As a young reporter in the early 90s, I grew up in the newsroom hearing the phrase ‘IBB Boys’. These were young soldiers loyal to the former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida who ruled Nigeria between August 27, 1985 and August 26, 1993. As a directing staff (lecturer) at the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA in the early 1970s, IBB was reported to have grown and groomed officers who were fiercely loyal to him. Indeed, many boasted that they could lay down their lives for IBB. Popular Colonel Abubakar Umar sensationally…
Day: June 7, 2025
JUST IN: Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha dies at 95 after 16-year battle with Prostate Cancer
Veteran Nigerian highlife musician and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha, fondly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” has passed away at the age of 95 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. His death was confirmed on Saturday by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, who revealed that the music legend died at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu. “My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment,” Emma said. “He died at exactly 8 p.m. on Friday, and his body has been deposited…
The underdevelopment of Ijebu-Jesa, my Native Nazareth (1) By abiodun KOMOLAFE
I am an angry Nigerian! I am angry because Ijebu-Jesa, my hometown, is a town where the past and present intersect in a complex blend of tradition and modernity. The headquarters of Oriade Local Government in Osun State seems to be struggling to find its footing, and it is as if my Native Nazareth is stuck in a time warp where progress and stagnation coexist in an uneasy balance. The concept of ‘home’ in Ijebu-Jesa is a complex one. It’s a place of belonging, but also a site of struggle.…
And these two things…, By Emmanuel Ogbeche
There have been some bawling and hypocritical euphoria over the barbs between Rufai Oseni of ARISE TV and Lere Olayinka, SSA to Minister Nyesom Wike. It is disconcerting to see the integrity challenged, and credibility deficient waxing sanctimonious and attempting to hold the banner of professionalism. Eweleke! Which professionalism? People who cut corners, who in real life are intemperate, insidious and malicious jumping like hares on a chase mouthing “it is a disgrace to Arise Tv.” “What a shame to broadcasting.” And many other politically correct and dubious angst. For…
Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Love, Sacrifice, and Unity By Coach Adebayo Abdullateef (Happy Home)
As the crescent moon ushers in the season of Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid el-Kabir, hearts swell with gratitude, homes fill with laughter, and communities come alive with celebration. But beyond the meat and merriment lies a deeper meaning, a profound story of faith, sacrifice, and unwavering obedience to the Divine. We remember Prophet Ibrahim (AS), a man tested by Allah in ways unimaginable. Commanded to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma’il (AS), he submitted wholeheartedly. Remarkably, his son too, in full obedience, was willing to be sacrificed for the…