society
Duchess of Music, Esther Igbekele Is Taking Her Sound Worldwide — Here’s How She’s Turning 2025 into a Year of International Breakthroughs!
Duchess of Music, Esther Igbekele Is Taking Her Sound Worldwide — Here’s How She’s Turning 2025 into a Year of International Breakthroughs!
It’s been a year of open doors and global recognition for gospel sensation Esther Igbekele! From sold-out concerts in the U.S. to spirit-filled ministrations in Europe, the anointed singer has been on a mission to spread her music and ministry far and wide — and 2025 has clearly been her year of divine success.
After years of consistency and hard work, Esther’s brand has reached new heights. Her international movement to promote her music has seen her ministering across borders, touching hearts, and winning souls with her powerful voice and inspiring lyrics.
In September, she kicked off her U.S. tour, performing in Baltimore, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. Fans described each concert as a life-changing experience filled with worship, joy, and God’s presence. Although the tour was initially planned to start earlier, some of her shows were rescheduled for 2026 — when she’ll be headlining a mega concert and a church anniversary celebration in the States.
Right after her U.S. engagements, Esther jetted off to Italy to join the Celestial Church of Christ, Ileri Oluwa Parish, Brescia, for their 30th Adult Harvest celebration. Her ministration at the event left worshippers in awe as she filled the atmosphere with praise and thanksgiving.
Still in October, she graced the stage at the London Praise 2025 Concert held at the GAUMONT Palace, U.K., where she performed alongside other gospel greats. It was another moment of glory for the ever-vibrant minister, who continues to fly the Nigerian gospel flag high on international stages.
And she’s not done yet! As the year draws to a close, Esther Igbekele is gearing up for another tour in the U.K. and Nigeria, making sure her music continues to reach both global and local audiences.
From city to city and nation to nation, Esther Igbekele remains unstoppable — a living proof that with passion, grace, and divine favor, the gospel sound can truly travel the world. Popularly known as “Duchess of music”, Esther Igbekele is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel music ministers, with a career spanning over two decades. She is widely admired for her energetic stage presence, rich vocals, and spirit-lifting Yoruba gospel tunes that blend traditional sounds with contemporary rhythm.
Born with a deep passion for music and ministry, Esther began her journey in the church choir before professionally venturing into gospel music. Over the years, she has released several hit albums and singles that have become household anthems among gospel lovers in Nigeria and beyond.
Through her ministry, Esther has touched countless lives, performing at crusades, concerts, church programs, and international gospel events across Africa, Europe, and North America. Her mission remains clear — to use her gift as a tool for evangelism, spreading the message of hope, love, and salvation through music.
Today, Esther Igbekele continues to be a shining example of grace, consistency, and divine calling — a true ambassador of gospel music on the global stage.
Education
COMR. YUSUF TOBI JAMIU ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR SUG WEEK 2026, CALLS FOR MASS PARTICIPATION
COMR. YUSUF TOBI JAMIU ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR SUG WEEK 2026, CALLS FOR MASS PARTICIPATION
University of Abuja SUG President Unveils 6-Day Programme Focused on Leadership, Innovation, Culture, and Student Unity
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The President of the Students’ Union Government, University of Abuja, Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu (JAMO) has officially unveiled the schedule of activities for SUG WEEK 2026, scheduled to hold from 18th to 23rd May, 2026, at the University of Abuja.
In an official release to the general public, Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu stated that this year’s edition is designed as a comprehensive student engagement and development programme aimed at promoting leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, culture, intellectual interaction, entertainment, sportsmanship, and social integration within the university community.
“SUG Week 2026 is not merely a celebration, but a reflection of purposeful student leadership and the collective spirit of the University of Abuja student community, ”Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu said. “I encourage every student to participate actively, represent their faculties and departments positively, and make the most of this platform for growth and unity.”
Building on a Record of Student-Centred Governance
Under the leadership of Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu, the current administration, has introduced several initiatives to improve student engagement and institutional representation. These include the unveiling of the official SUG Website, presentation of SUG Buses, development of strategic partnerships, presentation of the SUG Magazine, and various welfare and empowerment-driven programmes.
With the approval and support of University Management led by the Vice-Chancellor, *Prof. Abdulhakeem Fawehinmi Babatunde*, SUG Week 2026 has been structured to provide students with opportunities for networking, creativity, intellectual participation, relaxation, and campus-wide unity.
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SUG WEEK 2026 Schedule of Activities
Day 1 – Monday, 18th May: Corporate Day
Official Launch & Unveiling
1. Official Unveiling of the SUG Website
2. Presentation and Commissioning of the SUG Buses
3. Presentation of the SUG Magazine
4. Award Presentation Ceremony
5. Leadership and Innovation Summit
6. Networking Session
The opening ceremony will feature distinguished personalities, public office holders, institutional stakeholders, business leaders, and guests from across the country.
Day 2 – Tuesday, 19th May: Old School Day
Inter-Faculty Debate Competition
A day dedicated to celebrating culture, creativity, and intellectual engagement through vintage-themed appearances and an inter-faculty debate competition.
Day 3 – Wednesday, 20th May: Jersey Day
Sports & Health Awareness
Focus on fitness, wellness, sportsmanship, and health awareness through sporting activities, recreational engagements, and sensitisation programmes.
Day 4 – Thursday, 21st May: Denim Day
Career & Entrepreneurship Day
Empowering students with career development opportunities, entrepreneurship knowledge, mentorship, networking, and innovation-driven discussions.
Day 5 – Friday, 22nd May: Fashion Show Day
Fashion Display & Runway Experience
Students will showcase creativity, talent, fashion expression, and entertainment through runway displays and coordinated fashion activities.
Day 6 – Saturday, 23rd May: Fake Wedding / Owambe Finale
Grand Finale
The grand social and cultural finale brings students together through music, culture, fashion, food, entertainment, and social interaction.
Call to Action
Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu and the Students’ Union Government encourage all students to take part in the week’s activities and uphold the spirit of unity and excellence that defines the University of Abuja.
Students interested in volunteering, participating, partnering, sponsoring, modelling, or engaging in any activity are advised to send a direct message to the Union through the provided contacts.
For Sponsorship and Partnership: +234 810 593 0335
Signed:
Comr. Yusuf Tobi Jamiu (JAMO)
President, Students’ Union Government (SUG)
University of Abuja
society
REJOINDER: SECURITY AGENCIES ARE NOT TOOLS OF INTIMIDATION BUT INSTITUTIONS OF JUSTICE
REJOINDER: SECURITY AGENCIES ARE NOT TOOLS OF INTIMIDATION BUT INSTITUTIONS OF JUSTICE.
The recent publication titled “Enugu Nursing College Faces Backlash for Using DSS, Police to Intimidate Student Nurse for Exposing Oppression” is a clear attempt to sensationalize a matter that is already before lawful authorities and to deliberately further tarnish the image of Ezzy International College of Nursing Sciences through emotional propaganda, half-truths, and social media trial.
For the avoidance of
doubt, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies are constitutional institutions established by law to investigate complaints, establish facts, preserve public order, and ensure justice. Their involvement in any matter does not amount to intimidation. Rather, it reflects the lawful pathway for resolving allegations, especially where there are claims of cyber-bullying, defamation, unauthorized recordings, false publications, and dissemination of misleading information capable of damaging institutional reputation and public confidence.
It is therefore surprising that intellectually poor bloggers and such individuals who continuously make public allegations on social media suddenly describe lawful invitations by security agencies as “oppression.” One cannot publish accusations, circulate inflammatory contents online, mobilize public outrage, and then reject legal scrutiny when called upon to substantiate those claims before competent authorities.
Mr. Francis Nwapa and those behind these coordinated media attacks should understand that social media is not a courtroom, and activism requires truths and fairness that must not place anyone above the law. If allegations have been made publicly against Ezzy International College of Nursing Sciences and its leadership, then the proper and civilized response is to appear before the relevant authorities and provide evidence to substantiate such claims instead of resorting to media blackmail and emotional manipulation.
The attempt to portray every lawful investigation as victimisation is both irresponsible and dangerous. Security agencies are not established to entertain sentiments or online noise; they are empowered to determine truth from falsehood through a due process.
Or could it be that Mr.Francis Nwapa and his cohorts assume themselves untouchable and above the law, even when they churn out lies and deceits against legally established institutions on social media? If Nwapa claims to be the coordinator of Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), legal or illegitimate as it seems, should be able to know the duties of the DSS and the Police and accord them same respect. The group should know the law and its process. The group should have a learned legal profiled counsel to respond or educate their ignorance of the law. Needless to say that Mr. Francis Nwapa’s strategy of Cyber-bullying is a game the DSS and the police are so familiar with and cannot be cowed thereof.
The insinuation Mr. Nwapa made about transferring the case to Lagos for his convenience is baseless. He should have defined his jurisdiction before he went uncontrolled on social media space to write what he didnt understand. He should have asked questions on the location of the crime alleged. But, No. He went viral to disburse unfounded information which he claimed happened at a location he never knew. Now, he is being invited to Enugu where the alleged crime was committed, instead of yielding to the state of law, Francis is calling for public sympathy. He insinuates in the writing that investigation procedure be shifted to Lagos to accommodate his reporting ineptitude, rather than at Enugu where the petition and incidents took place. What a myopic view of the procedure! It is pertinent to note that the law does not recognize convenience.
Therefore, if invitations were extended by the DSS or Police, it is only proper for those involved to honour such invitations and clarify the numerous statements and allegations which they already circulated online.
Furthermore, it is important to remind the public that institutions have rules, ethical codes, and disciplinary procedures designed to protect professionalism, patient confidentiality, institutional integrity, and public trust. Unauthorized recording of patients, hospital environments, administrators, or internal communications and broadcasting them online without clearance may raise serious ethical and legal concerns, especially in professional healthcare training institutions.
It is also intellectually dishonest for certain groups to weaponize the current security challenges in Nigeria as an excuse to discredit lawful investigations.
The DSS and Police are capable of handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, including investigating complaints relating to cyber harassment, defamation, false information, and conduct capable of inciting unrest. Mr. Francis, writing on his blog “Francis Nwapa Watch” on 15th of April called for proper investigation into the matter. The security agents yielded to that call and lunched investigations to establish the truth. Why is Mr. Nwapa afraid to dance the music he started beating its drums? Journalism is an age long profession practiced by men of seasoned value, honesty and integrity to uphold public truths. It is unfortune that Mr. Francis whose only known job is pest control and fumigation dabbled into a noble profession as journalism, untrained and unequipped to investigate truth before misinforming the public. More disheartening is that Francis might not know the huge negative impact he would be making to institutions and the public just because he afforded a cheap phone and data to post unverified information on blogs.
Dr. Gloria C. Bertram-Okoli and the management of Ezzy International College of Nursing Sciences have consistently demonstrated commitment to healthcare education, discipline, and institutional excellence. The college cannot and will not surrender its integrity to orchestrated campaigns of calumny or mob pressure driven by social media theatrics.
The public is therefore urged to disregard attempts to distort facts and to allow lawful authorities to carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation from activist groups seeking publicity. Justice is not established on Facebook posts, WhatsApp broadcasts, or media headlines, but through lawful investigation and evidence.
Meanwhile it is also contempt of the legal process as Mr. Nwapa continues to bully online and misinform the public about a matter which is already under investigation. The police had advised that all parties be invited to respond to questions.
The matter is being followed legally. Mr. Francis will do well to submit to legal procedure.
Those who have made allegations should courageously present their evidence before the appropriate authorities instead of portraying legitimate legal procedures as persecution. Truth does not fear investigation.
—Opinion—
society
ONDO EAST-WEST FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY APC ADOPTS OTUNBA BOLA FISAYO
ONDO EAST-WEST FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY APC ADOPTS OTUNBA BOLA FISAYO
Ahead of APC House of Representatives Election scheduled for Saturday 16th of May 2026, Ondo EAST-WEST Federal Constituency stakeholders have adopted Otunba Bola Olawafisayo as its flagbearer.
Rising from the stakeholders’ meeting held at Harmony Estate in Ondo city, a source close to Otunba Bola Olawafisayo disclosed that arrangements have been perfect and party members will formally adopt Otunba Bola Olawafisayo on Saturday the very day slated very for the primary.
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