celebrity radar - gossips
As Biodun hits 50: Tribute to a singing jewel!
As Biodun hits 50: Tribute to a singing jewel!
BY: Idowu Ajanaku
QUOTE:
“Happy is the man who finds a true friend,
and far happier is he who finds
that true friend in his wife”.
– Franz Schubert
She is a rare gem; a priceless pearl, in fact one who is comparable to a piece of dazzling diamond that beams with the brilliant light of an abiding faith in God, to conquer the demons of darkness. Call this some sort of glorification if you like. But truth be told, the subject matter here has been an enduring inspiration to the entire family, beginning of course, with the critical area of her being the symbol of the connecting chord to God, our all-loving maker.
Her name is Mrs. Biodun Elizabeth Ajanaku, popularly known as “Biodun Ajanaku”. She is referred to as “a talented, confident singer and jazzist based in Western Nigeria. Born in December to Nigerian parents, she hails from Ogun state. This energetic female vocalist, who started singing from childhood has worked with other great artistes in Nigeria and abroad, with performances of her tracks in the United states of America and the UK as well. She released her debut single “Joshua”, a classic tune which expresses the fall of the walls of Jericho, some years back to critical acclaim.
As fate would have it, she is the wife of yours truly. And I can tell the world, without qualms that for over the past 20 years that we got married, one has been immensely inspired by her driving passion to excel at whatever she sets her hands to do. That of course, includes rending her soul-lifting gospel songs that stir the spirit from the depths of despair up to the pinnacle of hope and honesty of purpose.
How should I describe her? She is a virtuous woman and as Proverbs Chapter 12 verse 4 aptly explains it: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband”. As the good Lord God stated: “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him”. One is therefore, grateful to God for the choice He inspired me to make by choosing her as my constant companion, my confidant, my comforter.
As the Greek storyteller, Homer rightly stated: ”There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends”. In fact, a good wife symbolizes LOVE as the harmonious heartbeats of two people, always there for each other through storm or calm. They act in acting in resonance. And as T. S Eliot described it, they are comparable to, “lovers whose bodies smell of each other, which think the same thoughts without the need of speech, without the need of meaning”. So strong is the bond of love that King Solomon stated in the book of Ecclesiastes that: “Love is as strong as death. A thousand waters cannot quench the fire of love”.
That explains why the choice of the woman one would marry as the most sensitive, delicate and life-changing decision in man’s history. A wrong choice and the man is doomed for life. On the flip side, when the right choice is made, especially with the assistance of the Holy Spirit the ‘lucky’ man is destined for greatness. And this is because emotional stability forms the firm foundation for a happy home and businesses to thrive. But why, you may ask? It is all because: “Every single marriage must include complete trust between the husband and wife” as Sarah McMillan highlighted.
As the Holy Bible asks in Proverbs, Chapter 31: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, and so that he shall have no need to spoil. She will do him good and not evil, all the days of her life”(verses 10-12). In addition,” she looks well to the ways of her household… and her children rise up and call her blessed and her husband also.”(25-28).
Incidentally, I am one of those fortunate few, as God, in His great wisdom and infinite mercy brought the woman of my dreams to cross my path. Accepting the fact that I had given my life to Jesus the Christ before we met, yet she it was who has drawn me closer to God’s throne of glory by her uncommon and exceptional dedication to the all things bright and beautiful in the kingdom of Salvation. Is it fervent prayers (as a lover of God), sharing words of faith (as a knowledge -seeker), spreading the gospel of salvation (as a woman of faith), or frequent fasting(as a virtuous woman) to stay true to righteousness, as the spirit dictates? She is there, for me and our children.
For instance, it is interesting to note, with an uncanny spiritual feature, that ever since we got married over 20 years ago she has always woken up to pray and fervently so, for members of the entire family between the hours of 12 midnight and 3.00 am. And let me restate it –every blessed night!
O, yes, she makes herself available, not just to cook the right meals at the right time, or provide the needed moral and financial support for the acquisition of our children’s quality education but she is the wise counselor and ever dependable pillar in the storm. She is there with her charming smile, her calming, velvety voice and her helping hand; when things do not evolve as expected. My wife has also proved to be the catalyst for positive change and master motivator to show us the sun behind the passing cumulous clouds, that always come down as heavenly rain of tremendous blessings!
One must confess that she has been a mother, a girlfriend and a lover, all rolled into one uncommon woman! So, why do I need another lover in my life? Never! Interestingly, friends and colleagues at work always look at me in utter disbelief and askance, when I boastfully tell them that I have never cheated on her since we got married. They simply find it incredible to believe.
That also explains that while they are out there in pubs drinking and womanizing, Biodun is there with me and my children in the comfort of our home, as a bright beacon showing me the path to righteousness. For her, I cannot thank God enough.
With regards to her phenomenal talent as a gospel singer she boasts of two international nbest-selling albums (‘Thank God’ and ‘Jesus Is Enough For Me’) and some scintillating singles to her credit. She has modeled her music after the late American singer Mahalia Jackson. Both possess powerful contralto voice as she aspires to become the next ‘Queen of Gospel’ like her heroine.
It is not surprising therefore, that her performances at international gospel music events in South Africa, Maryland and New York(USA) as well as London(UK) have drawn global attention to her brand of music. Why would one not be proud of such ‘a jewel of inestimable value’, to quote the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo while describing his wife.
Good enough, I have found all these virtues in my delectable damsel, my precious jewel, the one I call “ the daughter of grace”. She has matched the words of Martin Luther King Jnr when he stated that: “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave”.
Oh yes, Biodiun has done that and more! So, we heartily celebrate her at 50, with full gratitude to God, wishing her more divine blessings and grace in the years to come.
Ajanaku Idowu writes from Lagos.
celebrity radar - gossips
Meet the Newly Appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
Meet the Newly Appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a significant development for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retired), a decorated former Chief of the Naval Staff, has been appointed as the Sole Administrator of the state. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the Nigerian Navy and a wealth of experience in leadership, administration, and strategic governance, Vice Admiral Ibas is poised to bring his expertise to bear in steering the affairs of Rivers State.
Born on 27 September 1960 in Nko, Cross River State, Vice Admiral Ibas began his educational journey at Nko Primary School and later attended the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar. His academic pursuits took him to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career.
Throughout his service in the Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Ibas attended numerous military courses both locally and internationally. These included the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course in India, Primary Pilot Training in Kaduna, and specialized training in Amphibious Warfare at the United States Marine Corps University. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-I-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Vice Admiral Ibas has held several key appointments in the Nigerian Navy, including Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School, Director of Maritime Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. His tenure as the 20th indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff was marked by significant reforms and modernization of the Nigerian Navy. After retiring from active service, he served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana from 2021 to 2023, further solidifying his diplomatic and administrative credentials.
A recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Star and the Admiralty Medal, Vice Admiral Ibas is widely respected for his dedication to service and excellence. His professional affiliations include membership in the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the US Naval Institute, among others.
Beyond his professional achievements, Vice Admiral Ibas is a family man, happily married to Mrs. Theresa Ibas, with whom he shares children. He is also an avid reader, documentary enthusiast, and golf player, reflecting a well-rounded personality.
As the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibas brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and strategic vision to the role. His appointment is expected to usher in a new era of effective governance, stability, and development for the state. Residents of Rivers State and stakeholders across the nation are optimistic that his leadership will address critical challenges and drive progress in the region.
With his proven track record in leadership and administration, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of governance in Rivers State and deliver on the expectations of the people. His appointment marks a new chapter in the state’s journey toward peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
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Here’s a 1200-word professional and compelling article draft with strong language, polished grammar, accurate context, and insightful quotes, titled:
From Naval Command to Political Helm: The Strategic Appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Sole Administrator of Rivers State
In a momentous turn of events, the Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. This decision, made amidst deepening political turmoil and administrative stagnation in the state, is more than a routine bureaucratic reshuffle—it is a calculated, strategic deployment of discipline, integrity, and experience into a system yearning for visionary leadership.
Vice Admiral Ibas, a seasoned and decorated officer of the Nigerian Navy, brings to the office over four decades of military excellence, administrative acumen, and diplomatic experience. His trajectory from the hallowed halls of the Nigerian Defence Academy to the apex of naval leadership, and later to diplomacy as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, reads like a blueprint of what transformational leadership should entail.
A Lifelong Journey of Service and Excellence
Born on 27 September 1960 in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas represents the very quintessence of the disciplined Nigerian elite class. His early education at Nko Primary School and Hope Waddell Training Institute laid the foundational values of hard work and resilience. His commissioning as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983 marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey through the ranks of the Nigerian Navy.
The Admiral’s intellectual arsenal is as formidable as his professional résumé. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-I-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, Ibas also underwent rigorous military training in India, the United States, and Nigeria. From amphibious warfare to naval command strategy, he is a product of global military best practices.
His leadership as the 20th indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 ushered in a wave of modernization in the Nigerian Navy. Under his command, the navy enhanced its blue-water capabilities, improved coastal security infrastructure, and engaged in sustained anti-piracy operations that significantly reduced maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
“A Leader is a Dealer in Hope” – Napoleon Bonaparte
The appointment of Ibas to steer the affairs of Rivers State comes at a time when the state’s political machinery is in dire need of recalibration. Mistrust among stakeholders, factional disputes within political parties, and a mounting sense of disillusionment among the populace have rendered Rivers one of the most politically volatile regions in the country.
As Napoleon Bonaparte aptly stated, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” In Ibas, Rivers State has not just a seasoned administrator, but a harbinger of restored faith in governance. His military background guarantees structure, discipline, and zero tolerance for mediocrity—qualities painfully absent in recent state administrations.
Strategic Governance and National Security
Rivers State is not just any region—it is the economic jugular vein of Nigeria, home to the largest crude oil and gas reserves and host to key multinational corporations. Mismanagement in such a state does not just affect its citizens—it reverberates across the nation. The implications for national security, economic stability, and foreign investment are far-reaching.
According to renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi, “Nigeria’s underdevelopment is not a function of lack of resources, but of a crisis of leadership.” The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas signals a deliberate effort to correct this systemic dysfunction by inserting competence where confusion has reigned.
Discipline Meets Diplomacy
Beyond the battlefield, Ibas has proved his mettle in diplomacy. His tenure as High Commissioner to Ghana from 2021 to 2023 was marked by strengthened bilateral relations, increased trade dialogue, and deft handling of diplomatic tensions between both nations. Such experience is invaluable in a complex state like Rivers, where tribal politics, oil revenue disputes, and youth restiveness intertwine dangerously.
As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once observed, “Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.” Ibas is not stepping into office as a politician scrambling for power, but as a strategist focused on delivering results and fostering peace.
A New Era for Rivers State
For years, Rivers has been caught in a cycle of political godfatherism, resource mismanagement, and underdevelopment. Infrastructure decay, unemployment, environmental degradation from oil exploration, and insecurity have become daily realities. The intervention of a respected, non-partisan, and capable administrator offers a real chance to break this vicious cycle.
In the words of American political scientist Francis Fukuyama, “What underpins institutions is not just formal rules, but trust, social norms, and leadership.” The Admiral’s sterling record fosters trust. His discipline shapes social norms. His leadership is untainted by the corrupt patronage systems that plague many civilian administrations.
Public Expectations and the Road Ahead
The expectations are undeniably high. From civil servants demanding efficient administrative processes to youth clamoring for jobs and entrepreneurs hoping for a friendlier business environment, all eyes are now on the new administrator.
There is optimism that he will prioritize infrastructure renewal, reform public procurement processes, combat oil theft, and champion environmental sustainability. Ibas’s known affinity for structure and strategic thinking suggests he will approach governance as a well-planned mission—defined goals, tactical operations, and measurable outcomes.
As Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, famously said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” Vice Admiral Ibas is expected to do both.
Echoes of National Implication
While the appointment is specifically for Rivers, the broader national significance cannot be overlooked. In a country where appointments are often made on the basis of patronage, ethnicity, or political alignment, this one bucks the trend. It sends a powerful message: merit and experience still matter.
This move may well set a precedent for future engagements, particularly in crisis-prone regions. If successful, it could ignite a renewed conversation on how non-political technocrats, retired military officers, and seasoned administrators can contribute to nation-building beyond the barracks or diplomatic missions.
Conclusion: A Return to Values-Based Leadership
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas is not just assuming office; he is assuming responsibility for the hopes of millions in Rivers State. He is stepping into history at a time when leadership is often equated with loud rhetoric rather than quiet competence. His calm demeanor, razor-sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to excellence mark him as a different kind of leader.
As South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela once said, “It is better to lead from behind and put others in front… especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger.” The people of Rivers State need such a servant-leader—firm yet fair, silent yet strategic, humble yet highly effective.
If Vice Admiral Ibas delivers—as many believe he will—then Rivers State may not only emerge from its current political turbulence but may also set the standard for governance in Nigeria’s fragile federal structure.
The ship has been handed over. The sails are up. All that remains is for the Admiral to navigate the turbulent waters of political expectation, economic uncertainty, and social fragmentation—and steer Rivers State into a harbor of peace, prosperity, and progress.
I Want More Babies with My Ex—Not Marriage!” — Wumi Toriola Shocks Fans with Bold Confession
LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a revelation that has left fans stunned and the internet buzzing, popular Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola has openly declared that she has no interest in getting married again — but still wants to have more children with her ex-husband.
The outspoken actress, known for her fiery roles on screen and blunt takes off-screen, made the confession in a recent interview that has gone viral across social media.
“I’m not interested in getting married now, but I want to have more babies with my ex-husband,” she said without hesitation.
Toriola, whose marriage ended in 2023, explained that despite their separation, she and her ex-husband maintain a solid co-parenting relationship — and even share mutual respect when it comes to parenting.
“My ex-husband told me that I may not be a good wife to him if we come back together,” she revealed.
“But he also told me that I’m a good mother to our children.”
A Marriage Built on Conflict
In a tell-all moment last year, the actress disclosed that the marriage broke down due to constant emotional clashes, with her ex allegedly throwing past mistakes in her face during arguments — a pattern she said became too toxic to continue.
Yet, in a twist that has captured public attention, Toriola seems to be embracing a non-traditional family dynamic, openly stating her desire for more children with a man she no longer sees herself marrying.
“More Babies, No Ring”
Her candid take has ignited hot debates across social media, with fans divided — some praising her honesty and progressive mindset, others questioning the complications such an arrangement might bring.
While her ex-husband is reportedly not remarried, Toriola admitted she doesn’t know if he is in a new relationship, but emphasized that their current parenting arrangement is working just fine.
Social Media Reactions
Reactions have been pouring in:
“This woman is just being real. Marriage isn’t for everyone.” — @RealtalkNaija
“More babies with your ex? Sounds like a soap opera plot.” — @AmakaUnfiltered
“Respect to her for owning her truth, but I hope the kids are okay in all this.” — @ParentingNg
celebrity radar - gossips
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