celebrity radar - gossips
The Dreamers Who Prefer to Smile While Standing in the Ashes
The Dreamers Who Prefer to Smile While Standing in the Ashes.
George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published on saharaweeklyng.com
“We pray for change; then we applaud the status quo.”
The tragedy of Nigeria is not a lack of intelligence, talent or even ambition, it is the absence of collective courage. The average Nigerian dreams of the best, prays for transformation, but trembles at the thought of doing what it takes to make that dream real. He is content to “suffering and smiling” as the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti sang, while waiting for salvation from a system he secretly knows is rotten to the core.
We are a nation of dreamers not doers; believers, not builders. We talk revolution at night and queue for handouts in the morning. Everyone laments corruption, but only a few dare to challenge it. We all desire a better Nigeria, yet most Nigerians fear the discomfort that true change demands.
Our national mindset has been conditioned to equate endurance with virtue. We glorify survival instead of progress. Instead of fighting back, we have learned to adapt to hardship (living without light, without security, without hope) and calling it “God’s will.” This attitude has birthed generations of citizens who prefer endurance to resistance.
The late literary icon Chinua Achebe once declared, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” Leadership is not born in isolation; it grows from a people willing to demand accountability. The Nigerian tragedy, therefore, is not just in bad governance but in citizen complacency but the silence of millions who prefer to smile in the ashes rather than rebuild from the ruins.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty; deprived of access to clean water, health care, education or secure income. Yet, the outrage is mild. Instead of mass civic awakening, we see mass migration. The World Bank estimates that more than 1.2 million Nigerian professionals have left the country in the last five years, draining critical sectors such as medicine, engineering and academia.
Dreamers keep leaving; the timid keep surviving.
History offers us instructive contrasts. Some nations reached a breaking point (that sacred threshold where silence was no longer an option) and chose to stand.
South Africa did it in 1994, after decades of apartheid. The courage of Nelson Mandela and countless unnamed revolutionaries changed the course of history. They decided it was “now or never.” For them, freedom was not a prayer point; it was a moral obligation.
Ghana did it in 1957, when Kwame Nkrumah declared independence and rallied his people around self-reliance and dignity. They did not wait for perfect conditions; they created them.
Tunisia did it in 2011, when the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi sparked the Arab Spring, ending decades of dictatorship.
Even Rwanda, ravaged by genocide in 1994, stood up, redefined itself and became one of Africa’s most disciplined societies.
Each of these nations reached a point where fear was no longer an option and they transformed because citizens decided to act.
In contrast, Nigeria (with her unmatched human capital, oil wealth and global influence) still crouches beneath the weight of timidity. We have perfected the art of complaining without confrontation. We hide behind tribalism, religion and pessimism, waiting for messiahs who never come.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, once said, “Reform is never easy. Those who benefit from the old ways will always resist change.” But Nigerians themselves, too, often resist reform. Why? Because true reform requires short-term pain and we have grown allergic to discomfort.
We want electricity but reject tariff adjustments. We want good governance but sell our votes for ₦5,000. We want leaders with integrity but glorify looters who share food during elections.
This moral inconsistency keeps us trapped in the cycle of stagnation. Economists call it “rational inertia”, the tendency of societies to prefer familiar misery over unfamiliar hope.
When President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidy in 2023, the same Nigerians who once criticized Goodluck Jonathan for “cowardice” in 2012 suddenly called the move “heartless.” Yet, every credible economist (from Bismarck Rewane to Dr. Doyin Salami) agrees that subsidy removal was essential to stabilizing Nigeria’s collapsing fiscal structure. But because we have been trained to seek comfort over correction, we sabotage necessary change even when it is for our collective good.
The Spirit of Revolution (Not in Blood, but in Mind.
The revolution Nigeria needs is not a bloody uprising. It is a revolution of responsibility) where citizens decide that enough is enough. The courage to demand transparency, to reject tribal politics, to participate in governance and to hold public officers accountable.
Countries that rose from chaos did not do so because of divine luck; they did so because ordinary men and women refused to surrender. South Africans defied fear to dismantle apartheid. Tunisians risked their lives to end tyranny. Rwandans rebuilt a shattered nation brick by brick.
When will Nigerians stop outsourcing courage to God? When will we realize that God blesses effort, not excuses?
Data Doesn’t Lie, Nigeria’s youth population (over 70% under the age of 35) is its greatest asset, yet also its greatest untapped potential. UNESCO reports that about 10.5 million Nigerian children remain out of school; the highest in the world. The World Bank ranks Nigeria among the top 10 countries with the worst human capital indices in 2024.
We are a nation sitting on a demographic goldmine, but instead of mining it through education, innovation and governance, we are exporting it through migration.
As Professor Wole Soyinka once noted, “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” That silence, today, has become deafening. We have grown comfortable in fear and fluent in endurance.
To fix Nigeria, we must break this culture of passive optimism. Dreaming is not enough, but doing is the true measure of belief. The young must take ownership of their destiny, not just through hashtags and protests but through political participation, innovation and civic involvement.
Run for office. Build cooperatives. Join reform movements. Start small, but start somewhere.
Nigerians abroad (from Johannesburg to London) must redirect part of their remittances to projects that build, not just sustain, families. Communities must take charge of local schools, hospitals and policing. Accountability begins at the grassroots.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, once said, “Africa does not need pity. It needs fair policies and empowered people.” Empowerment begins when the people stop being spectators.
Every generation faces its defining moment (its “now or never.” For South Africa, it was apartheid. For Ghana, it was independence. For Tunisia, it was dictatorship. For Nigeria, it is moral paralysis) the choice between perpetual complaint and collective courage.
If 220 million Nigerians decide, truly decide, that this is the moment to stand, the story will change. We will no longer be the giant of Africa in name only, but in substance, in vision and in courage.
Closing Reflection.
A chronic disease that has spread to every organ can only be cured by radical treatment. Nigeria’s moral and civic illness demands a similar remedy; one rooted in discipline not denial.
If South Africa could defeat apartheid, if Rwanda could rise from genocide, then Nigeria can surely rise from mediocrity. But only when her dreamers stop standing and smiling; and start marching and building.
The choice is ours: to keep narrating dreams or to start living them.
celebrity radar - gossips
E‑Money’s Grand Gesture: A Closer Look at the SUV Gift to Chinedu “Aki” Ikedieze
E‑Money’s Grand Gesture: A Closer Look at the SUV Gift to Chinedu “Aki” Ikedieze
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Public Generosity, Celebrity Loyalty and the Symbolism of Wealth in Nigeria’s Entertainment Elite.”
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Nigerian billionaire and entrepreneur Emeka Okonkwo, widely known as E‑Money, once again captured national attention with a lavish and highly publicised act of generosity, gifting a brand‑new 2024/2025 Ford SUV to veteran Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, affectionately called Aki, during his high‑profile birthday celebration.
The event, held in Lagos amidst a constellation of entertainers, business figures and socialites, was itself part of an annual tradition in which E‑Money marks his birthday (on February 18) with large‑scale giveaways and spectacular shows of material philanthropy. This year, he announced the gift of over 30 cars to friends, staff and family, a gesture that quickly went viral as videos and images circulated across social media platforms.
In the case of Ikedieze, E‑Money’s gift appeared to be deeply personal. During the festivities, E‑Money stood beside his elder brother, Grammy‑nominated musician KCee and recounted how Ikedieze stood by him at his 2007 wedding. The billionaire explained that the SUV was a “token of appreciation” for the enduring support the actor had shown over the years which is a narrative that blends friendship with public celebration.
Ikedieze, a Nollywood staple with a career spanning more than two decades and over 150 film credits, including the iconic Aki na Ukwa franchise, visibly reacted with humble surprise as he received the vehicle, bowing his head in respect and gratitude. The actor later shared the moment on his Instagram account with a caption celebrating the gift, further fuelling online engagement around the event.
Beyond the spectacle, this incident underscores evolving dynamics in Nigerian celebrity culture and the intersection of wealth, influence and reciprocity. Sociologist Dr. Chinedum Uche of the University of Lagos, speaking on the broader implications of such high‑profile gifts, notes: “Philanthropy that is highly publicised can reinforce social bonds, but it also reflects a culture where generosity is intertwined with reputation economy; where giving becomes as much a social signal as it is an act of kindness.” The quote highlights how public acts of wealth transfer among elites serve layered social functions that extend beyond pure altruism.
Critics of such displays argue that ostentatious giveaways, particularly in a country with stark economic disparities, risk amplifying social envy and exacerbating perceptions of inequality. Economist Dr. Ifunanya Nwosu from the Lagos Business School observes: “In societies marked by economic stratification, celebrity largesse may inspire admiration, but it can also inadvertently highlight structural inequities; prompting questions about systemic investment in public welfare versus individual generosity.”
Still, supporters maintain that E‑Money’s annual tradition (which has in past years included cash gifts to his brother KCee, comedians and even domestic staff) reflects genuine gratitude and a commitment to uplifting his immediate circle, albeit within the private sphere.
For Ikedieze, the SUV stands both as a heartfelt gesture from a longtime friend and a public affirmation of their enduring relationship. As the video of the moment continues to circulate, the broader narrative has ignited discussions about the role of private wealth in public life, celebrity culture and how acts of giving are interpreted in contemporary Nigerian society.
In a landscape where influence and generosity often play out in equal measure on public stages, E‑Money’s gift to Aki is more than a headline, it is a flashpoint in ongoing debates about wealth, friendship and visibility in Nigeria’s entertainment and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
celebrity radar - gossips
Spiritual Reality: Wicked People Are Possessed by Wicked Spirits — Dr. Christian Okafor
Spiritual Reality: Wicked People Are
Possessed by Wicked Spirits — Dr. Christian Okafor
…..“You don’t need to offend them before they attack you.”
…..“Your only true help comes from God.”
Demons are strategic and calculating. They detect threats quickly and position themselves to resist any power that may expose or overpower them.
According to the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christian Okafor, spiritual intelligence operates both in light and in darkness—and believers must understand this reality.
Dr. Okafor delivered this message on Thursday, February 19, 2026, during the midweek Prophetic, Healing, Deliverance and Solutions Service (PHDS) held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Operations of Demons
Teaching on the subject “Spiritual Reality” with the subtitle “Operations of Demons,” the Man of God explained that when demons possess individuals, their behavior changes. Such people may attack, bully, or resist those sent by God to help them, unknowingly rejecting divine assistance and prolonging their struggles.
“You don’t need to offend a demon before it attacks you,” he said. “What you carry is enough to provoke opposition. The greater your potential, the greater the battle.”
Dr. Okafor noted that many believers misinterpret battles as signs that God has abandoned them. However, he explained that some battles are permitted for growth, training, and divine glorification.
According to him, God may allow certain confrontations so that believers understand spiritual warfare and emerge stronger.
“Some battles are necessary,” he emphasized. “They push you into your turning point.”
He further stated that God does not respond to lies, blackmail, or bullying. He responds to His Word. Therefore, opposition is not proof of God’s absence, but often evidence of destiny at work.
The Weapon Against Demonic Attacks
Addressing solutions, Dr. Okafor described prayer as the strongest weapon against satanic operations.
“Prayer is the license that invites God into your battles,” he declared. “God does not intrude—He responds to invitation.”
According to the Apostle of Altars, understanding the principles and discipline of prayer enables believers to receive divine strategies for overcoming demonic resistance. Without prayer, he warned, spiritual help cannot be activated.
“You cannot receive help without God,” he concluded. “And you cannot engage God without prayer.”
Manifestations at the Service
The midweek gathering was marked by a strong move of the Spirit, with testimonies of deliverance, miracles, restoration, and solutions to various challenges presented before God. Several individuals reportedly committed their lives to Christ during the service.
celebrity radar - gossips
Kingdom Advancement: God Does Not Confirm Lies or Gossip — He Confirms His Word .” — Dr. Chris Okafor
Kingdom Advancement: God Does Not Confirm Lies or Gossip—He Confirms His Word
“When Doing Business with God,
People’s Opinions Do Not Count.”
— Dr. Christian Okafor
The greatest investment any Christian can make is partnering with God. According to the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christopher Okafor, when a believer commits to serving and advancing God’s kingdom, no barrier, lie, gossip, or blackmail can prevail against them.
This message was delivered during the Prophetic Financial Sunday Service held on February 15, 2026, at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
Doing Business with God
Teaching on the theme “Kingdom Advancement” with the subtitle “Doing Business with God,” Dr. Okafor emphasized that when a believer enters into covenant partnership with God, divine backing becomes inevitable.
“God is still in the business of covenant,” he declared. “When you make a covenant with Him, He honors the terms. When you win souls into the kingdom and remain committed to His work, He rewards you with what you could never achieve by your own strength.”
The Man of God stressed that God does not confirm lies, gossip, or negative narratives—He confirms His Word. Therefore, anyone genuinely committed to kingdom business should not be distracted by public opinion.
“No matter the blackmail or falsehood circulating around you, if you are focused on God’s assignment, those attacks will only strengthen you,” he stated.
He further noted that a believer’s understanding of God’s covenant determines their experience. “Your mentality about God’s covenant becomes your reality. When you truly know the God you serve, no devil can move you.”
Biblical Examples of Kingdom Partnership
Dr. Okafor cited several biblical figures who prospered through their partnership with God:
Abel
Abel served God with sincerity and offered his very best. His sacrifice pleased God, demonstrating that when a master is honored, he responds with favor.
David
David’s heart was fully devoted to God, and in return, God’s presence and favor rested upon him throughout his life.
Hannah
Hannah made a covenant with God, promising that if He blessed her with a child, she would dedicate him to His service. After fulfilling her vow, God rewarded her abundantly, blessing her with additional children.
Peter
Peter, a professional fisherman, surrendered his boat at Jesus’ request for kingdom work. Through that act of partnership and obedience, he experienced supernatural provision and divine elevation.
Conclusion
In closing, Dr. Okafor emphasized that one’s approach to God’s covenant determines the level of success and prosperity experienced. Commitment to kingdom advancement secures divine confirmation and supernatural results.
The Prophetic Financial Sunday Service was marked by prophetic declarations, deliverance, healings, miracles, restoration, and solutions to diverse cases presented before Elohim.
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