celebrity radar - gossips

We were dancing when church building collapsed – Survivor

Published

9 years ago

December 12, 2016

Some survivors of the Reigners Bible Church International Inc, Uyo building collapse have given a first-hand account of how the building collapsed on Saturday.

One of the survivors, Eno Etim, who spoke with our correspondent, on Sunday, said the building collapsed shortly after a lady was called to lead the praise worship.

Etim, who hails from Mbo Local Government Area of the state, said there was no foreboding of the monumental disaster that was waiting to happen.

The housewife, who spoke shortly before she was moved out of the St. Luke’s General Hospital, Annua, Uyo, to the University of UYO Teaching, Uyo, said the congregation was dancing when the church collapsed.

She said that she could not recall how she landed in the hospital, adding that an iron bar hit her at the back, sending her reeling on the floor before she passed out.

Explaining that she was not a member of the church, Etim said she had come to witness the ordination of the presiding pastor of the church, Akan Weeks, as a bishop, because they both belong to the United Intercessors Network.

She said, “I was inside the church. Everything was normal; there was no problem. A lady was called to lead the praise worship session; the governor came in shortly after that. As the praise worship was going on, the building fell and I didn’t know how I got here.

“The iron fell on my back forcing me to fall on the ground with my face down.

Survivors: Eno Etim (left) and Emem Akpanitiat at the St. Luke’s General Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State…on Sunday.

“I don’t worship in the church. I worship in the United Intercessors Network, which Bishop Akan Weeks also belong to. I don’t live in Uyo. I came all the way from Oron.”

Etim’s niece, Nkoyo Okon, said she was at home when someone called her and told her about Etim’s plight.

“I knew she went to the church. But she later called me on the phone to tell me she had been taken to Annua hospital. So, I had to rush down here. I’m grateful to God she is alive,” Okon said.

Another victim, 22-year-old Emen Akpanitiat, said the building came down when the congregation embarked on praise worship when the governor came in.

Akpanitiat, who hails from Ikot Mbonde in Itu LGA, said the church building collapsed while the congregation was dancing and singing preparatory to offering collection.

She said, “It was when the governor came and people started dancing. I’m in pains. The doctor said I’m going to be moved to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.”

Speaking to our correspondent, her sister, Emen Inyang, said the family was grateful to God for saving her life.

“I was not in the church. I called her number and I was told that she had been rushed to Annua hospital,” she said.

Punch

celebrity radar - gossips

SHOCKER IN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: Jaiye Kuti & Pasuma Take Love to the Next Level

Published

2 days ago

April 13, 2026

Sahara Weekly

SHOCKER IN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: Jaiye Kuti & Pasuma Take Love to the Next Level

What started as mere whispers in entertainment circles has now exploded into a full-blown headline story shaking both Nollywood and the Fuji music scene!

After weeks of speculation, multiple insider sources have finally confirmed that veteran actress Jaiye Kuti and Fuji icon Wasiu Alabi Pasuma are set to take their relationship to the next level — MARRIAGE!

The duo, who have long been linked in what many dismissed as mere friendship or industry camaraderie, are now reportedly preparing for a private but glamorous wedding ceremony that promises to be one of the most talked-about celebrity unions of the year.
For months, social media has buzzed with sightings, subtle hints, and cryptic posts suggesting a deeper bond between the two stars. While both camps maintained silence, insiders now reveal that the relationship has been years in the making — far from the sudden development many assumed.

As expected, the news has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria’s entertainment landscape:
Some fans are thrilled, calling it a “perfect blend of class and culture.”
Others remain skeptical, questioning whether this is love or a strategic publicity move.
A section of observers insist, “In Nigeria’s entertainment industry, anything is possible!”

If confirmed officially, this union could mark the coming together of two powerful brands:
A respected Nollywood figure known for her elegance and strong screen presence
A Fuji legend with decades of musical dominance and loyal fan base
Together, they could redefine celebrity partnerships in Nigeria.

Will there be an official announcement?
Are wedding preparations already underway?
Or is there more to this story than meets the eye?
One thing is certain — all eyes are now on Jaiye Kuti and Wasiu Alabi Pasuma.
Stay tuned… because this story is far from over!

celebrity radar - gossips

Opposition Smearing INEC Chairman Out of Desperation — Ajulo Declares Tinubu’s Victory Inevitable

Published

2 days ago

April 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Opposition Smearing INEC Chairman Out of Desperation — Ajulo Declares Tinubu’s Victory Inevitable

ABUJA — The Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), has accused opposition elements of orchestrating a calculated smear campaign against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan (SAN), insisting that such actions stem from their acceptance of imminent electoral defeat.

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Sunday, Ajulo argued that the opposition has abandoned genuine political engagement and has instead resorted to “the politics of discredit,” targeting the electoral umpire in a bid to undermine public confidence.

According to him, the attacks on the INEC chairman are deliberate attempts to weaken the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the next presidential election, which he claimed has already been “decisively won” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The opposition knows the battle is lost. What they now implement is not resistance, but the politics of discredit,” Ajulo stated.

He described Prof. Amupitan as a “steadfast guardian of Nigeria’s democratic process,” warning that efforts to discredit him would ultimately fail as Nigerians “see through the smoke.”

Ajulo further anchored his argument on Nigeria’s political history, recalling a period when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominated the political landscape with a majority of state governors, while Tinubu, then leading the Alliance for Democracy (AD), controlled only Lagos State.

He said the political evolution that led to the rise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its current dominance across many states reflects what he described as “a profound feat of strategy, resilience, and leadership.”

The attorney-general also noted that, unlike previous political realignments, the APC under Tinubu has not experienced defections of governors, but has instead attracted members from opposition parties.

He maintained that the current wave of criticism against INEC leadership is rooted in fear of electoral loss rather than legitimate concerns about the commission’s integrity.

Ajulo concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist attempts to erode trust in democratic institutions, emphasizing that “the mandate of the people will stand.”

celebrity radar - gossips

BURATAI URGES ECOWAS UNITY, CALLS FOR RETURN OF SAHEL STATES AT VON FORUM

Published

5 days ago

April 10, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai Urges ACF to Lead Bold Northern Agenda, Boost Food Security at 25th Anniversary

BURATAI URGES ECOWAS UNITY, CALLS FOR RETURN OF SAHEL STATES AT VON FORUM

ABUJA – In a powerful appeal for regional stability, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai (rtd), has called on ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) to prioritize the return of the Association of Sahel States (AES) to ensure the survival of West African integration.

Speaking Thursday at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum 2026 in Abuja, Buratai warned that the region’s progress could become a “mirage” without the inclusion of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.

A Legacy of Sacrifice

Buratai Tasks Estate Valuers on Ethics, Tech Responsibility to Boost National Security

Buratai highlighted Nigeria’s historic role as the “unshakable anchor” of the sub-region. He pointed to Nigeria’s decades of leadership in ECOMOG missions across Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau as evidence of the nation’s commitment.

”Nigeria has sacrificed and invested in blood, treasure, and diplomacy to defend democracy,” Buratai stated. “Our stability is inseparable from the security of our neighbours.”

The Path to Unity

The General urged ECOWAS to deepen its engagement with the African Union to bridge the current diplomatic rift with the AES nations. He emphasized that the collective security of West Africa depends on a unified front, noting that democracy and regional safety are “two sides of the same coin.”

”The unity of ECOWAS cannot be complete without Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic. Without unity, progress in the region may be a mirage,” Buratai cautioned.

Celebrating 51 Years of VON

The forum also served as a celebration of Voice of Nigeria’s 51st anniversary. Buratai lauded the broadcaster as a “Nigerian voice with an African heart,” praising its professionalism and pan-African vision.

He paid tribute to veteran journalists, including the late Mohammed Okorejor and retired director Ben Shamang, while commending the current Director General for revitalizing the agency.

The retired General concluded his message with a call to strengthen regional institutions, urging leaders to honor the legacy of ECOWAS through renewed cooperation and institutional integrity.