Iyalode of Ibadan, Aminat Abiodun, Dies at 94

The Iyalode of Ibadanland, Aminat Abiodun, the only female member of the Olubadan-in-Council, died in the early hours of Saturday 08 December 2018, about a fortnight to her 94^th birthday on 24 December, 2018.

All efforts towards instant confirmation of her death from the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, were turned. An aide to Olubadan, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there were processes to follow before the palace would officially announce the demise of a High Chief of the Iyalode’s status. As the news of her death filtered into town, top dignitaries started trooping to her residence to commiserate with the family.

Super Falcons Win to Lead AWCON to France 2019

The Super Falcons of Nigeria made its record towards ninth title after its victory over the Banyana Banyana of South Africa at the 11^th African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Ghana on Saturday 1 December, 2018.

It was, however, a very disappointing evening for the Banyana Banyana of South Africa who hoped for a first title but lost 3-4 to Nigeria on penalty kicks.

Ife Monarch Reveals New Wife, Naomi Oluwaseyi

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has unveiled his new wife, Queen Shilekunola Morenike Naomi.

Oba Ogunwusi made the announcement on social media platforms, on Friday, 19 October, 2018, praising her for her beauty, uniqueness and royal qualities and most especially, the fear of God in her.

“Shilekunola, Moronke, Naomi; the greatest Arsenal you can apply on this highly revered throne with many rules and regulations in the midst of undiluted tradition, heritage and culture is the “Fear Of God In You”, which is the beginning of your wisdom on this throne of Oduduwa.

UN Pays Final Respects as Kofi Annan Laid to Rest in Ghana

The UN paid final respects to former Secretary-General Kofi Annan as the late Ghanaian diplomat is laid to rest on Thursday 13 September, 2018 in Ghana.

The current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in his remarks at the funeral of his predecessor, played glowing tributes to Annan, who died on 18 August 2018, at the age of 80.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UN General Assembly would hold a commemorative meeting to pay tribute to the former Secretary-General on Friday 14 September, 2018., at the UN headquarters in New York.

President George Weah Plays for Liberia against Nigeria, aged 51

The football icon, former World Footballer of the Year and the current President of Liberia, George Weah led his country's team in a friendly match against Nigeria's Super Eagles in Monrovia on Tuesday, 12 September, 2018, in 2-1 loss to Nigeria.

Liberia had arranged the friendly to retire the number 14 jersey made famous by Weah.

But fans were in for a shock when, 16 years after his last international appearance, the striker led the national team onto the pitch wearing it instead. Weah turns 52 in just over a fortnight.

Nigeria Super Eagle Beats Seychelles 3-0 in AFCON Qualifier

Nigeria forged ahead in its journey to the Cameroon 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after the Super Eagles beat Seychelles 3-0 on Saturday 8 September, 2018.

Ahmed Musa scored the first goal in the 15^th minute, which was accompanied by a brilliant rebound from Chidozie Awaziem, in the 34^th minute.

Odion Ighalo topped up the goals with another one, which he scored from the penalty spot.

Arsenal Signs a Nigerian Wonder Kid, Adetiba

After five weeks on trial at the popular Arsenal football academy in London, the Club signed a nine-year-old Nigerian boy, Jayden Adetiba. The Nigerian-born Adetiba relocated from England to South Africa 2 years ago. He played for the SuperSport United Soccer School in Cape Town.

Adetiba’s coach, Brent Sanders told KweséESPN that the boy has “something special”.

“Jayden worked with me for two years from the age of seven, and from his first practice session I could see that he was an exceptional talent that stood out in the group,” Sanders said.

The Former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, Passes On at 80

Former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan died at age 80, his foundation confirmed Saturday, 18 August 2018.

Annan, who was born in Ghana in 1938, served as the seventh UN Secretary-General, from 1997 to 2006, and was the first to rise from within the ranks of the United Nations staff.

He had also been a member, since 2007, of The Elders, a humanitarian group of a dozen leaders and activists of worldwide stature formed by Nelson Mandela. In 2013, Annan became its chairman.

Falconets Beat Austrian Club 4-0 in a Great Warming Up Match

The 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup silver medalists hammered Austrian Women League top flight team, FC Wacker Innsbruck 4-0 in their final pre-tournament friendly in Tirol on Saturday, with a brace from top scorer Rasheedat Ajibade and one each from Adebisi Saheed and Chinyere Igboamalu.

A few days earlier, the Nigerian girls had spanked another Austrian top flight side, FC Bergheim 3-0. Saturday’s match in Tirol was also watched by Nigeria’s Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung.  Ajibade, who plays for FC Robo Queens of Lagos and also featured at the last tournament in Papua New Guinea, top –scored for Nigeria in the African qualifying campaign and is heavily touted to dazzle the world in France next month.

Nigeria Unveils New National Carrier, NigeriaAir

The Federal Government on Wednesday 18 July, 2018 unveiled the branding and insignia for the new national carrier, Nigeria Air, and the airline would be officially launched at the end of the year.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Aviation in Abuja, the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, unveiled the carrier at a press conference during the Farnborough Air Show in London.

The Minister was quoted as saying, "I am very pleased to tell you that we are finally on track to launching a new national flag carrier for our country, Nigeria Air. We are all fully committed to fulfilling the campaign promise made by our President, Muhammadu Buhari, in 2015. We are aiming at launching Nigeria Air by the end of this year.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela dies @81

Winnie Mandela, the ex-wife of South African anti-apartheid fighter and former president Nelson Mandela, died on Monday 2 April 2018 at the age of 81. She died in a Johannesburg hospital after a long illness. A statement from the Mandela family said Madikizela-Mandela had struggled with “a long illness” since the start of the year and “succumbed peacefully” at a hospital in Johannesburg. Winnie Mandela, who was married to Nelson Mandela for 38 years, played a key part in the campaign to end white-minority rule but her place in history was also stained by controversy.

An Undergraduate and 8 others Installed to the Olubadan Lineage

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on 5 February 2018 installed nine new Mogajis (family heads) to begin traditional chieftaincy journey to the stool of Olubadan.

The new Mogajis included Alhaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, chairman, Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC), Ogun State and Chief Executive Officer, Asiwaju Group of Companies, who was installed Mogaji Fosun Paja, Ibadan.

Also, a 20-year-old student of Business Economics, University of Warrick Conventry, United Kingdom, Mr. Solomon Adegbola, was installed Mogaji of Arogundade family, Ita Ege, Idi-aro Ibadan.

Former Football Star George Weah Sworn in as Liberian President

Liberians queued for miles to see the inauguration of the former footballer star George Weah as their new president on Monday 22^nd January 2018, celebrating their country’s first peaceful, democratic transition of power in 47 years by dancing as they waited.

Weah, 51, took over from Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who spent 12 years at the helm, steering the West African nation away from the trauma of a civil war.

He was sworn in as president by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Francis Korkpor.

Court Declares 21 Kings Installed by Gov Isiaka Ajimobi Illegal

An Oyo State High Court presided over by Justice Olajumoke Aiki on Friday 19 January, 2018 declared the review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other related Chieftaincies in Ibadan land by the Justice Akintunde Boade Review Commission, which was set up by the Oyo State Government, as unconstitutional, illegal, null and void, and of no effect.

The commission had recommended, among others, the creation of several monarchs in Ibadan which led to the installation of 21 kings by the State Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

George Weah Wins Liberia’s Presidential Election

Former world’s best footballer and presidential candidate of Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), George Weah, has won the Liberian presidential election after securing over 61.5 per cent of the vote, against his major opponent, Vice President Joseph Boakai.

The country’s electoral commission announcing the result on Thursday 28^th December, 2017, said Weah had taken 61.5 per cent of the vote from 98.1 percent of ballots cast, to defeat Vice President Joseph Boakai, who took 38.5 per cent of the vote.

With his election victory, Weah will succeed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to become president next month, the country’s first democratic transition since 1944.

Olubadan’s Wife, Olori Kudirat, Passes On at the Age of 71

The senior wife of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Olori Kudirat Adetunji, died early in the morning of 21^st December, 2017. She got married to Oba Saliu Adetunji 53 years ago and passes away on Thursday morning at the age of 71.

The Oyo State Governor Isiaka Ajimobi commiserated the majesty King Saliu Adetunji through a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka, describing the demise of Olori Kudirat as unfortunate and disheartening.

The Governor expressed shock and disbelief at the passing away of Olori Adetunji and described Olori’s death as a big loss to the Olubadan and the entire indigenes of Ibadan.

I am Hale and Hearty – MFR Eda Oniola

Lere Paimo, (a.k.a Eda Onileola), MFR is a Nigerian film actor, film-maker, producer and director. He is one of the veteran actors whose works have stood the test of time. Despite the challenges that have come his way, Eda says he has every reason to thank God for a successful career, in this exclusive interview with media.

You have not been active in movies in recent times?

I am still acting. We just finished a series that will be aired for a year by Galaxy Television. The drama series is currently running on the station, precisely on Thursday 30 November, 2017 by 8:30pm. We are not resting, because we have already completed the series. Currently, we are warming up to embark on another drama series.

Russia 2018 World Cup Draw

The 2018 World Cup draw took place on Friday, 1 December, 2017, at the Kremlin, which seemed as good as any place to unveil valuable information of vital global interest.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, as well as 31 other countries, were part of the draw that revealed the group opponents of the participating teams.

Gary Lineker, who played in the 1986 and 1990 finals for England and scored in both competitions, conducted the draw alongside Russian star, Maria Komandnaya.

Nigeria is in Pot 4, alongside Serbia, Australia, Japan, Morocco, Panama, Korea Republic, and Saudi Arabia.

PLATIMA’AM ANNIVERSARY: The Queen and Prince Philip Celebrate 70th Wedding Anniversary with New Photograph

The Queen and Prince Philip officially celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary on Monday, 20^th November, 2017, with a new photograph. The couple married in 1947.

The Queen wore a cream day dress with a ‘Scarab’ yellow gold brooch which was a personal gift from the Duke of Edinburgh in 1966. The Duke of Edinburgh looked handsome in a smart three-piece suit.

Buhari Commiserates with Egyptian Government over Mosque Attack

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his condolences to the government and people of Egypt over the attacks on a mosque in North Sinai on Friday that left over 235 dead after prayers.

Buhari, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, also condemned the dastardly act on innocent worshippers,

Mnangagwa Sworn in as Zimbabwe’s President

Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as president of Zimbabwe on Friday 24th November, 2017 at a ceremony that was the culmination of an extraordinary 10 days that ended Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule. Mr Mnangagwa praised the 93-year-old former leader as his “father” and “mentor,” but also alluded to the malaise he is inheriting with the country plagued by political instability and an economy on the brink of collapse. “Never again should the circumstances that have put Zimbabwe in an insufferable position be allowed to occur,” he said, adding that his government “must hit the ground running”. Mnangagwa said he was committed to holding democratic elections next year.

Nigeria and Ex-Everton and Middlesbrough Striker, Yakubu, Hangs Up Boot

Former Nigeria international striker, Yakubu Ayegbeni, retired from football at the age of 35. Yakubu Aiyegbeni was born in Benin City, Edo State. A powerful central striker, he started his career with Julius Berger FC in Lagos 1997 as a teenager in the Nigerian Premier League. He was later loaned to Portuguese club Gil Vicente, Maccabi Haifa (Israel), then to Portsmouth (England).

In almost a decade in English football, between January 2003 and June 2012, Yakubu scored 114 times in 293 league appearances, mostly in the top flight.

He averaged nearly a goal every other game at Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, Leicester and Blackburn before joining Chinese club Guangzhou.

Robert Mugabe Finally Resigns As Zimbabwe’s President

The 93-year-old Robert Mugabe finally resigned as Zimbabwe’s president, on Tuesday 21^st November, 2017 bringing to an end 37 years in power which he began as a hero of the struggle against white rule and ended as the man blamed for reducing his country to despotism and economic misery. 

"My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power," Mr Mugabe said in a letter read out by Jacob Mudenda, the speaker of parliament. 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Argentina 4-2

The Super Eagles dazed football superpower Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly played in Krasnodar, Russia on Tuesday 14^th November, 2017.   

It is an impressive warming-up rehearsal for Nigeria’s performance in next year’s Russia World Cup.

Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel, Argentina’s German Pezzella and Argentina’s Enzo Perez vie for the ball during an international friendly football match between Argentina and Nigeria in Krasnodar.

Health is Wealth: Top 10 Signs of Risking Stroke



If you are above 40, you must read this. If you had seen anybody, with even a mild stroke, you will understand that this is not an illness you will wish your worst enemy.

Russia 2018: Nigeria draws with Cameroon in Younde

Nigerian Super Eagle played a 1 – 1 draw with African champions Cameroon for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia in Yaounde on Monday, 4^th September, 2917.

The result means Cameroon have just three points from four matches and can no longer finish top of Group B.

My Acting Career – My Comeback to Acting is God’s Work: Sola Sobowale (Interview)

Arguably, no one quite personifies old-school Nollywood glamour like actress, Sola Sobowale. A viewers’ delight, veteran entertainer and academic, Tunji Oyelana (who is married to her elder sister Kikelomo), showed her the ropes.

Her roles in Village Headmaster, Mirror In The Sun and in the infamous Yoruba film, Asewo To Re Mecca, remain evergreen.

However, playing Toyin Tomato in the Wale Adenuga 2001 Super Story series, Oh Father! Oh Daughter! shot her into super stardom.

In her 50s, Sola has featured in over 200 movies and self-produced over 50 films. In an exclusive interview with the vivacious actress, at an event in Lagos, she opened up to media on her comeback role in the blockbuster, The Wedding Party, among other issues.

ADERONKE KALE, NIGERIA’S FIRST FEMALE ARMY GENERAL

INTRODUCTION

When the words ‘Nigerian Army’ are mentioned, the first image that flashes across the minds of many is a mass of gun-totting, stern-faced, camouflage-wearing, MALE soldiers. LOL! Let’s face it, many of us do not really think of women when talking about or thinking of the NA. Well, there are women in all the arms of the gallant Nigerian Armed Forces and today, we are taking a look at the first Nigerian woman to ever become a Major-General (two-star general) in the Army and in any of the three wings of the Nigerian Armed Forces (including the Navy and Air Force).

Alagba Adebayo Faleti Passes On

The Yoruba Icon, poet, journalist, Actor and writer, Alagba Adebayo Faleti died in his home at Orogun area, Ibadan on Sunday 23^rd July, 2017. Recollecting last moment before his death, his son, Adeniyi Faleti, said Alagba died after premonition talks held between him and relatives surrounded him including Adeniyi; he took pap and bath upon his request and went to his ancestors.  

Alagba Faleti died at age of 86.  Adebayo Faleti was born in Agbo-Oye, Oyo State, on 26^th December, 1930, though lived in Obananko, Kuranga, near Oyo State. He is the first son of his father, Joseph Akanbi Faleti and the only child of his mother, Durowade Ayinke Faleti.

From an early age Alagba Faleti always had a passion for drama. He was also known as a Yoruba translator, a broadcaster, TV exponent and a pioneer of the first television station in Africa, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV).

Another Nigerian Awarded World Prize Laureate in 2017

At a ceremony held at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C on Monday 26^th June, 2017, another Nigerian, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, was named the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate after the renowned Professor Wole Soyinka, who won Nobel Laureate in Literature in 1986.

The incumbent President of African Development Bank (AfDB) was selected to become the 46^th recipient and the 6^th African to be honoured with the award.

Adesina was the Nigeria Minister of Agriculture under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.