The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Sanwo-Olu, Ambode, Osoba, others celebrate ex-Lagos First Lady at 70

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Oyo State counterpart, Engr Seyi Makinde; and former governors Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Olusegun Osoba (Ogun), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti), joined other dignitaries to celebrate the former First Lady of Ogun, Ondo and Lagos states, Senator Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, on her 70th birthday.

The dignitaries paid glowing tributes to the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism and wife of former Military Governor of Ogun, Ondo and Lagos states, Brigadier-General Raji Rasaki (rtd), during a thanksgiving service and the unveiling of her foundation held in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which also marked the golden jubilee of her marriage, attracted former and serving political leaders, military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and captains of industry.

In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Senator Raji-Rasaki, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, as a dedicated public servant with a passion for empowering the less privileged through her foundation.

Read Also: Bamidele, Adeyeye, Adetunmbi win Ekiti senatorial tickets

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commended the celebrant for her efforts in empowering women and strengthening families, noting that strong families remain the bedrock of a resilient society.

Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to the former First Lady for her sacrifices and service to Lagos State and Nigeria, lauding her contributions to governance, politics and community development. He described her as a trailblazer whose commitment to fairness, inclusion and development has left a lasting impact.

Speaking at the event, Senator Raji-Rasaki thanked God for sparing her life to attain the age of 70 and appreciated Nigerians for celebrating with her. She pledged to continue giving back to society through selfless service.

Supported by her husband, Brigadier-General Raji Rasaki (rtd), the celebrant reflected on God’s grace, mercy and guidance in shaping her life, marriage and public service career.

“God’s love paved the way for my calling and career. By divine guidance, He positioned me in leadership and political service, not for personal gain, but as a platform to serve humanity and be a voice for positive change,” she said.

January 14, 2026
AFCON 2025: Troost-Ekong, Aina send wishes to Super Eagles ahead of semi-final clash

Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, and defender, Ola Aina, have sent encouraging messages to the Nigerian national team ahead of their semi-final clash against Morocco.

Troost-Ekong expressed his pride in the team’s progress and confidence in their ability to win against the host nation.

He noted that the team’s midfield balance and rotation are yielding positive results and predicted that a win over Morocco would propel Nigeria to the title.

“My brothers, the day is here and I cannot tell you how excited I am to watch you guys beat Morocco tonight. I’m more than proud to have been a part of your team and what you guys are achieving now.

“It’s been game after game, getting better and better. The rotation is working now.

“If you win this game against Morocco, you guys are going to lift the trophy. Stick together, enjoy the moment.

“These moments only come sometimes in life. Enjoy it because it’s going to be some of the best moments of your life, stick together and fight together”, he said.

Read Also: Int’l Retirement: Troost-Ekong admits ‘bittersweet’ decision as Iwobi pays tribute

Ola Aina also praised the players and technical crew, commending their collective effort at the competition.

He wished the team all the best in the semi-finals and expressed his pride in their performance.

“I just want to wish you guys all the very best in the semi-finals. To all the players, the technical crew, the manager, coaches, physios and doctors, everyone that are there is doing a fantastic job.

“It’s been amazing seeing you guys play the way we know you can play. I’ll be rooting for you from home, sending you all my prayers and well wishes man” he said.

The Super Eagles have been impressive in the tournament, winning all five matches played so far and scoring more goals than any other team.

They will face Morocco, who have recorded four victories and one draw, in the semi-finals today.

January 14, 2026
JOHESU warns of health sector collapse amid prolonged strike

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has cautioned that Nigeria’s public health system is on the brink of collapse as the nationwide industrial action reached its 63rd day, and 43rd day in Lagos State, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

The Lagos State Council of JOHESU issued the warning during a press conference, attributing the prolonged strike to unresolved welfare concerns, stagnant salary adjustments, and the continued emigration of health workers.

Vice Chairman of JOHESU in Lagos, Comrade Sode Adegbenro, said the government’s failure to review the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for 14 years has further eroded staff morale and accelerated the departure of experienced professionals.

He noted that public hospitals are increasingly short-staffed, leaving the remaining workforce overstretched.

Adegbenro added that the Lagos chapter joined the nationwide strike on its 20th day following lingering state-level issues, including the non-domestication of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre and the absence of a Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services.

Adegbenro explained that the lack of professional leadership structures in laboratories and poor career progression had contributed to frustration among health workers.

He decried inadequate logistics support, noting that health workers across primary, secondary and tertiary facilities in Lagos State rely on a single functional staff bus to cover rotations and emergency duties.

Read Also: Medical Lab Guild urges LASG to resolve JOHESU strike

The union demanded the extension of retention allowance to all health workers on CONHESS, as well as the correction of anomalies in call duty and after hours allowances affecting pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other cadres.

Despite the strike, Adegbenro said JOHESU members had continued to maintain essential hospital utilities such as oxygen supply, water, electricity and sterilisation services to prevent avoidable loss of lives.

He described the gesture as a sign of restraint and professionalism, adding that it had come at a high personal and financial cost to workers.

The union warned that without urgent government intervention, the health system would continue to lose experienced personnel, deepening the crisis in public hospitals.

Adegbenro urged the Federal and Lagos State governments to address the union’s demands promptly to avert further deterioration of healthcare delivery.

January 14, 2026
Prioritise safety, not confrontation when facing criminals – Police advise Nigerians

The Nigeria Police Force has advised citizens to prioritise their safety above other things if they find themselves in a dangerous situation involving criminals.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, said it’s crucial to remain calm and avoid struggling or fighting back, saying that this could escalate the situation and put lives at risk.

Hundeyin emphasised that preserving one’s life is more important than confronting armed or violent criminals.

He advised citizens to focus on saving themselves and allowing the authorities to handle the situation.

Read Also: Edo Police arrest 11 kidnap-suspects

Hundeyin said, “In the unfortunate event that you find yourself among criminals, do not struggle, do not fight, just stay calm and save your life first. We can always go after these criminals to have them arrested.

He added that the police have made progress in tackling criminal syndicates, including the notorious ‘One-Chance’ gangs operating in parts of Abuja.

“And also, we’ve achieved a lot in the area of arrests of this One-Chance syndicate. Just recently, a few days ago, we arrested the gang behind the murder of that lawyer, and the phone has been recovered”, he added.

January 14, 2026
Cleric leads prayer at unveiling of Cubana Millennium City in Asaba

Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International on Tuesday led a New Year prayer session at the site of Cubana Millennium City, a real estate development in Asaba, Delta State.

The prayer session, which took place at the hilltop project location, marked the formal unveiling of the development for the 2026 business year.

Stakeholders and invited guests were present as prayers were offered for safety, peace and the success of the project.

Cubana Millennium City is being promoted by the Chairman of the Cubana Group, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana.

The project is located on the Benin–Asaba–Onitsha Expressway, near the Asaba International Airport.

Read Also: How NSPPD got its name, by Pastor Jerry Eze

Speaking at the event, Iyiegbu said the decision to begin the year with prayers reflected the promoters’ belief in committing major ventures to God at inception.

He said the development was expected to contribute to urban growth in Asaba and create employment opportunities, while providing residential and commercial spaces.

Pastor Eze prayed for peace and stability around the project and those who would eventually live and work within the area, describing the year as significant for its take-off.

Cubana Millennium City is one of several private real estate developments emerging in the Asaba axis, as investors respond to growing demand for housing and commercial infrastructure in Delta State.

January 14, 2026
Awujale succession not by self proclamation, says Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo

Nobody should refer to themselves or others as Awujale-elect in the ongoing conversations surrounding the revered Awujale stool, an aspirant Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo has declared.

He counseled supporters of all aspirants including his own to observe restraint and uphold respect for sacred traditional procedures.

His media team quoted him as saying that no individual should refer to themselves or anybody as Awujale-elect because doing so undermines the established selection processes and trivializes the sacred nature of the throne.

He also clarified for the record that he is not Awujale-elect and has never described or presented himself as such.

Omooba Onabanjo expressed deep appreciation for the goodwill endorsements and organic promotions that have continued to trail his name from well meaning sons and daughters of Ijebuland.

He acknowledged that many have supported him out of personal knowledge of who he is through testimonials from others or from what they have observed through his foundation.

He also acknowledged that many have in recent days compared him to the Olu of Warri, citing posture, comportment and youthfulness.

He stated that while he appreciates the love and admiration behind such comparisons, it would be better if they stop out of respect for the established throne of Olu of Warri and to avoid unnecessary projections across royal institutions.

He stated that he is humbled and grateful to everyone posting, speaking or promoting him based on what they know firsthand or through what they have heard or seen.

He, however appealed that nobody should call him Awujale-elect or Awujale in waiting or any similar designation.

He emphasized that the Awujale can only emerge through the time-honored process involving selection by the ruling house and approval by the Ogun State Government.

“No individual or group can announce or confer such status outside these established procedures.”

He stressed that this clarification has become necessary so that enthusiasm and excitement do not lead the public to trivialize the revered throne of the Awujale or trample on the sacred position and responsibilities of the kingmakers.

He reminded the public that the responsibility at this time is to pray for the ruling house that God and the ancestors will guide them to make the right choice for the future of Ijebuland.

The statement ended with prayers for the land and its leadership asking that Ijebuland continue to prosper that Ogun State may flourish and that her people may enjoy peace progress and unity along with prayers for wisdom for the Governor as he continues to steer the affairs of the state.

January 14, 2026
Tradition, not rivalry shaped Alaafin’s conduct, says Agunbiade

The Atóbaáse of Yorubaland and Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Energy Resources, Dr Babajide Agunbiade, has faulted claims of disrespect trailing the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, saying the monarch’s conduct at a recent public event was dictated strictly by age-long tradition and sworn rites, not personal rivalry or sentiment.

In an open letter, Agunbiade said public reactions to an inter-faith gathering in Oyo State, where the Alaafin was accused in some quarters of “snubbing” another monarch, reflected a poor understanding of the sacred obligations attached to the Oyo throne.

He stressed that the Alaafin did not disrespect any traditional ruler, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, noting that the throne of Alaafin is governed by binding oaths and rituals that predate modern Nigeria.

According to him, every Alaafin is bound by sacred observances, including the seven-day oro rites sworn to before ascension, which impose strict limitations on conduct and ceremonial gestures, regardless of the status of those present.

“These rites are not discretionary. They are absolute obligations that define how the Alaafin behaves in public and private,” Agunbiade said.

He explained that interpreting such conduct through the lens of modern social etiquette or personal rivalry was misleading and unfair to an institution that has survived for more than a millennium.

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Agunbiade urged the public to separate cultural fidelity from arrogance, warning against allowing social media narratives to undermine Yoruba ancestral institutions and traditional hierarchy.

He described the Alaafin as the historic guardian of Yoruba civilisation and heir to the Oyo Empire, whose influence once shaped governance, diplomacy and culture across large parts of West Africa.

According to him, respect for the Alaafin is not about elevating one throne above another, but about acknowledging the distinct roles of traditional institutions within a shared Yoruba heritage.

He added that the Alaafin remains committed to peace and harmony among Yoruba monarchs and harbours no ill-feelings toward any king.

Agunbiade called for restraint and understanding, saying silence should not be misread as hostility, and tradition should not be mistaken for pride.

January 14, 2026
Foundation expands back2school outreach in Lagos communities

…supports over 350 vulnerable children

The Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation has intensified its Back2School outreach, a programme designed to support vulnerable and less-privileged children with essential learning materials across Lagos State.

The initiative commenced on September 15, 2025, with an outreach to a riverine community in Agboyi, Ketu, where 120 children received school bags, notebooks and other materials.

Pupils who arrived in worn-out footwear were given new school sandals, while those with tattered uniforms were provided with replacements to help them return to school with dignity and confidence.

With the resumption of schools for the new academic year, the Foundation launched the second phase of the programme on January 12, 2026, extending assistance to communities in Ifako and Agege.

At African Church Primary School, Ifako, 130 pupils received new school bags and notebooks.

The Headteacher, Mrs. Olalekan, joined by members of staff, expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing the initiative as commendable and worthy of replication by other non-profit organisations.

The outreach also covered All Saints Nursery and Primary School, Agege, which caters to both special needs and “regular” pupils. There, 100 children received school bags and notebooks, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive education support.

The Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to improving access to education for vulnerable children and announced that the third phase of the Back2School project will commence in May, after the Easter break, at the start of the third term.

The Foundationsaod it remains committed to supporting vulnerable women and less-privileged children by providing resources that enable them to thrive.

January 14, 2026
Prince Emiko praises Oborevwori’s ‘giant strides’ in Delta

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has shown uncommon insight into the needs of the people and the capacity to deliver,” a Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former senatorial candidate, Prince Yemi Emiko, has stated.

Emiko commended the Governor for his “giant strides” in the State, noting that Oborevwori’s performance within a short time reflected deep grassroots experience and practical leadership.

He spoke on Monday evening, from his Warri country home after witnessing the sod-turning ceremony for a flyover bridge at the busy Otovwodo Junction in the Ughelli axis.

According to Emiko, Oborevwori approaches governance “like a skilled mechanic,” carefully diagnosing challenges and applying solutions that have surprised even his critics.

Read Also: Ughelli monarch hails Oborevwori on Otovwodo flyover

He said the governor’s projects, including the Ughelli flyover, demonstrated a clear understanding of infrastructure needs across the state.

The Warri Kingdom prince, who served on the APC presidential election committees in 2019 and 2023, stressed that he does not offer praise lightly, but felt compelled to acknowledge the governor’s performance.

“We shall play electioneering politics when the time comes,” Emiko said, “but your work will speak for you; the people will speak with their votes, and Delta State will be better for it.”

January 14, 2026
Rotimi Salami thanks Nollywood for ‘unwavering support’ after Allwell Ademola’s death

Actor Rotimi Salami has penned an emotional appreciation letter to colleagues, guilds, associations, and the entire industry, thanking them for their outpouring of love and support following the passing of fellow actor Allwell Ademola.

In the letter on Instagram, Salami praised the Nollywood community for showing up in force during their darkest moment, demonstrating that they are more than just industry professionals, but a true family.

He expressed gratitude for the presence, calls, messages, prayers, financial support, and quiet strength offered by colleagues, which helped carry them through their grief.

Salami highlights the dignity and respect with which Allwell was laid to rest, reflecting the value the industry placed on her life, craft, and impact.

He thanked everyone for their gestures, big and small, and prays that God will reward them abundantly.

“Appreciation Letter, Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Guilds, Associations, and the Entire Nollywood Family,

“With a heart still heavy, yet deeply grateful, I write this letter to appreciate every one of you for the overwhelming love, support, and solidarity shown to us during the burial rites of our beloved colleague, Late Allwell Ademola.

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“In our darkest moment, you stood by us—not just as professionals in the same industry, but as a true family. From your presence, calls, messages, prayers, financial support, logistics, and quiet strength behind the scenes, you carried us when words failed and when grief felt unbearable.

“Nollywood showed up in unity, compassion, and honour. You reminded us that beyond cameras, scripts, and sets, we share something deeper: humanity, love, and brotherhood. The dignity with which Allwell was laid to rest reflects the respect and value you all held for her life, her craft, and her impact.

“We do not take any gesture for granted. Every effort, no matter how small it may have seemed to you, meant the world to us. You turned our tears into moments of strength and ensured that Allwell’s final journey was filled with honour, light, and love.

“May God reward you all abundantly, replenish every resource spent, and grant us long life so we will not gather in tears over one another again. May Allwell’s soul continue to rest in perfect peace, and may her legacy live on through the unity and kindness we witnessed from you all.

“From the depths of our hearts, thank you, Nollywood. Your love will never be forgotten. With profound gratitude, Rotimi Salami”.

Allwell Ademola died on December 27, 2025 following a heart attack in her residence.

January 14, 2026