The Nation Newspaper

Tag: London

  • Nigerian teacher leaves classroom after 13 years to sell suya in London

    Nigerian teacher leaves classroom after 13 years to sell suya in London

    A Nigerian, Kolawole Ajayi, has sparked widespread reactions on social media after revealing that he left his career as a nursery and primary school teacher in Nigeria to become a full-time suya seller in London.

    Ajayi’s story gained attention following a viral interview on TikTok by @Onijekujelondon, where he was seen preparing suya while recounting his transition from the classroom to entrepreneurship abroad.

    In the interview, Ajayi disclosed that he spent 13 years working as a teacher in Nigeria while running a suya business as a side hustle.

     He said he also explored other income streams, including YouTube content creation, catering and barbecue services.

    According to him, financial realities ultimately influenced his decision to quit teaching.

    “I was doing it for like 13 years as a side hustle. I was cooking, doing YouTube videos, catering for people, and doing barbecues. When my passive income became about half of my salary, I decided to leave my nursery job and focus on this full-time,” he said.

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    Ajayi explained that as the suya business expanded, it became more profitable and sustainable than his teaching job, prompting his full transition into entrepreneurship.

    He noted that the journey has not been without challenges, recalling incidents such as unfavourable weather conditions that disrupted his business, including a moment when strong winds scattered his suya pepper.

    The viral video has generated mixed reactions online. While some users praised his courage and resilience, others expressed criticism.

    One TikTok user, @MrsHil, claimed to have personal knowledge of Ajayi, writing, “He managed my children’s nursery. Nice to see him thriving.”

    However, other commenters shared less favourable opinions. A business owner, Non Tarnish Jewelry Store, said they admired his YouTube content but described their personal interaction with him as disappointing.

    Another user, @Venom, claimed Ajayi earned about £140 as a teacher in Nigeria, reigniting debate over teachers’ welfare and salaries in the country.

    Some social media users also questioned the quality of his food, while others raised concerns about hygiene during the interview.

  • London spanks the legal charlatan

    London spanks the legal charlatan

    Oh boy, oh boy, has anybody heard from the bespoke, be-jeweled and hair-splitting legal superbrat and braggart after the humiliating debacle in a London court? Mum has been the word from the mountebank. It has been rumoured that such was the resounding shellacking that the old boy decided to seek treatment in a London infirmary. What he needs is an infirmary for the morally and ethically infirm. Another version has it that he immediately flew home to seek rehab from native doctors in the ravines of his local community. Just as khaki no be leather, London no be Lugbe. It is said that a child who is not well taught at home will be forced to learn his lesson from outside the home. Once again, it is London that has come to the rescue of Nigeria’s ruined judicial and legal system.

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     The pomaded panjandrum had arrived in court hoping to bluff his way through the tangled web of lies, deceits, criminal forgery and perjury through the usual combination of blustery, braggadocio and boastful self-importance. He had let it be known beforehand that he was quite an important lawyer back home in Nigeria. But the intrepid and eagle-eyed judge who could see fraud from a mile off was having none of that nonsense as he made a short shrift of both the man and his case. By the time he was through with our SAN sans commonsense, he was said to have cut sorry figure indeed. The judge even called to question his basic competence in evidentiary procedure.  

      It was another sad day of disgrace and dishonor for the Nigerian legal system. It calls attention once again to the terrible rot in the system. With this tragicomic unraveling, our man’s claims to a sham doctorate degree and a yeye professorship procured from a wosiwosi , back alley trading concern based in Zambia and the Caribbean have all gone up in a bonfire of vanity and venality. The matter will not end there, we promise.

  • BREAKING: Presidential team arrives London to repatriate Buhari’s remains

    BREAKING: Presidential team arrives London to repatriate Buhari’s remains

    The high-powered presidential delegation dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to oversee the repatriation of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains has arrived in London.

    The team, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and supported by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, touched down in the United Kingdom on Monday morning. 

    Their mission is to coordinate final arrangements for the dignified return of the late leader, who died Sunday afternoon in a London hospital following a protracted illness.

    The delegation was formally received at the airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno Governor Babagana Zulum.

    A brief update provided by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed the arrival.

    President Tinubu, shortly after announcing Buhari’s passing on Sunday, directed the Vice President to personally lead the mission to London. The President also ordered national flags to fly at half-staff in mourning and solidarity.

    Buhari, who was Head of State between 1984 and 1985, and later served as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, was widely regarded as a symbol of discipline, patriotism, and integrity.

    Arrangements are underway for the return of his remains to Nigeria, where a series of official mourning rites and state honours will be conducted.

  • Okonkwo sets London agog with 3-in-1 event

    Okonkwo sets London agog with 3-in-1 event

    It will be a triple celebration in London on November 8 as award -winning international filmmaker, Florence Okonkwo premieres a film, launches a book, and celebrates her birthday.

    The flick, ‘The Passion and Temptation of Queen Cleopatra,’ and the book entitled ‘When the Spark is Gone,’ are the latest efforts of Okonkwo, who is widely referred to as the Queen of Red Carpet.

    The event will take place at the Odeon Cinema, Greenwich, London.

    According to Okonkwo, there is no better way to end the year than making a mark in all she loves doing.

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    The film, directed by Frank Ikegwuonu features Uche Odoputa, Lucien Morgan, Bruno Iwuoha, Caz Chidiebere, Florence Okonkwo, Chiella SCO, Kareem Mohemmed, Judith Osagiobare, Victoria Obaze, Friday Ozochi, and Michael Chukwujekwu among others.

    Her new book is a guide to reigniting passion in struggling relationships and is laced with real-life stories and powerful strategies with the aim of offering a map to rediscovering that magic spark and keeping your love flame aglow for years to come.

  • WS@ 90:London hosts grand tribute

    WS@ 90:London hosts grand tribute

    The Africa Centre, London in partnership with Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, Nigeria (WSICE) will present a nine-day (Friday, July 19 to Saturday, July 27) celebration honouring Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday. It is also in honour of his immense contributions to literature, culture and human/civil rights advocacy.

    CEO The Africa Centre, London, Mr Olu Alake said this year holds dual cause for celebration: The Africa Centre’s 60th anniversary and the 90th birthday of a global literary giant, Wole Soyinka. “We are incredibly honoured to partner with WSICE in celebrating Professor Soyinka’s remarkable life and his long-standing association with the Centre, dating back to 1969. He is not just a literary icon, but an integral part of our history. We are thrilled to host this momentous occasion and share Prof Soyinka’s story with all generations of literature lovers,” he added.

    Executive Producer Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, Dr Teju Kareem noted that Prof. Soyinka has consistently pursued the betterment of society through his support for freedom and the common good of all irrespective of age, class, gender, religious or political persuasions — making his work a global service to humanity. According to Kareem, Soyinka’s career spanning academia, literature, and activism exemplifies a profound commitment to creating a just and equitable world, thus encapsulating the essence of E.N.I.O.G.U.N as both a personal and a universal pursuit.

    All through the nine days, Africa Centre will host exhibitions, roundtables, film screenings, live music performances and poetry recitals. Visitors will be able to explore Soyinka’s literary journey with ‘WS: A Life in Full’ — a comprehensive display of his published works and photographs from his personal archive; NINE Seasons of KONGI (Wole Soyinka) – a collection of paintings by youth members of the Vision of The Child mentored by Soyinka; and incorporating the Africa I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y, a touring showcase based on public reading of his poems realised in nine European cities; ORI Series II (For WS), a collection of conceptual water colour drawings by UK-based artist, Abolore Shobayo.

    Also included is a rare presentation of Soyinka’s passion collection of Onicha Market literature. Another highlight of the programme will be the London premiere of a new feature film inspired by Soyinka’s seminal prison memoirs, The Man Died to be accompanied by a question and answer session with the director, Awam Amkpa, and producer, Femi Odugbemi, and some members of the cast and crew.

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    Also premiering in London, is Ebrohimie Road, a documentary based on Soyinka’s former residence on the University of Ibadan campus from where he was arrested in 1967, and where he returned to after his release in 1969. It features revealing interviews with some of his children, siblings and associates. The director Kola Tubosun will also engage with the public.

    Other activities will include daily screenings of films and documentaries related to or inspired by Soyinka’s life and work, and Kongi’s Nights, a series of evening entertainment including live music performances by Ed Keazor and the AfroFunk Collective, Juwon Ogungbe, Lekan Babalola, Ola Onabule, Aduke, Kayefi, Me Ologo, Jazz session with Bumi Thomas, and music party with DJ Abass etc; poetry recitals and wine-tasting. There will also be talks, seminars and workshops on ‘Navigating the New Publishing Industry’, ‘The impact of AI on Culture and Identity’, ‘Culture Sponsorship and Corporate Social Responsibility’, and, a symposium on “The Future Is Now – A Decolonisation Intersection” by partner institution Bournemouth University, while Utopia Theatre will host a virtual unveiling of Soyinka’s portrait at the University of Sheffield.

    Also on the bill is “Ijo-mode, a dance workshop for youths with Peter Badejo, OBE, as well as presentation of prizes to winners of the essay competition on the theme, “AI & New Media: Reimagining Culture, Identity and Humanity” organised in partnership with TURAKA Art Centre, Chatham.

  • Power failure disrupts flights at Manchester Airport

    Power failure disrupts flights at Manchester Airport

    A power outage yesterday disrupted a “significant number of flights” at Manchester Airport in northern England though service resumed later in the afternoon, the airport said.

    The airport’s managing director, Chris Woodroofe, said there was a “fault” with a cable onsite, which sent a surge of power across the network and impacted baggage processing and security systems.

    At one time all flights out of Terminals 1 and 2 didn’t depart, and service was affected at Terminal 3.

    “Manchester Airport was affected by a major power cut in the area earlier this morning. This has caused widespread disruption and a significant number of flights, particularly from Terminals 1 and 2, are expected to be delayed or cancelled,” the airport said.

    Read Also: Why we sponsored Afrojam Festival, by Masq London

    The airport had advised passengers due to fly from Terminals 1 and 2 to check with their airlines before going to the airport.

    The airport said flights scheduled for today should not be affected.

    “We thank passengers for their patience and our resilience team and customer service colleagues for their hard work,” the airport said.

    Cancelled were 29 flights from the airport and 36 to the airport, according to Flight Aware. This represented about 10 percent of the flights.

    “Thousands of people were stood around outside just being told to queue for baggage, with the only announcements being the same, ‘Thank you for your patience,’” said Eva Horsefield, a passenger who was waiting at the airport, told CNN. “Thousands of people sat on the cold floor for six-plus hours.”

  • Why we sponsored Afrojam Festival, by Masq London

    Why we sponsored Afrojam Festival, by Masq London

    Yemi John Jegede, CEO of Masq London, has opened up on the firm’s decision to sponsor the anticipated AfroJam London Festival.

    In a statement, Jegede expressed his excitement saying, “Masq London is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for its patrons. The sponsorship of the AfroJam London Festival marks the company’s exciting foray into outdoor concert events, further expanding its diverse portfolio.

    “Masq is driving the outdoor programme and initiative through MASQ EVENTS, an arm of Masq London.

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    “In celebrating the success of Masq, we decided to expand our hospitality services to include outdoor concerts. We are excited to launch this initiative with the AfroJam London Festival, which promises to be a unique blend of Caribbean, Amapiano, and Afrobeats music, offering a brand-new flavour of entertainment. This event is set to be an unforgettable experience, celebrating the rich diversity of music and culture,” Jegede added.

    The AfroJam London Festival is set to be a monumental event, with over 20,000 tickets expected to be sold for the two-day concert.

    Billed for performance at the festival are Seyi Vibez, Focalistic, Mawhoo, 2wo Bunnies, TitoM, Yuppe, Eeque, and Ceebahley, alongside notable Djs.

    The festival will kick off on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Hainault Forest Playing Field. Following the concert, an exclusive after-party event will be held at the Masq London Bar and Lounge.

  • London agog as Florence Okonkwo marks 50th birthday

    London agog as Florence Okonkwo marks 50th birthday

    Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Florence Okonkwo temporarily stopped activities on September 9 to celebrate her 50th birthday in London.

     The Queen of Red Carpet used the opportunity to launch her book, ‘The Woman Celine Ajayi Smith’ as well as the sixth edition of Elegant Flix.

     At the same event, a minute’s silence was held for Chris Oboka, who edited Okonkwo’s book and passed away earlier in the year.

    Read Also: Nigerian student on flight to London dies in Cairo

     In attendance were Kenneth Okonkwo, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, HRH Togbe Adza, HRH Okeosisi Ndi Igbo, and HIM, Dr. Charles Onwuneme, Chief Bimbo Robert Folayan, Dominic Mbang, Chief Dr Anna Mbachu Ogbuebile, Lady Caroline, Patricia Ekechi, Mayor Joan Henry, Hon Victoria Obaze, Agathan Akyigyina, Pauline George, Chief Dr Anna Mbachu Ogbuebile, Mamaga Aduwoszi Fiano II, Prof. Dr. Pauline Long, Malachi Okonkwo, Don Mark Okonkwo, and Richie John Onaiwu.

  • Nigerian student on flight to London dies in Cairo

    Nigerian student on flight to London dies in Cairo

    Meshiloye Remilekun Toyosi, a Nigerian, on a flight to London has died in Cairo. 

    She reportedly took ill in the flight from Lagos to London via Egypt Air and died at a hospital in Cairo.

    The tragic journey started on Monday when the lady departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, intending to reach her destination in London.

    Her family has called for information and support to bring her body back home. 

    While recounting what happened, Meshioye’s elder sister Mrs. Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi stated that the family had attempted to contact the airline’s customer service as well as all other phone numbers listed on their website but received no response until Wednesday. 

    When the call was eventually answered, they abruptly cut it off.

    According to her:“It was only once that a man answered the call that we put through to the Egypt Air Regional Office in London and he said the London office was not aware of what happened and they don’t have information to share with us. 

    “We then contacted the agent who sold the ticket to her and the agent sent us proof that she did not board the plane going to Heathrow from Cairo. 

    “It was at this point we intensified our efforts as regards trying to get in touch with Egypt Air.

    “The regional manager in their London office made some calls on Thursday afternoon in her office to their Cairo office. 

    “She later informed us that Remi fell sick on the plane and on landing in Cairo they rushed her to the hospital in town where she later died. 

    “Efforts to obtain more information from her were not quite successful as to how she died. 

    “She said the Nigerian embassy had been informed and they were the ones that should have contacted us. She later called the Nigerian consular (Mr Saliu Agraza).”

    She added: “We spoke to the Nigerian Embassy in the person of Mr Saliu Agraza, who responded that Eygpt Air only informed them on Tuesday that Remi was dead and handed over her body to them but did not have any other information or any contact of her relatives.

    “Eygpt Air further said only Agraza, being the Nigerian consular, would be able to write and demand what happened on the plane, at the airport and request for all her things and documents that they have in their possession, including the CCTV footage in the plane and at the airport.

    “I am of the opinion that Egypt Air is hiding some truth as to what happened to her in the plane and on landing at the airport on Monday night. 

    “They don’t want to take responsibility for what happened to Remi. 

    “As the family of Remilekun, we are demanding for her body to be returned to Nigeria by Egypt Air at their expense and they should return all her luggage to Lagos where she boarded the plane on Monday, September 4.”

     A top-ranking officer with the airline, who preferred to be anonymous as the airline had not released an official statement yet, revealed that Meshioye was indeed on the flight but was taken to a hospital by the airline on arrival at Cairo, Egypt.

    The source said: “From the report that we received, she was sick on the flight and was reportedly transferred to the hospital in Cairo. 

    “When she died, they (the airline) informed the Nigerian Consulate in Cairo to take steps on what was required to repatriate her body to Nigeria. 

    “The airline took her to the hospital and stood as surety for her and when she passed on they informed the Nigerian Consulate in Cairo about the case. 

    “We are working on how to get her body back to Nigeria.”

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    Another member of the family who wished to remain unnamed said one of the most upsetting aspects of the tragic event was that they did not inform the family of her demise; instead, hey learnt of it from the diplomatic office in Cairo.

    The family members noted that the lack of communication from the airline only heightened their shock and grief.

    The family has however asked for explanations  and answers from the Nigerian parastatals, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to shed light on the events leading to Remi’s death. 

    They called for a full inquiry into the incident and asked for advice and assistance in returning her remains to Nigeria.

  • Quickteller takes customers to U.S, London, Dubai

    A consumer payment platform for integrated digital payments company, Quickteller, will take three lucky customers on an all-expense-paid trip to the Interswitch One Africa Music Fest billed for New York, United States (U.S) this month.

    The winners were drawn from a raffle draw that took place at Interswitch headquarters in Lagos,  alongside the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria (FCCPC).

    Group Head, Quickteller Marketing, Olawale Akanbi, said it is a way of giving back to the customers for their unwavering support for the brand

    Akanbi said: “The success of Quickteller would not be possible without our loyal customers and we want them all to feel like a part of the family and that with Quickteller, everything is possible. So we will be sending 30 lucky customers with an all-expense-paid trip to one of the Interswitch One Africa Music Festivals  in New York, London and Dubai.

    Read Also: Quickteller unveils digital enabled retail shopping for Nigerians

    “In addition to the three winners we have already announced, we have 27 more to go. In a couple of days, we will select and announce more winners for the London trip. Later in the year, we will conduct the draws for the Dubai trip.”

    The first three winners: Titilope Adedokun, David Eze and Owosegun Shonowo will be attending the Interswitch One Africa Music Fest in New York on Saturday, August 10.

    Reacting to the surprise, Eze said: “I gave up on promos a long time ago. This is a huge surprise for me and I’m still in shock. Funny thing is, I applied just because I wanted to, and not really because I thought I would win. I am totally elated that I get to have my vacation in New York at the Interswitch One Africa Music Fest.”