Category: Events

PHOTOS: FG holds special thanksgiving service ahead of 65th Independence Day

 

 

As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.

 

The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.

 

Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.

 

Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.

The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.

 

This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.

“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.

 

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

 

The event is slated for October 2, 2025, at the Peacock Hall, Lagos.

 

Makinde presents staff of office to Ladoja as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

 

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Rasidi Ladoja, officially confirming him as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

 

The presentation took place at exactly 3:05 p.m. on Friday during a colourful and historic coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

 

The coronation, held at Mapo Hall, was attended by notable dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, further highlighting the cultural and political importance of the event.

 

Makinde’s formal presentation of the staff and certificate of office marks the final step in legitimising Ladoja’s ascension to the throne, symbolising both tradition and continuity in Ibadan’s monarchy.

This coronation is especially notable as it brings a former state governor into a revered royal role, merging political experience with traditional leadership at a time when community influence and governance are increasingly intertwined.

 

Makinde, while speaking, said, “This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the presence of people, and in the presence of God.

 

“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the Governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1st.

 

“This is in confirmation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I am so present.”

Tinubu departs Abuja for Olubadan’s coronation

 

President Bola Tinubu on Friday departed Abuja for Ibadan, Oyo State, to attend the coronation of the new Olubadan, Rashidi Ladoja.

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‎The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the presidential jet took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

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‎In Ibadan, Tinubu will join other dignitaries for the official installation ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall.

 

His presence and other dignitaries underscore the national importance of the occasion, as Ibadan celebrates the continuity of its revered monarchical institution.

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‎Ladoja, a former Oyo state governor and senator, was selected as the 44th Olubadan, following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.

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‎Excitement is already sweeping across Ibadan as the city witnesses Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne.

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‎Ladoja, 81, is a respected businessman and political figure who rose through the traditional Olubadan chieftaincy ranks to become Olubadan.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland is the paramount traditional ruler of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, and one of the largest cities in West Africa. The Olubadan throne holds deep cultural, historical, and political significance among the Yoruba people.

Actress Mercy Aigbe Loses Mother

 

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, on Tuesday announced the death of her mother.

 

The actress shared the sad news on Instagram with a candlelight image against a broken heart background, captioned: “R.I.P Mum.”

 

The announcement drew a wave of condolence messages from colleagues, fans, and friends in the entertainment industry.

 

Actress Iyabo Ojo wrote: “So sorry ore, may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

 

Controversial crossdresser Idris Olanrewaju commented: “Sorry sis.”

Actress Dayo Amusa wrote, “My sincere condolences, Agbeke.”

 

Motilola also wrote: “So sorry, Momma. Accept my condolences.”

 

Actor Bolanle Ninalowo stated, “My condolences, sis.”

 

Other celebrities like Omowunmi Ajiboye and Tayo Faniran also sent in their sympathy messages, praying for the repose of her mother’s soul.

Singer Spyro announces engagement to partner

 

 

Nigeria singer and songwriter Oludipe David popularly known as Spyro has announced his engagement to his partner, Janet Atom.

 

The “Who Is Your Guy?” crooner took to his Instagram page on Friday to make the announcement, sharing pictures of his proposal to Atom.

 

Singer Spyro proposes to lover. Credit: Instagram | spyro__official

Singer Spyro proposes to lover.

Singer Spyro proposes to lover. Credit: Instagram | spyro__official

Spyro revealed that he met his fiancée on March 30, 2024, at 2:48 a.m. while working at a club in Lagos.

He wrote, “The 30th of March 2024, my world paused as I found love in an unexpected place (sic) at exactly 2:48am I met the answer to my prayers #_callme_njure in a Lagos Club while at work and from then till now I have lived every single day a very happy man.

 

“Thank you for saying YES my sweet J. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

 

Spyro is well known for his song “Who is your Guy?” which was first released in November 2022 and re-released in March 2023 as a remix featuring Tiwa Savage.

FG to partner Akwa Ibom on affordable power supply

 

 

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power and its agencies, said it is prepared to partner with the government of Akwa Ibom State to realise its resolve of delivering a reliable and affordable electricity to its people.

 

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the pledge during his opening remarks at the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Summit 2025 held in Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Area on Thursday.

 

The minister, who was represented at the occasion by his chief Technical Adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi, said only through collaboration can such an ambition be realised.

 

” As Akwa Ibom State embarks on the development of the electricity market, let me reaffirm that the federal government, through the Ministry of Power and its agencies, stand ready to partner with the state government to realise its resolve of delivering reliable and affordable power supply to its people.

”We believed such ambition can only be achieved through a strong partnership, cooperation between the federal, state and local government levels.

 

While noting the constitutional rights of the government of Akwa Ibom State to fully determine the trajectory of its electricity market, Adelabu emphasised the importance of effective coordination with the federal government

 

He said as custodian of the national grid and wholesale market, such coordination is necessary to ensure state-level initiatives align with national frameworks to safeguard stability, reliability and efficiency of the entire electricity value chain.

 

In his remarks, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, expressed delight with the hosting of the summit, emphasising that it should not be another talk shop but must chart a roadmap and be seen as a call to action, with clear timelines and expectations outlined.

Eno said that only through this can the state successfully said to be ready to move forward on the journey to achieving electricity for all.

 

The governor, who noted that the state is blessed with abundant resources, lamented that many homes, hospitals and schools are still grappling with epileptic power supply, adding that the question must be asked on why the state-owned power plant with an installed capacity of 191 megawatts, is not working optimally for the benefit of the people since it was established in 2001?

 

‘Eno said, ‘We are blessed with abundant gas, a State-owned power plant, yet too many of our homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals are grappling with epileptic power supply. The question then becomes: Why is our State-owned Ibom Power Plant, which has an installed capacity of 191 megawatts, not working optimally for the benefit of our people since it was established in 2001?

 

”What clear path can we adopt to make it work despite the huge resources that have been sunk into its operations, of which we, today, are repaying the Afreximbank loan of 9m USD? Do we undertake an overhaul or institute a PPP arrangement?

”Therefore, this Electricity Summit, even though it holds great promise to us, should not just be another talk shop. It should chart a Roadmap and be seen as a call to action, with clear timelines on who should do what, when such should be completed, and clear expectations outlined. Only then can we successfully tell ourselves we are ready to move forward on our journey to achieving electricity for all.”

 

The governor said the state’s vision for electricity access is anchored on the principle that electricity is not a luxury but a fundamental enabler for modern life.

He said, ‘Our vision in Akwa Ibom for total electricity access is anchored on a simple principle: electricity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental enabler of modern life. When a rural health clinic has steady power, lives are saved. When our farmers can process and store their produce, incomes rise.

 

”When our artisans have reliable energy, productivity soars. When our children can study under good lighting, the future becomes brighter, both literally and figuratively. Electricity is the basic and most important resource to give our people the opportunities to live longer and to live better.”

FG ends passport production at multiple centres after 62 years

 

The Nigeria Immigration Service has officially ended passport production at multiple centres, transitioning to a single, centralised system for the first time in 62 years.

 

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said this on Thursday while inspecting Nigeria’s new Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja.

 

He stated that since the establishment of NIS in 1963, Nigeria had never operated a central passport production centre, until now, marking a major reform milestone.

 

“The project is 100 per cent ready. Nigeria can now be more productive and efficient in delivering passport services,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He explained that old machines could only produce 250 to 300 passports daily, but the new system had a capacity of 4,500 to 5,000 passports every day.

 

“With this, NIS can now meet daily demands within just four to five hours of operation,” he added, describing it as a game-changer for passport processing in Nigeria.

“We promised two-week delivery, and we’re now pushing for one week.

 

“Automation and optimisation are crucial for keeping this promise to Nigerians,” the minister said.

 

He noted that centralisation, in line with global standards, would improve uniformity and enhance the overall integrity of Nigerian travel documents worldwide.

 

Tunji-Ojo described the development as a step toward bringing services closer to Nigerians while driving a culture of efficiency and total passport system reform.

 

He said the centralised production system aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, boosting NIS capacity and changing the narrative for better service delivery.

 

NAN

20 Years Gap: Edo Lawmaker Gushes Over 2Baba on 50th birthday

 

Natasha Osawaru, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, has poured glowing tributes on her husband, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, as the Afrobeats legend clocked 50 on Thursday.

 

In an Instagram post, Osawaru described the music star — who is 20 years older than her — as “the love of my life,” adding that waking up beside him daily was “one of the greatest gifts ever.”

 

“Happy birthday to the love of my life. You are 50!!!!! Oh wow!!!!!! You spaced me with 20 years and you look younger than I do…

 

“Innocent Ujah Idibia my husband… words cannot express the joy you’ve brought into my life. My joy is complete with you in it,” she wrote.

The lawmaker and the multi-award-winning singer tied the knot in a private traditional wedding in Benin City in April, barely months after 2Baba ended his long marriage with actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia.

 

The traditional rites, held at the residence of the Esama of Benin, drew close family and associates but were kept off-camera in a bid to preserve the ceremony’s privacy.

 

2Baba had earlier, in February, confirmed his relationship with Osawaru publicly, declaring: “Yes, I love her. I want to marry her.”

Tinubu condoles with FIRS, UBA over Afriland fire tragedies

 

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the families of victims and to the management and staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and United Bank for Africa following Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Afriland Building on Broad Street, Lagos Island.

 

PUNCH Online reports that seven victims have been confirmed dead after the fire incident at the Tower.

 

The victims were said to have died in hospitals across the state, where they had been rushed to after being evacuated from the high-rise building.

 

Among the victims are four staff members of FIRS, which occupies the sixth and seventh floors of the Towers.

In a statement signed on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu commiserated with Afriland Properties Limited, FIRS and UBA over the loss of lives.

 

He extended sympathy to those injured, who are receiving medical attention.

The statement read, “President Tinubu extends his condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, UBA, and particularly those who lost loved ones in the inferno, and the injured who are currently receiving medical attention.

 

“The President commends the emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and members of the public, for their quick intervention and notes their deep sense of responsibility during the evacuation.

 

“President Tinubu advises more caution, training, and alertness to avert such emergencies in the future.

 

“The President prays that God Almighty will receive the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to the injured.”

 

PUNCH Online gathered that doctors are battling to save the lives of the remaining victims in the hospitals.

 

The incident was one of two separate fire incidents that rocked the Lagos Island Business District on Tuesday, which left several others injured and goods worth millions of naira destroyed.

Nigeria’s nightclubs turn restrooms into luxurious selfie spots

 

 

With its marbled walls, exposed lightbulbs, and plentiful mirrors, the bathroom at The Library, a nightclub in Lagos, Nigeria, is practically begging patrons to snap a photo.

 

Then it comes, a message delivered on a gold-framed sign: “No selfies in the restroom… just kidding.”

 

In Nigeria, bathroom selfies are no joke.

 

From the buzzing mega-city of Lagos to the stuffy capital Abuja and conservative Kano in the north, bars and lounges are decking out their restrooms—not just to catch up with times but also to bring in new customers.

AFP sent reporters to women’s bathrooms across Africa’s most populous country to document the trend.

 

Renovations have been made, mirrors rearranged, and lighting adjusted. More is more: Marble and gold, sometimes of the faux variety, are popular design choices.

 

At Zaza, a nightlife staple, pressing a button on the bathroom wall will summon a complimentary glass of champagne that pops through a small window. It’s all part of a campaign to ease nerves—and draw smiles—among those in front of the mirror.

 

“The decor plays a huge role, especially for Nigerian ladies. And we try to attract as much as we can,” Johnny Franjeh, assistant general manager of Zaza, told AFP.

 

Inside, women adjusted the necklines of their brightly coloured dresses, swayed their hips, and batted their fake eyelashes, phones in hand.

 

The walls are adorned with floral wallpaper and multiple mirrors, allowing for different shooting angles.

 

From Abuja to Kano

There is something in it for the clubs, as well: the free advertising that comes with so many people posting their selfies to social media—including influencers with massive followings.

 

One such influencer, known as Comiebarbie, with 100,000 followers on Instagram, admitted that one of the first things she does upon arriving at a trendy locale is to “quickly go to the restroom with my friends so I can take pictures.”

 

In the smartphone era, the bathroom mirror selfie might be a long-established trend.

But Lagos, a boisterous megalopolis home to more than 20 million people, has found a way to make it an over-the-top novelty—as have quieter places like Abuja, the all-work-and-no-play planned city that serves as the nation’s capital.

 

Psychedelic-patterned walls adorn the “selfie room,” just off the women’s restroom at A Bar Called Paper, in the upscale Maitama neighbourhood.

 

“The most important thing I’m looking for is a suitable angle,” said Stephanie, a 26-year-old wearing a sequined, halter-neck dress that reflected endlessly as it bounced across multiple mirrors.

 

The trend extends all the way up to Kano, the cultural and economic capital of Nigeria’s mostly Muslim, largely conservative north.

 

At Antika, a lounge popular with the city’s youth, the dresses are looser and less revealing, their sleeves are longer, and patrons’ make-up is more subtle.

 

But once they make their way to the bathroom, they have plenty in common with partygoers in the south, spending long minutes playing with their reflections in mirrors carefully arranged against tropical wallpaper.

 

‘We invented that trend!’

Amid the current restroom arms race, there are also rivalries and claims of being first.

 

“We invented that trend!” Ghada Ghaith, CEO of Rococo, another Lagos haunt, told AFP.

 

Two weeks before opening, staff from the cabaret bar posted a photo from its bathroom.

 

“Maybe two hours later… we got like 200 requests for booking,” Ghaith said, with those making reservations mistaking the restroom for the restaurant itself.

 

It’s easy to understand the mix-up: no toilets were visible in the photo, though a crystal chandelier was.

 

AFP

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