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ONOCHIE: THE AMAZON DESTINED FOR THE TOP By Idowu Ajanaku

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ONOCHIE: THE AMAZON DESTINED FOR THE TOP By Idowu Ajanaku

Love or hate her persona of courage and candour, there is no denying the fact that in the leadership equation, here in Nigeria and elsewhere in every democratic dispensation, loyalty and commitment to service pay.  Those factors  come of course, with character, hard work and being passionate to a cause one firmly believes in.
ONOCHIE: THE AMAZON DESTINED FOR THE TOP By Idowu Ajanaku
That may perhaps, explain why the name, LaurettaOnochiesends shivers down the spine of her traducers, all because she has stood solid and strong with her abiding loyalty to the President Muhammad Buhari’scause to promote integrity, quality service delivery  and gender equity especially in the political spectrum.
In essence, that would also explain why the leadership of Project Niger Delta, PND, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for heeding the calls of the good people of the Niger Delta. That is precisely so in the recent nomination of men and women of proven integrity to constitute the substantive board of the controversy-riddled Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC. Good enough, this falls in tandem with the Act setting up the CommissionNiger-Delta Development Commission (Establishment etc) Act 6 of 2000 as part of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
It would be noted that in spite of the barrage of verbal attacks that have trailed her commitment to sanitizing the New Media, which she has been spearheading  as the Senior Special Assistant to Mister President she has remained resolute. She has therefore, acted as a beacon bearer against the dark background of unproven innuendoes and insinuations, even from some of her own Niger Delta people.
On the other hand,  some others, like members of PND recognize her worth.  What that implies or the point it proves is that President Buhari has made this rare appointment beyond loyalty, to competence. The confidence he has exhibited in Onochie, the graduate of  Harvard University, University of Greenwich, University of Benin, University of Calabar, will surely go a long way for her to prove her mettle again.
In fact, as the PND group rightly noted, the inauguration of the substantive board of the commission was long overdue. Onochie’s appointment has therefore, revived the hopes of the people of the oil-rich region that the lost glory of the commission will be restored under her able watch.
Interestingly, Onochie, once approved by the Senate is coming as the fifth chairman of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the first woman to do so. That is history in the making.
Her appointment is coming some  three years after the last chairman of the board, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba was dropped by the president on January 25, 2019. The senator was appointed in 2016.
It is also on record thatOnochie was a national commissioner nominee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but was rejected because her state, Delta had already produced a commissioner in the electoral body.
In retrospect, the NDDC was established in 2000 by the administration of former President OlusegunObasanjo, to fast-track the development of the oil rich Niger Delta region.
The past chairmen of the NDDC board were Chief OnyemaUgochukwu from Abia State and Air vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (rtd) from Bayelsa as well as Senators Ewa-Henshaw and Victor Ndoma-Egba, all from Cross River State.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Buhari also announced the nomination of 15 others as NDDC board members.
It would be recalled that in September 2008, President UmaruYar’Adua(of blessed memory) announced the formation of a Niger Delta Affairs Ministry.  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) became a parastatal under the ministry.
One of the statutory functions of the commission is for human capacity development- to train and educate the youths of the Niger Delta region. The objective is to curb militancy and the attendant destruction of lives and property,  whilealso developing important infrastructure to promote diversification and productivity of the region’s economy.
Similar to PND, the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has praised the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint LaurettaOnochie as chairman of the NDDC board.
Also appointed as acting executive director, Finance and Administration of NDDC is Chris Amadi, while Samuel Adjogbe, an engineer, becomes acting executive director, projects.
According to MOSIEND president, Kennedy Tonjo West, because Onochie has worked closely with Buhari, he has no doubt that Onochie will implement the president’s vision for the Niger Delta.
West said: “I think this is the first time we are having a woman as chairman of the board. It is a novel idea. But first, she is an SA (special assistant) to the President and she is doing her job. And the kind of job as an SA, she will definitely do what her boss says.
“If you have put that as a yardstick, then, I am quite sure that was what had endeared her to her boss for being thorough and resolute when it comes to her job.
“Coming back as a chairman, she is a Niger Deltan, she has equal right like every other person that should be nominated. I think the National Assembly should expedite action in giving her the pass to come and serve.”
In a similar vein, the National Coordinator of PND, Comrade PrincewillEbebi in a statement in Yenagoa, the group is convinced that with LaurettaOnochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as Chairman and Managing Director respectively, the narratives of the board will change for good.
Ebebi said: “We believed that having duo as the Chairman and Managing Director, the Niger Delta will witness the needed transformation especially now that the pains and agonies running through the heart of people after the calamitous flood disaster that has destroyed the livelihood of the people.
“We charge them to bring their wealth of knowledge to bear in the lives of our people and change the narrative of the current dwindling status of the oil-rich region. We congratulate Mrs. LaurettaOnochie and Chief Dr Samuel Ogbuku and others for their well-deserved appointment to move the Niger Delta forward”.
Though some may view her current nomination for the NDDC headship as a form of compensation for her travails since she was turned down by the Senate for the INEC job, people should not lose sight of the fact that had she betrayed the cause she stood by, the pendulum of the appointment would have swung otherwise. That reminds us of Benjamin Disraeli’s statement that: “The secret of success is constancy of purpose”.
Ajanaku, a journalist writes from Lagos .

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Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

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Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

King of the Screen: Why Odunlade, Muyiwa, Femi Adebayo Remain Yoruba Movie Giants

 

The Yoruba movie industry has continued to produce legendary talents whose influence stretches beyond Nigeria to global audiences. Over the years, some actors have distinguished themselves through consistency, versatility, box office success, and cultural impact.

 

Among the numerous stars in Nollywood’s Yoruba sector, three actors have remained dominant figures whose names constantly resonate with fans and filmmakers alike — Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo.

Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

Odunlade Adekola: The Street King of Yoruba Cinema

 

Popularly regarded as one of the most entertaining actors in Nollywood, Odunlade Adekola has built a unique reputation through his energetic delivery, comic timing, emotional depth, and strong connection with grassroots audiences.

From comedy to action and emotional family dramas, the actor has consistently proven his versatility in blockbuster productions. His ability to interpret diverse roles effortlessly has made him a household name across Nigeria.

Industry observers believe his dominance on social media platforms, where his movie clips frequently go viral, has further strengthened his popularity among younger audiences.

Beyond acting, Odunlade has also contributed immensely to mentoring upcoming talents and expanding the commercial value of Yoruba films.

 

Muyiwa Ademola: The Master Storyteller

 

For many lovers of indigenous movies, Muyiwa Ademola remains one of the finest storytellers the Yoruba film industry has produced.

Widely respected for producing emotional and morally driven movies, the actor earned massive recognition through classic productions that focused on family values, culture, betrayal, perseverance, and societal lessons.

His calm delivery, deep scripts, and originality have kept him relevant despite changing trends in the entertainment industry.

Film critics often describe Muyiwa Ademola as one of the few actors whose productions combine entertainment with strong cultural education, making his movies timeless among older and younger viewers alike.

 

 

Femi Adebayo: The Modern-Day Box Office Force

 

Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’

Femi Adebayo has successfully combined traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern cinematic excellence, helping to project indigenous films to international audiences.

The actor, filmmaker, and producer has recorded major successes with high-budget productions that gained attention on streaming platforms and cinemas.

Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, Femi Adebayo has continued to push Yoruba movies beyond local boundaries while preserving cultural identity.

Entertainment analysts say his ability to blend culture, technology, and quality production has positioned him among the leading faces shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.

Growing Global Influence

The success of these actors reflects the increasing acceptance of indigenous Nigerian content globally. With streaming platforms creating wider access to local movies, Yoruba actors are now gaining international recognition and attracting new audiences.

Fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry believe the contributions of Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo have not only sustained Yoruba culture through film but have also elevated Nollywood’s global reputation.

 

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Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

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Olowu Kuta To Yoruba Obas: Uplift Culture And Tradition Of Our Forebears

Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

 

The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has called on the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to make peace, unity, and selflessness their guiding principles as the world marks this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

 

 

In his Sallah message, the revered monarch described Eid-el-Kabir as a “highly spiritual occasion that demands dedication, commitment, and selflessness.”

 

 

Oba Makama said the period should be used to reflect on societal happenings and promote messages of hope and unity without inciting provocation.

 

 

He urged Nigerians to live together harmoniously, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal affiliations, stressing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

 

“What should be uppermost in the mind of every patriotic Nigerian is **‘Country first,’” he said.

 

 

The monarch also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant in the face of insecurity, reassuring that the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are working round the clock to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

 

 

“The price wise men pay for eternal liberty is vigilance. I urge everyone to celebrate moderately and extend a helping hand to the less privileged, widows, and orphans, embracing them as our brothers and sisters,” Olowu Makama added.

 

 

He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

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Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

By Adeyemi Obadimu Veron

The Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and the world at large on the joyous occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In a statement made available to Newsmen, the revered monarch urged Muslims to embrace the true teachings of Islam by promoting peace, love, unity, sacrifice, and compassion during and after the festive period.

Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II noted that Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Salah, remains one of the most significant celebrations in Islam as it symbolizes total obedience, faith, and devotion to Almighty Allah, drawing inspiration from the unwavering sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated complete submission to the will of God.

According to the monarch, the Holy Qur’an teaches believers the importance of righteousness, kindness to humanity, tolerance, and support for the less privileged in society. He emphasized that the season should serve as a reminder for all Nigerians to live in harmony irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political differences.

The royal father further called on Muslims to use the sacred period to pray fervently for peace, stability, economic growth, and sustainable development in Nigeria, stressing that national progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and mutual understanding.

Oba Saliu also encouraged the faithful to extend hands of generosity to widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society, noting that the essence of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond celebration and feasting, but also reflects the spirit of sharing and caring for humanity as instructed in the Qur’an.

While wishing Muslims a peaceful and memorable Eid celebration, the Oloworo of Oworosoki prayed for divine blessings, prosperity, good health, and continued harmony in homes and communities.

“May this year’s Eid-el-Kabir strengthen our faith, deepen our love for one another, and bring renewed hope and abundant blessings to our nation,” the monarch stated.

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