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OLUSEGUN OBASANJO: The Reluctant Hero Who Saved a Nation

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OLUSEGUN OBASANJO: The Reluctant Hero Who Saved a Nation

By Reno Omokri

In the chronicles of Nigeria’s complex history, few names echo with the same mixture of admiration, controversy, and enduring relevance as that of Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo.
Across six decades of our nation’s story, his name keeps reappearing — as a soldier, a statesman, a reformer, and, above all, a patriot whose decisions, for better or worse, helped shape the destiny of Africa’s most populous nation.
OLUSEGUN OBASANJO: The Reluctant Hero Who Saved a Nation

By Reno Omokri
Many may argue, but facts are stubborn.
Three times in history, Presidents of the United States have visited Nigeria: Jimmy Carter in 1978, Bill Clinton in 2000, and George W. Bush in 2003. Each time, Nigeria was led by one man — Olusegun Obasanjo. That, by itself, tells a story.
The Soldier Who Ended a War
On Thursday, January 15, 1970, it was General Obasanjo who commanded the troops that received the surrender of the rebel Republic of Biafra. He not only defeated the rebellion but did what few expected — he captured the Biafran leaders and brought them to Lagos to declare unconditional surrender.
It was a decisive moment in world history. Recently declassified records show that British Prime Minister Harold Wilson had already concluded that if Nigeria failed to end the war by 1970, Britain would intervene with a two-state solution. In other words, Obasanjo’s success prevented the permanent division of Nigeria. He saved the nation.
 The First Natural Transition
After the war, Nigeria entered an era where leadership became a revolving door of coups and assassinations. Balewa was killed. Ironsi was murdered. Gowon was overthrown. Murtala was assassinated.
Then came Obasanjo.
He became the first Nigerian leader to have a natural term and the first military ruler in Africa to voluntarily hand over power to civilians. Despite opposition from within the military ranks — as General Ibrahim Babangida confirmed in A Journey in Service — Obasanjo kept his word and handed power to Shehu Shagari in 1979.
Until he returned twenty years later, no Nigerian leader after him completed a natural tenure. Shagari was overthrown, Buhari was toppled, Babangida was forced to step aside, Shonekan was shoved aside, Abacha died mysteriously, and Abdulsalami’s reign lasted less than a year.
Obasanjo’s act of faith in democracy remains unmatched.
The Statesman Africa Needed
His influence went beyond Nigeria’s borders. He helped end the Liberian Civil War, restored the democratically elected Fradique de Menezes to power in São Tomé and Príncipe in 2003, supported the South African liberation struggle, aided FRELIMO in Mozambique’s war of independence, and ensured that the MPLA emerged as Angola’s legitimate government rather than the Western-backed UNITA.
At home, he paid off Nigeria’s entire foreign debt, made GSM telephony and the Internet accessible to ordinary citizens for the first time, established the EFCC to wage the nation’s first systematic anti-corruption war, and tactfully managed the Sharia crisis that could have torn Nigeria apart.
Under his watch, Nigeria hosted its only Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, nationalised African Petroleum, and implemented the long-dormant Indigenisation Decree.
The Self-Documented Leader
Obasanjo is also Nigeria’s most self-documented leader — the author of at least eleven books, chronicling his journey through war, politics, faith, and national reconstruction.
Mandela may have liberated South Africa, but Obasanjo, in truth, helped stabilise Africa.
 Honour While He Lives
As a nation, we have a sad tradition: we wait for our heroes to die before we honour them.
But not today.
Today, I choose to celebrate a man who, with all his imperfections, gave everything he had to Nigeria and to Africa. A man who has outlived coups, criticisms, and countless political storms — yet remains unbowed, unbroken, and unrelenting in his service to the Black race.
Even if no one says “thank you,” my household and I do.
Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Ogunboye Aremu Obasanjo — an Omoluabi atata, a true son of Africa, and a hero of history.
May God bless you and your household.
OLUSEGUN OBASANJO: The Reluctant Hero Who Saved a Nation

By Reno Omokri

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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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 CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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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Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

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Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

 

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has raised alarm over an alleged threat by Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye (Mr P) against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu, warning that the singer will be held responsible should any harm come to the journalist or his family.

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

In a press statement issued on April 20, 2026, NASRE’s leadership, led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expressed concern over the incident reportedly occurring at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye.

 

 

NASRE views the alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable, stating that any language suggesting intimidation against a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns about press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

 

 

The association has therefore called on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu, while also urging all parties involved in the ongoing legal matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Read the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

NASRE RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED THREAT BY PETER OKOYE (MR P) AGAINST BAYO ADETU IN COURT, WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES

The leadership of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expresses concern over an alleged threat issued by popular Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P, against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving the music duo P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye. Eyewitnesses present in court stated that Mr Peter Okoye drew the attention of Justice Alexander Owoeye to Mr Adetu’s presence, noting that he was formerly P-Square’s publicist but now works with his brothers. The remark reportedly generated reactions in the courtroom.

It is further alleged that after the court session, Mr Peter Okoye confronted Mr Adetu in the presence of others and said, “You, Bayo, I will set you up.”

NASRE views this alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable. Any language suggesting harm or intimidation directed at a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns regarding press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

We state unequivocally that should anything happen to Mr Bayo Adetu or any member of his family, Mr Peter Okoye will be held accountable. Such statements, when directed at a media professional, are taken with utmost seriousness.

NASRE will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment, or threat against its members. We are fully prepared to activate all lawful media and legal channels to protect our members and safeguard the integrity of the profession. Mr Peter Okoye must be aware that utterances of this nature carry consequences and he will be held responsible for any outcome arising from this matter.

We therefore call on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu. We also urge all parties involved in the ongoing matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

The safety of journalists remains paramount, and the media will not be silenced.

Signed:
Lateef Owodunni
Media Director, NASRE
April 20, 2026

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Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift

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Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

 

Nigerian Fuji star Saheed Osupa has responded to a wave of political controversy surrounding his recent campaign appearance in Oyo State, clarifying that a vehicle linked to the debate was not a political gift but compensation tied to a professional engagement.

The backlash followed the circulation of a Facebook Reel showing Osupa performing at an event associated with Sharafadeen Alli, who has declared interest in the Oyo State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC). As the video gained traction, it sparked renewed scrutiny over entertainers’ roles in political campaigns and the assumptions that often follow such appearances.

Amid the reactions, individuals aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) circulated claims on social media alleging that Osupa, alongside gospel artist Yinka Ayefele, had previously received luxury vehicles from the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The claims, which remain unverified, framed the alleged gesture as an example of questionable public spending and raised concerns about political loyalty.

Osupa has since pushed back against that narrative, offering a different account of events. In a video statement, the artist explained that his involvement in the campaign was strictly professional, based on a negotiated performance agreement rather than any form of political alignment.

According to him, he was engaged to perform at campaign events with assurances that he would be adequately compensated after the election. He, however, alleged that those commitments were not fulfilled following the electoral victory.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the vehicle, Osupa stated that his personal car was damaged during the course of the campaign. He said the replacement vehicle later provided to him was intended as compensation for that loss, not a discretionary gift or political reward.

His response reframes the discussion from one of political patronage to a dispute over professional obligations—an important distinction in an environment where entertainers are frequently enlisted to support campaign visibility.

The episode highlights a recurring tension within Nigeria’s political landscape: the blurred line between performance and perceived allegiance. For artists, participation in campaign activities can quickly shift from paid engagement to public endorsement in the eyes of observers, particularly when details of such arrangements are not clearly communicated.

Osupa’s clarification brings that tension into focus, underscoring how easily professional engagements can be recast within political narratives. As conversations continue, the situation points to a broader need for transparency in the relationship between public figures and political actors—especially in moments where perception can carry as much weight as fact.

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