Renowned filmmaker, Chief Lere Osunpaimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” has appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Nigerians to intervene after alleging that the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, is attempting to remake his iconic film Ogbori Elemoso without his consent.
Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan, Osunpaimo described Ogbori Elemoso as pivotal to his career and legacy, noting that it earned him national recognition, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award, and contributed to his chieftaincy title of Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso, conferred by the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade II.
The filmmaker said the current monarch had initially approached him with a proposal to remake the film, requesting cost estimates.
Osunpaimo valued the project at around N100 million, but alleged that the Soun suggested the budget could increase and requested script changes, promising to follow up.
However, in October 2025, Osunpaimo claimed a man identified as Ben Ayoola, also known as Ben O Ben, together with individuals claiming to represent Fewchore Studio, visited his home asserting they had the monarch’s approval to remake the film.
“They told me they did not need my permission to remake the movie and that they only wanted to give me a ‘gift’ for the work,” he said.
The group allegedly deposited N7.5 million into his account, which Osunpaimo’s children described as manipulation.
Acting on their advice, he returned the money and, through his legal counsel, issued a cease-and-desist letter to the studio warning against proceeding without his approval.
Despite this, he claimed the parties insisted on having the monarch’s backing and warned that legal action would not favor him.
Describing the situation as an attempt to destroy his legacy, Osunpaimo recalled that producing Ogbori Elemoso had left him heavily indebted and had even led to the seizure of his car.
“This work was meant to benefit me and my children, but powerful individuals are attempting to take it away from me,” he said.
He urged Governor Makinde, Pastor Adeboye, the Oyo State Police Commissioner, and the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso worldwide to intervene.
He also appealed to Nigerians to protect him from what he described as injustice at his old age, noting that he suspects those involved may be connected to recent social media rumors about his death.
Attempts to reach the Soun of Ogbomoso’s spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful as calls to his phone went unanswered.
Paris St-Germain have been ordered to pay former striker Kylian Mbappe 60m euros (£52.5m) in unpaid salary and bonuses by a French court.
Mbappe had been seeking 263m euros (£231.5m) from his former club after the long-running dispute reached a Paris labour court in November.
The European champions were counter-suing the France captain for 240m euros (£211m).
The 26-year-old Real Madrid forward claimed the nine-figure sum as damages in response to a contract dispute and ill-treatment by the club.
However, he was awarded just over a fifth of that amount in court on Tuesday.
The court recognised that PSG had failed to pay three months of his salary between April and June 2024 as well as an ethics bonus and a signing bonus under his contract.
It is believed that the majority of the money awarded to Mbappe was bonuses, rather than his salary.
In May, a 55m euro sum in the club’s accounts was frozen following a request by Mbappe’s legal team.
“We are satisfied with this ruling. This is what you could expect when salaries went unpaid,” Mbappe’s lawyer Frederique Cassereau said.
In a statement, Mbappe’s legal team added: “This judgement confirms that commitments entered into must be honoured. It restores a simple truth: even in the professional football industry, labour law applies to everyone.
“Mr Mbappe, for his part, scrupulously respected his sporting and contractual obligations for seven years, right up to the final day.”
While accepting the court’s ruling, PSG haven’t ruled out appealing against the decision.
The club’s statement read: “Paris St-Germain takes note of the judgement pronounced by the Paris Labour Court, which it will execute, while reserving the right to appeal.
“Paris St-Germain has always acted in good faith and with integrity, and will continue to do so. The club is now looking to the future, based on unity and collective success, and wishes the player the best for the rest of his career.”
Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The 48-year-old, widely considered to be one of the Premier League’s greatest players, retired in 2014.
He will be presented with the award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year show on Thursday, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 19:00 GMT.
“Football has given me everything and I gave it my all,” said Henry.
“To be recognised as part of its history with this Lifetime Achievement award and to have made my mark for the fans and my team-mates is something I’ll never take for granted.”
Henry scored 228 goals in 377 matches for Arsenal across his two spells with the Gunners, eclipsing Ian Wright to become the club’s record goalscorer in 2005.
He won three FA Cups and two Premier League titles during his time in England – including the 2003-04 season when Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ remained unbeaten throughout the Premier League campaign.
The striker won the Premier League Golden Boot a record-equalling four times and was named in the PFA Team of the Year six seasons in a row.
He holds the joint-record with Kevin de Bruyne for the most assists (20) in a single Premier League season.
In 2024, the Lifetime Achievement award was awarded to British cycling great Sir Mark Cavendish.
Other previous winners of the award include Billie Jean King, Pele, Sir Bobby Charlton, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sir David Beckham, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Sir Chris Hoy.Henry to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement award
The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria, in partnership with Lagos-based Pelse Consulting, recently organized a business and leadership dialogue aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and nurturing emerging business leaders nationwide.
The event, themed “Dialogue that Matters: Building Businesses that Strengthen Communities,” drew participants from across Lagos State, including members of the Mandela Washington Fellows Network and selected entrepreneurs from the Amplifier Business Clinic—an initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in collaboration with Pelse Consulting.
At the dialogue, Ms. Raisa Dukas, Public Diplomacy Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, emphasized the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises in driving Nigeria’s economic growth. She described entrepreneurship as a key engine for innovation, job creation, and improving livelihoods.
Ms. Dukas reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to fostering partnerships between Nigerian entrepreneurs and U.S. businesses to promote sustainable economic development.
She also highlighted the Mandela Washington Fellowship Programme, a six-week leadership initiative that gives young African leaders the opportunity to study at leading U.S. universities and engage with top business and policy experts.
“Our hope is that this dialogue marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the fellows, as we continue to track the growth and impact of their businesses and initiatives,” she said.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, represented by the Deputy Director, Youth Engagement and Education, Mrs. Rasheedat Umar, said the dialogue was designed to stimulate conversations around building sustainable businesses, strengthening communities and preparing young people for future leadership roles.
Ogunlende noted that the theme of the event emphasised the need for businesses to look beyond profit and focus on people, job creation and value addition to society, adding that such an approach leads to stronger communities and more resilient economies.
He commended the U.S. Consulate for its continued support for youth development and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, while also acknowledging the contribution of Mandela Washington Fellows to the local business ecosystem through their global exposure.
Highlighting the impact of the Amplifier Business Clinic and Accelerator, Ogunlende said the programme, which began with five beneficiaries receiving ₦5 million, has grown into one of Lagos State’s most impactful youth enterprise initiatives. He disclosed that seven entrepreneurs received ₦15 million in 2024, while ₦20 million was disbursed to 10 business owners this year.
In his lead presentation, the Managing Partner of Pelse Consulting, Mr. Adeniji Boboye, emphasised the central role of businesses in job creation, economic growth and social development. Quoting World Bank data, he said Small and Medium Enterprises contribute about 48 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and account for 70 per cent of employment.
Boboye stressed the need for sustainability in business operations, noting that long-term success must balance profitability with social and environmental responsibility.
He added that data-driven Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives could help address key community challenges such as unemployment, limited access to services and infrastructure deficits.
Speaking on the impact of the fellowship, a Mandela Washington Fellow, Mr. Seyi Akinsanmi, said the programme had reinforced the importance of innovation, collaboration and community-focused leadership.
Entrepreneur and Amplifier Business Clinic participant, Mr. Opeoluwa Shobowale, said the training had sharpened his strategic thinking and improved his ability to scale his business sustainably.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured an order of a Federal High Court in Lagos to detain a ship, its captain and 20 other crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine in the hatch of the commodity vessel from Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Babafemi said operatives of the NDLEA acting on credible intelligence had on 6th December 2025 discovered the cocaine consignment aboard the merchant vessel MV San Anthonio from Brazil.
He said after the full discharge of cargo from the ship, a total of 21 crew members of diverse nationalities including Russia, Phillipines, Ukraine and Azerbaijan were taken into NDLEA custody along with the drug exhibits.
“This is coming on the heels of a similar interception by NDLEA officers of another commodity laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus from the port of Santos in Brazil with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo on 16th November at the Apapa seaport Lagos.
“Suspects taken into custody along with the latest seized cocaine consignment include the Master of the vessel, Trofymov Oleksandr; and other crew members namely: Stoychev Sergiy; Bobrov Maksim; Stupnytsky Sergiy; Bitinev Aleksei; Novruzov Teymur; Sosnov Oleg; Bondar Ihor; Klymenko Oleh; Cala Michael De Jesus; Jamir Julfikhar Jacusalem; Blanco Crus Veloso; Fajardo Ronnel Luntaao; Gumela Lolito Jr. Serojano; Toston Romulo Jr. Oling; Smirnov Viacheslav; Gorre Mar Kemmeth Tabudlong; Cruz John Vhoie Glavez; Sablan Jamille Alorro; Abesia Kelvin Belarmino; and Ubay Kenneth Biaoco,” Babafemi said.
He said on line with international legal protocols, the NDLEA on Friday 12th December filed an ex-parte application in suit FHC/L/MISC/1408/2025 before Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos, for the detention of the ship and the 21 crew members pending when charges will be filed against them.
“Ruling on the application, the judge said ‘an order of court is hereby made extending the detention of the Vessel MV San Antonio being investigated by the Applicant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for fourteen days (14) in the first instance following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine aboard the said Vessel on 6th December, 2025 at Apapa seaport, Lagos, pending the conclusion of investigation and or filing of criminal charge and prosecution.’ The court thereafter adjourned the matter to 29th December 2025.
In his reaction to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said the latest seizure reinforces his earlier warning to international drug cartels and their local collaborators that they will never get a foothold in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
While commending the officers of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency for the back-to-back successful operations, Marwa said, “This is no doubt a testament to NDLEA’s heightened capacity and unwavering resolve to frustrate the drug syndicates targeting the West African sub-region especially Nigeria.”
He said the Agency will continue to collaborate with local and international partners to ensure zero tolerance for substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
Dr. Abdul Malik, the Board’s Corporate Services Director, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a capacity-building workshop for media stakeholders.
In his presentation, titled “NCDMB Overview: Mandate and Success Stories,” Malik stated, “As of October this year, based on the monitoring reports received from our projects, we are at 61 per cent. Our target is to achieve 70 per cent local content by 2027.”
He noted that while the Board is close to achieving the milestone, implementation gaps remain, particularly in the area of local manufacturing.
He added that when the gas development projects are commissioned, NCDMB will be better positioned to improve manufacturing.
Abdulmalik said beyond Nigeria, the board is promoting local content across Africa.
According to him, while Nigeria has 35 billion barrels of oil and over 200 trillion cubic feet of gas, Africa collectively offers a much larger market.
He added that through the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation, Nigeria has led efforts to harmonise local content policies, culminating in the Brazzaville Accord.
He said NCDMB also played a key role in establishing the Africa Energy Bank to address financing gaps arising from global energy transition pressures.
In his opening remarks, the Corporate Communications, General Manager, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi said the workshop was to help the journalists improve their competences.
He said the objective of the capacity building was to help journalists monetise and create value from their contents.
The administration of the current Executive Secretary, Dr. Felix Ogbe has recorded 20 accomplishments as he continues to strive towards deepening Nigerian content in the sector.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 senior citizens in Katsina State with a total of N50 million under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The support was provided through the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), which held at the Katsina Government House with the theme “Finding Joy in Old Age.”
At the event, each of the 250 beneficiaries, drawn from the 34 local government areas of the state, received a cash grant of N200,000.
The programme also featured free medical check-ups and the distribution of essential items to the elderly beneficiaries.
Speaking through the wife of the Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to easing the challenges faced by elderly Nigerians.
She said the social investment programme reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to recognising the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to national development.
“Through this scheme, we continue to express our gratitude and care for the men and women who laboured to build the Nigeria we are proud of today,” she said.
According to her, the scheme is designed to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).
She further explained that each state, the FCT and DEPOWA received N50 million, with 250 beneficiaries in each location receiving N200,000 each.
The First Lady also advised beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, prioritise their health and spend quality time with their families.
No fewer than 250 elderly persons in Delta State have benefited from the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), receiving ₦200,000 each, alongside a 50kg bag of rice and free medical care provided by the Delta State Government through the Office of the Wife of the Governor.
The beneficiaries were supported during the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba. The event was themed, “Finding Joy in Old Age.”
The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented at the event by the Wife of the Governor of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, while Mrs. Josephine Emu spoke on behalf of the Delta First Lady.
In a speech delivered at the event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme as a vital social investment programme designed to ensure that elderly Nigerians live with dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging.
“This social investment programme embodies our ongoing effort to ensure that our elderly citizens live with dignity and joy, in a nation that genuinely cares for its own,” the First Lady said.
She explained that since the inception of the current administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate senior citizens every December in recognition of their immense contributions to nation-building.
According to her, the scheme supports 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA)—amounting to 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide.
Each beneficiary receives ₦200,000, with a total of ₦1.9 billion approved for disbursement by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She added that ₦50 million was allocated to each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA.
The First Lady emphasized that prioritising elderly citizens, especially during the festive season, is both a moral duty and a source of collective joy.
“They have walked difficult paths so that younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is our duty to ensure they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity,” she stated.
She also encouraged senior citizens to remain active, healthy, and engaged in community and charitable activities, stressing that aging gracefully goes beyond longevity to include love, care, and respect.
Speaking through her representative, Mrs. Josephine Emu, the Wife of the Governor of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, expressed deep appreciation to the First Lady of Nigeria for the compassionate intervention.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Oborevwori administration to the welfare of senior citizens, noting that the Delta State Government has approved ₦50 billion to offset outstanding pension liabilities at both state and local government levels.
Mrs. Emu announced additional support for Delta beneficiaries through the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the You Matter Charity Foundation, including free medical care, free medications, and a 50kg bag of rice for each elderly person.
Several beneficiaries who spoke with journalists described the intervention as timely and impactful, thanking the First Lady of Nigeria, the Delta State Government, and the Office of the Wife of the Governor for remembering the elderly.
They offered prayers for continued peace, good governance, and development in Delta State and Nigeria at large.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Sokoto State chapter, on Wednesday staged a protest, carrying placards to urge the federal government to intensify efforts at restoring peace in banditry-affected areas of the North-West and across the country.
As part of the protest, the labour union also engaged a group of Islamic scholars (ulamas) to offer special prayers, describing the move as a last resort to seek divine intervention for lasting peace.
The NLC stated that peace remains essential for Nigerians to survive and continue their legitimate livelihoods.
“As it is today, we deem it fit and obligatory to resort to divine intervention as the last option for sustainable peace against the menace of banditry in our communities,” the union said.
Speaking during the protest, the state chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu Jungle, said the activities of bandits in states such as Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna have been devastating to the peace and development of affected communities.
According to him, Sokoto State has been particularly hard hit, especially communities in the eastern axis, including Wurno, Isa, Rabah, Goronyo, Sabon Birni, Illela, Gada and Tangaza local government areas.
Jungle, who led the placard-carrying protesters with inscriptions such as “We are tired of the senseless killings by bandits” and “Stop the killings and restore peace in our communities,” commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in tackling the menace.
He specifically praised the military for recent breakthroughs in neutralising key commanders of bandit groups terrorising Sokoto State but stressed that sustained success would also require prayers.
“The army needs our prayers to succeed further against this ugly trend. We are hopeful that soon Bello Turji will be history,” he said.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Philippines (NIDOPHIL), under the leadership of Bishop Tony Marioghae—President of NIDOPHIL, Presiding Bishop of The Evangelical Ark Mission (TEAM) International, and one of the most influential African preachers in Asia—hosted a grand thanksgiving and Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The event took place at the TEAM Convention Centre in Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, and marked a defining moment in the history of Nigerian diaspora organization in the Philippines.
The celebration attracted Nigerian professionals, community leaders, ethnic representatives, students, and distinguished Filipino guests from various sectors.
It was a colourful showcase of Nigerian cuisine, traditional attire, music, and cultural expression, reflecting both national pride and deep gratitude to God for a year of remarkable progress.
In recognition of outstanding goodwill and support to Nigerians in the Philippines, several prominent Filipino citizens were honoured with the prestigious “Friend of Nigeria” Award.
A major highlight of the occasion was the formal presentation of the newly crafted NIDOPHIL Constitution to the General Assembly.
The document was overwhelmingly ratified by members and subsequently signed into law by the NIDOPHIL leadership. In a powerful demonstration of unity, the constitution was endorsed by leaders of Arewa, Oduduwa, Ohaneze, and the Niger Delta communities in the Philippines.
Officials of the Embassy of Nigeria in the Philippines witnessed this historic milestone, which many described as unprecedented in the annals of NIDO globally.
The NIDOPHIL leadership announced and implemented a financial empowerment policy, awarding grants of 100,000 Pesos each to the four major regional associations in the Philippines to stimulate entrepreneurship among Nigerians.
This intervention, valued at approximately 2,000 USD per group represents the first time any NIDO chapter worldwide has executed such a structured economic empowerment initiative.
Within less than one year, NIDOPHIL also recorded remarkable institutional and technological advancements.
An automated official website and a vibrant Facebook platform were launched, attracting thousands of visitors and followers within weeks. Beyond visibility, the organization actively advocated for the immigration and welfare rights of Nigerians, addressed student-related challenges, and committed hundreds of thousands of pesos to emergency interventions for Nigerians who were sick, homeless, bereaved, or otherwise in distress.
Exploratory engagements were held with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to lay the groundwork for sustainable business partnerships between Nigeria and the Philippines. These efforts further positioned NIDOPHIL as both a community advocate and a bridge for bilateral economic cooperation.
Marioghae warmly welcomed members of the diplomatic corps, officials of the Embassy of Nigeria in the Philippines, Nigerian regional leaders, the NIDOPHIL Executive Council, and Nigerians from across the country. He emphasized that their presence symbolised a collective commitment to unity, responsibility, and progress.
Reflecting on the inauguration of the current executive on October 1, 2024, the President recalled that the initial mandate was to complete the registration of NIDOPHIL and produce a workable constitution.
However, driven by a deep passion for service, the leadership deliberately expanded its commitments to include welfare, advocacy, digital transformation, and economic empowerment.
Against considerable odds, and within twelve months, these commitments were fulfilled by the grace of God—achievements that many NIDO chapters globally have not attained in years.
He noted that NIDOPHIL, once characterised by silence, division, and dysfunction, had been transformed into one of the most visible, searched, united, and progressive NIDO organizations in the world.
This transformation, he acknowledged, was significantly enabled by the courageous reforms of former Ambassador Folakemi Akinleye and the pragmatic, reform-minded leadership of the Chargé d’Affaires, Hon. Adeshina Edward Oloje.
Bishop Marioghae underscored that NIDOPHIL’s success was anchored on consultation, cooperation, and inclusion rather than imposition and control.
He warned that any elected or appointed public official who governs with the mentality of an emperor is a potential tyrant and a threat to public welfare. According to him, leadership without measurable results and impact inevitably breeds discontentment and rebellion.
He described the mandate of the current NIDOPHIL executive as unequalled and among the most consequential in modern times. Within one year, the organization successfully celebrated Nigeria’s Independence Day in collaboration with the Embassy, re-registered NIDOPHIL after a decade of inactivity, appointed regional and committee leaders nationwide, and organised multiple town hall meetings and general assemblies funded entirely by the executive.
The President highlighted NIDOPHIL’s strong advocacy record, including media engagements in Philippine and Nigerian outlets calling for the reconstruction of the Nigerian Embassy after the May 2024 fire, and sustained intervention on immigration-related challenges. He also detailed the organization’s robust engagement with student welfare, including interventions on visa renewals, unjust deportations, conflict resolution within the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and support for NANS’ formal registration and constitutional development in the Philippines.
Technological innovation featured prominently in the address, with the launch of a world-class automated NIDOPHIL website, digital identity cards for registered members, and platforms that allow seamless interaction, data management, and dues payment. Additional initiatives included campaigns against cult-related violence and drug offences, content creation and monetisation training for Nigerians in Metro Manila, support for Nigeria’s First Lady during her official visit, mobilisation for Nigeria’s Miss Earth representative, and sustained collaboration with the Embassy during national events.
Marioghae encapsulated the philosophy of the administration with a simple but powerful declaration: “Promises made, promises kept.” He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian community, diplomatic partners, and friends of Nigeria for their trust and cooperation, and prayed for continued unity, progress, and divine blessing.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Adeshina Edward Oloje, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in the Philippines, commended the unprecedented unity, discipline, and organisational maturity of Nigerians in the Philippines. He observed that in over sixty years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Philippines, this was the first time Nigerians had collectively produced a constitution acceptable to all stakeholders.
He praised NIDOPHIL’s leadership for enhancing Nigeria’s image through unity, proactive engagement, and constructive collaboration with Philippine institutions.
