close
Women Times

News

News

K1 De Ultimate’s daughter declares bid for Surulere constituency seat ‎

by Women Times on

Basirat Damilola Marshall, the daughter of legendary Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has officially declared her intention to contest for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in the 2027 elections.

Marshall, a legal practitioner also known as Barrister Damilola Ayinde Marshal, aims to represent Surulere Constituency II. She made the announcement via a post on her social media platforms, accompanied by a campaign flier emphasizing youth empowerment and bold leadership.

In her statement, she expressed excitement about stepping into the race: “I am excited to share that I, Barr. Damilola Ayinde Marshal, am stepping forward to serve the good people of Surulere Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly. I am a woman of excellence and results.”

Currently serving as Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Marshall highlighted her over 12 years of experience as a lawyer, which she says has equipped her with a deep understanding of governance, justice, and the needs of the people. She pledged to be a strong voice for young Lagosians in the legislative chamber, stating: “I promise to be the voice of the youths in the House. As a young woman, I believe this is exactly what my people need right now.”

Her campaign slogan, “The universe favours only the brave — it’s youth o’clock,” underscores her focus on amplifying the priorities and perspectives of younger constituents.

The declaration, marks her formal entry into politics. As the second daughter of the Fuji icon, her move has drawn attention and sparked discussions online about representation, youth involvement, and connections to prominent figures in Lagos.

Marshall’s bid comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, with aspirants across parties beginning to position themselves early.

This development adds to the growing list of high-profile entrants into Lagos politics ahead of 2027.

read more
News

From Healing Minds to Transforming Nations: CICN Inducts 75 Professionals at 7th Awards Ceremony

by Women Times on

 

The Chartered Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (CICN) recently celebrated a landmark achievement in the African mental health landscape, graduating and inducting 75 new professionals during its 7th Graduation, Induction, and Awards Ceremony. The event, themed “From Healing Minds to Transforming Nations,” marked a significant milestone for the institute, which recently attained chartered status.

Dr Tolulope Oko-Igaire, the Executive Director of CICN, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the profound transformation the graduates have undergone.She stated: “Today is more than a graduation ceremony, it is a convergence of journeys, personal, institutional, and generational.”. Addressing the challenges of leadership and growth, she added: “True leadership is not the absence of error, it is the capacity for reflection, accountability, and repair. CICN remains committed to becoming not just larger, but better.”.

The Board Chairman of CICN and General Overseer of Guiding Light Assembly, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, emphasised the critical role of counselling in the continent’s development. In his address, he noted: “Africa’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent or resources, but the many wounds carried silently in the minds and hearts of her people, trauma left untreated, pain normalized, and dysfunction passed from one generation to another and called culture or strength.”. He further asserted that “no nation can rise above the state of its collective mind.”.

During the formal induction, the Registrar of the Institute, Olaitan Olagoke, reminded the new inductees of their professional obligations. He remarked: “Graduation is more than the celebration of academic success; it is a formal recognition of readiness for professional responsibility. As an Institute, our mandate goes beyond training — it is to produce counselling professionals who are competent, ethical, and socially responsible.”.

The ceremony also featured a moving testimonial from the Alumni Representative, Nonye Pearl Mike-Nnaji, who shared the personal impact of the institute’s training. She said: “Counseling did not just give me skills. It gave me self-awareness. It gave me language for my emotions. It gave me permission to grow.”. She described the profession as a calling, stating: “For me, counseling became the perfect alignment of purpose, a way of reconciling broken hearts, broken stories, and a broken world back to wholeness.”.

The 7th Edition also served as a platform to recognise outstanding contributions to society and the profession. The Institute conferred the Honorary Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (FCICN – Hon.) on Dr (Mrs) Laila Jean St. Matthew-Daniel, a pioneering mentor and gender advocate, for her lifelong commitment to human development and unwavering support for CICN.

Also awards were presented across three distinct categories: Student & Graduate Excellence Awards, Alumni & Professional Awards, and Staff Excellence Awards.

As Africa’s first and only Chartered Institute dedicated to counselling, CICN continues to lead the movement in redefining mental wellness and raising world-class leaders in the field.

read more
News

‎Our son deserves justice — Igbo mothers pray for Kanu in prison

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

A delegation of prominent Igbo spiritual mothers, described as titled priestesses and traditional leaders from across Igboland, recently visited the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at Sokoto Correctional Centre. The visit, which took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, was led by Chief Mrs. Oliaku Chika Ibeneme, who bears the title Nne Mmanwu Igbo Niine (Mother of All Igbo Masquerades). She was accompanied by other respected figures, including Lolo Eze Nwanyị Nnewi.

During the emotional encounter, the group expressed deep maternal solidarity, embracing Kanu as their “cherished son.” They offered powerful prayers for his health, strength, and unconditional release, while invoking ancestral blessings for his well-being. The delegation also presented gifts as tokens of encouragement and unwavering support amid his prolonged detention.

Chief Ibeneme emphasized the collective voice of Igbo mothers, stating that their “son deserves justice.” She urged all sons and daughters of Ala-Igbo, along with people of conscience everywhere, to continue praying for Kanu’s freedom and to stand against what they perceive as injustice in his ongoing trial.

Kanu, who faces terrorism-related charges linked to his advocacy for Biafran self-determination, has been held in detention for several years. His supporters, including IPOB, have consistently described his incarceration as unlawful and politically motivated, pointing to repeated court proceedings and concerns over his conditions in Sokoto Prison (following a transfer from Abuja). The visit highlights growing cultural and spiritual dimensions to calls for his release, with traditional Igbo women invoking both prayer and ancestral intercession.

The statement from the group, shared via IPOB channels and reported widely, underscores the enduring support for Kanu within segments of the Igbo community, framing the visit as a sacred act of maternal affection and cultural pride.

This development comes at a time when ongoing debates over Kanu’s case, including recent court decisions on related pleas, and reflects persistent agitation for justice and resolution in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile secessionist-related matters.

read more
News

Mother of 10 jailed for keeping woman as ‘slave’ for 25 years

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

A shocking case of modern-day slavery has come to light in the UK, where a mother of 10 has been jailed for keeping a vulnerable woman captive and forcing her to live as a “house slave” for more than 25 years.

Amanda Wixon (also reported as Mandy Wixon), 56, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on March 12, 2026, at Gloucester Crown Court. She was convicted of charges including false imprisonment, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, and multiple counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The ordeal began in 1995 when the victim, who has learning disabilities, was just 16 years old. She moved into Wixon’s squalid and overcrowded home and remained trapped there until police discovered her in 2021. Over the decades, Wixon subjected her to unimaginable cruelty: forcing her to clean the filthy house, perform manual labour for Wixon and her 10 children, and survive on scraps of food while being deprived of proper meals, healthcare, and freedom.

The victim endured regular physical assaults, including beatings if tasks were not completed, having her head forcibly shaved, bleach splashed on her, washing-up liquid squirted down her throat, and other degrading treatment. She was also made to hand over her benefits, with reports indicating Wixon stole over £100,000 from her. The woman lived in constant fear, describing in impact statements how she “lived in fear” for 25 years in what prosecutors and police called one of the worst cases of modern slavery they had encountered.

Police and the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the victim’s vulnerability due to her learning difficulties, which Wixon exploited to maintain control. The home was described as squalid, and the abuse was likened to “Dickensian” servitude.

Following her conviction in January 2026 after a 13-day trial, Wixon was sentenced today. The judge emphasized the prolonged and severe nature of the exploitation. The victim, now in her mid-40s and referred to as “K” in some reports to protect her identity, has been supported in recovery since her rescue.

This harrowing case sheds light on the hidden reality of modern slavery in the UK, even within seemingly ordinary households, and serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance for signs of exploitation among vulnerable individuals. Authorities have praised the victim’s courage in coming forward after years of torment.

read more
News

The Deadly Allure of the Brazilian Butt Lift: How a Botched Procedure Ended the Life of Nigerian Socialite Elena Jessica

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In the world of Lagos social media, where curves command attention and “before-and-after” posts rack up thousands of likes, beauty often comes at a terrifying price. On March 6, 2026, a young Nigerian socialite, Elena Jessica Nkwopara, known simply as Elena to her followers,  became the latest victim of that price. Her death after a second Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) at Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Hospital in Ikoyi has ignited public outrage, renewed calls for stricter regulation, and forced many to confront the hidden dangers behind the viral “baddie” aesthetic.

Elena was no stranger to the spotlight. A Facebook personality and socialite with a growing online presence, she embodied the aspirational look millions of young Nigerian women chase: snatched waist, fuller hips and buttocks. Friends say she had already undergone one BBL elsewhere. Dissatisfied, she sought a revision,  a “secondary” procedure on February 6 at Cynosure.

What followed was a nightmare of medical negligence that unfolded over weeks. Two days after liposuction and fat transfer to her hips, buttocks, and calves, Elena complained of excruciating pain. Tests revealed sky-high white blood cell counts and critically low blood levels. She received five pints of blood and antibiotics, but her condition deteriorated rapidly. Her buttocks, hips, and calves swelled, turned red, and inflamed. Doctors suspected too much fat had been injected, cutting off blood flow.

On February 13, a decompression surgery removed most of the transferred fat and inserted drains. Still in agony, she was transferred between hospitals. At Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), no ICU bed was available; she screamed in an ambulance for five hours without adequate pain relief. The family paid N1.5 million for one night at Emel Hospital in Festac, then N6 million at another facility for emergency fat-removal surgery. They sold property to cover bills. Cynosure allegedly demanded another N4.5 million to continue ICU care and, according to Elena’s sister Nelli, abandoned the family.

Despite multiple operations to fight sepsis and remove infected fat, Elena’s open wounds and systemic infection proved fatal. Nelli broke the news on TikTok, accusing the clinic of prioritizing its image over her sister’s life: “They disabled comments instead of answering questions. Silence will not erase our pain.” A close friend went further on Instagram, claiming the surgeon had lost previous patients and demanding the revocation of Cynosure’s license. Lagos State authorities have launched a full investigation, with the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) under pressure to act..

The Science Behind the Danger

Elena’s story is heartbreaking, but it is far from isolated. The Brazilian Butt Lift, which involves liposuction to harvest fat from the abdomen, flanks or thighs, then injecting it into the buttocks,  is statistically the deadliest cosmetic procedure in the world.

The primary killer is pulmonary fat embolism (PFE). When fat is injected too deeply into or beneath the gluteal muscle,  it can puncture large veins and travel to the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing sudden cardiac arrest. Autopsies of BBL fatalities consistently show fat inside the muscle, never just under the skin.

In 2017, a landmark study by the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) estimated the mortality rate at 1 in 3,448, roughly 16 times higher than the average for cosmetic surgery performed in accredited facilities. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and other international bodies issued urgent warnings, banning intramuscular injections and recommending fat be placed only in the subcutaneous layer. Newer data suggests the rate has improved to around 1 in 13,000–15,000 in properly regulated settings, but the procedure remains far riskier than breast augmentation (1 in 72,000) or other common surgeries.

Other complications include severe infection, tissue necrosis (death of skin and fat), wound rupture, abscesses, and chronic pain. In unregulated environments, common in parts of Nigeria,  the risks skyrocket. Many clinics operate without board-certified plastic surgeons, proper sterilization, or emergency protocols.

A Cultural Pressure Cooker

Nigeria’s BBL boom is fueled by social media influencers, music videos, and shifting beauty ideals that equate bigger buttocks with desirability, success, and femininity. The pressure is immense: “Men worship big yansh,” one commentator noted after Elena’s death. Young women see filtered perfection online and believe surgery is the shortcut, often ignoring warnings or choosing cheaper, unlicensed providers.

Elena reportedly approached another clinic first (Indigo), which reportedly declined because her skin tone was “too light” for safe fat grafting — a red flag she chose to ignore. Friends now mourn her publicly, posting candlelight vigils and demanding justice. The story has gone viral, with netizens asking: “She was already beautiful — what more was she chasing?”

A Call for Change

Elena Jessica’s death is a stark reminder that no Instagram filter is worth a life. Plastic surgery societies worldwide now insist on strict safety guidelines: board-certified surgeons, accredited facilities, subcutaneous-only injection, and honest informed consent about the 1-in-thousands fatality risk.

In Nigeria, campaigners are urging HEFAMAA to shutter high-risk clinics, mandate surgeon credentials, and launch public education campaigns. Until then, experts warn: research relentlessly, ask for proof of certification, understand that “revision” surgeries carry even higher risks, and remember, the most beautiful version of you may already be the one you were born with.

As Lagos investigates Cynosure and Elena’s family grieves, one message echoes across social media feeds: beauty should enhance life, never end it.

Rest in peace, Elena Jessica Nkwopara. May your story save others.

read more
News

𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗻: 𝗬𝗼𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 2,000 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The First Lady of Yobe State, Hajia Hafsat Buni, has distributed essential food items to 2,000 vulnerable women as part of efforts to provide relief during the holy month of Ramadan.

The initiative, which took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, targeted widows and other vulnerable women across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas. Hajia Buni, who also serves as the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, emphasized that the gesture aims to ease the burden of fasting and support community resilience.

Represented by the Commissioner for the Yobe State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mairo Amshi, the First Lady reiterated the Renewed Hope Initiative’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and aiding vulnerable populations throughout Yobe State.

Each package included key staples such as rice, spaghetti, and cooking oil, items designed to help families cope with the demands of the Ramadan fast.

This distribution is in line with broader humanitarian efforts in northern Nigeria during the holy month, reflecting a focus on compassion, solidarity, and support for those in need.

The move has been welcomed as a timely act of kindness, highlighting the role of state leadership in addressing food security and social welfare amid economic challenges.

read more
NewsEntertainmentTrending

𝗠𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 – 𝗕𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝘀𝘂

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nollywood actress and reality TV star Beverly Osu has sparked widespread discussion after boldly declaring that her professional portfolio is substantial enough to have made her a billionaire, lamenting the low pay in the entertainment industry.

In a recent episode of the podcast ChaCha’s Couch, Osu expressed deep frustration over her financial realities despite years of hard work across modeling, acting, and reality television.

She emphasized that her body of work, including high-profile roles and appearances—should have positioned her as a billionaire, not just in Nigeria but across Africa.

“I have worked so hard, my portfolio is enough to make me a billionaire not just in Nigeria but in Africa,” Osu stated. “I am a very humble person but I know that my portfolio is enough to make me a billionaire. So, I am fighting for better wages. I have tried to be humble about it, but you know I like to eat the humble pie very well, but my portfolio is actually enough.”

The actress accused the industry, particularly Nollywood, of underpaying experienced talents, which she argued undermines the quality of productions and discourages dedication. She highlighted how the pay structure often fails to reward longevity and extensive contributions, leaving even accomplished figures like herself struggling financially relative to their achievements.

Osu’s comments are coming amid ongoing conversations in Nigeria’s entertainment sector about compensation disparities, with many actors and creatives echoing calls for fairer pay structures to reflect the value of their work.

Her viral statements have drawn mixed reactions online, with some sympathizing with her plight and others debating the realism of her billionaire claim given the industry’s economics.

Beverly Osu rose to prominence after appearing in the 2013 Big Brother Africa reality show and has since built a career in Nollywood films, brand endorsements, and modeling.

read more
NewsLifestyle

I use𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀

by Women Times on

Nigerian-American actress and media personality Idia Aisien has candidly opened up about her past relationships, revealing how she once spent millions of naira financially supporting men she dated, only to face betrayal and heartbreak in return.

In a recent emotional interview on Toke Makinwa’s show Toke’s Moment, Aisien shared that she used to provide substantial financial assistance to partners during their tough times, operating under the belief that early support would foster loyalty and influence how they treated her in the long run.

The actress recounted a particularly painful incident involving an ex-partner: she gave him millions to invest in his business, hoping to help him during a difficult period. Instead, she later discovered he had secretly used the money to fund a lavish vacation for another woman, reportedly flying a “popular lady” to Dubai.

“I used to give men money. They will say their business is bad. I will give them a couple of million,” Aisien explained, highlighting a pattern in her past where she overcompensated financially in relationships. The betrayal left her feeling deeply hurt, as the very funds meant for his growth were diverted to someone else.

Aisien, who is known for her roles in Nollywood and her work as a model and TV presenter, described the experience as part of broader lessons learned from toxic and abusive relationships in her past. She emphasized personal growth, noting that such experiences have made her more cautious, particularly around people who fail to keep promises.

Aisien, daughter of champagne magnate Joe Aisien and jeweler Emmanuella Aisien, has previously spoken about navigating elite expectations, healing from personal challenges, and her journey in the entertainment industry. Her latest interview underscores her ongoing commitment to authenticity and empowering others through shared experiences.

Aisien’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect, transparency, and balanced dynamics in relationships, regardless of financial status.

read more
NewsLifestyle

𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 64% 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 – 𝗨𝗡

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The United Nations has sounded a warning alarm on the persistent global gender inequality in legal rights, revealing that women worldwide hold only 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men. This sobering statistic, highlighted ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, signals a “justice gap” that continues to expose women and girls to discrimination, violence, and exclusion across nearly every aspect of life.

According to a new report by the UN Secretary-General titled “Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls”, no country in the world has achieved full legal equality between men and women. The findings, released by UN Women, point to systemic failures in justice systems that are meant to protect rights and uphold the rule of law.

Key revelations from the report include:

In 54% of countries, rape is not defined based on consent, meaning many instances of sexual violence may not be legally recognized as crimes.

Child marriage remains legally permitted in nearly three-quarters (about 75%) of countries.

In 44% of countries, laws do not mandate equal pay for equal work, allowing women to be legally paid less than men for the same roles.

These discriminatory laws affect fundamental areas such as work, property ownership, mobility, family rights, safety, and economic participation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized, “When we are not equal under the law, we are not equal,” urging immediate action to make justice a reality for women and girls everywhere.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous called for urgent reforms, noting that while progress has been made, such as domestic violence legislation in 87% of countries and strengthened constitutional protections in over 40 nations over the past decade, overall rights are regressing in many places amid rising conflicts and weakening rule of law.

At the current pace of change, closing legal protection gaps could take 286 years, according to UN estimates. Advocates stress that true equality requires not just laws on paper but robust enforcement, cultural shifts, and accountability to ensure women and girls can live safely, speak freely, and participate equally in society.

read more
NewsWomen & Business

𝗦𝗘𝗖, 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria, alongside industry experts, has intensified calls for greater female participation in the country’s capital market, emphasizing that stronger female presence is essential for enhancing investor confidence, driving inclusive growth, and sustaining market development.

The SEC highlighted deliberate efforts to create opportunities for women to thrive both within the commission and across the broader capital market ecosystem. This push aligns with ongoing initiatives to promote gender diversity and financial inclusion, particularly as Nigeria’s capital market experiences robust expansion, with market capitalization surging 125% to over ₦123 trillion in recent years.

Experts argue that increasing women’s involvement in roles such as investing, fund management, leadership positions, and regulatory oversight would bring diverse perspectives, reduce gender gaps in financial access, and contribute to more resilient and innovative market practices. The SEC has been proactive in this area, including through policies fostering inclusivity, launching educational tools like podcasts to boost awareness among women, and supporting training programs on gender-smart investing.

The SEC’s Director-General and other stakeholders have stressed that gender equality in the sector is not just a social imperative but a strategic one for national economic progress, investor protection, and broader wealth creation. As Nigeria aims for deeper market penetration and attracts more diverse participants, closing the gender gap in capital market engagement remains a priority for regulators and industry leaders.

 

read more
1 2 3 4 5 6 … 71
Page 4 of 71