celebrity radar - gossips
On Faith, Fiction and the Facts: Nigeria Will Not Be Lectured By O’tega Ogra
On Faith, Fiction and the Facts: Nigeria Will Not Be Lectured
By O’tega Ogra
Editorial Note:
_Following renewed claims from certain Western voices, including United States Senator Ted Cruz and television host Bill Maher, alleging “Christian persecution” in Nigeria, O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement and Strategy, offers this measured response. It reflects the growing insistence within Africa’s largest democracy that its story will be told by its own citizens, not rewritten from abroad._
It is remarkable how quickly concern for Nigeria resurfaces whenever some in the West need a new stage for their moral theatre. This time a senator with a well-kept beard and a television comedian have found new applause lines in our pain. Different microphones, same script, same ignorance dressed as concern.
I begin where truth stands unshaken. There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. There is terrorism, the same plague that tore through Iraq, Syria and Libya, and now creeps through the very West that once exported it. Yet Nigeria confronts it daily, in a few regions, without foreign sympathy or selective outrage.
Our soldiers, Muslim and Christian alike, fall side by side defending one Republic under one flag. Nigeria will not be lectured by those who confuse our struggle for security with a struggle of faith.
Before preaching righteousness they might read a little history. Islam flourished on our northern plains centuries before America existed. Christianity found harbour on our southern shores before the American Republic was conceived. Both have lived within this geographic expression now called Nigeria longer than that Republic itself, often side by side, rarely apart.
Our constitution forbids any state religion.
Our streets echo with both the imam’s call to prayer and the Sunday choir. In many homes Christians and Muslims share one table, one grief, one dream. That is the Nigeria they never see, because unity does not trend.
When a United States senator whose own colleagues have admitted that Washington’s interventions helped arm groups like Boko Haram now accuses Nigeria of religious persecution, the irony borders on self-parody. You cannot set a region on fire and then accuse the victims of arson.
Now the same senator, Ted Cruz, seeks to legislate Nigeria’s faith from Washington.
That is not religious freedom. That is old colonial arrogance dressed in modern language. Nigeria does not legislate for Texas, and Texas will not legislate for Nigeria.
You cannot wrap interference in scripture and call it compassion. Concern is easy when it costs nothing. Facts are harder when they expose convenience. Nigeria does not seek validation, only accuracy.
And to the comedian crawling for propaganda dollars, faith in Nigeria is not a punchline. It feeds the hungry, shelters the displaced, and gives hope to the weary.
Mocking belief may earn applause abroad. Here it earns silence, the kind that comes from people too busy rebuilding to laugh.
Nigeria’s challenge is not faith. It is terror and the exploitation of pain for profit. Those who frame our fight as sectarian warfare only serve the very extremists they claim to condemn.
We recognise the choreography and the dance of shamelessness. This is a coordinated narrative designed to divide, to paint Africa’s most complex democracy as chaos, and to drain our story of dignity.
But Nigeria does not perform for foreign theatre. We stand, we rebuild, and we believe with partners, not patrons.
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said, “Nigeria may bend, but we do not break.” If persecution is what they seek to find, they might begin by examining how many wars were fought in the name of their own exceptionalism. In our culture, when a visitor sets fire to your roof and returns with a bucket, we do not call him a hero.
The real story of Nigeria is not persecution but perseverance, a nation of more than two hundred million who rise each dawn determined to live together, to fight together, and to build together. We are not perfect, but we are not pawns.
Nigeria is not a victim to be pitied. It is a nation to be respected. The cross, the crescent and the ancestral spirit stand here, not in conflict but in covenant, and this is our simple truth. We will defend it calmly, firmly and without apology.
History has taught us that nations built on conviction outlast those built on condescension. Nigeria will outlast both their pity and their prejudice.
_~ O’tega Ogra is Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Digital Engagement and Strategy. He writes on governance, digital diplomacy and Africa’s evolving voice in global affairs._
celebrity radar - gossips
Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51
Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51
The management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties Limited have joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, as he marks his 51st birthday.
In a statement released by the company, the milestone was described as a celebration of an exceptional leader whose vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance have not only transformed Adron Homes into a household name in Nigeria’s real estate sector but have also redefined affordable housing across the country.
Under his dynamic leadership, Adron Homes has continued to expand its footprint, delivering value-driven residential solutions while empowering thousands of Nigerians with opportunities for home ownership. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has remained the driving force behind the company’s sustained growth and industry leadership.
The statement further highlighted Aare EmmanuelKing’s passion for nation-building and community development, noting his significant contributions to job creation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of socio-economic development through real estate investments.
“As a leader, mentor, and visionary, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing has consistently inspired a culture of excellence, integrity, and dedication within the organization. His ability to turn bold ideas into reality continues to position Adron Homes as a trailblazer in the industry,” the statement read.
The company expressed profound gratitude for his steadfast leadership and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and sound health as he embarks on another year of impactful achievements.
As he celebrates his 51st birthday, the entire Adron Homes family proudly honours a man whose legacy continues to shape the future of real estate in Nigeria.
Happy 51st Birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing!
Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu
Taofik Afolabi
The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.
Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.
The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.
Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.
In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.
celebrity radar - gossips
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.
From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.
Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);
Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);
Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;
Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;
Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.
Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.
The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.
” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.
To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.
Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.
The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.
The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’
Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.
” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.
The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.
Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.
” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.
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