Caroline Kuwayenu Slams Viral Ojude Oba 2026 Smoking Incident

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Caroline Kuwayenu and Women smoking at Ojude Oba 

While the vibrant colors, rhythmic drumming, and unmatched elegance of Ojude Oba 2026 captivated millions globally, a viral video of an elderly woman smoking openly at the festival has sparked intense public debate. Joining the conversation is prominent mental health advocate and peace ambassador, Ambassador Caroline Aderonke Kuwayenu, who has strongly condemned the act, warning of the dangerous message it sends to Nigeria's youth.

Kuwayenu, who serves as the President of Egbe AROBAYO OBIRIN ADIMULA of Ijeshaland, as well as a Counseling Psychologist and Ambassador of Peace, Conscience, and Global Education, expressed deep concern over how the incident overshadows the true essence of the historic cultural festival.

"Ojude Oba 2026 was meant to be a celebration of culture, unity, and pride," Kuwayenu stated. "But the image of a woman smoking openly at the event and going viral says something we can’t ignore."

The viral footage, which has trended across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe socio-economic hurdles. According to Ambassador Kuwayenu, influencers and public figures must realize that their actions do not exist in a vacuum, especially when the younger generation is watching closely.

"Nigeria is already battling too much: kidnapping, insecurity, broken systems," she noted. "Our young people are looking for direction in a noisy world. The last thing they need is to see destructive habits being normalized by people they admire or aspire to be like."

She emphasized that attending a major cultural showcase like Ojude Oba elevates an individual from a private citizen to a public representative of heritage.

"Whether we accept it or not, when you show up at a major cultural event, you’re not just living for yourself. You become part of the message the next generation receives. If what goes viral is smoking, drinking, or chasing clout over substance, that’s what gets copied."

As a counseling psychologist and mental health advocate, Kuwayenu urged public figures and festival attendees to prioritize substance over digital clout. With Nigerian youth heavily consuming social media content, she stressed that modern influence must be tethered to responsibility.

"We don’t need more bad examples right now. We need people who understand that influence is responsibility. The clothes you wear, the habits you flaunt, the moments you put out young people are watching and learning."

Ojude Oba remains one of West Africa's most prestigious cultural exhibitions, drawing thousands of visitors to Ijebu-Ode annually to honor the Awujale of Ijebuland. Kuwayenu concluded her statement by calling on Nigerians to guard the integrity of such traditions fiercely, using them to inspire rather than degrade societal values.

"Ojude Oba should show the best of Yoruba culture and Nigerian values, not blur the lines for attention," Kuwayenu urged. "At a time when the country is fighting for safety and direction, let’s give our children something worth imitating. Be the kind of role model Nigeria needs today, not another problem it has to manage tomorrow."

LASU Leadership Transition: Governing Council Reappoints Registrar, Names New Bursar

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Olabisi Yusuf and Emmanuel Fanu 

OJO, LAGOS — The Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU) has officially approved major leadership appointments to steer the institution’s administrative and financial operations for the next four years.

Following a competitive and rigorous interview process conducted during an emergency meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Council ratified the reappointment of Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu as the substantive University Registrar and Secretary to the Council. Concurrently, Mr. Olabisi Yusuf was appointed as the new University Bursar.

According to an official statement signed by Mrs. Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, the Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, both high-profile appointments are set to take effect on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Mr. Emmanuel Fanu’s reappointment secures administrative continuity for LASU. A homegrown administrator, Fanu’s journey with the university began over two decades ago when he joined the workforce as an Administrative Officer II in 1999. Through dedicated service, he climbed the institutional ranks, serving as Acting Registrar from June 2021 to February 2022 before securing his first substantive term in June 2022.

Fanu is an alumnus of LASU, holding a Bachelor of Science Education (1996), a Master of Public Administration (2005), and a Diploma in Law from the institution. As a seasoned professional, his administrative acumen has been enriched by international grants from the British Council and the United States Information Service (USIS) to participate in global tertiary education management conferences. He holds esteemed memberships in the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (MANUPA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM).

Incoming Bursar Mr. Olabisi Yusuf brings more than 20 years of robust financial management experience to the table. Yusuf will officially succeed the outgoing Bursar, Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka, whose successful tenure concludes on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Yusuf’s history with LASU began in 2006 when he was appointed Principal Accountant at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM). Over the years, he excelled in critical positions, including Chief Accountant, Deputy Bursar, and Head of Operations within the University Bursary.

Most recently, Yusuf served as the Deputy Bursar of Treasury Services and acted as the Project Accountant for the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (ACEITSE). A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Yusuf holds an HND, alongside a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting.

The institutional transition has received strong backing from the university's executive leadership. The Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, extended her warm congratulations to both principal officers as they prepare to assume their roles in July.

"I congratulate the appointees on their well-deserved selection," Professor Olatunji-Bello stated. "I wish them a highly purposeful, impactful, and successful tenure as they continue to dedicate their expertise in service to the advancement of Lagos State University."

With these key appointments finalized, the university community looks forward to a era of consolidated growth, financial transparency, and administrative stability, reinforcing its proud institutional mantra: "We are LASU, We are Great!"

Democracy Day: Geneith Health Leaders Applaud Millions Joining the Anti-Malaria Movement

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — As Nigeria marks another milestone on Democracy Day, the leadership of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) has united with citizens nationwide to celebrate the country’s democratic journey. In doing so, they highlighted a parallel triumph: the massive, youth-led public health movement aimed at eliminating malaria across the Federation.

In a joint commemorative message, the Initiator of the Geneith Health Competition and Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Iloabanafor, alongside the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals and sponsor of the initiative, Prince Emmanuel Umenwa, revealed that the competition powered by Coatal Forte Softgel is witnessing historic registration numbers from young Nigerians, student leaders, and grassroots community advocates.

The leadership emphasized that true democratic progress extends beyond political structures; it must encompass the fundamental right to health and freedom from preventable endemic diseases.

"Democracy Day symbolizes more than political freedom. True national progress must include freedom from preventable diseases like malaria that continue to burden millions of our citizens. The surging interest in the Geneith Health Competition reflects a profound determination among our youth to take ownership of Nigeria's health future."

The momentum of the GHC campaign aligns with critical legislative milestones, notably the recent passage of the National Agency for Malaria Elimination (NAME) Bill by the Nigerian Senate. The GHC leadership lauded the Senate's proactive stance and expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in prioritizing healthcare infrastructure, disease prevention, and sustainable public health outcomes as bedrock pillars of nation-building.

With secondary and tertiary students registering in droves, the initiative is successfully transforming the energy of the next generation into structured health advocacy.

"Malaria elimination is not just an idealistic goal; it is an absolute necessity and completely achievable. Countries with far fewer resources have wiped out this disease. Nigeria possesses the expertise, the human capacity, and the wealth of resources to do the exact same. Our students and young people are the driving force of this movement—their creativity and energy make them the ultimate agents of change."

The leaders called upon stakeholders across the public and private sectors, educational institutions, and civil society to sustain this awareness. They specifically challenged Nigerian students to formally step into their roles as Anti-Malaria Ambassadors, taking the science of prevention and treatment directly into grassroots communities.

As Democracy Day celebrations draw to a close, the call to action remains urgent. The GHC leadership reminded citizens that defeating malaria requires a unified front where policy seamlessly translates into measurable community impact.

Registration for the nationwide health contest is actively ongoing. Students in secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria are encouraged to join the movement and register online via the official portal at 

[www.geneithhealthcompetition.com](https://www.geneithhealthcompetition.com) to help safeguard lives and shape a healthier future for generations to come.

President Tinubu Approves N10bn Emergency Ebola Fund

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

ABUJA, NIGERIA  — In a proactive move to shield the nation from a potential healthcare crisis, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N10 billion in emergency intervention funding. The financial injection aims to fortify Nigeria's defenses against a potential Ebola virus outbreak, following a recent resurgence of cases in parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

Alongside the massive funding, the Presidency announced the formation of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats. The specialized committee will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and will unite various federal agencies and state representatives to ensure a swift, coordinated national response.

According to an official statement released on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the administration is prioritizing national health security and rapid response capacity. The presidency emphasized that the funds are strategically earmarked to scale up surveillance and response infrastructure.

“The fund will strengthen the operational preparedness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and support critical national public health emergency response activities,” the statement noted.

With the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) leading the medical frontline, the federal government has directed a sweeping overhaul of security at all major entry points. Particular focus will be placed on international airports, where strict biosecurity protocols are currently being rolled out.

The presidential directive mandates the immediate "intensification of passenger screening at all international airports, including enhanced temperature checks and crowd-control protocols," to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

To ensure seamless compliance, the newly formed task force will collaborate with key aviation, border, and transport regulatory bodies. These include: FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria), NIS (Nigeria Immigration Service), NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority)

As part of the emergency containment strategy, Nigeria’s health officials will enforce mandatory health declaration systems for all inbound travelers. Dedicated isolation centers at the Lagos and Abuja international airports are also being fully activated to handle any suspected cases immediately.

The Gbajabiamila-led task force has been ordered to implement stricter monitoring on passengers arriving via high-risk routes. Furthermore, President Tinubu has directed that airport facilities, cargo zones, and baggage areas undergo rigorous, routine disinfections.

To prevent any gaps in the defense chain, the task force is empowered to coordinate directly with diplomatic, security, and aviation agencies. Their mandate includes regulating flights originating from heavily impacted regions and designating specific airport terminals for high-risk arrivals to ensure maximum containment.

LASU Appointments: Badagry Chairman Hunpe Celebrates Emmanuel Fanu and Olabisi Yusuf on Historic Core Roles

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Emmanuel Fanu, Babatunde Hunpe and Olabisi Yusuf 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, has extended his warmest congratulations to two distinguished administrators, Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu and Mr. Olabisi Yusuf, FCA, following their high-profile appointments to the management team of Lagos State University (LASU).

In an official statement made available to journalists on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Hon. Hunpe celebrated the choices made by the university's Governing Council, describing the appointments as a massive win for meritocracy, institutional stability, and dedicated public service.

The council approved the reappointment of Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu as the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council for another four-year term, while simultaneously appointing financial heavyweight Mr. Olabisi Yusuf, FCA, as the new substantive Bursar of the institution.

Speaking on behalf of the government and the entire people of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Hunpe lauded Mr. Fanu’s remarkable trajectory within the university's ranks, tracing his growth from a foundational administrative role to the very pinnacle of academic management.

"This remarkable reappointment is a fitting recognition of your exceptional administrative acumen, unwavering dedication, and outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State University over the years," Hon. Hunpe stated. 

"Your journey from Administrative Officer II to the pinnacle of university administration is a testament to the enduring values of diligence, competence, integrity, and service."

The council’s decision to retain Fanu, according to the local government boss, reflects a deep-seated confidence in his capacity to steer one of Africa's leading higher education institutions toward global competitiveness.

"As a distinguished administrator whose professional excellence has earned recognition both within and beyond Nigeria's academic community, you have consistently demonstrated the capacity to provide purposeful leadership and institutional stability," Hunpe added, wishing the Registrar wisdom and sound health for his second four-year tenure.

In the same vein, Hon. Hunpe heartily cheered the appointment of Mr. Olabisi Yusuf, FCA, to the office of the University Bursar, noting that his two decades of unblemished financial stewardship within LASU made him the ideal candidate to protect and optimize the institution's treasury.

"Your appointment is a deserving recognition of a distinguished career marked by professionalism, financial expertise, integrity, and unwavering commitment to institutional excellence," the statement read. 

"Having dedicated over two decades of meritorious service to Lagos State University, rising through critical positions within the University's financial management structure, you have consistently demonstrated exceptional competence and leadership in the stewardship of public resources."

With extensive experience managing treasury operations, complex budgeting, and donor-funded projects, Yusuf's transition to the chief financial role is seen as a strategic move to ensure the institution's long-term financial health.

"As you assume office as Bursar, I am confident that your wealth of experience, sound judgment, and commitment to accountability will further enhance the financial sustainability and institutional advancement of Lagos State University," Hon. Hunpe added.  

Hunpe, concluding that "Your appointment also serves as an inspiration to countless professionals who believe in the virtues of diligence, excellence, and dedicated service."

Lagos 2027: Kweme Indigenous Youths Applaud President Tinubu, Celebrate Damilola Sonayon-James as Lagos Deputy Governor

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In an atmosphere charged with immense joy and cultural pride, the Youths, traditional leaders, community chiefs, and the good people of Kweme Kingdom converged on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to celebrate their daughter, Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James, following her landmark announcement as the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The gathering took place at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sejiro Olalekan James (JP), the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, where community members explicitly expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC for recognizing grassroots loyalty and merit.

Speaking at the palace, Pascal Ajande, a youth representative in the community, emphasized that her emergence is a continuation of a profound family legacy dedicated to the development of Badagry and Lagos State.

"We all know the history of her grandfather and her father, Hon. Bolarinwa Seyon James, who was a member of the House of Representatives for Badagry from 1999 to 2003," Ajande stated.

 

"Their good work in service is well known. Today, Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James is continuing that same legacy. She is known for caring for people, her love for the community, and her focus on development."

Ajande further extended the kingdom's profound gratitude to the apex leadership of the party.

"We are using this medium to appreciate all stakeholders who have made this possible, most importantly Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership. We also thank Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State APC Chairman, party leaders, the Chairmen in Badagry, and our royal fathers. Today is a win for Kweme, Badagry, and Lagos State. It shows that hard work, loyalty, and service bring rewards."

The announcement has triggered widespread optimism across the region, with many pointing to her exceptional performance during her tenure as the Supervisor for Agriculture in the Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Raji Usman, the youth leader of Kweme Kingdom, recalled her inclusive governance style during her time in local administration.

"There is a lot we can say about her when she was the superstar for Agriculture in Badagry West LCDA," Usman remarked. "She did a lot in Kweme Kingdom and she did not restrict it to Kweme alone. She extended her impactful work to Farasime, Aseri, Iroso Ogologbo, and Gedun. Someone who could do all that as a supervisor will definitely do better in a higher office. She knows what we lack because she has always lived here with us."

An elder in the community, Dauda Mautin, shared the overwhelming emotion that gripped the kingdom upon hearing the political breakthrough.

"When I heard she was announced as the incoming Deputy Governor for 2027, I was so joyous that I couldn't eat throughout that day," Mautin confessed. "We are certain that our challenges, like good roads, youth employment opportunities, and electricity, will be addressed. My advice to all residents of Badagry West is to show total love to her and this administration, and ensure we come out en masse to vote to secure her success."

The enthusiasm is equally strong among women groups in Badagry, who describe Hon. Sonayon-James as a unifying figure capable of driving gender-inclusive growth in Lagos State.

Affirming their readiness for the upcoming political campaign, women leader Fajinu Kudirat stated:

 "Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James is a hardworking woman who loves bringing women together. There is nothing we need from her within her capacity that she won't give us, and we are completely ready to support her at any time."

The Kweme youth leadership concluded by reassuring the state leadership that the kingdom stands fully behind their daughter, expressing absolute confidence that she will serve the state with honesty, wisdom, humility, and excellence.

Lagos Assembly Committee on Tourism Storms ‘Point of No Return’ Following Exposé on Projects, Assures Residents of Quality Work

By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a swift reaction to investigative media spotlighting, the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism and Ministry of Tourism has paid an oversight visit to the ongoing infrastructural projects at the historic Point of No Return in Gberefu, Badagry on Wednesday June 10 2026.

The high-powered delegation, led by Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency I and Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism was at the site to inspect the Quality Assurance of the ongoing developments.

The legislative intervention comes directly on the heels of an exclusive investigative report by News Peddlers, which exposed substandard construction practices on the tourist footpath, by the contractor, Sageto Limited and the fear of the residents that the Tunnel structure has lost its quality to stand the test of time.

Following the News Peddlers report, immediate corrective measures were visible at the site. Workers were seen laying protective nylon sheeting before setting down the interlocking stones a standard engineering practice that had been previously bypassed.

Addressing journalists during the inspection, Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu confirmed that the House took action immediately after the media report went viral online.

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Gberefu Island Death Trap: Badagry Residents Raise Alarm Over Substandard Tourism Infrastructure Construction

Exclusive: Bonu Solomon Unveils Major Reconstruction Plan for Badagry’s "Point of No Return"

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"We've seen it online that substandard job is going on here and we have sought approval from the Speaker to come and see what is going on," Hon. Bonu stated. "In the current Assembly, we don't need to wait for formal petitions; whatever public concern we see, we take it seriously."

The lawmaker explained that his team rigorously inspected the Footpath, the Attenuation Well, and the historic Tunnel. While acknowledging the immediate improvements made by the contractor post-media exposure, he demanded full transparency.

"We have interrogated the contractor vis-à-vis the Ministry of Tourism and have asked for specific documents which must be submitted to the House of Assembly for strict review," Hon. Bonu added. "We have seen some things that should be adjusted. However, I want the publisher of the article to hold on and make sure the job gets to 90% completion before further complaints. A key thing about tourism is maintenance, and there is always room for future improvement."

Local stakeholders in Gberefu noted that while they have had to step in as watchdogs, the legislative visit has brought much-needed accountability to the historic site.

Chief Samson Hungbo, the Baale of Gberefu, revealed that the community leadership had previously noticed structural discrepancies on the site.

"The work they are doing here is not bad, but myself and my cabinet have come here on at least two occasions where we saw things that were not proper. We corrected them, and they took to the corrections," the Baale remarked. "This visit by the lawmakers is good because they can now confirm what we have been saying with their own eyes."

Expressing appreciation for the swift political response, a Gberefu resident told News Peddlers:

"I really commend the efforts of Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu. We wouldn't have achieved this level of contractor compliance without his consistent effort. We hope he gets more opportunities to bring good things to his people."

Addressing the critical concerns raised regarding structural degradation due to coastal elements, the engineering team assured the public that the core infrastructure remains sound.

Mr. Alabi, the project's structural engineer, explained to News Peddlers in a separate engagement that the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean presents unique environmental challenges that are now being aggressively mitigated.

"The outer surface has rusted, but it is not structurally compromised. Some metals that have totally rusted are just thrusts—they are not really carrying any weight, and we have already changed them," Mr. Alabi explained. "The foundation is still very strong; the major thing needed was continuous maintenance. We are sealing the whole body this time to prevent future rust, because exposure to sea water is the primary culprit."

Providing a definitive timeline for the delivery of the premium tourism asset, the project's Quantity Surveyor, Adejo Oshaba, assured residents and cultural enthusiasts that the wait would soon be over.

"All the projects we have here will be fully completed in the next six months, and the people will see the world-class quality for themselves," Oshaba stated.