Nigerian Producers Now Churn Out 'Fast Food' Music And Movies - Baba Dee

Singer and actor, Baba Dee, who was also an elder brother to the late music icon Sound Sultan, has expressed concern about the current state of Nigerian music, warning that the industry is drifting away from meaningful and impactful content.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, Baba Dee contrasted contemporary trends with music from past decades.

He said, “Why are conscious songs not commercially viable? When Blackface made ‘Hard Life’, that was the music we were dancing to. Sound Sultan’s ‘Ole’ was commercially viable. What I’m telling you is that the pattern has changed. What is music saying now? You must at least say something that contributes to our general well-being,” he said.

Baba Dee highlighted the challenges facing Nigerian entertainment, stressing the need for adaptability and creativity. Drawing on his experience as a theatre artiste and filmmaker, he noted that while he pursued quality projects, many creators today are pushed to produce quick, low-budget “fast food” content.

Addressing the challenges faced by creators on digital platforms like YouTube, he said, “Now that budgets have become smaller, the approach has become ‘fast food’; finish one project and move on to the next. Just like every other sector in Nigeria, the cinema industry is affected. Some people become both judge and jury in their own case. Now that alternatives exist to track revenue objectively, things are changing. Streaming in the music industry has become the ‘new cheat code,’ and sometimes it tends to short-change artistes. But that’s where we are. There are different mediums of selling films, and we have to adapt and evolve.”

Baba Dee, who also directs films, expressed concern about repetitive content on YouTube. “I am not a fan of YouTube films that use the same houses, the same people, and the same characters. No creativity. It’s messed up, but it is what it is,” he said.

Culled from The Punch Newspapers 

 

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Why Living In Old Houses May Cause Headaches, Tummy Pains And Memory Loss - Dr. Ajidahun, Internal Medicine Physician

Many old houses in Lagos, especially those in the Ebute Metta and Lagos Island parts of the state, were built by grandparents or great-grandparents, passed down through generations, and filled with memories. These homes often symbolise heritage and family history. But behind the walls of these houses are materials that may be quietly affecting the health of those who live in them.

The conversation emerged after Dr. Olusina Ajidahun, popularly known as The Bearded Shina, an internal medicine physician, shared an explanation on X (formerly Twitter) that recurring symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, constipation, and even memory problems experienced by people living in older houses may have a medical explanation rather than a spiritual one.

According to Dr Ajidahun, many houses built several decades ago were constructed with materials that contained lead, a toxic metal now known to pose serious health risks when exposure occurs over time.

For years, lead was widely used in building materials because it was durable, affordable, and easy to work with, long before its dangers became widely recognised.

In the 1960s and 1970s, lead was commonly found in household paint, plumbing pipes and solder. At the time, the long-term health effects of constant exposure were not fully understood or taken seriously. As a result, many homes built during that era still contain these materials today.

Decades later, as these houses age, the materials used in their construction begin to break down. Paint peels, walls crack and old pipes corrode, creating opportunities for lead to enter the living environment. The exposure happens slowly, which makes it difficult to detect.

Tiny particles from deteriorating lead-based paint can turn into dust and settle on floors, furniture and household surfaces.

This dust can be inhaled or transferred through contaminated hands to food and water. In older plumbing systems, lead may also leach into drinking water, particularly when water remains stagnant in pipes for long periods. Over time, repeated exposure allows the metal to accumulate in the body.

Dr Ajidahun explained that lead poisoning does not always present with dramatic or immediate symptoms, which is why it is often overlooked. Instead, affected individuals may experience persistent but unexplained health issues that come and go, making it harder to identify a clear cause.

Headaches, abdominal discomfort, constipation, fatigue and problems with concentration are among the common complaints associated with prolonged exposure.

Because these symptoms are vague and overlap with many everyday illnesses, people often attribute them to stress, poor diet, infections or lifestyle changes. In some cases, cultural and religious beliefs may also lead individuals to interpret their experiences through a spiritual lens.

The issue is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where many families still live in inherited homes built several decades ago.

Beyond individual households, Dr Ajidahun’s comments have drawn attention to a broader public health issue that is rarely discussed. As Nigeria continues to grapple with housing challenges, ageing buildings and limited regulation of older structures, the conversation highlights the need for greater awareness about how the places people live can influence their health.

While old houses carry emotional value and family history, this discussion serves as a reminder that understanding their potential risks is important. Sometimes, the cause of recurring headaches or tummy pain may not be mysterious or supernatural, but rooted in the very walls people call home.

 

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Adekunle Gold And Simi Welcome A Set Of Twins

Nigerian stars couple, Adekunle Gold and Simi, have welcomed a set of twins. Adekunle Gold announced the news via his Snapchat story on Wednesday where he wrote, “Asked God for another child and He blessed me double.”

The announcement follows weeks of speculation after Simi shared a post in December 2025 featuring a clip from Adekunle Gold’s music video, My Love Is the Same.

She captioned the video, “From my baby, for my babies.”

In the clip, Simi appeared with a visible baby

bump, sparking reports that the couple was expecting another child.

The couple got married in a private ceremony in January 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration.

They welcomed their first child, a daughter, Adejare Kosoko, fondly called Deja, in May 2020.

 

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TECNO Enhances Grassroots Football With A New Football Pitch In Alimosho

Nigeria’s mobile phone brand, TECNO, has reinforced its commitment to grassroots football and youth development with the completion of a new 5-a-side football pitch at the Alade Sports Complex in Command, Alimosho Local Government Area.

According to a statement from TECNO on Monday, the facility, officially opened on 24 December 2025, is the latest in a series of initiatives by the company aimed at supporting underserved communities and fostering local football talent.

The pitch was developed in partnership with Prince Babatunde Alade, Proprietor of the Alade Sports Complex, who has independently managed the facility for nearly 25 years, nurturing young players and discovering notable talents, including two former Nigerian Golden Eaglets, Mr Basit Ojediran and Mr Tijani Samson, who represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

The new astro-turf pitch was commissioned in a ceremony attended by community leaders, TECNO representatives and local residents.

Mr Olumide Yomi-Omolayo, TECNO Marketing Manager, and Elder Philip Ajayi, Community Leader from Amikanle, highlighted the significance of the project for local youth development and inclusive access to quality sports infrastructure.

“This project is a source of pride and collective joy for our community,” Elder Philip Ajayi said. “TECNO’s intervention validates decades of hard work by Prince Babatunde Alade and provides young footballers with opportunities that were previously unavailable in this part of Lagos.”

The 5-a-side pitch at Ajasa Ikola is part of TECNO’s broader grassroots football development strategy, which began with the Sura Mini Stadium on Lagos Island, delivered in collaboration with the Lagos State Government. Both facilities mark the first phase of a wider programme across Lagos State and Nigeria, designed to create pathways for young players to progress from grassroots football to professional careers.

Speaking on the initiative, Founder and CEO of Mono, Mr Abdulhamid Hassan, said, “This partnership enables young Africans to access world-class infrastructure and opportunities, bridging the gap between raw talent and professional football. We are proud to support communities where the potential of youth is often overlooked.”

Beyond Lagos, TECNO’s efforts are aligned with its continental sponsorship of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reinforcing its commitment to football development across Nigeria and Africa. Through these projects, TECNO aims to combine corporate social responsibility with long-term investments in youth empowerment and sports excellence.

The Alade Sports Complex project demonstrates TECNO’s dedication to sustainable community development, providing young footballers with modern facilities, structured coaching environments, and access to competitive opportunities, while ensuring the legacy of privately run grassroots initiatives continues.

 

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16 Ships Laden With Petrol, Diesel And Aviation Fuel Arrive Lagos Port

No fewer than 16 ships have arrived at Lekki, Tincan, and Apapa ports in Lagos, waiting to discharge petrol, diesel, and bulk gas.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its publication ‘Shipping Position’ on Thursday in Lagos.

The document noted that 40 ships laden with petroleum products, food items, and other goods were expected to arrive at Apapa, Lekki, and Tin-Can Island Ports from January 8 to January 16.

NPA explained that the expected ships contained buck wheat, bulk diesel, petrol, crude oil, fresh fish, condensate, raw oil, bulk urea, bulk gas, and containers of different goods.

NAN reports that eight other ships are at the ports discharging containers, diesel, bulk urea, and crude oil.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it generated a total revenue of N2.93 trillion from import and export facilitation at Apapa port in 2025, representing a 24.32 per cent growth of N573.2 billion over the N2.35 trillion collected in 2024.

The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Port Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, who disclosed this on Wednesday, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, attributed the achievement to the strategic deployment of technology, effective leadership, and disciplined manpower.

Oshoba added that a major contributor to the success was the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, which enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accountability in cargo clearance processes.

According to him, regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery measures further strengthened collections.

He also commended compliant stakeholders whose lawful trade practices contributed significantly to the revenue growth.

The Controller said the Command intensified stakeholder sensitisation following the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and expanded the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative to ensure faster processing and release of compliant cargoes.

He said efforts are also at an advanced stage to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive technology capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour.

Oshoba disclosed that the Command also recorded enforcement successes, intercepting 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited items, including cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12.6 billion.

He said some of the interceptions in the year 2025 were handed over to relevant agencies such as NDLEA and NAFDAC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Looking ahead, Oshoba expressed optimism that the Command would achieve a greater revenue milestone in 2026, driven by deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, OSS, stronger intelligence-led enforcement, and expanded collaboration with sister agencies.

 

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Lagos Assembly Passes N4.4 Trillion 2026 'Budget Of Shared Prosperity'

    

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a ₦4.4 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year following the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

Chairman of the committee, Sa’ad Olumoh, presented the report during plenary on Thursday, outlining the assumptions, projections, and structure of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Shared Prosperity.”

According to the report, the 2026 budget is the third budget cycle of the current administration and the final new-cycle budget of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

It is aligned with the administration’s development agenda, anchored on four strategic pillars: human-centric development, modern and adaptive infrastructure, a thriving 21st-century megacity economy, and effective governance that exceeds citizens’ expectations.

Olumoh said the budget framework was informed by key macroeconomic indices, including an exchange rate benchmark of ₦1,512 to the dollar, an inflation rate of 14.7 per cent, oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day, and a benchmark oil price of $64 per barrel.

The committee also reviewed the 2025 budget performance, reporting a cumulative performance of 79 per cent as of November 2025. Capital expenditure performance stood at 75 per cent, recurrent expenditure at 87 per cent, while overall revenue performance was put at 79 per cent.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the approved budget size stands at about ₦4.4 trillion, comprising proposed recurrent expenditure of ₦2.052 trillion and capital expenditure of ₦2.185 trillion. The capital component represents a significant share of the budget, underscoring the state government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

The budget makes provisions for personnel costs, overheads, debt servicing and debt repayment, with a projected deficit of about ₦243 billion to be financed through approved deficit financing options.

During deliberations, lawmakers commended the budget, describing it as realistic and growth-oriented.

Aro Moshood disclosed that an additional ₦171 billion was added to the budget during the review process.

Femi Saheed said the size and structure of the budget showed that Lagos State remained on a strong economic footing, provided all stakeholders played their roles.

Similarly, Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, emphasised the importance of revenue reforms and prudent loan repayment structures, noting that effective implementation would further strengthen the state’s fiscal position.

The Assembly also received assurances from relevant officials that revenue-generating agencies would collaborate to ensure that projected revenues are met and possibly exceeded.

Following deliberations, the House adopted the committee’s report, took the third reading and passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier presented a ₦4.237 trillion spending proposal to the House on November 25, 2025, stating that the budget was designed to accelerate economic growth, deepen infrastructure development and maintain fiscal responsibility.

He disclosed that the budget projected total revenue of about ₦3.99 trillion, with ₦3.12 trillion expected from internally generated revenue and ₦874 billion from federal transfers, while the deficit financing plan stood at approximately ₦243.3 billion.

 

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How A 52-Year Old Lagos Bricklayer Disappeared Without A Trace

The family of 52-year-old bricklayer Abidemi Alao is appealing for help following his disappearance while returning from a family event in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, last Saturday.

Alao, popularly known as “Daddy,” was last seen boarding a commercial bus around 4 pm, heading toward Ibadan.

He was expected to arrive home that same evening, but has neither been seen nor heard from since.

His brother, John Kolawole, who spoke with newsmen , narrated the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

“He travelled for our sister’s introduction ceremony. On his way back, one of our brothers dropped him off at the bus stop.

“He boarded the bus around 4 pm, and later, someone who sat beside him called to say he had reached Ibadan around 7 pm and was about to continue from there.”

The brother added that subsequent efforts to reach Alao failed.

The brother continued, “On Sunday morning, when we called his number, a stranger picked up and said he found the phone inside the bus.

“The person said his phone was found in the bus and promised to call back around 10 am, but didn’t. When we called again by 2 pm, the phone was already switched off.”

Worried by the development, another member of his family, Mutiu Ayanwale, told newsmen on Sunday that the matter was reported at different police stations in Lagos.

He also revealed that the family received a suspicious call from an unknown person claiming to be holding Alao and demanding N50,000 ransom.

“That’s the only step we’ve taken so far, apart from posting his picture on Facebook and Instagram.

“One of his daughters called to say someone contacted them, claiming they were holding him and asking for N50,000.

“The caller even said they saw him from the bus, but when asked to let us speak with him, they refused.

“We believe it’s a 419 scam because we had just posted his picture online. We didn’t send any money,” he recounted.

The family expressed deep concern over the continued silence, saying no credible information has come in despite the social media alerts.

 

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Airport Police Arrest 20-Year Old Romance Fraudster For Defrauding Unsuspecting Women Of Over N1 Billion

The Airport Police Command, Lagos, has arrested a 20-year-old man, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, accused of defrauding multiple victims in the United States of over N1 billion (more than $1 million) through a celebrity romance and fraud scheme.

In a statement signed by ASP Mohammed Adeola, Police Public Relations Officer of the Airport Police Command, the force said the arrest followed months of intelligence-led surveillance.

“The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command, in its sustained efforts to combat transnational crimes and prevent the use of Nigerian airports as escape routes for criminal elements, has arrested a notorious celebrity scam and romance fraud suspect,” the statement read.

“The suspect, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, was arrested on 5th January, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit of the Airport Police Command while attempting to board a flight out of Lagos State.”

Investigations revealed that Akpama relocated from Calabar, Cross River State, to Lagos on February 23, 2024, from where he coordinated several fraudulent schemes.

One of the scams involved a 47-year-old woman in the US, who was deceived into transferring $1 million under the pretext of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage.

“The suspect, through a celebrity scam modus operandi, deceived a 47-year-old female victim in the United States into transferring one million US dollars under the pretext of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage,” the statement said.

The funds were solicited via a cryptocurrency scheme called “BullRun 2.0,” formerly known as “4 Way Mirror Money.”

It was also revealed that Akpama also defrauded a 70-year-old US woman of N25,709,400 (about $18,000) through purchases of gift cards, high-end mobile phones, and computer equipment shipped to Nigeria under his direction.

“Further investigations revealed that the suspect also defrauded another 70-year-old female victim in the United States of a total sum of N25,709,400, equivalent to $18,000.

“The fraud was perpetrated through the purchase of gift cards, high-end mobile devices, and computer equipment, which were shipped to Nigeria at the suspect’s direction,” the statement added.

Recovered items include a MacBook Pro 14-inch, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, two Google Pixel 10 Pro XL devices, and one Google Pixel 10 Pro, collectively valued at N8,141,367.

The statement further added that, “The suspect reportedly posed as a 60-year-old orthopaedic surgeon working with the United Nations in Nigeria to convince victims that the devices were needed for secure communications.”

Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, reiterated the importance of intelligence-driven operations in curbing crime.

“The Command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to detect, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks operating within and around Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem,” she said.

The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit for further investigation, and the suspect will be arraigned in court upon completion of the inquiry.

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Residents Of Meiran Run Helter-skelter As Hoodlums Chase One Another With Axes

    

Residents of Meiran were thrown into panic on Wednesday after hoodlums reportedly chased one another with axes along parts of the area.

It was gathered from multiple eyewitnesses that no life was lost during the fracas, which occurred at Kabowei Bus Stop in Meiran at about 1pm on Wednesday.

However, the incident caused panic among motorists, with several drivers abandoning their vehicles along the axis to seek safety.

As the violence unfolded, residents and commuters reportedly scampered for cover while groups of young men, some armed with axes, ran through the road.

A resident who identified himself only as Segun told newsmen that he was forced to abandon his vehicle and take refuge in a nearby house until the situation calmed.

“The issue started right in front of Amala at Meiran Bus Stop. I had to get out of my car and seek shelter when I saw a group of men wielding axes and chasing another group of young men.

“I didn’t know what could happen if I tried to drive through the chaos. Other drivers also parked their vehicles by the roadside to allow the violence to die down. I returned to pick up my car a few minutes later when everywhere became calm,” he said.

Explaining what allegedly triggered the incident, another resident, who identified himself only as Moses, said the fight started after some youths bought ice cream and refused to pay the seller.

Moses narrated, “After they collected the ice cream, the seller demanded his money, but instead of paying, they refused and began threatening him.

“He then contacted some of his friends, who came to confront the boys. Suddenly, about five of them brought out axes, and that was how the chaos started.”

Although it remains unclear whether the incident was cult-related, similar cases of youths chasing one another with dangerous weapons such as guns and cutlasses have been reported in other parts of Lagos.

Last year, youths suspected to be cultists reportedly infiltrated a masquerader festival in the Orile Iganmu area of the state, shooting at least three people dead.

 

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Akpabio Cares Initiative Impacts 700 Surulere Residents With Medical Outreach

Residents of Surulere turned out in large numbers to benefit from a free medical outreach organised under the Akpabio Cares Initiative, a philanthropic programme driven by the office of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The medical exercise, which provided free consultations and prescribed drugs and eyeglasses, marked the third edition of the initiative in two years. Previous outreaches were held in Osogbo, Osun State, and Yankaba in Kano State.

A significant number of vulnerable residents accessed essential healthcare services at no cost during the programme, which targeted those who could not afford basic medical care.

Speaking with journalists at the venue, the convener of the initiative and Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, Mr Ahmed Tijani Mustapha, said the outreach was part of efforts to give back to society, emphasising the importance of good health.

“We are doing this as a way of giving back to society, and we believe that the best gift is that of good health,” Mustapha said.

He disclosed that the Lagos edition of the outreach was designed to reach about 700 beneficiaries, who would receive free medical consultations, drugs and eyeglasses.

Responding to questions on why the programme was held in Lagos instead of Senator Akpabio’s home state of Akwa Ibom, Mustapha explained that the office of the Senate President operates with a national perspective.

“Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his impact must be felt across the country,” he stated.

Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed gratitude to Senator Akpabio and the organisers, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.

One of the beneficiaries thanked the Senate President for remembering the community, noting that the initiative had brought relief to many residents who could not afford basic healthcare services.

Another beneficiary praised Mustapha’s appointment as an aide to the Senate President, saying his connection to the community had helped attract what he described as dividends of democracy to the area.

At the conclusion of the exercise, Mustapha revealed that the next phase of the Akpabio Cares Initiative would move to the North Central geopolitical zone, as the programme continues its humanitarian outreach across the country

 

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Lagos To Kick Off Measles Rubella Campaign January 20th

The Lagos State government will kick off Measles Rubella vaccination campaign on January 20 for ten days and additional two days for mop up with the goal of reaching 10.5 million children and reduce the burden of vaccines preventable diseases.

The Immunisation Officer of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Oluwakemi Oshodi, who revealed this during a media orientation programme on Measles Rubella vaccine, tasked the media and critical stakeholders on helping to curb misinformation about vaccines.

According to her, the state is committed to tackling wrong messaging about vaccines with the right information and campaign so that the people can get better educated about the importance and the impact of vaccines.

The Immunisation Programme Coordinator, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Adetola Akinpelu, said that the goal within the 12 days of the immunisation exercise is to achieve nothing less than 95 per cent coverage for the about 10.5 million children of ages nine months and 14 years living in Lagos State.

He noted that one of the major threats to receiving immunisation vaccines is misinformation despite the huge advantages it offers, imploring the media to educate residents about the importance of vaccines.

He added that 90 per cent of persons who come in contact with anyone with Measles Rubella will likely be infected, but with vaccines the negative impact will be likely neutralised

He also said that it is usually mild in children but can have severe consequences during pregnancy, leading to congenital rubella syndrome in newborns with lifelong disabilities such as heart disease.

According to him, each year, an estimate of 10,000 children are born with congenital rubella syndrome in Nigeria representing one third of global incidents.

Speaking on the impact of vaccines, he said that over the last 50 years, safe vaccine use worldwide has averted about 94 million deaths, while measles rubella immunisation has the potential to avert 2.8 million deaths in Nigeria and contribute to global shift in immunisation coverage.

“Nigeria contributes significantly to the burden of measles and rubella globally as Nigeria is second to DR Congo.

Many under 14 in Nigeria has not received the Rubella Measles vaccine.”

On her part, the Director, Health Education and Promotion Services, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Adesola Grace-Honfor, tasked the media about letting the people know the importance of measles rubella vaccine for ages nine months and 14 and that the state government has the interest of the citizens because when the children are healthy that the parents can be healthy.

The UNICEF representative, Seyi Nubi, enjoined journalists to identify, counter and correct misinformation about Measles Rubella vaccine in order to strengthen public confidence in the safety, effectiveness and quality of the measles rubella vaccine.

 

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BRT Bus Burst Into Flame On Third Mainland Bridge, Causing Traffic Gridlock

A Lagos State BRT bus was engulfed in flames on the Third Mainland Bridge on Tuesday afternoon, disrupting traffic movement around the Adekunle axis inward Iyana Oworo.

The incident was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on its official X account.

According to Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the fire incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. and immediately affected vehicular movement on the busy corridor, which serves as a major link between Lagos Mainland and other parts of the city.

LASTMA noted that emergency response efforts were already underway at the time of the update.

“Efforts are ongoing to put out the fire, and our officers are on scene managing the traffic situation,” they said.

Traffic officers were deployed to control the flow of vehicles and reduce gridlock while fire suppression efforts continued.

The Third Mainland Bridge is one of Lagos’ busiest transport routes, carrying thousands of vehicles daily. Because so many commuters depend on it to move between Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island, even a brief disruption can quickly cascade into heavy congestion.

Any disruption along the corridor often leads to significant delays, spillover congestion, and longer travel times for commuters heading toward Iyana Oworo, Yaba, and surrounding areas.

There have been several recorded cases over the past few years where BRT buses in Lagos caught fire or were burnt under different circumstances. These incidents call for regular vehicle maintenance and stricter safety inspections to ensure passenger safety and prevent prolonged traffic congestion.

 

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"Sometimes Love Is Not Enough To Keep A Marriage" - Tiwa Savage

When Nigeria’s generally acclaimed “Queen of Afrobeats” broke down in tears while performing her hit single Somebody’s Son at the WeLoveYa festival in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, it came as no surprise. Tiwa’s case is just a case of a woman who has been too strong for too long. The pressure and the strain simply caught up with her, and she could not keep it all in anymore. She cracked.

If we know nothing about the woman or even the singer known as Tiwa Savage, her overflowing emotions boiling over penultimate Saturday show she’s just an average woman next door who cherishes love and the institution of marriage. She’s far from the run-of-the-mill horny singers who bed every Dick and Harry who come their way. She’s a lover who believes in love. Unfortunately, that has eluded her so glaringly and for too long.

Since her divorce in 2018 from a marriage of four years to music executive Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, Tiwa Savage has remained guarded about her romantic life. Though she has been linked to a few high-profile names through rumours and speculation, the singer has consistently emphasised privacy and personal peace. For Tiwa, love is no longer about public validation but about balance, respect, and emotional safety.

Her romance with love again in 2021 didn’t end well, as she became a victim of blackmail. According to her, it was not a sex tape of a woman hot for sex but an act of intimacy taken advantage of.

“I am not going to call it a sex tape, but it’s a tape between me and the person I am dating right now,” she told broadcaster Angie Martinez of Power 105.1 New York.

According to Savage, the unnamed blackmailer obtained the footage after her lover accidentally posted it on Snapchat. Although he quickly deleted it when he realised his error, it had already been caught by a third party, she said.

Tiwa Savage is celebrated globally for her voice, stage presence, and trailblazing role in Afrobeats, but beyond the music, her love life and views on relationships and family have also drawn public interest. Over the years, the singer has spoken candidly about love, marriage, heartbreak, motherhood, and self-worth—often turning her personal experiences into powerful lessons for fans.

Even her ex-husband, TeeBillz, could not fault the singer’s good heart and her commitment to sustaining a happy home and the sanctity of family.

TeeBillz, acknowledging her resilience after their separation, said, “I hurt a woman who genuinely loved me.” His public apology came during the height of their marital crisis.

“She carried the weight of the family while I was broken,” he said, admitting his failures as a husband.

“Tiwa Savage is not just a great artist, she is a great mother,” he added.

The award-winning singer has never shied away from speaking openly about the lessons she learned from her highly publicised marriage to Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, particularly during the crisis that surrounded their relationship in 2016.

Recalling that period, Tiwa Savage admitted that love alone could not sustain a troubled union. “I loved blindly. I trusted completely,” she said at the time, describing the depth of her commitment. She later acknowledged that emotional connection does not always guarantee stability, noting that “sometimes love is not enough to keep a marriage,” a statement that resonated widely with fans navigating similar experiences.

Beyond marriage, the singer has increasingly emphasised self-worth and emotional well-being in her conversations about relationships. According to her, love should never come at the expense of personal identity. She has stressed that true affection must not cause lasting pain or self-erasure, adding that walking away from a damaging situation can sometimes be an act of courage rather than failure.

Tiwa Savage has also highlighted the central role of family and motherhood in shaping her values. She has repeatedly described being a mother as her greatest achievement, placing it above fame and career success. For the singer, family is defined not by perfection but by consistency and support, even during difficult moments—a philosophy that reflects her journey toward healing, balance, and lasting happiness.

 

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"I Don't Like Men Who Talk Too Much" - Nollywood Actress Bolade Adeshina

Fast-rising Yoruba Nollywood actress Bolade Adeshina has spoken candidly about her journey into acting, her views on love and relationships, and the principles guiding her growing career in the Nigerian film industry. In an exclusive chat with Potpourri, Adeshina shared strong views shaped by experience. She described real love as sweet when shared with an intentional partner, adding that she has had many experiences that have shaped her outlook. Addressing her biggest red flag in men, the actress stated that she dislikes men who talk too much or disclose unnecessary information.

“My ultimate dream as a woman is to have a happy home with children. My red flag is when a man talks too much and disclose what it is unnecessary

She added that she believes a woman can keep a man who truly wants to be kept. While she expressed empathy toward single mothers, describing such situations as sometimes circumstantial, her view on marriage remains traditional, stating that a woman should be submissive

 The actress also revealed that her passion for acting began in childhood, inspired by iconic Nollywood stars such as Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale and Bukky Wright, with Ronke Odusanya playing a major role in convincing her that she could thrive on screen.

Adeshina explained that despite her early love for acting, she was unable to pursue the dream initially due to her upbringing, as her father is a clergy and she was deeply involved in church activities. She later left her hometown to further her education and spent years as an entrepreneur before finally deciding to follow what she described as her “main dream” — acting. According to her, one of her most memorable film experiences was Eni Akoko, where she endured real physical intensity on set, an experience that further strengthened her resolve and passion for the craft.

Speaking on success in the entertainment industry, the actress stressed that while beauty can open doors, talent is what sustains a career. She maintained that she would always prioritise talent over physical appearance, noting that beauty can be enhanced with money, but skill and dedication remain the true foundation of longevity. She also advised aspiring actors to respect themselves and others, continuously sharpen their skills, and remain prayerful.

Culled from The Punch Newspapers 

 

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Islamic Scholars Gather In Lagos To Propagate Sound Islamic Beliefs

Daaru Na’im Academy for Shariah Sciences, an Islamic organisation,  has convened an international conference in Lagos, bringing together scholars, government officials, and traditional leaders from across the globe to discuss the importance of sound Islamic faith in addressing social instability.

According to a statement from the organization, the 17th conference, themed “The Jurisprudence of the Sound Creed (Fiqh al-‘Aqīdah) and Contemporary Challenges,” featured over 20,000 participants, including ambassadors, heads of Islamic affairs, and academic scholars from Nigeria, the US, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In his opening remarks, the Director-General and Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im, Sheik Imran Eleha, emphasised the need for sound Islamic belief to address contemporary challenges facing societies.

“We are gathered here to examine the significance of sound Islamic belief for various African societies and countries in light of the changes, practices, and behaviours witnessed in contemporary communities, some of which contradict the principles of correct Islamic creed,” he said.

Eleha also called on Islamic scholars to unite and prioritise collective scholarly engagement to uplift Islam and Muslims in Nigeria.

The conference features special lectures and academic papers presented by distinguished scholars, including Prof Abdur-Razaq Alaro and Muneerud-Deen Ariyady.

Eminent personalities, including the Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, attended the conference, according to the statement.

The representative of the President of the Islamic Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Abubakar Muhammad, described the gathering as “superb” and “truly an international program with representatives from all over the world.”

Focusing on the theological theme, Muhammad explained that the conference was rooted in the foundational principles of Islam.

He said, “The bedrock and the foundation of religion is the creed, the oneness of Allah, and that is what the conference is emphasising. All subsequent teachings shared here will aim at spiritual development and rectification, specifically focusing on cleansing, standardising, and clarifying what a Muslim should know and do first, even before he says Allahu Akbar—to be a good Muslim, one who recognises and worships Allah alone without associating partners with Him.”

Speaking at the event, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, stated that Islam is a religion of peace, love, and unity.

He explained that his role as a crowned king during times of struggle was to shed light on the doctrine of kingship and clarify related misconceptions.

The Olofin of Isheri Land, Oba Ibrahim Bello, called for more collaborative efforts among Yoruba kings, noting that promoting Islam should be a top priority.

He also praised Eleha for gathering Islamic scholars from across the world to propagate Islam meaningfully.

 

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