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Tunji Akinosi Celebrates Lawal Wasiu at 60, Hails His Grassroots Leadership in Ado-Odo/Ota

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Tunji Akinosi Celebrates Lawal Wasiu at 60, Hails His Grassroots Leadership in Ado-Odo/Ota

Hon. Tunji Akinosi congratulates Ado-Odo/Ota Executive Chairman, Lawal Adewale Wasiu, on his 60th birthday, praising his leadership, governance record and grassroots impact

Tunji Akinosi Celebrates Ado-Odo/Ota Chairman Lawal Adewale Wasiu at 60

Honourable Tunji Akinosi, Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu, FCA, as he marks his 60th birthday.

In a goodwill message released to commemorate the milestone, Akinosi described the council chairman as a seasoned administrator and consummate politician, whose leadership has continued to strengthen grassroots governance and democratic values in Ado-Odo/Ota.

“At 60, you stand tall as a seasoned administrator and consummate politician whose leadership has continued to deepen good governance, strengthen democratic values, and drive people-oriented development at the grassroots,” Akinosi said.

The federal lawmaker noted that the diamond jubilee celebration represents decades of selfless service, political maturity, and impactful leadership, which have helped reposition Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government for sustainable growth and progress.

“This significant achievement celebrates decades of selfless service, political maturity, and impactful leadership that have continued to reposition Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government for sustainable growth and progress,” he added.

Akinosi further offered prayers for continued strength and wisdom for the local government chairman as he advances his service to the people of Ogun State.

“As you mark this remarkable age, I pray that God Almighty grants you continued good health, wisdom, and renewed strength to contribute even more meaningfully to the political and socio-economic advancement of our people and Ogun State as a whole.”

He concluded by reaffirming confidence in Hon. Wasiu’s leadership journey and public service commitment.

“Once again, happy 60th birthday, Sir. May your leadership journey continue to be impactful.”

Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu’s 60th birthday has continued to attract goodwill messages from political leaders, community stakeholders, and residents across Ado-Odo/Ota, celebrating his contributions to grassroots governance and local development. Read More

Why Tyla Beat Davido at the Grammys — Recording Academy Member Explains

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Why Tyla Beat Davido at the Grammys — Recording Academy Member Explains




A US-based Nigerian music professional and member of the Grammy Recording Academy, Richardine Bartee, has shed light on why South African singer Tyla emerged victorious over Nigerian superstar Davido and other nominees in the Best African Performance category at the recently concluded 68th Grammy Awards.
Speaking in a WhatsApp chat with Potpourri, Bartee explained that the Grammy Awards are determined strictly by music professionals—including artists, producers, and executives—who vote based on artistic excellence rather than popularity or commercial success.
According to her, one of the major factors behind Tyla’s Grammy success is the strength of her team and global industry backing.
Tyla is signed to Epic Records, one of the most influential record labels in the United States, renowned for its history of working with legendary global acts such as Michael Jackson.
“Being part of such a powerful label means access to the right strategy, promotion, and industry connections,” Bartee said. “These factors help ensure her music reaches the right audiences and decision-makers worldwide. In many ways, Tyla’s consistent wins across major award ceremonies reflect not just her talent, but also the strength and experience of the team supporting her career.”
Tyla has now won the Best African Performance category twice in three years, with only Nigerian singer Tems breaking her streak in 2025.
Her latest win has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerian music fans, many of whom argue that her songs lack the commercial reach and popularity of those by her Nigerian counterparts. However, industry experts maintain that the Grammy Awards are not based on sales, streaming numbers, or fan base size.
This position was reinforced by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Jay Mason Jr., who explained in a viral Instagram video that Grammy winners are chosen exclusively by voting members of the Recording Academy, all of whom are active music professionals in the United States.
“You have to understand that the only way to win a Grammy is to have a member of the Academy vote for you,” Mason said. “Members evaluate the music by the quality of the art — not sales, not streams, not how many fans or followers, but purely on artistic merit.”
As debates continue across Africa’s music landscape, Bartee’s explanation highlights a recurring truth: while African music enjoys growing global visibility, the Grammy system remains an American institution, judged by its own professional standards rather than popular acclaim.

Nigerian Footballer Saburi Adeniji Dies After Battle With Brain Stem Injury

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Nigerian Footballer Saburi Adeniji Dies After Battle With Brain Stem Injury





Saburi Adeniji, a Nigerian footballer and left winger for Kings Park Rangers Football Club, has died after battling a severe brain stem injury, the club has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Kings Park Rangers announced that Adeniji, fondly known as “Ola,” passed away on Friday morning, noting that he held on long enough for arrangements to be made for his family to travel to the United Kingdom.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17, Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola,’ passed away yesterday morning,” the club said.
“He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. His wife and daughter, unfortunately, arrived this morning — a day late.”
Describing the late footballer as a devoted family man and cherished member of the team, the club paid glowing tribute to his character on and off the pitch.
“He will always be a King. He will always be loved — as a friend, as a dad, as a husband, as a brother and as a son,” the statement added.
Adeniji’s death comes weeks after the club publicly appealed for prayers and financial support following his admission into intensive care.
On January 17, Kings Park Rangers disclosed that the winger had become bedridden, announcing the suspension of all matches as players and officials rallied around him.
“We are asking everyone to pray for our left winger Saburi Adeniji (Ola). All Kings Park Rangers games will be on hold as we look to support him at his bedside until he is better,” the club said at the time.
As his condition deteriorated, the club launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to bring his wife and young daughter from Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
In a detailed statement on the fundraising page, the club revealed that Adeniji was admitted to Queen’s Hospital on January 15, 2026, under the care of the Critical Care Department.
“According to his consultant in critical care, his condition continued to deteriorate and he was considered to be imminently dying,” the statement read.
“Due to the severity of his injury, Saburi was medically classified as brain dead.”
The club explained that changes in UK medical law delayed the withdrawal of life support, pending further assessments, allowing a brief window for his family to travel.
“The hospital compassionately allowed a short window of time to enable Saburi’s family to travel to the UK so they may be with him before he passes naturally on life support or life support is withdrawn,” it said.
Funds raised were intended to cover emergency visa processing, flights, accommodation and living expenses for his family, as well as provide long-term support.
Adeniji is survived by his wife and four-year-old daughter, whom the club said he adored deeply.
“He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was deeply committed to giving his daughter a good education and a better future,” the statement added.
Describing the loss as devastating, Kings Park Rangers called on the wider football community to stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.
“This is a moment for the football world to come together — players, clubs, teammates, supporters and friends,” the club said.

Destabilising Nigeria Will Empower Terrorists, Endanger Christians — US Congressman Warns

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Destabilising Nigeria Will Empower Terrorists, Endanger Christians — US Congressman Warns







A United States Congressman, Riley M. Moore, has warned that any attempt to destabilise Nigeria would embolden terrorists and worsen insecurity, particularly for Christians across Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Moore, who has been actively involved in legislative efforts addressing alleged violence against Christians in Nigeria, issued the warning in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @RepRileyMoore, on Wednesday.
“A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent,” he said.
The US lawmaker disclosed that he had travelled to Nigeria and held several high-level engagements with government officials, church leaders, humanitarian organisations and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to gain first-hand insight into insecurity and religious persecution.
“I have travelled to Nigeria and engaged in multiple high-level meetings with Nigerian officials, the Church, aid groups across the country, and IDPs, to get a better understanding of the rampant persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” Moore said.
According to him, the idea of dividing Nigeria had never featured meaningfully in his discussions, warning that separatist agitations could worsen the plight of vulnerable communities.
“In my discussions, the idea of dividing the country has not come up in any serious way,” he said. “Efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria—especially in the North and Middle Belt.”
Moore reaffirmed his commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ending terrorism and protecting civilians across the country.
“I remain committed to working to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ—and for that matter, all Nigerians—suffering from the instability wrought by terrorists throughout Nigeria,” he said.
The congressman welcomed the recent security cooperation agreement between the United States and Nigeria, describing it as a significant step toward addressing violence and strengthening bilateral ties.
“The US and Nigeria have just entered into a security cooperation agreement, and that is an important step in tackling the violence in Nigeria and deepening and strengthening the bilateral relationship between our great nations,” Moore said.
In November, Moore introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives condemning what he described as a genocide against Christians in Nigeria. He also supported former US President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” urging Washington to apply diplomatic, economic and security pressure to halt the killings.
However, following sustained diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Washington, the United States has since softened its stance toward Nigeria.
High-level visits have been exchanged between officials of both countries, paving the way for enhanced military and intelligence cooperation, including reported US-supported Christmas Day missile strikes on terrorist camps in Sokoto State.

We Were Wasting Money’: NNPC Boss Defends Shutdown of State-Owned Refineries

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We Were Wasting Money’: NNPC Boss Defends Shutdown of State-Owned Refineries






The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has defended the decision to halt operations at Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, describing the move as a necessary response to harsh economic realities rather than political considerations.
Ojulari spoke at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) amid growing national debate over the shutdown of the four government-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna.
According to him, an internal commercial review revealed that continued operation of the refineries under their existing structure was destroying value and draining public resources.
“We were just wasting money,” Ojulari said. “The refineries were leaking value, and there was no clear line of sight on how those losses would ever turn into profits.”
Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, yet have for decades operated far below capacity, often producing little or no refined products while consuming billions of naira annually in operating and maintenance costs.
Ojulari said the decision to halt operations was taken after it became clear that keeping the refineries running merely for appearances made no commercial sense.
“When you are trained to look at profitability and commerciality, you cannot ignore an asset that turns crude oil into lower-value products while contractor costs keep rising,” he said. “That is not business. That is value destruction.”
Between 2010 and 2023, the Federal Government reportedly spent over ₦11 trillion on refinery rehabilitation and turnaround maintenance. Despite the heavy spending, Nigeria remained heavily dependent on imported petrol, diesel and aviation fuel, placing sustained pressure on foreign exchange reserves and exposing the economy to global supply disruptions.
Ojulari noted that while NNPC’s refineries operated efficiently in the 1980s and much of the 1990s, performance declined in the 2000s as institutional focus shifted from operational excellence to EPC contracting, O&M structures and financing-driven interventions. This shift weakened preventive maintenance culture, eroded in-house technical capacity and entrenched costly turnaround maintenance cycles.
Against this backdrop, he said the 2025 shutdown represents a pragmatic attempt to halt value loss and reset Nigeria’s refining framework on a sustainable footing.
The NNPC chief acknowledged the intense public pressure to keep the refineries running, even at a loss.
“The pressure was extreme. Nigerians were angry. Expectations were high,” he said. “But leadership is not about maintaining broken systems for optics. It is about stopping the bleeding and reassessing.”
Describing the shutdown as an act of responsible governance, Ojulari insisted it should not be seen as failure.
“Halting operations is not failure. It is discipline. It is honesty. It is admitting that a system is not working and must be fundamentally restructured,” he said.
He also cited the emergence of the Dangote Refinery as a critical factor that has given Nigeria the breathing space to rethink its refinery strategy without risking fuel shortages.
“Whether you love Dangote or not, thank God it is a Nigerian refinery, built in Nigeria and working in Nigeria,” Ojulari said. “It has allowed us to step back and ask hard questions about what we want to do with our own assets.”
Looking ahead, Ojulari outlined a new strategic direction for NNPC’s refinery assets, arguing that Nigeria’s core mistake was treating refineries as projects rather than as long-term businesses.
“To make a refinery work, you need three things: financing, a competent EPC contractor, and world-class operational capacity,” he said. “Historically, we focused on the first two and ignored the third.”
Under a new model approved by the NNPC board, Ojulari said the company would seek to bring in experienced global operators with equity stakes and long-term operational responsibility.
“We are not selling Nigeria,” he said. “But we are open to selling some equity to bring in operators who have skin in the game and can run these assets sustainably.”
He added that early investor interest had already begun to emerge, with major international petrochemical firms conducting inspections.
For Ojulari, the refinery shutdown marks a decisive break from decades of inefficiency.
“This system was designed for everyone to take from it, not to put anything into it,” he said. “We are ending that era.”

Border Reopening Must Not Compromise Security — Customs Boss Warns on Tsamiya Route

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Border Reopening Must Not Compromise Security — Customs Boss Warns on Tsamiya Route







The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi, has warned that the reopening of the Tsamiya Border Route must not be allowed to jeopardise the security of Kebbi State or Nigeria as a whole.
Adewale-Adeniyi issued the caution on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by representatives of Benin and Niger republics, security agencies and trade operators.
“We must ensure that we do not jeopardise the security of Kebbi and the nation at large,” the Customs boss said.
He disclosed that Nigeria Customs, in collaboration with neighbouring countries, would strengthen border security through the deployment of sophisticated information and communication technology (ICT) to effectively monitor the movement of goods and people across the corridor.
The Comptroller-General commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the reopening of the Benin Republic border through Tsamiya in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State for transit purposes. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris for facilitating the stakeholders’ engagement and for the state government’s readiness to support the creation of a transit corridor.
According to Adewale-Adeniyi, the initiative is designed to ease transit bottlenecks, stimulate economic activities in border communities and strengthen national security.
“The President has mandated us to allow trucks to transit to Niger Republic through Benin Republic and Kebbi,” he said. “We are deploying modern technology to ensure that goods meant for specific destinations are not diverted.”
He warned that economic operators who violate transit regulations would face stiff sanctions, stressing that non-compliance could create non-tariff barriers and erode trust between neighbouring countries.
The Customs boss also identified narcotics trafficking, smuggling and arms proliferation as major cross-border security threats, underscoring the need for enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
“To stay ahead of criminals, we must be even more coordinated,” he said, noting that Kebbi State already operates one of the most effective inter-agency security frameworks, supported by logistics assistance from the state government.
Adewale-Adeniyi disclosed that trucks transiting through the corridor would pay a token fee for infrastructure maintenance, particularly along the Tsamiya Corridor in Bagudo LGA. He added that Customs would streamline documentation processes and remove bottlenecks along major transit routes, including the Illela–Sokoto–Kamba–Niger Republic corridor, as well as routes linking Apapa ports and Nigerian airports to neighbouring countries.
He said the bilateral engagement would deepen cooperation on transit trade, enhance intelligence sharing, address border security challenges and ensure that legitimate trade contributes optimally to economic growth.
Describing Kebbi as strategically vital to Nigeria’s security architecture, Adewale-Adeniyi said the state’s historical influence extended beyond Nigeria into Benin and Niger republics.
“When we speak of Kebbi, we reference the historic Gwandu Emirate whose influence cuts across borders. There is a saying that when Kebbi coughs, the entire country sneezes,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Nasir Idris assured that the state was fully prepared to partner with the Federal Government to guarantee smooth and secure transit operations.
“We are not surprised by this approval because when Mr President makes a commitment, he follows through,” the governor said. “We will provide the necessary social amenities, ensure infrastructure development and make roads accessible.”
He commended Adewale-Adeniyi’s leadership and thanked the Benin Republic delegation for their cooperation.
Also speaking, the Director of Legislation, Customs Administration of Benin Republic, Immora Idrisu, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Government, describing the engagement as evidence that neighbouring countries could work together to facilitate trade.
“We are pleased with the approval to allow border transit through Tsamiya in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi,” he said.
The Kebbi Area Controller of Customs, Mahmoud Ibrahim, described Governor Idris as a people-oriented leader, noting that his presence sent a strong signal to border communities on the importance of legal trade.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Kebbi, Alhaji Muhammad Na-Hali, said the reopening of the route would boost revenue, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
“This move demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to employment generation and revenue growth,” he said, adding that NAGAFF fully supports the initiative.

2027: ADP Explains Atiku Meeting, Says Talks Focused on Democratic Collaboration

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2027: ADP Explains Atiku Meeting, Says Talks Focused on Democratic Collaboration






Leaders of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) have clarified that their recent meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was centred on exploring areas of collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADP National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, disclosed this while addressing growing speculation surrounding the meeting, which held privately in Abuja on February 1. Another senior party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation, confirmed that the engagement was part of wider consultations among opposition stakeholders.
In recent days, political observers have speculated that Atiku may be positioning the ADP as a possible alternative platform should he fail to secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
However, Sani dismissed suggestions of any immediate political realignment, explaining that the engagement was driven by a broader objective of sustaining Nigeria’s multi-party system and reinforcing opposition politics.
“The meeting was largely about strengthening democracy and protecting democratic pluralism,” Sani said. “Our focus is on ensuring that Nigeria’s multi-party system is sustained and that opposition parties have the stability needed to function effectively.”
He added that the discussions were held against concerns that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be working to weaken opposition participation.
“The aim is to create an environment where opposition groups feel reinforced and encouraged, especially at a time when there are fears that the ruling party is discouraging viable opposition,” he noted.
According to the ADP chairman, the meeting with Atiku forms part of a series of ongoing consultations with opposition parties, political stakeholders, and youth organisations, including civic platforms such as the National Youth Alliance.
“These engagements are not limited to one individual or party,” Sani said. “They are about exploring collaboration and building a united front capable of strengthening democratic competition.”
He also revealed that part of the discussions involved developing contingency strategies to avoid disruptions to opposition plans.
“There is a ‘Plan B’ conversation—ensuring that if one platform faces disqualification, litigation, or technical challenges, other platforms remain viable so the broader opposition movement is not derailed,” he explained.
Speaking separately, the second ADP official said the meeting was aimed at identifying ways like-minded opposition leaders could work together to present a credible alternative to the APC-led government.
“We discussed areas of collaboration and how to work together ahead of the 2027 election,” the official said. “While we are not committing to any coalition, we are engaging widely with opposition leaders beyond Atiku.”
He added that the discussions were fundamentally about governance and national development.
“The conversation is about democracy—how to sustain it, how to develop the country, and how to address the challenges facing Nigerians. That is the essence of the engagement.”

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu Re-Proposes to Wife in Rome to Mark 10th Wedding Anniversary

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Ebuka Obi-Uchendu Re-Proposes to Wife in Rome to Mark 10th Wedding Anniversary







Media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu marked his 10th wedding anniversary with a romantic re-proposal to his wife, Cynthia, during a surprise trip to Rome and Vatican City.
The couple, who tied the knot on February 6, celebrated the milestone at St. Peter’s Basilica, where Obi-Uchendu re-proposed on holy grounds in a gesture he said was planned without his wife’s knowledge.
According to Obi-Uchendu, the couple attended mass at the historic basilica and received a special 10th anniversary certificate from the Pope in commemoration of their decade-long union. The celebration was later capped with dinner at their favourite restaurant in Rome.
Sharing the moment on Instagram, the television host expressed gratitude and affection for his wife, describing the day as unforgettable. “Exactly 10 years married on Feb. 6, and we spent the most amazing day in Rome and Vatican City,” he wrote, adding that the re-proposal was a carefully planned surprise.
The couple has since transitioned into vacation mode, with Obi-Uchendu teasing further travel adventures as they continue their anniversary celebrations.

Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux Mark First Wedding Anniversary with Poetic Justice–Inspired Photos

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Priscilla Ojo, Juma Jux Mark First Wedding Anniversary with Poetic Justice–Inspired Photos








Priscilla Ojo, daughter of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, and her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, are celebrating their first wedding anniversary with a romantic throwback photo shoot inspired by iconic images from the 1993 film Poetic Justice, starring Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson.
Sharing the photos on Instagram, Priscilla captioned the post, “One year down, forever to go,” drawing an outpouring of congratulatory messages from friends, family members, and celebrities.
Social media influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa and actress Iyabo Ojo, the bride’s mother, were among those who sent warm anniversary wishes to the couple.
Priscilla and Juma Jux tied the knot in a glamorous Islamic wedding ceremony in Tanzania in February 2025, followed by celebratory events in Nigeria and a destination wedding in May 2025. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Rakeem Ayomide Mkambala, in August 2025.
The anniversary celebration has since sparked widespread admiration and goodwill online, with fans and well-wishers celebrating the couple’s love story and growing family.

2Face Condemns Wizkid-Fela Comparison, Says ‘It’s Ridiculous and Disrespectful’

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2Face Condemns Wizkid-Fela Comparison, Says ‘It’s Ridiculous and Disrespectful’

2Face weighs in on the Wizkid-Fela controversy, describing the comparison as ridiculous, disrespectful to Fela’s legacy, and unfair to Wizkid’s achievements

Fela Kuti

2Face Declares Wizkid-Fela Comparison ‘Ridiculous and Disrespectful’ Amid Heated Debate

Veteran Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Face, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding Wizkid and the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, calling any direct comparison between the two artists “ridiculous” and disrespectful.

The debate reignited after Wizkid responded to criticisms from Seun Kuti, who had challenged fans comparing the “Ojuelegba” hitmaker to his father, Fela. Wizkid sparked widespread reactions by asserting that he is “bigger” than the Afrobeat pioneer.

In a preview clip from an upcoming episode of the Mic On podcast, 2Face shared his perspective, stressing that equating the two icons overlooks their vastly different eras, musical journeys, and societal impacts.

“Comparing Fela with Wizkid is ridiculous. Apart from the fact that it is disrespectful to Fela, and at the same time, it is also unfair to Wizkid,” 2Face expressed.

Wizkid

The “African Queen” crooner argued that Fela’s revolutionary role in shaping Afrobeat, activism, and global African consciousness cannot be measured against Wizkid’s modern Afrobeats dominance, international stardom, and commercial success. Placing them side-by-side, he said, diminishes Fela’s unparalleled legacy while setting unrealistic expectations for Wizkid’s own path.

The comment from 2Face—one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in music—adds significant weight to the conversation, as fans and industry observers continue to debate the merits and fairness of generational comparisons in Nigerian music.

The full Mic On podcast episode featuring 2Face’s take is expected to drop soon, promising deeper insights into the evolving landscape of Afrobeats and its roots in Afrobeat. Read More

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