celebrity radar - gossips
Mixed Reactions Trail Babangida’s June 12 Confession and Apology
Babangida Expresses Regret Over June 12 Annulment, Acknowledges MKO Abiola’s Victory
Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, has expressed regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, acknowledging that the late MKO Abiola won the poll. Speaking at the launch of his autobiography, A Journey In Service, on Thursday in Abuja, Babangida described the annulment as an “accident of history.”
The June 12 election, regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was annulled by Babangida’s administration over alleged national security concerns. The decision led to nationwide protests and political unrest, ultimately forcing Babangida to step down. The country’s democratic progress was stalled until the return to civilian rule in 1999.
Reflecting on the election, Babangida admitted that Abiola had secured the majority votes and geographical spread, obtaining 8,128,720 votes against Bashir Tofa’s 5,848,247. He claimed, however, that forces opposed to Abiola were so formidable that he feared Abiola would be eliminated if allowed to assume the presidency.
Public Reactions and Criticism
Babangida’s remorse drew mixed reactions. The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, criticized the statement as belated and insufficient to address the consequences of the annulment. In a statement by Organising Secretary Kole Omololu, Afenifere highlighted the lives lost and the scars left on Nigeria’s democracy, including the assassination of Kudirat Abiola and the persecution of many democracy activists.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, and National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain, Ayo Opadokun, dismissed Babangida’s remarks, stating there was nothing new in his admission.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, viewed Babangida’s statement as a healing step, saying Abiola would be “laughing his head off in heaven.” Ex-Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, commended Babangida for his honesty and called for adequate compensation for the Abiola family.
Calls for Justice and Recognition
Afenifere reiterated its demand that all presidential honors be posthumously conferred on Abiola, insisting he must be remembered as Nigeria’s rightful President-elect. Senior lawyers Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Wahab Shittu welcomed Babangida’s remorse and called for forgiveness, alongside proper recognition for the Abiola family.
Reflections on Babangida’s Legacy
At the book launch, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo noted that the June 12 election marked the most challenging chapter of Babangida’s life. Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo warned against the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, while President Bola Tinubu praised Babangida’s contributions to national unity and pledged to make difficult decisions in the nation’s interest.
Business leaders, including Africa’s wealthiest man Aliko Dangote and BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu, donated billions to the IBB Presidential Library project. Dangote pledged N8 billion over four years, while Rabiu committed N5 billion.
Babangida’s autobiography also addresses other significant events in Nigeria’s history, including the 1976 coup that led to Murtala Muhammed’s assassination and the 1986 letter bomb that killed journalist Dele Giwa. Babangida maintained his innocence regarding Giwa’s death, expressing hope that the truth will be uncovered.
As the dust settles on Babangida’s remorse over June 12, pro-democracy groups and citizens alike continue to reflect on its far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Business
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”
Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.
The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.
Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:
“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”
As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.
With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.
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About Laffmattazz
Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.
About First Bank of Nigeria Limited
First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.
celebrity radar - gossips
Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding
Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding
The current threading in *entertainment* world of speculated society marriage between oganla Fuji, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma with Nollywood icon, and widely acclaimed Queen of the tube jaiyeola Kuti has brought out different opinions amongst the fans and entertainment personnel.
What started as a rumour and mirage is gradually turning to reality and some fans are saying it’s not possible for Jaiye Kuti who is one of the scandal free Nollywood actress to be involved in such an unholy union with Pasuma
Most people who spoke with our correspondence, are of opinion that such a marriage can only happen in a mirage sessions and in Nollywood movies that apart Jaiye Kuti been responsible and married with children, Pasuma is someone who have vowed not to married and have a woman under his roof.
But to some also, it’s not impossible as artistes are known to be engaging and married to each other after denied and counter claims, which made and at the end they will go ahead and married . With this most people believe that truly there’s marriage in offspring for both celebrities While both parties refused to comment on the trend controversial issues about the whole issue , the world is anxiously waiting if this well circulated story of Pasuma getting married to Jaiye Kuti will come to pass or it will turn out to be a mirage.
Either way the die is cast as all eyes will be on Jaiye Kuti and Pasuma with searchlight on Nigeria entertainment industry once again
celebrity radar - gossips
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).
The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.
President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.
He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.
Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.
The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.
President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.
The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.
“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.
President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.
Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.
Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.
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