celebrity radar - gossips

Pk-1st Obesere’s Plea : Stop the Online Fights — Promote Fuji Instead

Published

38 seconds ago

November 12, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Pk-1st Obesere’s Plea : Stop the Online Fights — Promote Fuji Instead

Alhaji Arems

When a voice like Obesere asks FUMAN and bloggers to stop feeding the fights and start promoting fuji, it’s not nostalgia — it’s strategy. The genre’s growth depends far more on spotlighting shows, sales and culture than on social-media skirmishes that make headlines but do little for streaming numbers, ticket sales or sponsorship deals.

Abass Akande “Obesere” has always been one of fuji’s most visible personalities, and his recent call for unity — urging members of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), bloggers and fans to promote fuji acts positively — is a timely reminder that reputations and revenues are fragile. Local coverage of his statement frames it as a reaction to incidents that have given the genre negative airtime, and as a push to protect fuji’s public image.

There’s a pattern here many of us recognise: fan bases that once cheered in stadiums now operate as organised online armies, ready to defend their favourites at a moment’s notice. In Nigeria’s broader music ecosystem, these “stan wars” have become visible forces — they amplify releases but also escalate rivalries into persistent noise that can overshadow the music itself. That behaviour has been documented across outlets covering Nigerian fandom trends.

Why this matters for fuji: the genre’s commercial and cultural opportunities — festival slots, brand partnerships, cross-genre collaborations, international bookings — depend on a tidy public narrative. Brands and festival programmers watch headlines and social sentiment. When fuji is framed by feuds rather than artistry and live experiences, the conversation shifts away from what matters: the music, the shows, and the communities that track the genre’s history. Coverage of fuji events and FUMAN-organised showcases shows how constructive promotion lifts the scene — sponsorships, packed venues and renewed media interest follow when the spotlight is on performance and culture.

There’s also a moral case. Promoting artists when they have shows and speaking well about colleagues cultivates a healthier ecosystem. Positive publicity is cumulative: a blogger who features a rising fuji act or a fan who shares a well-shot performance clip helps build the career infrastructure that keeps artists touring and recording. Research into digital music promotion and discussions among practitioners underline the point: targeted promotion — not perpetual online conflict — generates sustainable attention and monetisation.

That said, the reality is nuanced. Rivalries have long been part of music cultures worldwide; they can drive interest when handled as creative competition. But when loyalty morphs into coordinated attacks or sustained trolling, it becomes toxic rather than promotional. For fuji, a genre with deep cultural roots and an older core audience alongside a growing younger listenership, preserving dignity while adapting to online habits is essential.

So what does constructive promotion look like in practice?

• When an artist has a show, amplify dates, ticket links, and highlight set times, not gossip.

• Run short features or interviews that explain why a song matters — context sells.

• Use measured praise: celebrate craft and stagecraft rather than stoke rivalries.

• Bloggers and influencers should prioritise verification and fairness; fact-checked features age better than viral spats.

• FUMAN and its members can continue using public statements to steer tone — leadership matters in setting cultural norms.

Obesere’s message isn’t policing fandom — it’s a reminder that fans and media are partners in an artist’s career arc. The most useful role a fan can play today is to turn engagement into opportunity: attend shows, buy music, share quality content, and speak well enough that industry gatekeepers notice the genre’s market potential.

If fuji’s next chapter is to include bigger stages and wider audiences, it will be powered less by who shouted loudest online and more by who sold out the room.

Obesere’s ask is simple and practical: stop fighting in public; promote fuji in plain sight. The music will do the rest.

celebrity radar - gossips

For Amb. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, It’s A Triple!

Published

1 hour ago

November 12, 2025

Sahara Weekly

For Amb. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, It’s A Triple!

This weekend, as preparations reach top gear for the unprecedented celebration of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen’s 30 unbroken years as a movie maker, awards have been flooding in from all corners.

Some days ago, in far away Addis-Ababa as parts of the events marking the 2025 Africans celebrate in collaboration with Bustline media UK Ambassador Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, he was conferred with special Diamond Recognition Award for all he has done for the upliftment of African cinema in a highly attended ceremony.

The award ceremony witnessed a host of ambassadors from many African countries present, including that of Nigeria, Botswana, top government officials from Ethiopia, and ministers from several Africa countries delegates from the European Union

The award was presented by the representatives of the European Union in Africa.

Still basking in the euphoria of the Diamond Recognition award, Lancelot who arrived Nigeria on Sunday, November 9, 2025, was again cornered and presented another award, this time around it was the African Movie Academy Award, AMMA, recognising him as one of the pillars of African Stories.

Again yesterday, 10th of November, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria’s longest lasting film festival, The Abuja International Film Festival, honored this African most consistent filmmaker with another indistry’s special recognition award in celebration of his 30-years behind the camera which started with an Acting master class organised and jointly put together by the Benin Film Academy and fast rising multiple awards wining Actor and coach Benjamin Olaye who personally delivered an unforgettable session in honor of Lancelot Imasuen.

At the event, Lancelot himself was available to inspire the young aspiring actors by showing them his AMAA Awards and having a feeling of his humble beginning before God helped him to be where he is today. At Abuja, at the closing ceremony of Longest running film festival in Nigeria the Abuja international film festival founded ny Mr fidelis Dukar Lancelot Award was received on his behalf by president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria and the National public relations officer Who is also the festival director of Lancelot Imasuen’s international student film festival Mr Emmanuel Eyaba,
On Tuesday 11th November in Benin city, Lancelot was on the ground to deliver a heart rendering round table talk with the Edo state chapter of Association of movie producers, and it was massive other planned programmes lined up continues.

celebrity radar - gossips

FCT Minister Wike–Naval Officer Clash a Threat to National Security — Ex-COAS Buratai

Published

10 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Sahara Weekly

FCT Minister Wike–Naval Officer Clash a Threat to National Security — Ex-COAS Buratai

A former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has described the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, and a Nigerian Navy officer in Abuja as “a clear and present danger to national security.”

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Gen. Buratai said the incident, which occurred on November 11, 2025, requires immediate corrective action to safeguard the nation’s institutional integrity and preserve discipline within the Armed Forces.

According to him, Wike’s conduct during the encounter “transcends mere misconduct” and “undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief as well as the integrity of the Armed Forces.”

Urgent Action Required: Minister Wike’s Conduct Poses a Clear Threat to National Security

“The events of November 11, 2025, involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, demand an immediate and serious response,” Buratai stated.

“His public disparagement of a uniformed officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces transcends mere misconduct; it represents a palpable threat to national security and institutional integrity.”

Buratai noted that a minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform constitutes “an act of profound indiscipline” that strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s command structure.

He warned that such actions deliberately undermine the chain of command, disrespect the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, and damage the morale of service members across the nation.

“This cannot be dismissed as political theatre,” he said. “It is a reckless endangerment of national order and a clear attempt to undermine the authority of the Federal Government.”

The retired general further called on Wike to tender an immediate and unequivocal public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (as Commander-in-Chief), the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the officer involved in the confrontation.

“Our nation’s security must come first. This is the time for decisive action, not the politics of military bashing,” Buratai emphasized. “The integrity of our Armed Forces demands nothing less.”

celebrity radar - gossips

Media Must Be Agents of Unity, Not Division — Senator Yayi

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Group accuses Yayi of personalising government-funded projects Or Empowerments done by Yayi not from his personal pocket, but govt funds- Group insists Or How Yayi converted government-funded projects to his own-- Yewa Group A socio-democratic group, Yewa/Awori Youth Network has accused the Senator representing Ogun West at the National Assembly, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi of allegedly personalising projects funded by the government. The group accused that the Senator of allegedly conniving with some federal government agencies to portray projects funded by the government as something done from his personal pocket. Recalled that Yayi had recently claimed to have launched a scholarship and bursary scheme by empowering 1,600 students across the five local governments in the Ogun West Senatorial district. The education support scheme tagged: 1st Yayi Scholarship/Bursary Award Programme, held in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, saw selected indigent students in 53 tertiary institutions benefiting from the financial support. Speaking at the event, Senator Adeola said the scheme was in fulfillment of his electoral promises to the people and youths of Ogun West. But the Yewa group in a statement by its general secretary, Abidemi Gandonu said the Senator Adeola violated the procurement act by tagging them as his personal financed projects. Gandonu also alleged that some projects reportedly meant for the Lagos West were reportedly brought to Ogun West, insisting that the action by the Senator contravene the procurement act. Citing findings by a project tracking organisation, Tracka, the Yewa group general secretary said investigation reveals a pattern of deceit, where government-funded projects are repackaged as personal donations to deceive the public. He noted that Tracka's findings emphasise how projects like ambulances and tricycles, touted as personal contributions by Senator Olamilekan, are, in fact, financed by taxpayers' money. The statement further read, “The narrative of benevolent gestures masks a deeper reality, one where political agendas intertwine with federal resources, blurring the lines between public service and personal gain. “The spectacle unfolds with a script familiar to seasoned observers: a politician parades as a benefactor, showering constituents with scholarships, empowerment programs, and a medley of commodities under the guise of personal initiatives. However, a closer inspection reveals a convoluted web of government projects camouflaged as altruistic donations, executed with meticulous precision to garner political capital. “Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi's playbook, honed from previous exploits in Lagos West Senatorial District, remains consistent. His purported acts of generosity, exemplified by the recent distribution of scholarship cheques, bursaries, and assorted items to Ogun West constituents, echo a recurring theme of political theatrics. Yet, behind the veil of magnanimity lies a carefully orchestrated charade, facilitated by federal agencies complicit in the illusion. “As the charade unravels, questions arise about the source of funds fueling Senator Olamilekan's ostentatious displays of generosity. With over two decades in public service, scrutiny over the sudden influx of resources into his purported personal projects intensifies. The illusion of philanthropy, meticulously crafted by Senator Olamilekan, crumbles under the weight of public scrutiny, revealing a tale of deceit and manipulation. “The saga surrounding Senator Olamilekan underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability within Nigeria's political landscape. The illusion of benevolence must be dismantled, exposing the truth beneath the facade. Only through collective action and unwavering resolve can Nigeria transcend the shadows of political deceit, forging a path towards genuine progress and equitable representation for all its citizens. “In the pursuit of ethical governance, citizens must remain vigilant, holding politicians accountable for their actions. The collaboration between Tracka and other civil society organizations exemplifies the power of grassroots movements in uncovering truth and promoting transparency. It is imperative that the narrative of political charades be confronted head-on, paving the way for a future where accountability and integrity reign supreme in Nigerian politics. “As we reflect on the intricacies of political theater and the illusion of benevolence perpetuated by figures like Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi, we are reminded of a timeless saying: "The greatest magic trick ever known to mankind is to put a piece of meat in the mouth and make it disappear." Just as the art of sleight of hand mesmerizes audiences, so too do the grand gestures of politicians captivate constituents. “In the case of Senator Yayi, the illusion of philanthropy serves as a veil, obscuring the truth of government-funded projects repackaged as personal donations. Like the vanishing act of the meat, the transformation of public resources into tokens of generosity is a sleight of hand that beguiles the public eye.” The group, however, called on relevant government agencies, including the ICPC, EFCC, and other oversight bodies to thoroughly probe Senator Adeola Olamilekan and other lawmakers who disguise government projects as their personal donations. The statement further stressed, "Given Senator Olamilekan's extensive tenure in government since 2003, questions about the source of his personal wealth must also be addressed. "Transparency and accountability demand nothing less as we strive to uphold the principles of good governance and serve the best interests of the Nigerian people. “However, just as skilled magicians unveil their secrets, so too must we unravel the charades of political deception. By exposing the truth behind the facade and demanding accountability, we reclaim our power as vigilant citizens. The pursuit of transparency and ethical governance becomes our mandate, ensuring that the greatest magic trick of all—manipulating public trust for personal gain—never again casts its spell over the people.” Meanwhile, a quick search by our correspondent revealed that the projects reportedly financed by Senator Adeola and celebrated during empowerment programme were in the 2023 Zonal Intervention Projects document. It was discovered that some of the projects funded by the federal government were supposed to be carried out under the supervision of government's agencies, including Federal Cooperative Colleges, Institutes of Oceanography, Fisheries Colleges, and Professional Registration Councils. During the search, it was discovered that while Senator Adeola was the facilitator of some of the projects, they were solely funded by the federal government and not the Senator. Below are Federal government agencies that funded projects facilitated by Senator Yayi; 1. Federal Cooperative College, Oji River 2. Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan 3. Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Technology and National Productive Centre, Abuja (N50,000 for 5,000 traders) 4. Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos 5. Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria 6. Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria 7. Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries 8. New Bussa 9. Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, Benin Meanwhile, Ogun West Coalition for Good Governance (OWECOGG) has berated a group, Yewa/Awori Youth Network, for falsely accusing the senator representing Ogun West senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, otherwise known as Yayi of alleged conversion of Federal Government-funded projects to his own personal projects. OWECOGG equally faulted the allegations that the senator had connived with some federal government agencies to portray projects funded by the government as something done from his personal pocket. Reacting to the allegations in a statement signed by the convener of the socio-political group, Adeosun Benjamin popularly known as Benji, on Wednesday, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said that the accusations of Yewa/Awori Youth Network are not only untrue, but fabricated and sponsored by political traducers of the senator who are afraid of his political stature and popularity, not only in Ogun West, but in the entire state. According to him, the "faceless group is only doing the job of its puppet masters masking themselves to launch attacks at the senator". Adeosun noted further that Senator Adeola has not failed to always indicate that he facilitated the projects to his senatorial district to enhance the socio-economic development of Ogun West, which according to him, has suffered stunted development over the years due to bad representation.

Senator Yayi Urges Media to Uphold Truth, Champion National Progress

By femi Oyewale

The Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), has charged journalists and media practitioners in Ogun State and across Nigeria to remain steadfast in promoting truth, peace, and national unity through responsible journalism.

Speaking on the pivotal role of the media in shaping public perception, Senator Adeola cautioned against misinformation, sensationalism, and divisive reporting. He noted that while negative news travels fast, the damage it inflicts on society often takes years to heal.

“The media must uphold integrity and professionalism at all times,” the Senator stated, emphasizing that journalists serve as the eyes and ears of the people and must therefore focus on truth, balance, and objectivity in their reportage—whether in print, broadcast, or online platforms.

Senator Adeola, who holds the traditional title of Oluomo and Aremo of Yewaland, made these remarks when he received members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP), led by Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of StarTrend Int’l Magazine and Online Platform, during a courtesy visit.

The group expressed solidarity with the Senator and commended his developmental strides, pledging support for initiatives aimed at boosting the socio-economic progress of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

Reiterating his commitment to effective representation, Senator Adeola assured the delegation of his continuous efforts toward the growth and prosperity of Ogun West and the entire Gateway State. He expressed optimism that with truth, unity, and responsible journalism, Ogun State would continue to advance toward greater heights.

In his remarks, Otunba Abu-Satar Hamed lauded Senator Adeola’s impressive record at the National Assembly, describing his achievements as evidence of visionary and people-oriented leadership.

“Within just over two years, Senator Adeola has demonstrated the capacity and passion needed to transform Ogun State into a model of progress among the comity of states,” Hamed said.

He explained that LOYAMP—a coalition of seasoned journalists, editors, and publishers of Yewa-Awori origin—is dedicated to promoting responsible journalism, fostering unity, and supporting initiatives that advance the collective interest of Yewa-Awori sons and daughters at home and abroad.

“LOYAMP stands firmly against hate speech, divisive publications, and any content capable of inciting disunity,” Hamed emphasized. “Our mission is to project Yewa-Awori excellence and contribute meaningfully to the progress of Ogun State and Nigeria at large. Together, we can achieve more—for the good of all.”