Category: News

‘First Time In Decades,’ 91 Year-Old Awujale Absent at 2025 Ojude Oba

ADEOLA YUSUF

    The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was conspicuously absent at the Ojude Oba festival on Sunday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. Platforms Africa reports that this will be the first time in many decades that the 91 year-old influential paramount ruler is missing the festival where he played the lead role as the major host. He was installed as the king on 2 April 1960, which makes him one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria. He is a member of the House…

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Dangote, 39 Others; Full List of Who Won What At Champion Annual Awards

Abibat Babalola

.As Zinox Founder, Leo Stan Ekeh reiterates commitment to digital economy   Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has described the Man of the Year 2024 honour bestowed on him by Champion Newspapers as a reflection of his excellence not only in Nigeria but Africa. The remark was made by Tunde Oladipo, Group Branding Lead, Dangote Industries Ltd on Saturday at the 2024 Annual Champion Newspapers’ Awards held at Eko Hotels and Suites Victoria Island, Lagos. Forty-one institutions and notable Nigerians from all walks of…

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Ronaldo Left In Tears As Portugal Defeat Spain On Penalties To Win Nations League

Ganiyu Amodu

Portugal lifted their second Nations League title as they beat Spain via a dramatic penalty shootout in Munich. Ruben Neves scored the winning penalty to leave Cristiano Ronaldo in floods of tears after a thrilling 2-2 draw went the distance. Portugal initially looked to be in for a long night after Spain dominated the opening portion of the game before Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi gave them a deserved lead. But Ronaldo’s men were not behind for long as Nuno Mendes replied with a brilliant strike to level matters five minutes…

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‘Pomp And Pageantry,’ Inside Ojude Oba, Prominent Yoruba Festival

Ganiyu Amodu

Parade of Pride: Platforms Africa digs out 7 facts about the colourful event   Celebrated with vibrant pageantry, Ojude Oba is a prominent Yoruba festival held in Ijebu Ode, a town in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. It is held annually on the third day after Eid al-Kabir, popularly known as “Ileya” in the Yoruba language. During the festival, various cultural age groups, known as regberegbe, parade in front of the king’s palace in a colourful display of tradition and unity. No Fat, No Prize: Bodi Tribe Where Only Fattest Men…

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Mike Ejeagha Buried 24hrs After Death, Son Gives Reason

Ganiyu Amodu

The eldest son of the late veteran highlife musician, Mr. Emmanuel Ejeagha, says the family buried the “Gwo gwo gwo ngwo” crooner, Mike Ejeagha, within 24 hours after his demise to keep his wish. Ejeagha Jnr disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Enugu. He said his father made a wish and warned them not to embalm him after his death, which they had fulfilled. NAN reports that the highlife legend was laid to rest in his country home at Umuagba,…

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Kwara Gov Extols Oladimeji’s Virtues As Al-Hikmah Varsity Founder Clocks 87

Ganiyu Amodu

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq proudly identifies with the founder of the Al-Hikmah University Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladimeji, OFR, on his 87th birth anniversary today, June 8, 2025. The Governor says the Asiwaju of Igbomina Land is a man of history whose phenomenal rise to the top and humility in greatness are worth understudying for students of humanities. Governor AbdulRazaq commends the Baba Oba of Offa for his generosity and love for human advancements, as seen in his many contributions to community development and his support for all categories of people.…

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Nigeria Declares Thursday June 12 Public Holiday

Ganiyu Amodu

The Federal Government has declared Thursday as a public holiday to commemorate 2025 Democracy Day celebration. This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Sunday in Abuja. Ajani disclosed that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while declaring the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians for an uninterrupted 26 years of civil rule. Tune-Ojo said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is…

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Nigeria’s Civil War Most Difficult Period In My Life – Yakubu Gowon

Abibat Babalola

Former head of state Yakubu Gowon (rtd has described the Nigerian Civil War period (from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970) as the most difficult period of his life. Gen. Gowon made this known on Saturday in Abuja after being honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese. “I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life,” said Mr Gowon. “It was not my choice, but I had to be there…

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Why I Didn’t Visit Ooni – Alaafin

Abibat Babalola

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has explained why he has not yet visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, clarifying that the delay is due to scheduling and not any disagreement between them. Oba Owoade’s recent visit to the Oluwo of Iwo sparked widespread speculation on social media, with many interpreting the gesture as a snub to the Ooni of Ife. The speculation intensified following comments from the Oluwo, who asserted that the Alaafin holds superiority over all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, sparking talk of tension…

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Fire Guts Hotel Housing Over 480 Nigerian Pilgrims in Mecca

ADEOLA YUSUF

‘They were in Minna,’ NAHCON gives details of the incident + how ‘resolve to complete Hajj rights’ saved about half a thousand Nigerians from sudden death   A calamity has been evaded as fire gutted the Imaratus Sanan Hotel, accommodating over 480 Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators. Platforms Africa reports that Imararus Sanan Hotel is located in the Sharamansur area of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The inferno, which tore through parts of the building on Saturday, caused significant damage, but no life was lost. The…

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