Welcome to Gistmaster

 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. “Th...

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 sophisticat...

 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 Corrid...

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 ...

 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 platf...

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 Kadun...

 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 fin...

 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 ci...

 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...

 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 he...

 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 ...

  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 Nyeso...

  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, fi...

 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 payme...

 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 ...

  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 stagg...

   A non-governmental organisation, Victory Idewele Foundation, has paid the sum of 10 million naira to enable 27 inmates with the option of fine and compensation to regain their freedom in Kogi state. The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, made this known on Saturday during a three-day visit to the six correctional centres in the state. “Aside from the payment of fines and compensations made by the foundation, the NGO has also decided to train the freed inmates for three months in Abuja to enable them to acquire skills and become self-reliant in society”, Justice Majebi said. According to him, at the Koton-Karfe Maximum Security Correctional Centre, two inmates, Mustapha Idris, who was fined N50,000, regained his freedom, while Kehinde Amaka, sentenced to one-year imprisonment with a fine of N300,000, benefited from the gesture of the foundation but has to remain in custody until January 15, 2025, to complete his jail term.

  A non-governmental organisation, Victory Idewele Foundation, has paid the sum of 10 million naira to enable 27 inmates with the option of fine and compensation to regain their freedom in Kogi state. The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, made this known on Saturday during a three-day visit to the six correctional centres in the state. “Aside from the payment of fines and compensations made by the foundation, the NGO has also decided to train the freed inmates for three months in Abuja to enable them to acquire skills and become self-reliant in society”, Justice Majebi said. According to him, at the Koton-Karfe Maximum Security Correctional Centre, two inmates, Mustapha Idris, who was fined N50,000, regained his freedom, while Kehinde Amaka, sentenced to one-year imprisonment with a fine of N300,000, benefited from the gesture of the foundation but has to remain in custody until January 15, 2025, to complete his jail term.

A non-governmental organisation, Victory Idewele Foundation, has paid the sum of 10 million naira to enable 27 inmates with the option of fine and compensation to regain their freedom in Kogi state. The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, made this known on Saturday during a three-day visit to the six correctional centres in the state. “Aside from the payment of fines and compensations made by the foundation, the NGO has also decided to train the freed inmates for three months in Abuja to enable them to acquire skills and become self-reliant in society”, Justice Majebi said. According to him, at the Koton-Karfe Maximum Security Correctional Centre, two inmates, Mustapha Idris, who was fined N50,000, regained his freedom, while Kehinde Amaka, sentenced to one-year imprisonment with a fine of N300,000, benefited from the gesture of the foundation but has to remain in custody until January 15, 2025, to complete his jail term.

 In a glittering celebration that drew together international media heavyweights, thought leaders, royalty, and policymakers, Stephanie Busari was honoured for her 25 years of groundbreaking work in journalism and 16 years of distinguished service at CNN. The event, held in Lagos at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History and attended by a constellation of influential figures, paid tribute to Busari’s extraordinary legacy—an Emmy, Peabody, and Gracie award-winning journalist whose reporting has reshaped global perspectives on Africa. The evening overflowed with accolades, heartfelt testimonials, and stirring endorsements from a chorus of eminent voices. They hailed Busari not only as a trailblazer in media but also as a mentor, inspiration, and catalyst for positive change. Her expertise, integrity, and unyielding commitment to telling the world’s most important—and often untold—stories were placed front and centre. Some of the dignitaries and prominent Nigerians in...