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GUILD OF SOFT SELL PUBLISHERS VISIT ENCOMIUM MAGAZINE PUBLISHER, MR KUNLE BAKARE -As Access Weekly, Exclusive Magazine, Newsreel, Photostory, Megastar, Others Join Guild

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The newly formed Guild of Soft-Sell Publishers (GoSP) populated by thoroughbred Journalists and media practitioners on Saturday August 22, 2015 paid a courtesy visit to one of the fathers of soft sell Journalism in Nigeria and publisher of respected Celebrity Journal, Encomium Magazine, Mr. Olakunle Bakare.

The courtesy visit which was on the request of Mr. Olakunle Bakare who had been informed of the emergence of a new group of soft sell publishers had in attendance all GoSP mmbers.

At the brief but incisive meeting, the (GoSP) highlighted reasons for forming a new group which are;
1.To redefine soft sell journalism in Nigeria
2.To reawaken the spirit of the genre in Nigeria Journalism
3.To always be fair in our reportage of stories by hearing from the two sides
4.Since the Guild is not formed for financial benefit but the passion for the job which is our guiding principle it is mandated that publications of members must always be on the news stand
5.To encourage young publishers to succeed in this noble profession amongst others

Mr. Kunle Bakare our chief host and under whose tutelage most of our members grew applauded our intentions. He agreed the soft sell genre of Nigeria journalism need an urgent reorientation. He pointed out that their are fake and half baked journalists in the industry and advised we do all within our powers to rid the industry of unqualified journalists rubbishing the image of the profession. He, however, advocated for a united union saying the industry is too small to have fractions.Thus, he would ensure we all thrash the issues in few days time.

To set the record straight, GoSP are not publishers without publications. The criteria for becoming a member is not rigid, we accommodate journalists who are known with high level of integrity, professionalism and have practiced and been in the newsroom for at least seven years. Publishing a journal is not an easy task in Nigeria especially with the advent of online journalism, that is why we as a group decided to encourage young publishers to succeed in their call. Apart from the fact that our members are graduates from reputable Universities, Polytechnics Colleges of Educations in Nigeria, we intend to always organise training, seminars and workshops for our members which is the usual practice around the world.

Meanwhile because of our intention in forming Guild of Soft Sell Publishers, prominent Nigerians who are doing well in their professions have being calling  to identify with us. Our membership has also increased few days we formed GoSP, we have as new members, Access Weekly, published by Sola Olugbemiro who is also the CEO Nigeria Media Nite Awards, Exclusive Magazine, published by Omooba Damilare, Newsreel Magazine, published by respected journalist Thompson John, Photostory published by veteran photojournalist Bolaji Olasunkanmi and Megastar by veteran Photo journalist, Ifetayo Adeniyi/

Other members of GoSP are Femi Oyewale – Sahara Weekly, Ayobami Adedeji – UrbanLife Magazine, Ola Muhammed – Islanders International, Joshua Uloko – City Pride, Bunmi Obarotimi – Society Gazzette, Seun Fabiyi – Beth News, Foluso Samuel – The Society Nigeria, Ada Enekwa – Blissful Affairs, Sunday Adeyemi – Society Herald and Bamidele Adeyemi – Conquest Magazine. Our temporary office address is at 33, Thomas Salako Street Ogba Lagos

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Karma or Cruelty? Asake’s Estranged Father Cries Out for Financial Help After Suffering Stroke

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Karma or Cruelty? Asake’s Estranged Father Cries Out for Financial Help After Suffering Stroke

Karma or Cruelty? Asake’s Estranged Father Cries Out for Financial Help After Suffering Stroke

A storm of controversy has erupted on social media after a video surfaced of Mr. Fatai Odunsi, the estranged father of Nigerian music sensation Asake, pleading for financial help after suffering a partial stroke. The emotional appeal has sparked heated debates, as reports suggest that Mr. Odunsi allegedly abandoned the singer during his childhood.

The video, which has gone viral, shows the ailing man calling on Nigerians for assistance to seek medical treatment, his speech and movement visibly impaired. However, instead of sympathy, many online users have reacted with scorn, questioning why he now seeks help when he reportedly failed to be there for his son.

Public Outrage and Reactions

Social media has been ablaze with opinions, with many insisting that Mr. Odunsi should face the consequences of his past actions.

A Twitter user, @Lord_Of_Warri, harshly remarked:
“Let him take care of himself like his son took care of himself when he abandoned him.”

Another, @djtoxiq_, echoed similar sentiments, saying:
“Left him when he was 2, someone that is already a fully formed man. Sir, you could have just maintained that same energy that kept you away from your son.”

Some took a more sarcastic tone, like @Mhajid93, who posted:
“Panel of judges, I’m here to read y’all takes on this. Then compile all and forward to Asake for possible future consideration. Make your takes short and precise. Asake no like long notes. Thank you!”

Meanwhile, @lesh_szajna added fuel to the fire, joking:
“Asake stingy gan. Only those that listen to his lyrics can relate. He can’t even help his own dad—run away from friends and family.”

A Painful Family History?

While Asake has never publicly spoken about his father, sources claim that Mr. Odunsi was absent from his life for most of his upbringing. The singer, known for his hit songs and relentless hustle in the music industry, reportedly built his success from the ground up without any parental support from his father’s side.

Now, as his father battles health challenges, many Nigerians are divided—should Asake offer help or ignore a man who allegedly turned his back on him years ago?

A Moral Dilemma

This unfolding drama raises larger questions about family responsibility, forgiveness, and karma. Should Asake, now a wealthy and successful musician, extend a helping hand despite their fractured relationship? Or is this a classic case of reaping what one has sown?

The ball is in Asake’s court, but one thing is certain—the internet never forgets, and Nigerians are watching closely.

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Obasanjo’s Explosive Book: Corruption, Waste, and the Betrayal of Nigeria

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Obasanjo’s Explosive Book: Corruption, Waste, and the Betrayal of Nigeria

Obasanjo Unleashes Scathing Attack on Buhari and Tinubu, Declares Nigeria’s Leadership a Disaster

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has launched a blistering critique of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, branding it the worst in Nigeria’s democratic history. In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo pulls no punches, exposing what he calls the entrenched corruption, gross mismanagement, and outright betrayal of Nigerians under Buhari’s leadership. He further warns that President Bola Tinubu appears to be following in Buhari’s footsteps, and may even surpass his failures.

The book, released last week in celebration of Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, minces no words in condemning the controversial N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which Obasanjo describes as a financial black hole and a vehicle for massive corruption. He also slammed Tinubu’s government for approving a staggering N21 billion for a new vice-presidential residence amid economic hardship, calling it a ‘monument to greed and waste.’

“What small minds!” Obasanjo fumed. “The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is a mucky, corrupt project, and yet the President has turned a deaf ear to protests. Instead of focusing on the suffering of Nigerians, we are seeing a display of waste and misplacement of priorities.”

Buhari’s Administration: A Legacy of Corruption and Betrayal

Obasanjo’s attack on Buhari was particularly scathing, describing his tenure as an era that saw corruption flourish like never before. He accused Buhari of using his Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, as a tool to shield corrupt officials while punishing whistleblowers and anti-corruption crusaders.

“The most atrocious waste, the enthronement of corruption, and the destruction of any meaningful anti-corruption effort took place under Buhari’s watch,” Obasanjo wrote. “And his Attorney General, Malami, turned the justice system into a devil’s playground.”

Obasanjo further accused Malami of orchestrating the controversial release of convicted ex-governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, who had been jailed for looting billions in public funds. He described their pardon as a disgraceful mockery of justice.

“But for my absence at the Council of State meeting where the pardon was granted, I would have fought against it,” Obasanjo lamented. “This was not justice; it was a well-orchestrated charade to protect political allies and further the legacy of corruption.”

Tinubu’s Government: More of the Same or Worse?

Obasanjo warned that Tinubu’s administration is already proving to be just as corrupt—if not worse—than Buhari’s. He accused Tinubu of running a transactional government where every deal is about personal enrichment rather than national interest.

“Given about two years of President Tinubu in office, it appears that the game of short-changing the over 230 million Nigerians continues,” he wrote. “Everything is now transactional, and the slogan is ‘It is my turn to chop.’”

The former President lambasted Tinubu’s handling of national projects, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, calling it an overpriced scam designed to siphon billions from public funds.

“Tinubu’s peers are jealous, but that’s not because of any great achievements—it’s because they want their turn at the feeding trough,” he said.

The Presidency and Allies Fire Back

Predictably, Tinubu’s administration has come out swinging, dismissing Obasanjo’s claims as baseless and hypocritical. Presidential aides, including Sunday Dare and Temitope Ajayi, have accused Obasanjo of seeking relevance by attacking every sitting government after his own.

“If, as President for eight years, Obasanjo couldn’t even fix the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, why should we take his criticism seriously?” Ajayi scoffed. “He sees himself as the only Nigerian who knows what is good for the country, but history will judge his failures.”

Minister of Works, David Umahi, defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, calling it a ‘visionary project’ that will bring long-term economic prosperity. “People are only criticizing because they do not understand the benefits,” he argued.

Buhari, Malami Silent Amidst Firestorm

As the controversy rages, Buhari has remained conspicuously silent. His spokesperson, Garba Shehu, failed to respond to calls and messages, while Malami only issued a cautious statement, claiming he had not yet read the book.

“If these allegations exist, I will respond in due time,” Malami said. “However, I do not engage in speculation.”

A Nation in Crisis

Obasanjo’s book is a damning indictment of Nigeria’s leadership, past and present. It paints a grim picture of a nation plagued by corruption, misgovernance, and an elite class that continues to loot public resources at the expense of the masses. As the debate over the book’s revelations rages on, Nigerians are left to wonder: Will there ever be an administration that truly puts the people first?

With Tinubu’s government already mired in controversy, many fear that Obasanjo’s grim prophecy may indeed come true—that Nigeria is doomed to repeat the same cycle of corruption and mismanagement, only worse each time.

 

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Sunday Igboho Challenges Court’s Ruling, Takes N20bn Case to Supreme Court

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Sunday Igboho Challenges Court’s Ruling, Takes N20bn Case to Supreme Court

Sunday Igboho Files Appeal at Supreme Court Over N20bn Damages Ruling

March 12, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria — Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has escalated his legal battle to the Supreme Court, challenging the recent Court of Appeal decision that nullified the N20 billion damages awarded to him against the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The legal dispute stems from the violent raid on Igboho’s Ibadan residence in July 2021, during which two people were allegedly killed and 12 others arrested. Igboho, a prominent figure advocating for the secession of the Yoruba region, had sued the AGF, DSS, and the DSS Director, seeking N5.5 billion in damages for the invasion. The raid was reportedly carried out under the guise of a national security operation, but Igboho has consistently argued that it was an unlawful assault on his fundamental rights.

In September 2021, the Oyo State High Court ruled in Igboho’s favor, awarding N20 billion in damages, holding the AGF and DSS accountable for the invasion. However, this ruling was overturned in August 2022 by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan. Justice Muslim Hassan, in delivering the judgment, stated that the lower court had misapplied legal principles in awarding the damages. The appellate court also criticized the lack of concrete evidence, such as autopsy reports, to substantiate the alleged killings during the raid.

In the wake of the appellate court’s ruling, Igboho has now approached Nigeria’s highest court, seeking a reversal of the decision. Through his legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Yomi Aliyu, Igboho filed an appeal with the Supreme Court on March 11, 2025, arguing that the Court of Appeal erred in its judgment. He contends that the burden of producing autopsy reports should not fall on him, as the DSS did not challenge the allegations of killings in court.

Igboho also criticizes the Appeal Court for rejecting his claims for special damages, despite providing affidavit evidence and expert invoices detailing the losses suffered in the raid. He further argues that the aggravated and exemplary damages awarded by the trial judge were reasonable and aligned with established legal principles. Additionally, Igboho points out that the DSS and AGF’s response at the appellate level was filed outside the prescribed time limit, questioning the validity of their submissions.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on this matter has the potential to set a landmark legal precedent, particularly in relation to government accountability and self-determination rights in Nigeria. Legal experts are watching closely, as the case could reshape the interpretation of human rights violations and the limits of government power in national security operations.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in the coming months, with all eyes on the judicial process that may significantly influence the future of Nigeria’s constitutional and human rights landscape.

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