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ENGR [DR] FUNIMIAYINKE WAHEED ADEKOJO SPEAKS ON HER JOURNEY INTO MUSIC, RELEASES ANOTHER SINGLE

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She is well known as a philanthropist, with her reach-out programmes touching the lives of hundreds of thousands of widows and students. FunmiAyinke Waheed Adekojo, the lady behind FunmiAyinke Humanity Foundation is a woman of many parts. As an accomplished Engineer, she is already a Fellow of Nigeria Society of Engineers FNSE,
Fellow of Nigeria Institute of Mechanical Engineers FNIMechE, Fellow of Instiutute Management Consultant FIMC,
Fellow of Institute of Management Specialist UK FIMS and many more…like APWEN. A division of the Nigerian Society of Women Engineers.
Her Engineering Company is also one of the foremost in the country on account of handling big and challenging jobs, execution of contracts to specification, Timely and Quality delivery and above all given VALUES to all funds.
All these have earned her awards and commendations locally and internationally including two different Honourary Doctorate Awards in Engineering, Project Management and Cooperate Governance from European American University and another Doctor in Public Administration from the Universite Protestante Delafriq in West Africa. However, she added another feather to her cap by releasing her first musical single, a track, ‘It’s Our Time’. Listening to the track, many could not believe that it was sang by a newcomer to music. It became a major hit on television stations and some radio stations in the country. Some of those who heard the song felt, well, maybe she just tried her hand on that and it would end there. After the song, people started asking when would the next one come, or has she ran out of ideas?
Today, she is out with another single written and composed by her her titled
“I Can Make It’. Another hit in the making, it also followed the genre of the others, motivational. “I had this project, a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering drawing project which had given me sleepless nights. At a point I now decided ok, I had to tidy up this job, and within a couple of hours I had finished. And I said waoh!, so I can make this, and by the time we presented the job, everyone acknowledged it was an excellent one. That formed the foundation for the lyrics, the fact that we were able to make it, irrespective of the environment, the situation around us and the pressures facing us meant we could be one of the best in the world if we wanted to. That inspired the song. Then I set out to change the notion that as you lay your bed so you lie on it. The notion that your morning decides your night, this wrong. If you lay your bed in the morning, you can still change the way you will lie on it in the afternoon before the night comes. It is the afternoon that determines the night. These two principles form the focus of the song.”
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Going down memory lane, she disclosed that her journey into music started from her youth days as an undergraduate she was a member of the Winners Chapel Choir; she also sang at Canaanland’s Annual Shiloh programme at a point.
To her, Music has always been a source of refuge when she wants to relax, get her groove back after being stressed. Unlike many others who will claim music run in their family, for her this wasn’t so. However, she has come to see music as an integral part of her life so much so that once in a while she sits down compose and sing songs all by herself. Speaking on her songwriting prowess having written many now, she says they come to her naturally. ‘They come as inspirations from God,’ she revealed. It is God using her to pass a message across. ‘Look at this last one. I had the inspiration and wrote around 1.00am in the morning. Indeed, I wrote three songs that night and after looking at them, sent them to my producer who picked ‘I Can Make It’ and that’s why it is out. I have other songs I have also written.
So writing them comes natural to me, she added.
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So what really informed the songs she is singing? we asked the Engineer. According to her as a Philanthropist, she has been reaching out to young people but she realised that passing the message across these days are a little difficult. Majority of Nigerians don’t read, she says, ‘even when I posted pictures of myself being given an award, months back, with a write-up to illustrate the motivational piece, they will be congratulating me, which indicated that they didn’t read the write-up.
Again, on several occasions we have seen that people got satisfied whenever they approach FunmiAyinke for Counseling. The situation of Nigeria has caused Mental depression hence, getting their attention and making them believe in themselves have become more difficult. This is where music comes in. Everybody listen to music. They don’t read but they listen to music and so God gave me the inspiration to reach out to them through music so that the message of hope can get across to them. Anywhere they are they are always listening to music, and music has a way of working on people.
To many, the new engagement will definitely take its toll on her day to day business, but not Funmi Ayinke Waheed Adekojo. According to her, she has to manage her time, apportion what to go for music to music. What it only means is that she has little time for other things as she maximizes the twenty-four hours in a day to achieve everything she plans to accomplish. At times it is difficult to respond to telephone calls because of this tight schedule. This has in a way limited her social circle as some do not see it from her perspective as it as snobbish. But this has not in any way weighed her down.
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So where do we see the newly evolving music brand in years’ time? The Engineer musician is quiet optimistic. As someone who does not abandon projects midway, she has firmly set her target in using music to take her motivational activities to the highest level attainable. Looking back at how people underestimated her philanthropic activities when she started, thinking she would stop after a year, ‘we have outgrown their predictions and expectations, same way we will outgrow anyone who think this is just a flash in the pan. We are unstoppable and with God being our source, we will continue to ride high. You see the inspiration for this comes from God and since He cannot be limited, we cannot be limited”.
She also called on established brands to support upcoming ones one way or the other especially those who are using music to perform humanitarian works.
Given the nature of her music, we asked her how she would feel if the songs are used by others. Her reply: Yes, of course, anyone can use it, they can remix it, but they have to acknowledge that it is our song. The lyrics are ours. We have copyrighted them since I wrote the songs. It is important that when works like these are used, we acknowledge their owners so that we do not run foul of the law, she concluded.
Check out her new single on her YouTube channel below

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Nollywood Actress and Philanthropist Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo Appointed as Chief of Staff to AGN National President*

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*Nollywood Actress and Philanthropist Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo Appointed as Chief of Staff to AGN National President*

Abuja, Nigeria – The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) announces the appointment of Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo as the new Chief of Staff to National President, ALHAJI SANUSI ABUBAKAR YAKUBU. This strategic move underscores the Guild’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to fostering a more efficient and effective leadership structure.

 

Amb. Nwodo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served as a National Deputy Secretary (Emeritus) and demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the Guild’s vision and mission. A respected member of the Nigerian entertainment industry, she is also known for her dedication to promoting actor welfare and advancing the Guild’s interests.

*A Proven Track Record*

Amb. Nwodo’s appointment is a testament to her outstanding contributions to AGN and her commitment to serving the Nigerian film industry. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for social causes have made a positive impact on Nigerian communities, She’s also the CEO of CHELSEA NWODO’S FOUNDATION a foundation known for its unique cultural expression and alliance with many state government including Delta state government and so on.

*About the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)*

The AGN is the governing body for professional actors in Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry, established in 1998 with over one million members across the six geopolitical zones of the federation. The Guild promotes actor’s welfare, protects their rights, and advances the Nigerian film industry.

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From Drill to Deen: Central Cee’s Conversion and the Power of Faith in Modern Hip-Hop

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From Drill to Deen: Central Cee’s Conversion and the Power of Faith in Modern Hip-Hop

By George Omagbemi Sylvester 

“The British rap star’s public declaration of Islam sparks global reactions and renews debate about spirituality, identity, and influence in contemporary music.”

British rap superstar Central Cee has publicly announced that he has converted to Islam, a revelation that has rapidly spread across global media and social platforms, drawing reactions from fans, cultural commentators and religious observers alike. The development marks a deeply personal shift for one of the most influential voices in modern UK drill, and it highlights the growing intersection between faith, identity and popular culture.

Central Cee, whose real name is Oakley Neil Caesar-Su, disclosed the decision during a recent livestream, where he stated that he had taken the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith that formally marks a person’s conversion to Islam.

According to multiple reports published on February 6, 2026, the rapper confirmed the conversion publicly, saying he had changed his name and embraced Islam, with friends present during the broadcast congratulating him.
The announcement quickly became a trending global topic, with thousands of fans flooding social media with messages of support and congratulation.

What happened, when, where and how
The confirmed facts are straightforward.

What happened: Central Cee announced his conversion to Islam.
Who: The British rapper, born Oakley Neil Caesar-Su.
When: The announcement surfaced publicly on or around February 6, 2026.
Where: The declaration was made during a livestream, widely circulated online.
How: He confirmed he had taken the Shahada and embraced Islam, with friends present during the session.
Before this announcement, Central Cee had never publicly declared adherence to any specific religion, though fans had long speculated about his spiritual leanings.
Background: the rise of a global rap force
Born on June 4, 1998, in London, Central Cee rose from the streets of Shepherd’s Bush to become one of the most commercially successful British rappers of his generation.
He achieved mainstream recognition with his 2020 single Day in the Life and later dominated charts with hits such as Doja and Sprinter, accumulating billions of streams worldwide.
By the mid-2020s, he had become a defining figure in UK drill, blending street narratives with a polished, globally accessible sound.
Reactions and significance
The news of his conversion triggered widespread reaction across continents. Many fans congratulated him, using phrases such as “Welcome to Islam, brother,” reflecting the celebratory tone among supporters.
Others expressed curiosity about whether the decision would influence his music, public image, or future lyrical direction.

Cultural analysts note that religion has long played a quiet but significant role in hip-hop. From Malcolm X’s influence on American rap consciousness to the presence of Muslim artists in both US and UK scenes, faith has often shaped artistic identity.

British sociologist Dr. Reza Pankhurst, writing on religion and youth culture, has argued that for many urban artists, faith offers “a language of discipline, moral structure and belonging in environments often defined by instability.”
Similarly, American scholar Dr. Sherman Jackson has noted that Islam’s appeal among musicians and athletes lies partly in its “emphasis on personal responsibility, spiritual dignity, and community.”
While these are broader observations about religious influence in culture, they help explain why high-profile conversions often resonate far beyond the personal sphere.

Why the announcement matters
Central Cee is not merely another celebrity; he is one of the most commercially powerful voices in British rap, with global reach across Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. His decisions, therefore, carry symbolic weight.

When artists of such stature publicly embrace a faith, it often triggers three parallel conversations:

First, identity: Fans begin to examine how the artist’s beliefs align with their lyrics and public persona.

Second, influence: Younger audiences may view the decision as aspirational or spiritually significant.

Third, authenticity: Critics and supporters alike debate whether faith will reshape the artist’s artistic content.

British cultural commentator Kehinde Andrews has previously observed that hip-hop is “not just music but a social language through which young people negotiate power, race, faith and identity.”
In that sense, Central Cee’s announcement becomes part of a larger cultural dialogue not merely a personal declaration.

The question of a new name
Some reports indicate that the rapper mentioned changing his name after taking the Shahada, though details remain inconsistent across sources.
While certain online reports suggested possible new names, there is no universally confirmed official new name from the artist at the time of reporting.
This remains an evolving aspect of the story, and responsible reporting requires caution until a formal statement is released through verified channels.

The broader context: faith and hip-hop
Central Cee joins a growing list of artists who have publicly embraced Islam. Over the decades, figures such as Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Lupe Fiasco, Ice Cube, and Q-Tip have either converted to Islam or drawn heavily from Islamic teachings in their music.
In the UK, Muslim identity has long been intertwined with the grime and drill scenes, reflecting the multicultural realities of cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Cultural historian Tricia Rose, one of the foremost scholars of hip-hop, once wrote that the genre “has always been a site of spiritual searching, moral struggle and social commentary.”
In that context, a public conversion is not an anomaly but part of a longstanding tradition of artists seeking meaning beyond fame and commercial success.
What remains unclear
Despite the viral spread of the story, certain details are still evolving:

The exact location of the livestream has not been formally confirmed.

The identity of the individuals present during the Shahada has not been publicly verified.

Any official legal name change has not been documented in confirmed public records.

Responsible journalism requires distinguishing between verified facts and social-media speculation.

Final assessment
Central Cee’s conversion to Islam is a deeply personal decision that has nonetheless sparked global conversation. Announced during a livestream in early February 2026, the declaration places one of Britain’s most influential rappers at the centre of a broader discussion about faith, culture and celebrity influence.

In an era where artists are often defined solely by streaming numbers and chart positions, his announcement underscores a different narrative: the search for meaning, identity, and spiritual grounding in the midst of global fame.

As the late scholar James Cone once wrote, “Spiritual transformation is the most radical form of social change, because it begins inside the human soul.”
Whether Central Cee’s journey will reshape his music or remain a private source of guidance is a question only time can answer. What is certain, however, is that his decision has already stirred conversations that extend far beyond the world of rap.

 

From Drill to Deen: Central Cee’s Conversion and the Power of Faith in Modern Hip-Hop
By George Omagbemi Sylvester 

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Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV

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Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

The Nigerian music scene is mourning the loss of Afeez Adeshina Ayinde, popularly known as Destiny Boy, whose passing has left a deep sense of grief among family, friends, and fans. Though his life was brief, his story is one marked by determination, creativity, and a steady rise driven by passion rather than noise. Destiny Boy passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 22, cutting short a journey that many believed was only just beginning.

 

Early Life And Background :

Afeez Adeshina was born on june 24, 2003, into the Adeshina family of Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was the son of Mr. Adeshina Kamorudeen and Mrs. Saidat Adeshina, raised within a close-knit family environment that shaped his values and character.

 

From an early age, Afeez was known for his calm demeanor and respectful nature. Those who grew up around him often describe him as gentle, focused, and quietly ambitious. Music became an outlet through which he expressed himself, long before public recognition followed. What began as interest and experimentation gradually turned into purpose.

 

Music Career And Creative Journey :

Known professionally as Destiny Boy, Afeez carved out his place in music through persistence rather than spectacle. He was deeply passionate about his craft and committed to growth, often collaborating and featuring in songs and music videos across Nigeria and beyond.

 

While he may not have been the loudest voice in the room, Destiny Boy earned respect for his work ethic and humility. He approached music with seriousness, seeing it not just as entertainment but as a path to building something meaningful. Colleagues and collaborators consistently describe him as hardworking, disciplined, and eager to learn — traits that set him apart in an industry often defined by fast success and fleeting attention.

 

His presence in multiple projects across different platforms reflected a steady upward movement. For many young creatives, Destiny Boy represented the quiet grind: showing up, improving, and letting the work speak.

 

Family Life And Personal Milestones :

Beyond music, Afeez embraced responsibility early in life. He got married to Oluwatoyin Adeshina, and their union was blessed with a son, Adeshina Usman Obatide, born on November 12, 2024. Becoming a husband and father added new depth to his life, grounding him further and reshaping his priorities.

 

Those close to him speak of his devotion to family and his desire to build a stable future. Balancing personal life with creative ambition was not always easy, but Afeez carried these responsibilities with maturity well beyond his years.

 

His Passing :

The news of Destiny Boy’s death on January 17, 2026, came as a shock to many. At just 22 years old, his passing raised a collective sense of loss — not only for what he had achieved, but for the potential that remained unrealized.

 

While details surrounding his death have been kept private, the impact has been deeply felt across his immediate community and within creative circles. Tributes have highlighted not only his music but his character: kind-hearted, respectful, and sincere.

 

Burial Arrangements :

The Adeshina family has announced that Afeez Adeshina Ayinde (Destiny Boy) will be laid to rest on:

 

Friday, January 23, 2026 :

Time : 2:00 PM

Venue :  His father’s residence, Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State

Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

Family members, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers are expected to gather to pay their final respects and celebrate a life that, though short, left a meaningful imprint.

 

A Legacy Beyond Numbers :

Destiny Boy’s story is not one measured by chart positions or awards, but by consistency, humility, and quiet influence. He represented a generation of young Nigerian creatives navigating ambition, responsibility, and identity in real time.

 

In remembering Afeez Adeshina, many will recall a young man who showed up for his craft, valued his family, and treated people with respect. His journey serves as a reminder that impact is not always loud — sometimes, it is built patiently, one step at a time.

 

As he is laid to rest, his music, memories, and the lives he touched remain.

 

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

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