celebrity radar - gossips
BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Records Africa’s Biggest Wealth Surge, Net Worth Hits $11.2bn
BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Tops Africa’s Wealth Gains in the 2026 Forbes Rankings as His Fortune Jumps 120% to $11.2 Billion, Rising to 3rd Place; Aliko Dangote Remains No.1
Billionaire Industrialist, Philantropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has emerged as Africa’s biggest wealth gainer in the 2026 Africa’s Richest People ranking published by Forbes, after his net worth rose sharply over the past year.
According to the latest Forbes list, Rabiu’s wealth surged 120 percent to $11.2 billion, representing the largest increase recorded among the continent’s billionaires in the latest ranking. The jump moves Rabiu, who is Nigerian, to third place among Africa’s richest individuals, up from sixth position a year ago.
The rise in Rabiu’s fortune was driven largely by the strong performance of BUA Cement, his flagship publicly listed company, whose shares surged by 135 percent over the past year. The rally significantly outpaced gains in the broader Nigerian Exchange, which has itself recorded strong growth amid improving investor confidence.
Forbes estimates Rabiu’s net worth at $11.2 billion, placing him behind luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert, whose fortune is estimated at $16.1 billion, and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, who retains the top position with an estimated $28.5 billion.
Rabiu’s rise underscores the growing influence of Nigeria’s industrial sector and the expanding footprint of BUA Group, which has built major operations across cement manufacturing, food processing, sugar refining, infrastructure, mining and energy.
The latest Forbes ranking also highlights a broader surge in wealth across Africa’s billionaire class. The continent’s 23 billionaires now hold a combined net worth of $126.7 billion, representing a 21 percent increase from the previous year, as major equity markets rallied and regional currencies stabilised.
Nigeria remains one of the continent’s leading centres of billionaire wealth, accounting for four individuals on the list, including Dangote, Rabiu, telecommunications magnate Mike Adenuga, and energy investor Femi Otedola.
Forbes said the 2026 ranking was calculated using stock prices and exchange rates as of March 1, 2026, with privately held companies valued using comparable industry benchmarks.
Rabiu’s leap in the ranking reflects not only the strong performance of BUA Cement but also the broader momentum of Nigeria’s capital markets and the continued expansion of large scale industrial enterprises across Africa’s largest economy.
Analysts say the development signals growing investor confidence in African manufacturing and infrastructure driven businesses, sectors that are increasingly central to the continent’s economic transformation.
celebrity radar - gossips
Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars
King of the Screen: Why Odunlade, Muyiwa, Femi Adebayo Remain Yoruba Movie Giants
The Yoruba movie industry has continued to produce legendary talents whose influence stretches beyond Nigeria to global audiences. Over the years, some actors have distinguished themselves through consistency, versatility, box office success, and cultural impact.
Among the numerous stars in Nollywood’s Yoruba sector, three actors have remained dominant figures whose names constantly resonate with fans and filmmakers alike — Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo.
Odunlade Adekola: The Street King of Yoruba Cinema
Popularly regarded as one of the most entertaining actors in Nollywood, Odunlade Adekola has built a unique reputation through his energetic delivery, comic timing, emotional depth, and strong connection with grassroots audiences.
From comedy to action and emotional family dramas, the actor has consistently proven his versatility in blockbuster productions. His ability to interpret diverse roles effortlessly has made him a household name across Nigeria.
Industry observers believe his dominance on social media platforms, where his movie clips frequently go viral, has further strengthened his popularity among younger audiences.
Beyond acting, Odunlade has also contributed immensely to mentoring upcoming talents and expanding the commercial value of Yoruba films.
Muyiwa Ademola: The Master Storyteller
For many lovers of indigenous movies, Muyiwa Ademola remains one of the finest storytellers the Yoruba film industry has produced.
Widely respected for producing emotional and morally driven movies, the actor earned massive recognition through classic productions that focused on family values, culture, betrayal, perseverance, and societal lessons.
His calm delivery, deep scripts, and originality have kept him relevant despite changing trends in the entertainment industry.
Film critics often describe Muyiwa Ademola as one of the few actors whose productions combine entertainment with strong cultural education, making his movies timeless among older and younger viewers alike.
Femi Adebayo: The Modern-Day Box Office Force
Femi Adebayo has successfully combined traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern cinematic excellence, helping to project indigenous films to international audiences.
The actor, filmmaker, and producer has recorded major successes with high-budget productions that gained attention on streaming platforms and cinemas.
Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, Femi Adebayo has continued to push Yoruba movies beyond local boundaries while preserving cultural identity.
Entertainment analysts say his ability to blend culture, technology, and quality production has positioned him among the leading faces shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.
Growing Global Influence
The success of these actors reflects the increasing acceptance of indigenous Nigerian content globally. With streaming platforms creating wider access to local movies, Yoruba actors are now gaining international recognition and attracting new audiences.
Fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry believe the contributions of Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo have not only sustained Yoruba culture through film but have also elevated Nollywood’s global reputation.
celebrity radar - gossips
Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians
Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians
The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has called on the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to make peace, unity, and selflessness their guiding principles as the world marks this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In his Sallah message, the revered monarch described Eid-el-Kabir as a “highly spiritual occasion that demands dedication, commitment, and selflessness.”
Oba Makama said the period should be used to reflect on societal happenings and promote messages of hope and unity without inciting provocation.
He urged Nigerians to live together harmoniously, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal affiliations, stressing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“What should be uppermost in the mind of every patriotic Nigerian is **‘Country first,’” he said.
The monarch also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant in the face of insecurity, reassuring that the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are working round the clock to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.
“The price wise men pay for eternal liberty is vigilance. I urge everyone to celebrate moderately and extend a helping hand to the less privileged, widows, and orphans, embracing them as our brothers and sisters,” Olowu Makama added.
He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
celebrity radar - gossips
Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration
Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration
By Adeyemi Obadimu Veron
The Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and the world at large on the joyous occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In a statement made available to Newsmen, the revered monarch urged Muslims to embrace the true teachings of Islam by promoting peace, love, unity, sacrifice, and compassion during and after the festive period.
Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II noted that Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Salah, remains one of the most significant celebrations in Islam as it symbolizes total obedience, faith, and devotion to Almighty Allah, drawing inspiration from the unwavering sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated complete submission to the will of God.
According to the monarch, the Holy Qur’an teaches believers the importance of righteousness, kindness to humanity, tolerance, and support for the less privileged in society. He emphasized that the season should serve as a reminder for all Nigerians to live in harmony irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political differences.
The royal father further called on Muslims to use the sacred period to pray fervently for peace, stability, economic growth, and sustainable development in Nigeria, stressing that national progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and mutual understanding.
Oba Saliu also encouraged the faithful to extend hands of generosity to widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society, noting that the essence of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond celebration and feasting, but also reflects the spirit of sharing and caring for humanity as instructed in the Qur’an.
While wishing Muslims a peaceful and memorable Eid celebration, the Oloworo of Oworosoki prayed for divine blessings, prosperity, good health, and continued harmony in homes and communities.
“May this year’s Eid-el-Kabir strengthen our faith, deepen our love for one another, and bring renewed hope and abundant blessings to our nation,” the monarch stated.
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