Child Abuse: Foundation Takes Advocacy To School In Oshodi

An advocacy group, Edge Foundation, has sensitised children in the Oshodi area of Lagos State on the dangers of bullying, sexual abuse and child labour, urging them to speak up against all forms of abuse and prioritise their personal safety.

The founder of Edge Foundation, Casmir Ozuruigbo, spoke on Wednesday during a Children’s Day sensitisation programme held at the St John Catholic Church, Oshodi, Lagos State.

Speaking on the reason behind the initiative, the broadcast journalist said the programme was driven by a long-standing passion to protect children from sexual abuse, bullying and child labour.

According to him, many adults experienced different forms of abuse while growing up, making it important to educate children on their rights and personal safety.

Ozuruigbo stressed the need for children to understand that they deserve to live freely without fear of abuse or intimidation.

He said, “It’s not just about doing sensitisation. It has been a long-burning passion in me to help children and ensure they stay safe.

“If we are being honest with ourselves as adults, when we trace back to our childhood, most of us either experienced sexual harassment, child labour or some form of abuse.

“It is really important that today, being Children’s Day, we use it to highlight the need for children to understand the powers they have and to know they are just children and should simply live freely without being subjected to sexual abuse, child labour or bullying.”

Commenting on the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, Ozuruigbo said the rising insecurity could discourage many children from embracing education.

“Children currently do not have a sense of safety due to the rising insecurity in the country.

“We saw what happened recently in Oyo State, where children were abducted in large numbers, and teachers were killed. Even recently, 42 children were also abducted in Borno State.

“The government is trying, but they are not doing enough. It appears the government of Bola Tinubu is overwhelmed when it comes to tackling insecurity.

“Now, when children no longer feel safe in school, going to school will stop being interesting to them. They may begin to withdraw because when they hear stories of children being kidnapped from schools, they will tell their parents they do not want to go to school anymore,” he said.

Explaining why the initiative focused on Oshodi, Ozuribo described the area as one of the communities where children faced difficult living conditions.

“When you mention Oshodi, Agege, Mushin or Ajegunle, these are places we are currently focusing on.

“When you look around, you notice that children from such areas often grow up under tougher conditions compared to children raised in places like Ikeja, Magodo, Ikoyi or Lekki,” he said.

He disclosed that the foundation had obtained approval from the Oshodi Local Government to carry out sensitisation programmes in public primary schools within the area.

Ozuribo said the foundation hoped to reach as many Nigerian children as possible through its advocacy and awareness campaigns.

The highlight of the sensitisation included practical lectures on identifying sexual abuse, bullying and how to report them.

  

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Lagosians Will Soon Start Paying Rent Monthly And Quarterly - Commissioner For Housing

The Lagos State Government has said plans are being finalised to introduce a monthly and quarterly rent payment system aimed at reducing the financial

burden of annual rent on residents, especially low-income earners.

The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing commemorating the third year of

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Akinderu-Fatai said the initiative was conceived following the success of the state’s rent-to-own housing policy, which allows beneficiaries to make an

initial five per cent payment and spread the balance over 10 years.

According to him, “Lagos State Government introduced a rent-to-own scheme that allows tenants to own their homes by paying an initial five per cent and

then spreading payments over 10 years.”

The commissioner explained that the government was looking beyond home ownership to ease rental pressures on Lagos residents through a more flexible payment

structure.

“The success of this initiative encouraged the need to promote the implementation of monthly and quarterly rent to provide succour to rent seekers,” he

said.

He added, “This will replace the burden of yearly rent payment, especially for low-income earners.”

Akinderu-Fatai, however, noted that certain challenges were still delaying the rollout of the policy.

“Factors impeding the take-off of this initiative are being examined with the engagement of all direct and indirect stakeholders in the real estate business,”

he said.

The commissioner nevertheless assured Lagos residents that the government remained committed to implementing the scheme.

“I want to use this medium to reaffirm the state government’s commitment to this programme and that plans are being perfected to effect the pilot phase

of this initiative,” he stated.

The proposed rent payment structure comes amid rising housing pressure in Lagos, which the commissioner described as the epicentre of Nigeria’s housing

demand due to rapid urban migration and population growth.

  

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Lagos Adds Ante Natal, Surgery, Others To Health Insurance Scheme

Lagos State residents enrolled in the free one-year health insurance package launched by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority can now access major and minor surgeries, antenatal and postnatal care, specialist consultations and family planning services.

The authority disclosed this during a medical outreach to residents of Festac.

During the outreach, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, represented by Kazeem Olanipekun, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to extending quality healthcare to all corners of Lagos.

He said the free health insurance scheme being undertaken for Lagosians is being implemented at the directive of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with a mandate and commitment to improving the well-being of Lagos citizens through a series of strategic health interventions.

Are said, “We try as much as possible to reach every part of Lagos State. This programme, created by the Lagos State Health and Management Agency, is intended to provide quality healthcare services to residents in towns and communities that make up the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State.

“At the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, we are supporting the State to reach as many people as possible, because it’s a State Government mandate. We are giving this opportunity to our people for quality and proper Ilera Eko; our people must be healthy. Now, our people can access sound and quality healthcare in almost all the hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the Country.”

A representative of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Lucas Aladeusi, stressed that the scheme was not restricted to public facilities.

“We need to tell Lagosians that we are not restricted to public hospitals and primary healthcare centres, we are also partnering with private hospitals and clinics within and outside Lagos State,” he said.

Aladeusi added that the agency had significantly expanded the scope of available services under the package.

“The Agency has gone a step further by expanding the access to minor and major surgeries, clinical tests, antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, in addition to the patient’s registration, general and specialist consultations, among others,” he stated.

He noted that the outreach had already covered Lagos Island, Agege and Ikorodu before arriving at Festac, adding that the scheme was open to all residents who live and work in Lagos State.

“The scheme is social health insurance scheme by the Lagos State Government to ensure that people that live and work in Lagos State have access to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare. So, today, we are partnering with the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority to provide free health insurance services for the people of the State,” Aladeusi said.

Earlier in May, the authority said it secured a free health insurance package for 1,320 residents across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The free package, offered under the ILERA EKO scheme in partnership with the Lagos State Health Management Agency, covers 1,320 residents across the state’s three senatorial districts for one year.

The ILERA EKO scheme, launched by the state government to drive universal health coverage, is designed to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for residents and improve access to quality healthcare services across public and private facilities accredited by the Lagos State Health Management Agency.

  

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Ebola: No Suspected Cases In Lagos, Health Commissioner Assures

The Lagos State Government has assured residents that there are no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease in the state amid concerns over outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in a statement, said there was no cause for alarm, stressing that no suspected case of Ebola had been detected in Lagos.

Abayomi explained that, as a major entry point into Nigeria, Lagos was closely monitoring developments surrounding the Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, in line with directives from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following the spread of a rare strain of the virus with no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

There have been more than 1,000 suspected cases and over 250 reported deaths, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

So far, there are no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has assured Nigerians that there is no need to panic.

According to the NCDC, the country has the capacity to combat the disease as it is actively maintaining nationwide surveillance and emergency preparedness measures.

On May 24, 2026, the Nigeria Immigration Service allayed the fears that the country’s land borders can serve as unchecked entry points for the Ebola virus currently ravaging DRC and Uganda.

Speaking further, Abayomi said Lagos’ robust and tested biosecurity architecture remains fully activated and prepared to detect, contain, and respond rapidly to Ebola and any biological threat.

According to him, Lagos has, over the years, built a resilient and outbreak-tested biosecurity system designed for continuous year-round preparedness and response against high-consequence infectious diseases, including Ebola, Lassa Fever, and Influenza.

“The Lagos Biosecurity Bio-shield was built to protect and remains ready to respond to biological shocks. Preparedness for us is not a temporary reaction; it is a permanent culture embedded within our health system.

“The State’s preparedness framework was first rigorously tested during the Ebola outbreak and significantly strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains actively engaged in responding to recurrent public health challenges, such as Cholera, Diphtheria, and Lassa Fever outbreaks,” the commissioner said.

Abayomi highlighted Lagos’ readiness architecture to include Lagos Incident Command System, which enables the rapid deployment of government resources and ensures seamless executive coordination during public health emergencies, and is led directly by Sanwo-Olu as Incident Commander.

He said the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre remains operational around the clock, with a dedicated network of highly trained epidemiologists and disease surveillance specialists who can be rapidly deployed for outbreak investigation and containment.

According to him, the Lagos State Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, continues to maintain a state of readiness through its infectious disease specialists.

Abayomi added that the Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility located within the hospital remains on enhanced surveillance operations for the real-time diagnosis and monitoring of high-risk pathogens.

He said the government was in collaboration with the Port Health Authorities for proper scrutiny.

“All flights arriving from East and Central Africa are receiving heightened public health attention and scrutiny as part of precautionary measures to strengthen early detection and risk mitigation,” he said.

The commissioner noted that Lagos has integrated community health workers, community development associations, and civil society organisations into its early warning and disease surveillance network.

Additionally, he said strategic emergency stockpiles, including personal protective equipment, gloves, sanitizers, and other critical commodities, have been pre-positioned across key locations.

He noted that ambulance services remain strategically deployed to support rapid emergency response.

“Our focus remains firmly on prevention, early detection, prompt reporting, and swift multi-sectoral response. Lagos remains vigilant, organised, and safe,” Abayomi said.

Abayomi advised residents, particularly those who recently travelled to affected areas in Congo or Uganda, or who have had close contact with individuals returning from those countries and have medical concerns, to promptly seek guidance through emergency channels.

  

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More Than 8,000 Health Professionals, Over 500 Exhibitors From More Than 40 Countries To Converge In Lagos For World Health Expo

West Africa’s healthcare industry will converge in Lagos next week as World Health Expo (WHX) officially opens at the Landmark Centre from 2–4 June 2026, bringing together healthcare leaders, distributors, buyers, investors, laboratory professionals and policymakers from across the region and around the world.

Positioned as the gateway to West Africa’s healthcare economy, WHX is expected to welcome more than 8,000 professional visitors, over 500 exhibitors, participants from more than 40 countries and more than 30 expert speakers for three days of business networking, procurement discussions, investment opportunities and industry insights.

Digitisation in African healthcare is delivering real results: hospitals are centralising data, cutting administrative overheads and keeping patient journeys intact, from their first doctor’s visit through to their follow‑up. According to WHX Insights, digital health investments in Africa reached US$3.8 billion in 2023 and are expected to grow at 23.4% a year, reaching US$16.6 billion by 2030. From operating rooms in Lagos to rural clinics in Kigali, hospitals are leveraging technology to transform healthcare delivery, enabling more accurate diagnoses, reducing operational costs, and extending quality care to previously underserved communities.

Nigeria’s healthcare market, serving a population of over 230 million, is undergoing a structural shift, driven by an increasing demand for quality medical equipment, diagnostics, and digital‑health infrastructure. At the same time, the government’s Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and Medipool‑style pooled‑procurement platforms are creating new, centralised routes for suppliers to access public‑sector contracts at scale. This evolving landscape is transforming Nigeria into a high‑value procurement hub for device manufacturers, diagnostics firms and digital‑health providers across the region and beyond.

WHX will highlight how digitisation is delivering tangible returns on investment in African hospitals. From integrated electronic health records and AI‑assisted imaging to smart lab workflows, suppliers will demonstrate how connected technologies reduce operational costs, shorten turnaround times, and improve patient outcomes. These platforms are increasingly attractive to Nigerian hospitals and procurement bodies who seek long‑term value, not just upfront price, when outfitting diagnostic centres and treatment facilities.

“As a leading platform for product discovery, WHX lets buyers explore and compare the full spectrum of healthcare and diagnostics products: from essential consumables to advanced laboratory and diagnostic systems, with every supplier selected for direct relevance to the West African market. By strengthening medical trade across West Africa, WHX helps accelerate procurement, unlock new supply chains, and scale innovations that widen access to quality care,” said Njide Ndili, President, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, the leading private sector healthcare coalition established to strengthen coordination, advocacy and industry development across the healthcare value chain. “The Healthcare Federation is proud to be a partner to WHX and convenes the Healthcare Market Access & Policy Leadership Forum for policy makers and the private sector during the three-day exhibition.”

WHX brings together Nigeria’s and West Africa’s most influential healthcare buyers, hospital managers, laboratory directors, and government‑linked procurement bodies with a curated selection of global and regional suppliers. Key sectors represented will include diagnostics, medical imaging, healthcare infrastructure, laboratory technologies, medical devices, IT solutions, wellness products, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, and healthcare services.

New features at WHX include an integrated Lab Zone, showcasing diagnostics, equipment, and consumables with live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, expert insights and buyer matchmaking to drive commercial outcomes. WHX Connect is a curated distributor networking programme that brings together verified distributors specialising in pharma, lab equipment, medical devices, and consumables with key exhibitors to enable meaningful business connections across the healthcare supply chain.

The 2026 edition of WHX will share insights that matter across three dynamic partner-led forums — the Healthcare Market Access & Policy Leadership Forum on 2 June, under the theme “Enabling Market-Ready Health Systems: The Role of Diagnostics, Digital Infrastructure, and Human Capital” and in partnership with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria; The Hospital Investment & Buyer Leadership Forum, held in collaboration with ABCHealth on 3 June; and the Heads of Laboratory Forum on 4 June, held in partnership with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria —creating opportunities for market expansion and strategic partnerships. Each Leadership Forum gathers the region’s top healthcare leaders to spark real change in policy, investment, and decision‑making across Nigeria and West Africa.

“When WHX convenes in Lagos next week, it will be a real moment for the region — we’re bringing together buyers, suppliers, investors and policy leaders in one place to get deals done and ideas moving. WHX isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a hub and a connector that accelerates collaboration across West Africa’s healthcare value chain, opening immediate opportunities for procurement, partnerships and innovation that will improve access and outcomes across the region,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director – Healthcare, Informa Markets.

The WHX portfolio includes three key healthcare events in Africa, held in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Lagos. These events form a unified platform that connects global brands with regional distributors.

  

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Lagos APC Unveils Reps And Assembly Candidates For 2027 Elections

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled the candidates who emerged from its House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The list, released by the state chairman of the party, Cornelius Ojelabi, contains 24 candidates for the House of Representatives and 40 flagbearers for the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Among the notable names is Mudashiru Obasa, who secured the APC ticket for Agege Federal Constituency. His emergence is expected to generate political interest given his longstanding influence in Lagos politics and the state legislature.

Other prominent aspirants who clinched House of Representatives tickets include James Abiodun Faleke for Ikeja Federal Constituency and Babajimi Benson for Ikorodu Federal Constituency.

The party also cleared Muftau Egberongbe for Apapa, Moses Olanrewaju for Amuwo-Odofin, Adeyemi Alli for Mushin I, Moses Oluwatosin Fayinka for Mushin II, and Fuad Kayode Laguda for Surulere I.

Lanre Okunnola emerged for Surulere II, while Fuad Atanda-Lawal secured the Eti-Osa ticket. Bello Monsuru Oloyede won the Oshodi-Isolo II primary, and Kolade David Alabi clinched the Somolu ticket.

Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo emerged for Ifako-Ijaiye, Bolaji Kayode Robert secured the Ojo ticket, while Paul Abioye Kalejaiye won in Ajeromi-Ifelodun.

For Lagos Island I and II, the party picked Dolapo Badru and Kayode Moshood Akiolu respectively.

In Alimosho Federal Constituency, Olabisi Adebanjo emerged as the APC candidate, becoming the only female among the party’s 24 House of Representatives flagbearers.

Other candidates include Adebayo Balogun for Ibeju-Lekki, Taiwo Aiyedun for Oshodi-Isolo I, Dele Osinowo for Kosofe, Segun Adeniran Onilude for Badagry, Wale Raji for Epe, and Adekunle Omolaja for Lagos Mainland.

For the Lagos State House of Assembly primaries, Mojisola Meranda emerged as the APC candidate for Apapa Constituency I, while Musibau Lawal secured the ticket for Apapa II.

Barakat Bakare-Odunuga won the Surulere I primary, Damilola Ayinde-Marshall emerged for Surulere II, and Oluwagbemiga Abiola secured the Agege I ticket.

The party also announced Saheed Bankole for Eti-Osa I, Gbolahan Yishawu for Eti-Osa II, Oladipo Olayinka Ajomale for Oshodi-Isolo I, and Mayowa Alakija for Oshodi-Isolo II.

In Ikorodu, Toyin Gafar and Moshood Aro emerged for Ikorodu I and II respectively, while Orekoya Abiodun and Moruf Alli-Balogun secured the Somolu I and II tickets.

Temitope Adedeji Adewale and Rasheed Lanre Makinde emerged for Ifako-Ijaiye I and II, while Oluwaseun Adebisi Ege and Suraju Tijani won the Ojo I and II primaries.

For Ikeja Constituencies I and II, Adedamola Kasumu and Adeseyi Lawal secured the party’s tickets.

Saad Lukmon Olumoh emerged for Ajeromi-Ifelodun I, while Sabur Akanbi Oluwa won the ticket for Ajeromi-Ifelodun II.

In Lagos Island, Lara Olumegbon-Lawal clinched the ticket for Constituency I, while Yusuf Nurudeen Abiodun emerged for Constituency II.

Olatunji Lukmon Jimoh-Orelope and Joseph Kehinde also secured the APC tickets for Alimosho I and II respectively.

  

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ADC 2027: Adio Appoints Sulaiman As Campaign DG For Eti-Osa II Race

The campaign organisation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly election, Ayodele Adio, has appointed veteran political mobiliser, Balogun Sulaiman Olajide, as its Director-General ahead of the forthcoming poll.

The appointment, announced on Monday, is seen as part of efforts by the opposition to strengthen its campaign structure and challenge the dominance of the ruling party in the constituency.

Speaking after his inauguration, Sulaiman thanked the candidate and members of the campaign team for the confidence placed in him, pledging to deploy his political experience and grassroots network toward securing victory at the election.

He said the campaign was committed to making history in the constituency by delivering it to the opposition for the first time since the country returned to democratic governance in 1999.

According to him, the campaign would focus on issues affecting residents, including youth empowerment, infrastructural development, and improved representation.

“We are determined to make history in Eti-Osa Constituency II. This is a movement driven by the people, and by the grace of God and the support of residents, we will deliver this constituency to the opposition for the first time since 1999.”

Adio described the appointment as a strategic decision aimed at boosting the campaign’s organisational strength and grassroots mobilisation across Eti-Osa Constituency II.

The ADC candidate expressed confidence in Sulaiman’s leadership ability and understanding of the political landscape in the constituency, while urging party supporters and volunteers to cooperate fully with the new Director-General.

“I have absolute confidence in the ability of Balogun Sulaiman Olajide to lead this campaign effectively. He is experienced, committed, and understands the political terrain of Eti-Osa. I urge all our supporters, party faithful, and volunteers to give him the maximum cooperation and support needed to achieve our collective goal.”

Sulaiman is regarded as an influential figure within political circles in Eti-Osa and Lagos State, having previously held several positions in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Ward Secretary, Local Government Secretary, and Party Leader. His supporters believe his experience in grassroots mobilisation could prove significant for the campaign.

  

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Lagos Police Burst Kidnappers Gang, Arrest 10 Suspects, Recover Arms

The Lagos State Police Command has recorded major security breakthroughs in May 2026, including the foiling of a kidnap attempt, the neutralisation of four suspected kidnappers, the arrest of 10 suspects, and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other items linked to criminal operations across the state. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, disclosed this during a press briefing on the Command’s activities for the month under review, attributing the successes to sustained intelligence-led policing, rapid response operations and coordinated crime prevention strategies.

According to him, operatives on May 24, 2026, successfully foiled a planned kidnapping operation in the Jakande Estate Gate area of Ejigbo after receiving credible intelligence about a gang allegedly targeting a businessman in the area.

He said police operatives came under heavy gunfire when they moved in on the suspects, resulting in a fierce exchange during which four members of the gang were neutralised, while one suspect escaped with gunshot wounds.

A police officer was also injured in the leg during the operation and is currently receiving treatment.

Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, a submachine gun with loaded magazines, a Toyota Sienna vehicle, and several vehicle keys believed to belong to stolen cars used by the gang.

 

The Command also announced the arrest of a 57-year-old suspect in Ibadan, Oyo State, who allegedly stole a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to his employer and attempted to alter the vehicle’s documents to evade detection. The bus was eventually recovered after sustained tracking operations.

In another intelligence-led operation, police operatives recovered a locally fabricated firearm from the residence of a suspected cult leader in the Igando area of Lagos following surveillance linked to cult-related activities.

The police further disclosed the arrest of a suspect connected to a petroleum theft case valued at over ₦1 billion.

The suspect, who was tracked to Delta State, reportedly confessed during interrogation and led investigators to the recovery of assets and cash valued at more than ₦300 million.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect currently at large.

In a separate case, detectives uncovered a staged kidnapping plot involving a scrap dealer who allegedly conspired with accomplices to fake his own abduction in a bid to extort ₦1.5 million from his employer.

Investigations revealed that the suspects recorded a video of the fake abduction before later confessing after detectives identified inconsistencies in their claims.

Meanwhile, two suspected vehicle vandals were arrested in Bariga following an alarm raised by residents, while a stolen Toyota

Sienna and other exhibits were recovered.
In another stop-and-search operation along Shasha Road, operatives intercepted a vehicle containing a loaded revolver pistol and a knife.

The Command also recovered a locally fabricated firearm abandoned by fleeing suspects in Ikola after a reported robbery attempt. The suspects reportedly fled on sighting police operatives, abandoning both a motorcycle and the weapon.

The police leadership assured residents that the Command remains committed to sustaining aggressive patrols, surveillance and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Lagos State.

It added that all suspects would be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance public safety.

  

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Nollywood Actor Chinedu Ikedieze aka 'Aki' Bags Chieftaincy Title

Nollywood star actor Chinedu Ikedieze has been conferred with a chieftaincy title in Eluoma Uzuakoli Autonomous Community, Abia State.

The actor, popularly known as Aki, announced the development on his Instagram page.

He was ordained a Chief with the title MFR, IHIE 1 of Eluoma Uzuakoli.

“My people, I present to you Chief Chinedu Ikedieze – MFR, IHIE 1 of Eluoma Uzuakoli Autonomous Community, Abia State,” he wrote.

Ikedieze is a seasoned actor known for his role in the 2002 film ‘Aki na Ukwa’.

He was awarded Member of the Federal Republic, MFR, by the Nigerian government in 2010.

Traditional titles are conferred by communities to recognise contributions to cultural and social development. 

Ikedieze is a legendary Nigerian actor, entrepreneur, and producer. Born on December 12, 1977, in Abia State, he revolutionized Nollywood comedy alongside his frequent on-screen partner Osita Iheme (Pawpaw). He is celebrated for his iconic role in the 2002 film Aki na Ukwa.

Born in Iluoma Uzuakoli, Abia State, Chinedu Ikedieze grew up in a family of traders. Despite his short stature and physical appearance—which often led to him being cast in youthful roles early in his career—he became a towering figure in the entertainment industry. He holds a degree in Mass Communication from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu.

Ikedieze began his acting career with minor roles, making his screen debut in the 1998 movie Evil Men. His massive breakthrough arrived in 2002 when he starred alongside Osita Iheme in the blockbuster comedy Aki na Ukwa. The movie launched them into global stardom, establishing a dynamic duo often compared to international comedic pairs. In a career spanning over two decades, he has featured in over 150 films, including classics like Two Rats, and Tom and Jerry,

For his immense contributions to the Nigerian film industry, he has received numerous accolades, including Actor in a Comedy at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR)—a prestigious national honor awarded by the Nigerian government.

Outside of the screen, Ikedieze is a successful investor and entrepreneur with ventures in media, fashion, branding, and tourism. He co-owns Aki and Pawpaw Entertainment Nigeria Limited.

He maintains a relatively private personal life. He was married to fashion designer Nneoma Nwaijah in 2011, with whom he shares children. He later remarried Stephanie Promise, and the couple welcomed a son together.

  

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How I Became An Excellent Father But A Woeful Husband - Actor Jim Iyke

    Actor Jim Iyke has revealed that his marriage ended after a prolonged emotional low changed his personality and affected his relationship at home.

Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Iyke said he lost his drive and confidence during a difficult period in his life.

According to him, the change caused him to withdraw from his role as a husband and focus intensely on fatherhood instead.

He explained that he became a stay-at-home dad who devoted all his energy to his son, but admitted he failed to meet his wife’s emotional needs and over time, she told him she no longer recognised the man she married.

Iyke said he was honest with her about his struggles and told her he could not say how long recovery would take.

He asked for her patience but also said he understood if she chose not to wait.

He said: “I lost my spark I lost the lion and leader in me, and my wife suffered for it. And then I became an obsessive dad. I gave everything in me to my son. I was a proper stay-at-home dad.  

“I became an excellent father but a woeful husband. After a while, she said, “I can’t find the man I married anymore.” I told her, “I don’t know what it’d take for me to heal and bring myself back.  

“If you want to wait for me, I’d appreciate it. And if you can’t, I would understand. She said she couldn’t, so we shook hands and parted as friends.”

 The Nollywood actor has severally and openly admitted fault for the breakdown of the union, taking responsibility for the failure of the marriage. He detailed the circumstances in interviews with media personalities like Chude Jideonwo and Toke Makinwa. 

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