Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has expressed deep appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, for his royal endorsement of her latest cinematic project, Mother’s Love.
The acclaimed actress, who made her directorial debut with the film, shared a video on Instagram capturing a special moment at the prestigious Delborough venue, where the monarch and his family attended a private screening alongside actor Olumide Oworu.
In her post, Omotola described the royal presence as a powerful cultural affirmation of the film’s message.
“Thank you to the Ooni of Ife, The Ojaja, for coming to watch our movie Mother’s Love at the Prestigious Delborough. Mother’s Love is not just a movie. It’s a cultural experience,” she wrote. “Did you notice the celebration of culture in Mother’s Love?”
She further encouraged audiences to experience the film in cinemas nationwide, urging fans to be part of what she described as a cultural movement. “Mother’s Love is still showing in cinemas around you today. Join the movement. Be a part of history,” she added.
The film, which marks Omotola’s first step into directing, explores emotionally layered themes including motherhood, sacrifice, family conflict, and cultural identity, positioning it as both a personal and societal reflection on African family life.
Toni Kroos, the legendary Real Madrid midfielder, has declared Manuel Neuer as the greatest goalkeeper in football history.
Kroos, who previously shared the dressing room with Neuer at Bayern Munich, made the bold claim while reflecting on the shot-stopper’s extraordinary career and unique playing style.
“Manuel Neuer is the best goalkeeper of all time. It’s certain,” Kroos said. “Manu has his own goalkeeping game—only he has that. He’s the only goalkeeper who is truly fun to watch.”
The former German international went on to highlight Neuer’s commanding presence and elegance on the pitch, describing his influence as unparalleled. “He has an unbelievable aura with his movements and elegance. For the World Cup, he is still by far Germany’s best goalkeeper—no debate,” he added.
Despite being 40, Neuer continues to deliver top-level performances for Bayern Munich under manager Vincent Kompany this season. His longevity and consistency remain a testament to his elite status in world football.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Neuer has made 543 appearances for Bayern Munich, recording an impressive 245 clean sheets. His trophy haul includes 12 Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League triumphs, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Saheed Oladele, has announced his resignation from the party, citing what he described as the marginalisation of young people in leadership roles.
Oladele, who holds the traditional title of Bameeko of Ibadanland, confirmed that his resignation takes immediate effect in a letter dated April 7, 2026, and personally signed by him.
The former aspirant, a member of Ward 4 in Ibadan North Local Government Area, expressed appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, and associates for their support during his time in the APC.
In the letter, Oladele reflected on his journey within the party, noting that he had served with commitment and dedication since its formation. He emphasised that his gubernatorial ambition was driven not only by personal goals but also by a desire to promote unity and strengthen party structures across Oyo State.
He also highlighted his involvement in fostering cohesion among party stakeholders, stating that he worked to build bridges and encourage a shared vision for the state’s development.
A strong advocate of youth inclusion, Oladele said he consistently championed the “youth o’clock” movement, pushing for greater participation of young people in governance and decision-making processes.
However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as the party’s reluctance to empower young leaders. According to him, recent developments within the APC in Oyo State indicate that youths are often engaged without being given real influence.
Oladele noted that this approach contradicts his vision of a progressive and inclusive political system that aligns with global standards.
He stressed that his commitment to public service and the welfare of the people outweighs loyalty to any political platform that does not prioritise collective advancement.
“With this in mind, I hereby resign my membership of the APC with immediate effect,” he stated.
Despite his exit, Oladele reaffirmed his dedication to the unity, progress, and development of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has strongly responded to critics who questioned her decision to undergo cosmetic surgery months after the death of her sister.
During an Instagram livestream on Saturday, the reality star described many Nigerians as hypocritical while addressing the backlash surrounding her recent Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and 360 liposuction procedure.
Phyna, who recently shared a post-surgery video with the caption “Finally did it. No regrets,” dismissed claims that her actions showed a lack of respect for her late sister, Ruth Otabor. According to her, grief is deeply personal and should not be performed publicly to satisfy societal expectations.
She emphasized that while her loss remains painful, she chooses to mourn privately rather than display her emotions online.
The influencer also cautioned critics against dragging her late sister into the controversy, stressing that her family tragedy is not for public debate. She noted that her family resumed normal life shortly after Ruth’s burial, urging others to understand that people grieve and heal differently.
Phyna further addressed allegations linking her to a supposed ₦1 billion compensation from the Dangote Group, firmly denying the claims and describing them as false and disturbing. She also took a swipe at social commentator VeryDarkMan, with whom she has previously clashed over the issue.
Unapologetic about her decision, Phyna revealed plans to embrace her new body, including learning how to catwalk and wearing outfits that highlight her physique. She added that past criticism of her body played a role in her choice to undergo the procedure.
Ruth Otabor died on August 31, 2025, following complications from injuries sustained in a road accident involving a Dangote truck near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State. The tragic incident occurred just days after her graduation, leading to severe injuries that required extensive medical intervention.
Despite efforts by the Dangote Group to cover medical expenses and arrange advanced treatment abroad, she later passed away.
Phyna’s livestream has since sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting her right to move on at her own pace, while others continue to question the timing of her surgery and her remarks. Unfazed by the criticism, she ended her broadcast with a message to detractors, signaling she remains resolute in her choices.
British border officials have intercepted approximately five tonnes of cocaine valued at around £400 million ($540 million) in a series of major seizures at London Gateway port, the government confirmed on Saturday.
The drugs were discovered during coordinated operations carried out in February and March at one of the UK’s busiest shipping hubs. The largest seizure involved nearly 2,800 packages of cocaine—about three tonnes in total—concealed inside a shipment of bananas.
Authorities said smugglers went to extreme lengths to avoid detection, carefully shaping and weighing the drugs to match banana boxes and hide them seamlessly within fruit cargo inside a single container.
In a separate operation last month, officers uncovered another large consignment—worth about £80 million and weighing roughly one tonne—hidden within a shipment of South American wine.
The Home Office reported that Border Force officers seized nearly 150 tonnes of illegal drugs over the 12 months ending in March, underscoring ongoing efforts to disrupt international trafficking networks using UK ports.
APC aspirant Olukemi Adeogun formally declares for Ogun State House of Assembly, drawing strong support and calls for rural and women’s inclusion in Ota politics
OGHA 2027: Olukemi Adeogun Declares for Assembly Bid… Pushes Rural Turn, Women Representation
The political tempo in Ado-Odo/Ota rose sharply as Olukemi Adeogun formally declared her intention to contest for the Ogun State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress, drawing a large crowd of supporters, party leaders, and stakeholders to the party secretariat in Ota in what many described as a defining moment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adeogun, the Yeyegunwa of Ota and a respected grassroots figure from Iju Ward, arrived with a strong entourage of loyalists and family members, projecting both political strength and deep community roots. Her entrance was greeted with cheers, setting the tone for what quickly became a rallying point for conversations around representation, inclusion, and political balance within the constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dele Adeniji framed her candidacy as a blend of legacy and readiness, telling party leaders that her emergence carries both history and hope.
“We are here not just to present a candidate, but to present a woman whose character, competence, and compassion have already earned the trust of her people. This is a collective aspiration rooted in the will of the community,” Chief Adeniji said.
He further reminded the gathering of the legacy of their late patriarch, Chief Rokeeb Adeniji, noting, “She comes from a lineage of service and integrity, and she understands the weight of that responsibility. Adeogun is prepared to uphold that legacy with honour and deliver meaningful representation.”
The conversation soon shifted to a broader issue of equity within the constituency, as Nurudeen Olukotun, from Atan Ward, passionately called for a political reset that favours fairness between urban and rural wards.
Addressing party executives, he said, “For decades, representation has not reflected true balance. The rural communities have stood firmly behind the party, yet have not been given proportional opportunity to lead. This moment is about correcting that imbalance.”
He added that Adeogun’s candidacy reflects a united front among rural stakeholders, stating that, “The rural wards have come together with one voice because we believe she represents credibility, capacity, and the future we want. This is not just support—it is a consensus built on trust and performance.”
Momentum continued to build as influential women leaders openly endorsed Adeogun, positioning her candidacy as both strategic and symbolic.
Ex-Ogun lawmaker, Folakemi Akintayo, described the moment as an opportunity for the party to make history, urging leaders to act decisively. She said, “This is more than a political decision; it is a defining opportunity to show that the party truly believes in inclusion. Adeogun has the competence, the experience, and the courage to lead effectively. She is not a candidate to overlook.”
She added that giving women a chance in leadership would bring fresh perspectives and strengthen governance outcomes.
Also lending her voice, Waliat Ogunbiyi highlighted Adeogun’s long-standing contributions to the community, describing her as a tested leader with a deep understanding of grassroots realities.
“Her track record speaks clearly—she has served as an educator, a community leader, and an active stakeholder in our socio-cultural space. She understands the needs of the people because she has lived among them and worked with them,” Mrs Ogunbiyi said.
She further urged party executives to rally behind her, adding that, “Women bring empathy, discipline, and balance to leadership. Supporting her is not just about gender—it is about choosing capacity and commitment.”
When she took the floor, Mrs Adeogun delivered her message with clarity and conviction, positioning her ambition within the broader demand for fairness and inclusive governance.
She said, “This is the time for our constituency to embrace equity and give every segment a fair opportunity to serve. The rural communities have waited patiently, and I stand ready to represent that voice with dignity and purpose.”
She outlined her vision for the constituency, stressing that education would remain a top priority, adding, “Every child deserves access to quality education, and we must ensure that no young person is left behind or forced into the streets due to lack of opportunity.”
She also spoke passionately about women and youth empowerment, noting, “Our women are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve structured support to thrive economically and socially. When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family and secure the future.”
On youth development, she emphasised the need for deliberate engagement with industries in the area, saying, “We must create pathways for our young people to benefit directly from the economic activities around them. Employment, skills, and capacity development must be intentional.”
l-r Mr Sa’adudeen Salako, Chief Olajide Adeniji, the Agbaakin of Ota and Chief Bolaji Adeniji, the Olootu of Oruba-Ota
Highlighting infrastructure, she pointed to Ota’s strategic location near Lagos as a major advantage that must be fully leveraged. “Our proximity to Lagos should translate into real development—better roads, improved services, and expanded economic opportunities. We cannot afford to remain underdeveloped when the potential is so clear,” she said.
She concluded with a firm declaration of readiness, stating, “I am fully prepared for this responsibility, and I am committed to delivering results that will uplift every part of this constituency.”
Her formal letter of intent was thereafter presented to the party secretary, marking the official commencement of her campaign. In the letter, she reaffirmed her dedication to fairness, inclusiveness, and diligent service, while emphasising the need to address long-standing disparities in representation.
Responding on behalf of the party leadership, Olujimi Jimoh Akeran welcomed her and her supporters, acknowledging receipt of the letter and commending the orderly nature of the declaration.
“We appreciate the manner in which you have presented your ambition. The party remains committed to due process, and we are confident that the best among all aspirants will emerge,” Akeran said.
He further reassured members of unity within the party, stating, “There is no division in our ranks. We are one family, and once a candidate emerges, we will all stand together to ensure victory at the polls.”
As the gathering concluded, the strong turnout, coordinated endorsements, and compelling narrative around fairness and inclusion signalled that Adeogun’s entry into the race has significantly reshaped the political conversation in Ota State Constituency 1, setting the stage for an intense and closely watched contest ahead of 2027.
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has shared a deeply personal reflection on how her rise in the music industry reshaped her outlook on life, relationships, and emotional openness.
In a recent interview with Doose Of Society, the globally acclaimed artist revealed that before stepping into the spotlight, she struggled with hyper-independence—a trait that often led her to distance herself from others.
According to Tems, her journey as a professional musician forced her to confront and unlearn habits that no longer served her growth. The experience of creating music and connecting with a global audience played a pivotal role in her emotional evolution.
“Being an artist has changed my life,” she said. “It made me grow. I had to shed a lot of habits that were holding me back—one of those things was my hyper-independency and the tendency to push people away.”
The singer added that she has since learned to embrace love more freely, allowing herself to be vulnerable without discomfort. “I have now learned to just be open, to give love and be vulnerable without feeling odd,” she explained.
Tems began her music career in 2018 with her debut single Mr Rebel, but her breakthrough moment came in 2020 after featuring on Essence by Wizkid—a track that gained global acclaim and helped cement her place on the international stage.
Since then, she has collaborated with major global stars including Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber. With two Grammy Awards to her name and a record-breaking streaming presence, Tems has become one of Africa’s most influential contemporary artists, recently surpassing 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
CEO Emmanuella Odebiyi joins nationwide celebrations of Aliko Dangote’s 69th birthday, highlighting his transformative role in Nigeria’s cement industry and economic growth
Emmanuella Odebiyi Celebrates Aliko Dangote at 69, Praises His Impact on Nigeria’s Economy
Nigeria’s high society and business community lit up with admiration as the Seriki Iyalaje of Egbaland, Emmanuella Ropo Adewale Odebiyi, a prominent entrepreneur and CEO, joined the chorus of tributes celebrating Aliko Dangote on his 69th birthday.
The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited marked the milestone on April 10, drawing accolades from across Nigeria’s corporate and social landscape.
In the birthday greeting posted on her Facebook page, Ms Odebiyi, who leads multiple thriving ventures, described Dangote as a transformational figure whose legacy continues to shape the nation’s economic destiny—particularly through his revolutionary impact on cement production and infrastructure development.
“On the joyous occasion of your 69th birthday, we celebrate a life defined by vision, resilience, and transformative impact,” she stated in her tribute.
Highlighting his influence on Nigeria’s construction sector, Odebiyi praised Dangote’s role in boosting local production and reducing reliance on imports—moves that have made building materials more accessible nationwide.
“Your immense contributions to Nigeria’s construction sector have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s skyline and strengthening its economic foundation,” she noted.
It is widely believed that Dangote’s industrial footprint remains one of the most visible symbols of Nigeria’s progress, with his investments powering development across multiple sectors.
“By driving local production and empowering industries, you have unlocked growth and opportunities for millions of Nigerians,” Odebiyi added.
The accomplished CEO—who heads Helar Property and Investment Limited, Partydreams Services Limited, and Nellah Maison Bodyline Limited—also emphasised that Dangote’s legacy transcends business metrics.
“Your legacy continues to stand tall in every structure built and every opportunity created,” she declared.
As the celebrations continue, she concluded with heartfelt wishes for the billionaire industrialist, “May this new year bring you continued strength, greater accomplishments, and lasting fulfilment.”
Dangote’s 69th birthday has once again underscored his towering influence—not just as Africa’s richest man but as a symbol of ambition, resilience, and excellence in nation-building.
Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Ifako-Ijaiye set for a major advocacy and stakeholder engagement aimed at promoting grassroots development and aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Hold Stakeholder Engagement in Ifako-Ijaiye to Advance Tinubu Agenda
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) in Ifako-Ijaiye, under the leadership of Olurotimi Adeleye, are set to convene a high-level advocacy and stakeholder engagement session aimed at strengthening grassroots development efforts.
The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Unity Centre, located along Iju-Ajuwon Road, Elliot Bus Stop in Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos.
Bringing together members of the public, community leaders, and civil society organisations, the session is designed to foster collaboration and deepen engagement around key developmental priorities at the local level.
According to the coordinator, the initiative seeks to align community-driven efforts with the national Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is also to facilitate robust deliberation on pathways for sustainable development, grassroots empowerment, and inclusive governance within the Ifako-Ijaiye community and the Federation at large,” the coordinator stated.
The gathering is expected to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, policy alignment, and actionable strategies that will drive inclusive growth and community empowerment across the region.
Outrage in Niger: DNA Test Exposes Grandfather in Alleged Abuse of 14-Year-Old Girl
In the dusty compounds of Mashegu Local Government Area, where extended families live under one roof and children are often left in the care of grandparents, 14-year-old Hadiza’s childhood ended long before she understood what it meant to be a child.
She has lived in her maternal grandfather’s household since she was two. The man she calls “grandpa”, 75-year-old Malam Musa Gado, is not just the patriarch of a sprawling family of four wives and roughly 40 grandchildren, he is also the man who arranged the marriage of her mother. For more than a decade, Hadiza’s world was bounded by his compound walls.
But that world collapsed during the holy month of Ramadan last year. In a low, trembling voice captured in an interview that has now circulated on Crusaders Radio in Minna, Hadiza recalled how Malam Musa began to isolate her.
He called me away from where I usually stayed by my mother’s side, saying it is better I stayed where he was,” she said. What followed, she alleged, was repeated sexual abuse that continued until she became pregnant. When the pregnancy could no longer be hidden as she was about seven months gone, the cover-up efforts began, she disclosed.
First came an abortion attempt. Hadiza was taken out of the village to an undisclosed facility. There, she was given injections and pills meant to terminate the pregnancy. She recalled experiencing violent shaking, heavy bleeding and pains so severe she thought she would die. The procedure failed and the baby survived.
Then came the frame-up. Malam Musa allegedly pointed accusing finger at a marginalised local boy, claiming he was responsible for the pregnancy. Hadiza looked straight into the microphone during the interview and said she did not even know the boy and had never met him in her life.
When that story collapsed, money changed hands in the sum of N2 million, she claimed, paid to local officials to kill the case and silence any investigation. Yet the girl refused to be silenced.
Bringing up the matter made a human rights group in Minna, which holds a programme called ‘Crusaders’ on Prestige FM in Minna, the state Child Rights Agency and the Nigerian Police, took up the matter. The grandfather, Malam Musa, was summoned but he denied everything.
Confronted with the impossibility of proving or disproving paternity through words alone, all parties agreed to a DNA test. The results, released in March, were unequivocal: Malam Musa Gado is the biological father of the child Hadiza carried as the result of the test showed the probability of paternity to be 99.9999 per cent.
The baby, a boy named Muhammad, is now about one month old. Hadiza, still a child herself, sits beside him in the same compound where the abuse occurred. In the interview, she speaks with a mixture of exhaustion and quiet defiance, expressing deep remorse for the nightmare she has lived through, not because she feels responsible, but because of the weight of what happened to her body and her future is already crushing.
The Child Rights Agency and police are now involved in the case, and every attempt to cover it up is being aborted, especially as the DNA evidence has removed the last fig leaf of denial.
Director-General of the Niger State Child Rights Agency, Barrister Uma Kaltume Mohammed, who spoke with The Nation, confirmed the incident, saying that investigation was still ongoing and she would brief the media when all investigation was concluded. She described the case as a delicate one, adding that it was being treated as such.
But questions people are still asking include how many other girls or granddaughters have Mallam Musa violated the same way and are forced to remain silent? How many forced abortion attempts or N2 million bribes have succeeded where this one failed?
Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003 is clear: sexual abuse of a minor is a serious offence, and incest carries even stiffer penalties. Yet enforcement in rural local government areas often depends on the persistence of victims and the bravery of a handful of journalists and activists.
For Hadiza, she wants the government and security agencies to take over and ensure the man who raised her from infancy and took away her innocence is held accountable.
Hadiza awaits justice as she cradles one-month-old Muhammad, the infant who is both her son and her brother by blood. Meanwhile, the grandfather is in police custody pending the completion of the investigation and when he would be charged to court.
