Connect with us

celebrity radar - gossips

OLUSEGUN OBASANJO: The Reluctant Hero Who Saved a Nation

Published

on

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

celebrity radar - gossips

Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

Published

on

Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

 

The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into confusion and panic on Tuesday following viral reports alleging that popular Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, had died at the age of 40.

 

 

The shocking claim, which spread rapidly across social media platforms and blogs, alleged that the actor died in Lagos after battling undisclosed health complications, sparking an outpouring of grief from stunned fans and colleagues.

 

 

As the rumours gained momentum online, several actors, movie producers and entertainment enthusiasts flooded Instagram and X with emotional reactions, describing the development as “heartbreaking,” “unbelievable” and “a dark day for Nollywood.”

 

 

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was among those who reacted emotionally, reportedly lamenting that the industry had lost “a rare soul” whose charisma and talent helped shape modern Nollywood.

 

 

Alexx Ekubo, widely admired for his stylish persona, romanti movie roles and strong social media influence, rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition before becoming one of Nollywood’s most sought-after actors.

 

 

The development also reignited conversations surrounding the actor’s prolonged absence from social media in recent months, which had earlier triggered concern among fans over his wellbeing.
Despite the widespread reports, confusion continued to trail the story as no official statement had been issued by the actor’s family, management or close associates confirming the alleged death as of press time.

 

 

The uncertainty surrounding the reports further fueled tension online, with many Nigerians demanding clarity while others urged the public against spreading unverified information.

 

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

Published

on

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

 

Popular Nigerian actress, singer and dancer, Seyi Ariyo, popularly known as Shebaby, has stirred reactions on social media following speculations that she is expecting a child years after getting married.

 

The development has generated excitement among fans and colleagues, especially on Instagram where many have continued to flood her page with congratulatory messages and prayers.

 

While some admirers celebrated the actress and prayed that her joy would be permanent, others pointed to a viral video currently making rounds online, where several entertainers, among them Oyita, a close friend, Tawa Ajisefinni, Seyi Ẹdun, Bukky Fagbuyi, and a host of others including Olú Maintain, were seen rejoicing and congratulating her.

 

Although Shebaby is already a mother with a grown daughter, the latest development has continued to attract attention within the entertainment industry and among her followers.

 

Before now, the London-based entertainer had built a strong reputation for herself in both music and acting. She has released several songs and also worked alongside notable Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and other respected entertainers in the industry.

 

In the movie sector, Shebaby is also regarded as a household name. Sources close to the actress revealed that she is currently working on a new project titled Father Forgive Me.

 

Fans and colleagues have continued to pray for the actress, wishing her safe delivery and more happiness in her home.

 

#Shebaby #SeyiAriyo #EntertainmentNews #Nollywood #Pasuma #Olumaintain #CelebrityNews

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Published

on

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

 

Supporters of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the retired army general is working against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

In a statement issued on Friday by Engr. Hassan Mohammed, Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin was described as a committed statesman who remains loyal to constituted authority and dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

The statement noted that Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff and later as ambassador, had throughout his career demonstrated discipline, professionalism and respect for constitutional authority.
According to Mohammed, the retired lieutenant general has consistently expressed support for the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in the areas of national security, youth empowerment and national cohesion.

 

He said, “Gen. Buratai remains a committed Nigerian statesman who has always placed national interest above personal politics.”
The statement further described reports linking Buratai to alleged anti-government activities as “baseless, politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary division.”

Mohammed urged Nigerians to disregard what he called attempts at blackmail and misinformation, insisting that Buratai’s public record and engagements reflect his continued support for the current administration.

“His actions and public record speak louder than online rumours,” the statement added.
The supporters also called on the public to remain focused on issues that promote national development and unity rather than social media speculation.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending