Story of A Creative Nigerian Who Makes Own Doll That outsells BARBIE

A man who couldn't find a black doll in the shops as a gift for his niece decided to take matters into his own hands.

In 2007, Taofick Okoya, 43, created his own doll that Nigerian girls could identify with by recreating their skin colour and style - and it is now so successful that it is outselling Barbie.

The doll, which is called Queens of Africa, comes with traditional outfits and accessories and costs around £4.50.

Former Super Eagles Coach Loses Wife

Wife of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi died on Wednesday, 9^th December, 2015 in the United States of America. after a battle with cancer.

Kate, 54, has been battling cancer for some time before giving up the ghost. Keshi and his wife were based in the United States where she died.

"She was ill for a while now and I'm still in shock of this great loss. "She is more like a sister to me and was the rock behind me and everything I do. My love for her was at first sight.” Keshi startled.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel Named Time's Person of the Year

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was praised and named Time's Person of the Year on Wednesday, 9^th December, 2015.

The Time magazine named Merkel for her leadership on everything from Syrian refugees to the Greek debt crisis. It also cited Merkel's strong response to "Vladimir Putin's creeping theft of Ukraine" and on its cover called her "Chancellor of the Free World."

The Dream Team Made it to Brazil 2016

Nigeria Wednesday beat hosts Senegal 1-0 to reach the final of the CAF under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, and also cemented their participation at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Oghenkaro Etebo scored from the spot to break the hearts of the Senegalese and the home crowd who were expectant of a victory. But the introduction of Victor Osimhen turned the match on its head, this was after goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel made several crucial saves to keep Nigeria in the game dream-team.

Pictures from the New Ooni of Ife's Coronation

The new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi being crowned as the 51st Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife Osun state.

Nigeria’s First Married Army Officers to Attain the Same High Rank

Brig Gen Akagu and her husband Brig Gen Clifford B. Wanda are army officer couple married on the same profession. The Nigeria’s power couple met on this military job. They are the Nigeria’s first married army officers to attain the same rank of Brigadier General.

Brig Gen Akagu hails from Ankpa in Kogi State while her husband hails from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu State. Brig Gen Wanda joined the Nigerian Army in the mid-1980s, and he attended Nigerian Military School, Zaria.

The couple having different last names is not a barrier, as some military personnel do keep their last names for administrative purposes, especially if they meet on the job. The distinguished Nigerian army officers met when they were both commissioned officers and got married.

Nigeria Draws with Egypt at U-23 Cup of Nations, 2016 Olympic Qualifier Tournament

Nigeria's hopes of progressing to the semi-finals of the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, the Olympic qualifying tournament, were dented by Egypt as the two sides drew 2-2 in their Group B match in M'Bour stadium, Senegal on Wednesday, 2nd December, 2015.

Nigeria went into the second match of their group knowing a win would be enough to go through to the last four.

Pictures From Mama Dideolu Awolowo's Funeral

New Ooni of Ife Crowned

The new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, received the ‘Ade Are’ (Oduduwa’s crown) on Monday 23rd November, 2015 and made his first public appearance after spending 21 days in seclusion.

Ogunwusi, who was dressed in a white apparel, was said to have been earlier crowned with a white crown at around 5am by the traditional chiefs. The traditional coronation followed the end of Ogunwusi’s stay at Ilofi, where he spent 21 days to learn certain things and to perform some installation rites.

Ogunwusi is from Giesi Ruling House, became the 51st Ooni of Ife and the Monarch has taken up the title of Ojaja II. Ogunwusi, together with members of the Isoro cult, proceeded to a place known as Oke Ora, located between Ile-Ife and Osu, along Ilesa-Ife Expressway where he received the Oduduwa crown at around 1pm.

Ministerial Portfolios at Last Emerge, Fashola Tasked Rock

At last President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday 11^th November, 2015 consented to the list of ministerial portfolios and revealed to the public.  The ministerial designation doesn’t emerge without remarkable adjustment. Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola was tasked rock, given a newly combined Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.  The Ministry is a combination of three ministries: Power, Works and Housing, as well as Land and Urban Development.

Nigeria Hits Mali 2-0 and Makes History @ U-17 World Cup Final in Chile

Nigeria enter the history books today as only the second country to retain the U17 World Cup courtesy of  2-0 victory of Mali in the final of the championship in Chile.

Brazil was the first team to successfully defend this trophy – they won in 1997 and retained it in 1999.

Nigeria heads to U-17 Final in Chile

Amuneke boys prepared to make it again to the U-17 victory in Chile by dispatching Mexico 4-2 in a stunning six-goal thriller, Kelechi Nwakali, Orji Okwonkwo, Osinachi  Ebere and Victor Osimhen recording their names on the score-sheet.

Mexico opened the scoring through Kevin Magana, with stunning efforts from Kelechi Nwakali and Orji Okwonkwo seeing the African side ahead. Diego Cortes's remarkable solo effort levelled matters before Osinachi Ebere and Victor Osimhen's late record-equalling penalty saw the Golden Eaglets into an all-African final against Mali.

Ten Things Your Daughter Should Know When She Is Ten

1. How adored she is. No matter what you disagree on and even though sometimes you may yell, she should know she is the center of your universe -- always.

2. How to cook. She should be able to prepare small snacks such as eggs, pasta, toast, sandwiches etc. My daughter loves to cook and letting them experiment enforces this life skill.

3. Body changes are coming and what to expect. She needs to know that along with these hormonal changes will come some emotional changes as well.

Nigeria At 55

To celebrate is to account for and acknowledge “from where and where to”. Nigeria celebrates 55 at expenses of myriad of challenges. Read the cause to celebrate Nigeria @ MB speech.

Nigeria at 55: Read full text of President Buhari’s speech

“October 1st is a day for joy and celebrations for us Nigerians, whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in because it is the day, 55 years ago; we liberated ourselves from the shackles of colonialism and began our long march to nationhood and to greatness.

Wishing All Happy and Prosperous Eid-ul-Adha

Eid Mubarak! @Desk.Oyeladeblog.

Mama Dideolu Awolowo (HID) Pass on at 99

Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo left for her ancestors which means the matriarch of the Awolowo family has gone. Mama passed on today 19^th September, 2015 at the age 99. She was born on 25^th November, 1915 which means two months to her centenary birthday.

May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Adieu Mama!



Mercy Johnson Turns 31

The Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson celebrated her 31 birthday with her family on 28^th August, 2015. Her husband and their two children rejoiced with her at their Lagos home. Mercy appeared to be expecting next baby due to deliver very soon.

Photos from Tonto Dikeh's pre-traditional wedding

Photos from Tonto Dikeh's pre-bride price payment ceremony which took place on 29th August, 2015. Big congrats to the bride and the bridegroom

Oyo State Governor Gives Out Daughter’s Hand in Marriage

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State gives out his daughter’s hand, Jibola, in a colourful wedlock to Ayo on 22 August, 2015, in Ibadan. Dignitaries blessed the marriage include Osun state governor Rauf Aregbesola, Ogun state governor Ibikunle Amosun, Lagos state governor Akinwunmi Ambode and others.

Prince Sijuwade and Dolapo Oni’s Wedding (Photos)

Glimpses from Dolapo Oni and Prince Adegbite Sijuwade’s wedlock. Adegbite is the son of late Ooni of Ife who died on 28th July, 2015 in London and is yet to announce his passing away.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Passes Away @ 85.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II joined his ancestors at 85, according to sources in the Osun State Government House in Osogbo.

A media source gathered that the late Ooni suddenly fell ill shortly Osun summit held at Osogbo, the Osun State capital. He was said to have been flown to a London hospital where he eventually died.

It was learnt that Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state has just been briefed on the death of Olubuse II until further details on Oba Sijuwade’s demise.

Tiwa Savage and Tunji Balogun welcome son

The ace artist, Tiwa Savage and her hubby, Teebillz welcomed their first child, a baby boy today 22nd July, 2015. She gave birth at St Mary's Hospital in London.

Heartiest congratulations to them! 

Taiwo Aromokun marks her twin baby boys @2

The popular Nollywood Actress, Taiwo Aromokun celebrates her twin baby boys Jaden & Jamie who turn 2 on 20^th July, 2015. Happy birthday to the adorable twins!

President Buhari Replaces the Service Chiefs

The sacked service Chiefs

President Muhammadu Buhari has relieved the service chiefs of their appointments and replaced them with new appointees.

The sacked service Chiefs include: the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, the Chief of Defence staff, Alex Badeh and the heads of the army, air force and navy namely:  Kenneth Minimah, Adesola Amosu and Usman Jibrin.

The Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka clocks 81

Happy Birthday, the Colossus!

Photos from Royal baby’s Naming Ceremony

Official photos released from the naming of Princess Charlotte, daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton which held at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in the Queen's Sandringham Estate in England on 5^th July, 2015.

Unknown Gunmen slain Iyaloja of Ijebu Ode

Around Six unknown gunmen reportedly stormed Iyaloja-General of Ijebuland, Alhaja Sadia Elewuju’s home in Ijebu Ode Ogun state yesterday July 8^th and shot her at close range.  Alhaja Elewuju was said to have been attacked around 4pm am when her suspected assailants invaded her Itorin – Sabo home, Ijebu – Ode, shooting and also inflicting severe machete cuts on her before leaving the octogenerian in a pool of blood. Family sources say the octogenarian died while she was being rushed to the hospital. She was 82 years old.

New Deji of Akure Installed

The Ondo State capital, Akure was literally gloomy on Wednesday 8th July, 2015, as the new traditional ruler of the town, the Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi ascended the throne as the 48th King (Deji of Akure). He succeeded Oba Adebiyi Adesida who joined his ancestors barely three years ago. The installation went through a month traditional rites.

All shops in the metropolis were shut throughout yesterday in honour of the new King. The State Government presented the instrument of appointment and staff of office to him on 8th June, 2015 after all the kingmakers unanimously selected him; a move said to be unprecedented in the 120 years of the ancient town.

UI Premier Varsities in Nigeria, 8th in Africa

The University of Ibadan (UI) has been ranked best in Nigeria and eighth in Africa in the 2015 rating of 1,447 African universities and higher institutions, using research publications and citations from 2010 to 2014, as well as visibility on the Internet.

According to the ranking, South African institutions dominate the top 10, with the University of Cape Town leading with total influence factor (TIF) of 45.02, followed by Cairo University (43.43) and the University of Pretoria (43.35).

Taye Taiwo and His Family in Picture

The Marseille star Taye Taiwo and his beautiful wife in photo spree with their 2 kids.