools, after which he attended the famous Harrow School just outside London which is, together with Eton College, an institution that is the exclusive preserve of high society in the UK, one of the two best private schools in that country where only the ruling elite, the rich, the well-to-do, the famous and only a tiny proportion of those in British high society can afford or even qualify to attend. No less than eight British Prime Ministers, including the great Sir Winston Churchill, and countless British cabinet ministers attended Harrow and so did many leaders, diplomats and top politicians from many foreign countries. After finishing at Harrow he attended some of the top universities in the world, including London University (SOAS) and Cambridge University (Pembroke College) where he did so well. As a matter of fact his great grandfather, Rev. Emmanuel Adelabi Kayode, attended Furrough Bay College which at that time was part of Durham University and graduated with an MA (Hons.) in Theology in 1893. His grandfather Justice Adedapo Kayode attended Cambridge University (Selwyn College) where he studied law and graduated in 1922. His father Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode attended Cambridge University (Downing College) where he studied law and graduated in 1943. Sadauki himself graduated in law at Cambridge University (Pembroke College) in 1984 whilst his daughter Folake Fani-Kayode graduated from Durham University in 2009. No African family has an uninterrupted streak of 116 years of Oxbridge-level university graduates except for the Fani-Kayode’s which is something that both his family and every patriotic Nigerian should be proud of. It therefore makes perfect sense that a man from such a distinguished pedigree and intimidating lineage and that has such an extraordinary intellectual heritage should represent Nigeria on the international stage. There is also his role in the debate on Gaza which made him a hero in the eyes of millions of people in the Global South both amongst Christians and Muslims. He spoke out consistently about what he described as the genocide being committed against the Palestinians and he was prepared to put his life and career on the line for this cause even though most Nigerian leaders and politicians refused to say what he was saying publicly out of fear of the Zionist lobby and the Jewish state. His sense of patriotism is unquestionable and nothing reflects this better than his series of essays written against Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Opposition Conservative Party and his write up against one Ben Llewelyn-Jones, who at that time was the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, when the former consistently sought to insult and denigrate Nigeria and the Nigerian people and the latter attempted to interfere in our internal affairs by making statements in support of Peter Obi and his Obidients in the 2023 presidential elections. Sadauki successfully put them both in their place and when American Senator Ted Cruz, President Donald Trump, Congressman Tim Riley and other American politicians began to peddle the false narrative and fake gospel of Christian genocide and persecution in Nigeria Sadauki, a devout Christian himself, rose to the challenge and more than any other Nigerian wrote about the issue in a series of essays pointing out the fact that as many Muslims were being killed as Christians by the terrorists in our country and that Christians were not being persecuted by our Government and are in fact faring better when it comes to positions in the security apparatus and governance under Tinubu than they did in the previous administration. He also spoke out boldly against President Trump and his administration when they accused the Government of South Africa of indulging in genocide against the white minority population in their country and pointed out the fact that South Africa, like Brazil, was a shining example of a successful multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural nation that was treating its white minority population with the greatest respect. Few Africans said a word to defend South Africa at the time even though they knew that Trump was wrong but Sadauki did so without thinking twice. He is clearly a strong Pan-Africanist and a believer in the importance of the African Union, African solidarity, the BRICS coalition and the Global South alliance comprising of China, Russia, South Africa, India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other emerging world powers. This is commendable and it reflects his courage and disdain for those that display ignorance, disdain and contempt for our nation and people and that seek to denigrate and misrepresent us. Sadauki is not the type that bows and quivers before Westerners like so many other Nigerian leaders and politicians but rather takes pride in his Nigerian culture, race, heritage and identity and is prepared to defend us and speak for us no matter whose ox is gored and who is involved. In an increasingly competitive global environment, Nigeria requires diplomats capable not only of negotiation but also of defending national interests with conviction. If the energy, eloquence and intellectual fire that have defined Fani-Kayode’s political life accompany him to the country to which he has been posted, his tenure may well become one of the most consequential chapters in Nigeria’s modern diplomatic engagements. I wish him well and I thank God that he is back in the saddle of public office after so many years. What more could any of us ask of this great and noble son of Nigeria? This is undoubtedly the quality of personnel and leaders that we need on the international stage. I hope and pray that in his endeavours and during the course of his work he meets with Mehdi Hassan in a debate and prove to him and the rest of the world that Nigeria still has men that can not only match them but that can also remove their trousers in any verbal encounter. Bwala put us to shame but FFK can redeem us before the eyes of the world. (Mohammed Bello Doka, the author of this essay, is the publisher of Abuja Network News and can be reached via bellodoka82@gmail.com)
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| Politics › More Questions For Nasir El Rufai - Chief Femi Fani-kayode Writes (part 1) by Amberly01(op): 6:37pm On Mar 08 |
In my last contribution titled 'Nasir El Rufai As A Threat To National Security' I asked a number of questions about the actions, utterances, public confessions and acts of sheer wickedness carried out by my old friend Mallam Nasir El Rufai for which I am still waiting for answers. The last thing I heard about him is that he is still in detention and that he suffered a nose-bleed whilst there after one week and for this he has my sympathies. I hope he gets out soon so that he can respond to me directly and take care of his nose What I forgot to mention in that piece was the large number of orphanages he knocked down in Abuja when he was Minister of FCT and the large number of orphans that he made homeless. Outside of that he demolished 2000 homes and buildings in Abuja and 12000 shanties on its outskirts in which the poor had taken refuge often against court orders and without compensation! I also forgot to mention the fact that he knocked down many orphanages in Kaduna when he was Governor and that one of the last things he did whilst in office, which he ruthlessly, chillingly and cold-bloodedly carried out the day before handing over power to Governor Uba Sani, was knock down an orphanage at Fadama Badan Dodo in Zaria. The worst aspect of this dastardly act was the fact that it took place at 1.00am in the morning and without a court order! Details of other demolition activities that he ordered in the days leading up to his exit as Governor on May 29, 2023 were as follows. Gbagyi Villa Demolition: Roughly 72 hours before leaving office, the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) demolished numerous houses in the Gbagyi Villa community in Kaduna. Residents claimed that these demolitions occurred despite existing court orders for him not to proceed and that many of the affected buildings were legitimate residences. Shi'ite Buildings: On Monday, May 22, 2023—about a week before leaving office—KASUPDA demolished several structures belonging to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), including schools, a hospital and private residences in various areas, including Kawo, Rigasa and Tudun Wada. Prior to these actions, El-Rufai had vowed to continue "demolishing structures" until his "last day in office". While specific reports from May 2023 focused on the destruction of houses, schools and a hospital in Gbagyi Villa and Shi'ite-affiliated areas, some reports have mentioned that the affected sites included structures and orphanages where children resided, leading to allegations of destroying homes and communities. The demolitions were described by critics and affected residents as "vindictive". In my view the word "bestial" would have been far more appropriate than "vindictive". I say this because it is only a human being that can be vindictive and it is only a beast that can be bestial. Nasir El Rufai was not just being vindictive here but was also being downright bestial. Even the homes and habitats of orphans were not spared from demolition and destruction! Like the troublers of the world that take pleasure in bombing and slaughtering women and children without regret or remorse, his bowels of compassion ran dry, he lost his sense of decency and humanity, he forswore the milk of human kindness and he offered no mercy to the women, the children, the elderly or the poor. His pleasure was to break their hearts, shatter their dreams and aspirations and bring tears to their eyes, pain to their spirits and sorrow to their souls. His joy was to deprive them of not just where they had lived but also all that they had. Such callousness is unspeakable. Yet sadly it does not stop there. I also forgot to mention the fact that he ruthlessly persecuted the followers of the late Sheik Dahiru Bauchi in Kaduna, raided their homes, desecrated their properties and places of worship and committed the most despicable and hideous atrocities against them which led the Sheik to express his displeasure against him by pronouncing a curse on him. And others cursed him too. For example the women of Kafanchan in Southern Kaduna went on a march, stripped themselves naked and cursed him at a roundabout in broad daylight in the middle of the town as a consequence of his wickedness towards their community. I doubt that any Governor in the history of our nation has attracted as many curses from his own people as Nasir El Rufai. I also forgot to mention the fact that he banned state-sponsored pilgrimages for Muslims who were going to Mecca and Christians who were going to Jerusalem which was, in my view, bad enough. What made it worse was the fact that he surreptitiously lifted the one on the Muslims and strictly enforced the one on the Christians. In other words he adopted a selective approach. Consequently the first time that the Christians of Kaduna state were permitted to go on state-sponsored pilgrimages in the last 11 years was when Governor Uba Sani formally lifted the ban in February 2026! I also forgot to mention the fact that he banned night vigils for Christians when he was Governor of Kaduna and that he directed Pastors to submit the script of their sermons before they were allowed to preach. I also forgot to mention the fact that thousands of petitions from the Shia Muslims, the Tijaniya Muslims and the Christians of Kaduna whose rights were violated, whose women and children were killed and who were viciously and violently persecuted under his watch as Governor were presented to the DSS when he was nominated as a Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These petitions were so alarming that they could not be ignored and that is why his nomination as Minister was rejected by the Senate. Permit me to add that contrary to popular opinion his nomination was NOT rejected as a consequence of the implementation of some far-fetched and illusionary conspiracy supposedly woven against him by the National Security Advisor, the Governor of Kaduna state, the Vice President and the President which is the baseless and absurd narrative that he and his supporters are so fond of peddling to the public. Only the naive and the gullible would believe such a fairy tale because if President Tinubu did not want him to be a Minister he would not have been nominated in the first place. I also forgot to mention the fact that even though his successor in office, Governor Uba Sani, not only contributed millions of dollars of his own personal money to his legal fund between 2009 and 2014 when the EFCC prosecuted him but also stood by him through thick and thin, he repaid his good with evil by attempting to undermine and discredit his Government and destroy his future and career. Permit me to add the following. Before he left office he told Uba Sani that he must ensure that once his tenure as Governor begins he (Sani) must "right all the wrongs" that he (El Rufai) had committed as Governor and that he had no intention of interfering in the affairs of the state once he was out. He even said that he would hardly come to Kaduna and that if he did so he would not go anywhere near Government House. Sadly he lied. He did not honor his word and neither did he take kindly to Sani righting his wrongs which proved to be legion. His reaction to his successor in office's efforts to right those wrongs was vicious, unrelenting and unrestrained and brought out his shape-shifting reptilian nature more than anything else. He turned on him with a vengeance and savagery that is rarely seen in politics anywhere in the world. This was best reflected not just by his sheer pefidy and malicious and malevolent actions but also by his words when he told all those that cared to listen that his sole reason and purpose for returning to active politics was to ensure that he destroys the career, future and life of Uba Sani. I also forgot to mention the fact that even though the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who was his Chief of Staff when he was Minister of FCT and the Secretary to the State Government of Kaduna state when he was Governor, sold his only house in Abuja and used the proceeds to help pay his lawyers when he was facing prosecution by the EFCC between 2009 and 2014, he repaid his commitment and dedication with evil by not only attempting to block his nomination as a Minister (after he himself had been rejected by the Senate) but also to destabilise and discredit the Government that he serves. Permit me to add the fact that not only did Balarabe serve him in these two capacities over the years and not only were they colleagues at school during their childhood but also that the latter attended every single court sitting as a mark of solidarity when he (Nasir) was being prosecuted by the EFCC. All that for his former boss and yet the latter did all he could to abort his nomination and stop him from becoming a Minister. If there was ever a Cesar Borgia in Nigerian politics his name was Mallam Nasir El Rufai! I also forgot to mention the fact that he sent men to abduct Mr. Jackson Ude, the publisher of Pointblank News, from his Abuja home and that when he managed escape their clutches he sent another group of men to the home of his close friend Mallam Jafaru Y. Sa’aad in Kaduna and locked him up for four gruelling months. I also forgot to mention the fact that he displayed a high degree of toxicity, malevolence and egregious hatred for Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state and that he attempted to humiliate and destroy him simply because he could not intimidate, manipulate, control or successfully threaten him when he was the Interim National Chairman of our great party and because he opened the door to many notable erstwhile opposition leaders to join us.
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| Nairaland General › Abati, Atanda-owo Headline Laterna Book Club’s Book Review Of The Month by Amberly01(op): 7:53am On Feb 13 |
The Laterna Book Club hosted its Book Review of the Month, a thought-provoking literary session featuring in-depth reviews and engaging conversations around two significant works of contemporary Nigerian non-fiction. The event took place on Thursday, 12th February 2026, at Victoria Island, Lagos, and brought together writers, readers, intellectuals, and policy enthusiasts for an evening of ideas, reflection, and discourse. Moderated by Moyin Ezekiel, an award-winning Nigerian writer and filmmaker known for her incisive storytelling and cultural commentary. The session featured distinguished authors and reviewers Dr. Reuben Abati and Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, whose works interrogate leadership, governance, politics, and society in Nigeria and beyond. Featured Books PORTRAITS[b][/b]: People, Politics and Society by Reuben Abati Spanning 642 pages, Portraits showcases the multidisciplinary virtuosity of Reuben Abati, whose intellectual presence has shaped Nigerian public discourse for nearly four decades. The collection serves as both a critical reflection on society and a roll-call of many of the consequential figures—nationally and globally—who have defined politics, governance, and culture over the last forty years. It is a compelling blend of history, commentary, and literary insight. Encounters: Governance, Policy, & Society by Kikelomo Atanda-Owo In her third book, Atanda-Owo presents a rich collection of conversations with some of Nigeria’s most influential voices, including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Allen Onyema, Reuben Abati, Chude Jideonwo, Babajide Otitoju, Azubike Osumili, Ajuri Ngelale, among others. Encounters captures the essence of leadership, policy formulation, and societal change, offering readers a rare, first-hand perspective on Nigeria’s governance landscape and future possibilities. The book draws strength from the author’s extensive professional background in media, communications, and strategic engagement. About the Authors [i][/I] Dr. Reuben Abati is a distinguished writer, journalist, and public intellectual. He served as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, and previously as Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspapers. A former university lecturer in drama and literature at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Abati remains a leading commentator on national and international affairs. He is currently the co-anchor of The Morning Show and anchor of ThisDay Live on ARISE TV. Kikelomo Atanda-Owo is the Chief Executive Officer of Z-Edge Limited, a firm providing corporate and management training, event management, procurement, and integrated marketing communications services. She was named among the Top 15 Most Powerful Women Journalists in Nigeria by WiJAfrica in both 2023 and 2024. With a bachelor’s degree in Communications, an MSc from Kingston University, and an MBA from the University of South Wales, she is widely recognised as a trailblazer in media, communications, and strategic consultancy. [b]About Laterna Book Club [/b]The Laterna Book Club is a literary and cultural platform dedicated to promoting reading, critical thinking, and meaningful conversations around books that shape society. Its monthly book review sessions provide a welcoming space for authors, readers, and thinkers to engage ideas that matter. The February Book Review of the Month promises an evening of rigorous thought, intellectual exchange, and cultural enrichment.
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| Politics › Comrade Olatunde Igbasan: The Youth Leader Building Institutions For Renewed Hop by Amberly01(op): 6:25pm On Jan 22 |
Comr. Olatunde Igbasan, popularly known as Tulamania, continues to stand out as one of the most influential youth leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a strong advocate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. A firm believer in party ideology, institutional strength, and national progress, Igbasan has made significant personal investments in youth mobilisation, political organisation, and infrastructural development, well ahead of the 2027 election cycle. His approach reflects long-term commitment rather than political convenience. As Head of the APC Youth Wing, West Africa Chapter (Nigeria and Diaspora), he has mobilised and coordinated thousands of young Nigerians and diaspora supporters across the sub-region, promoting political participation, leadership development and cross-border unity. The chapter has increasingly become a platform for grooming future leaders and amplifying youth voices in governance. Beyond mobilisation, Hon. Igbasan has distinguished himself through action. He is the man who single-handedly facilitated and erected the APC Youth Wing West Africa Chapter Secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos, a landmark project now nearing completion. The Secretariat is set to serve as a central hub for youth coordination, civic education and grassroots engagement in line with the Renewed Hope 2027 vision. Under his leadership, additional Secretariat projects are also ongoing in Accra, Ghana, and Benin Republic, further strengthening the APC’s youth institutional presence across West Africa. Outside partisan politics, Comr. Igbasan is also widely recognised for his philanthropic contributions to youth empowerment, skills development, and community support initiatives across Nigeria and other West African countries, where he continues to support young people through mentorship and capacity-building programs. Widely respected for his loyalty, consistency, and action-driven leadership, Comr. Olatunde Igbasan remains a strategic force in advancing youth participation and consolidating the Renewed Hope Movement across Nigeria and West Africa.
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| Politics › Hon. Olatunde Gideon Igbasan (tulamania):a Pillar Of The Renewed Hope Movement by Amberly01(op): 8:50am On Jan 19 |
Hon. Olatunde Igbasan, popularly known as Tulamania, is a leading figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a strong supporter of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A firm believer in party ideology and national progress, Tulamania has made significant personal investments in strengthening APC structures, youth mobilisation, and infrastructural support, well ahead of the 2027 election cycle. His contributions underscore long-term commitment rather than political convenience. As Head of the APC Youth Wing, West Africa Chapter (Nigeria and Diaspora), he has led and mobilised large numbers of young Nigerians and diaspora supporters, fostering political participation, leadership development, and cross-border unity. The chapter serves as a platform for grooming future leaders and amplifying youth voices in governance. Beyond mobilisation, Tulamania has personally facilitated the development and construction of key party infrastructure, including the APC Youth Wing West Africa Chapter Secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos, which is now at an advanced stage and nearing completion, as well as ongoing Secretariat projects in Accra, Ghana, and Benin Republic, reinforcing APC’s grassroots presence and institutional strength across strategic locations in West Africa. Outside partisan politics, he is also widely recognised for his philanthropic efforts in youth empowerment, skills development, and community support initiatives across Ghana, Togo, Benin, and other West African countries, where he has consistently supported young people through capacity-building, mentorship, and empowerment-focused interventions. Widely respected for his loyalty, consistency, and action-driven leadership, Hon. Olatunde Igbasan continues to play a strategic role in advancing the APC’s vision and consolidating the Renewed Hope Movement across Nigeria and West Africa.
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| Celebrities › Open Letter To President Tinubu On Cost Of Real Estate In Nigeria - Ojuyah Ani by Amberly01(op): 8:27am On Oct 23, 2025 |
Your Excellency, With the highest respect for your person and office, and in recognition of your commitment to building a fair and prosperous Nigeria, I write as a concerned professional citizen to express my deep concern over the persistent and unregulated rise in the cost of rent and property sales across our country. Every day, millions of hardworking Nigerians — civil servants, traders, artisans, young graduates, and families — struggle to secure or maintain decent shelter. The dream of home ownership has become increasingly distant, while many tenants face sudden rent hikes that far exceed their means. This situation has placed countless households under emotional and financial strain. This is not merely an economic challenge; it is a humanitarian one. Shelter is a fundamental necessity of life and a key measure of social welfare. When people cannot afford a roof over their heads, it erodes family stability, productivity, and hope — the very fabric of our nation. While the relative stability of the foreign exchange market under your administration has helped to steady the cost of building materials, the continuous increase in rent and property prices suggests that deeper issues are at play. It has become necessary for the government to investigate the true causes of these persistent hikes — whether they stem from speculative pricing, market manipulation, weak regulatory enforcement, or limited housing supply — and to take decisive action to address them. Lagos: A Stark Example of the Housing Crisis Your Excellency, nowhere is this crisis more visible than in Lagos, our nation’s economic capital and commercial nerve centre. In just a few years, rent in several parts of Lagos has risen by over 400%. A three-bedroom apartment that once cost ₦2.5 million now goes for between ₦8 million and ₦12 million, while serviced apartments in high-demand areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki have jumped from ₦6 million to as high as ₦30–₦35 million per annum. Even middle-income neighbourhoods like Yaba, Surulere, and Gbagada have not been spared — where modest two-bedroom flats that once rented for ₦600,000 now exceed ₦2 million. This unprecedented increase is forcing residents to relocate farther from their workplaces, pushing workers into lengthy commutes and overburdening public infrastructure. It is also widening inequality — creating a city that caters to the wealthy but squeezes out the middle and working class. If Lagos — the model city of commerce and progress — is becoming unaffordable to the people who drive its economy, then it is a warning sign for the rest of the country. The Broader Impact Beyond the hardship faced by individuals and families, this situation is also having serious economic consequences. Many small and medium-sized businesses can no longer afford the unreasonable rent increases on commercial spaces. As a result, numerous shops, offices, and workshops are closing down — leading to loss of livelihoods, increased unemployment, and reduced productivity. This knock-on effect is shrinking the middle class, discouraging entrepreneurship, and slowing down local economic growth. If left unchecked, the housing and rent crisis could undermine your administration’s efforts to create jobs, stabilize prices, and promote inclusive economic recovery. ️ Recommendations for Urgent Action In light of this, I humbly appeal that your administration kindly consider the following measures: Initiate a National Housing and Rent Control Framework — in collaboration with state governments, to ensure fair and stable rent practices across urban centres. Strengthen the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development — to effectively regulate property development and pricing nationwide. Expand affordable housing schemes — for low- and middle-income earners through public-private partnerships and cooperative models. Support mortgage reforms — to make home loans more accessible, especially to civil servants and young Nigerians. Introduce tax incentives — for landlords and developers who provide affordable housing options. Investigate the root causes of high rent and property prices — and establish transparent guidelines that protect both landlords and tenants from exploitation. Encourage state governments — to implement rent regulation mechanisms tailored to their local realities. Support small and medium-sized businesses — through rent relief or subsidy schemes where unreasonable rent hikes threaten employment and stability. A Call for Compassionate Leadership Your Excellency, I write this letter in the spirit of faith and hope — faith in your Renewed Hope Agenda, and hope that every Nigerian will one day have the dignity of living and working in a stable and affordable environment. A nation’s greatness is not measured by the wealth of a few, but by the wellbeing and productivity of the many. Lagos stands as both a warning and an opportunity — to reform the housing system, restore affordability, and rekindle the belief that Nigeria can truly work for everyone. May Almighty God grant you continued wisdom, health, and strength as you lead our country through these transformative times. With my highest regard and sincere respect, Anirejuoritse Ojuyah Urban Policy Analyst Lagos, Nigeria
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| Celebrities › The Tide Turns For Adaobi Alagwu And Her Mum As She Finds Love Again by Amberly01(op): 2:37pm On Oct 17, 2025 |
– While Tunde Ayeni Faces His Web of Lies The social scene has been buzzing with news that signals a turnaround for lawyer and social personality Adaobi Alagwu. Once at the centre of one of the most talked-about relationship sagas in Nigeria’s high society, Adaobi seems to have finally turned the page. From heartbreak and controversy to love and redemption, her story has taken on a new glow; one that now overshadows the storms of her past. Sources close to Adaobi say she is happier than she has been in years. The once-embattled lawyer is said to have found love again, this time in the arms of one of Nigeria’s youngest lawmakers. The new man in her life is described as calm, driven, and completely devoted; a striking contrast to the chaotic past that trailed her name. Adaobi and her new man recently spent her birthday together in Paris, where she was treated to what friends call “princess treatment,” culminating in a surprise proposal. He reportedly presented her with an 18-karat gold engagement ring valued at over half a million dollars, a symbol of a new beginning for a young woman who has clearly learned to guard her heart and her own. This twist comes after months of intense legal drama and online speculation surrounding Adaobi’s estranged relationship with billionaire businessman and former Skye Bank chairman, Dr. Tunde Ayeni. Their story has been the stuff of scandals, lawsuits, and social media obsession; a relationship that began privately but played out publicly, leaving both parties fighting for their reputations. In one of their many legal battles, the Customary Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dawaki, Abuja, declined jurisdiction to entertain a suit filed by Ayeni against Adaobi, effectively closing yet another chapter in their long-running dispute. For Adaobi, the judgment was a quiet but significant victory. The same cannot be said for Ayeni, whose reputation has continued to take hits on all fronts. Ayeni refuses to learn the tenets of honour as he continues to lock heads and lie. Once seen as one of the shining stars of Nigeria’s banking and investment world, he has lately been caught in a swirl of controversies, from leaked recordings and messy relationship fallouts to multiple court battles, all of which Adaobi won. In the latest of these dramas, an audio clip between Ayeni and another woman, Gail Fajembola (who seems hell bent on exposing him to the world for the terrible liar he is), went viral, revealing a tangle of contradictions and confessions that have left many wondering who the real Ayeni is. The recording, where he was heard spewing lies and manipulation to different lovers (reliable sources attest to the fact that he was lying to more than four women at the same time whilst manipulating them) cast further doubt on his credibility and reinforced claims that have long been whispered, that Ayeni’s biggest enemy may, in fact, be himself as those all who have had personal and business dealings with him swear that out of every five words he utters, four turn out to be lies. For Adaobi and her mum, both women once labelled, judged, and dissected by the public have now reclaimed their steeze, composure and glow; she now proudly flaunts her ring, her man and she's gradually finding her spark sharing moments, snapshots and reels on social media; posting freely and going on outings openly without the shame of being with a married man. Her daughter has also gotten herself a father figure who dotes on her and is ready to salvage what’s left of her childhood from the trauma she's suffered at the hands of the Ayenis. Friends say she has chosen to surround herself with family and people who truly wish her well, getting her groove back. According to a close family source, preparations are already in top gear for what promises to be a grand destination wedding, with her mum (very well known to have been Ayeni’s partner in crime, almost to the point to abetting him against her daughter, is now very busy preparing for her daughter’s wedding) excitedly leading the charge - and who can blame her? After surviving Ayeni's lies, manipulation and consistent media white-washing to the detriment of her daughter’s wellbeing. Friends say the excitement is palpable with Lagos and Abuja girls already using her as a prayer point, whilst anticipating her aso ebi and invitation. For Adaobi, it’s a complete rebirth; the ugly saga with Ayeni that once drew her into her shadows is now firmly behind her. These days, she steps out living freely and unapologetically. Meanwhile, those close to the Ayeni household say the latest developments have been sobering. His wife, who was once rumoured to have advised Adaobi to find a man closer to her age, might now be biting her lips seeing the better, handsome young man who has proven that indeed Adaobi took that advice. She moved on, found her own peace, and, in the eyes of many, came out stronger. Ayeni’s troubles, however, go beyond personal drama. Those familiar with his business history recall how his late partner, Captain Hosa Okunbo, was famously resolute that Ayeni would not inherit any portion of their company, Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, citing irreconcilable differences and trust issues. Add to that his numerous court cases, EFCC probes, and public controversies, and one begins to see a portrait of a man fighting battles on all fronts; financial, emotional, and reputational. Now, the die is cast and whispers around Nigeria’s social circle suggests Ayeni has a lot of atoning for his sins to do, it’ll be a long road to redemption for him to clean up his name from the messy voice note that’s now casting a huge shadow on his credibility.
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| Celebrities › Soso Soberekon Celebrates Tompolo For His Exemplary Support To Delta STF by Amberly01(op): 12:28am On Oct 17, 2025 |
Business magnate and entertainment executive Soso Soberekon has lauded High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) for his exceptional show of support to the Delta State Security Trust Fund, during its relaunch at the Government House, Asaba. In his statement, Soberekon described Tompolo’s gesture as “a beautiful reflection of true leadership, selflessness, and genuine commitment to the peace and progress of Delta State and the entire Niger Delta region.” He praised Tompolo for being “a man of action whose consistent devotion to protecting lives, securing vital national assets, and empowering local communities has continued to speak louder than words.” Through his company, Tantita Security Nigeria Limited, Tompolo has not only enhanced regional security but has also created opportunities that uplift and inspire the people of the Niger Delta. Soberekon further stated that “High Chief Tompolo represents the kind of leadership that transforms societies — firm yet compassionate, humble yet impactful. His legacy will continue to light the path for those who truly desire peace and sustainable development.” He also called on other well-meaning Nigerians, private organizations, and community leaders to emulate Tompolo’s noble example by supporting initiatives that foster peace, strengthen security, and drive meaningful growth across the Niger Delta. 1 Like 1 Share
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