"Please Forgive Me", Pastor Chris Okafor Publicly Apologizes To Actress Doris Ogala, Kneeling Before His Congregation

The embattled Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor has publicly apologised to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala. The pastor  tendered his apologies on Sunday, kneeling before his congregation admitting that he was an imperfect human who is prone to mistakes. 

The apology comes amid a heated public feud that has dominated social media, with Ogala accusing Okafor of an affair, broken marriage promises, sharing explicit content, and offering her $10,000 to retract claims that she was hired by rival pastors to defame him.

In a viral video shared by @NigeriaStories on X on Sunday, Okafor is seen at the pulpit, microphone in hand, addressing the congregation.

“Listen, we’re not joining issues. Mistakes have been made in the past, and I tender an apology to everybody,” Okafor said.

He specifically named Ogala, stating, “I am sorry to everyone I have offended, to Doris Ogala also. I say sorry and apologise to everyone that I’ve offended.”

Okafor reiterated his willingness to make amends, saying, “I’m ready to make a restitution to anyone, anybody, any lady I have offended. I am sorry. Forgive me.”

Acknowledging his imperfections, he added, “Not perfect, I’ve never been perfect.”

The pastor then knelt before the church, a gesture that drew cheers from the congregation, as he continued, “I’m kneeling down before everyone and before the church. Forgive me. You can judge me. Pray for me.”

Despite the apology, Okafor maintained that “everything that was said is not true,” insisting that many of Ogala’s allegations contained “so many lies.”

This position appeared to fuel further controversy, as Ogala responded during an Instagram Live session, forgiving him but rejecting his claim that she lied about the accusations.

“CHRIS OKAFOR, I FORGIVE YOU, BUT THERE’S A PROBLEM. WHERE YOU SAID EVERYTHING IS A LIE. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT BECAUSE I DON’T LIE,” she wrote.

This followed the cleric’s wedding to his new bride, identified as Pearl, which reportedly took place earlier in the week.

Okafor was said to have proceeded with the ceremony despite Ogala’s viral accusations of betrayal, emotional manipulation and reneging on a promise of marriage after an alleged long-term relationship.

In several videos shared earlier this month, Ogala tearfully accused Okafor of ruining her life following a relationship she claimed spanned several years, beginning around 2017.

She alleged that she ended her previous marriage at his urging and suffered emotional distress when the relationship was abruptly terminated.

Okafor had previously dismissed the allegations, saying he would leave the matter to legal authorities.

However, sustained public pressure and Ogala’s refusal to back down appear to have prompted the cleric’s public apology.

 

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"Eyo Festival Is Not An Avenue For Personal Profit", Oba Akiolu Warns Participants As Lagosians Get Set For Festival

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, has announced that the Eyo Festival will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in honour of the late Chief Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, as well as the late Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.

Oba Akiolu made the announcement during a media briefing at the palace in Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island, attended by the White Cap Chiefs. He assured residents and tourists of adequate security before, during, and after the festival, while warning participating masquerades against harassing spectators, fun seekers, or other participants.

“Eyo is not an avenue to make money for any chief. It is our sacred heritage and must be treated with dignity, not an avenue for personal profit,” the monarch said.

This year’s festival will be held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and restricted to Lagos Island, with 100 buses planned to transport participants from across the state to the venue.

The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a traditional Yoruba festival held on Lagos Island. It celebrates the city’s ancestral heritage and is used to guide the souls of departed kings and chiefs to the afterlife.

Eyo masquerades: Participants, known as Eyo, dress in white robes, veils, and color-coded hats (Aga cap), carrying long staffs (Opambata).

The procession: Eyo groups emerge from the palaces (Iga) of ruling families and proceed to the shrine (Agodo), accompanied by singing, drumming, and dancing.

Today, the festival also serves as a major tourist attraction and is sometimes organized for special state functions, while maintaining its cultural and spiritual significance.

As part of the activities running up to the main event, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted representatives of the families of Jakande, Johnsons, Mogaji, and Otedola. 

The event took place at the State House Marina, Lagos, amid colourful display of Eyo masquerades and other performers.

Speaking at the event, the Governor said the 2025 Eyo Festival will showcase the deepness of Lagos cultural heritage, explaining that it is a ceremony that holds together the local and international friends and audience of Lagos.

He said: “We know that there is a rich tradition and culture in Lagos, because they say that a people without a culture will go into extinction. If you don’t have a culture you are not relevant. What are you living for? What are you passing on?

“So, it will be a cultural event that we will use to demonstrate to all of our visitors and friends that Lagos is not only the centre of excellence, or the commercial nerve centre of the country; it is also the melting point of culture and tourism.

“So, I want to formally acknowledge and thank all of you for coming out in large number this afternoon to demonstrate your support,” the Governor said.

The iconic Eyo Festival is staging its comeback after eight years of absence. It is scheduled to hold at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos on December 27, 2025. 

 

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Many Women Suffer Abuse In Silence Because Of Economic Dependence - Mrs Falana

A clarion call has been made to well meaning Nigerians on the need to empower women and, in the process, protect their dignity. The call was made by Mrs Funmi Falana, A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the founder of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid.  Mrs Falana emphasised that economic empowerment is crucial for protecting women’s rights and restoring dignity to the less privileged.

She spoke at the graduation ceremony of 17 students of WELA Vocational Training College, held in commemoration of International Human Rights Day.

The event, themed “Building Lives, Restoring Hope,” took place in Ikeja, Lagos.

In her welcome address, Falana stressed that economic empowerment bridges the gap between access to justice and the ability to enforce rights.

She highlighted WELA’s mandate to defend women’s rights, educate women on their legal entitlements, and use strategic litigation to advance protections for women and vulnerable persons.

“Many women continue to suffer in silence because of economic dependence,” she said, noting that fear of losing financial support often prevents victims from speaking out.

She cited cases handled by WELA, including a young girl who was molested, insisting perpetrators must be held accountable regardless of their status or relationship to victims.

Falana described the vocational training programme as crucial to achieving financial independence, as the event saw the showcase of products made by graduates, such as handbags, dresses, and wigs.

She noted that this year’s graduation recorded the lowest number of students -17, compared to previous years when 38 to 50 students were trained.

Beyond women’s empowerment, she said WELA collaborates with the Nigerian Correctional Service to rehabilitate ex-offenders.

She added, “Many former inmates return to crime due to a lack of post-release support.

“Under WELA’s initiative, released inmates are accommodated at the WELA Home hostel in Agege or reunited with families while undergoing a three-month rehabilitation process, including skills training.

“WELA also assists homeless persons and drug addicts, whom she popularly called “Jesus Boys,” and is building a rehabilitation centre in Mowe to expand interventions.”

Falana announced the commissioning of the WELA Football Club to engage rehabilitated youths and keep them away from crime through sports and structured activities.

She urged support for the programme by purchasing graduates’ products.

Also speaking at the event, human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, criticised the government for failing to provide basic services, noting that NGOs now fill the governance gap.

Sowore said, “In a country where government has failed, NGOs are the ones governing Nigeria today,” he said, citing food, electricity, water, and sanitation initiatives delivered by civil society.

He condemned plans to tax NGOs as ironic and commended Femi and Funmi Falana for their commitment to social justice and human rights.

Sowore also credited Femi Falana for pivotal support to his education, describing him as a mentor and father figure.

In her keynote address, child rights advocate and founder of CEE-HOPE Foundation, Betty Abah, stressed that economic empowerment is a practical response to poverty and systemic failure.

She praised WELA’s vocational programme as “real change, not theoretical intervention,”

She pointed to gestures, including distributing grinding machines to vulnerable families, as restoring dignity to families.

Abah encouraged graduates to use their skills with discipline and integrity, as she described skills as “a shield, a voice, and a pathway to freedom.”

Head Girl of the vocational college, Mrs Olagbemi Adeola, who graduated as a fashion designer, encouraged her fellow graduates to see themselves as entrepreneurs and community change-makers.

“Today, we are not just graduates. We are job creators, not job seekers,” she said.

Other graduates, including Yekini Babatunde and Daniela Taiwo, shared testimonies on how the programme boosted their confidence, skills, and self-belief.

Awards were presented to Mr Temitope Akinwunmi for supporting WELA’s initiatives and to Mrs Esther Ajijola, Mrs Beatrice Adekoya, and Mrs Susan Jato for their dedication.

Ajijola was specifically recognised for teaching catering free of charge.

Dignitaries at the event included Femi Falana (SAN), their son and musician Falz, senior advocates of Nigeria, and other legal practitioners.

 

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How OPC Member Was Stabbed To Death In Egbeda

A member of the Oodua People’s Congress, identified as Sunday and popularly known as Gobe, has been killed during a dispute over allegedly stolen puppies in the Egbeda area of Lagos State.

The Oodua People’s Congress is a Yoruba nationalist, regionalist and vigilante organisation.

It was gathered that the group was holding a meeting at its office — a fenced, undeveloped plot of land on Shallom Street in the community — when an argument broke out between Sunday and his colleague, identified simply as Mopol.

According to an eyewitness who identified himself simply as Sesan, the dispute later escalated into a physical confrontation, during which both men reportedly attacked each other with broken bottles.

“They were having their meeting when a fight suddenly broke out between Sunday and Mopol. Sunday was said to have accused Mopol of being responsible for some of his missing puppies, which he was rearing.

“In the course of the fight, Sunday was stabbed by Mopol and sustained fatal injuries,” he said.

Sesan added that instead of seeking immediate medical attention, the victim was seen walking around the premises before he suddenly collapsed.

He was rushed to several hospitals but was turned away before he eventually died.

While receiving news of Sunday’s passing, our correspondent learnt that Mopol reportedly fled the community to avoid being apprehended.

Another resident, who did not want his name in print for security reasons, told newsmen that hours after news of Sunday’s death spread, his associates stormed the area and attacked the group’s makeshift office.

“His friends who heard what happened rushed here, went straight to the office and set it ablaze. All the items in the office, such as furniture and clothing, were burnt,” the resident said.

Speaking on the reaction of the deceased’s father, the resident added, “Sunday’s father is a herbalist and lives at Abule-Odu. When he was informed of his son’s death, he said he had earlier expressed fears about his safety and warned him not to leave the house on the day of the incident.”

It was further learnt that the police visited the scene and arrested some members of the group, who were later released after questioning.

 

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7 Hospitalized After Lagos Island Fire Incident

Seven persons have been confirmed injured and hospitalised following a fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The blaze, which erupted at about 5p.m. on Christmas Eve, spread beyond the high-rise structure, affecting nearby buildings including the seven-storey Radio Nigeria complex, Oluwole Plaza, a mosque and several adjoining properties.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, confirmed the development in an update issued on Christmas Day by its spokesperson, Nosa Okunbor.

According to preliminary findings, the fire originated from the fourth floor of the building before rapidly spreading to other levels, prompting emergency authorities to issue an immediate evacuation advisory to residents and traders within the vicinity.

Providing a situation update on Thursday, Okunbor disclosed that although the fire had been brought under control, seven adult males sustained varying degrees of burn injuries and were subsequently hospitalised.

“Seven adult males suffered varying degrees of burn injuries as a result of the inferno and were attended to by the agency’s paramedics before being taken to nearby hospitals for further medical attention,” he said.

He added that five other individuals who suffered from smoke inhalation were treated on-site by emergency responders.

“The adjoining buildings in proximity to the high-rise have largely been salvaged, and coordinated efforts continue to ensure the inferno is completely extinguished,” Okunbor stated.

He further confirmed that emergency teams had successfully put out the fire at the Radio Nigeria building opposite the affected high-rise.

“The seven-storey Radio Nigeria building opposite the Great Nigeria Insurance House has been safely extinguished by emergency responders, and dampening-down operations are ongoing,” he said.

According to LASEMA, ongoing dampening efforts are aimed at preventing any possible re-ignition as safety assessments continue in the affected area.

 

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Christmas Day Tragedy: Tanker Explosion Along Lagos-Badagry Expressway Claims Two Lives

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has confirmed the death of two persons in a tanker explosion along Badagry Expressway.

Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager, LASTMA, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.

He said the tanker explosion which involved a Mack Truck conveying diesel occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the Oto–Ijanikin axis, in the vicinity of the Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, inward Agbara, along the Lagos – Badagry Expressway.

Bakare-Oki said preliminary findings attributed the incident to over speeding, leading to the tanker driver losing control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user.

“The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically trapping and claiming the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant,” he said.

Bakare-Oki said personnel of the agency, who were actively monitoring and managing vehicular movement within the corridor, swiftly secured and cordoned off the affected stretch of the expressway to forestall secondary incidents.

He said the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and the Ijanikin Police Division were promptly notified for urgent emergency response and security reinforcement.

“In a further demonstration of vigilance and unwavering commitment to public safety, LASTMA operatives prevented members of the public who had converged on the scene with assorted containers from scooping the spilled diesel.

“This is an extremely hazardous act capable of triggering further explosions and avoidable fatalities.

“This timely intervention effectively averted a potential escalation of the tragedy prior to the arrival of other emergencies and security agencies,” he said.

He said that following the successful containment of the blaze and clearance by relevant authorities, the burnt tanker was evacuated from the expressway by LASTMA personnel while remains of burnt bodies were removed by FRSC.

Bakare-Oki expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

He described the incident as deeply painful and entirely avoidable, reaffirming the authority’s steadfast commitment to road safety and the sanctity of lives.

He noted that the incident has underscored the need for tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to exercise caution, observe prescribed speed limits and comply strictly with all traffic regulations.

“Reckless driving and speeding remain dominant factors in fatal road traffic crashes across the metropolis,” he said.

 

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Adekunle Gold And Simi Expecting Their Second Child

Nigerian music stars couple, Adekunle Gold and Simi, are expecting their second child.

The singers shared the joyful news on Wednesday through Adekunle Gold’s new music video titled “My Love Is The Same” posted on YouTube.

In the heartwarming clip, Simi proudly shows off her baby bump while sharing intimate family moments with Adekunle Gold and their daughter, Deja.

The video, which celebrates love, growth, and family, has been widely praised by colleagues, fans and many, describing it as an emotional moment, while also flooding the couple with congratulatory messages.

Adekunle Gold and Simi, who welcomed their first child in 2020, continue to earn admiration for seamlessly blending their personal lives with their art.

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How Fire Outbreak Engulfed 22-Storey Great Nigeria Insurance House On The Lagos Island

There was confusion among residents of Lagos Island as a fire outbreak ravaged a plaza known as the Great Nigeria Insurance House, located on Martins Street.

The building, which serves as a warehouse for clothing materials, was said to have been engulfed by fire at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

It was gathered from the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, that the fire started from one of the offices located on the fourth floor.

According to the LASEMA PS, the fire, whose cause could not yet be ascertained, emanated from the fourth floor of the plaza before escalating to other floors.

He noted that the number of casualties could not be ascertained at the moment, as rescue operations were still ongoing.

Oke-Osanyintolu stated, “Upon arrival of the Shark Response Team at the scene, a 22-storey building (Great Nigeria Insurance House) was found to have been engulfed by fire.

“Preliminary investigation conducted by the Shark Response Team revealed that the fire started from one of the apartments on the fourth floor and quickly gained momentum, spreading to other parts of the floor and escalating upwards to the sixth floor within the 22-storey building.

“Currently, the number of casualties cannot be ascertained, as firefighting operations are still ongoing.”

Similarly, the Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said in a statement on Wednesday that no casualties had been recorded.

“The fire is currently affecting up to the fifth floor of a 25-storey building. It originated on the fifth floor and has spread downwards from that level.

“The affected building is primarily used for warehouse storage and the sale of clothing materials, with corporate offices and a few shops also located within the premises. There has been no record of casualties as firefighting continues,” Adeseye stated.

 

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Fidelity Bank Donates Fire Fighting Equipment To Ikoyi Fire Service Station

Fidelity Bank Plc has donated essential firefighting and preventive equipment, including hoses and gasoline water pumps, to the Ikoyi Fire Service Station in Lagos.

In a statement on Monday, it was revealed that the donation was made under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme by the True Serve team, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to the environment and community safety.

Through the FHHP, members of staff identify areas of critical community needs, raise funds, and then receive matching monetary support from the bank to execute the projects.

Commenting on the reason behind the donation, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, emphasised that the donation reflected the bank’s dedication to strengthening emergency response capabilities and promoting public safety within the communities it serves.

“Fidelity Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the protection of our environment, lives and property. We see community safety as a shared responsibility and continuously extend support to both corporate bodies and individuals.

“We believe that preventive measures are far more effective than reactionary responses. This donation is part of our efforts to drive sustainable practices by providing the necessary tools. Our goal is to ensure that people live meaningful, safe, and empowered lives,” he said.

In her comments, Lagos State Controller, Federal Fire Service and Controller of Fire, Funke Adebayo, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely support, while cautioning residents to exercise heightened vigilance during the festive period, especially with the dry weather conditions.

“We appreciate Fidelity Bank for this timely donation. We are in a harsh weather period where fire incidents can escalate quickly. Parents must educate and caution children against the use of fireworks during celebrations. Fire should never be treated carelessly,” Adebayo said.

She noted that the Fire Service has embarked on sensitisation visits to various corporate organisations, warning against unsafe practices that could lead to preventable fire outbreaks.

On his part, Area Commander of the Onikan Fire Station and Chief Superintendent of Fire, Michael Oswere, expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for supporting their operations. He encouraged families, business owners, and community members to prioritise fire safety at all times.

“Everyone has a role to play in preventing fire incidents at home and in the workplace. This support from Fidelity Bank will go a long way in enhancing our capacity to protect the community,” CSF Oswere added.

Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial deposit money bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

 

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No Life Was Lost In The Collision Between A Train And A Bus At Oshodi - LASEMA

Contrary to the fear that some lives may have been lost in the crash between a train and a Toyota Hiace bus  at Arena in Oshodi, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed no casualty or death was recorded.

LASEMA disclosed this in a preliminary report issued by the Permanent Secretary of the agency , Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, and dated December 23, 2025.

Following the alerts, the agency said it immediately activated the state’s emergency response plan from its Cappa Base in Oshodi and deployed its response team to the scene.

“Following distress alerts received on it’s 767/112 Toll Free Emergency Lines at 1953hours, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from it’s Cappa Base, Oshodi,” the agency stated.

According to LASEMA, its response team arrived at the scene by 8:11pm, where it discovered that a train had collided with a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AGL-671-XR.

“Upon arrival of LRT at the incident scene by 2011hours, it was discovered that a train and a Toyota Hiace bus registration number AGL-671-XR were involved in an accident at the aforementioned location,” the report read.

Giving details of how the accident occurred, the agency said preliminary findings showed that reckless driving by the bus driver led to the incident.

“Preliminary investigation conducted by the Agency’s Response Team revealed the immediate cause of the incident was due to reckless driving on the part of the Toyota Hi-Ace bus driver while driving outside the Arena shopping complex Oshodi, but was hit by an on-coming train which left the bus stuck on the rail tracks,” LASEMA said.

The agency noted that despite the severity of the collision, no one was injured.

“Fortunately, no casualty nor mortality was recorded as a result of the incident,” it added.

However, the crash caused significant damage to the bus.

“The incident resulted in significant damage to the white Toyota Hi-Ace bus, due to magnitude of the crash,” the agency stated.

LASEMA said its response team carried out a risk assessment at the scene and implemented safety measures to prevent further incidents.

“LASEMA Response Team conducted appropriate Risk Assessment of the incident scene and activated necessary Safety and Control Measures, to curtail any secondary incident,” it said.

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Mobile Court Remands 6 Miscreants For Attacking LASTMA Officials

The Lagos State Mobile Courts has ordered the remand of six suspected miscreants over an alleged violent attack on officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other government agencies during a midnight enforcement operation along Airport Road in Lagos.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, by Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, the suspects were among seven individuals arraigned on Tuesday before the Chief Magistrate of the Lagos State Mobile Court on four-count charges bordering on violent conduct and obstruction of lawful duties. 

As the court adjourned the case to February 19, 2026, for further hearing, one of the defendants who pleaded not guilty was admitted to bail, while the remaining six were remanded in custody.

Taofiq stated that the enforcement exercise, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, December 23, was personally led by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki. 

He said the exercise was carried out in collaboration with security operatives, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps, the Lagos State Task Force, and LASTMA field officers.

He said the operation followed a series of formal complaints from the Nigerian Airport Authority (NPA) over the persistent illegal occupation of its facilities by criminal syndicates and defiant commercial bus operators along the airport corridor.

“The operation was precipitated by an avalanche of formal complaints submitted by the Nigerian Airport Authority, lamenting the persistent and unlawful encroachment on its facilities by criminal syndicates and recalcitrant commercial bus operators operating in flagrant defiance of extant regulations,” Taofiq stated.

He said the NPA complained that the activities of the miscreants had become a serious public nuisance, with repeated reports of harassment, intimidation, and the dispossession of unsuspecting members of the public of their personal belongings.

“According to the Management of the Nigerian Airport Authority, the activities of these notorious miscreants and illegal operators had degenerated into a grave public nuisance and an unsightly blight on the airport corridor, with recurring reports of harassment, intimidation, and the dispossession of unsuspecting members of the public of their personal effects,” Taofiq stated.

He said that during the enforcement exercise, five officers of the joint task force were attacked with dangerous weapons. 

In addition, one of the authority’s tow trucks was deliberately set on fire by the assailants in what officials described as a desperate attempt to disrupt the operation and challenge state authority.

He added, “During the lawful execution of the enforcement operation, five officers of the joint task force were viciously attacked with dangerous weapons, while one of the Authority’s tow trucks was deliberately set ablaze by the rampaging miscreants in a desperate attempt to sabotage the exercise and brazenly challenge the authority of the State.”

Despite the alleged attack, Taofiq stated that the enforcement team displayed professionalism and restraint while carrying out their duties under threat.

He said a total of 56 vehicles were impounded during the operation for various traffic and environmental infractions. 

According to Taofiq, the vehicles included 44 commercial buses, five private cars, and seven trucks.

Speaking after the incident, Bakare-Oki reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure, ensuring road safety, and maintaining law and order across the metropolis.

He warned that the state would not succumb to intimidation or violence from criminal elements, stressing that all acts of lawlessness would be met with the full weight of the law. 

 

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Wole Soyinka Centre To Host Public Symposium In Honour Of Biodun Jeyifo At 80

    As debates on decolonisation continue to shape global intellectual and political discourse, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) will, on Monday, 5 January 2026, convene a public symposium in honour of renowned scholar Biodun Jeyifo, Professor Emeritus at Cornell (English) and Harvard (Comparative Literature and African and African American Studies), as he marks his 80th birthday. 

This is contained in a statement from the organizers, made available to Lagos Today Extra!. According to the statement, the symposium will take place at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, at 9:00am (WAT).

“The symposium, themed ‘Who Is Afraid Of Decolonisation?’, will examine Jeyifo’s enduring contributions to curriculum reform, cultural resistance, and critical thought, while interrogating the contemporary relevance of decolonial ideas in education, politics, and public discourse,” the statement read.

It added that the programme will feature a keynote lecture by Priya Gopal, Professor of Post-Colonial Studies at the University of Cambridge, titled ‘Who’s Afraid Of Decolonisation? Reflections on particular pasts and planetary futures.’

“The event which will be chaired by Yemi Ogunbiyi (PhD), Chairman, Tanus Books, Lagos, will have two panel sessions follow the keynote lecture. The first panel will offer critical responses to Gopal’s lecture and will feature Jibrin Ibrahim, Professor of Political Science and Chairman of the Editorial Board, Premium Times; Chidi Amuta (PhD), Chairman, Wilson & Weizman Associates, Lagos; and Akin Adesokan, Professor of Comparative Literature, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA. The session will be moderated by Ropo Sekoni, immediate past Chair, WSCIJ and  Professor of Literature in English.

“The second panel, themed ‘Pedagogy For Liberation: Then And Now’, will bring together former students and mentees of Jeyifo to reflect on his influence as a teacher, thinker, and institution-builder. Panellists include Bisi Anyadike (PhD), Proprietress, Sunshine Nursery and Primary School, Ile-Ife; Kunle Ajibade, Co-founder, TheNEWS and PM NEWS; and Ogaga Ifowodo (PhD), lawyer and poet. The session will be moderated by Chima Anyadike, Professor of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,” the statement also read.

A major highlight of the symposium will be remarks by the celebrant, Jeyifo, reflecting on curriculum, society, and revolution across generations.

The symposium will convene students, scholars, writers, journalists, and cultural critics, and will conclude with audience interactions, networking, and reflections on Jeyifo’s enduring contribution to African scholarship and critical pedagogy. 

Members of the public are invited to attend.

 

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‘Oversabi Aunty’ Movie Rakes In N99.8 Million At Opening Weekend

‘Oversabi Aunty’ has recorded a strong debut at the Nigerian box office, grossing N99.8 million in its opening weekend to emerge as the second highest-grossing film of the weekend.

The movie, distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, also ranks as Nollywood’s second highest opening film of 2025, underscoring a solid start in cinemas nationwide.

In a post shared on its official Instagram page, FilmOne thanked audiences across West Africa for the impressive turnout, describing the opening weekend performance as a major milestone for the production.

“Thank you West Africa,” the distributor said, noting that Oversabi Aunty delivered an opening weekend box office figure of N99.8 million, placing it among the top-performing Nollywood releases of the year.

The film’s opening performance highlights the growing appetite for locally produced titles and signals sustained cinema traffic as the year progresses.

With its strong start, Oversabi Aunty is expected to maintain momentum and remain a notable attraction in cinemas in the coming weeks. 

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Marriage And Faith On The Front Burner As Katherine Nathan Releases Three Books

Katherine Nathan, has presented three books titled ‘See Him,’ ‘Forty Four,’ and ‘Daily Dose of Faith,’ at an event in Lagos that brought

together family members, pastors, colleagues, and readers.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the CEO of Stravigo, Omolabake Fatayo, the event provided a platform for participants to engage with narratives

shaped by real-life experiences of marriage, loss, faith, and personal growth.

“The reviews of the books were led by voices who engaged deeply with the themes, not from theory, but from lived experience.

“Their reflections focused on perception within marriage and the need for wives to recognise love as it is expressed, not only as it is expected”, the

statement partly read.

It added that the author’s mother, Mrs Bridget Okpeaye, who reviewed ‘See Him’, alongside the Resident Pastor of David’s Christian Centre, Pastor Eyewunmi

Ghereje, spoke about the book’s message to women across different stages of marriage, stating that “The book challenges women to change the lens through

which they view their husbands”, noting that “love is often present but unseen because of emotional habits and long-held assumptions.”

She described the book as “engaging, practical, and relevant across generations and stages of marriage.”

It further noted that ‘Forty Four’ was reviewed by the Executive Director at Lekki Gardens, Dr Christy Amida, and the founder of Raising Women Initiative

and L’avyanna, Dr May Ikeora.

“Their reflections drew listeners into a journey marked by answered prayers, unexpected loss, surrender, and faith held quietly in pain. Both reviewers

spoke about the emotional honesty of the book, highlighting how grief was presented without haste and faith without performance. The audience listened

intently, and many visibly moved,” the statement continued.

The third book, ‘Daily Dose of Faith’, was reviewed by a Certified Marriage and Relationship Coach at David’s Christian Centre, Pastor Chikezie Oke, alongside

Mrs Ogochukwu Ghereje.

“Their reflections centred on the importance of daily spiritual encounters, courage, and vigilance. Pastor Chikezie spoke about faith as a lived experience

that shapes direction and identity, while Mrs Ghereje highlighted the need to guard thoughts, habits, and spiritual posture in everyday life,” the statement

added.

The three books were consistently described during the launch as grounded in lived faith and personal reflection.

“Across the reviews, the books were consistently presented as honest, vulnerable, and grounded in lived faith. The launch stood as a moment of testimony

and purpose, marking a significant chapter in Katherine Nathan’s journey as an author committed to healing, clarity, and spiritual growth”, the statement said.

 

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NDLEA Arrests Female Drugs Trafficking Kingpin With N5 Billion Worth Of Drugs In Surulere

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a suspected key member of a cocaine trafficking syndicate previously dismantled in Lagos and Ogun states, Shodunke Yetunde Simbiat.

The arrest comes about 20 months after operatives of the NDLEA smashed a cocaine cartel led by a couple, Bolanle Lookman Dauda and Olayinka Toheebat Dauda, with multi-billion-naira worth of cocaine seized.

Lookman Dauda and Toheebat Dauda were arrested on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Ibiye along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway while attempting to cross the land border to deliver cocaine to Ghana.

At the point of arrest, 42 blocks of cocaine weighing 47.5 kilograms were recovered from them.

A follow-up operation at their residence at Plot 24/25, OPIC Extension, Petedo Road, Agbara, Ogun State, led to the recovery of eight additional blocks of cocaine weighing 10 kilograms, bringing the total seizure from the couple to 57.5 kilograms.

A statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said following continued intelligence gathering and surveillance, NDLEA operatives identified 39-year-old Simbiat as a key member and stash keeper of the trans-border drug trafficking organisation.

Babafemi said Simbiat was tracked to her residence on December 9, 2025, and drugs were found hidden in her children’s room worth N5bn.

The statement partly read, “A swift follow-up operation in their residence at Plot 24/25 OPIC extension, Petedo road, Agbara, Ogun state, led to the recovery of an additional eight blocks of the same drug weighing 10kg, bringing the total weight of the consignment seized from the couple to 57.5 kilograms.

“Determined to rein in every member of the syndicate, the NDLEA operatives continued with follow-up intelligence and surveillance on the trans-border drug trafficking organisation until a 39-year-old female stash keeper, Shodunke Yetunde Simbiat, was identified as a key member of the DTO. As a result, she was trailed to her 31 Onasanya street, Surulere, Lagos residence on Tuesday, 9th December 2025.

“A thorough search of her home led to the discovery of blocks of cocaine weighing 23.50 kilograms concealed in a black suitcase recovered from her children’s room. She admitted ownership of the drug consignment worth over N5billion in street value.”

In a related development, he said NDLEA operatives at the Terminal II departure hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, December 18, intercepted a 36-year-old businessman, Nwanwene Robinson Destiny, while attempting to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan, Italy. A total of 1,020 pills of tramadol 225mg and tapentadol 200mg were found concealed in his luggage.

He said the suspect claimed he would have been paid €200 for delivering the opioids in Italy.

Also, at the Seme border in Badagry, NDLEA officers on Thursday, December 18, arrested a 48-year-old Beninoise, Leocardi Josu, while attempting to enter Nigeria with 3,400 tablets of tramadol 225mg.

“A suspect, Abdullahi Adamu, 30, was nabbed along the Okene/Lokoja highway with 28.400kg skunk, a strain of cannabis and Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, on Friday, 19th December. In Oyo state, NDLEA operatives on Friday 19th December recovered 125,000 capsules of tramadol and 1,800 ampoules of pentazocine injection in a Toyota Hiace bus marked XD 592 AWL along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, while two suspects: Ogunlade Kazeem, 54, and Adeleke Ismail, 30, were arrested with 185.4 kilograms of skunk at Challenge motor park, Ibadan, on Wednesday 17th December, ” the statement added.

 

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