Ojaja Mall Sets New Standard for Retail and Lifestyle in Lagos

 By Niyi Tabiti : A new commercial hub is reshaping the retail landscape in Lagos as Ojaja Mall rises along Ogombo Road, off the Abraham Adesanya axis in the Ajah corridor. Positioned within one of the city’s fastest-growing districts, the development is being described as a blend of modern architecture, economic ambition, and strategic urban expansion. Gistmaster tour of the place is a remarkable experience.

The project is an initiative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, whose “Made-in-Nigeria” vision underpins the mall’s conception. Designed to deliver a world-class shopping experience within a rapidly developing suburban belt, Ojaja Mall reflects a deliberate effort to bring premium retail infrastructure closer to emerging residential communities.

With about 300 retail outlets, the complex accommodates a wide range of businesses, including fashion, technology, entertainment, and dining. It also features cinema and gaming facilities, positioning it as a comprehensive lifestyle destination rather than a conventional shopping centre.

A notable feature of the development is the Ojaja Hotel Suites, a 30-room hospitality extension integrated into the mall. The facility offers a hybrid experience, allowing visitors to combine business, leisure, and accommodation within a single environment—an approach still relatively uncommon in Nigeria’s retail sector.

Industry observers note that the mall’s location within the Ajah-Lekki growth corridor enhances its commercial viability. The development is already contributing to job creation across retail, security, and hospitality sectors, while also providing a platform for small and medium-scale enterprises to expand their operations. In addition, it is expected to stimulate further investment and raise property values along the Ogombo axis.

Operational leadership of the mall is overseen by its Managing Director, Princess Adebimpe Ogunwusi. Widely regarded by tenants and stakeholders as hands-on and detail-oriented, she is credited with maintaining high operational standards and ensuring efficient management of the facility.

As Lagos continues to expand eastward, Ojaja Mall is emerging as a symbol of evolving urban commerce—where traditional influence intersects with modern enterprise to create new economic opportunities.

2027: Itsekiri Group Pushes Alliance With Urhobo, Ijaw For Common Interest

 The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition has called for a united political front among Itsekiri people across Delta and Edo states, stressing that collective action is critical to their political survival and relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group said the political challenges confronting the Itsekiri ethnic nationality since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 have largely stemmed from structural imbalances, including ward delineation, minority status in several local government areas, and contested electoral arrangements in the Warri axis.

Addressing journalists, National Coordinator of the group, Prince Collins Edema, noted that despite the widespread presence of Itsekiri communities beyond Warri, their political strength has been weakened by fragmentation and lack of coordinated engagement across Delta Central, Delta South, and Edo State.

He explained that the coalition was formed to bridge this gap by bringing all Itsekiri communities under one umbrella, ensuring that their collective interests are represented in political negotiations and electoral processes across the affected regions.

Edema said, “Our people are spread across multiple local governments where we exist as minorities. Without a united front, our voices will continue to be drowned. This coalition is about political survival, equity, and ensuring that our presence translates into real representation.”

On inter-ethnic relations, the group extended a hand of fellowship to neighbouring ethnic nationalities, particularly the Urhobo and Ijaw, insisting that cooperation, rather than conflict, would yield better outcomes for all parties involved.

“We want to make it clear that we have more in common with the Urhobo and Ijaw than what divides us. It is time to move away from suspicion and rivalry and embrace fairness, mutual respect, and genuine brotherhood in the interest of sustainable development.”

While reaffirming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of 2027, the coalition maintained that it is still consulting on candidates for key legislative positions, vowing to back individuals who align with the broader interests and unity of the Itsekiri people.

Poll projects Imole boss, Adeyanju as winner of Ondo North 2027

A General Election Perception Survey for Ondo North Senatorial District 2027, has projected the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Imole Progressive Network (IPN), Engr. Michael Abayomi Adeyanju, as the most popular candidate in the area.

The survey was conducted by the Research and Public Opinion Unit of PenPlus Online Media Publishers (PenPlus Stat Index).

The public opinion poll which was conducted in the month of February, was to assess voters’ awareness of their elected representatives, perception of their performance, and early political preferences ahead of the 2027 general elections, across the three Senatorial Districts (Ondo North, Ondo Central and Ondo South) of Ondo state.

The outcome of the survey conducted in Ondo North Senatorial District revealed that Adeyanju remains the people's choice in the area. 

According to the survey, a total of 12,024 respondents participated in the exercise, representing a cross-section of residents including farmers, traders, civil servants, artisans, youths and community stakeholders.

The result of the survey partly reads: “The survey covered all six Local Government Areas and seventy-two political wards in the district. A total of 12,024 respondents participated in the exercise, representing a cross-section of residents including farmers, traders, civil servants, artisans, youths and community stakeholders.

“The findings reveal a very high level of political awareness among voters across the district. All respondents indicated that they are aware of their current representatives at the National Assembly, including the incumbent senator and the three members of the House of Representatives representing the district’s federal constituencies.

However, the survey results show contrasting public perceptions regarding the performance of these representatives.

“A significant 85 percent of respondents rated the performance and impact of the current senator as “very poor.” Respondents cited limited visibility and insufficient constituency-level interventions as key concerns influencing this perception.

In contrast, 45 percent of respondents rated the performance of their members of the House of Representatives as “average.” Across the six LGAs, many respondents pointed to constituency development projects, accessibility of representatives, and grassroots engagement as the major factors shaping their positive evaluation.

“In line with this assessment, 85 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current senatorial representation and indicated a preference for a change in leadership at the Senate level ahead of the next election cycle.

“The poll also examined early voter preferences regarding potential aspirants for the 2027 Ondo North senatorial contest. 

Among the aspirants mentioned in the survey, 90 percent of respondents indicated that they currently favour Engineer Michael Abayomi Adeyanju (a.k.a. Imole) as their preferred candidate for the senatorial seat.

For the House of Representatives elections, the survey found an average approval rating for the incumbents, in other words, the respondents rated the members’ performances as average.

Overall, the poll highlights that constituency visibility, grassroots engagement, and tangible development initiatives remain key determinants of voter approval in Ondo North Senatorial District.

“The findings provide valuable insights into the current political climate in the district and emerging voter expectations ahead of the 2027 general election.”

The survey captured the number of wards in each local government area like 13 wards in Akoko North-East, 10 wards in Akoko North-West and 11 wards in Akoko South-East. Similarly, it captured 15 wards in Akoko South-West, 12 wards in Ose, and 11 wards in Owo.

“Performance Assessment

Respondents rated the performance of the current Senator as 85% poor, while Members of the House of Representatives received average ratings from 45% of respondents.”

On the satisfaction levels, it says, “The survey found average satisfaction with House of Representatives members but strong dissatisfaction with the Senator representing the district.”

Survey scores Adeyanju high

As for the 2027 election preferences, the survey said, “90 per cent of the respondent’s indicated preference for Engineer Michael Abayomi Adeyanju (a.k.a. Imole) as their preferred candidate for the Ondo North senatorial seat.”

It highlighted its seven key findings to be: High political awareness across all wards, strong dissatisfaction with the current Senator, average-level perception of House of Representatives members, constituency projects strongly influence voter approval and strong early preference for Michael Abayomi Adeyanju for Senate.

In conclusion, the poll result said, “The poll suggests that voters in Ondo North place strong emphasis on visible development projects, accessibility, and grassroots engagement when evaluating elected officials.

A structured questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews.”

29 Trending Nigerian Celebrity News Today: Davido, Portable, Regina Daniels, Peter Obi, Police & NDLEA Make Headlines

 DAILY NIGERIAN CELEBRITY NEWS ROUNDUP

Top 29 Trending Stories today in Entertainment, Politics and Crime

Nigeria’s celebrity ecosystem continues to dominate national conversations as musicians, actors, influencers, and politicians make headlines across the country. From viral social media moments to serious legal battles and police operations, today’s news cycle reflects the growing influence of public figures in shaping public discourse.

The intersection of entertainment, politics, and security has become increasingly visible, with celebrities frequently finding themselves involved in national debates, legal controversies, and social media storms.

Below are the 29 biggest celebrity and public figure stories trending across Nigeria today.

1. Abba Kyari Discharged in Asset Declaration Case

Former police intelligence chief Abba Kyari has been discharged by a Federal High Court in Abuja following allegations related to false asset declaration.

The case had drawn national attention because Kyari was once considered one of Nigeria’s most celebrated crime-fighting police officers. However, the prosecution reportedly failed to present sufficient evidence to sustain the charges.

The ruling has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Supporters of the officer say the decision confirms his innocence, while critics argue that the verdict highlights the difficulties Nigeria faces in prosecuting corruption cases involving powerful individuals.

The development has reignited discussions about accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s security institutions.

2. Prince Eke Sparks Political Debate Online

Nollywood actor Prince Eke has triggered intense debate after criticizing supporters of Nigeria’s ruling party on social media.

The actor revealed that he received abusive messages after expressing his political views. He shared screenshots of some of the messages and called for greater political tolerance among Nigerians.

Many fans praised the actor for speaking openly about political intimidation, while critics accused him of fueling unnecessary political tension.

The incident reflects a growing trend where Nigerian celebrities are becoming more vocal about politics and governance issues.

3. Portable and Carter Efe Clash, Police Intervene

Controversial street singer Portable and comedian Carter Efe made headlines after a heated confrontation reportedly occurred at a bar in Ogun State.

Witnesses said the argument escalated quickly, forcing police officers to intervene and invite the parties involved to a nearby police station.

After hours of discussions, the entertainers reportedly settled their differences and agreed to move forward peacefully.

Fans online followed the drama closely, with many questioning whether the dispute was genuine or simply another publicity stunt in Nigeria’s competitive entertainment industry.

 Ned Nwoko Responds to Arrest of Regina Daniels’ Friend

Nigerian senator Ned Nwoko has addressed the arrest of a woman alleged to be a close friend of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels.

According to the senator, the arrest followed allegations that the woman spread false accusations online claiming he assaulted his wife.

Nwoko strongly denied the claims and described them as malicious attempts to damage his family’s reputation.

The case has sparked debate about the growing problem of misinformation and defamatory content circulating on social media platforms.

5. NDLEA Arrests Drug Kingpin Wanted for 15 Years

Nigeria’s anti-drug agency recently announced the arrest of a suspected international drug trafficker who had allegedly been on the run for over a decade.

Officials say the suspect was linked to major drug distribution networks operating across several countries.

The arrest followed a coordinated intelligence operation involving Nigerian authorities and international partners.

Security analysts say the breakthrough demonstrates Nigeria’s increasing cooperation with global law enforcement agencies in tackling organized crime.

6. NDLEA Seizes 1,499 Bottles of Codeine in Kano

In another major operation, the NDLEA intercepted nearly 1,500 bottles of codeine syrup in Kano State.

Authorities say the substance was intended for illegal distribution among young people.

Codeine abuse has become a serious public health problem in Nigeria, with many addiction cases linked to the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.

Officials say the agency will continue to crack down on networks involved in the illegal drug trade.

7. Edo Police Arrest Doctor Over Illegal Firearm

Police in Edo State have arrested a medical doctor accused of possessing an unauthorized firearm.

Officers reportedly recovered a pistol during an intelligence-driven operation.

Authorities say the arrest highlights the growing concern about illegal weapons circulation among civilians.

Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face prosecution if found guilty.

8. Violence Disrupts APC Political Meeting in Ondo

Police have arrested a suspect following violence at a political meeting involving members of the ruling party in Ondo State.

Witnesses said the meeting descended into chaos after rival supporters clashed.

Several individuals were reportedly injured before security officials restored order.

Authorities say investigations are continuing and additional arrests may follow.

9. EFCC Arrests Man for Alleged Naira Abuse

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a man accused of abusing the Nigerian currency during a birthday celebration.

According to investigators, the suspect sprayed large amounts of naira notes during the event, violating financial regulations.

The EFCC has repeatedly warned Nigerians that mutilating or mishandling the national currency is a punishable offense.

Officials say the crackdown is intended to preserve the dignity of the naira.

10. Peter Obi Criticizes Culture of Celebrating Corruption

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has sparked conversation after stating that Nigeria often celebrates individuals accused of corruption.

Obi argued that societal attitudes toward leadership contribute significantly to the country’s economic challenges.

His comments have generated both praise and criticism across political circles.

Supporters say his remarks reflect the need for accountability, while critics believe the issue is more complex.

11–29 QUICK CELEBRITY HEADLINES

Davido trends online after romantic moment with wife Chioma.

Adekunle Gold and Simi spark debate after viral prophecy.

Fuji musician Malaika linked to actress Sikirat Sindodo in dating rumors.

Chizzy Alichi opens up about motherhood struggles.

Lizzy Anjorin sparks debate with relationship advice.

Actor IK Ogbonna’s alleged sister claims she left music industry due to exploitation.

Kenneth Okonkwo and Rufai Oseni clash during live television debate.

Afrobeats dance challenge reportedly sets global record.

Gospel singer Tope Alabi trends after husband’s romantic gesture.

Fashion designer Veekee James reveals baby’s gender at luxury Dubai event.

Influencer Queen Asoka sparks discussion on cosmetic surgery risks.

Frank Edoho faces backlash over comments on sports betting culture.

Rotimi Salami attends Nollywood premiere with daughter.

TikTok star Peller announces transition into Nollywood acting.

Streaming industry changes may affect Nigerian viewers.

Celebrity tailor Seyi Vodi reacts to political fashion controversy.

Ozonna Soludo trends online after hairstyle transformation.

Social media influencers increasingly speak on politics.

Analysts say celebrity activism could influence future elections.

Awujale’s Timeless Warning to Ijebu Kingmakers — Choose Character Over Cash!

 If royalty had a screenplay, this one would open with regal drums, flowing agbadas, and a monarch whose wisdom echoed louder than any palace gong. As Ijebuland prepares for the sequel — the selection of its next Awujale and Paramount Ruler — the spotlight swings back to the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the legendary ruler whose words still roll like a powerful dialogue from a classic epic.

In a scene straight out of a grand cultural spectacle — the 2019 Ojude-Oba Festival — Oba Adetona, who ruled the ancient Ijebu kingdom for over six decades, delivered a message that could well be the tagline of his reign: “Do not crown wealth; crown wisdom.”

Dressed in royal splendor and surrounded by a sea of color, the Awujale warned his kingmakers not to be swayed by moneybags or political heavyweights in choosing his successor. For him, the throne of Ijebuland was never meant for the highest bidder, but for the most capable leader — one with heart, vision, and a true sense of purpose.

“The Awujale’s throne,” he declared, “is not for politicians, not for the rich, not for the flashy. It is for the one who can serve.” Those words, powerful and prophetic, now resonate with renewed emotion as the kingdom stands on the edge of a new chapter.

Installed in 1960, Oba Adetona reigned for more than 65 years — an era of transformation, diplomacy, and cultural pride. He modernized traditional governance without losing the essence of Ijebu identity. His leadership, like a long-running blockbuster, had it all — grace, grit, and a legacy of wisdom.

Now, as the search begins for the next custodian of Ijebuland’s throne, his timeless advice feels like a royal script for those who will decide the future. “Seek divine direction,” he urged the kingmakers, reminding them that Ijebu’s heritage is too sacred to be auctioned to the wealthy or the politically ambitious.

The Ojude-Oba Festival, always a grand fusion of fashion, faith, and festivity, was his favorite stage for truth-telling. Each year, his words would weave through the chants and cheers like a well-written monologue — sharp, soulful, and sincere.

Today, as Ijebuland braces for its next act, many wonder: will the kingmakers follow the late monarch’s direction or be tempted by the glitter of gold?

One thing is certain — Oba Adetona’s message remains as evergreen as any Bollywood epic’s moral: true leadership is not about riches, but about responsibility.

As the curtain rises on a new reign, the kingdom stands at a crossroads — between tradition and temptation, between legacy and luxury. The kingmakers now hold the script. Whether they choose a hero or a hollow crown will determine the next chapter in Ijebuland’s royal saga.

And somewhere, in the echoes of the palace courtyard, the Awujale’s words still linger — a timeless warning, a royal truth.

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Sujimoto to Petition and Sue Over $556K Fraud Smear — ‘Delay Is Not Deceit.”

Accuses Detractors of False and Malicious Publications

“There is no fraud, nor any falsehood. What exists is a delay and nothing more. Yet from this delay, some have chosen to fabricate lies, weaponize rumors, and maliciously mislead the public. Let it be clear: those responsible for instigating and spreading these defamatory claims will be held fully accountable, legally, morally, and shall pay for every damage they have caused.”

When an entrepreneur dares to build what has never been done before, he must first make peace with the storms that come to test his conviction. But to mistake delay for deceit is not only false — it is dangerous to truth itself. For twelve unbroken years, Sujimoto has chosen the harder path: rejecting shortcuts, defying cynicism, and building brick by brick through sleepless nights, sacrifice, and an unyielding faith that Africa deserves architecture that inspires.

The Leonardo by Sujimoto remains one of the continent’s most daring and technically sophisticated luxury developments. Ambition that vast cannot be rushed; its clock is governed not only by concrete and cranes, but by bureaucracy, tedious approvals, and an economy that shifts and strains with every policy change. No one was duped. No one was misled. Our client acted in good faith, approvals were secured last year, and though the project slowed, it was never denied, abandoned, or defrauded.

Unfortunately, some of our most honest and hard-working customers have requested refunds. Some have been patient, others aggressive — and we have honored them all.

We have never compromised. We have faced countless challenges, yet our commitment to integrity remains absolute. Beyond fulfilling contracts, we have helped our customers maximize profits through off-take agreements. Take Giuliano, for example: the first buyer purchased at ₦285 million. Today, less than six years later, the project is worth ₦2.5 billion. Rent now commands ₦100 million, fully booked and fully sold out.

When cement skyrocketed from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000, who absorbs the cost? We do. The buyer does not want to hear this, yet it is reality. During construction, steel surged from ₦500,000 to ₦1.3 million and we did not compromise. A single 40-foot container cost ₦4 million and later ₦24 million. Still, we refused shortcuts. Every brick, every beam, every detail has been delivered with integrity, despite the market’s relentless squeeze.

Every investor has been engaged directly, and those requesting refunds are being settled through a transparent, structured, and verifiable process. Meanwhile, the Lucrezia — once slowed by the same economic headwinds that rattled an entire industry — now stands on the brink of completion, set for delivery in December 2025, with every fully paid homeowner poised to receive their keys. 

It is deeply concerning that public institutions are now being misused to settle civil disputes and punish enterprises. What should have remained a private contractual matter has been paraded as crime, turning law enforcement into debt collectors. Sujimoto is pursuing firm legal redress against those behind these malicious falsehoods, and those responsible shall pay for the damages they have caused.

Sujimoto is not merely a company; it is a creed — a fellowship of architects, artisans, and engineers bound by a shared pursuit of excellence. We have empowered thousands, paid over ₦7 billion in wages in the past 12 years, and built monuments that speak where falsehood falls silent.

In a nation where haste is mistaken for progress and ambition for arrogance, it has become easy to weaponize delay. Yet progress, like justice, is slow only to those who lack patience. Our only “crime” is daring to dream beyond the comfort zone of ordinary builders — and for that, we shall never apologise.

Some may not like Sujimoto — his relentless ambition, his boldness, his refusal to follow the ordinary. Some may call him loud, too forward, even audacious. Yet no one can deny his work. His projects speak for themselves — unmatched in vision, execution, and impact. To question the man is human; to question the monument he builds is impossible. 

Sujimoto does not build for applause. We build for permanence. And when The Leonardo finally rises — not if, but when — it will stand as a monument to truth: proof that audacious vision outlives the noise, and that gold is forged only through fire.

Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele is the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, the Czar of Luxury RealEstate Development, and the mastermind developer behind the renowned Giuliano. Our other audacious projects, such as the most sophisticated building in Banana Island, LucreziaBySujimoto, the grandiose Sujimoto Twin Tower, the tallest twin towers in Africa; the regal Queen Amina by Sujimoto, a monument to royal affluence; the magnificent high-rise LeonardoBySujimoto; the Sujimoto Farm; an advanced farm estate system that incorporates housing, farm hospitals, hotels, and markets within an ecosystem, creating opportunities for agro-tourism and affordable housing., among other projects that have etched an indelible imprint on Nigeria’s skylines, a testament to Sujimoto’s unrivalled mastery of modern-day engineering.

PINL's Security Strategy Fuels Gas Production Surge to 7.59 Bscf

 Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has revealed that its community-focused security model has directly employed over 35,000 youths from the Niger Delta. This initiative is being credited as a key factor behind a significant rise in national gas production, which reached 7.59 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscf) in July 2025.

The production figure, confirmed by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), marks an 8.58% increase from the 6.99 Bscf recorded in 2024. The NUPRC also reported a simultaneous decline in gas flaring, underscoring a drive towards increased efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement at PINL, announced the employment milestone during a monthly stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt. He stated that by expanding its surveillance mandate beyond the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) to include other critical assets and gas lines in the Eastern Corridor, the company has created thousands of jobs.

"With the recent deployment of additional workers due to the expanded scope, PINL provides direct employment to over 35,000 youths across the Niger Delta," Dr. Mezeh said. He applauded the Federal Government's commitment to mitigating unemployment through such initiatives and urged other tiers of government to provide more opportunities for youths in the region.

Dr. Mezeh reported a successful operational scorecard for the past month, including zero infractions on the TNP, uninterrupted operations, and a drop in crude oil losses to a 16-year low. He attributed this success to collaboration with host communities, despite foiling attempted breaches in Bonny and Eleme and prosecuting suspects in other areas.

Stakeholders from host communities praised PINL's impact. Engr. Orr Sunday Orr, Eleme Coordinator of the Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youths Forum, stated that vandalism and oil theft have drastically reduced since PINL's involvement.

"We hereby pass a vote of confidence on PINL as the company with the right strategy," Orr said.

Echoing this sentiment, Comrade Emeni Ibe, President-General of Orashi People's Congress, commended PINL for changing the narrative on unemployment. "If other companies had done what PINL is doing, cases of pipeline vandalism would have been a thing of the past," Ibe stated.

Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo Should Face Investigation Before Pursuing Ondo Political Ambitions in 2027/2029 By ABANIKANDA OLUMORO (UK)

In the today's life of Nigeria, what has become the bane of public confidence in rising up to demand and fight for justice is the fear of powers that be or orders from the above. These and others of these are usually synonymous to what was generally described as corruption as it affects "politics, governance, probity, religion and corrupt behaviour in Nigeria".

Moving forward from that description, which is the major takeaway from an international conference on anti-corruption organised by University of Lagos' Faculty of Social Sciences in collaboration with Pan-Africana Strategic Group (PANAFSTRAG) and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), held on Thursday September 18, 2025 in UNILAG, LAGOS, one can conveniently tag the problem of Nigeria or any of the 36 federating units and federal capital territory that form the amalgamated entity to failure and conspiracy of silence on the part of those who know what, why, where, when, who and how (the Five Ws and H) about why the country is drifting further and eagerly down to the pit of disaster.

Because some of the citizens have continued and will continue to insist on what is right, they have been coming up and around sensitizing both the nation and the international community tv on how 2027 of Nigeria's democratic politics, if well articulated and sincerely managed, has embedded in it the turnaround mechanism that is wired to change things for good. Otherwise, like the academic and civil society speakers at that UNILAG's conference posited, the nation will pass that general elections moving around the same circle and will still be unable to achieve anything.

Moving forward, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is currently the political party for the ruling class in the country, should not go into that period of 2027 general elections or 2029 solo (governorship) election in any state particularly Ondo State with backlog of unaddressed corruption allegations hanging against the neck of any politician. Failure to heed this true-but-bitter point of order will not only cost the party its electoral success but also push it into extinction unable to recover.

Ondo State is particularly on mind in this article because it is one of two states that some of us the concerned diasporans are traditionally attached and emotionally committed to, with Ekiti being the other. If we the Nigerians in the Diaspora really mean anything to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as seen in his passionate call for us to return home and join him to build Nigeria, he should as a matter of commitment with all its required urgency look into these issues being raised in this write-up.

This is for him to ensure that his Minister of the Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, much as it is within his right to aspire to elective offices as a citizen, should not be allowed anywhere near contesting for either of the two important political offices he seeks in 2027 (Senate) and 2029 (governorship) let alone the political strategism he is alleged to be using the institutions of state to map currently without answering - in an open investigation by independent people of tested and impeccable character - all the known questions bothering on allegations of corruption and abuse of powers and privileges against him.

Nigerians home and here in the Diaspora, especially we from Ondo/Ekiti axis living abroad, have been inundated with some of these unaddressed allegations from his role as Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) through the Beta Edu saga and now what remains circulating as remours about how comptroller or controller and commandant generals of Nigeria Immigration (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NoS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) under the purview of him as Minister of the Interior have been irrelevant in the process for the screening, assessment and recruitment of freshers into the services.

The questions about "Honourable Minister Please Off Your Mic" remain with Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, fondly called BTO, as to why should Honourable Minister of Niger Delta, who had come to expose how some Nigerians in political offices and the National Assembly crippled the NDDC with unholy contracts and undue privileges they enjoyed and the NDDC committee he headed had nothing to say than to shut down the Minister by switching off his microphone.

Although the same minister in Buhari Administration, highly respectable then, has himself become entangled - the way it seems - in the captivating "demons of power corridor" (to borrow from the words of Dr. Reuben Abati) now as senate president under the Tinubu's Federal Government, why he was asked to "off" his microphone at that time should make aspiration for higher political offices impossible right for BTO to enjoy untill the undoubtful answer is duly provided to those questions, through public investigative process.

Again, much as it is nauseating how some prolific writers among columnists and journalists in the Nigerian media as well as some civil society organisations (known or unknown) have written and issues press releases to shield BTO from being investigated on allegations against him in the Beta Edu saga implicating him for awarding contract to himself in matter of humanitarian funds, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo should be made to forget his ambition of becoming Ondo North senatorial candidate in 2027 talk less that he will be going further from that to becoming the APC governorship candidate in 2029. All the political influences that determine who emerge as candidates (and this is also shameful as emergence of candidates should be through open-ended free, fair and credible primary election) should beware of antics of this Tinubu's minister mingles his way through them to emerge.

He can seek such opportunity to contest only when he submits himself to transparent investigation answering questions on why his company he formerly owned - but now his wife is part of - should accept money running into hundreds of million naira in contract from the same government he serves. This done, leaving out all the media noise blocking his investigation and even some calling for arrest of anyone so alleging.

He should also answer to why Nigerians would only be seen to apply to be recruited into Immigration, Prisons Service and Civil Defence but running into over one year, nothing is heard, yet rumour keeps flying around that the minister is the one handling recruitments, promotions and even postings in these services with their heads now having their hearts and livers tied to the political whims and caprices of the politician.

Let it be clear: this article is not an outright conviction of Mr. Tunji-Ojo. Rather, it is a serious demand — that until he submits himself to transparent, credible investigation and clears his name, he should have no place in the race for Senate or governorship in Ondo State come 2027 and 2029, respectively.

If the APC fails to enforce this standard of integrity, the consequences will be grave, unpredictable, and damaging — not only for the party but for Nigeria’s fragile democracy.

Kola Aluko: From superyachts to tequila shots, the Nigerian dealmaker is writing his boldest comeback script yet.

 By Niyi Tabiti

Kola Aluko, once the Nigerian oil magnate who sailed the $80 million Galactica Star and bought a Manhattan penthouse in One57, has resurfaced online with a new fixation: tequila.

Over the past day, Mr. Aluko has filled his Instagram feed with images of Los 7 Ángeles, a premium brand founded by Jaycee Chan, son of Jackie Chan. The sudden enthusiasm has prompted speculation that he is not only a fan but possibly circling the label as an investor. Neither he nor the company has confirmed a connection.

Mr. Aluko’s public image has long been defined by scale. In 2017, U.S. prosecutors alleged he and an associate secured energy deals in Nigeria through bribery and laundered the proceeds into yachts and real estate. The Galactica Star was eventually seized and sold, and authorities announced they had recovered more than $53 million. Mr. Aluko has not been convicted of a crime.

Now, tequila appears to be the latest stage for a man who has always favored highly visible platforms, from fashion weeks to Formula 1. If oil made him wealthy, tequila may be his attempt at reinvention—less crude, more crystalline.

Phase 1

It is late afternoon in Los Angeles, and Kola Aluko is raising his glass. Not champagne, not Bordeaux, not even a rare cognac—the Nigerian former oil magnate once known for his Galactica Star yacht and glittering Manhattan penthouse is now sipping tequila. And not just any tequila, but Los 7 Ángeles, the crystalline label Gistmaster.com gathered was launched by Jaycee Chan, son of Jackie Chan.

On Instagram, Aluko has gone into overdrive, blanketing his feed with sleek shots of the brand: bottles posed like objets d’art, pours captured in golden light, captions bordering on evangelism. The volume and urgency of the posts feel less like fandom and more like choreography.

The whispers came quickly: Is Aluko circling Los 7 Ángeles as an investor? A partner? Or is this simply an extravagant hobby for a man whose life has been nothing if not theatrical?

The Past That Won’t Let Go

To understand why these whispers matter, you need only rewind to 2017. That was the year U.S. prosecutors filed a civil forfeiture complaint alleging that Aluko and his associate, Olajide Omokore, had bribed Nigeria’s then–Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to secure lucrative energy contracts. They alleged the money was laundered into America’s luxury market: an $80 million superyacht, Galactica Star, and a $50 million penthouse at Manhattan’s One57.

The yacht became the scandal’s floating mascot—seized by U.S. courts, then auctioned off. Authorities ultimately announced they had recovered more than $53 million linked to the alleged schemes. To this day, Aluko has never been convicted of a crime. A forfeiture complaint is, legally speaking, an allegation, not a conviction. But the headlines were enough to brand him as a symbol of Nigeria’s oil excess gone global.

For many, Aluko’s rise and fall mirrored the era itself: dazzling, fast, and destined to implode.

The Cosmopolitan Blueprint

And yet, reinvention has always been Aluko’s native tongue. He was never just an oilman. He sat on the advisory board of VistaJet, helping the private-aviation firm expand into Africa. He co-founded the Made in Africa Foundation with designer Ozwald Boateng, pitching billion-dollar infrastructure projects with a dash of red-carpet flair. He was a fixture at F1 paddocks, at fashion week shows, in music studios—a dealmaker who curated his life like a runway collection.

This is why tequila, of all things, makes sense. A crystalline bottle, a celebrity pedigree, and an Instagram-ready aesthetic offer something oil rigs never could: narrative. Oil is wealth. Tequila is lifestyle. And for Aluko, lifestyle has always been currency.

The Tequila Play

Los 7 Ángeles launched with a Cristalino expression, a filtered tequila prized for clarity and smoothness, staking its claim in a crowded luxury spirits market. With Jaycee Chan’s star lineage and packaging designed for the spotlight, it is a brand built to seduce cosmopolitans and collectors alike.

Aluko’s sudden and aggressive amplification of it feels like more than brand fandom. There has been no public announcement of a stake, no confirmation of ownership. But the choreography—the timing, the saturation, the sheer insistence of the posts—suggests positioning.

If Aluko is indeed aligning himself with Los 7 Ángeles, gistmaster.com can tell you for free that it is his boldest narrative gamble since forfeiting the yacht. Where Galactica Star once symbolized scandal, a tequila label could symbolize rebirth—fluid, crystalline, and free of legal filings.

The Comeback Question

But can a man who once lived in the glare of billion-dollar scrutiny truly reframe himself with a bottle of agave? Among Nigeria’s elite, the debate is split. Some say Aluko’s moves feel too staged, too quick. Others argue that luxury culture loves nothing more than a comeback, and tequila offers just enough distance from oil to make it plausible.

What is undeniable is that Aluko has reentered the spotlight on his own terms. Whether as a silent backer or a high-profile evangelist, his tequila play keeps him visible, photographed, talked about—a currency he values as much as any balance sheet.

For now, the story is unfinished. The Instagram posts glisten like stage lights, hinting at a man not just drinking tequila but pouring himself into a new role: Kola Aluko, lifestyle impresario.

And if history has shown us anything, it’s that Aluko never plays small.

EFCC Recovers millions of Dollars from NNPCL Staff, Contractors

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pulled back over N5 billion and $10 million from the deep pockets of contractors and officials who allegedly turned Nigeria’s refineries into bottomless pits of corruption.

But wait—there’s more. The anti-graft agency says another N10 billion and $13 million are still out there floating around like lost luggage at an airport carousel, courtesy of “contract inflation” and other corrupt practices.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has decided this is not a “delegate-and-watch” kind of case—he’s personally leading the charge. Word is, he’s tired of billions being spent while the refineries in Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt remain unproductive.

For decades, Nigeria’s refineries have been more of tourist sites than functional plants. Billions have been budgeted, billions released, yet they perform worse than a broken generator in rainy season.

The Big Spending History Lesson

$1.55 billion for Port Harcourt refinery

$740 million for Kaduna refinery

$656 million for Warri refinery

And yet, not one of them can boast of reliably producing fuel. According to EFCC sleuths, the issue wasn’t “complex engineering” but old classics—over-invoicing, padded contracts, and “ghost” payments.

Suspects Under the Grill

Current and former NNPCL managers have been doing “rounds” at the EFCC office. One investigator quipped that the fraud uncovered could “refuel an entire country”—if only it had been spent right.

So far, $10m and N5bn have been clawed back, but more heads may soon roll as the commission prepares to file charges. Both yesterday’s and today’s NNPCL managers could be in the dock.

More Money in the Shadows

Another senior official confirmed there’s still $13m and N10bn to be recovered—and fresh allegations of $40m in contract inflation. In other words, the money trail is starting to look like a never-ending Nollywood series.

EFCC Spokesperson on Silent Mode

Calls to EFCC’s media chief, Dele Oyewale, rang out like unanswered customer care lines. Still, insiders confirmed the recoveries and ongoing investigations.

The Bigger Picture

Nigeria’s state-owned refineries have been the country’s most expensive white elephants. Despite 40+ years of promises and billions spent, they remain stubbornly idle. Nigerians, meanwhile, continue to rely on imported fuel, rising pump prices, and the hope that maybe, just maybe, one day a refinery will actually refine.

This latest EFCC probe might just be the plot twist Nigerians have been waiting for—or another episode in the long-running soap opera titled “Billions Gone, Refineries Still Sleeping.”

NNPC:Tinubu’s Security Aides Implicated in Alleged $1.5m Bribery Scandal

 Two senior security aides to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been linked to a $1.5 million bribery scandal allegedly involving the embattled Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, according to Sahara Reporters.

According to multiple sources, the President’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Adegboyega Fasasi, and Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Shugaba, allegedly facilitated Ojulari’s access to the President at the Aso Rock Villa after receiving the payment. Tinubu reportedly met with the NNPC boss at 11 a.m. on June 10.

Ojulari is currently under investigation for alleged money laundering linked to the transfer of millions of dollars to AA&R Investment Group, a company owned by Abdullahi Bashir-Haske, son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—Tinubu’s main rival in the 2023 elections.

Sources said the President grew visibly angry after intelligence reports tied Ojulari to suspicious financial dealings with Haske, who also allegedly coordinated a controversial luxury retreat for NNPC executives in Kigali, Rwanda. “The President accused Ojulari of using NNPC funds to indirectly support opposition figures,” one source revealed.

In July, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Haske for alleged money laundering. During interrogation, Haske reportedly admitted that Ojulari had secured access to Tinubu through the President’s security aides after a $1.5 million payoff.

“The pair collected $1.5 million from Ojulari’s associate, Bashir-Haske, to arrange the meeting with Mr President,” a source familiar with the EFCC probe said. He further alleged that Fasasi issued Haske a Villa access tag, granting him unrestricted entry to the seat of power, and even promised to lobby the EFCC chairman on his behalf—though the attempt reportedly failed.

Investigators also uncovered a similar incident in December 2024, when Fasasi and other Villa officials allegedly received $500,000 from a Niger Delta militant to facilitate a contract. “Fasasi has abused his office several times, collecting bribes to grant access, defrauding and tarnishing the President’s image,” one source alleged.

Fasasi’s Checkered History

This is not the first time Fasasi has faced controversy. In October 2024, SaharaReporters revealed that the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), Tosin Ajayi, had redeployed him from his role as Tinubu’s CSO, replacing him with Rasheed Atanda Lawal. However, Fasasi reportedly refused to vacate his post, allegedly relying on the backing of state governors and other influential figures to remain in the Villa.

Villa insiders have repeatedly accused Fasasi of running a gatekeeping system in which access to the President was allegedly determined by bribes. “The logic of those supporting his stay is strange,” one insider said at the time. “They claim that if he leaves, they will have to bribe the new person afresh.”

Despite mounting allegations of misconduct, Fasasi and Shugaba have so far remained in their posts.

Mr fashion,Ebewele Brown Unveils Lagos Flagship

 On a serene, traffic-free Sunday evening in Lagos, style connoisseurs gathered in Lekki for an exclusive private viewing hosted by Ebewele Brown—the visionary force behind his eponymous label. 

With an unmissable flair for design and detail, Brown has ascended into the upper echelons of Nigeria’s fashion elite, redefining the landscape with every collection.

The evening unfolded with quiet elegance as Ebewele Brown shared the captivating arc of his fashion journey—from modest beginnings to navigating the intricate world of couture, and unveiling an audacious vision for the future of his brand. 

Despite being born into a wealthy family in Edo State, Ebewele charted his own course, building a business from the ground up and earning a reputation as a self-made entrepreneur. 

Ebewele's garment factory and retail outlet in Abuja have become household names, and with the launch of his flagship store in Lagos, he is positioning the brand to connect more closely with the city’s dynamic fashion market.- By Niyi Tabiti

Michael Owolabi Afolaranmi Marks 50th Birthday in Grand Style with High Society Celebration

 Lagos, Nigeria — It was a night to remember as renowned entrepreneur and small chops mogul, Michael Owolabi Afolaranmi, hosted a glittering celebration in honour of his 50th birthday last weekend, Gistmaster report. The event, held at the prestigious Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja, attracted the crème de la crème of high society, who were treated to a lavish evening of music, laughter, gourmet cuisine, canapés, and premium wines and spirits.

Though the celebration was a bit delayed, guests — many adorned in the event’s black and gold colour code — waited patiently and were richly rewarded with an electrifying atmosphere befitting the golden jubilee of a remarkable man.

Anchoring the night was popular comedian and master of ceremony MC Ajele (Ajele Adeyemi), who delivered non-stop entertainment with his signature wit. He was joined by celebrated humourist Gbenga Adeyinka, who, despite being a guest, enthusiastically took the mic and thrilled attendees with his rib-cracking jokes and animated storytelling.

One of the evening’s standout moments was the highly anticipated Best Dressed Competition, which saw fashion-forward guests competing for cash prizes. The male category had joint winners, each walking away with ₦300,000, while the winner of the female category — the striking and stylish businesswoman Kofoworola Awoyera — clinched the top prize of ₦1 million.

The celebration also featured heartfelt tributes from family and friends, reflecting on Michael’s inspiring journey, deep values, and contributions to entrepreneurship and community development.

Guests danced late into the night to a dynamic musical performance by Sharp Band, who, alongside a DJ, delivered a rich mix of gospel, Afrobeat, highlife, and old-school hits — ensuring a lively, joyous atmosphere.

Visibly moved by the overwhelming show of love and support, the celebrant expressed his deep gratitude, thanking guests for being part of his journey. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and national development — ideals that have defined his professional and personal life.

Michael Afolaranmi is best known for founding 12 Baskets Foods, a finger food and catering brand he launched in 2002, well before “small chops” became the staple it is today at Nigerian events. From humble beginnings, he has grown the brand into a culinary empire with multiple outlets across Lagos and Abuja, managed from a modern headquarters in Lekki, Lagos.

Beyond small chops, the business has expanded to include cocktail services, grills, event ushers, and even DJ services, setting a new benchmark for event catering in Nigeria. With over 100 staff members under his employ, Afolaranmi has become a beacon of empowerment for young people across the country, many of whom have launched successful ventures inspired by his model.

Michael Owolabi Afolaranmi’s 50th birthday was more than just a party — it was a celebration of vision, resilience, and excellence. It underscored a life well-lived and a legacy still in motion, cementing his place as one of Africa’s most admired entrepreneurs.

Stephanie Okereke Linus Reflects on 14 Years of Private Bliss and Family Life

 Stephanie Okereke Linus, the celebrated Nollywood actress and filmmaker, recently opened up about her deeply private marriage to her husband, Linus Idahosa. The couple, who tied the knot in a serene and intimate ceremony in Paris back in 2012, have managed to keep much of their family life away from the public eye—a decision Stephanie describes as a source of peace and fulfillment.

Reflecting on her choice for privacy, Stephanie shared that her early life experiences taught her the value of shielding personal moments from public scrutiny. "My early life was tough, and I learned the hard way that not everyone should know your story. That’s why I keep my marriage and family life away from the public eye. It’s peaceful that way," she explained. Only a trusted inner circle, including her sibling and mother-in-law, are privy to the intimate details of her family life.

Now celebrating 14 beautiful years of marriage in 2025, the actress revealed for the first time a glimpse into her wedding memories. A pre-wedding video, which she recently shared, symbolized the quiet strength and enduring nature of their relationship. "It felt right," she said. "Just a little reminder that love, when protected, lasts."

Stephanie and Linus are proud parents of two children, whose lives are similarly kept out of the spotlight. The actress’s commitment to privacy has not only preserved the sanctity of her marriage but also served as a testament to the power of safeguarding love from external pressures.

As fans celebrate her milestone anniversary, Stephanie's story serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength that comes with protecting one's peace and cherishing the moments that matter most.

Meet Olakunle Abiodun Afolabi, the Defender of Justice and Architect of Legal Triumphs

 Justice doesn’t always work fairly when faced with power, bias, or red tape, but Barrister Olakunle Abiodun Afolabi stands out as a voice for those who aren’t heard.

  With ten years of court experience, Afolabi has become known for defending human rights, working with constitutional law, and giving hope to people caught in Nigeria’s complex legal system.

Afolabi’s path comes from hard work, not luck. He graduated with honours from Lagos State University with both his law degree and diploma, then trained at the Nigerian Law School before starting a career full of impressive legal achievements. Beyond his education, he has certificates from the Mandela Institute for death penalty defence and leadership training from Rise Networks, showing his dedication to justice and doing his best work.

But it is in the courtroom where Afolabi truly shines. Licensed to practice across all 36 states and the FCT, he has become synonymous with high-stakes litigation, defending clients in cases that test the very fabric of Nigeria’s legal and moral framework. 

Afolabi’s portfolio reads like a chronicle of modern Nigeria’s legal battles. From securing the freedom of EndSARS protesters like Clement Igbudu and Adeniyi Adeyemi—wrongfully incarcerated for demanding accountability—to defending journalists under siege for upholding press freedom, his work transcends mere litigation; it is a crusade for societal equity. 

In criminal defense, Afolabi’s prowess is unmatched. He has stood fearlessly against charges of murder, armed robbery, and cybercrimes, dismantling flimsy prosecutions with forensic precision. Take the case of *Gabriel Sowunmi*, accused of cybercrime and human trafficking: Afolabi’s meticulous dissection of evidence exposed procedural malpractices, leading to an acquittal that reverberated across Nigeria’s legal community. 

His civil law victories are equally staggering. Representing giants like Huawei Technologies and MTN Nigeria, he navigates corporate labyrinths with ease, while his debt recovery triumphs for entities like Dangote Agrosacks, showcase his versatility. Yet, it is his pro bono work with Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders) that reveals his core: providing free legal aid to victims of torture by security agencies, ensuring accountability under Nigeria’s Anti-Torture Act 2017. 

Afolabi’s specialization in human rights and constitutional law is not merely professional—it is personal. As the head of the ProCAT and eRIGHTS initiative in Lagos, he has spearheaded efforts to combat police brutality, secure reparations for survivors, and challenge systemic impunity. “The law is not a shield for the powerful,” he asserts. “It is a sword for the oppressed.” 

His advocacy extends to labor rights, where he champions fair treatment for workers and trade unions, and media law, where he battles censorship to protect journalistic freedom. Each case he undertakes—whether defending a wrongfully accused individual or challenging unconstitutional policies—is a brick in the edifice of a more just Nigeria. 

Afolabi’s success is rooted in an unshakable ethos: integrity, resilience, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge. A skilled draftsman and orator, he combines legal acumen with technological savvy—a rarity in a profession often resistant to change. His leadership at *Kunle Afolabi LP*, where he mentors young lawyers and oversees complex litigations, reflects his belief in nurturing the next generation of advocates. 

Colleagues describe him as “a thinker who outworks everyone in the room” and “a strategist who turns legal battles into masterclasses.” Yet, beneath the accolades lies a man driven by empathy. “Every client’s freedom,” he says, “is a thread in the tapestry of justice we must weave for our nation.” 

With a track record that includes appellate court victories and groundbreaking human rights rulings, Afolabi shows no signs of slowing down. His eyes are set on expanding access to justice through tech-driven legal solutions and deepening collaborations with global bodies like the African Bar Association. 

As Nigeria grapples with challenges to democracy and human rights, Afolabi’s role as a legal sentinel becomes ever more critical. His journey—from the courtrooms of Lagos to international advocacy—hints at a future where his influence could reshape legislative frameworks or even ascend to the bench. 

Olakunle Abiodun Afolabi is more than a lawyer; he is a institution. A defender of the marginalized, a corporate strategist, and a human rights icon, he embodies the rare brilliance that transcends legal practice to ignite societal change. With each case, he redefines what it means to wear the wig and gown. 

As the sun sets over Lagos, casting long shadows over its crowded streets, one truth remains clear: *the prospects of Olakunle Abiodun Afolabi are not just great—they are boundless*. For in his hands, the law is not merely a profession. It is a revolution. 

Contact Barrister Olakunle Abiodun Afolabi: 

Phone: +234 8028300421, 07039900923 | Email: kunleafolabilp@gmail.com | Website: [kunleafolabilp.com](http://kunleafolabilp.com) 

Location: 49 Lawson Street, Onikan, Lagos Island, Lagos State.

EGBESU IJAWS OF GBARAMATU FOR FUBARA WARNS PRESIDENT TINUBU

  It is a common saying in our local parlance that who ever beats the drum of war must be ready to dance to its tune. When we echoed it that ‘Asawana’ is not a love song some people clearly took it a joke; but never knew Asawana judgment day has come, because we are going to show them the definition of the true spirit of Asawana. 

Since the President fail to learn from the recent reply of Asawana in River State he should be ready our next reply. Again we have come to make it clear that the Unconstitutional suspension of our Son the duly elected Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy for 6 months by the confused President Tinubu will not stand. 

We will resist it with all our might, Nyesom Wike should tell his puppet that we are not afraid of the military men being deployed in River state because they will hear from Asawana.

 

We the Egbesu Gbaramatu Ijaws want to heedlessly state that this madness being exhibited by Nyesome Wike and his puppet president lacking in common sense, has reach a point of no return thus, the Egbesu Ijaws in  and the Niger Delta  will not sit idly and watch it continue anymore as we are now fully ready to put an immediate end to it,  as in the coming days we shall be matching words with action as seen in the recent bomb blasts.

 

We want to make it abundantly clear to President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu who has shown he is a tool of the FCT Minister Nyesome Wike, that his recent act of illegality and senseless abuse of power by declaring a state of emergency in the State and the hasty suspension of Governor Fubara is a joke taken too far and likened to an handshake beyond the elbow.

And by the action the President and FCT Minister crossed the red line with the Ijaw Nation, therefore, should be ready to face the wroth of the Ijaw Nation and the devastating consequences that will crumble this Country before his very eyes.

 

Mr. Puppet president deploying Military men will not save you, we only just started yet the entire Nation is already running helter-skelter, but it is a pity that the President, security agencies and the Nation at large do not even know what is before them and the weapon they have activated by their stupid and thoughtless action. This is not a threat but a promise, especially to those who have drawn the battle line with the Ijaw nation. 

In no distant time the Nation shall be greeted with untold hardship, wanton destruction of national oil assets and the mother of insecurity in the creeks  of the Niger delta and in the hinterland of the Niger delta and this will be such as never been seen before in recent history of our Country.

While the Military continue to get busy in Portharcourt, we shall continue to get busy in the creeks and all oil assets in the creeks of Delta state shall suffer the consequence of the President Tinubu actions in declaring state of emergency in River State.

 

At this juncture, it is pertinent we issue this very stern warning to the dramatic persons behind the scene and those acting out this very poorly scripted fictional dramatic piece that if this comic series is not halted immediately, with our son Governor Siminalayi Fubara reinstated back to office to continue with his constitutional duties and mandate as the Executive Governor of Rivers State nobody should blame the Ijaws for how things will rapidly degenerate and we want to state it clearly that from now on anybody that goes close to any of the national infrastructures especially in the Niger Delta will be doing so at his or her own risk as the safety of these facilities is no longer guaranteed.    

 

And finally we want to state unequivocally for the benefit of those who love the counsel of the wise that, those who doubt the capacity of the Ijaws to cripple the Nation and bring it to a state of non-existence are the actual enemies of this Country, because we have our friends and allies scattered all over including the military and other nations ready to work hand in gloves with us to make good our threats and even if need be for us to declare our own republic. 

If anyone forget so soon, we shall again remind the FCT Minister and his co travelers that the Ijaw Nation host majority of the oil facilities that make up the economic back-born of Nigeria and joking with the political aspiration of the Ijaw nation means the Federal Government is joking with her daily meal and survival.

 

One thing is certain, we are not taken anything off the table in this fight for the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the first Ijaw man in history to become the Executive Governor of Rivers State including a declaration of own republic.

We want to reiterate and warn the general members of the public including members of the international community that from now on we will continue to visit national infrastructures especial oil and gas infrastructures in the Niger Delta with mayhem and anyone caught in these facility shall be victims of their own stubbornness.

 Desperate times they say calls for desperate measures. It is only the stubborn fly that follows the corps to the grave; President Bola Tinubu be warned!

IJAW NATION WILL STAND AGAINST THIS INJUSTICE

 

The current crisis in River State is an attack on the Ijaw nation. As clans and Kingdom’s of ijaw nation within Delta State and Edo state, we the people of  Egbama, Gbaramatu, Isaba and Ogbe-Ijoh, we are fully aware that these are activities aimed at silencing the voice of the Ijaw people in Nigeria. 

Eight years ago, we witnessed how an Ijaw man was disgraced from office and removed from the presidential villa. The Ijaw people were reduced to nothing because the Ijaw nation failed to act when President Goodluck Jonathan was removed. We, the Gbaramatu Ijaw, Egbama Ijaw, Isaba Ijaw, and Ogbe-Ijoh clan, have agreed in solidarity to stand by our Ijaw brothers in River State. 

This is a cry from all Ijaw youths; this is an Ijaw national battle against federal government oppression. The Ijaw nation will not take this lightly. We from Delta State and Bayelsa State will join forces to ensure that this disgrace stops once and for all. The government cannot take our oil, fight, and disgrace us while they use our oil to build Abuja and devastate our state.

 This is bigger than Fubara; the Ijaw nation will stand and defend ourselves with our last breath. We are aware that they are making further plans to wipe out the Ijaw nation from power, even attempting to take our God-given resources from us. They want to enslave us and disguise it as a political battle. 

The gold they possess, they hoard; their cattle, they keep. But the Ijaw oil is shared among all, yet they do not want an Ijaw person in power. We will utilize all strategies at our disposal; we will cripple the economy as they have chosen to cripple our state. 

We will unite forces to reclaim our rights. They have failed to appoint an Ijaw person as Minister of Petroleum because they want total control of our resources. How can you appoint an Ijaw nation state minister of Petroleum, a position that the GMD of NNPCL is more powerful than? What an insult to the Ijaw nation; it is more like being an errand servant. As a people, we have decided to stand up and resist it. 

We are using this medium to call upon all Ijaws to join this battle. The Ijaws are not minorities; all Ijaws in Bomadi, Patani, Burutu, Ondo, Uvwie, Udu, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Edo, Lagos, and those in the diaspora should unite in this struggle for the soul of the Ijaw nation. This oppression must cease; the Ijaw nation will stand and defend its land. Asawana, wana.

Signed. 

Comr. Tamaradenyeifa Iroroyekenigha

Ogbe-Ijoh Representative 

Mr. Emizibo Seiyefa

Egbama Representative 

Comr. Ayibatari Tarila

Isaba Representative 

Comr. Binatari Ekpokememi

Gbaramatu Representative 

Sir Fetiemo Ebiwari

Bomadi Representative 

Mr. Kemepade Adibobouegbe

Burutu Representative 

Comr. Faafa Peibolu

Patani Representative

Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

 Lagos, Nigeria – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 - Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd has announced the removal of processing fees on all GTBank POS terminals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses with cost-effective payment solutions. 

This initiative, which took effect Tuesday, 11 February 2025, communicates that merchants using GTBank POS terminals will no longer incur Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers. 

With this initiative, all qualifying SME Merchants can now receive payments at zero cost, allowing them to reduce operational expenses, whilst promoting the merchant’s enterprise, and enhancing customer experience.

Speaking on the initiative, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, said: “At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem. By implementing the zero processing fees on POS transactions, we are empowering businesses to get the full value of every payment they receive, whilst also ensuring a more seamless and efficient payment experience.”

The Zero Processing Charge campaign aligns with GTBank’s ongoing efforts to empower businesses with innovative financial solutions that drive growth and efficiency.

For more information, merchants are encouraged to contact their Relationship Managers or reach out to the Digital Banking Support Team at poshelpdesk@gtbank.com.

About GTBank

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is a leading financial institution committed to delivering innovative banking solutions that empower businesses and individuals. With a strong focus on technology and customer satisfaction, GTBank continues to redefine the banking experience across Africa and beyond.

Victory: Court Affirms Atuwatse III as Olu of Warri

 A Delta State High Court in Asaba has dismissed the legal challenge brought by Prince Oyowoli Emiko against the succession of Ogiame Atuwatse III as the Olu of Warri. Prince Oyowoli, son of the former Olu Ikenwoli, had contested the legitimacy of the current monarch’s ascension to the throne.

The court, in its ruling on case A/119/2023, determined that the claimant’s suit was statute-barred, effectively upholding the preliminary objection raised by the defendants. The presiding judge dismissed the suit “in its entirety,” dealing a decisive blow to Prince Oyowoli’s claims.

The court highlighted several crucial aspects in its decision:

The withdrawal of the previous suit (W/104/21) was found to be tactical rather than conciliatory, with the court noting it was not “borne out of a reason for peaceful co-existence” but rather an attempt to secure “another opportunity for a bite” through the new filing.

The court deemed the relief claims in the current suit premature, emphasizing that any grievances should have been presented during the 21-day period provided under Section 19 of the Traditional Rulers Council Chieftaincy Laws.

A procedural error was noted regarding the timing of the Executive Council’s letters of recommendation, which were issued after the suit was filed.

Legal Representation

The case saw extensive legal representation from various parties:

O. L. Ovwhoriole appeared for the Claimant/Respondent

A. M. Oriakhi led a team of lawyers representing the 1st, 4th, 9th, and 24th-27th Defendants

Other notable representations included O. F. Oberuoma for the 3rd Defendant and P. E. Eze for the 5th-8th Defendants

Implications

This ruling represents a significant victory for Ogiame Atuwatse III, effectively strengthening his position as the Olu of Warri. The court’s decision appears to have brought clarity to the succession dispute that has been a source of tension within the traditional institution.

The ruling also serves as a reminder of the importance of following proper procedural channels in traditional succession matters, particularly regarding the timing of challenges and the necessity of adhering to established chieftaincy laws.

Hype War: WizKid,Davido, Burnaboy fans shares fake outrageous performance fees at Oando event

  In a bid to outshine one and other, fans of music stars such as Davido, WizKid and Burna Boy have been brandishing all kind of outrageous figures on social media as payment their favourite artistes received for their performance at Oando event.

 The fans, who have been using all kind of hype strategies and expletives to promote their own favourite stars said  WizKid received a whopping sum of $11 million, while Davido received $700,000 as payment. However, insiders disclosed that what people call payment for the artistes on Instagram,Facebook and other media platforms is nothing short of hype and fake news.

 

"Oando will pay them good but nothing close to what the fans are saying. It is just show off. It is just a way of making one artiste have more market value than the others", said an insider.

Already, there is mass reaction on social media about the current issue where  those in the know disclosed it is all hype and none of the artistes was paid such staggering amount of money their overzealous fans are showing off in public. 

 People need to stop believing everything they see online! All this talk about OANDO payments to Burna, Wizkid, and Davido is nothing but #FakeNews.  

 These OANDO rumors flying around? Just excited fans trying to hype their favs. Let’s focus on the great performances instead of spreading #FakeNews.  

 Some of you are running with stories that are clearly #FakeNews. OANDO hasn’t released any figures, so where are you getting these numbers from?  

Nigerians love gist, but let’s confirm facts first. Those OANDO payment figures are nothing but #FakeNews!  

 It's giving competitor energy—spreading lies about OANDO just to drag them. The payment story is clearly #FakeNews.  

 Excited fans and rival brands need to chill! Burna, Wizkid, and Davido did their thing, but these figures being pushed are #FakeNews.  

 The way people spread #FakeNews about OANDO payments without receipts is crazy. Where are the facts?  

  OANDO paid top dollar for top performances, but the figures being quoted online are pure #FakeNews.  

 The OANDO end-of-year party was lit, but those payment figures trending online? 100% #FakeNews.  

 Some rival brands are clearly threatened by OANDO’s success, and now they’re spreading #FakeNews to distract us.  

 It’s okay to hype your favs, but do it responsibly. Spreading #FakeNews about OANDO payments helps nobody.  

Who comes up with these wild numbers? The OANDO payments story is just #FakeNews cooked up by overzealous fans.  

Competitors are working overtime to tarnish OANDO’s image with baseless payment rumors. Let’s stop pushing #FakeNews.  

#FakeNews alert! OANDO hasn’t disclosed any payment details. Everything you’re seeing online is pure fabrication.  

The performances were amazing, but let’s not let #FakeNews overshadow the success of OANDO’s event.  

 It’s funny how fans will do anything to hype their favs—even spread #FakeNews about payments. Let’s calm down.  

Competitor brands need to focus on their own work instead of spreading #FakeNews about OANDO.  

 Let’s keep the focus on the music and not this #FakeNews about OANDO’s payment to Burna, Davido, and Wizkid.  

Before you spread #FakeNews, ask yourself: “Who benefits from this?” Rival brands are clearly at work here.  

 If it didn’t come directly from OANDO or the artists, it’s #FakeNews. Don’t get carried away by online gist.  

OANDO gave us an iconic event, but these payment rumors are nothing but #FakeNews.  

Excited fans are doing the most again. All this OANDO payment gist is pure #FakeNews.  

 Spreading #FakeNews only kills the vibe. Let’s celebrate OANDO’s party without unnecessary drama.  

Can we focus on the fire performances and ignore the #FakeNews about payments? OANDO deserves better.  

 It’s giving propaganda vibes. Competitors are probably behind this #FakeNews about OANDO payments.  

 Nobody’s talking about how amazing the event was, just this baseless #FakeNews about payment figures.  

Where are the receipts? The OANDO payment gist is just #FakeNews with no evidence.  

OANDO set the bar high, but people are trying to drag them down with #FakeNews.  

The payment figures you’re seeing are not facts; they’re just #FakeNews flying around.  

It’s the audacity for me! Competitors spreading #FakeNews about OANDO payments should focus on their lane.  

 Nigerians love drama, but this OANDO payment gist is just fabricated #FakeNews.  

If you’re spreading the OANDO payment story, just know you’re pushing #FakeNews without evidence.  

Overhyped fans and rivals are working overtime with this #FakeNews about OANDO payments.  

Before you join the conversation, verify your facts. Most of this OANDO payment talk is pure #FakeNews.  

 Let’s not allow #FakeNews to overshadow one of the biggest events of the year. OANDO delivered!  

Competitors trying to drag OANDO in the mud with #FakeNews about payments—do better.  

OANDO made history with their party, bringing the big 3 on the same stage like that but some people can’t help but spread #FakeNews.