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Actor Akin Olaiya and newly wedded wife reportedly end their marriage in less than a year. Nollywood actor Akin Olaiya and his wife are reportedly set to part ways, with reports indicating that steps have been taken to formally dissolve their marriage. The news has come as a surprise to many fans, especially given that the union is relatively recent. In a letter obtained, which appears to be a Dissolution letter reads: “LETTER OF MARRIAGE DISSOLUTION To Whom It May Concem. 1, Mr. Olaiya Ganiyu Akinyemi, hereby formally declare the dissolution of my marriage to Mrs. Nafisat Feenah Hammed, which was solemnized on Sunday, 29th June 2025 at the Central Mosque, Sabo, Mokola, Ibadan between the families of Mr. & Mrs. Olaiya and Mr. & Mrs. Hammed (Baba Nya Araa). Few months after our wedding, we were both expected to attend an event together in Lagos However, she informed me that she was no longer interested in going for the event. Before I returned home, she had already packed all her belongings and left the matrimonial home without prior notice After she left, I made several attempts to reach out to her personally and also went to the house of members of her family in order to resolve the situation peacefully and restore the marriage. Despite all efforts made, she repeatedly stated that she was no longer interested in continuing the marriage. Based on her decision and continuous refusal to retum or reconcile, I hereby declare that Nafisat Feenah Hammed is no longer my wife henceforth, and the marriage relationship between us is hereby considered dissolved from my end.” The development has sparked reactions across social media, with supporters expressing disappointment while wishing both parties peace and happiness as they move forward. Relationships can face unexpected challenges, and many fans are hoping that both individuals find strength and fulfillment in the next chapter of their lives.
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Actress, Angela Okorie sets ablaze the dress she attended Alex Ekubo's burial with. She stated that: This is the outfit I wore to Alex's burial, my Godmother said is not good to have the cloth you wore to a burial around you 🔥 them So family and friends take note, I felt I should share this information May the lord keep and bless us with long life amen 🙏 Chaii💔😭😭
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In a post made by the actor on X Na mumu dey cry for woman Abomination ! Go and follow me on X, where I teachmen how to be real men. A real man never cries because of a woman Never! If your woman leaves you, wish her well and focus on yourself. Focus on becoming the best & greatest version of yourself. The moment you achieve that, countless beautiful women will flock to you. If you keep crying for a woman, you confirm to her and to other women that you're a loser. Women hate losers. This follow after Mr Obasi granted an interview where he was seen shading tears about how his wife left him for Yul and not giving him access to his children.
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Ohen patience Obazelu, a priestess of Olokun and Mammy-wata at her shrine to these divinities in Benin city,ca.1991. She's been a priestess since her secondary school days, and she holds a harmonica, which she uses in her olókun and Mammy-wata practice. On the floor are chalk Iconographs of different meanings or symbolism: the two-headed snake and the fish, which are associated with her worship of the water. At first she suffered deep paralysis that twisted her head to the back and those who wish to speak to her, had to do it from the back, this was until she was initiated into esago worship, before the paralysis she couldn't even walk which necessitated her first ever olokun initiation. At this time, rumors of Mammy-wata sighting in the area by school children became prevalent. Two years later, she fell into a coma where she couldn't hear human voices but could hear that of birds and the wind, and anyone who touched her received "Oriri" a shock like those of an electric fish, until she was initiated into the Mammy wata worship, note she had earlier done initiation into Obanje worship. Her life, according to her interview with norma rosen, has since smoothed out ever since she became a Mammy-wata devotee. Her choice of Mammy-wata imagery is very creative and foreign influenced, as she regards the Indian snake charmer chromolith as very important as it delineate the Mammy-wata altar rom the Olokun's altar, the former she believes is a woman with fish-tail as leg. She was 22 when the interview and photos of her were taken by Norman Rosen in 1990/91.
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🇸🇳 Kalidou Koulibaly was told by an American journalist: “I recommend you go to the nightclub called Paradise. All the players enjoy the atmosphere there.” Koulibaly's response: “Since I arrived here, I have only left my house for training sessions and the mosque. We are Muslims; this kind of thing is not part of our religion and our culture.” Respect.
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Sundays are for memories!!! 1. This is the picture of constable Umaru Tsamiya who was traveling on a 9:11 truck as attachment in 1994 (32 years ago)on his annual leave on permission to Sokoto: Tsamiya came across an accident scene of a bullion van filled with cash in Kebbi;the driver of the bullion van and 4 police escorts were all wounded, dazed and some dead; Tsamiya got down from the truck, picked one rifle of the wounded police men; he cocked the Berreta rifle and then slinged it over his shoulder; alone, he puts the rest of the rifle on one side, gathered the scattered cash, got another car, alongside the cash, he moved the wounded to the hospital first and reported the happening to the nearest police station, all that time sweating and on a very high alert with rifle over his shoulder 2. Umaru Tsamiya was serving under my father then at Nasko Police Division in Niger State; that's my father standing behind him hanging on DSP rank (3 stars) my father Jibrin Abubakar (RTD) he had by then already served as Commandant police training school Minna back then. 3. Tsamiya was hitherto a constable but was expressly promoted to Sergeant, jumping one rank by the then Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Commassie; this picture was snapped in his office in Police force headquarters,Abuja; this particular picture made a front page of national dailies then, infact this picture was curbed from the front cover of a national daily and made into an enlargement by one Police photographer, Sergeant Maisamari. 4.This all happened in my precinct after I returned on vacation from Barewa College Zaria a week prior to the above picture, I used to be very close with my father as we literally go everywhere together, so everything happened before my eyes, infact I was also at the force headquarters when Tsamiya was decorated upstairs. 5. Tsamiya's reward for patriotism; accelerated promotion from Constable to Sergeant, a lot of cash, I think 200k back then (Do the matchs with dollars;dollar to naira back then was I think 20/22 naira to a dollar, Abacha's era I think) he also received the gift of a Peugeot 505 car. 6. Have lost contact with Tsamiya for decades now, anyone with information about his whereabouts please DM me. 7. My father Supol Jibrin Abubakar (RTD) is alive and well and doing great! Happy Father's Day Supol 👏 8.This picture is from gallery of my father, Supol Jibrin Abubakar (RTD) Jibrin Bala Jibrin Yikangi 21/06/26
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In an online post made by Reno Omokri: I Survived My Close Encounter With Lions Today Then a person named Onyeche Emmanuel comment on the post : It would have been a good news if the lions devor you. Seems like it didn't sound well to Reno hence he made a reply to back to Onyeche Dear Onyeche, Thank you for your feedback. I was an aide to the sitting Vice President of my country in my twenties. I was a spokesperson to an incumbent President in my thirties. And not just any President, but one who built 165 new schools so Nigerians can learn to spell "devour" properly. I became a number one bestselling author in my forties. And by the grace of God, I was nominated as an ambassador in my fifties. If it pleases God for this lion to kill me today, I will leave this world a satisfied, fulfilled, and happy person, because I believe you and any other person or animal can only do to me what God has already decided. My prayer for you, Onyeche, is that God blesses your efforts so you can also find happiness by fulfilling your potential. Thanks again, and may God bless you!
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An African man boarded a train in China and took a seat beside a Chinese passenger. As soon as he sat down, the Chinese man covered his nose in a way that clearly suggested he thought the African man smelled bad. Rather than getting upset or starting an argument, the African man simply covered his own nose and sat quietly. A few minutes later, the Chinese man removed his hand and went back to minding his own business. The African man, however, kept his nose covered.
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Football history comes full circle for Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Back in 1998, Diego Simeone and Pablo Paz proudly represented Argentina on the biggest stage in football. Nearly three decades later, their sons are carrying the family legacy forward. Giuliano Simeone, son of the legendary Diego Simeone, and Nico Paz, son of former Argentina defender Pablo Paz, have both earned their places in Argentina's World Cup squad. What makes this story even more special is that their fathers once shared the pitch for La Albiceleste, and now their sons are doing the same. From Diego's warrior spirit and leadership to Pablo's defensive determination, those qualities have been passed down to the next generation. Giuliano has become a relentless force with his energy and work rate, while Nico Paz continues to impress with his creativity and technical brilliance. This is more than just football. It is a story of family, legacy, and national pride. Fathers who once wore the famous blue and white stripes are now watching their sons live the same dream on the world's biggest stage. The Simeones and the Paz family have written a new chapter in Argentina's football history. Now, Giuliano Simeone and Nico Paz have the opportunity to create memories of their own and help Argentina defend their world crown. Like fathers, like sons. The legacy continues.
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Owa-Onire: A Ghost Town and One Man Left Behind “Everyone ran. Lekan stayed. Now he’s the only name left to answer when the wind calls Owa-Onire.” When the security team of 100 men from the drone unit, MOPOL, and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad rolled into Owa-Onire today, they found nothing but silence. No markets, no voices, no children. Just empty compounds, a locked mosque, a quiet church, and one man standing in the middle of it all. The operation is part of the Inspector General of Police’s push to screen the Kwara South forest belts. Ifelodun, Isin, Oke-Ero, Ekiti LGAs — troops are moving through all of them. But Owa-Onire stopped them cold. A town wiped clean. The only person left is Lekan, a prince of the town. He calls himself “the landlord” now, and the title fits. The big mansion, the abandoned houses, the mosque, the church — all of it belongs to the crickets and to him. He didn’t stay out of courage. He stayed because “Bororo’s War” took everyone else. It didn’t start with one attack. Bandits came and came again. Kidnappings became routine. Then they took the monarch himself and held him in the forest for months until a ransom was paid. After that, the people couldn’t take it anymore. They locked their doors and left. Some went to Okeonigbin. Most just disappeared into somewhere safer. Owa-Onire isn’t alone. At least 28 communities in Ifelodun LGA are deserted. The same fate has swallowed Oro-Ago, Omugo, Ahun, Oke-Oyan, Owa-Kajola, Owa-Onire, and Oba in Isin LGA. Residents say over 23 villages have been overrun by suspected bandits. Ancestral homes stand empty. Farms rot. Towns become names on a map with no one to say them. Lekan eats from his farm. That’s how he survives. There’s nowhere to buy food here, nowhere to buy anything. He’s alone with his land and the memory of a town that used to be alive. The team leader handed him ₦10,000. Lekan took it quietly. He said he’d go to Okeonigbin to buy foodstuffs — the nearest place that still has a market. He also told them people came into the community last night. He doesn’t know who they were or what they took. He just knows he heard them, and in the morning, nothing had changed. He was still alone. Visibly disturbed by what they saw, the senior officers from Abuja and Lagos said no Nigerian community should be reduced to this. They described Owa-Onire’s abandonment as a failure that demands immediate action, and pledged to push for sustained security presence and concrete measures that will allow displaced residents to return home without fear.
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Olubadan's Daughter, Grace Ladoja Makes History As The First African Woman To Design A Nike Signature Shoe Grace Ladoja is a British-Nigerian talent manager, cultural entrepreneur, and the founder of the Homecoming Festival. Widely recognized as a major bridge builder between the UK and African creative industries, she made history as the first African woman to design a signature shoe for Nike. Her professional journey spans music management, global branding, and deep investments in African youth culture. She collaborated with Nike to launch the Homecoming x Nike Air Max Plus (TN). The sneakers came in "Pan-African" and "African Sunrise" colorways, incorporating Nigerian motifs like cowrie shells and Adire patterns. Released in April 2026, the collaboration reworks the iconic Nike Air Max Plus (popularly known as the TN or "Cobra" in partnership with her Lagos-based cultural festival, Homecoming. The sneaker bridge-builds between London street culture and Nigerian heritage through two distinct colorways: It features a black base accented with bold red and green tones inspired by the Pan-African flag. Draped in a vibrant safety orange hue that mirrors West African mornings. The upper material replaces standard Nike mesh with a unique textured fabric inspired by the traditional African sponge (locally used for bathing). Every pair comes with six interchangeable lace charms. These include cultural symbols like the Nigerian Eagle and cowrie shells. It features a customized dip-dye finish designed to withstand the heavy downpours of the Lagos rainy season. She founded Homecoming Festival in 2018, this multi-day Lagos festival celebrates African music, fashion, sport, and art. She famously served as the longtime manager of UK grime pioneer Skepta, orchestrating his international career expansion.
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* BREAKING: CAF's 2025 Best Referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, has been DENIED entry into the United States! He will completely miss out on officiating at the 2026 World Cup. He was set to make history as the first-ever Somali referee at a World Cup. The top official has been forced to turn back and return home with no clear reason given so far. Somalia is among countries facing U.S. travel restrictions, with most Somali nationals barred from obtaining certain visa categories, with limited exemptions for diplomats and cases considered in the U.S. national interest. Neither FIFA nor the Somali Football Federation has commented on the incident. (Via Romain_Molina) https://www.facebook.com/share/1JXtieWeEx/
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BREAKING NEWS: Oyo Government Demolishes Building Used as Kidnappers’ Hideout in Adelabu Family Abduction The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow located in the Lako Community, Aiyegun- Anaye road area of Ibadan, which was allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers involved in the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her children. The demolition exercise was carried out on Monday by officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, accompanied by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, who visited the scene as part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state. The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted at Elewura, Challenge area of Ibadan on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The state government said the action underscores its commitment to combating insecurity and dismantling criminal networks operating within Oyo State.
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What is your take on the female urination device FUD?
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You live in a rented apartment. One day, you park your SUV inside the compound as usual. A few hours later... The overhead water tank suddenly falls and crashes on your vehicle, causing serious damage. Now tell us... Who is to blame? A. The landlord. B. You for parking there C. The person that installed the tank D. Your village people Be honest... who should pay for the damage?
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In a situation like this one, how would you react to it in your compound? Reasonable opinion please...
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Regina Daniels and her ex-boyfriend Somadina were seated together at her children's day carnival, held in Delta state.
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South African politician Julius Malema has stated that Ghana’s decision to evacuate its citizens from South Africa following reports of xenophobic tensions had a wrong timing. He said the timing of the evacuation could send the wrong message and w0rsen existing divisions. According to him, the move was not needed at that moment and may influence how people view relations between both countries. “The Ghana response was not necessary, and it now creates a perception that we are all like that,” he said. He added that Ghana’s approach did not encourage dialogue or diplomatic engagement, but instead risked escalating the situation. Malema also noted that legally documented Ghanaian migrants who feel unsafe should be able to seek protection from local law enforcement without fear.
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Your well dressed and traveling a long distance journey then something like this happen. How will you react?
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"Losing my voice was one of the hardest moments of my life. It started like a normal sore throat, but it did not go away. One week became two weeks, then one month became many months, and speaking started to hurt badly. My vocal cord was inflamed, and acid reflux made it worse. I had performed in Ghana, stressed my voice, and the reflux kept touching the vocal cord. By the time I understood what was happening, things had already become very serious. I cancelled shows, refunded money, and spent so much on hospitals and doctors. Some people did not understand what I was facing. They thought I was just refusing to perform, but in real life I was fighting for my voice" — Tekno Nigerian Afrobeat artist Tekno underwent throat and vocal cord surgery to treat severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The stomach acid damaged his vocal cords and severely impaired his ability to sing and speak. He had robotic surgery to place a magnetic device in his throat to stop acid reflux. The Procedure: Tekno traveled to UK to see specialists who performed a robotic-assisted surgery. This involved inserting a metallic/magnetic implant designed to prevent stomach acid from traveling up into his esophagus and burning his vocal cords. The operation required months of downtime. Following the surgery, he was unable to speak for five months and had to communicate using a text-to-speech app. After vocal therapy and a lengthy rest period, he successfully regained his voice. Tekno openly discussed his ordeal in multiple interviews, sharing how the extensive medical bills affected him before his eventual return to the music industry.
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just imagine the audacity he has in his statement, Nigeria a sorry nation... |
A Tragic Incident Of Woman To Woman: A female naval personnel by name WO Yusuf MO died while serving a punishment given to her by her OIC Lt commander ST Abashim , at Nigerian Navy sick bay which is located in Gowon Estate in Ipaja , Alimosho local government area of lagos state On the 19th of May 2026 WO Yusuf was absent from duty, when she reported to work on the 20th of May 2026 , Her OIC summoned her and questioned why she was absent the previous day ,WO Yusuf responded , that she is having some health challenges, even now she is not that strong she needs to go for check up and treatment, Her OIC wasn't satisfied with the excuses tendered by WO Yusuf , She demanded that WO Yusuf should be given extra labour under the scorching sun , while performing the fatigue, WO Yusuf began to feel dizzy, her vision blurry and about to collapse, on seeing her condition her superior who is LT commander Abashim orders that she should be locked up in one of wards without any medical attention, after one hour in detention WO Yusuf passed Away. The matter is now been handled by senior officers in the barrack for negligence of health concern for a officer. Nigerian Navy Warrant Officer Reportedly Dies After Alleged Punishment By Superior At Lagos Facilityhttps://saharareporters.com/2026/05/26/nigerian-navy-warrant-officer-reportedly-dies-after-alleged-punishment-superior-lagos?fbclid=IwdGRjcASC61tjbGNrBILpoGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHq23b9biF1DcshjeOlQNnWpkHuH_Y8PUtlXVScmy1AAlJQ_nZt8XY89Vo2rv_aem_Hz6icP-isvIos-DwIqPl_w
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BUSINESSMAN LUCKY ADIMIKE STABBED TO DEATH BY HIS OWN SON Businessman Chief Lucky Adimike, also referred to as Lucky Godwin Adimike, was allegedly stabbed to death by his 19-year-old son in Abuja. The incident is said to have happened after an argument at their home in Guzape. A report says the son, who was reportedly keeping late nights and returning from a night club allegedly stabbed him multiple times and is currently in police custody while investigations continue. The police reportedly confirmed that a homicide investigation is ongoing. The incident allegedly happened at his residence in Guzape, Abuja. He was described as a businessman and electrical dealer. Sources claimed there was an argument between him and his son, reportedly a nightcrawler, in which his scolded him to be more serious with his studies and life instead of roaming aimlessly, spending lavishly and getting into substance abuse The disagreement allegedly also involved money, lifestyle expectations, and accusations about business funds. Police reportedly found him injured after a distress call and later confirmed him dead at the hospital. The Nigeria Police Force reportedly said several people, including a relative, were taken into custody while investigations continue. Why youth corps member stabbed billionaire father dead -Associatehttps://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/why-youth-corps-member-stabbed-billionaire-father-dead-associate/amp/
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In a post made by Yul Edocihe were he expressed his sadness over the death of his friend and colleague Alex Ekubo for not telling him he was sick, and also blanking those close to him In the post made Yul said I' ve been cold since the news of Alex Ekubo's passing broke. Ikuku you no do us well Oo, you no do us well at all. You should have informed some us your good friends, privately, that you were sick. We for come dey with you, everybody for off phone go off phone come. To spend time with you and give you strength. You never know, help could come from where you least expected. This style of blanking everyone till death, e no good Oo Chief Ikuku. The pain you inflicted on us is terrible. 💔💔💔
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“I was 19 in university when I borrowed £40,000 (₦19M) from my uncle… it failed and he started chasing me. My dad stepped in and repaid him, but I told my uncle he messed up — because I’ll be great and he won’t be part of my story ” — Mr Eazi shares a setback early in his journey that pushed him to prove himself.
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Court Orders Lagos Businesswoman to Return Property to Ex-Husband . . A Lagos-based businesswoman and former NTA staff, Ms. Olufunke Otti, has been ordered by the Lagos High Court to return a property she unlawfully acquired from her ex-husband, Chief Isaac Morakinyo Jolapamo. Delivering judgment in suit No. LD/3034LM/2022 on March 26, 2026, Justice Olufolake Olufolashade Adewunmi-Oshin declared that the property located at 23A & B Olusegun Aina Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, rightfully belongs to Chief Jolapamo and not Ms. Otti. The court consequently ordered her to relinquish the property to him. In addition, the court directed Ms. Otti to refund N410,347,000.00 to Chief Jolapamo, representing the outstanding balance from the proceeds of the sale of two vessels. She was also ordered to remit N63,000,000.00, being rental income collected from tenants between 2018 and 2021. Furthermore, the court awarded N5 million in general damages against her. Ms. Otti and Chief Jolapamo were formerly married. Their relationship began at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), where Chief Jolapamo had gone in search of spiritual and personal support during a difficult period. Ms. Otti, a senior member of the church, was assigned to assist him, and their relationship eventually developed into a romantic one. The couple formalized their union on February 23, 2017, at the Federal Marriage Registry in Ikoyi, Lagos. During the marriage, Chief Jolapamo entrusted his wife with significant business responsibilities, including the sale of two vessels—M.T. MOR Prosperity and M.T. Power—with instructions to use the proceeds to acquire a matrimonial home in Parkview Estate. Ms. Otti sold the vessels for N810,347,000.00 and purchased the property as directed. However, she registered the property solely in her name without her husband’s knowledge. The situation came to light during a trip abroad when she sent him back to Nigeria and later informed him via WhatsApp that she was no longer interested in the marriage, instructing him to vacate the house. This revelation marked the beginning of a prolonged legal dispute between the couple, who had ceased living together as husband and wife since March 2019. Their marriage was officially dissolved in April 2025. With the court’s judgment delivered on March 26, 2026, Chief Jolapamo has now successfully reclaimed his property and financial entitlements.
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In an event that took place in Kano State it was seen where the Kano state government distributes underwears to some women across the state for campaign.
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How Dino Melaye stepped out in style for the ADC convention. Former Senator Dino Melaye made a bold fashion statement at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Abuja. Melaye stepped out in an unconventional outfit consisting of "cape trousers" paired with a black shirt and a face cap. His choice of clothing sparked widespread discussion on social media, with some users likening his flamboyant style to that of socialite Cubana Chief Priest, while others criticized it as "childish" or inappropriate for a serious political gathering. This appearance follows recent criticism of his fashion choices, including a ₦2.6 million Fendi shirt he wore to a "Save Democracy" protest in Abuja just a week prior on April 8.
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Is the MAN right or wrong to enter the bathroom just to see what the Lord has done for her?
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FORGOTTEN HEROS OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA. How Four Nigerian Teens Hijacked A Plane Carrying China’s Vice President ‘Because of MKO Abiola’ In 1993 The tension in Nigeria became unbearable after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election by Ibrahim Babangida. That election had already declared M.K.O Abiola as the winner, but it was suddenly cancelled on the grounds of “electoral irregularities.” Before stepping down on August 26, 1993, Babangida set up an Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan, claiming it would oversee a transition to democracy. But many Nigerians already knew the truth… there was no real plan to hand over power to Abiola. This led to widespread anger, protests, and resistance across the country. One of the most shocking outcomes of that period was an incident nobody expected… the hijacking of a Nigerian Airways plane by four teenagers. On October 25, 1993, a Nigerian Airways Airbus A310 flying from Lagos to Abuja was taken over mid-air by four young Nigerians — Richard Ogunderu, Benneth Oluwadaisi, Kabir Adenuga, and Kenny Rasaq-Lawal. They claimed to be acting on behalf of the Movement for the Advancement of Democracy. There were 159 people on board. At about 30,000 feet above sea level, the boys made their move. Using toy guns they had cleverly smuggled into the plane, they forced their way into the cockpit and took control. One of them addressed the passengers calmly, telling them the plane had been taken over and that no harm would come to them. Their original plan was to redirect the flight to Frankfurt in Germany, but the pilots insisted there wasn’t enough fuel. The plane attempted to land in Ndjamena, Chad for refueling, but was denied permission, forcing them to divert to Niamey, Niger Republic. Years later, Richard Ogunderu explained their mindset. He said fear had already taken over the cabin, but their mission was clear… they wanted change. According to him, when a system becomes too harsh, it can push people to extreme actions. Inside the plane, they took control fully. Some stayed back to monitor and intimidate passengers while others directed the pilot. They made it clear that their mission was not random… it was political. Their demands were bold. They wanted the restoration of democracy, the recognition of the June 12 election, press freedom, and the trial of those who supported the military regime. They also demanded the immediate dissolution of the interim government, which they described as illegal. When the plane landed in Niamey, they released 34 hostages. Among those freed was Rong Yiren, who had been on board. The remaining hostages included Nigerian government officials and crew members. The teenagers then issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government. If their demands were not met, they threatened to blow up the aircraft. The world was shocked. Nigeria was known as a relatively safe aviation environment at the time, and no one expected such a bold and calculated act from teenagers. For three days, the boys held their ground. Then came the end. On October 28, 1993, authorities moved in. The plane was stormed, and the hostages were rescued. The operation, however, was not without loss. One crew member died, and five people were injured, including one of the hijackers, Richard Ogunderu. The four boys were arrested immediately, handcuffed, and taken into custody. Their suffering did not end there. According to Kenny Rasaq-Lawal, they were taken to a prison in Niamey where temperatures could reach as high as 55 degrees Celsius. They were poorly fed, isolated, and unable to communicate, as they did not speak Hausa or French, and no one spoke English to them. For nine years and four months, they remained in prison without any contact with their families. Finally, in 2002, they were released. This remains one of the most shocking moments in Nigeria’s democratic struggle… when four teenagers took matters into their own hands and forced the world to pay attention.
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in partnership with her Lagos-based cultural festival, Homecoming.