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Anambra First Lady Welcomes New Year Babies with Gifts and Cash

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By Prosper Mene

In continuation of an annual tradition, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has welcomed the first babies born on New Year’s Day 2026 across various hospitals in the state, presenting them and their mothers with generous gifts and cash donations.

Dr. Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, visited multiple health facilities where she personally interacted with the newborns and their families. The gifts included essential hampers filled with baby items such as milk, groundnut oil, sanitary products, and other necessities, alongside cash awards to support the mothers’ nutrition and well-being during the nursing period.

Describing the visits as a “spiritual journey,” the First Lady expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of new life. “We call them ‘New Year Babies,'” she said. “For us, it’s a time to pay homage to God’s great gifts and also take part in the fruits of His divine blessings, through these children, in whose hands we wish to bequeath the future of our state.”

She prayed for the babies to grow in peace, grace, and favor, becoming beacons of pride for Anambra. Dr. Soludo also highlighted the symbolic significance of the births as a joyful start to the year, reflecting the ongoing improvements in the state’s primary healthcare system.

The First Lady was particularly moved by testimonies from mothers who benefited from the state government’s free antenatal and delivery services, now in its third year. These include zero-cost deliveries, even for caesarean sections, in public hospitals. “I was equally pleased to hear exciting testimonies from mothers who had their antenatal care and deliveries at no cost,” she noted, urging more expectant and nursing mothers to utilize government-owned facilities with confidence.

This gesture shows Dr. Soludo’s commitment to maternal and child health, aligning with her broader advocacy for healthy living and accessible healthcare in Anambra State.

The tradition of celebrating New Year babies has become a cherished event, bringing hope and celebration to families as the state steps into 2026.

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Fidelity Bank Appoints Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu as New Board Chairman

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By Prosper Mene

Mrs Onwughalu joined Fidelity Bank’s Board in December 2020 and previously served as Chairman of the Board Credit Committee and the Board Committee on Bank Capitalisation, among other leadership roles.

She brings over 30 years of banking experience, including executive management positions in several financial institutions.

She was formerly Group Managing Director of Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director at Skye Bank Plc.

“The Board is confident that Mrs Amaka Onwughalu will lead the Board in the continued successful execution of its strategy.

“The Board is also pleased with the succession arrangements for the role of Board Chairman, which attests to the Bank’s high governance standards,” the notice added.

Currently CEO of Blueshield Financial Services Limited, Onwughalu holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Buckingham, an MSc in Corporate Governance from Leeds Metropolitan University, and an MBA from the University of Port Harcourt.

She has also attended executive programmes at world-class institutions, including INSEAD, IMD Lausanne, Cambridge Judge Business School, Columbia Business School, Stanford, and Harvard Kennedy School.

The bank expressed confidence that Onwughalu would continue to lead the Board in successfully executing its strategic objectives, noting that her appointment reflects Fidelity Bank’s high governance standards.

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Why I Married SGF George Akume — Zaynab Otiti-Obanor

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By Prosper Mene

Queen Zaynab Otiti-Obanor, formerly married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has opened up about her marriage to Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The union, which took place privately over a year ago and gained public attention in late 2025 following a family announcement, has sparked widespread interest across Nigeria’s social and political spheres.

In a statement released through her media aide, David Adeoye, and published in THISDAY newspaper, Zaynab described the marriage as a partnership “rooted in maturity, shared purpose, and mutual understanding.”

She emphasised that the relationship brings together two individuals already dedicated to public service, rather than marking a dramatic change in either’s life path.

The statement read in part: “It is a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and an understanding that personal stability strengthens public duty.

“Their partnership represents the meeting of two lives already devoted to public purpose. It is not a reinvention of either individual, but a reinforcement of shared values: humility, discipline, empathy, and responsibility.”

The aide further highlighted the timing of the union, noting that it aligns with growing public demands for integrity and compassion in leadership.

“At a time when Nigerians increasingly demand integrity and humanity from those in leadership, this union sends a subtle but powerful signal that service is strongest when anchored in personal stability, shared values, and a long view of legacy,” the statement added.

“Together, they embody a leadership model that values empathy alongside authority, and service alongside structure. Their partnership underscores a simple truth: leaders who understand humanity govern better, and societies thrive when service is treated as a calling rather than a platform.”

Zaynab, previously known as Olori Wuraola Otiti Obanor, was married to the Ooni of Ife in a high-profile traditional ceremony in March 2016. The marriage lasted 17 months and ended in 2017.

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First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Welcomes Nigeria’s First Baby of 2026, Hails New Beginnings and Prosperity

by Women Times on

By Prosper

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on January 1, 2026, welcomed the country’s symbolic First Baby of the Year, born precisely at midnight at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja.

The newborn, Zion Adakole, arrived via caesarean section to 26-year-old first-time mother Mrs Patience Adakole and her husband, Mr Celestine Adakole.

Continuing her longstanding tradition of promoting maternal and child healthcare, Mrs Tinubu presented the infant with a national birth certificate from the National Population Commission, along with gifts and cash, gestures she also extended to other babies delivered at the facility that day.

Hospital management confirmed that Zion was the first baby born at the centre in 2026.

The First Lady described Zion’s arrival as deeply symbolic, representing both the dawn of a new year and the hope of fresh beginnings.

She also showered affection on three other newborns delivered on January 1, as well as a set of quadruplets born to Mr and Mrs Blessing Oragwu after 13 years of waiting.

Mrs Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to fostering an environment in which every Nigerian child can flourish and reach their full potential.

During the visit, the First Lady cradled each infant and offered heartfelt prayers for the babies, their families, and the nation as a whole.

She urged parents to treasure and guide their children, calling them divine blessings and the nation’s future leaders.

Finally, Mrs Tinubu appealed to all Nigerians to practise compassion by generously sharing with those in need, emphasising that uplifting the less privileged is a shared national duty.

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Tragedy Strikes on Christmas Day in Delta Community

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By Prosper Mene

What was supposed to be a day of celebration and family bonding turned into an unimaginable nightmare for Mrs. Chinyere Emeagi on December 25, 2025. Her only son, 32-year-old Amauche Lucky Ezeji, was fatally shot by an unknown assailant in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. along Ashaka Road. According to the grieving mother, her son had earlier escorted his pregnant wife to his grandmother’s house to join in the Christmas festivities.

Still reeling from the shock, Mrs. Emeagi recounted the heartbreaking events: “Amauche was everything to me, my only child, my pride, and the light of my life. He was simply being a caring husband, ensuring his wife could spend the holidays with extended family.

“We were all gathered when he got a phone call. He assured us he’d return soon and stepped out. That was the final moment I saw him breathing.”

Shortly after, news reached the family that Amauche had been gunned down. Rushing to the scene, Mrs. Emeagi found him in a pool of his own blood, having suffered a close-range gunshot wound to the chest. The attacker had fled, leaving chaos and panic in the area.

Despite efforts to save him, including a desperate rush to the hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. “My entire world shattered in an instant,” she said through tears. “Not only have I lost my sole child, I have no other children, but he was meant to lay his father to rest on January 7, 2026. Now, I’m forced to plan a double burial for both my husband and my son.”

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the launch of a full investigation into the homicide.

Sources from the Utagba Ogbe Police Division, handling the case, revealed early findings suggest the victim may have been involved in a dispute with a group of unidentified youths at a local drinking spot just prior to the shooting, which reportedly took place as he departed the venue. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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Beyoncé Officially Becomes a Billionaire, Forbes Reports

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By Prosper Mene

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has reached a new milestone: billionaire status. According to Forbes, the 44-year-old music icon has crossed the $1 billion net worth threshold, becoming only the fifth musician ever to achieve this feat.

She joins an elite group that includes her husband Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Bruce Springsteen.

Forbes attributes Beyoncé’s wealth primarily to her music empire, built through full control of her catalog and tours via her company, Parkwood Entertainment, founded in 2010. This in-house approach allows her to retain higher profits from productions, merchandising, and rights.

The surge came in recent years: Her 2023 Renaissance World Tour grossed nearly $600 million, one of the highest-earning tours ever.

Following that, her 2024 genre-shifting album Cowboy Carter, which won Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys, led to the Cowboy Carter Tour, the world’s highest-grossing tour of 2025 with over $400 million in ticket sales and an additional $50 million in merchandise.

Additional boosts included a reported $50 million NFL Christmas halftime show in 2024 (streamed on Netflix), sponsorships like Levi’s commercials, and ventures such as her Cécred hair care line and SirDavis Whisky.

Forbes estimates Beyoncé earned $148 million pre-tax in 2025 alone, ranking her as the third-highest-paid musician of the year.

 

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Funke Akindele Continues Box Office Dominance as Behind The Scenes Surpasses ₦1.1 Billion

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By Prosper Mene

Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has solidified her reign as the industry’s undisputed box office queen with her latest directorial effort, Behind The Scenes, which has grossed an impressive ₦1,109,463,846 just weeks after its theatrical release.

The milestone was announced by distributor FilmOne Entertainment on December 29, 2025, hailing it as a groundbreaking achievement for West African cinema

According to FilmOne, Behind The Scenes is the fastest West African film to cross the ₦1 billion threshold and delivered the highest single-day earnings ever recorded on Boxing Day with ₦129.5 million.

The film, which explores the pressures of “black tax” and the hidden struggles behind success, currently stands as the highest-grossing theatrical release of 2025, showing remarkable staying power in cinemas across Nigeria and beyond.

This triumph marks yet another record-breaking chapter for Akindele, who is now the only director with three films surpassing ₦1 billion at the box office, Nollywood’s all-time highest-grossing producer, and the first filmmaker to achieve three consecutive billion-naira hits in a single calendar year.

Featuring a star-studded ensemble including Scarlet Gomez in the lead, alongside Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Mr Macaroni, and Big Brother Naija duo Wanni x Handi, the movie has resonated deeply with audiences, blending relatable storytelling with high entertainment value.

As Behind The Scenes continues its run, with expansions to international markets like the UK, Ireland, and the US planned,vAkindele’s unparalleled commercial streak shows no signs of slowing down.

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Ekiti Amotekun Arrests 20-Year-Old for Alleged Rape of 14-Year-Old Deaf and Mute Girl

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By Prosper Mene

The Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has arrested a 20-year-old man, Dare Omoyajowo, for the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl who is deaf and mute.

The incident reportedly occurred in Are Ekiti on Friday, according to a statement issued by the Corps’ Head of Communications, Adeleye Adewale, in Ado Ekiti on Monday.

The arrest followed a report lodged by the suspect’s own mother. The victim’s mother recounted to Amotekun officials that her daughter returned home with visible signs of sexual assault, including seminal fluids on her body. Unable to speak, the girl communicated the incident through sign language.

Amotekun operatives in the Ifedara Local Council Development Area interrogated the suspect, who confessed to the crime. He admitted to luring the girl into his apartment using gestures and body language before assaulting her.

The suspect has been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Ekiti State Police Command in Ado Ekiti for further investigation and prosecution.

This arrest comes amid a series of similar incidents in the state. Earlier in December, the Amotekun Corps apprehended 28-year-old Olapade Ifeoluwa for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl in Ilawe Ekiti. Ifeoluwa reportedly confessed, luring the child with a film before the assault, and later blamed his actions on “the devil.” The victim’s cries alerted neighbours, leading to her rescue.

Additionally, Amotekun arrested five individuals earlier this month for offences including kidnapping, attempted abduction, and fraud.

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Asake’s Christmas Reunion with Daughter Melts Hearts

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By Prosper Mene

Afrobeats superstar Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with a touching Christmas reunion with his 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat, and her mother, Adijat.

Viral videos and photos from Christmas Day show the “Mr. Money” singer sharing tender moments with his family in Lagos, including warm hugs, affectionate kisses on the cheek, and family poses. The heartwarming scenes come after a period of public family challenges earlier in 2025.

In March 2025, Adijat publicly accused Asake of neglecting Zeenat for several years following his rise to fame. She claimed to have supported him financially during his university days at Obafemi Awolowo University. Similar allegations emerged from Asake’s father regarding family support.

However, reports indicate Asake reconciled with his family, taking full responsibility for Zeenat and providing support. The Christmas reunion signals a positive turn, with fans praising the singer for prioritizing family amid his global success.

One fan commented online: “This is beautiful  family first, no matter what.” Another added: “Redemption looks good on Asake. Merry Christmas to them.

The reunion coincided with Asake’s triumphant homecoming performances in Lagos, including a headline slot at the Flytime Music Festival.

As the festive season continues, this story serves as a reminder of forgiveness and reconciliation during the holidays.

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

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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.

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