society
Queen Salawa Abeni: Celebrating A Musical Icon at 65
Queen Salawa Abeni: Celebrating A Musical Icon at 65
Celebrating the 65th birthday of Queen Salawa Abeni is honouring enduring talent and impact, including marking her decades of excellent, high-energy performances.
Born on May 5, 1961 in Ijebu Waterside, Ogun State, Nigeria, Queen Abeni rose from humble beginnings to become Nigeria’s legendary ‘Queen of Waka Music’. She debuted her first musical work in 1976 with an album under Leader Records in honour of the assassinated Nigerian military Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. The album was recorded as the firstal by a female Yoruba singer to sell over one million copies in Nigeria.
Queen Salawa Abeni’s musical works from age 13, undoubtedly, inspires, moves audiences, and shifts cultural landscapes. She has really proved her worth as a female super star in her ‘waka’ genre to successfully compete in a male-dominated music industry. Beyond music, Queen Salawa Abeni’s influence is equally recognized through appearances in Nollywood, acknowledging her cultural impact as a pioneer and trailblazer in her ‘waka’ genre and Nigerian music generally.
Research indicates that Queen Abeni is creative and original, with songs that connect with music audiences irrespective of choices. Queen Salawa Abeni, with over 40 albums, pioneered the style of standing while singing. Her predecessors in the ‘waka’ genre were known for sitting while singing. Though she confessed that the decision was not a deliberate choice. “I started singing Waka standing. Those singing before me were sitting while singing. But it was because I was young so small that my microphone back then was almost beyond reach,” she disclosed.
Queen Abeni had an inspiring story about her beginning as a singer, which highlights her challenges and passion. When she was nine years old, she walked into the Lagos branch of the Leader Records and requested to be allowed to play a demo tape. The producer, thinking it was a joke, put her tape on his desk and promptly forgot about it, only to be shocked later on hearing the nine year-old girl sing at a social function in Epe, Lagos, in the most sonorous, and compelling mature voice. Without further ado, with the permission of her parents, the recording label owner took her to his studio where she had her debut on late Murtala Muhammed, which became one of the bestselling Nigerian songs at the time.
In 1977, Abeni founded ‘The Waka Modernisers’ going on to become one of the most successful artistes in Nigeria in the 80s and remaining the leader of the genre till date.
Some of her evergreen hit albums and live plays include Gentle Lady, Iba Omode Iba Agba, Shooting Stars, Ijamba Motor, Okiki Kan To Sele/Yinka Esho Eso, Orin Tuntun, Irohin Mecca, Ile Aiye, Omiyale, Ija O Dara, Ikilo, Enie Tori Ele Ku, Challenge Cup ’84, Adieu Alhaji Haruna Ishola, Indian Waka, Ìfẹ́ Dára Púpọ̀, Mo Tun De Bi Mo Se Nde, Awa Lagba, Abode America, Ileya Special, I Love You, We Are The Children, Maradona, Candle, Experience, Congratulations, Cheer Up, Waka Carnival, Beware, Live In London ’96, Appreciation, Good Morning In America, and more.
How did her parents react to her passion for music at nine years old? She confessed that it was challenging. “It was not easy, especially with my father. He opposed my decision, often warning that making music a career was such a dangerous idea. He tried to dissuade me from pursuing music, but I remained committed to my belief,” she stated.
There is one thing most creative singers do seem to have in common; Their children are exposed or encouraged to take to their craft. Queen Salawa Abeni is not an exception. Her three children, Deola, Sikiru and Big Sheriff are also into music, with Big Sheriff taking his concept to the international standard.
The ‘Waka Queen’ has had her fair share of life and professional challenges. “Life has taught me many valuable lessons. I’ve faced challenges, including having a child at 17 who passed away, and being sick for five years. But I’ve learned to persevere,” she disclosed. At 65, she looks 45. What is the secret to her youthful looks? She says she follows a healthy diet, exercises regularly; doesn’t drink or smoke. And she takes just Coca Cola and water.
Queen Salawa Abeni, at 65, continues to be a significant figure in the Nigerian music scene. Her career and personal strength will continue to make her an enduring icon of resilience within and outside the Nigerian music industry.
society
How Tinubu’s Government Is Suffering For Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Early Prophecies On Insecurity
*How Tinubu’s Government Is Suffering For Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Early Prophecies On Insecurity
After swearing-in on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received goodwill messages from renowned men of God, with many prophesying that his administration would be better, especially in terms of security.
Many of these messages were based on the earlier promise of the All Progressive Congress that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, would tackle insecurity adequately for the country.
However, in the midst of these praises and goodwill messages, renowned prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, who is known for always revealing the future of any new administration, spoke in a prophetic message that went viral, that insecurity will be used as a great tool against Tinubu’s administration.
The prophet had been talking about another APC government since 2022, noting that Nigerians will face several economic hardships, and he was detested by the ruling party and its supporters because of this. They saw him as an opposition party when they were supposed to listen to his prophetic warnings. However, it happened; the major indices of the economy are energy and currency. The exchange rate and price of petrol have never been so much like it has been for the past three years now.
The prophet warned repeatedly that insecurity and the economy would be the major issues President Tinubu would face in his administration, but did they listen? Absolutely not, because if they did, some of the issues being faced in the country would have disappeared.
Beyond his statement before the election, Primate Ayodele continued to warn the government against insecurity, even as far as warning against an impending coup. The prophet had revealed that some powerful Nigerians are angry with the president and have planned to remove him unconstitutionally. Of course, they never believed this till it happened. If not for the prophetic security alert issued by the prophet, the president may have been removed when the coup came to light.
These were his warnings regarding the coup:
“There will be an attempt to unseat Tinubu unconstitutionally; the NSA, DSS, and Chief of Army Staff must be careful about this. There are some gangs planning between November to January to unseat him.”
https://tribuneonlineng.com/some-powerful-nigerians-plotting-to-remove-tinubu-through-coup-primate-ayodele/
Thankfully, they were arrested, and some of them have been detained.
More recently, there were attacks on some states on Easter Sunday, leading to the death of some Christians. This happened as a result of obstinacy on the part of security operatives because just days before it, Primate Ayodele specifically warned that some states would be attacked from Easter Sunday, and it did happen, with security operatives having nothing to do to stop the incident.
These were Primate Ayodele’s warnings.
“Our security operatives must watch Easter Sunday well because plans have been concluded to carry out attacks in seven states starting from that day.
“The states to watch out for include Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, and Kaduna.
“The security operatives must be extra vigilant in these states starting from Easter Sunday.”
https://theeagleonline.com.ng/easter-sunday-primate-ayodele-warns-seven-states-of-terrorist-attacks/
Yesterday, there was an internal memo released by the Nigerian Customs Service that Boko Haram are planning to attack some prisons and airports in the country.
This corroborated the prophetic warning of Primate Ayodele, which he shared some weeks ago, regarding some prisons, specifically mentioning Kuje prison.
These were his words:
“Break jail is imminent, Kuje prison or they send a bomb into Kuje prison, it’s a midnight work…..”
Meanwhile, Primate Ayodele had warned that there are people sponsoring insecurity in President Tinubu’s government. He also urged him to name some of them in order to curb it, but this has yet to be done.
President Tinubu’s government would have been one of the best, but insecurity has tarnished it greatly, and the country is gradually returning to the days of daily killings; even Nigerian high-ranking soldiers are not spared. This insecurity has given the administration a bad record internationally, with the US naming Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
If the president had listened, Nigerians, and even the government, wouldn’t have suffered this much. However, it’s not too late for them to turn a new leaf.
society
Nigerian Navy Deepens Ties With Ogun Community
Nigerian Navy Deepens Ties With Ogun Community
In a deliberate effort to strengthen civil–military relations, the Nigerian Navy School of Music on Wednesday hosted youths from the Lemode Community Development Committee at its premises, in an engagement designed to foster trust and cooperation between the military and the civilian population.
The initiative, aligned with the civil–military cooperation drive under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, reflects a growing recognition within the armed forces that national security is reinforced not only through operations but also through meaningful connections with civilians, particularly the youth.
The visiting youths from Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State were received with warmth and professionalism, as naval personnel ensured seamless coordination, adherence to security protocols, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Central to the engagement was a security orientation session aimed at deepening mutual understanding and encouraging intelligence sharing. This was complemented by cultural and social interactions that helped demystify military life, presenting naval personnel as partners in community development. The exercise underscored the Navy’s commitment to openness and sustained engagement with host communities.
Addressing participants, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Adelaja Sanni, described the visit as a strategic platform for strengthening ties between the Navy and the civilian population. He emphasised that such initiatives help to build trust, promote unity, and foster a shared sense of responsibility for national development.
“The safety of our collective space relies on the information we share. Security awareness means making the youth our primary partners in intelligence. You understand your environment better than anyone, and we rely on your vigilance to keep our communities safe,” he said.
He commended the discipline and conduct of the participants, noting that while activities of the day may pass, the lessons on cooperation and security consciousness would endure.
Sanni also acknowledged the role of Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, describing him as the key link that made the engagement possible. According to him, Folorunsho’s consistent drive for open communication, and strategic public engagement has been central to bridging the gap.
A highlight of the visit was a novelty football match between personnel of the Nigerian Navy School of Music and the visiting official football team, popularly known as Met Boys. The encounter was lively and competitive, ending 2–1 in favour of the community side. OSBD Hunsa MM scored for the Navy, while Abubakar Onifade netted a brace to secure victory for the visitors in a game defined by skill, energy, and sportsmanship. Officials, however, stressed that the significance of the event extended far beyond the scoreline.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting community, Lateef Owodunni expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that the initiative had significantly bridged the gap between the military and the youth.
“The security orientation was enlightening. We now understand that intelligence sharing is not about targeting our own people, but about protecting our communities from criminal elements. We are taking this message of vigilance and cooperation back home,” he said.
Owodunni commended the Nigerian Navy, led by Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, particularly Captain Folorunsho, for promoting a people-centred approach to security communication. He described him as instrumental in fostering inclusive engagement within the Nigerian Navy.
He also applauded the leadership of the institution under Lieutenant Commander Sanni, noting that the Commanding Officer demonstrated that lasting peace and mutual understanding are achievable through consultation, dialogue, and engagement rather than confrontation or exclusion.
The engagement was received by other top officers of the Nigerian Navy School of Music, including the Chief Instructor, Lieutenant Onaolapo Onabolu, senior departmental heads, and other key personnel of the establishment.
society
Ijebu Muslim Professionals advocate Okubadejo for Deputy Governorship Candidate for 2027
Ijebu Muslim Professionals advocate Okubadejo for Deputy Governorship Candidate for 2027
Ijebu Muslim professionals have thrown their weight behind Hon. Dapo Okubadejo, advocating him for the deputy governorship candidate position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections in Ogun State.
The endorsement was made public by the President of the association, Sherik Abdulazeez Malik Odumosun, who addressed members of the media on the group’s position and reasons for backing Okubadejo.
According to Odumosun, Hon. Okubadejo has demonstrated exceptional leadership capacity and commitment to grassroots development through his role as a commissioner, particularly in the area of infrastructure development across Ijebu land.
He noted that several road projects executed under Okubadejo’s influence have significantly improved connectivity and boosted economic activities within the region, earning him widespread commendation from residents.
Odumosun further highlighted Okubadejo’s contributions to youth empowerment, stressing that his initiatives in skills acquisition, ICT training, financial support, and job creation have positively impacted many young people in the area.
On security, the association praised Okubadejo for strengthening safety measures by supporting security agencies with operational vehicles, thereby enhancing their capacity to tackle emerging security challenges in Ijebu communities.
The group also acknowledged his role in facilitating access to government opportunities at the federal, state, and local government levels, describing him as a bridge between the people and the government.
He described the commissioner as one of the most accessible public office holders, noting that his leadership style has translated into tangible and positive achievements across Ogun State.
While urging party stakeholders and the general public to support the call, Odumosun emphasized that pairing Okubadejo with Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as governorship candidate would ensure balanced representation and sustained development in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.
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