I Cut Short My Mainland Party Concert Due To Safety Concerns, Afrobeatts Rising Star, Fola Apologizes To Fans

Afrobeats singer, Folarin Odunlami, popularly known as Fola, has apologised to fans after his first headline performance at the Mainland Block Party was cut short due to safety concerns caused by overcrowding at the venue.

The incident happened on Monday, December 15, in Lagos, when a large turnout of fans reportedly pushed attendance beyond approved limits, forcing organisers to halt the show over safety concerns.

According to reports from fans and organisers, the crowd became uncontrollable, raising fears about safety as movement inside the venue became difficult.

Some ticket holders also complained that they were denied entry despite purchasing tickets sold in batches.

Fola, who managed to perform briefly before leaving the stage, addressed the situation on Tuesday via his X handle, where he took responsibility for the disappointment felt by fans and explained that safety informed the decision to stop the show.

“My people, I’m really sorry about how last night went,” the singer said.

He also expressed concern over reports that some fans sustained injuries during the disruption, stressing that such incidents should never occur at live shows.

“People were hurt, and that should never happen. I had to stop the show because safety comes before anything else,” he said.

The singer assured fans that their voices had been heard and promised that efforts were ongoing to address the situation and make amends.

“I hear you on all fronts, and we’re working to make things right,” he added.

The concert, which had generated excitement among fans of the 2025 Afrobeats breakout star known for songs like Lost and Bye Bye, sparked widespread backlash online.

Many social media users blamed both the organisers and the artiste’s team, citing poor planning and weak crowd control.

Reacting separately, Dangbana Republik, the record label Fola is signed to, also released a statement on X acknowledging lapses during the event and restating its commitment to fan safety.

“We acknowledge the serious safety issues that occurred at the event organised by Mainland Block Party,” the label said.

The label confirmed that the venue exceeded its capacity, creating what it described as unsafe conditions.

“The venue capacity was exceeded, resulting in unsafe conditions that should never have happened,” the statement said.

It added that the decision to halt the performance was taken immediately once it became clear that fans were at risk, noting that discussions were ongoing with the organisers.

“Once it became clear that fans were at risk, the performance was stopped immediately. We are working with the organisers to ensure adequate measures are taken to address the concerns of those affected. Your safety remains non-negotiable to us,” it added.

 

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The Efficacy Of Blood Transfusion In Lagos May No Longer Be Guaranteed If JOHESU's Strike Is Allowed To Go On, Lab Directors Warn Sanwo-Olu

 The Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD), Lagos State chapter, has called on the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene in the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

The appeal was made in a statement signed on Wednesday by the chairman, Adekoya Abimbola Julius, and the secretary general, Dr Leo Aniakor.

In the statement, the guild said the strike has begun to affect healthcare delivery across the state, particularly laboratory services critical to patient care.

“The withdrawal of services at screening centres has significantly constrained critical laboratory testing required for safe blood transfusion and effective patient management,” the guild said.

It warned that the disruption is already causing delays in diagnosis and treatment, adding that such delays pose serious risks to lives.

“These disruptions are causing avoidable delays in diagnosis and treatment, thereby placing the health and lives of Lagos residents at serious risk,” the statement added.

The guild also expressed concern that investments made by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee could be undermined if the strike continues.

It said, “The notable progress and investments made by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee in strengthening safe and reliable blood services may be eroded if the industrial action persists.”

Calling for dialogue, the guild stressed that no Lagos resident should suffer preventable illness or death over issues that can be resolved through negotiation.

“No resident of Lagos State should suffer preventable illness or loss of life over matters that are ultimately resolvable through dialogue and negotiation,” it said.

The guild urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to use his office to facilitate engagement among all parties and bring the strike to a peaceful end.

The appeal comes amid the decision by JOHESU and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations to continue their ongoing indefinite strike.

The unions had earlier vowed not to suspend the industrial action unless the Federal Government addresses their demands, particularly the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

In an interview with journalists, National Secretary of the unions, Martin Egbanubi, said the strike would continue, insisting that the government had failed to act despite meetings held since the action began.

“For now, we have resolved to continue the strike. We met with the government twice since the commencement of the strike, and nothing has changed,” Egbanubi said.

He added that the unions would not accept intimidation or sanctions against their members, stressing that the delay in implementing the adjusted CONHESS since 2022 remains the core issue.

Egbanubi also accused successive administrations of failing to address salary disparities among health workers, noting that the unions had narrowed their demands to the implementation of the adjusted salary structure.

JOHESU, which commenced the nationwide strike on November 15, 2025, represents several unions, including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and other health sector staff associations.

 

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Wike's Faction Dissolves PDP's Exco In Lagos And 13 Other States

The National Working Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the party’s state executive committees in Lagos state. Also dissolved were the executives of Delta, Kano, and 11 other states. The party also declared that it remains “strong, united and indivisible” under a single, legitimate leadership.

Rising from its meeting held         yesterday, the committee issued a communiqué in Abuja, insisting that there is only one recognised PDP leadership under the chairmanship of Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The committee dismissed claims in some quarters that parallel party executives had been recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning individuals and groups “bent on bringing the image of the party into disrepute” to desist immediately.

According to the committee, reports suggesting that an “illegal” executive loyal to Tanimu Turaki had been accepted by INEC were false.

“The claims making the rounds in the media that the Turaki illegal executives have been accepted by INEC are untrue,” the committee said, challenging Turaki to produce “the code with which he uploaded his executives to the INEC portal.”

The caretaker committee further ratified the dissolution of some state working committees and confirmed the constitution of caretaker committees to oversee party affairs in the affected states.

The dissolved state working committees are those of Borno, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Taraba, Kano and Lagos states.

In a move aimed at strengthening internal administration, the committee also assigned portfolios to some of its members. Professor Adenike Ogunse was named Women Leader; Engineer Deji Dohati, Deputy National Secretary; Senator Olaka Ogunwu, Treasurer; Hon. Jungu Haruna Mohammed, Publicity Secretary; while Ambassador Dr. Ibrahim Bala-Aboki was assigned to function as Youth Leader.

The committee approved a calendar for the conduct of state congresses, scheduled to commence on January 9, 2026. It noted that the date for the national convention would be fixed only after the successful conclusion of the state congresses, adding that a detailed timetable would be released in due course.

In his opening remarks, the Acting Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, thanked the party leadership, the Board of Trustees, and the party’s leader and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for entrusting the committee with a 60-day mandate to oversee party affairs.

Mohammed said the caretaker committee was determined to ensure that the PDP’s activities across the federation were conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I want to use this opportunity to call the attention of the public who may be hearing and seeing gatherings and meetings here and there. The public should not be panicked. We have only one PDP under my leadership and my team as the caretaker committee of our great party,” he said.

According to him, the committee is well aligned with the law and has the capacity to manage the day-to-day affairs of the party nationwide.

“With this, I want to assure everyone, especially the press, that there is only one recognised PDP leadership under my chairmanship,” Mohammed added.

 

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How God Saved Me From Masturbation, Smoking, alcoholism - Nollywood Actress, Tonto Dikeh

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has disclosed that she began smoking at the age of 13 and suffered with the addiction for 27 years.

The actress revealed this during a Sunday sermon at Streams of Joy International Church, where she also spoke about her struggles with alcoholism, masturbation, and long-term rage.

Dikeh described her addictions as “demonic oppression,” and credited her release from them to divine intervention, stating that she began to see improvements once her spiritual life improved.

Speaking before the congregation, the actress said she began smoking at the age of 13 and struggled for years with alcohol and masturbation, attributing her transformation to divine intervention.

“I smoked since I was 13. God healed me from masturbation, too. I have known myself to have sexual intercourse in the dream ever since I was a child,” she said.

She described her appearance at the altar as both a testimony and thanksgiving, noting that she almost withdrew over concerns about her public image.

“The devil tried to tell me that I was supposed to protect my image. But I told myself, what image? The God that gave me the image is the same God that can take it away,” she said.

Dikeh further explained that after attending the Ghana Prayer Conference, she noticed a change in what she described as years of spiritual oppression.

“I realised that the weak man who held me captive all my years in my dream ran away,” she said, adding that the experience marked a turning point in her spiritual life.

The actress also spoke about struggling with what she called “demonic anger,” which she said previously affected her relationships and personal life.

“An anger that destroyed my life. Everybody had to feel it. But praying with NSPPD, God took all of those away and gave me peace,” she said.

According to her, she had never experienced peace until recently.

“I am 40 years old, and I can tell you I have never known peace until now. I am living in it,” she said.

Dikeh revealed that her smoking habit lasted for about 27 years, which she said began after exposure at home, urging parents to keep harmful habits away from their children.

“I started smoking because my dad was a smoker. Something as little as that habit can inhabit the lives of your children,” she said.

 

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Don Jazzy Slams Critics Who Accuse Him Of Helping Only Women

            Nigerian music icon, Don Jazzy, has slammed critics who say he helps only women. The critics came for him after he donated an undisclosed amount of money to one Itohan via X. Responding, Don Jazzy addressed allegations that he only supports women: “Don’t do that. What exactly did she do wrong? I like to help people when I can. I asked for her wish, and she stated she wants to help people, too.

“We all have our wishes, whether big or small. I immediately noticed that people started dragging her, so I entered her DM to try to save her from the long talks on the timeline.

“Also, not to be like I just raised her hopes and left her hanging. She didn’t need to come back to the timeline to tell you guys anything, as she doesn’t owe anyone anything. Is she a government official?”

Adding context, Don Jazzy referenced his November N20 million donation to the Tech Access Project initiated by Ayilola Ayotomiwa, aimed at empowering 10,000 youths with laptops.

“But because of the too much drags, I guess she thought it was best to share the news on the timeline. What is bringing this woman talk now? Is the 20m Laptop brother a woman too?”

The controversy began on December 11, when Itohan tweeted: “I wish that #DONJAZZY would just ask me what I need for Christmas. I promise, I won’t be greedy.”

Don Jazzy responded: “Lol Oya na what do you want? Just cos I like your bio, and I see you engage with my tweets every time. Thanks, I appreciate.”

Itohan listed her requests, including paying off personal debts and launching her “Mercy Foundation” to cover dialysis fees for kidney patients, inspired by the death of her brother from kidney disease.

Reacting, Don Jazzy wrote: “Ahhh, Sister, this your request is giving everlasting expenses on another person’s pocket o. You suppose pity this boy.” 

She replied: “I am sorry, boss, I wished too big, but I’ll spend any amount with receipts and evidence weekly.”

After seeing her demands, social media users accused her of being “greedy,” triggering widespread criticism and urging Don Jazzy to ignore her requests.

However, some defended Itohan. #adetunbiowolabi tweeted, “She didn’t mention anything selfish. How is she greedy in this? She wants to pay some debts, then went ahead to talk about her desire to start a foundation helping people, not for herself, but to make an impact. Except you all, as a result of your negative minds, have read a different meaning to her tweet.”

In response to the backlash, Don Jazzy privately sent her a substantial donation.

Itohan later shared a receipt showing six zeros, with the first few digits blurred, indicating the sum could potentially range from hundreds of thousands to millions of naira, though she did not personally state the exact amount

Still addressing the backlash, Don Jazzy remarked: “Yet they are labelling her entitled. Pot calling kettle black.”

He criticised those who expect assistance but drag others for receiving help, citing a user, #IamBagzy, who tweeted:

“Hmmm, I’ve been begging you to help me start my business, but you refused, but you can send millions to a girl. I don’t know why people in Nigeria always do this, and I really have a lot of respect for you.” Don Jazzy responded: “Come beat me collect am.”

He further addressed perceptions of entitlement in general, responding to another user, #lex_simon_, who suggested he was upset over the Tech Access Project, “Lmao, one thing is certain from this post.. That 20m laptop guy matter dey vex Don Jazzy.”

Clarifying, he said: “No, it’s not. Anybody I gave that money to would face the same problem he is facing. That’s one of the reasons I don’t have an NGO.

“Cos all of a sudden everyone feels entitled to money that cannot go around everybody. There is no way he will satisfy everyone who needs a laptop here.”

In an earlier tweet reflecting on his philanthropy, he added: “Unfortunately, I can’t help everybody.”

Responding to the N20 million donation, the organiser of the Tech Access Project said he has faced intense backlash, describing the experience as emotionally draining and damaging.

“At some point, I considered refunding the ₦20m, but I decided against it because I didn’t want the naysayers to win,” he said, adding that he felt “exhausted and broken.”

He noted that his team added 15 laptops worth ₦3.9 million from their own funds to make a total of 100, demonstrating accountability.

Despite these efforts, he said the attacks continued, leaving him questioning whether the work was worth the personal toll. “Sometimes I read certain tweets and break down in tears,” he said.

Adding that encouragement from Don Jazzy and appreciative youths has kept him going. “Seeing Don Baba finally clear the air about the 10k Laptops Project left me speechless. It really poured cold water on my boiling emotions,” he said.

 

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Police Arrest Social Media Influencer Peller Over Alleged Attempted Suicide In Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained a 20-year-old social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, over an alleged attempted suicide and reckless driving that resulted in a serious road crash in Lagos.

The arrest followed a viral video that surfaced on Sunday, December 14, 2025, showing the suspect driving dangerously on a public road while live-streaming the act on social media. The incident reportedly led to a severe motor accident, during which the suspect’s life and those of other road users were endangered.

According to the police, Hamzat’s actions constituted a deliberate attempt to take his own life and posed grave danger to innocent members of the public.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, the Command confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.

The statement noted that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough probe, adding that the outcome of the investigation will be made public upon conclusion.

“The suspect will be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the law,” the police said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh, also issued a strong warning to social media influencers, content creators, and members of the public against engaging in or promoting reckless, dangerous, or unlawful acts in the name of content creation.

He cautioned that such actions are capable of causing breach of public peace and untimely loss of lives, stressing that the Command will not tolerate any form of lawlessness.

“The full weight of the law will be applied to anyone found culpable,” the statement added.

The police further urged all road users to strictly comply with traffic regulations, reiterating the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives, maintaining public order, and ensuring safety across the state.

 

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91 Lagosians Lost Their Lives Through Road Crashes In 11 Months - FRSC

The Lagos Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps has disclosed that no fewer than 91 people were killed in various road crashes across the state between January and November 2025.

The FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, recently disclosed this while responding to a question on road crash statistics at a press briefing held at the Sector Command, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos State.

The briefing, which commemorated the annual Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign, was held in partnership with the Beer Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

According to Hamzat, the statistics revealed that October recorded the highest number of fatalities with 14 deaths, followed by January with 13 deaths.

The statistics also showed that February recorded the lowest number of fatalities, with five deaths.

Hamzat stressed that the figures represented a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024.

He attributed the road crashes to three factors, which he identified as human, mechanical, and environmental.

The Lagos FRSC Sector Commander noted that while mechanical and environmental factors could be managed, human factors were often the major cause of road crashes.

Speaking on the notorious nature of the Otedola Bridge and Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, he noted that motorists’ inability to manage the engineering challenges at Otedola Bridge and indiscriminate roadside parking at Kara Bridge were responsible for most crashes along the corridor.

Hamzat noted, however, that motorists must take responsibility for their safety even as the government works on solutions.

He said, “There are three factors that cause road traffic crashes, and they are human, mechanical, and environmental. Human beings can take care of the other two factors because someone who has been driving a road over a period of time should know that when they get to certain areas, they should drive with care.

“When you ask a mechanic to repair your brake system, it will surprise you that the mechanic will drive your vehicle from your house to his workshop. That is being careful; that is the human factor taking care of the mechanical factor.

“We have observed that the engineering nature of that area (Otedola Bridge) has challenges, not because the road is not wide enough, but because of human failure to manage mechanical factors.”

Hamzat added that the agency had played its advisory role on the engineering challenges of the Otedola Bridge and had also urged the Lagos State Government to engage its Ogun State counterpart on addressing the indiscriminate roadside parking at the Kara section.

 

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48 Shops Go Up In Flames In Elegushi Market Fire Incident

An early morning fire that rocked the Elegushi Model Market complex in the Lekki area of Lagos State has left no fewer than 48 shops destroyed.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement.

According to the PS, the agency received an emergency alert at about 2 am on Sunday and, upon arrival at the scene, discovered that the market complex was engulfed in flames.

He noted that the emergency response team immediately contained the fire to prevent it from causing further damage.

Oke-Osanyintolu stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the fire emanated from a makeshift stall within the market complex before spreading to the main building, adding that no lives were lost in the incident.

He stated, “Preliminary investigations conducted by the Shark Response Team revealed that the fire started from one of the makeshift stalls within the compound of the market and quickly escalated to the main building. The cause of the fire was not known at the time of this report.

“No life was lost, and no injuries were sustained as a result of the incident.

“Collaborative efforts by all stakeholders ensured coordinated firefighting to completely extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjoining buildings.”

He, however, stressed that a post-disaster assessment revealed that 48 shops were affected by the fire.

The PS added that traders were further sensitised on fire prevention and management strategies to avert future occurrences.

“Forty-eight shops were affected by the fire. The market union executives were advised to place fire extinguishers in strategic locations to enable them to arrest or control minor fires before they escalate and spread.

“Shop owners were also advised to be more conscious of fire outbreaks and fire prevention measures. Smoke detectors and fire alarms are to be installed within the premises,” Oke-Osanyintolu concluded.

 

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How Lagos Wife Faked Own Kidnap To Extort N2.5 Million From Husband

A 26-year-old woman, Misturah, is presently cooling off in the custody of the Lagos state police command. Misturah was arrested for allegedly staging her own abduction and extorting N2.5m from her husband under the guise of a kidnapping.

Lagos Today Extra! gathered that the incident was reported to the police on November 24 when a lawyer, Hamzat (surname withheld), contacted the police to report that his brother’s wife had been kidnapped by unknown armed men.

A source in the Lagos State Police Command, who spoke with newsmen, said the supposed abductors demanded a ransom of N10m for Misturah’s release.

According to the source, the amount was later reduced to N3m during negotiations, after which a sum of N2.5m was eventually paid.

“Following the report of her supposed kidnapping, the command registered the incident for investigation.

“During ransom negotiations, the kidnappers reduced their demand to N3m. Subsequently, a sum of N2.5m was paid; however, the kidnappers initially refused to release the hostage.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, a team of police officers was deployed to track and rescue the victim.

“Before operatives could locate the suspected criminals’ hideout, the complainant contacted the squad and reported that the victim had been released and reunited with her family,” the source narrated.

The police source further stated that Misturah was subsequently invited to the command headquarters the following day, where she was debriefed and her statement recorded.

In her account, she reportedly claimed she was kidnapped by six armed men who arrived in a silver Toyota Venza and took her to an undisclosed location.

She also alleged that her iPhone 12 Pro Max was seized and that she was released only after the payment of N2.5m.

She further told detectives that the ransom money was first paid into her bank account before it was handed over to the kidnappers, insisting that the entire sum was delivered to them.

The police source, however, noted that further investigation raised suspicions, leading to the arrest of a 30-year-old man, identified simply as Daniel, on December 3, in Ede, Osun State.

The source said, “A SIM card used to register the WhatsApp account through which ransom negotiations were conducted was recovered from Adedamola.

“During interrogation, he stated that Misturah was an online acquaintance of about two years and that she requested the use of his SIM card to register a WhatsApp account.

“He stated that during the registration process, a one-time password was sent to him, which he forwarded to Misturah, enabling her to activate the WhatsApp account.

“He further stated that she informed him that the phone number would be used to resolve some personal issues.

“He claimed that after she concluded her use of the number, she deactivated the WhatsApp account and later informed him.

“However, he later began receiving multiple messages on the same line, which eventually caused WhatsApp to log him out of his own account.

“Upon contacting Misturah, she told him that she had used the account to settle issues between herself and her husband, one Ridwan, who is based in South Africa.”

Confronted with Daniel’s confession after a police invitation, Misturah was said to have admitted to faking her kidnapping to extort money from her husband.

It was further gathered that findings also led to the recovery of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which she earlier claimed was with the kidnappers.

“The phone was recovered from one Yusuf Sodiq, 34, to whom she allegedly sold it for N380,000. She warned the buyer not to insert any SIM card into the device until a later time,” the source added.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.

“Investigations are ongoing, and appropriate charges will be filed at the conclusion of the probe,” she said.

 

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Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu Rewards 177 Public Servants With Cars And N165.5 Million

No Less than 177 outstanding public servants in Lagos State were yesterday rewarded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

Five of the 99 selected senior civil servants won brand-new cars in a raffle draw, while 94 received N1 million each. In the junior category, five outstanding staff received N5 million each, while 73 received N500,000 each.

Sanwo-Olu also announced the promotion of the Director-General of the Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation, Mrs Toyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa, to the position of a Permanent Secretary and announced a donation of N10 million to staff of the Office for putting Lagos on the national and global landscape.

The cars and cash gifts were announced and presented during the 2025 Mr. Governor’s luncheon with outstanding officers of Lagos State Public Service selected across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the State.

Speaking during the event held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, in Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged public servants in the State to remain diligent and consistent in discharging their duties and to show excellence, noting that hard work would not go unnoticed.

Sanwo-Olu, who implored public servants not to relent in their dedication, commitment and consistency in the discharge of their duties, encouraged the awardees to continue to show excellence and keep up their good work always.

The governor said the recognition of outstanding officers was a deliberate effort to reward excellence and encourage consistency in service delivery. He urged them to identify their strengths, continually refine them, and remain committed to high standards, stressing that excellence must be sustained over time.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the achievements recorded across the state were the result of collective effort, adding that public service remains central to effective governance and development.

Speaking earlier, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, noted that the 177 outstanding officers in both junior and senior categories were selected after a rigorous and transparent process out of 312 nominations from different MDAs.

Agoro, who commended Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support, leadership, and commitment to the welfare of public servants, enjoined the staff to exhibit a high sense of responsibility, diligence, and commitment to duty.

He said the luncheon marked the grand finale of the 2025 Public Service Week, which featured medical screenings, fitness walks, donations to children with disabilities, long-service awards, a government lecture, and talent competitions.

 

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