The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • NAFRC prepares 718 soldiers for retirement

    NAFRC prepares 718 soldiers for retirement

    The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi has started a six-month intensive training for 718 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs).

    This training, which would run till June, will equip the participating soldiers with entrepreneurial and business management skills, as well as bring them up to speed with relevant technologies in their chosen areas of specialty to enable them to function optimally and be financially independent.

    Inaugurating the course, NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Nnaemeka Ilo, charged the participating soldiers to maintain discipline and respect the Nigerian Armed Forces social media policy.

    He urged them to embrace  learning and adaptability as they prepare for life after active military service.

    AVM Ilo described the course as competitive and prestigious, adding that it was designed to equip personnel with relevant skills for post-service survival and prosperity.

    He explained that the course will feature a blend of theory and practice focused on entrepreneurship, self-reliance, job creation and sustainable living.

    According to him, feedback from past participants showed that many graduates of the centre had gone on to become successful entrepreneurs across diverse sectors of the economy, expressing confidence that the current participants would equally emerge competitive and productive in the open market.

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    He cautioned the participants against underestimating the realities of civil life, describing it as largely unstructured and fiercely competitive when compared to the regimented military environment. Stressing the importance of emotional intelligence and self-control, AVM Ilo advised them to prepare mentally for the differences in work culture, time management and interpersonal relations outside the military.

    Continuing, he admonished the participants to see the course as an investment in their families and themselves, reminding them that they had given over 30 years of their lives to serving the country selflessly.

    He underscored the importance of dedication, diligence and effective time management, noting that optimal use of the training period would largely determine individual success in retirement.

    During an interview with reporters, the Commandant reiterated that efforts had been intensified to modernise training facilities through the introduction of technology and basic Artificial intelligence modules.

    He explained that while AI is being introduced in phases due to the age of the participants, it would eventually become a full course for future intakes as part of efforts to align NAFRC with international best practices.

    Earlier, the Director of Training, Brig. -Gen. Isang Akpaumontia, said 823 participants were posted for the course, comprising 523 personnel from the Nigerian Army (NA) , 122 from the Nigerian Navy (NN)and 178 from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Of this number, he said 718 participants were medically screened and certified fit, documented and accommodated, while 85 were declared unfit and returned to their units for further treatment.

    He assured that arrangements had been made to complete the documentation and biometric capture of the affected personnel ahead of graduation.

    Brig.-Gen. Akpaumontia reiterated that NAFRC is a world-class institution dedicated to entrepreneurship and management training, as well as consultancy services, aimed at ensuring a seamless reintegration of personnel into contemporary civil society after decades of meritorious service.

    He reminded participants that the course was fully residential, urging them to uphold conducts befitting their ranks as senior representatives of their respective services.

  • Two arraigned over protest in Lagos

    Two arraigned over protest in Lagos

    The Lagos State Police Command yesterday arraigned activists Comrade Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank before a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court over their alleged involvement in a protest against illegal demolitions and forcible evictions.

    The duo were arrested on Wednesday following a protest at the state House of Assembly.

    They were arraigned on a five-count charge: conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, threats, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic, and singing abusive songs against the police and the state government.

    Police Prosecuting counsel, Anthony Ihiehie, told the court that Soweto, Frank and others still at large conspired and committed the alleged offences on January 28, this year, at Allen Avenue, Alausa and the House of Assembly premises.

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    He further alleged that the defendants “threatened members of the public who refused to join the protest.”

    The prosecutor also told the court that the defendants “blocked the highway with a vehicle carrying a public address system and sang abusive songs against the police and the state government with intent to provoke and tarnish the image of the government.”

    According to him, the alleged offences contravened sections 411, 56, 57 and 57(c) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Both defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    A drama, however, ensued during their arraignments when Ihiehie objected to the appearance of human rights lawyer Femi Falana, (SAN) for the defendants.

    Ihiehie told the court that an Oyo State High Court judgment delivered in 2025 barred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from appearing in lower courts.

     Falana dismissed the objection, saying, “Section 36(6)(c) of the Constitution gives every defendant the right to be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice.”

    “The case cited by the police is from Oyo State. The police are not with the laws of Lagos State,” he added.

    Falana further argued that Lagos State laws expressly permit SANs to appear before Magistrates’ Courts.

    “Section 9 of the Lagos Magistrates’ Court Law provides that all legal practitioners called to the Bar, regardless of title or rank, can appear in any Magistrates’ Court in the state,” he said.

    He urged the court to discountenance the police’s objection, describing it as “an attempt to obstruct and delay the proceedings.”

    The activist also recalled that in a 2016 case, he appeared before the same court alongside another SAN, Olumide Fusika, against the same police counsel without any objection.

    In her ruling, Magistrate Mrs I.O. Alaka agreed with Falana.

    “I am in agreement with the submission of the learned Silk that the rank of SAN is not a restriction. All lawyers can appear in all courts,” the magistrate held.

    Following the ruling, Falana applied for bail for the defendants on liberal terms.

    “These charges are completely illegal as they violate Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution on freedom of expression and assembly.

    “They have been detained since yesterday with no contact with the outside world. They need to go home and change. They have been injured.

    “I urge the court to release them to me. I know them; they are responsible Nigerians,” Falana added.

    Ihiehie opposed the bail application saying: “As much as bail is free, if the court grants them bail, these young men may go back and block the National Assembly.”

    “We are pleading with the court to grant them bail on conditions that will make them recognise the seriousness of the case and ensure they appear in court,” he said.

    Ruling on the application, Magistrate Alaka granted the defendants bail of N200,000 each with two responsible sureties in like sum.

    After the ruling, Falana  took responsibility for the defendants’ appearance in court.

    “I want to undertake that the defendants be released to me, and I am undertaking to produce them tomorrow morning, so they can meet their bail conditions.

    “My learned friend can attest that I have never broken my word,” Falana said.

    Ihiehie said he was not aware of that.

    The Magistrate then questioned Falana, if he attested to knowing the defendants.

    “Yes, my lord. I am the one that intervened between them and the police, so the rally could hold yesterday,” he said.

    Magistrate Alaska subsequently released the defendants to Falana.

     “I release them to the learned Silk. I am very sure the learned Silk understands the consequences of this ruling?”.

    Falana responded: “Of course, my lord.”

    Magistrate Alaska has adjourned the case to March 3, this year, for mention

  • Firm, director acquitted of N964m fraud

    Firm, director acquitted of N964m fraud

    An Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday discharged and acquitted a company, Purple Prime Limited and its Director, Adebowale Johnson, of alleged N964 million fraud involving a second generation bank (names withheld).

    The trial judge, Justice Ismail Ijelu, held that the prosecution failed to establish a criminal  liability case against the defendants. Justice  Ijelu faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for failing to prove the offences of conspiracy and stealing against the defendants.

    The judge held that the evidence presented by the prosecuting agency fell short of the standard required by law.

    Justice Ijelu held that the prosecution relied on the movement of funds through various accounts without establishing unlawful appropriation, criminal intent, or a meeting of minds between the defendants.

    The court further observed that bureau de change operators who testified before the court acted as neutral intermediaries in the ordinary course of business and were not shown to have conspired with the defendants.

    The judge held that tracing funds to accounts linked to the defendants only established financial movement and does not amount to proof of stealing or conspiracy.

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    Justice Ijelu further held that conspiracy cannot be inferred from mere association or commercial transactions, adding that there must be credible evidence of a shared criminal intention and coordinated action, which was absent in the prosecution’s case.

    The court held that the EFCC failed to present digital forensic evidence, communication records, or corroborated extra-judicial statements capable of establishing coordinated planning among the defendants.

    Justice Ijelu also noted that some individuals allegedly involved in the transaction chain were neither arrested nor charged.

    According to the court, the evidence before it exposed weaknesses in the internal controls and safeguards of the bank, rather than deliberate criminal conduct by the defendants.

    Justice Ijelu held that the EFCC failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and, accordingly, discharged and acquitted Purple Prime Limited and Adebowale Johnson of the charges.

    The EFCC had, on November 23, 2024 filed a 14-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of conspiring to steal ₦964 million from the bank through  online banking and ATM fraud.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

    During the trial, the prosecution called four witnesses and tendered documents, all of which were admitted in evidence.

  • MSSN: IVC’s permanent site

    MSSN: IVC’s permanent site

    Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) is one of the most vital organs of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN). It was initiated at the inception of that Society in 1954 to furnish Muslim students with the required basic Islamic education that could serve as their foundation in life. IVC is so-named because of its design to take place during long school vacations. For more than 54 years after its establishment, IVC had been moved from State to State where public or private school premises were used for the educative programme. But with the increasing population of its members it became difficult to use one single school premise for the vital regular training given to members. Thus, as a token of progress, the thought of stabilizing the Association by establishing permanent sites got a consensus. And each of the two major zones of the Association (A and B zones) was given a go ahead to provide a permanent site for the programme while the Head Office is sited in Abuja.

    It was for the purpose of laying the foundation stone of B Zone’s permanent site that many Muslim organizations and individual personalities assembled in Ibadan on a Sunday. And who could have been more fitting for laying such a foundation than His Eminence, the Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubar III. As usual, he was personally present to perform the historic duty.

    Also present were the Otaru of Auchi, Oba Aliru Momoh, the Onitaji of Itaji Ekiti, Oba Adamo Babalola, the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland Alhaji Abdul Aziz Arisekola Alao, the former Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, late Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adegbite, late Justice Bola Babalakin (retired), the former and pieoneer Secretary General of Muslim Ummah of South West of Nigeria, Professor DOS Noibi and a host of other highly respected Muslim personalities too many to mention here, who came from all parts of the country. Most of these personalities were members of the MSSN at one time or another.

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    Also present at the occasion were many Muslim Organizations across the country including MSSN itself, the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) Jam’atu Nasrul Islam, Nasru Llah Al-Fatih (NASFAT), Fathu Quareeb, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), The Companion, The Criterion and a host of other Organizations.

    At the occasion, the Sultan was so impressed by a four year old boy’s recitation of the Qur’an that he instantly awarded him full scholarship from the primary school to the University. It was his second time of doing that in 2008 alone. When he came to Ibadan for the inauguration of MUSWEN earlier this year, he announced three personal and automatic scholarships for three female Muslim students who could gain admission into the University to read medicine. And at the foundation laying ceremony he made a personal donation of three million naira which he called first installment.

    There is no part of this country that this Sultan has not personally visited formally as Amirul Mu’minin thereby confirming that Sultanate is rather for the entire country than just Sokoto as erroneously believed by many and echoed by the Nigerian Press.       

    Perhaps it was in consideration of this new reality that the conglomerate of the above named Muslim Organizations declared in Ibadan that the office of the Sultan for Nigeria as a whole and not for Sokoto alone. And the proposal was made by the Southern Muslims who might have realized an error in restricting the title to a single city (Sokoto) for many years.

    SULTAN is an Islamic title which means AUTHORITY. Whoever is legally crowned in that venerable office is legitimately vested with the authority to give Fatwa or delegate such power to any other competent Muslim Cleric. The office should therefore be for the entire Muslim society in Nigeria and not just a city, state or tribe. Sultanate came to replace Caliphate at a time when Caliphate was becoming irrelevant because of the gross abuse to which it was subjected through power struggle. To try to restrict it to a locality here in Nigeria, therefore, is like limiting the scope of Islam by sheer whim and caprice. No sensible oceanographer will want to confine the movements and operations of a whale to a brook. This new reality is long overdue.

    The emphasis on Sokoto whenever the title of SULTAN is addressed in Nigeria was a design by the colonialist not only to impress the restriction of Islam to a locality in Nigeria but also to stress their imaginary superiority of the British monarchy over Sultanate. Such a design which came to be inherited by Nigerian political elite is suggestive of the possibility of having a Sultan in any locality where Muslims are found. That was one of their many ways of degrading Islam. And this grossly contradicts the Islamic norm by which the Sultanate office was established.

    There are four Sultanates in the world today. They are the Sultanate of Oman, the Sultanate of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Brunei and of course our own Sultanate of Nigeria. It will be noticed that each of the first three Sultanates was mentioned in relation to its country of domain and not of localities. Why should that of Nigeria be different?  Afterall, the other three Sultanates put together are by far smaller in area size and in population than that of Nigeria. Why then should we as Muslims accept an imposition on us by those who didn’t know how Sultanate came about?

    Since the title belongs to Islam and the Muslims alone, it should be the exclusive right of only the Muslims to redefine that title appropriately and call it its befitting name without consulting any non-Muslim. And that was what the Nigerian Muslims did in Ibadan that Sunday, during the foundation laying of the MSSN permanent site in Ibadan.

    Afterall, this is not the first time that the Muslims in Southern Nigeria would initiate Islamic action that would become a national affair. Such initiatives have rather always come to strengthen the Unity of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah. Examples of these are many. Muslim Students Society of Nigeria is one. NACOMYO is another. FOMWAN is another. CRITERION is another. And yet, there are also NASFAT and FAT’HU QUARIB. All of these and many more are National Muslim Organizations initiated from the South-West but to which millions of Nigerian Muslims belong today by choice without any tribal or sectional bias.

    Incidentally, all these organizations were present or ably represented at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) permanent site where the declaration of the SULTAN OF NIGERIA was made last Sunday and there was no single dissenting voice. If the proposal or that declaration had been made by any Northern Muslim Organization it would have been perceived as Northern gimmick to laud it over the South. But here is a declaration made in the South by the Southern Muslims on their own volition. What else can anybody say to controvert it?

    Going by that declaration therefore, it becomes a reality that this only African Sultanate is of Nigeria and not of Sokoto as hitherto assumed. And Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III has confirmed this by his utterances and actions. He has shown Nigerians the difference between leadership and rulership. And by his example we have come to realize that what Nigeria has always lacked is not rulership but leadership. As Muslims, we prayed for good leadership and Allah in His mercy granted us one. It is now left to us to appreciate it by not abusing it. We pray the Almighty Allah to further guide and protect this Sultanate that the Nigerian Muslim Ummah may fall asunder.

  • Muslim Women flay schools, airports, FRSC, others over hijab rights violations

    Muslim Women flay schools, airports, FRSC, others over hijab rights violations

    A coalition of Muslim women organisations yesterday renewed calls for an end to discrimination against hijab-wearing women across Nigeria, urging governments and institutions to fully implement constitutional and judicial protections.

    Speaking at a at a briefing held at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque (LSSCM) Hall, Ikeja, to commemorate the World Hijab Day, the coalition marked the global event under the theme “Unity in Hijab,” with a locally adopted theme of “One Sisterhood.”

    Addressing reporters, Executive Director of the Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative (HRAI)Hajia Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, said Muslim women in Nigeria were joining millions around the world to reaffirm the hijab as a symbol of faith, dignity and unity, not a basis for exclusion.

    She explained that World Hijab Day, observed annually on February 1, was to promote religious tolerance and understanding. According to her, the hijab cuts across ethnicity, class and ability, uniting Muslim women as one sisterhood.

    Despite constitutional guarantees, Orolu-Balogun lamented that hijab-wearing women in Nigeria still face harassment and denial of rights in schools, workplaces and public institutions.

    Speaking on “The Hijab: Faith, Not Fashion,” Maryam Abdur-Rasheed of Pure Heart Foundation (PHF), stressed that hijab is a divine command rooted in the Qur’an, not a cultural or political statement. She noted that restricting the hijab violates Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees fundamental right to freedom of religion.

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    Raising concerns about minority communities, Kudrah Ogunmuyiwa of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) highlighted the plight of Igbo Muslim women, who she said face double vulnerability due to ethnicity and religion. She condemned recent hate speech and threats against Igbo Muslims, calling on law enforcement agencies and community leaders in the Southeast to act decisively.

    The issue of inclusion also featured prominently, as Hussainat Akintola of Al-Mu’minaat drew attention to the challenges faced by Muslim women with disabilities. She described widespread inaccessibility, insensitive treatment and exclusion from public and religious spaces, demanding disability-friendly mosques, inclusive policies and reasonable accommodations.

    On education, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit Amirah, Rofiat Tijani, decried what she described as subtle but persistent discrimination in schools, despite Supreme Court judgments affirming the right of Muslim students to wear hijab. She cited practices such as forced “tuck-in” rules, concealment under berets and threats of suspension as violations of the law.

    Concerns were also raised about harassment at ports of entry and immigration points. Akanbi Maryam of Akhwaat alleged that hijab-wearing women are routinely forced to remove their hijabs for biometric screening, contrary to international standards and Nigerian regulations.

    Similarly, Ummulkhayr Adeleke-Lawal of Nasrul-Lahi-il-Fatih Society (NASFAT) condemned reports from driver’s licence centres, where Muslim women are allegedly denied biometric capturing unless they expose their ears. She noted that Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) guidelines and international biometric standards do not require visible ears, describing the practice as discriminatory and unlawful.

    Presenting the coalition’s demands, Nimat Salako of the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque and Riskiah Adam-Adedimeji of The Criterion called on the federal, state governments, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and regulatory bodies to issue clear directives, train personnel, sanction offenders and establish complaint mechanisms to protect hijab rights.

    Dr. Halimah Ogunbekun of An-Nujabau, emphasised unity, declaring that no Muslim woman should be left behind due to ethnicity, disability or location. She stressed that discrimination, not the hijab, is what divides society.

    The coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, lawmakers and all Nigerians to uphold justice and constitutional fidelity, urging that 2026 be remembered as a year Nigeria chose unity over prejudice and equal rights over discrimination.

  • Judith Audu Productions unveils cast EVI

    Judith Audu Productions unveils cast EVI

    Judith Audu Productions, in collaboration with Switch Visuals Productions, Signet Rings Productions, and NOI Productions, has announced the upcoming release of the compelling new musical film entitled ‘EVI’.

    Written and directed by Uyoyou Adia, and powered by CCHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter and the Gates Foundation, the movie explores themes of arrogance, addiction, humility, and the difficult road to self-discovery and second chances.

    ‘EVI’ tells the story of Evi-Oghene Donalds, a fiercely talented but notoriously arrogant rising star in the music industry. Her world shatters when her record label goes bankrupt, leaving her with nothing. Forced to trade the spotlight for a lounge stage and a waitressing job, Evi begins the painful process of rebuilding her life.

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    Her only hope lies with Kola Adeloye, a once-respected talent manager now battling severe alcohol and gambling addictions. Their desperate, complicated partnership becomes a journey of mutual redemption, testing the limits of loyalty when Evi’s career miraculously takes off once more.

    The film features a stellar cast, including Osas Okonyon, who takes on the titular role of Evi, Uzor Arukwe, Omowunmi Dada, Ibrahim Suleiman, Waje Iruobe, Tomiwa Tegbe, and Femi Branch, among others.

    Speaking on her role as lead actress, Okonyon said; “Stepping into the world of ‘EVI’ for my first feature role has been a transformative experience. Evi’s journey is a powerful reminder that talent is only half the story—humility and who you choose to bring along are just as important. It’s a privilege to debut with a character that has so much heart and an inspiring arc of redemption.”

    Also speaking, producer of the flick, Judith Audu, said that ‘EVI’ is more than just a story about the music industry; it’s a deep dive into the cost of arrogance and the profound value of loyalty and resilience.

    The film is set to start showing in cinemas across Nigeria on March 27, 2026.

  • How Airo Uche turned music, nature, and community into a movement

    How Airo Uche turned music, nature, and community into a movement

    Airo Uche recently hosted an experience session to unveil his latest single, ‘Apple of my eyes.’ The venue was Grillz by Waterside and the experience was one that would gently disrupt the ordinary and replace it with something richer, more intentional, and deeply human. Using music as both the anchor and the conversation starter, the event explored lifestyle, connection, and the possibility of sparking a new cultural rhythm rooted in authenticity.

    At the heart of the gathering was ‘Apple of My Eyes,’ Airo Uche’s latest single. Introduced in a space designed for natural connection, the song found its audience exactly where it belonged, among friends, families, and fans who were ready to receive it without pretense.

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    A mid-tempo love theme, ‘Apple of My Eyes’ celebrates intimacy, appreciation, and the quiet power of choosing one another every day. It speaks to couples, partners, and anyone who understands that love is both tender and deliberate.

    The song’s reception was immediate and affirming. As it played, reactions unfolded in real time, smiles, nods, shared glances, and moments of reflection. For Airo Uche and his team, this was the true value of a listening session: the chance to witness honest responses, gather unfiltered feedback, and fine-tune creative decisions before taking the music to a wider audience. The experience reinforced their confidence in the project and fueled a renewed commitment to pushing Apple of My Eyes with greater energy and purpose.

    Airo Uche describes his artistry as a constant evolution. His sound grows as he grows, shaped by everyday experiences and universal emotions. Love, he believes, has no expiration date, people fall in love and are loved every single day. His music aims to represent all times, offering something listeners can return to whenever they need comfort, joy, or reassurance.

  • Dr. Wilson Joel joins Yivera board

    Dr. Wilson Joel joins Yivera board

    Yivera Co, a global music technology and digital distribution company focused on empowering independent artists and rights holders, has appointed Nigerian music executive, Dr. Wilson Joel, to its Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director.

    The appointment took effect on December 8, 2025.

    The appointment marks a strategic move by the company as it prepares to roll out Yivera 2.0, aimed at strengthening its governance structure, expanding its global outlook and deepening its influence within the international music industry.

    Dr. Joel, popularly known as MusicMagnate, is a Nigerian-born, United States–based media entrepreneur and music business leader with over 20 years of international experience.

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    He is widely respected for his creative and executive leadership, having served for nine years as Music Director of House on the Rock’s The Experience Lagos, widely regarded as the largest gospel concert in the world.

    In his new role, Dr. Joel is expected to provide strategic direction and independent oversight to Yivera’s management, contribute to board deliberations, ensure adherence to global governance and compliance standards, and support the company’s growth through his extensive international network. He will also play a key role in championing fairness, transparency and improved compensation for African creators in the global music ecosystem.

    Announcing the appointment, Yivera’s Chief Executive Officer, Martins Okonkwo, described it as a major milestone. “Dr. Wilson Joel’s experience with global institutions such as Universal Music Group and Sony Music, combined with his creative work reaching over 40 million listeners worldwide, brings exceptional depth to our Board as we expand across Africa, North America and beyond,” he said.

    Dr. Joel’s portfolio spans music production, film scoring and live concert direction. He has contributed to Nollywood productions such as Tango with Me and Hakkunde, and produced the Nigerian National Anthem for EbonyLife Television. His honours include a Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Music and Management and multiple industry awards.

  • Where is Pastor Chris Okotie?

    Where is Pastor Chris Okotie?

    Nigerian televangelist, Pastor Chris Oghenebrorie Okotie was once a vibrant figure whose influence spanned music, fashion, and ministry. Known for his striking personal style and polished spoken English, he captivated many with his charismatic presence. His distinctive curly hair and eloquent manner of speaking set him apart, especially after transitioning from a brief career in law and music to becoming a prominent minister of God.

    Throughout his ministry, Pastor Okotie was not only a spiritual leader but also a controversial public figure. His church, the Household of God Church International Ministries located in Oregun, Lagos, became a notable gathering place for celebrities and influential personalities. The atmosphere at his worship sessions was always electric, drawing crowds that overflowed with enthusiastic attendees, a testament to his background as a seasoned singer and performer.

    During his active years, Okotie frequently voiced his opinions on national issues, showcasing a profound understanding of economics and governance. His foray into politics included a candidacy for Nigeria’s highest office under the Fresh Democratic Party, a move that highlighted his desire to effect change beyond the pulpit. With his impressive oratory skills, he often held audiences spellbound, using a rich vocabulary that resonated deeply.

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    In recent years, however, a noticeable silence has fallen over him. Many have speculated about the reasons for his withdrawal from the public eye and reduced engagement in controversies that once surrounded him. Some believe that those challenges have made him more resilient, while others suggest he is now prioritizing personal tranquility over the attention and conflict that once characterized his life. This shift has led to a sense of longing among his admirers, who miss hearing his perspectives on critical national and global issues, as his absence has left a significant gap in the discourse.

    According to various sources, Pastor Okotie’s decision to stay out of the limelight is deliberate; he has chosen to focus solely on his ministry and the spiritual well-being of his congregation. With a profound commitment to quietly bless his community, he seems to have distanced himself from the political arena, embracing a more introspective and peace-oriented approach.

    Yet, despite these changes, the question remains prominent: Where is Pastor Chris Okotie? His supporters eagerly await his return to the public discourse, hopeful that he will once again share his insights on the pressing matters of the day.

  • Israel Olajumoke’s large Heart

    Israel Olajumoke’s large Heart

    Dr. Isreal Olajumoke, the CEO of House of Destiny Global  and President of NATOMORAS, exemplifies the spirit of cheerful giving, viewing it as an indispensable aspect of his life and work. As a dedicated pastor at Living Faith Church, commonly known as Winners Chapel, he has devoted himself to the ministry of God’s work. Recently appointed to serve in Kogi State, Dr. Olajumoke is on a mission to touch lives and win more souls for the Kingdom through his efforts in community development and empowerment initiatives.

    In stark contrast to many of his peers who enjoy the blessings of success yet choose not to give back to their communities, Dr. Olajumoke has made it his mission to champion change. His foundation has consistently focused on uplifting those in need through various empowerment programs, aiming not just to help individuals, but to inspire a culture of giving and responsibility.

    On November 26, 2025, Dr. Olajumoke marked a significant milestone in his charitable work by collaborating with the Federal Ministry for Youth Development to inaugurate the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative in Abuja at the prestigious Eagles Square. This initiative is not only about providing an eco-friendly transportation alternative but also about addressing the financial struggles many women face in their day-to-day lives. The electric tricycles serve a dual purpose: they are designed to ease daily commutes while simultaneously empowering women economically by providing them with a means to earn a sustainable income.

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    During the launch, several electric tricycles were distributed to deserving women, with a focus on monitoring their progress to ensure their success. A follow-up event took place on January 28, 2026, in partnership with the Women of Wisdom Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. (WOW Cooperative), where another set of tricycles was distributed to beneficiaries, marking the second phase of the initiative. In total, seven electric tricycles were handed over to young women, enabling them to embark on a journey toward financial independence.

    Dr. Olajumoke emphasizes that the overarching goal of the initiative is to shift away from reliance on expensive and environmentally harmful fuels, advocating instead for affordable, clean energy solutions that benefit the community. The electric tricycles are equipped with solar panels that enhance charging efficiency and ensure reliable service delivery. This technology not only alleviates the financial burden of fuel costs for the beneficiaries but also significantly reduces maintenance needs while promoting a healthier environment.

    “To the women and youth who received the tricycles today, treat these vehicles as a business, not just a gift,” Dr. Olajumoke urged at the launch. “You are now part of a green revolution. We are committed to creating policies and partnerships that make green technology accessible to every young person in the country, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.”

    Through his unwavering dedication to community empowerment and sustainable practices, Dr. Isreal Olajumoke continues to inspire others to embrace the value of giving back, reinforcing the notion that true success is measured not just by personal achievement, but by the positive impact one can have on the lives of others.