celebrity radar - gossips
MRS. AKEREDOLU-PORTRAIT OF A PILLAR OF SUPPORT
By Idowu Ajanaku
Quote:
‘’ The tests we face in life’s journey are not to
reveal our weaknesses but to
help us discover our inner strengths’’
-Kemi Sogunle
In branding principles and concepts, some words aptly describe the existential essence of a product, with regards to its compelling qualities of usefulness to mankind. This could be via its taste, flavour, nutrition (as with food items). Others include availability, affordability, accessibility and its enduring values to the public. As it is with prime products of top-range companies so it goes for the human persona. The critical question therefore, is what comes to the people’s mind once a name is mentioned, especially so if one is a public figure and commands frequent attention.
That brings us to the rare breed in the person of Her Excellency, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, incidentally the current First Lady of the ‘Sunshine State’, Ondo. Inspiring words such as “a passionate humanist”, “ care-giver”, “simple- at –heart”, “bridge-builder” and of course, “pillar of support” keep reverberating from the smiling lips of her teeming admirers-from both within and outside the political cycle. One cannot therefore, but wonder if these are mere attention-seeking accolades or they ring true for the person in question.
Interestingly, abundant empirical evidences are there to support each of the descriptions of who she really is. Looking at her inspiring life trajectory the words of the Zimbabwean-born and Canada-based philosopher, entrepreneur and author, Matshona Dhiwayo come to mind. Said he: ‘’Beautiful souls are shaped by ugly experiences’’. Indeed so. For instance, she was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1997. She went through all the anguish and rigours of treatment and happily she survived it all. For some other survivors like her, all they would do is to give testimonies and recoil to their shells, to live a quiet life. But not her! She saw it as an opportunity to be a solution-provider, to make the difference in the lives of others going through similar travails she had experienced. As Ana Antunes rightly noted: ‘’Life always gives a Second Chance: It is called: ‘To Move On’.
So, to move on and feeling truly concerned about the critical health challenge, gave her the inspiration to start the non-profit organization, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN). Note that this was long before fortune smiled on her to become the First Lady of Ondo state. The noble aim of the NGO of course, is to raise the needed public awareness of the deadly disease and institute the preventive measures amongst the womenfolk. In addition, it assists in cancer-related researches.
It goes as a glowing tribute to her patriotic efforts therefore, that several women across the length and breadth of the country have given moving testimonies of how BRECAN came in to save their sad and sordid situations when it mattered most. One unforgettable instance was that of a middle-aged, Owo- born woman who goes by the name, Mrs. Elizabeth Akande. She was abandoned by her husband immediately he realized that she had fallen a victim of breast cancer! But the timely intervention of BRECAN through moral and financial support changed her story for good.
As she rightly noted during the inauguration of BRECAN in Kogi state in August 2017: ‘’We want you to make breast cancer awareness and treatment a priority so that women will not continue dying needlessly’’. She highlighted the fact that it is cost intensive as mammographic machine is needed for early detection. And awareness is a necessity to prevent women who detect lumps in their breasts from considering it a spiritual attack and heading to the mountain for prayers, instead of taking timely action.
As reflected in her thought-provoking lecture delivered as the 7th Distinguished Guest Lecturer at the University of Medical Services, UNIMED in Ondo state there is the increasing need for adoption of a population-based screening for breast cancer. The lecture was titled: ‘’A stitch in time saves lives; breast cancer realities in Nigeria and actionable steps’’. So profound her actions have proved that BRECAN has become a model for the frontal battle against breast cancer as supported by the United Nations Organization (UNO).
Furthermore, as one who is always exhibiting the humanist in her, she was there for Ondo state home makers, especially widows distributing palliatives across the state during the lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In addition to the determined fight against breast cancer, she been consistent in her battle against rape, her contributions to Girl-Child education delivery and the welfare of the womenfolk. In fact, she is also a supporter of the Bring Back the Girls Initiative, NGO aimed at the safe return of the long-abducted Chibok girls. All these and more interventions must have earned her the prestigious Distinguished Community Award by the Oyo state Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) back in July, 2018. She is a true care giver, isn’t she? Of course, she is. But that is not all about her.
As an intriguing act of immanent fate, Mrs. Akeredolu happens to be of Ibo extraction but married to a Yoruba man, who is both a renowned lawyer and politician. As expected this interesting social scenario must have raised some questions and sometimes untoward reactions that trail her every talk and walk. ‘’We know the husband is always dancing to her tunes’’, some would have said. Or, ‘’is she not an outsider? Does she really know where the shoe pinches us?’’ Some others must have nursed their grudges. But they have missed the point of the inner workings of Mrs. Akeredolu. As those close to her would readily admit she is an open-minded woman. Yes, she has the apparatchiks and goodies that her exalted office guarantees but good enough she has not lost the common touch. Instead, she knows, like Lailah Akita once stated that ‘’the victory of our inner self is a daily struggle and one must be strong and never give up’’.
Indeed, she has been able to use all such bricks thrown at her to build a strong bridge of trust with her several admirers who are Yorubas. And naturally with her Ibo people and the Niger-Deltans, many of who ply their trades in Akure, Ore, Ikare and other parts of Ondo state. Such bond she has deployed to garner the much-needed political support for the Aketi Project in Ondo state. As it was during the First Term, even stronger it is currently playing out for her husband’s Second Term ambition. The effect is that what some of the opponents of the governor thought would be his high hurdles, the unflinching support of his wife has turned into his launch pad to greater political heights.
Besides, because of the simple, down-to-earth nature she exudes, she is amassing support even from the owners of small and medium scale enterprises, artisans and of course, the market women led by the Iyalojas. For instance, in July of this year the representatives of the Iyalogas of the APC drawn from the 18 LGAs gathered at the Babafunke Ajasin Hall of the Ministry of Women Affairs to pledge their unflinching resolve; to see the governor back to Government House for his Second Term.
They used the opportunity to appreciate the governor for his administration’s giant strides in various sectors-from health, education, agriculture through massive infrastructural development across the state. Similarly, they commended his wife for her laudable initiatives, including the battle against breast cancer and OndoWidows Care. And on her part, she pledged to do more for them. ‘’You Iyalojas deserve every support and assistance…and I am available, with more, underway’’.
Going by all the noble values she stands for and her life’s varied experiences she remains as an enduring inspiration to men and women alike. There is much to learn and emulate from her desire to gain access to quality healthcare delivery, including support for victims of breast cancer, as well as her fight for gender equality when it comes to education and politico-economic empowerment.
Indeed, her massive grassroots support and more so, her pan-Nigerian disposition added to her husband’s outstanding achievements are sure guarantee that Governor Akeredolu’s Second Term ambition is a done deal. In fact, he is going to coast to landslide victory. As Eric Bates, the editor at large of ‘The New Republic’ succinctly noted: ‘’There are no negatives in life, only challenges to overcome that will make you stronger’’
celebrity radar - gossips
Meet the Newly Appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
Meet the Newly Appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a significant development for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retired), a decorated former Chief of the Naval Staff, has been appointed as the Sole Administrator of the state. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the Nigerian Navy and a wealth of experience in leadership, administration, and strategic governance, Vice Admiral Ibas is poised to bring his expertise to bear in steering the affairs of Rivers State.
Born on 27 September 1960 in Nko, Cross River State, Vice Admiral Ibas began his educational journey at Nko Primary School and later attended the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar. His academic pursuits took him to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career.
Throughout his service in the Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Ibas attended numerous military courses both locally and internationally. These included the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course in India, Primary Pilot Training in Kaduna, and specialized training in Amphibious Warfare at the United States Marine Corps University. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-I-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Vice Admiral Ibas has held several key appointments in the Nigerian Navy, including Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School, Director of Maritime Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. His tenure as the 20th indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff was marked by significant reforms and modernization of the Nigerian Navy. After retiring from active service, he served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana from 2021 to 2023, further solidifying his diplomatic and administrative credentials.
A recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Star and the Admiralty Medal, Vice Admiral Ibas is widely respected for his dedication to service and excellence. His professional affiliations include membership in the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the US Naval Institute, among others.
Beyond his professional achievements, Vice Admiral Ibas is a family man, happily married to Mrs. Theresa Ibas, with whom he shares children. He is also an avid reader, documentary enthusiast, and golf player, reflecting a well-rounded personality.
As the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibas brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and strategic vision to the role. His appointment is expected to usher in a new era of effective governance, stability, and development for the state. Residents of Rivers State and stakeholders across the nation are optimistic that his leadership will address critical challenges and drive progress in the region.
With his proven track record in leadership and administration, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of governance in Rivers State and deliver on the expectations of the people. His appointment marks a new chapter in the state’s journey toward peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
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Here’s a 1200-word professional and compelling article draft with strong language, polished grammar, accurate context, and insightful quotes, titled:
From Naval Command to Political Helm: The Strategic Appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Sole Administrator of Rivers State
In a momentous turn of events, the Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. This decision, made amidst deepening political turmoil and administrative stagnation in the state, is more than a routine bureaucratic reshuffle—it is a calculated, strategic deployment of discipline, integrity, and experience into a system yearning for visionary leadership.
Vice Admiral Ibas, a seasoned and decorated officer of the Nigerian Navy, brings to the office over four decades of military excellence, administrative acumen, and diplomatic experience. His trajectory from the hallowed halls of the Nigerian Defence Academy to the apex of naval leadership, and later to diplomacy as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, reads like a blueprint of what transformational leadership should entail.
A Lifelong Journey of Service and Excellence
Born on 27 September 1960 in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas represents the very quintessence of the disciplined Nigerian elite class. His early education at Nko Primary School and Hope Waddell Training Institute laid the foundational values of hard work and resilience. His commissioning as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983 marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey through the ranks of the Nigerian Navy.
The Admiral’s intellectual arsenal is as formidable as his professional résumé. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-I-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, Ibas also underwent rigorous military training in India, the United States, and Nigeria. From amphibious warfare to naval command strategy, he is a product of global military best practices.
His leadership as the 20th indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 ushered in a wave of modernization in the Nigerian Navy. Under his command, the navy enhanced its blue-water capabilities, improved coastal security infrastructure, and engaged in sustained anti-piracy operations that significantly reduced maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
“A Leader is a Dealer in Hope” – Napoleon Bonaparte
The appointment of Ibas to steer the affairs of Rivers State comes at a time when the state’s political machinery is in dire need of recalibration. Mistrust among stakeholders, factional disputes within political parties, and a mounting sense of disillusionment among the populace have rendered Rivers one of the most politically volatile regions in the country.
As Napoleon Bonaparte aptly stated, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” In Ibas, Rivers State has not just a seasoned administrator, but a harbinger of restored faith in governance. His military background guarantees structure, discipline, and zero tolerance for mediocrity—qualities painfully absent in recent state administrations.
Strategic Governance and National Security
Rivers State is not just any region—it is the economic jugular vein of Nigeria, home to the largest crude oil and gas reserves and host to key multinational corporations. Mismanagement in such a state does not just affect its citizens—it reverberates across the nation. The implications for national security, economic stability, and foreign investment are far-reaching.
According to renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi, “Nigeria’s underdevelopment is not a function of lack of resources, but of a crisis of leadership.” The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas signals a deliberate effort to correct this systemic dysfunction by inserting competence where confusion has reigned.
Discipline Meets Diplomacy
Beyond the battlefield, Ibas has proved his mettle in diplomacy. His tenure as High Commissioner to Ghana from 2021 to 2023 was marked by strengthened bilateral relations, increased trade dialogue, and deft handling of diplomatic tensions between both nations. Such experience is invaluable in a complex state like Rivers, where tribal politics, oil revenue disputes, and youth restiveness intertwine dangerously.
As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once observed, “Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.” Ibas is not stepping into office as a politician scrambling for power, but as a strategist focused on delivering results and fostering peace.
A New Era for Rivers State
For years, Rivers has been caught in a cycle of political godfatherism, resource mismanagement, and underdevelopment. Infrastructure decay, unemployment, environmental degradation from oil exploration, and insecurity have become daily realities. The intervention of a respected, non-partisan, and capable administrator offers a real chance to break this vicious cycle.
In the words of American political scientist Francis Fukuyama, “What underpins institutions is not just formal rules, but trust, social norms, and leadership.” The Admiral’s sterling record fosters trust. His discipline shapes social norms. His leadership is untainted by the corrupt patronage systems that plague many civilian administrations.
Public Expectations and the Road Ahead
The expectations are undeniably high. From civil servants demanding efficient administrative processes to youth clamoring for jobs and entrepreneurs hoping for a friendlier business environment, all eyes are now on the new administrator.
There is optimism that he will prioritize infrastructure renewal, reform public procurement processes, combat oil theft, and champion environmental sustainability. Ibas’s known affinity for structure and strategic thinking suggests he will approach governance as a well-planned mission—defined goals, tactical operations, and measurable outcomes.
As Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, famously said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” Vice Admiral Ibas is expected to do both.
Echoes of National Implication
While the appointment is specifically for Rivers, the broader national significance cannot be overlooked. In a country where appointments are often made on the basis of patronage, ethnicity, or political alignment, this one bucks the trend. It sends a powerful message: merit and experience still matter.
This move may well set a precedent for future engagements, particularly in crisis-prone regions. If successful, it could ignite a renewed conversation on how non-political technocrats, retired military officers, and seasoned administrators can contribute to nation-building beyond the barracks or diplomatic missions.
Conclusion: A Return to Values-Based Leadership
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas is not just assuming office; he is assuming responsibility for the hopes of millions in Rivers State. He is stepping into history at a time when leadership is often equated with loud rhetoric rather than quiet competence. His calm demeanor, razor-sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to excellence mark him as a different kind of leader.
As South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela once said, “It is better to lead from behind and put others in front… especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger.” The people of Rivers State need such a servant-leader—firm yet fair, silent yet strategic, humble yet highly effective.
If Vice Admiral Ibas delivers—as many believe he will—then Rivers State may not only emerge from its current political turbulence but may also set the standard for governance in Nigeria’s fragile federal structure.
The ship has been handed over. The sails are up. All that remains is for the Admiral to navigate the turbulent waters of political expectation, economic uncertainty, and social fragmentation—and steer Rivers State into a harbor of peace, prosperity, and progress.
I Want More Babies with My Ex—Not Marriage!” — Wumi Toriola Shocks Fans with Bold Confession
LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a revelation that has left fans stunned and the internet buzzing, popular Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola has openly declared that she has no interest in getting married again — but still wants to have more children with her ex-husband.
The outspoken actress, known for her fiery roles on screen and blunt takes off-screen, made the confession in a recent interview that has gone viral across social media.
“I’m not interested in getting married now, but I want to have more babies with my ex-husband,” she said without hesitation.
Toriola, whose marriage ended in 2023, explained that despite their separation, she and her ex-husband maintain a solid co-parenting relationship — and even share mutual respect when it comes to parenting.
“My ex-husband told me that I may not be a good wife to him if we come back together,” she revealed.
“But he also told me that I’m a good mother to our children.”
A Marriage Built on Conflict
In a tell-all moment last year, the actress disclosed that the marriage broke down due to constant emotional clashes, with her ex allegedly throwing past mistakes in her face during arguments — a pattern she said became too toxic to continue.
Yet, in a twist that has captured public attention, Toriola seems to be embracing a non-traditional family dynamic, openly stating her desire for more children with a man she no longer sees herself marrying.
“More Babies, No Ring”
Her candid take has ignited hot debates across social media, with fans divided — some praising her honesty and progressive mindset, others questioning the complications such an arrangement might bring.
While her ex-husband is reportedly not remarried, Toriola admitted she doesn’t know if he is in a new relationship, but emphasized that their current parenting arrangement is working just fine.
Social Media Reactions
Reactions have been pouring in:
“This woman is just being real. Marriage isn’t for everyone.” — @RealtalkNaija
“More babies with your ex? Sounds like a soap opera plot.” — @AmakaUnfiltered
“Respect to her for owning her truth, but I hope the kids are okay in all this.” — @ParentingNg
celebrity radar - gossips
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