How God Delivered Me From Cult, Demons - Tonto Dikeh

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh gave a raw and emotional testimony at the 2026 Women of Fire Prayer conference in Tanzania, revealing the depths of her former life and how her faith transformed her.

The 40-year-old recounted being fully immersed in a “wicked world,” where she joined cults and “operated and worked for demons so hard.”

Reflecting on her past, she said, “In the midst of trying to navigate life. I have put my hands in so much dirt, so many filthy things. I have joined cults, operated and worked for the demons so hard.”

Dikeh credited her radical turnaround entirely to God’s intervention. “He dragged me out of hell,” she declared.

“If you have ever doubted God, just look at me. He does not care about what you have been through or what you have done.”

She contrasted her past with her present, saying, “From a drug addict to an altar that praises God. From a devil worshipper to a woman who will pray to God with fire.”

The actress, who has been open about her deliverance from sexual immorality, anger, masturbation, and addiction, has also been active in Christian ministry, recently leading a viral deliverance session for a schoolgirl.

  

Read More

Why I Like BBL - Funke Akindele

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has opened up on her views about Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures during an appearance on The Morayo Show hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown

Speaking, Akindele said, “I must say, I love to see beautiful women with beautiful bodies. I actually like it. I am not talking about the excess ones but the normal ones. I want to do it but I don’t have the mind.”

While Akindele expressed admiration for the aesthetic appeal of BBL, she cautioned that anyone considering the surgery should weigh the risks carefully.

“I am not against it. If you want to enhance your beauty, go ahead, but be careful.”

Her comments came amid heightened attention on BBL surgeries which now remain one of the most talked-about cosmetic procedures today, especially in the entertainment and influencer space, where the pressure to achieve a certain body ideal often clashes with safety concerns and public health warnings.

The procedure, however, has sparked controversy following the death of a prominent social media influencer due to complications arising from a BBL surgery.

Recall that Elena Jessica Nkwopara, often known as Elena, was a Nigerian socialite and influencer who passed away after complications from a second Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure in Lagos.

After having problems with a first, recent BBL procedure, Nkwopara apparently had a second, “corrective” procedure in Lagos.

According to reports, she experienced serious difficulties either during or right after the treatment.

  

Read More

Kate Henshaw, Carol King storm The Stage For 'No More Shrinking' Play

Nollywood stars Kate Henshaw and Carol King were among the notable figures who turned out for a theatrical production entitled, ‘No More Shrinking: The Stage’ in Lagos.

Staged at Terra Kulture on March 28, the show delivered a compelling call for women to assert themselves in leadership and professional spaces.

Adapted from Dr. Abiola Salami’s best-selling book of the same title, the performance transforms his advocacy for women’s empowerment into a vibrant musical experience to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Speaking at the premiere, Salami described the project as more than a stage performance but movement to address gender inequality.

“It is about closing the gap that still exists for women in leadership and professional spaces,” he said, tracing its evolution from a podcast in 2025 to a book, and now a full stage experience.

Each phase, he explained, has been designed to deepen impact and create a more immersive, emotionally resonant journey rooted in women’s lived realities.

“Many women occupy influential positions yet still shrink from opportunities or hesitate to share bold ideas. It’s not that we lack competent women — the real gap is often confidence.”

He noted that the empowerment conversation itself is layered, pointing out that while some women battle under-confidence, others may overcompensate in ways that hinder progress.

Salami, who also contributed original music, describes the show as something audiences don’t just watch but feel.

“Invisibility is more dangerous than incompetence. Incompetence can be fixed with training, but when you are invisible, no one sees your value,” Salami cautioned.

Directed by Austin Onuoha, the play pushes the boundaries of adaptation, translating written narratives into emotionally charged stage moments.

“The stage gives the book a different life; you see emotions unfold before your eyes,” he noted.

Henshaw, expressing her excitement for the production, echoed its core message: “I’m not going to shrink for anybody.”

  

Read More

Lagos, Benue Lead In New HIV Cases - Report

  The National Data Repository has released updated statistics on Wednesday, revealing the current state of HIV detection, treatment, and viral suppression across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The data also provides insights into trends over the last decade and the demographics of newly identified cases.

Lagos and Benue have surfaced as the dual epicentres of new infections, driven by a deeply concerning trend: the rising vulnerability of young women.

According to the NDR, “95% of people living with HIV now know their status”, marking a significant achievement in national awareness efforts.

Among those aware, “95% are receiving treatment, with 1,657,173 patients actively on treatment across 1,997 health facilities.”

Of those on treatment, “95% are virally suppressed”, reflecting strong adherence and program performance.

A 10-year trend analysis shows fluctuations in new HIV cases.

Cases rose from 228,014 in 2016 to a peak of 464,355 in 2020, before gradually declining to 21,389 in 2026, a drop of 90.8% from 2025 (111,513).

Other yearly figures include: 2017 – 237,756; 2018 – 215,231; 2019 – 27,181; 2021 – 451,402; 2022 – 330,690; 2023 – 238,748; 2024 – 143,666; 2025 – 111,513.

The steepest decline occurred in the last year, illustrating strong progress in HIV control.

In the last three months, new HIV infections by age and sex reveal young adults are most affected:

• 1–4 years: Male 282, Female 224
• 5–9 years: Male 70, Female 68
• 10–14 years: Male 79, Female 98
• 15–19 years: Male 234, Female 636
• 20–24 years: Male 691, Female 1,908
• 25–29 years: Male 1,106, Female 2,620
• 30–34 years: Male 1,032, Female 2,130
• 35–39 years: Male 993, Female 1,805
• 40–44 years: Male 1,020, Female 1,565
• 45–49 years: Male 813, Female 993
• 50+ years: Male 1,212, Female 1,426

Females recorded higher infections than males across nearly all age groups. The lowest infections were among children aged 5–9.

In the last three months, newly tested HIV-positive cases by state show Lagos leading with 2,342 cases, followed by Benue 1,956, Rivers 1,185, Akwa Ibom 1,155, and Anambra 1,023.

States with the lowest cases include Sokoto 83, Yobe 97, and Zamfara 139. Regional totals indicate:

• South West: Lagos 2,342, Ogun 770, Oyo 766, Ondo 383, Osun 238, Ekiti 129 – total 4,628
• South East: Abia 529, Anambra 1,023, Ebonyi –, Enugu 489, Imo 650 – total 2,691
• South South: Akwa Ibom 1,155, Bayelsa 262, Cross River –, Delta 827, Edo 513, Rivers 1,185 – total 3,942
• North West: Jigawa 184, Kaduna 859, Kano 462, Katsina 214, Kebbi 191, Sokoto 83, Zamfara 139 – total 2,132
• North East: Adamawa 396, Bauchi 206, Borno 267, Gombe 261, Taraba 603, Yobe 97, Nasarawa 637, Niger 396 – total 2,863
• FCT: 679

By region, the South West tops the chart, followed by South-South, while the North West reports the lowest total cases.

Patients currently on treatment by state reveal significant regional disparities. Top states in treatment numbers include Benue (191,225), Akwa Ibom (142,216), and Lagos (137,006), while the lowest numbers are recorded in Sokoto (9,068) and Ekiti (12,271).

Breakdown by state:

• South West: Lagos 137,006; Ogun 30,399; Oyo 32,126; Ondo 21,448; Osun 25,006; Ekiti 12,271
• South East: Abia 49,961; Anambra 47,384; Ebonyi 15,399; Enugu 55,062; Imo 47,846
• South South: Akwa Ibom 142,216; Bayelsa 19,477; Cross River 53,514; Delta 52,669; Edo 27,317; Rivers 90,403
• North West: Jigawa 14,104; Kaduna 56,814; Kano 41,601; Katsina 19,206; Kebbi 18,168; Sokoto 9,068; Zamfara 12,641
• North East: Adamawa 40,908; Bauchi 28,602; Borno 23,819; Gombe 26,618; Taraba 48,871; Yobe 10,726; Nasarawa 65,890; Niger 32,873
• FCT: 59,844

Regionally, the South South leads in treatment coverage, followed by the South West, while the North West records the lowest numbers.

The NDR data highlights Nigeria’s strides in achieving 95-95-95 targets, with strong diagnostic, treatment, and viral suppression coverage.

However, the higher infection rates among females and in certain states underscore the need for targeted, region- and age-specific interventions to sustain progress.

  

Read More

Man Bags 7-Year Jail Term Over N28 Million Fraud

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced a businessman, James Onyejekwe of Kainos Exploration and Producing Company Limited, over a N28m fraud.

The judge also ordered that Kainos Exploration and Producing Company Limited be wound up, with its assets forfeited to the Federal Government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, had filed a five-count amended charge bordering on stealing, issuance of dud cheques, and obtaining money by false pretence.

According to the prosecution, the convict, in February 2018, obtained N10m from the nominal complainant, Mrs Augustina Ofoegbu, under the guise of an investment in the company, with a promise of a 250 per cent return within 60 days.

“The representation made to the complainant was false, and Onyejekwe knew it was false,” the prosecution told the court.

The court also heard that in May 2018, the convict and his company dishonestly converted N10m belonging to the complainant to their personal use.

In addition, Onyejekwe and his company were accused of issuing three dud cheques valued at N10m, N10m, and N5m through a United Bank for Africa account, which were returned unpaid due to insufficient funds.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Dada found the convict guilty on all counts.

The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

She subsequently sentenced Onyejekwe to three years’ imprisonment on count one for stealing, while imposing two years’ imprisonment each on counts two, three, and four for issuing dud cheques.

On count five, bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, the court handed him a seven-year jail term.

The judge ordered that the sentences shall run concurrently, bringing the effective term of imprisonment to seven years.

Justice Dada also directed the convict to restitute the sum of N8m to the complainant through the EFCC.

In addition, the court ordered that Kainos Exploration and Producing Company Limited be wound up, with its assets forfeited to the Federal Government.

“The company is hereby wound up and all its assets forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the court held.

  

Read More

Chelsea To Make First Ever Visit To Lagos In May

Chelsea have announced plans to visit Lagos for the first time in the club’s history as part of their global fan engagement initiative, in May this year.

The Premier League side confirmed on Thursday that the Nigerian city will host the penultimate event of the 2025/26 programme, with the visit organised in partnership with MSport, the club’s official betting partner in Africa.

Former Chelsea and Super Eagles forward Victor Moses is set to headline the event, where he will interact with fans across a series of activities designed to celebrate the club’s global following.

“Chelsea Football Club will be visiting Lagos, Nigeria, for the first time in the club’s history this May when our fan engagement programme The Famous CFC hosts its penultimate event of the 2025/26 season,” the club said in a statement.

The Lagos edition will feature a weekend of activities, including a watch party hosted by MSport, a question-and-answer session with Moses and opportunities for supporters to win signed merchandise.

“The Famous CFC in Lagos will bring a packed weekend of action to the city, where MSport will host an ever-popular watch party along with exclusive activities including a Q&A with Moses and the chance for fans to win signed merchandise,” the statement read.

The event marks the fifth stop of the international fan programme this season, which has been expanded to include more host cities as Chelsea seek to strengthen their connection with supporters worldwide.

“The visit to Nigeria is the fifth stop this season for the international fan programme, which looks to deepen connections with Blues supporters around the world,” the club noted.

Moses remains a popular figure among Chelsea supporters, having played a key role in the club’s 2016/17 Premier League title-winning campaign, while also representing Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup before retiring from international football in 2018.

The visit is expected to bring together Chelsea’s Nigerian fan base as the season approaches its conclusion, with the club describing the Lagos stop as an opportunity to unite supporters through shared experiences and direct engagement.

  

Read More

Youths Leadership Training Holds In Lagos

The Lagos State Government has stressed the importance of leadership development, effective communication and emergency response skills as essential tools for youth empowerment and community advancement.

This position was highlighted during the Youth Leadership, Emergency Action and Development (YOU-LEAD) programme organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy in collaboration with the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, Divisional Head, Adolescent and Youth Health Division, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayeni Olasumbo, said the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical leadership and communication skills for meaningful community impact.

She described effective communication as a fundamental leadership attribute, noting that participants were trained to express themselves clearly and confidently across diverse situations.

Olasumbo added that the programme also incorporated emergency response training, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), to prepare participants for crisis scenarios.

According to her, the knowledge gained is expected to have a multiplier effect, as beneficiaries are encouraged to transfer the skills to others within their communities.

Vice President (Membership), Eagle Toastmasters Club, Feigne Suinner, highlighted the role of communication in mobilising communities and driving collective action.

She said clear messaging helps leaders gain support for development initiatives, urging participants to be deliberate about their words, tone and listening skills.

A medical practitioner, Dr. Femi Ogunmoku, noted that the training exposed participants to handling emergencies such as accidents, injuries and sudden medical collapse.

He also stressed the importance of contacting emergency services, advising participants to utilise Lagos emergency numbers 112 and 767 when necessary.

Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Hon. Sesan Olowa, said the programme aligns with efforts to prepare youths for leadership roles.

Represented by the Supervisor for Youth and Sports, Balogun Hakeem Oluwole, Olowa said the council remains committed to initiatives that build youth capacity and promote community development.

He expressed optimism that participants would emerge as proactive leaders capable of addressing societal challenges and driving sustainable development.

  

Read More

Customs Auctions 595 Jerry-Cans Of Smuggled Petrol In Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone ‘A’, under Operation Whirlwind, intercepted 595 jerrycans of 25 litres of smuggled petroleum products at multiple locations spanning Lagos and key flashpoints in Ogun State, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme-Badagry corridor.

Acting on directives from Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, the seized fuel has been auctioned to the public at N10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan, in a bid to dismantle criminal networks undermining national security and economic stability.

Speaking at the Customs Training School in Ikeja, Lagos, the national coordinator of the operation, Abubakar Aliyu, stated that the contraband was intercepted over the past four weeks through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and intensified enforcement along major smuggling routes.

Aliyu emphasized that the seizures aim to protect the nation’s economic interests, strengthen energy security, and prevent petroleum products meant for local consumption from being diverted abroad. He noted that the border corridors at Owode, Seme, and Badagry remain critical economic arteries.

The duty-paid value of the seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stands at ₦14,875,000.50.

Operation Whirlwind, he said,  is a targeted anti-smuggling initiative designed to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. Its core aim is to safeguard the nation’s economic interests, strengthen energy security, and ensure that petroleum products intended for local consumption are not unlawfully diverted for export

“Over the past four weeks, acting on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighboring countries. During this operation, a total of 595 jerry-cans of 25 litres each were intercepted, amounting to 14,875 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry.

“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized products stands at Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Seven- Five Thousand Naira Only ₦14,875,000. The Seized PMS Products up for auction today were seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence. 

“They had been earmarked for illegal export to neighboring country in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products.”

 He emphasised that petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime.

“It undermines the national economy, deprives the government of vital revenue, disrupts the domestic supply chain, and creates artificial scarcity that negatively impacts citizens.

 “In line with legal provisions and our commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS is being disposed of through this public auction. 

“This ensures that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels. This auction is being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity, in the disposal process,” he said.

  

Read More

World Autisim Day: 16-Year Old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke Completes Historic Cross-Country Cycling Ride In Lagos

A 16-year-old autistic cyclist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, has completed a historic endurance ride from Enugu to Lagos, arriving to a rousing reception from the Lagos State government and hundreds of supporters ahead of World Autism Day.

Kanyeyachukwu was warmly received by advocates of the campaign and the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, who represented the Governor at the event.

The campaign, themed “Impossibility is a Myth,” seeks to challenge misconceptions about autism and demonstrate that children living with the condition are capable of achieving great things when given the right support and opportunities.

The youngster embarked on the journey on March 17, travelling across several states before concluding the campaign on April 2, in commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day.

The ride was aimed at promoting inclusion and highlighting the urgent need for stronger support systems for children with autism across Nigeria.

Ogunlende described the visit as “both inspiring and symbolic,” praising Kanyeyachukwu’s courage and determination.

The commissioner commended his parents for their dedication and belief in Kanyeyachukwu’s abilities, expressing optimism about future milestones, including a possible return to the Guinness World Records.

His father Tagbo Okeke expressed gratitude to the Lagos state government for the warm reception, describing it as compassionate and committed to vulnerable groups.

The team will be formerly received by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the state House today.

  

Read More