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“I am inspired by a burning passion for music” — Award Winning Gospel Jazz Act, Biodun Ajanaku

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Popular Nigerian Jazz gospel singer, Biodun Ajanaku, talks about her music and passion for classic sounds. Excerpts…

Why did you decide to pursue a career in gospel jazz music?

I am a gospel performer, composer and a singer. I have singing ever since I was a child. I studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and I also have a master’s degree in Public Relations and International Affairs. I caught the singing bug from my mother and decided to pursue a career in gospel music while I was on temporary secondment to Africa Independent Television. While listening to a popular American gospel singer, the song she sang struck me. On the realisation that we sounded alike, I decided infuse some elements of jazz to my style of music.

What did your job at AIT entail?

I was posted to Ray Power to direct and coordinate the daily operation at the station. I also organised music choices, callers for the phone-in programmes, promotional, commercial audio clips and jingles.

Tell us about some of your works.

My first gospel hits were titled Thank God and Joshua and they were released about three years ago. The former was shot in Washington D.C and Maryland in the United States of America. The track is a powerful, unique and classic tune, which was borne out of a desire to show my gratitude to God for helping me to surmount numerous challenges through the years. The lyrics of the song are so strong that many testify that it has a life-transforming effect.This year, I released another single titled Tofunmi (Jesus is enough for me). It is a classic tune with an African touch. I was lucky to have been nominated for awards in different categories.

Have you performed overseas yet?

Recently, I was invited to perform at the South African Jazz festival and I was the only gospel jazz artiste at the event. For me, the experience was quite humbling. I performed two of my tracks; Joshua and Thank God, to a teeming audience.

What is the inspiration behind your songs?

I am inspired by a burning passion for music cultivated during my childhood and my love for the conservative music tradition of hymn singing. The bible, personal experiences, my environment and most importantly, my response to creative beats and tunes inspire me.

What makes you different from other gospel singers?

My singing style; I have a strong and deep voice which reveals the influence of jazz. My songs are also laced with deep lyrical content.

Your voice is rather very unique, is it inborn or acquired?

It is inborn; I think I inherited it from my mother.

Why did you decide to become a jazz gospel artiste and not explore some other popular genre of music?

It is a way of carrying out God’s plans for me as a gospel musician. My personal convictions have not led me to consider delving into secular music. My voice is God’s gift to me to deliver, heal, and give hope to the hopeless.

Is jazz music appreciated in Nigeria?

It is very impressive and growing at a steady pace.There are a number of established Nigerian jazz gospel artistes like Mike Aremu, Kunle Ajayi, and Mobola who are doing well. However, the genre has yet to gain its desired pride of place in the gospel industry. I would appreciate if the genre is allocated more airtime and airplay in the media. Jazz singers also need to raise the standard because the media houses will only air their songs to drive viewership.

Do you play any musical instrument?

I play the piano fairly well as it gives me the opportunity to perfect my craft, song structure and interpret the right key. Playing the piano also helps me express my emotions and improvisation techniques that would aid a better performance.

If you were not a musician, what other profession would you have considered?

My love for fashion and broadcasting are the only two things that can seemingly compete with my music career.

How do you juggle your music career and family life?

My family comes first while my career follows. I take care of all my day-to-day responsibilities during the day while I write and record my music at night. Every minute of my life is well planned and I plan my week ahead of time. With the help of my loving, caring and supportive husband, I am able to put a lot of things in order.

What do you consider to be the turning point in your musical career?

I guess it was my decision to go into full-time gospel music. I’m still discovering and rediscovering my music, myself and the Nigerian audience.

culled from PUNCH

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Celebrating Strength and Spiritual Grace: Mama Genesis Turns a Year Older

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Celebrating Strength and Spiritual Grace: Mama Genesis Turns a Year Older

Celebrating Strength and Spiritual Grace: Mama Genesis Turns a Year Older

 

Today marks a special day in the life of a remarkable woman, Prophetess Adeshola Abike Ogundipe, affectionately known as Mama Genesis. On this auspicious occasion, we celebrate not just a birthday but a journey of resilience, faith, and unwavering support.

 

Prophetess Adeshola Abike Ogundipe is intricately woven into the narrative of Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, widely recognized as Genesis. Their journey, characterized by grace, love, and unwavering commitment, is a testament to the power of unity in the face of life’s challenges. Beyond her spiritual calling, she is also a visionary CEO and entrepreneur, leading impactful ventures such as BELLYBLISS CATERING and BELLYBLISS BAKERY.

 

From humble beginnings to the forefront of spiritual leadership, Mama Genesis has been a steadfast companion, standing by her husband through thick and thin. The Facebook posts appreciating grace with her beloved husband and son reflect the deep bonds of family and devotion.

 

Mama Genesis’s life mirrors a journey from grass to grace, embodying strength, resilience, and the transformative power of faith. As we celebrate her birthday, let us acknowledge the woman behind the title, the partner who has been an anchor in Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe’s life. Her influence also extends into lifestyle and wellness through DASHTUSHUP CLOSET and FRUITS & HERBS WELLNESS, reflecting her passion for nurturing both body and spirit.

 

In the tapestry of their family, Mama Genesis’s role extends beyond a title; she is a beacon of love, support, and inspiration. Her dedication to her family and her unwavering support for her husband’s mission are qualities deserving of admiration.

 

On this special day, let us join hands in celebrating the life of Prophetess Adeshola Abike Ogundipe. Happy birthday, Mama Genesis! May your day be filled with joy, love, and the same grace that has defined your remarkable journey.

 

Celebrating Strength and Spiritual Grace: Mama Genesis Turns a Year Older

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Governor Lawal Honored with Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, Pledges Continued Commitment to Zamfara’s Development

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Governor Lawal Honored with Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, Pledges Continued Commitment to Zamfara’s Development

 

The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, Ph.D., has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to fostering tangible progress and rebuilding public trust in the governance of Zamfara State. His commitment to the state’s development was underscored during the recent Leadership Newspaper annual conference, where he was awarded the LEADERSHIP Newspaper Governor of the Year Award today Thursday 12th of February at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

This award symbolizes recognition from the LEADERSHIP Newspaper, which aims to honor distinguished figures who have made significant contributions worthy of national admiration. According to a statement released by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the annual awards and conference highlight exemplary leadership and achievements across various sectors in Nigeria.

The event was graced by notable figures, including Dr. Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who delivered an insightful keynote address. Dr. Mohammed elaborated on this year’s theme: “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” emphasizing the critical need for strong governance to navigate contemporary challenges.

When presenting the award to Governor Lawal, the LEADERSHIP Newspaper highlighted the governor’s exemplary leadership qualities and his comprehensive transformative initiatives that have marked significant progress in Zamfara State. The statement noted, “Governor Dauda Lawal’s remarkable performance and courageous leadership have positioned Zamfara on a renewed path of progress, peace, and sustainable development.”

This recognition is a testament to the impactful policies and initiatives launched under Governor Lawal’s administration, including efforts to enhance security, improve infrastructure, and promote economic growth. The newspaper concluded that Governor Lawal’s leadership reflects excellence and profound commitment to the welfare of his constituents, making him exceptionally deserving of this esteemed national recognition.

Notably, this accolade follows closely on the heels of another significant honor bestowed upon the governor just two weeks prior, when he was named The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year at a ceremony held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. These accolades signify a growing acknowledgment of his transformative leadership and the positive changes taking root in Zamfara State under his guidance.

 

Governor Lawal Honored with Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, Pledges Continued Commitment to Zamfara’s Development

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Mrs Township Finalist 2026 Leads Community Action to Support Disadvantaged Learners

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Mrs Township Finalist 2026 Leads Community Action to Support Disadvantaged Learners

Mrs Township Finalist 2026 Leads Community Action to Support Disadvantaged Learners

 

As the 2026 academic year begins, hope and compassion are taking root at Theresapark Primary School, thanks to the remarkable leadership of Mrs Nkone Maringa, a respected community member and Mrs Township South Africa Finalist 2026.

In a powerful demonstration of grassroots leadership and social responsibility, Mrs Maringa, in partnership with Theresapark Sasol Garage, spearheaded a community clean-up of the school’s garden area. The initiative was carried out in preparation for the school’s feeding scheme garden, which will support disadvantaged children with fresh, nutritious produce throughout the school year.

 

 

 

Planting Seeds of Change

 

 

The garden project goes beyond beautifying the school environment. It is designed to become a sustainable source of food for learners who rely on the school feeding programme as a vital lifeline. By preparing the land ahead of the school reopening, Mrs Maringa and her partners ensured that planting can begin immediately, setting the tone for a productive and caring 2026.

“This project is about dignity, nutrition, and giving our children a healthy start to the year,” the initiative reflects—aligning perfectly with Mrs Maringa’s long-standing commitment to community upliftment.

 

 

A Record of Community Impact

 

Mrs Nkone Maringa’s involvement at Theresapark Primary School is one of several impactful projects she has undertaken in her community. Known for her hands-on approach, she consistently mobilizes local businesses, volunteers, and stakeholders to address real needs—especially those affecting children, women, and vulnerable groups.

 

 

Her work embodies the core values of the Mrs Township South Africa platform: leadership, service, empowerment, and positive social change. As a finalist for the 2026 title, Mrs Maringa continues to prove that true leadership is measured not by titles alone, but by tangible impact on the ground.

Corporate–Community Partnership in Action

The collaboration with Theresapark Sasol Garage highlights the power of partnerships between local businesses and community leaders. Their support played a crucial role in making the clean-up initiative successful, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can directly transform lives at a grassroots level.

 

 

 

Looking Ahead

 

With the garden now prepared, Theresapark Primary School is set to launch its feeding scheme garden as learners return for the new academic year. The project stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and collective effort.

 

 

As Mrs Nkone Maringa continues her journey as a Mrs Township South Africa Finalist 2026, her work at Theresapark Primary School serves as a shining example of how passion, partnership, and purpose can create lasting change—one garden, one child, and one community at a time.

 

Mrs Township Finalist 2026 Leads Community Action to Support Disadvantaged Learners

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