news
Faces of the eligible candidates admitted into MTN project fame season 8 academy
One of the most talked about reality show, MTN project fame season 8 is here again. For some weeks now, auditions have been on and the judges in their professionalism in music have finally chosen those that are eligible to be admitted in the academy.
We hereby bring you their names and their profiles :
MTN PROJECT FAME 8.0 CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES
1 
Adanoritsewo Gold Tosanwumi is a Sociology graduate of Delta State University.
She started singing in secondary school. Being the youngest of 7 girls, her sisters have been her greatest critics, pushing her to be the best.
Ada admires and looks up to Christina Aguilera. She likes writing, sleeping and talking, and dislikes pretence.
As a raw talent, she looks forward to the Academy where she will be groomed into a tangible product.
Her aspirations are to win Project Fame and live an impactful life.
2 
Emmanuel Amos Anderson: Anderson is 21 years old and currently studying International Relations at IRGIB Africa University, Cotonou. Although, he is not a very outgoing person, he likes travelling and meeting new people. He particularly likes music that is deeply rooted in arts and his favourite artistes are Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.
An experience that has hugely affected him is the demise of his sister about a year ago. It took a while to absorb the loss. He realized then the true meaning of; ‘You only live once’, and has since made a vow to do the best he can with all he has been gifted.
Anderson says his mission in the competition is to expand on his abilities, and his strategy to win is to absorb all he will be taught.
He considers his ability to tolerate people to be a major character strength.
3 
Funmilayo Comfort Arewa: 24 year old Arewa is a Lagos State University alumnus. Like many of her counterparts, the prospect of being on a platform as huge as Project Fame excites her.
The love for music has allowed her to draw inspiration from a number of artistes over the years, including include Brandy, John Legend and Alicia Keys.
Arewa says her mission in life is to change lives because she is passionate about helping people.
Her mission in the competition is to win and she believes this is achievable by having a teachable spirit.
She looks forward to working with Ms. Ige and Uncle Ben; professionals who are capable of moulding her into the extraordinary superstar she aspires to become.
4 
Sharing the stage with Lauryn Hill as a backup singer is one of the most amazing things that has happened to 20 year old Ghanaian singer – Stephen Sackitey Okletey Biko
The cool, calm and collected student of the University of Ghana, is super excited to be in Nigeria for the first time at the instance of Project Fame competition.
Biko believes the Faculty and Judges’ assessments are mostly right and he looks forward to having them groom him into a world class music product.
Asides music, he loves to play basketball and share fun times with his mother; whom he loves dearly. The unique thing about his family is their love for music. Being family oriented, he would miss his family and friends while in the Academy.
Humility sets Biko apart from others. He detests people taking advantage of him. He intends to make the best use of his stay in the Academy and emerge as the winner.
5 
Chike Osebuka Ezekpeazu: The 22-year old music enthusiast is a graduate of Computer Engineering from Covenant University, Ogun state, Nigeria.
He is from a family of six, has four amazing brothers who are equally interested in music. Safe to say music runs in the family.
Chike thinks himself an extrovert. His hobbies include cycling, going to the beach, playing video games and football. These are of course what he would miss the most while in the Academy. He will also miss his friends, siblings, favourite aunt – Uzo and babysitting his cousins.
While in the Academy, Chike hopes to learn, come out a better person and ultimately win the competition.
On his dreams and aspirations, Chike will do his best to support upcoming talents who intend to do meaningful songs in the future.
His favourite artistes are Timi Dakolo and John Legend.
6 
Deborah Ohiri: Talk about being resolute, Deborah is an embodiment of persistence and commitment. After two unsuccessful attempts to get into the Academy, she is back again this year.
Deborah has had her fair share of life challenges as an orphan. She lost her mother 15 years ago, and father, 6 years ago. She had to drop out of Yaba College of Technology, where she was studying Science & Laboratory Technology to take care of her ailing father. She is presently an undergraduate of Environmental & Resources Management at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
She is a very industrious young woman who has her hands in a couple of trades, among which is Ankara crafts. She is also a theatre artist.
Deborah’s music journey has seen some sparks – the trip she took to Germany for a music tour, representing Nigeria, and her work with A-list artistes like Orlando Julius and Omawumi represent some of them.
She cites Waje, Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo, and Whitney Houston as her influences in music.
She intends to garner as much experience as possible in the competition and strongly believes that with the help of the Faculty and Judges, she will become a better person, and a better musician who will be a trend setter in the music industry.
7 
Deinde Okubajo studied Business Management at the University of Leicester.
He is 27 years old and from a family of two (him and his mum), Deinde started singing in J.S.S 1 when he ran into a chapel in a bid to escape punishment. He was then made to join the choir and voila!
His hobbies include playing American football, swimming, partying, and going to the beach. He loves beautiful women, but detests body odour and mosquitoes.
One of his commendable life achievements was his ability to embark on a weight loss journey, as he used to weigh about 135KG. Deinde just had to face it to maintain a healthy self esteem and positive outlook to life, which he of course now enjoys.
He’s got great admiration for John Legend, 2Face, and Bob Marley. He particularly loves to sing Reggae as this brings his vocal dexterity to the fore. In life, he wants to be one of the greatest artistes there is, and become a household name. He intends to sing his heart out while in the competition and make it to the finals at least.
Deinde is an outgoing, versatile and accommodating person, but gets easily ticked off when he feels he is being taken advantage of.
In his words, “While in the Academy, I might be caught flirting but not fighting and I will definitely miss my dog and clubbing with friends”.
8 
Meet Jeffrey Ufedo Akor, another 18 year old that made it to the Academy. He is a Sound Engineering graduate from the SAE Institute, Cape Town.
As the last child, he grew up listening to his siblings’ sonorous voices, and began his own musical journey at the age of 5.
At age 13, he took part in a competition with his brother, and although they didn’t win, he learnt a lot and wants to consolidate on that in the Academy.
His musical influencers are Chris Brown, Lawrence Flowers, and Kim Burell. He believes the opportunity to work with Uncle Ben and Tee-Y Mix will unveil the talent in him.
Jeff’s vocal texture stands him out in the crowd and his amazing ability to learn and understudy people is another major strength.
As a reserved young man who loves his space, he spends his leisure time playing football or recording/mixing beats for songs.
“Be attentive, watch and learn” are his watchwords and strategy to win this season’s competition.
9 
Meet 18 year-old Jennifer Chioma Amadi. She lives in Lagos, is single and seeking admission into the university.
She started singing at a very tender age, with her highpoint being the day she sang in church and got the congregation moved to tears with her ministration.
She loves to sing, read books and gist with friends. Jennifer draws music inspiration from Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.
She believes the Judges and Faculty are doing a great job in grooming contestants and looks forward to meeting Bibie Brew, Uncle Ben and Mummy J.
Like the other contestants, she also desires to win Project Fame season 8, and ultimately touch lives with her music.
Her strategy for winning is to put God first and give every performance her best.
She is going to miss everything in the outside world, but being in the Academy is a better cause and she’s prepared to maximize that.
10 
Joy Chukwuma: Joy’s whimsical sense of humour is definitely hard to miss.
The 22 year old graduate of Public Administration from Madonna University is currently a Youth corps member in Rivers state where she auditioned for the competition.
Music excites her, and she has a number of memorable moments to count in her music journey so far; some of which are the day she got the best vocalist award in her University, and also the day she represented her platoon at the NYSC camp. She was able to face a huge crowd and got positive feedback, this experience not only delighted her, it also helped strengthen her resistance to stage fright.
Joy is excited about being in the competition, having waited so long to complete her tertiary education; which was her dad’s wish.
She will miss friends and family – especially her two sisters Rose and Fidel. Her goal is to win, and winning it she must!
Joy’s major influences in the music industry are TuBaba, Rihanna, and Beyonce.
11 
Amma Korantema Kumi: 26 year old Kumi has a BSc in Entomology and Wild Life from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
As expected, her number one hobby is everything that is related to music. Asides singing, she is an ardent reader, likes to style hair and watch movies.
Unlike many who would not admit it, Kumi says she is a foodie! Food excites her, it makes her happy, and when she is feeling down, food can perform the miracle of brightening her mood.
One of her most memorable experience as a singer was the day she performed at a South African festival where all the delegates joined her, and were moved to tears as she sang.
Another event, which happened to be the anchor of her decision to pursue music, was when she was advised to take music serious after she was made to sing at a job interview.
For Kumi, her strength and uniqueness lie in the ability to perform a song well and also emote.
Making it into the Academy, she will miss her boyfriend and the freedom to do anything.
12 
Olanma Pearl Awa-Agwu is a 21 year old graduate of Foreign Languages from the University of Nigeria, NSUKKA. She is from Ohafia, Abia state, Nigeria. She is born into a close-knit family of eight – dad, mum, five siblings (her twin inclusive). They share a strong friendship bond. She is closest to her twin because; “they are sisters by chance but best friends by choice”.
Pearl and her twin sister – Ruby, wowed the regional Judges at the Port Harcourt audition. She loves to sing, dance, and write.
The young lady has got a dynamic and radical personality; she can be quiet and reserved, or very lively and outgoing. Pearl currently works for an online media company. She gets really excited by new experiences and beautiful memories while her major pet peeves are lies and wrong accusation.
Being part of her Christian fellowship choir back in University jumpstarted her music interest.
She looks forward to the vigorous Academy trainings that will polish her singing skills and help get rid of stage fright. Her strategy for winning Project Fame will be to stick with the saying; “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”.
13 
The Nigerian born Ghanaian Richie Tay started playing the guitar even before he started singing. He plays the guitar with certain unique dexterity and passion. Richie is 24 years old and lives in Accra.
He enjoys playing basket ball, swimming, and making friends.
For him, his first stage performance ever is a day to always remember, as this launched him into the world of music.
He sees the competition as a forum for equally talented singers, and he’s excited to explore the Academy. As a simple minded person, he has just one aim in life; to become a great musician.
14 
Tejiri Odjighoro: The quintessential beauty and brain; Tejiri is a first class Electrical Electronics Engineering graduate of Afe Babalola University.
She is from a unique family of 7; mostly professionals – Lawyer, Medical Doctor, Engineer etc who all love to sing.
Apart from music, Tejiri is also a passionate make up artist, and hopes to have her own make up line in the near future.
She started singing at 7, a result of listening to Westlife over a long period of time.
She looks up to musicians like Rihanna and Beyonce because she believes they are the definition of beauty, grace, and talent.
Tejiri says she is romantic, loves dogs, flowers, chocolates, and walking on the beach with someone special in her life. She does not belong to the ‘single & searching’ category.
A single experience that made her realize that life is too short to leave one’s passion unattended is the accident she had last year, in which she was the lone survivor. Hence, her mission in life is to live without fear, know her limit, exceed it, and make the best of her life.
LAs the 2027 elections draw closer in Ogun State, discussions about who should represent Ogun Central in the Senate are gradually gaining momentum. Across Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo, and Ewekoro, the mood among the people appears largely the same. The people have made their preference clear. Not in anger or protest but in the quiet and wilful way that voters do when they still believe you can do better. The unifying thing in the people’s agitation is the call for credible, competent, and accessible representation.
This is not a new demand from the people of the district. The demand for a paradigm shift has been growing in recent times. Residents across the district are showing a preference for leaders who can demonstrate measurable capacity in healthcare, infrastructure, education, youth empowerment and constituency development. The calls for palpable development, responsive engagement, and effective legislative outcomes have become too obvious to dismiss.
We can all recall that in the last elections in 2023, the All Progressives Congress rallied behind Senator Shuaibu Salisu with considerable optimism. Party leaders and stakeholders presented his candidacy to the people as the strongest path to meaningful progress for the district. That mandate carried real expectations, and it is fair to say that, in several communities, those expectations have not been fully met.
Concerns have been raised across town hall meetings, community forums, and on social media about the speed of infrastructural projects, the reach of scholarship and empowerment programmes, and the overall visibility of senatorial intervention in major sectors. Whether one attributes these gaps to constraints of the Senate’s systems or individual legislative capacity, the perception of underdelivery is widespread enough to warrant serious attention from party leaders.
For now, this dissatisfaction has not translated into rejection of the APC. Instead, it has taken the form of an expectation to do better next time. Voters in Ogun Central are not asking for a fundamental change in the party structure or traditions. They are asking for the incorporation of wider grassroots inputs and candidates’ worthiness in the process.
This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is that the culture of selecting candidates through elite consensus without genuine grassroots consultation is a risk that may worsen the growing disconnect between elected representatives and the communities they serve. Political observers across the nation have questioned this practice repeatedly, and Ogun Central may be feeling its effects most.
The opportunity lies in what the APC does with this feedback. The party’s senatorial selection is not a formality to be managed. It places a decisive moment for public trust at the feet of the party leaders. It is also an opportunity to reposition the district for future outcomes. That means looking beyond the financially powerful or politically connected aspirants and instead evaluating candidates on measurable criteria like competence, work experience, community engagement, and constituency presence.
There is also a broader shift worth noting. The era in which financial muscle alone could determine electoral outcomes is visibly passing. Many voters across southwestern Nigeria, especially our people, are increasingly attentive to antecedents, accountability, and impact. They want representatives who can speak with authority in the Red Chamber, secure federal projects, and translate legislative work into visible improvement in their daily lives.
None of these is to suggest that Senator Salisu’s tenure should be written off. A single term in the Senate, particularly within Nigeria’s complex federal system, does not allow for a complete verdict. But it is sufficient for the electorate to form impressions, and those impressions should shape how the APC approaches 2027.
The path forward does not require the party to bring down the house. It only requires discipline. The leaders of Ogun Central APC would do well to begin inclusive consultations with stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups, women’s organisations, and ordinary party members so that the candidate who eventually emerges carries not just the party’s endorsement but also the people’s confidence.
The 2027 senatorial election will be more than a contest. It will be a test of whether the APC in Ogun State can translate its dominance at the polls into dominance in governance. The people of Ogun Central are watching, and their expectations are high. The party’s consideration or dismissal of the concerns raised above will influence public confidence in Ogun State.
news
Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application of Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel in Lagos
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, dismissed the preliminary objections and bail application filed by the boss of Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, over an alleged $1.5 million fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, arraigned Immanuel, alongside his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Ltd., on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and forgery to the tune of $1.5m.
Count one reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL and INTERMEDIATE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED between April 2022 and October 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, induced Adebisi Adebut of R28 Holdings Limited to deposit the total sum of S1, 500, 000.00 (One Million, five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars USD) as investment described as to wit: “Cash and or Capital Cost in Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited; Business Development Cost in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited: Capital and or Capital Call in Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited” on the understanding that R28 Holdings Limited will be; (a) reimbursed the investment amount (b) paid a Development Capital fee of $2 250,000.00. (Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) (c) 22.4% worth of shares in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited which representation you knew to be false.”
Count two reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL, sometime between April 2022 and April 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, forged a document to wit: TERM SHEET and purporting same to have been executed by Sherrif Oluwo and Olaniran Osotuyi in order to facilitate your obtaining money by inducement from Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited.”
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charge preferred against him.
Following the defendant’s “not guilty” plea, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and also prayed the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, pending the conclusion of its investigation.
Sonoiki also narrated how the defence counsel, Oluseun Awonuga, SAN, had physically assaulted his colleague, Emenike Mgbemele, at the sitting on March 2, 2026.
According to him, “My lord, the learned silk, physically assaulted my colleague on the staircase on his way to serve the defendant the charge as directed by the court.
“There is a video to that effect and we intend to tender it before the court.”
Though Awonuga did not respond to the allegation made against him by the prosecution counsel, he informed the court of a preliminary objection and a written address dated January 5, 2026, while urging the court to discountenance the counter-affidavit of the prosecution.
The prosecution, in a 21-paragraph counter-affidavit dated February 9, 2026, had urged the court to dismiss the notice of preliminary objections.
According to Awonuga, the Federal High Court, in a ruling, had ordered the EFCC not to arrest the defendant.
“EFCC has flouted the order by arresting the defendant and I hereby urge your lordship to discountenance their counter- affidavit,” he said.
Responding, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, said that the ruling was part of the motion that had earlier been withdrawn by the defence and should not be before the court.
“ There is nowhere in the ruling that says the defendants cannot be arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“My lord, the ruling was delivered in a civil case; and according to the Supreme Court, a criminal case and civil case can go on at the same time.
“We urge the court to dismiss the application and order accelerated hearing in this case,” Sonoiki had said.
After listening to both parties, Justice Dada had, consequently, adjourned the case till May 7, 2026 ( today) for ruling.
Ruling on the application , Justice Dada held that: “The preliminary objection is baseless and the entire application is lacking in merit; and it is hereby dismissed.”
Also, Justice Dada, in her ruling on the bail application of the defendant, held that “On the basis of considering the antecedent of the defendant for not honouring the invitation of the applicant after he was granted administrative bail, I agree with the complainant that he is a flight risk; therefore, bail is refused.”
Justice Dada adjourned the case till June 24, 26, 29 and 30, 2026 for the commencement of trial.
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
ABEOKUTA — A frontline aspirant for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emmanuel Adebola Sofela, popularly known as Shoffi, has dismissed widespread speculations that he has withdrawn from the race in favour of another aspirant .
Sofela described the reports making rounds in some political circles as “false, misleading and the handiwork of political detractors,” insisting that he remains fully committed to his ambition of representing Ogun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, the APC stalwart urged his supporters, political associates and loyalists across the six local government areas that make up Ogun Central to disregard the rumours and remain resolute in their support for his aspiration.
According to him, there has never been any agreement or arrangement for him to step down for any aspirant to emerge as a consensus candidate of the party.
“I want to categorically state that I have not stepped down for anyone in the Ogun Central Senatorial race. The rumours flying around are entirely false and should be ignored by all my supporters and members of the public,” he said.
Sofela expressed confidence in his chances of securing the APC ticket, stressing that his popularity, political experience and grassroots connection across the district place him in a strong position ahead of the party primaries.
The senatorial hopeful reiterated his determination to provide quality representation for the people of Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo and Ewekoro local government areas if elected into the Senate in 2027.
He noted that his aspiration is driven by a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ogun Central through effective legislation, empowerment programmes and people-oriented policies.
“My ambition is rooted in service to the people. I remain committed to the vision of giving Ogun Central a strong voice in the Senate and facilitating developmental initiatives that will positively impact our people,” Sofela added.
The APC chieftain further appealed to party members to remain united and avoid distractions capable of causing division within the party structure ahead of future political activities.
Political observers in the state believe the race for Ogun Central Senatorial seat is gradually gathering momentum as aspirants continue consultations and grassroots mobilization across the district ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
- African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Renegade Intel Platform to Position Oil & Gas at the Center of the Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Drive May 12, 2026
- 95th Periodic Meeting of Heads of Operations Arab Coordination Group: Advancing Progress and Enhancing Development Impact Virtual Meeting, 11–12 May 2026 May 12, 2026
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Launches the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics May 12, 2026
- Updates on the 2026 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics May 12, 2026
- Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Pre-Conference to Set the Stage for $70B Investment Drive May 12, 2026
- DHL Express expands global portfolio with new Heavy Weight Express Service for shipments up to 3,000 kg May 12, 2026
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strengthens Angolan Oilfield Operations as Easy People Backs Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 as Sponsor May 12, 2026
- Verdant IMAP acts as financial advisor and arranger to Heath Goldfields on its USD 65 million debt financing and offtake May 12, 2026
- Amini, Foxconn and Bull Join Forces to Advance Sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Global South May 12, 2026
- Africa Faces Growing Blind Spot in Financial Control as Information Technology (IT) Asset Visibility Gap Widens May 12, 2026
- African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Renegade Intel Platform to Position Oil & Gas at the Center of the Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Drive May 12, 2026
- 95th Periodic Meeting of Heads of Operations Arab Coordination Group: Advancing Progress and Enhancing Development Impact Virtual Meeting, 11–12 May 2026 May 12, 2026
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Launches the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics May 12, 2026
- Updates on the 2026 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics May 12, 2026
- Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Pre-Conference to Set the Stage for $70B Investment Drive May 12, 2026
- DHL Express expands global portfolio with new Heavy Weight Express Service for shipments up to 3,000 kg May 12, 2026
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strengthens Angolan Oilfield Operations as Easy People Backs Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 as Sponsor May 12, 2026
-
news5 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society1 week agoSOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD COMMAND – WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY’S ACTION AGAINST JUSTICE CRACK IS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE
-
celebrity radar - gossips4 months agoDr. Chris Okafor Returns with Power and Fire of the Spirit -Mounts Grace Nation Altar with Fresh Anointing and Restoration Grace on February 1, 2026
-
celebrity radar - gossips5 months agoProphet Kingsley Aitafo Releases 2026 Prophecy: ‘Nigeria Will Rise, but the World Must Prepare for Turbulence’
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.