celebrity radar - gossips
HATE SPEECH BILL SPONSOR, SENATOR ALIYU ABDULLAHI SABI: WHAT IS YOUR GROUSE? WHAT ARE YOUR FEARS?
Indeed, the popular saying that “where there’s smoke there’s fire” is truism.
For some days, I have been bothered as to how one who witnessed, read or heard of the evils perpetrated under several military interregnums in Nigeria, would want to re-introduce a Bill akin to the controversial Public Officers (Protection Against False Accusation) Decree No 4, such as the controversial Hate Speech Bill?
Why create a Hate Speech Commission in a nascent democracy like ours? This is a recipe to gag Free Speech, Press Freedom and muzzle the opposition into submission by any ruling government at Federal, State and Local Council levels.
What does APC Senator Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi, Senate Spokesperson and Senator representing the good people of Niger North Senatorial District want?
DIGGING DEEP
‘Distinguished’ Senator Sabi, four months ago, precisely on November 3, 2017, was allegedly assaulted and stoned in Kontagora, the headquarters of Niger North Senatorial District where he represents.
Irked by the humiliation he suffered, Sen. Sabi may perhaps be nicodemusly joining forces with the enemies of Free Speech in Nigeria to introduce the Hate Speech Bill, which when passed, any person found guilty of any form of hate speech that results in the death of another person shall die by hanging upon conviction.
The bill also seeks the establishment of an ‘Independent National Commission for Hate Speeches’, which shall enforce hate speech laws across the country, ensure the elimination of the menace and advise the Federal Government.
For offences such as harassment on the grounds of ethnicity or racial contempt, a culprit shall be sentenced to “not less than a five-year jail term or a fine of not less than N10 million or both.”
Whatever the above means for Senator Sabi and his collaborators, I state that this is a recipe to gag Freedom of Expression, as well as Press Freedom in Nigeria. The opposition will be muzzled into submission. Take this to the banks.
FLASHBACK: ANTI-SOCIAL MEDIA BILL
If Nigerians are not suffering from National Amnesia, it should be recalled that Senator Balla Ibn Na’Allah, the current Senate Leader, while he was Deputy Leader of the Senate, sponsored the controverisial Frivolous Petitions Bill also known as the Anti-Social Media Bill in 2015. That controversial bill was met with resistance by Nigerians online and offline.
Na’Allah, an APC Senator, represents the good people of Kebbi South Senatorial District.
That controversial bill of Na’Allah passed for first reading on November 24, 2015 and second reading on December 2, 2015, in spite of widespread agitations by Nigerians.
But in a dramatic u-turn on May 17, 2016, the Senate threw out the bill to avoid the hammers of Nigerians.
The Senators it was said, took the decision following the report of the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the bill.
Delivering the report, Chairman of the Committee, Senator David Umaru (APC, Niger East) said the bill was opposed by almost all stakeholders during the Public Hearing on it. He therefore said, his committee recommended its withdrawal.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, also backed the withdrawal.
See link: more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/senate-throws-anti-social-media-bill/
SENATOR SABI AT IT AGAIN?
Note, Senator Sabi, was elected on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), based on the popularity he garnered through President Muhammadu Buhari and the support of the late Emir of Borgu, Sen. Dr, Haliru Dantoro.
The Senator was allegedly humiliated by APC party executives in Kontagora, the headquarters of Niger North Senatorial District, where he was stoned, disgraced and insulted.
It was reported that the Senator having called the executives for a meeting at the town hall in Kontagora, which would be the first time he was having such a meeting, since his election in 2015, could not give a satisfactory answer to why he wanted to meet, a year away from the 2019 general elections.
Those at the meeting asked him to give a list of projects he had done/ attracted to Kontagora since he was senator. He was also asked what financial support he had rendered to students of his constituency.
In response to these questions, the Senator in his defense, said that the Buhari led administration, had not given him any funding for constituency projects.
It was said that his answer provoked members of the executives at the meeting and they became hostile, asking him how other elected members of the National Assembly got funding to execute projects and empower the youths in their constituency.
Save for his security details, it was said that the Executives couldn’t physically assault Senator Sabi, but he was chased out of the town hall, as his security team surrounded him and he was quickly taken away in a Peugeot 406 car, which was smashed by a hail of stones. The Civil defense truck did not fare any better either.
The cars in his convoy were also said to be wrecked by a hail of stones, as they drove out of the premises.
That was the humiliation Senator Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi suffered at the hands of his Kontagora constituents on November 3, 2017.
It will also be recalled that earlier in 2017, Senator Sabi faced a similar attack in the town of Babanna, Borgu local government and Rofia in Agwara local government as well.
Could this be the ANGER of Senator Sabi? Sincerely, only him could answer this question.
Without much ado, it is quite unfortunate that since the present administration came on board, there have been several attempts to gag Nigerians from critically assessing the government.
Even President Buhari himself has said that social media is particularly his problem. Why the Fear?
It’s imperative for well-meaning Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to kick against this anti-peoples bill.
What even determines Hate Speech, a discerning mind would ask?
No doubt, this bill is a recipe for anarchy, if it scales through as an Act with a Presidential Assent.
I reieterate well-meaning Nigerians should rise up to the ocassion, and not allow Senator Sabi and his collaborators succeed with this anti-peoples bill.
Like the 2015 Anti-Social Media Bill of Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah was thrown out of the Senate in 2016, it is certain that this cup would pass too.
Ikenna Asomba, a Social Commentator writes from Atlanta, Georgia.
Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu
Taofik Afolabi
The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.
Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.
The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.
Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.
In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.
celebrity radar - gossips
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.
From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.
Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);
Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);
Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;
Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;
Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.
Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.
The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.
” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.
To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.
Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.
The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.
The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’
Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.
” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.
The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.
Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.
” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.
celebrity radar - gossips
Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta
Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta
The ancient city of Abeokuta came alive in a grand display of culture, history, and unity as dignitaries from across Nigeria converged at the iconic Ake Palace Ground for the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, an annual celebration deeply rooted in the Egba people’s heritage.
The event, proudly supported by Adron Homes and Properties Limited, witnessed an impressive parade of distinguished personalities, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, all captured in vibrant pictures that tell the story of a people united by history and pride.
From richly adorned monarchs in regal attire to elegantly dressed guests reflecting the depth of Yoruba tradition, the images from the festival encapsulate moments of honour, reverence, and celebration. Each photograph portrays not just faces, but influence, leaders, and stakeholders who continue to shape cultural preservation and community development.
At the heart of the celebration was the revered Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, whose presence underscored the festival’s significance as a symbol of Egba resilience and identity. Surrounding him were eminent dignitaries whose attendance further amplified the prestige of the event.
Adron Homes and Properties Limited stood out prominently, not only as a sponsor but as a key driver of cultural sustainability. Through its strategic support, the company reinforced its commitment to preserving indigenous heritage while fostering community engagement. The brand’s visibility across the venue and within the pictorial highlights reflects a deliberate alignment with culture, tradition, and people-centered development.
Beyond real estate, Adron Homes has continued to position itself as a cultural partner, investing in platforms that celebrate history and strengthen communal bonds. Its involvement in the Lisabi Festival is a testament to its broader vision of building not just homes, but legacies rooted in identity and pride.
The 39th Lisabi Festival, as captured through the lens of dignitaries in attendance, is more than an event, it is a narrative of continuity. And through its unwavering support, Adron Homes has once again set the pace, demonstrating that corporate institutions can play a vital role in sustaining the cultural heartbeat of a people.
As the echoes of drums fade and the colours of the festival linger in memory, one thing remains clear: the story told through these images is one of unity, heritage, and the enduring partnership between tradition and progress.
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