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ANA celebrates 4th birthday marked by strong growth

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CAPE TOWN, March 1 (ANA) – Four years ago today, on 1 March 2015, a small start-up with grand ambitions and an African dream was born.

The African News Agency (ANA) was launched into the market as Africa’s first news syndication service. A dream inspired by the notion of a news service by Africans, for Africans, as well as for the rest of the world. At ANA we have always believed that we, as Africans, should tell our own stories. The good and the bad, the despairing, as well as the uplifting, the failing, as well as the innovative.

ANA is proudly African and at the core of our business lies quality journalism and editorial values allied to the African narrative.

Our Newswire offers our media subscribers up-to-date multi–media content produced by ANA’s editorial team, as well as our Pan-African and global media partners across a myriad categories, including Politics, Business, Economy, Health, Environment, Science and Technology, Faith, Sport and many more.

ANA’s Picture Wire boasts historical content dating back 75 years as well as contemporary editorial and stock photographs, videos, as well as graphics and contemporary political satire content.

ANA’s PR Wire offers small to corporate businesses a bespoke solution to increase their brand exposure by disseminating their press releases or brand statements to our ever-growing editorial network of more than 35,000 Pan-African media organisations and more than 28,000 media houses in the rest of the world.

ANA was formed in the immediate wake of the demise of the erstwhile South Africa Press Association (Sapa), a decades-long institution on the South African media landscape and a conveyer belt for producing some of the country’s finest journalists.

In late February 2015, Sapa announced that it would be closing its doors after almost 77 years. Its final story, at midnight on 31 March 2015, ended thus: “Goodbye Sapa. Thank you for the news.”

In the meantime, hurriedly, a bit crazily, but with no little sense of purpose and destiny, ANA was set up and trialed its operating systems and hit the market on 1 March 2015.

Today, ANA stands tall as the only true news agency service, providing content to a wide range of subscribers, both local and international, across text, photo, video and graphic formats.

But ANA was always geared to be more than a mere Sapa replacement. We recognised and seized the moment to tell Africa’s stories.

Africa has been scarred by the effects of colonialism. Its peoples, its flora and fauna, its riches, its artefacts, its humanity, has suffered centuries of degradation. Even its stories have been expropriated. ANA and our partners are seeking to reverse this and to have the world hear and feel our stories of aspiration, innovation, ambition, style, and dignity.

Africa is Rising and ANA is here to tell its many stories.

Global Editor-in-Chief Lindiz van Zilla said: “ANA strives to produce authentic, definitive and high-quality content which reflects the many nuances of our diverse but inter-connected continent.”

ANA CEO Grant Fredericks said: “We are not after charity. As with all of Africa, all we are asking for is a fair shake. We offer a world-class product, formed and honed right here in Africa, and we are saying to the world, ‘if you want to know what Africa is truly about, then come to ANA’. 

“We live in such an interconnected world today and it is only proper that Africa takes its rightful place among the family of nations as an equal, respected and valued member.” 

Van Zilla added that from small beginnings, ANA has grown into a globally respected media organisation with a footprint deeply embedded in Africa.

Messages of congratulations have poured in friom ANA’s esteemed media partners.

The Namibian Press Agency’s (Nampa) Chief Executive Officer Isack Hamata said: “The Namibia Press Agency wishes to extend a warm message of hearty congratulations to the African News Agency on the occasion of your fourth anniversary celebrations. 

“ANA has cemented its place among progressive African news agencies that are tenaciously committed to the African development agenda, as forged and driven forth by Africans themselves. Over the past few years, our two organisations have established meaningful cooperation at all levels, and it is our sincere hope that your steady growth will continue to impact positively on our kinship for the mutual benefit of our countries and people. We wish you many more years of growth and success.”

The Zambia Daily Mail’s Editor-in-Chief Chapadongo Lungu said: “I would like to wish ANA a Happy Fourth anniversary. It’s been a journey worth the walk; one whose benefit accruals far outweigh the expected teething challenges.

Leonnard Chikadya, Managing Director at the Times Group in Malawi, added: “ANA embarked on this journey with a clear Vision and Mission to reshape the landscape of sharing news content for Africa and enhance knowledge of the youthful population of Africa for economic and social development of the continent.

“Times Group joined the African News Agency (ANA) network to offer our contribution to the realisation of the African Agenda of collaboration and networking with leading media partners that promote the new technological age in this new World Order of globalisation, with African focus to promote our local cultures, beliefs, and cohesiveness of society as one People of Africa.”

– African News Agency (ANA)

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Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

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Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

 

Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.

Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.

 

According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.

 

He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.

” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.

All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.

 

Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.

 

His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.

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HRH Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye Ascends the Throne of Agunjin Land

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A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.

The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.

A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.

The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.

The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.

As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.

Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.

Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family

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From Ejigbo to the World: How Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies Shape Public Debate

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The Man Who Makes Nigeria Listen — Primate Elijah Ayodele’s Prophetic Influence

Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens

By Femi Oyewale

Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.

 

The Man Who Makes Nigeria Listen — Primate Elijah Ayodele’s Prophetic Influence

 

Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.

 

Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.

 

Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood

The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:

• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.

• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.

 

• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.

 

Philanthropy and institution building

Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.

 

What makes him unique

Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:

1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).

2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.

3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.

 

The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism

To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.

Looking ahead

As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.

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