Obasa Leads Special Prayer Session to Commemorate President Tinubu’s 74th Birthday

The vast Police College ground in Ikeja heaved, creaked, and pulsated with prayers and plaudits on Saturday, March 21, as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, led an interfaith prayer session to commemorate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 74th birthday.

Although the president’s birthday falls on Sunday, March 29, Speaker Obasa and The Mandate Movement (TMM) group of Nigeria deemed it auspicious to hold the prayer session earlier. The event drew political leaders, stakeholders, party faithful, community leaders, Islamic and Christian clerics, and All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters from across Lagos State and beyond.

Speaker Obasa explained that the prayer session was significant not only for President Tinubu’s continued good health, long life, wisdom, and success in steering the nation’s affairs beyond 2027, but also for Nigeria’s enduring peace, unity, stability, security, and overall progress.

“This special occasion is not just a celebration of a leader, but a moment of collective reflection and supplication for Nigeria’s progress. Let us come together in faith and patriotism to seek divine guidance and blessings for Nigeria,” Obasa said.

He described the President as a pragmatic and visionary leader whose transformative contributions have rewritten Nigeria’s socio-economic narrative. Obasa urged Nigerians at home and abroad to remain steadfast in supporting the Renewed Hope agenda for a greater Nigeria. He commended initiatives such as subsidy removal, which has boosted state revenues, and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund), which he called a “game-changer” for youth seeking higher education.

Among other achievements, Obasa highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructural project, poised to strengthen the economy and tourism potential. He also praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her Renewed Hope Initiatives, which he said are positively impacting lives through food outreach, agricultural support for women, economic empowerment, and digital learning centres.

The mammoth attendance, Speaker Obasa noted, was a testament to the love and loyalty President Tinubu commands among the people of Lagos and Nigeria at large. He called on Nigerians to re-elect the president and all APC candidates in the 2027 general election, stressing that continuity is key to consolidating the gains of the Renewed Hope agenda.

Adding his voice, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode extolled President Tinubu’s enduring legacy and leadership:

“President Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress is commendable, and it is our collective duty to support him so that the nation can fully reap the benefits of his reforms,” Ambode said.

The prayer session featured fervent supplications from both Christian and Islamic clerics, who prayed for divine wisdom, protection, and guidance for President Tinubu and Nigeria.

Expert Warns Nigerians Against Immigration Scams, Offers Solutions

By Adetayo Gbolahan

In an increasingly globalized world where opportunities transcend borders, Amb. Dr. Annah Adepoju, founder of Divine Immigration and Education Consultancy LLC, is carving a niche as a trusted guide for individuals seeking to study, work, and build sustainable futures abroad.

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Based in Rochester, Minnesota, United States, Dr. Adepoju’s journey into immigration consultancy is rooted in a deep passion for service and a commitment to helping people access global opportunities through legal and structured pathways. Over the years, she observed that many talented individuals, particularly from Africa, possess the education, skills, and professional experience required to succeed internationally. However, a lack of proper guidance often stands in their way.

This realization led to the establishment of Divine Immigration and Education Consultancy LLC, a certified professional consulting and document preparation agency dedicated to simplifying immigration processes while providing accurate information, ethical guidance, and transparent services. The firm focuses on legal immigration pathways, educational opportunities, and career-based migration options, helping clients navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence.

Like many professionals in the field, Dr. Adepoju encountered challenges at the early stages of building her consultancy. These included legal, operational, and credibility-related hurdles, particularly in an industry often plagued by fraud and misinformation. To overcome these challenges, she prioritized building trust through transparency, offering clear information about services and fees, and relying on official sources such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Through educational seminars, webinars, and consistent client support, her firm has built a solid reputation backed by successful case assistance.

Another significant challenge has been the constantly evolving nature of immigration policies, which directly impact eligibility and processing timelines. However, by staying informed and adaptable, her team continuously monitors policy updates and ensures clients are guided with the most current and accurate information.

What distinguishes Divine Immigration and Education Consultancy LLC from others in the industry is its strong emphasis on education, transparency, and personalized service. Rather than treating clients as mere case files, the firm takes time to understand each individual’s background, qualifications, and long-term goals before recommending suitable immigration pathways. This evidence-based approach ensures that clients are guided toward opportunities that genuinely align with their professional aspirations.

The consultancy’s services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. Many clients seek assistance with employment-based immigration pathways, international education opportunities, and professional migration strategies. The firm also provides application preparation, documentation review, and strategic consultations for individuals exploring legal migration options.

Recognizing the complexity of immigration procedures, Dr. Adepoju and her team break down each process into clear, manageable steps. From initial consultation to document preparation and application submission, clients are guided through every stage, making the journey more organized and less stressful.

For individuals aspiring to relocate abroad but unsure where to begin, Dr. Adepoju emphasizes the importance of accurate information and proper guidance. She advises prospective applicants to assess their education, professional experience, and skill sets in order to identify pathways that align with their strengths. Consulting experienced professionals and focusing on legal immigration options, she notes, is critical to success.

Among the various immigration pathways available, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (EB2-NIW) stands out as a viable option for highly skilled professionals. This program allows individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in fields such as science, technology, healthcare, business, and education to apply for permanent residency without employer sponsorship, provided they can demonstrate that their work holds substantial merit and national importance.

Professionals in engineering, information technology, research, public health, entrepreneurship, and education often benefit from this pathway. The consultancy plays a crucial role in guiding applicants through the process by evaluating eligibility, organizing supporting evidence, structuring documentation, and preparing strong petition packages.

Despite the availability of such opportunities, Dr. Adepoju notes that many skilled professionals across Africa underutilize programs like EB2-NIW due to limited access to accurate information. She believes that increased awareness and proper guidance can help unlock these opportunities for a wider pool of talent.

However, she also cautions applicants against common mistakes, such as submitting incomplete documentation or relying on unverified sources. Immigration applications are evidence-driven, and poor preparation can significantly weaken a case. To avoid falling victim to scams, she advises applicants to verify the credibility of consultants, avoid guarantees of approval, and insist on transparency in all dealings.

Preparation, she emphasizes, is key. Prospective applicants should gather essential documents, including educational certificates, updated resumes, work experience letters, identification, and evidence of professional achievements. Proper documentation not only determines eligibility but also strengthens applications.

Beyond immigration, Dr. Adepoju highlights the importance of international education as a pathway to career advancement. Exposure to global knowledge systems, research opportunities, and professional networks equips individuals with skills that are highly valued in today’s workforce.

For young professionals, her advice is clear: build strong academic and professional foundations, develop expertise in high-demand fields, and continuously improve skills. Early planning and a clear understanding of immigration pathways can significantly enhance their chances of success.

Looking ahead, Dr. Adepoju envisions Divine Immigration and Education Consultancy LLC as a globally respected platform connecting talented individuals with legitimate opportunities for education, employment, and professional growth. Expansion plans include strengthening international partnerships, enhancing digital accessibility, and potentially establishing offices in regions with growing demand for immigration guidance.

Her motivation, however, goes beyond professional ambition. Inspired by her late mother’s values of compassion and service, as well as her involvement in the religious organization “Pages of the Blessed Sacrament,” Dr. Adepoju views her work as a mission. For her, immigration consultancy is not merely a profession but a calling to help individuals and families build better futures.

Each success story, whether it is a student gaining admission, a professional securing employment, or a family finding stability, reinforces her purpose.

Her message to those seeking better opportunities is both simple and profound: follow the legal path, stay informed, and remain patient. With determination, proper preparation, and the right guidance, she believes that individuals can successfully build brighter futures beyond their borders.

Eid-el-Fitr: Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal Calls for Sustained Prayers, Peace and Unity

As Muslims across Nigeria mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, has issued a powerful call for intensified prayers, unity, and collective responsibility, urging the faithful to translate the spiritual gains of the 30-day fast into tangible actions for peace and development.

In his official Eid-el-Fitr message to the Muslim community in Zamfara and across the nation, Governor Lawal emphasized that the celebration known as the “festival of breaking the fast” extends beyond festivity. He described it as a profound moment of gratitude, spiritual renewal, and recommitment to the values of patience, self-discipline, and empathy cultivated during Ramadan.

“Eid-el-Fitr is a joyous occasion, but it also represents a moment for deep reflection,” the Governor stated. “It is a time to intensify our prayers for peace in our beloved state and throughout the nation. The 30-day fast we observed was designed to instil patience, self-discipline, empathy, spiritual mindfulness, and a deeper connection with God. We must carry these virtues forward.”

The Governor’s appeal carries particular weight given Zamfara State’s prolonged battle with insecurity, including banditry and kidnapping, which have posed significant challenges to lives and livelihoods. Lawal reiterated that while prayers are essential, they must be accompanied by collective action from all citizens.

“To improve Zamfara and Nigeria for everyone, we must unite,” he said. “We have a collective responsibility to be our brothers’ keepers and work towards a better future for our state and nation. No meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of division or indifference.”

Lawal congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the 30-day fast, acknowledging the spiritual discipline demonstrated throughout the holy month. He prayed that the blessings of Ramadan would continue to manifest in the lives of individuals and the wider community.

As Zamfara residents join their counterparts across the country to celebrate Eid, the Governor concluded his message with prayers for a peaceful and harmonious celebration, expressing hope for enduring good health, sustained peace, and a thriving economy in the years ahead.

The Eid-el-Fitr celebration marks the end of Ramadan, a period considered sacred in the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims engage in fasting, prayer, and acts of charity. It is traditionally observed with communal prayers, family gatherings, and almsgiving, reinforcing bonds of kinship and community solidarity.