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CNN meets Nigerian footwear designer Kene Rapu

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On this week’s episode of African Voices, CNN International meets Nigerian footwear designer, Kene Rapu to learn more about how she grew her business and became the successful entrepreneur she is today.

Rapu explains how her interest in fashion began at an early age: “I was always, it sounds a little bit cliché, but I was always stylish because I was passionate, people would ask me for advice. Modelling got me into the fashion world [and I] made a lot of connections from working with Lagos Fashion and Design Week over the years… I did some beauty competitions, I was interested in fashion and beauty, but I wouldn’t say that I knew I was going to get into fashion as a business.”

She explains how a career in fashion wasn’t her first choice and that she originally studied law: “As a Nigerian, you always go for something safe and lawyers are safe… I figured out during my law school year that I didn’t want to practice law… I decided I wanted to go into fashion. I went back to the London College of Fashion and got a master’s degree in fashion entrepreneurship.”

Rapu began designing shoes after experiencing limited shoe options. She tells CNN: “I don’t wear heels, so I am very limited in my choice of footwear, and that’s how it really started… Sometimes you would order abroad and having someone [who is] travelling bring it in, or you would have to go and search for something cute. It wasn’t at your door step… I found there was that need, which I didn’t find anyone filling at the time.”

Speaking about how her company started, she explains: “I started from home. I worked with local cobblers [and] we made the slippers. And I remember, everyone was like, ‘Oh, we love your slippers, where did you get them from?’ And people started placing orders. That’s really how [we] started…. We opened our first store three years ago.”

Rapu explains to the programme how her designs are influenced by her identity and why she’s proud to support ‘made in Nigeria’: “Our styles are also very much a reflection of myself. The brand is my name, so it is intertwined. We work a lot with Ankara print, which is sort of linked to Nigeria, and so that has influenced us… You see a lot of Nigerian women wearing this print, so they’re excited when they see the print in slippers, as well… The Nigerian fashion industry is growing… There was a point where no one really used to buy things made in Nigeria. We would either buy things that were imported from abroad or we would shop abroad … We weren’t really buying Nigerian. Overall, I would say the past ten years, there’s almost been a wave to buy Nigerian [products].”

Since starting her business in 2011, Rapu has continued to grow her company and was chosen to participate in the prestigious Tony Elumelu Foundation Program. Moreover, Kene Rapu was named one of Forbes Africa’s top 30 game-changers under 30. About the honour, Rapu tells CNN: “[It] was exciting, which was a great honour. I was very humbled… When I look back, I think, ‘How did this thing even? You know, this is insane. This is ridiculous. How did you get to this level?’”

In addition to running her footwear company, the young designer also helps inspire others and give back to the community. She tells the programme: “I started a workshop series at the end of last year… And by the time we were done they were so happy. They couldn’t even believe it. They were like, ‘There must be a catch. Why would you tell us all this information?’… I feel like because I have been blessed to have exposure, to have a good education, to have access to fantastic mentors, I think it’s only nice to pay it forward.”

On being a woman in business, Rapu simply says: “I’m a woman, obviously, but I see myself as what am I good at? How can I fulfil my purpose? How can I work my hardest? How can I do what I need to do? I feel like we all really just need to work together, to be the best we can be.”

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IGP Closes PMF Commanders’ Training, Pledges Better Welfare, Tactical Capacity

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IGP Closes PMF Commanders’ Training, Pledges Better Welfare, Tactical Capacity

 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday closed a Squadron Commanders’ Training Programme at the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training College in Ende-Hills, Nasarawa State, vowing to strengthen leadership and operational effectiveness across the force.

At the ceremony, the IGP inspected training facilities including the simulation ground and shooting range, where he personally took part in tactical exercises. He told cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy undergoing training at the college to remain disciplined and focused, stressing that their effectiveness on the field would depend on the quality of their training.

“Resilience, professionalism, and strict adherence to human rights principles must guide your conduct,” Disu said.

Addressing the graduating squadron commanders, he urged them to apply their newly acquired skills in leadership, operational discipline, and tactical efficiency. He described the PMF as a “highly disciplined, responsive, and reliable tactical arm” of the Nigeria Police Force.

The IGP further reaffirmed his commitment to improving officers’ welfare and boosting operational capacity, assuring that formations would be adequately equipped to tackle evolving security challenges nationwide.

 

IGP Closes PMF Commanders’ Training, Pledges Better Welfare, Tactical Capacity

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Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

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Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

 

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State on Tuesday received a leading governorship aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, in Saki, pledging political backing for his ambition ahead of the party’s primaries.

 

The stakeholders’ meeting, held at Saki City Hall, drew party leaders, community figures, and grassroots mobilisers from across the zone, reflecting the growing momentum surrounding Ajadi’s consultations across the state.

 

Addressing party faithful, Ajadi reiterated his commitment to building on the achievements of the current administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that continuity and expansion of ongoing projects would form the cornerstone of his policy direction.

 

“I will leverage the developmental strides of the present administration and ensure that their impact is extended to more communities across the state. Governance must be progressive, not disruptive,” Ajadi stated.

 

He outlined key areas of focus, including workers’ welfare and pension administration, promising a disciplined financial structure that guarantees prompt salary payments.

 

“Our workers deserve dignity and certainty. Salaries will be paid on or before the 25th of every month, and our retirees will receive improved attention. A government that neglects its workforce cannot deliver sustainable development,” he added.

 

Ajadi also disclosed plans for extensive grassroots engagement across all 33 local government areas of the state, aimed at identifying peculiar needs and integrating them into policy formulation.

 

“This is not just about ambition; it is about understanding the people. I will be embarking on a statewide tour to listen, learn, and design policies that reflect the realities at the grassroots,” he said.

 

Party leaders and stakeholders from Saki West and the wider Oke-Ogun zone pledged their support for Ajadi, citing his accessibility, philanthropic engagements, and perceived capacity to lead the state. Among those who spoke were Alhaji Rasak Aderele (popularly known as Super), Adeleke Thomas (Baba Elepo), and Hon. Coach Kehinde Adetola, who described him as a unifying figure capable of strengthening the PDP’s electoral chances.

 

Addressing concerns about internal party dynamics, Ajadi reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, dismissing speculation about a possible defection.

 

“I remain committed to the PDP. This is my party, and I believe in its vision. My focus is on securing the mandate of our members through consultations and consensus-building,” he said.

 

Shortly after the stakeholders’ engagement, Ajadi proceeded to a closed-door strategic meeting with a fellow PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Samuel Ademola Adejumobi, popularly known as “Agbarapo.”

 

Adejumobi, a prominent political figure from Atisbo Local Government Area in the Oke-Ogun zone, is a former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly and currently serves as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Makinde. The meeting, held indoors away from the larger gathering, was seen as part of ongoing consultations and alignment efforts among aspirants within the party.

 

Observers note that such high-level engagements signal a strategic attempt to foster unity and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the PDP governorship primaries.

 

With growing grassroots support and intensified consultations across Oke-Ogun and beyond, Ajadi’s political activities continue to gather pace, positioning him as a formidable contender in the race for the party’s ticket.

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Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

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W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

 

Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.

However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.

In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.

“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”

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This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.

“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”

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This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?

Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.

“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”

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Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.

“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)

All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.

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