celebrity radar - gossips
What Nigerians must do to defeat COVID-19 By Ezrel Tabiowo
Barely days to the end of a four-week lockdown declared by President Muhammadu Buhari to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease in Nigeria, I’ve seen a few number of “pots and pan protests” on various social media platforms.
This left me with some questions, amongst which is why a few Nigerians would choose to protest in the face of a pandemic that has shaken the very foundations of advanced healthcare systems in developed countries of the world.
I also wondered why some other desperate few felt the need to trend online by politicising the COVID-19 situation through unwarranted criticisms of government initiatives and directives. Could this be due to lack of patriotism from a preference to feed the ego over putting the country first?
My observation from the videos I’ve seen so far is that those championing this protest are not even hungry and poor.
The reality on ground is that the poor ones still go about making their daily earnings. Just yesterday morning, my electrician came all the way from the Lugbe axis – a satellite town not far away from the Abuja metropolis – to fix an electrical problem I had in my house. Three days ago, my plumber also came to attend to a plumbing problem in my kitchen.
Somehow, the poor have been able to find their way around despite the lockdown. At least, I can say this with all certainty about those I know personally with a source of income, but not the unemployed. It, therefore, becomes imperative for the Federal Government and citizens to identify the unemployed so as to ensure that government’s palliative trickles down rightly.
Where this has not been done properly, those superintending over the local government councils must immediately engage their representatives at the State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly to ensure that the poor are beneficiaries of the scheme.
Reverting to my assessment on the impact of the lockdown, it is common knowledge that markets are open to the public, and I can tell you that some businesses have found a way of rendering online services that deliver goods, ranging from electronics supply to furniture at your doorstep. So, what is the protest for, really?
We are at a time when we need to contain the spread of a disease. So far, those behind this protest are just calling out the government without even coming up with suggestions and proposals needed to address the fear of community spread of the dreaded virus should the lockdown be lifted. To be candid, this reeks of hypocrisy and puts to question the motive behind the protest.
In any case, I think on another count that this swings both ways. If President Buhari decides to lift the lockdown and we see a significant increase in number of infections and deaths, I can guarantee you that these same persons would be handy to advance another anti-government scheme to discredit the administration. Who knows, they would most probably come up with a ‘head-pan and cement’ protest to denigrate the government over the insufficient number of isolation centres and ventilators in the country. And the condemnation goes on in a vicious cycle that helps no one.
In my view, this moment of emergency calls for collective cooperation and mutual understanding on the part of citizens and the Federal Government, and not attempts to disrupt the activities or sabotage the efforts of the latter.
Nobody is finding it easy at this time, including myself, but we must continue to harbour optimism that the decision of the Federal Government to be conveyed in a nationwide broadcast by the President on Monday, would again grant us some weeks of reprieve in the face of the grave danger the world currently faces.
As it stands, the only available and efficient option in the fight against the pandemic for now is the introduction of a partial lockdown to reduce the rapid spread of the disease, while allowing government time to identify infected persons and isolate them from the population.
To compliment government’s initiatives, let us get on board to propose ways in which the fight against COVID-19 can be made more effective. The Presidential Task Force is there to take note of concerns and observations made by Nigerians, and the National Centre for Disease Control helplines are equally available for this purpose.
It is my hope that we all make it out of this pandemic without recording high number of deaths, whilst at the same time noting the need to develop our health institutions to sufficiently deal with a reoccurrence in the future.
Ezrel Tabiowo, MBSC, Fsca, wrote this piece from Abuja
April 26, 2020
celebrity radar - gossips
General Buratai to deliver University of Ilorin’s distinguished personality lecture
General Buratai to deliver University of Ilorin’s distinguished personality lecture
The Department of Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Ilorin has announced that a former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Lt. General (Rtd) Tukur Buratai (CFR), will deliver its prestigious Distinguished Personality Lecture.
The lecture is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, at the University Auditorium by 10:00 a.m. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), is expected to be the Chief Host, while Dr. Monsurat Isiaka (Ph.D.), Head of the Department, will serve as Host.
Buratai, who brings a wealth of unmatched experience from his military and diplomatic service, will be speaking on the critical theme: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and National Security: The Youth and National Aspirations.”
The lecture aims to foster critical conversation about Nigeria’s future security landscape, the pivotal role of the armed forces in national stability, and the interplay between national aspirations and the country’s youth population.
celebrity radar - gossips
From Global Stages to Public Service: Media Mogul Fidelis Duker Officially Joins House of Reps Race for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South
From Global Stages to Public Service: Media Mogul Fidelis Duker Officially Joins House of Reps Race for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South
CALABAR, NIGERIA – Renowned media practitioner, veteran filmmaker, and global cultural ambassador, Fidelis Duker, has officially declared his intention to run for the Federal House of Representatives, representing the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency.
In a definitive move that bridges the gap between international enterprise and grassroots governance, the Henshaw Town-born pioneer has successfully picked up his Expression of Interest (EOI) form under the platform of the NNigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Duker’s entry into the legislative race brings an unprecedented level of global exposure and professional pedigree to Cross River State’s political landscape. For over three decades, he has stood as a towering figure in Africa’s creative economy.
As the founder of the Abuja International Film Festival West Africa’s longest-running film festival, and the Regional Secretary General for the Federation of Pan African Filmmakers (FEPACI), Duker has consistently flown Nigeria’s flag at prestigious international fora worldwide. From presenting the brilliance of African storytelling at the legendary Cannes Film Festival in France to driving strategic industry dialogues across Europe and Africa, his extensive global travels have positioned him as a master of international relations and resource mobilization.
“Our constituency does not suffer from a lack of potential; it suffers from a lack of structured, globally competitive representation,” Duker stated following the collection of his nomination documents. “My career has been defined by creating wealth, building platforms, and placing Nigerian talent on the world map. I am stepping into this race to deploy that exact same global network, corporate discipline, and innovative leadership to bring sustainable development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure to Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South.”
Duker’s visionary campaign is backed by an elite, multi-disciplinary educational background curated from top-tier local and international institutions. He holds credentials from the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism and Crawford University, alongside advanced professional training from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His world-class expertise in broadcasting and mass communications was further sharpened at the globally acclaimed BBC Training Academy and the Deutsche Welle Training Akademie, complementing his academic roots at the Cross River University of Technology.
As the Chief Executive Officer of FAD Media Productions—the powerhouse behind FAD 93.1 FM Calabar, FAD FM 101.3 Abuja and FAD 360 TV, Duker is already one of the largest private-sector employers of youth in Cross River State. His legislative blueprint vows to replicate this success on a macro scale by introducing bills that will be tech-driven youth development projects, positioning bills that will attract foreign direct investment to the constituency’s coastal assets, and ensuring uncompromising transparency in the execution of constituency projects.
The NDC leadership and various community support groups have warmly received his candidacy, describing it as a breath of fresh air and a critical step toward elevating the constituency to international standards of governance and economic growth.
celebrity radar - gossips
Ileya Tonic : King Saheed Osupa Announces New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis
Ileya Tonic : King Saheed Osupa Announces New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
Veteran Fuji musician King Saheed Osupa is set to release a new 2-in-1 album titled Acapella & Metamorphosis on May 26, 2026.
The announcement was revealed through promotional materials shared across the singer’s official social media pages, where anticipation has already started building among longtime fans of the Fuji icon. The artwork for the project presents Osupa in a calm and regal setting, matching the mature image he has maintained throughout his career.
While full details about the tracklist and featured artists are yet to be officially released, the title of the project has already sparked conversations online. “Metamorphosis” suggests a new phase or evolution, while “Acapella” hints at a more raw or expressive musical direction. Together, both titles point toward a project that may combine classic Fuji elements with a refreshed sound and message.
Over the years, Osupa has remained one of the most respected voices in Fuji music, known for his deep lyrical style, cultural storytelling, and loyal fanbase across Nigeria and beyond. Even as the music industry continues to evolve, the singer has maintained strong relevance, especially among audiences who appreciate traditional Yoruba-rooted sounds blended with contemporary production.
The decision to release a 2-in-1 album also stands out at a time when many artists are focusing on shorter projects and singles. For established acts like Osupa, larger releases often serve as a statement of longevity, consistency, and artistic confidence.
Fans have continued to react positively to the announcement online, with many already counting down to the release date. The project is expected to arrive on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, Boomplay, YouTube Music, TIDAL, and Deezer.
With the official release now scheduled for May 26, listeners will be watching closely to see what King Saheed Osupa delivers on Acapella & Metamorphosis and whether the project marks another defining moment in his long-running career.
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