Author: Khadijah Olowode

A teacher who was exposed for allegedly having sex with her 12-year-old student claims she is “pregnant” and is “going to raise this baby”. Alissa McCommon, 38, from Covington, Tennessee, was arrested late last month (September 2023) and charged with rape of a child after making contact with the little boy via SnapChat. The former fourth grade teacher at Charger Academy was in court on Tuesday, Oct. 3, with the hearing focusing on a series of texts and phone calls that the mum-of-two allegedly had with the victim. In one call, the teacher claimed that she was pregnant and ready…

By Ismail Omipidan He called it a World Press Conference. But it turned out to be an avenue to further defraud the world especially Nigerians over his desperate attempt to secure Nigeria’s presidency at all cost. I have read a series of commentaries and interventions over the release of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic records by the Chicago State University (CSU). But I deliberately waited for that of Professor Farooq Kperogi, my first news editor and one of my very few practical journalism teachers for two reasons: one, I have known him over the years to be a chronicler of…

As we commemorate the 2023 World Mental Health Day with the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right”, I wish to urge each and everyone of us to pay more attention to our mental wellbeing as well as others. The challenges of our times have tested our resilience especially social media and societal pressure which has left many faced with emotional and psychological burdens that has taken its toll on their mental wellbeing. It is crucial that we recognize the significance of mental health and take collective action to support those who are affected in one way or the…

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday, 9 October, 2023, inaugurated an 11-member adhoc inter-ministerial committee on the harmonisation of various demands by labour unions in the state. The Governor, while performing the inauguration at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, called on the members of the committee to be open-minded and to come up with homegrown solutions on issues bordering on workers’ welfare in the state. Governor Makinde equally tasked the committee, which is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo, to come up with a report on the modalities for…

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hailed the Nigerian Army for committing to the rules of engagement and professionalism in its peace mission across the country. The Governor said the Army had continued to live up to the expectations of their roles as provided by the constitution, stressing that the sacrifice paid by soldiers to keep the territorial integrity and peace of the country would not go unappreciated. Sanwo-Olu spoke when he received the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, at Lagos House in Marina, on Monday, 9 October, 2023, in a courtesy visit. Lagbaja was in…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) have expressed the need for the media to understand the issues surrounding mental health in order to act optimally in their role to assist in tackling its numerous challenges. Both organisations gave the advice at the two-day training programme for journalists they put together in collaboration with other UN agencies on Monday in Abuja. The training with the theme: “Celebrating the power of community kindness” was put together to commemorate the World Mental Health Day (WMHD) celebrated globally on October 10. Speaking at the training, the WHO Representative…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of former Presidential aspirant, Fela Durotoye as his Senior Special Assistant on National Values and Social Justice. A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity on Monday, 9 October, 2023, said that Durotoye and four others will serve in the Media and Publicity Directorate of the Office of the President. The full list of appointments made by the President goes as follows: (1) Mr. Fela Durotoye (Senior Special Assistant to the President — National Values & Social Justice) (2) Mr. Fredrick Nwabufo (Senior Special Assistant to the…

The High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, has been honoured by the Nigeria-Britain Association for his excellent and meritorious service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for going extra miles to promote the national interests of the country. President of the Association, Sola Oyetayo, who presented the award to Ambassador Sarafa in London, at the weekend, commended him for giving his best to Nigeria while also inspiring Nigerians in Diaspora. Addressing Sarafa, the President stated, “On behalf of the Nigeria-Britain Association, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for how you…

Minister of Works, David Umahi has called for objective monitoring of road and other infrastructure projects by Nigerians. He stated that this is pivotal to the realization of Renewed Hope Agenda being vigorously pursued by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR. The Minister stated this in an interaction with State House correspondents, shortly after paying a courtesy visit to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, in her office at the State House, Abuja. The Minister who described the decay in road infrastructure in the country as frightening said tackling the challenges on…

First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, has said that efforts to reshape Nigeria and address societal ills plaguing the female gender require active participation of women. She said this when she granted audience to the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who led senior female police officers on a courtesy visit to her office at the State House, Abuja. Noting with pride, the fact that a large number of women are actively involved in policing and securing the country, the First Lady said that the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu…

There are indications that President Bola Tinubu may be under intense pressure over who becomes the next chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Already, two names are being rumored to be on the list of the favored. One is the incumbent acting Chairman, Abdulkarim Chukkol, while the other is a former Secretary of the Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede. While Olukoyede previously served as Secretary of the anti-graft agency for two years under former acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu until both were suspended in 2020 for alleged corruption, Chukkol is said to be the right hand man of the immediate…

The University of Lagos Guest House was a beehive of activities over the weekend as former students of the Department of History and Strategic Studies 1994 set gathered together for a reunion after graduation about three decades ago Camaraderie, conviviality, and nolstagia rented the air as they recounted their experiences during their undergraduate years and post graduation period In a welcome address, the Chairman of the Forum, Chief Luka Igbonoba, thanked God for his mercy and benevolence over his colleagues, describing the occasion as emotional seeing his colleagues again after many years of separation. Igbonoba, former Senior Special Assistant to…

Taiwo Babayemisi aka T Babs or Terry B has released a new single titled, ‘God Is Bigger ‘. The single produced by Soar & T Babs was released on 20 September, 2023 on Audiomack and SoundCloud. The song, an Afrohiphop infusion, was released under Twins Entertainment and Serious Sound Music. Speaking on the new song, T.Babs said God is Bigger’ is for all and sundry be it the streets, the church, the mosque and any other sect because it’s about the goodness of God. He said that work has commenced on the video and it will be released before the…

A group, The Alliance for Good Governance and Due Process, on Monday, 9 October, 2023, in Abuja queried the alleged plan by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). The group, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Ayelabola Hussain, said the alleged nomination, if it was true, would be a serious violation of the EFCC Act which was specific about the qualities and qualifications of persons that should be the chairman of such an important commission. Hussain noted that, in a democracy, the…

Akeju Abass, a prominent Nigerian American-based music executive renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the global music scene, is set to revolutionize the industry once again. Known professionally as Akeju, in a recent move unveiled “Caribbean Grooves”, an initiative that aim to spotlight Caribbean music and its brightest talents. The innovative project has featured esteemed Caribbean luminaries including Buju, Bunji Garlin, Nailah Blackman, Stephen Marley, Destra, Kabaka Pyramid and others. Available on Leading streaming platforms like Spotify and Audiomack, the initiative promises an exhilarating fusion of Afro and Caribbean influences, creating an unparalleled sonic experience that transcends borders. Akeju shared…

The Lagos State Government has said that Ladipo Market has not been reopened, as it is yet to perfect some environmental and safety conditions, required before recommencing business activities. Some of the reopened markets include Oyingbo, Ile Epo Oke-Odo and Alamutu markets. Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who made the clarification, noted that the market remained closed because it was observed that its management had not fully met stipulated mandatory safety and environmental measures earlier outlined by the Authority. He said, “Our primary concern is the safety of the people and environmental well-being at…

The Balogun family has released details of the funeral for Princess (Mrs) Juliana Morayo Balogun (JP), mother of Nigerian global music icon, Ayodeji Balogun (Wizkid) who passed away in the United Kingdom on 18th August 2023. The Wake and Tributes for Wizkid’s mother will hold on Thursday, 12 October, 2023, at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, and Casino, 6-8 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos between 5-7pm. The Funeral Service takes place on Friday, 13 October, 2023 at RCCG City of David COD Church Road, Dideolu Estate, off, Ligali Ayorinde St, Victoria Island, Lagos. Time is 10am. Wizkid was born…

The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, October 5, 2023 secured the conviction and sentencing of two fraudsters: Mohammed Idris and Ibrahim Suleiman Magaji to eight years imprisonment for obtaining money under false pretences. Idris was arraigned before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court on one-count charge bordering on obtaining under false pretence to the tune of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira Only), while Magaji was arraigned on one-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation to the tune of N11.500 million. The charge against Idris reads : “That you, Mohammad Idris sometime in July,…

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested six suspected internet fraudsters along Calabar-Itu road in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The suspects are; Udenze Benjamin, Godwin Atike, Emmanuel Francis, Adebe Oluwademilade, Anietie Brownson and Sabastin Obioma. They were arrested in an early morning sting operation on Thursday, October 5, 2023 following intelligence linking them with suspected internet-related activities. Some items recovered from them include phones and laptops. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Nigerian standup comedian, Gbadewonuola Olateju Oyelakin aka Tẹju Babyface and his wife, Tobi Banjoko-Oyelakin, have welcomed the arrival of their third child. The talk show host took to Instagram on Sunday, 8 October, 2023, to announce the arrival of their bundle of joy. The 44-year-old entertainer revealed that the child was birthed a couple of days ago. He also said the mother and daughter are “fine and doing well”. The one (that) the Yoruba people call Idowu is here! My wife @tobibanjokooyelakin and I welcomed our 3rd child, a girl, into the world a couple of days ago,” he wrote.…