News - Women Times

Rena Wakama Makes History as First Female Coach to Secure Back-to-Back Women’s AfroBasket Titles

by Women Times on December 26, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Rena Wakama has solidified her legacy in African basketball by guiding Nigeria’s D’Tigress to their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship, becoming the first woman to win the tournament in repeat fashion as head coach.

In a commanding final, Nigeria defeated Mali 78-64, extending an unbeaten AfroBasket streak to 29 games and claiming their seventh overall title. This historic feat, no team had ever won five straight, also secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Amy Okonkwo earned MVP honors, heading the All-Star Five.

Wakama, who first broke barriers in 2023 with Nigeria’s fourth straight title, praised her players as “my queens” for their resilience despite limited preparation. At 33, the US-born coach of Nigerian descent (Rivers State roots) has rapidly risen, previously assisting with the Chicago Sky (WNBA) and earning 2024 Paris Olympics Best Coach after D’Tigress’ quarterfinal run, the first for any African team.

President Bola Tinubu honored the team with national awards, cash, and housing. Wakama’s achievements challenge gender norms in coaching, inspiring greater female participation while elevating women’s basketball across Africa.

News

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Expands Empowerment Programs Through Renewed Hope Initiative in 2025

by Women Times on December 26, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has intensified the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) throughout 2025, delivering comprehensive support to women, youths, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and vulnerable communities as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

RHI’s flagship programs included agricultural empowerment, providing farm inputs, tools, agrochemicals, and financial grants to hundreds of female farmers, student farmers, and cooperatives in states like Delta (400 beneficiaries in May) and others.

Economic initiatives featured non-repayable grants of ₦50,000 each to women entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, aiming to reach 18,500 women nationwide. Food outreaches distributed essentials to vulnerable households, widows, and PWDs in states including Ekiti, Kogi, and Niger.

Additional efforts encompassed health interventions (e.g., cervical cancer support), skills acquisition, environmental awareness through school clubs, and recapitalization grants for PWD-owned businesses. Collaborations amplified impact, touching over 100,000 families with education, social investment, and sustainability projects.

Praised by groups like the Arewa Youth Forum for northern impacts, these initiatives underscore RHI’s focus on inclusivity, food security, economic growth, and family strengthening, particularly elevating women as community pillars.

News

Debut Novelist Oyin Olugbile Wins Prestigious 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature

by Women Times on December 26, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In a landmark victory celebrating emerging literary talent, Nigerian author and cultural storyteller Oyin Olugbile (also known as Oyindamola Olugbile) has been awarded the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).

The $100,000 prize, one of Africa’s most prestigious and valuable literary awards, recognizes outstanding prose fiction in this cycle.

Olugbile’s debut novel, Sanya, triumphed over a fiercely competitive shortlist featuring renowned authors Chigozie Obioma (The Road to the Country) and Nikki May (This Motherless Land).

Described by judges as a captivating mythological retelling with Yoruba influences, Sanya explores profound themes of dangerous love, loss, redemption, identity, destiny, and transformation. Set in a fantastical empire enchanting even to the Òrìṣà deities, the novel boldly reimagines figures like Sango as female, blending lucid prose with sophisticated philosophical depth rooted in African traditions.

The announcement was made during the NLNG Grand Award Night at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, presided over by Advisory Board Chair Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo. She praised the high caliber of entries from 252 submissions, noting that while all shortlisted works demonstrated excellence and improved local publishing standards, Sanya “slightly takes the edge” for its daring narrative and emotional resonance.

A University of Lagos graduate with a B.A. in Creative Arts, Olugbile holds advanced qualifications from institutions including Harvard Business School Online and King’s College London. As a social impact management consultant and chief curator of the Experience Factory, an education, enterprise focused on youth development, she brings real-world insights into her storytelling. In interviews, Olugbile has shared that her “rebellious streak” and fascination with Yoruba mythology inspired the novel, emphasizing storytelling as a tool for cultural reclamation and societal change.

This win positions Olugbile among a rare group of debut authors to claim the prize, highlighting the rising prominence of female voices in Nigerian literature and inspiring aspiring writers nationwide.

News Entertainment

Shenseea Set to Light Up Lagos This Detty December with Cheeky Request for a “Rich Man”

by Women Times on December 23, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Jamaican dancehall sensation Shenseea has sent social media into a frenzy with her playful announcement that she’s heading to Lagos for the iconic Detty December festivities and she’s got a hilarious shopping list for her Nigerian fans.

In a viral video post, the “Blessed” hitmaker addressed her “Naija people” directly: “My Naija people, I dey come to Lagos for Detty December. Bring me gold. Bring me frankincense. Bring me a man.” With a wink and a laugh, she emphasized her top request: a rich one.

The cheeky biblical twist, referencing the gifts of the Magi but swapping myrrh for a wealthy suitor, has sparked thousands of reactions online, with Nigerians flooding her comments with jokes, invitations, and even “applications” from eligible bachelors.

Shenseea, known for her bold lyrics and electrifying performances, joins a star-studded lineup of international artists flocking to Lagos this festive season. Detty December, the month-long explosion of concerts, parties, beach raves, and nightlife, has become a global phenomenon, drawing diaspora Nigerians and tourists alike to the vibrant city.

This year, Lagos is buzzing more than ever with events like Flytime Fest, Livespot’s Detty December Fest, and headline shows from artists including Rick Ross, Gunna, and local Afrobeats kings. Shenseea’s arrival adds a dancehall flair to the mix, promising high-energy vibes amid the non-stop parties.

Fans are already speculating about potential performances or surprise appearances, given her history of collaborations with Afrobeats stars. Whether she’s here to perform or just to “detty” the season her way, one thing’s clear: Lagos is ready to roll out the red carpet and perhaps a few eligible rich men.

News

Two Women Arrested in Kano for Attempting to Smuggle Illicit Drugs into Prison

by Women Times on December 22, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Authorities at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Goron Dutse, Kano, have arrested two young women for allegedly trying to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the facility.

The suspects, identified as Maryam Ali, 19, and Hauwa Musa, 20, both residents of Kano State, were intercepted on December 21, 2025, during routine security checks as they attempted to enter the custodial centre.

According to Musbahu Lawan Knassarawa, Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Kano State Command, the women were found in possession of suspected illicit substances believed to be intended for delivery to inmates.

“The suspects were intercepted during routine security checks while attempting to gain entry into the custodial centre with suspected illicit substances,” Knassarawa said in a statement.

He described the incident as a serious violation of correctional service regulations and a criminal offense under Nigerian law.

Following their arrest, the women were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The NCoS Kano Command reiterated its commitment to upholding strict security measures and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal activities in and around custodial facilities.

This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by correctional authorities to prevent the influx of prohibited items, including drugs, into prisons across the country.

News

Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ Surpasses ₦512 Million at Box Office, Becomes 2025’s Highest-Grossing Nollywood Film

by Women Times on December 22, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Award-winning Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has once again shattered records with her latest movie, Behind The Scenes, which has grossed an impressive ₦512 million in just over a week since its theatrical release.

Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the film has been declared the highest-grossing Nollywood title of 2025 and the fastest to cross the ₦500 million mark. The milestone was celebrated with a statement thanking audiences across West Africa for their overwhelming support.

Released nationwide on December 12, 2025, following advance screenings, Behind The Scenes exploded out of the gates with over ₦200 million in its opening weekend alone, marking the biggest debut of the year and breaking five opening-weekend records.

The drama explores the pressures of family expectations, often referred to as “black tax,” and features a star-studded ensemble cast. Scarlet Gomez takes the lead, supported by Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakare, Uche Montana, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Mr Macaroni (Adebowale Adebowale), Ibrahim Chatta, Kamo State, and Big Brother Naija stars Handi and Wanni Danbaki, among others.

This triumph adds to Akindele’s unparalleled box office legacy, following her previous December hits: A Tribe Called Judah (2023) and Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), the latter becoming Nollywood’s all-time highest-grosser with over ₦1.8 billion.

As the festive season continues, Behind The Scenes remains in cinemas nationwide, with expectations high for further record-breaking performance. Akindele, often hailed as the “Queen of the Box Office,” continues to redefine commercial success in Nigerian cinema.

News

Aisha Buhari Reveals She Resisted Attempts to Evict Her from Aso Villa

by Women Times on December 22, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Former First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari, has disclosed that she fiercely resisted efforts by a powerful group of relatives and associates to evict her and her children from the Aso Rock Presidential Villa during her late husband’s administration.

In revelations from a new biography chronicling the life of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Buhari described how extended family members, their wives, and grandchildren occupied multiple residences within the Villa, creating an “ecosystem” that blurred personal and official boundaries.

“With most of our children studying abroad during the first term, the houses filled up quickly with relatives and courtiers,” the book quotes her as saying. She accused these individuals of exploiting President Buhari’s emotional attachments to family and old friends, manipulating access and influence to the detriment of national goals.

Mrs. Buhari recounted concerted attempts to isolate and push her out of the Villa, stating: “They tried to push everybody out, including me.” However, she stood firm, refusing to negotiate space or yield to what she described as scheming by unelected actors with no official roles.

The former First Lady also criticized the administration’s reluctance to remove underperforming officials, a weakness she attributed to the late President’s fear of being seen as dictatorial. She advised successor President Bola Tinubu against repeating such mistakes, advocating a pragmatic approach: tolerate officials delivering at least 50% performance, but remove those who deliver nothing.

Mrs. Buhari’s account adds to longstanding discussions about the influence of informal “cabals” in Nigerian politics, offering a rare insider perspective from the heart of the nation’s highest office.

News Health

Lagos Urges New Midwives to Strengthen Maternal Health

by Women Times on December 18, 2025

By Prosper Mene

The Lagos State Government has called on the final cohort of graduates from the Basic Midwifery Programme at the Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON), Igando, to play a pivotal role in enhancing maternal health services across Nigeria.

The charge was delivered during the institution’s 7th convocation ceremony held on Wednesday, where the 2022 intake cohort celebrated the completion of their rigorous three-year academic and clinical training.

Representing the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, an official urged the new midwives to uphold professionalism in their practice, emphasising their potential to significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.

The college’s Provost, Dr. Ogunmuyiwa Ayodeji, commended the graduates for their resilience and dedication throughout the demanding curriculum. She highlighted the ceremony as a reflection of their discipline and sacrifice, encouraging them to embody core values of compassion, competence, and integrity in an era where modern healthcare requires both empathy and continuous learning.

Chairman of the LASCON Governing Council, Professor Olaide Edet, advised the alumni to see their graduation as a foundation for further academic and professional growth. She warned against mediocrity and urged them to serve as proud ambassadors of the institution.

Professor Edet also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Lagos State School of Nursing Alumni for their ongoing investments in nursing education infrastructure and curriculum development.

The event featured the presentation of awards to students who excelled in various academic categories.

Stakeholders at the ceremony reiterated the need for a renewed commitment to the noble principles of nursing, focusing on appearance, conduct, and accountability. They noted that while Lagos has relatively better maternal and child health statistics compared to other regions, continuous efforts are required to address persistent challenges.

The Lagos State College of Nursing remains committed to producing ethically grounded and globally competitive nursing and midwifery professionals, contributing to the state’s broader goals of improving healthcare delivery and reducing maternal mortality rates.

News Health Lifestyle

Zamfara Unveils Safe Delivery Initiative to Boost Maternal Health

by Women Times on December 18, 2025

By Prosper Mene

The Zamfara State Ministry of Health has launched the Safe Delivery Initiative, aimed at strengthening services across the state and reducing birth complications.

The initiative was officially unveiled on Thursday at the Unguwar Dallatu Primary Healthcare Centre in Gusau, the state capital.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun, represented by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Hussaini Yakubu, described the programme as a pilot project starting with four health facilities in Gusau and Maru Local Government Areas. Plans are underway to expand it to 23 facilities across all 14 LGAs in the state.

“This initiative focuses on upgrading delivery rooms, enhancing antenatal and postnatal care, equipping facilities with essential drugs, and ensuring the presence of skilled birth attendants,” Dr Yakubu said.

He emphasised that the Safe Delivery Initiative aligns with Governor Dauda Lawal’s “Rescue Mission Agenda,” which prioritises reforms in the health sector to improve the wellbeing of citizens.

The launch comes on the heels of Zamfara’s recent recognition as the top-performing state in the North-West zone at the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge, an achievement credited to sustained investments in primary healthcare.

Dr Maradun thanked key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Acasus, International Rescue Committee, Premier Urgency International, and UNICEF, for their support. She urged continued collaboration to reduce complications during childbirth and rebuild community trust in the healthcare system.

The State WHO Coordinator, Dr Raji Mukhtar, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Zamfara Government and expressed readiness for further partnerships.

This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to lowering maternal and newborn mortality rates in Zamfara, where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge in many rural areas.

News Politics

Senator Ireti Kingibe Formally Joins ADC, Sets Sights on AMAC Victory Ahead of FCT Area Council Polls

by Women Times on December 18, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Senator Ireti Kingibe, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has officially defected from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The move, formalized today at her Wuse Ward in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), signals a major boost for the ADC as it gears up for the February 21, 2026, FCT area council elections.

After receiving her ADC membership card, Senator Kingibe addressed party supporters, declaring that the defection marks the start of a determined push to capture all six FCT area councils, beginning with AMAC, her home base.

“We have a battle and a lot of work ahead of us. We have six area councils that must be ours. It starts with AMAC. AMAC is my local government, Wuse is my ward, that’s why we are taking the card here today,” she said.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of ADC candidates for chairmanship and councillorship positions across the FCT, with party flags presented to signify campaign readiness.

Kingibe, who had announced her intention to leave the Labour Party in July, described the switch to ADC as a strategic realignment ahead of broader political contests, including the 2027 general elections. Political observers note that her joining makes her the only serving senator in the ADC, potentially reshaping opposition dynamics in the nation’s capital.

The event drew senior ADC officials, election candidates, supporters, and media representatives, underscoring the party’s growing momentum in the FCT. With elections just months away, Kingibe’s defection is seen as a calculated effort to challenge the status quo and deliver grassroots change to residents.