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THE OMOREGIE OGBEIDE-IHAMA FACTOR IN REPRESENTATION POLITICS

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While some see political office as an exalted pedestal for self-aggrandizement and pecuniary pursuits, there are few who make judicious use of such a position to add value to the larger society. This rare group are usually men and women of intellectual substance who have, among other philosophical orientations, imbibed the Platonic concept of the Philosopher King as their guiding principle.

The lawmaker representing the Oredo Federal Constituency at the House of representatives fits into this rare group. A young and vibrant politician whose passion for good governance is phenomenal, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama has shone like the milky since he assumed office in 2015. He has made remarkable contributions on the floors of the Green Chamber where he has continued to move progressive motions aimed at bettering the lot of his people back home and in the diaspora.

Doubling as the House Committee Chairman on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama’s input towards the reorientation of Oredo youths has been very significant, bearing in mind the human trafficking and illegal migration challenges that had ravaged youths of Edo state. Apart from being a worthy role model to many who think that the only way to make it in life is to pursue quick fixes, the lawmaker has demonstrated that with patience and hard work, there is nothing a young man cannot achieve.

More so, his cultural reorientation efforts in his constituency have helped to shape the psyche of an average Oredo youth, making them to see the innumerable potentials embedded in their culture by setting up cultural clubs in schools within his constituency. The larger-picture-effect of these efforts lies in the illustrious embrace of loftier heights by the Edo youth rather than run on the fastlane in pursuit of shadows.

Apart from the numerous constituency projects he has continued to commission, Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama’s impact at the National Assembly has been outstanding. His leadership qualities and selfless mien have earned him international recognition as he was recently awarded an honourary doctorate in Public Administration by the Commonwealth University. “I want to express from the most sincere depths of heart my gratitude, and to dedicate this award to all Oredo constituents for their unwavering Love and support extended to me since I joined politics and all through my service so far. I am sure I haven’t disappointed you so far, even though there is still so much to be done. God will strengthen me with continued zeal to deliver on your expectations in any capacity you place me,” he said through a Facebook post shortly after receiving the award in Dubai, UAE.

During a recent plenary at the House of Representatives, Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama raised a very salient issue while moving a motion aimed at stopping the Independent National Electoral Commission from implementing an obnoxious policy which would lead to the disenfranchisement of his constituents, nay many Nigerians. As a staunch supporter of the democratic process, his motion was aimed at checkmating any negative clog that would pose a problem to the wheels of people-oriented politics and the principle of inclusiveness at all levels.

In a message to his constituents titled URGENT NEED TO HALT THE DISPLACEMENT AND DISENFRANCHISEMENT OF REGISTERED VOTERS AS A RESULT OF THE PROPOSED SPLIT OF POLLING UNITS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, the lawmaker observed that, “All efforts should be made by all stakeholders to make the electoral process easier and more encouraging for citizens to participate. Anything that will make it more difficult than it already is for a citizen to cast his vote must be discouraged.”

Continuing, he added, “INEC, as part of the preparations for the 2019 general elections has decided to split existing polling units which have more than 750 registered voters into new units to be CITED IN COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. What this means is that a voter who is registered to vote in George Idah Pry School, Ihama Rd, GRA for instance, may have her present unit split if it has over 750 registered voters and her new unit moved to probably Oko Central!”

“When my constituents have done their part by going through the ‘stress’ of registering close to their homes to enable them vote on election day, INEC should not make their efforts in vain with this its proposed plan. Nobody needs to be told that this move if allowed to go ahead will end up disenfranchising thousands of voters,” he concluded. That motion was greeted with an immediate action by the honourable Speaker of the House of Representative who set up a committee to look into the matter and submit its recommendations in due course.

Presenting a trophy recently for the flag off of the Stephen Keshi Memorial U-17 Football Tournament recently, the lawmaker urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of giving honour to those who have served the nation meritoriously while pledging to continue to support every good cause that aims at engendering development. “I want to affirm my commitment to all efforts by every group-corporate, government and community to ensure that his name and legacy lives on,” he said, adding that, “A younger generation is watching how we treat those who have sacrificed and brought honour to our country.”

No doubt, Nigeria needs vibrant and cultured minds like Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama to steer the nation towards the right direction. The rot that has continued to eat deep into our polity will continue unabated until we as a people start to look out for quality in the kind of people we vote into political offices. We must stop the practice of allowing our votes to be bought by money bags. The Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama factor in representation politics speaks for itself. Quality thinking, a philosophy of selflessness, good education and an innovative spirit – these are the makeup of the Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama factor

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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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