close
Women Times

Chat Room

News

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

by Women Times on

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.

read more
News

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

by Women Times on

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.

read more
News

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

by Women Times on

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.

read more
NewsHealth

Lagos Urges New Midwives to Strengthen Maternal Health

by Women Times on

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.

read more
NewsHealthLifestyle

Zamfara Unveils Safe Delivery Initiative to Boost Maternal Health

by Women Times on

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.

read more
NewsPolitics

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

by Women Times on

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.

read more
NewsEntertainment

CAN Slams Nollywood Film ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, Demands Apology from Producer Ini Edo

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the title of the newly released Nollywood movie A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as “offensive, insensitive, and disrespectful” to the Christian faith.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association expressed deep concern over the use of the word “dirty” in connection with Christmas, a season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises purity, peace, love, and redemption.

“Linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational,” the statement read.

CAN emphasised that while it supports creative freedom in the film industry, such expression must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, especially in Nigeria’s multi-religious society.

The body questioned the approval process, calling on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was cleared for public exhibition during the Christmas season. It also urged Nollywood stakeholders, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria, to establish clearer guidelines on the use of religious themes.

Specifically addressing the film’s producer, acclaimed actress Ini Edo, CAN urged her to “show sensitivity” to the concerns raised by the Christian community, reconsider the title, and issue a public apology.

read more
News

Influencer Slams ‘Exorbitant’ Lagos Beach House Prices Amid Detty December Festivities

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

As Nigeria’s vibrant “Detty December” season kicks into high gear, drawing thousands of diaspora Nigerians and tourists to Lagos for concerts, parties, and beach escapes, complaints about skyrocketing accommodation costs are mounting. A lady (Raye)  has taken to social media to slam the “exorbitant” prices of beach houses, highlighting the growing frustration over price gouging during the festive period.

The criticism comes amid a broader backlash against inflated rates for short-term rentals, including luxury beach properties in areas like Elegushi, Oniru, Tarkwa Bay, and Ilashe. Popular private beach houses and resorts, known for their oceanfront views, pools, and exclusive vibes, are reportedly charging premiums that many deem unjustifiable given Lagos’ infrastructure challenges.

Industry observers note that nightly rates for short-let apartments and beachfront properties have surged dramatically this year. While off-season rates for upscale accommodations hover around ₦120,000 to ₦200,000 per night, December bookings are pushing ₦220,000 to ₦300,000 or higher, with some premium beach villas demanding even more for group stays.

Travel experts warn that such hikes risk pricing Lagos out of its own festive season. Gbenga Onitilo, Managing Director of Travelden, recently cautioned that unchecked overpricing in hospitality could drive visitors to cheaper alternatives in Ghana or Rwanda, threatening the long-term appeal of Detty December.

Influencer Laura Ikeji has also weighed in on the greed fueling seasonal inflation, extending her critique beyond services like hair braiding to broader exploitation of returnees. “We are greedy,” she stated in a viral video, predicting that excessive charges could “ruin” the beloved tradition.

Despite the complaints, Detty December remains a cultural powerhouse, boosting Lagos’ economy with millions in revenue from tourism, nightlife, and events. Beaches continue to buzz with parties, but affordability concerns are prompting some visitors to opt for hotels offering better value through amenities like daily cleaning and reliable power.

As the festivities continue, stakeholders call for balanced pricing to sustain the “detty” spirit that makes December in Lagos unforgettable, without leaving revelers feeling fleeced.

read more
News

Ajimobi’s Widow Reflects on Husband’s Enduring Legacy, Years Shared

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has opened up about the profound impact of her husband’s legacy more than five years after his passing, describing their over 40 years together as the foundation of enduring love, resilience, and public service.

In a poignant reflection marking what would have been another milestone in their shared life, Mrs. Ajimobi spoke of the late governor, affectionately known as the “Koseleri” of Oyo politics, as her greatest supporter, mentor, and strength. “He spoilt me with love and spoiled me with wisdom,” she recalled. “We married in 1980 after just six months of courtship, and those years were the best of my life. He was not just my husband; he was my friend, my father figure, my everything.”

The late Senator Ajimobi, who served as Oyo State’s first two-term governor from 2011 to 2019, is widely credited with transforming the state through infrastructure development, urban renewal, and educational initiatives, earning him the moniker “Architect of Modern Oyo.” His widow emphasized that his vision continues to thrive through ongoing projects like the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University and the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation.

“This achievement is a testament to the fact that the legacy of Senator Abiola Ajimobi is alive, well, and thriving,” Mrs. Ajimobi recently stated while celebrating a student’s international success from the university her husband founded. “It is built on an unshakable belief in the potential of our youth and purposeful leadership.”

Through the foundation’s initiatives,  including the annual roundtable discussions, food banks, healthcare support for cancer and maternal care, and the ABC House for vulnerable children, Mrs. Ajimobi has steadfastly preserved her husband’s philanthropic spirit. “He came, saw, and conquered,” she said in earlier tributes. “His legacies in Oyo State and Nigeria will forever live on. I miss him deeply, but I know he would want me to be strong and uphold what he built.”

Despite personal challenges, including the tragic loss of their eldest daughter earlier this year, Mrs. Ajimobi has emerged as a pillar of quiet strength, continuing community programs via the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre and recently earning recognition with a presidential ambassadorial nomination.

As Oyo State reflects on the late governor’s contributions on his posthumous birthday today, his widow’s words resonate: “What profits a man if he lives to 90 but cannot make heaven? Abiola made heaven and is at peace with God. That is my greatest consolation.”

The Ajimobi family and political associates continue to honor his memory, affirming that through dedication and faith, his enduring legacy illuminates the path forward for generations.

read more
News

FIFA Unveils Best Women’s 11 for 2025

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a ceremony at the Fairmont Katara Hall in Doha, FIFA has revealed The Best FIFA Women’s 11 for 2025, showcasing the pinnacle of women’s football excellence from the 2024/25 season.

The star-studded lineup, voted on by national team coaches and captains, journalists, and fans worldwide, is dominated by players from Spain (seven) and England (four), reflecting the nations’ continued supremacy in the sport. Spain’s La Roja and England’s Lionesses, fresh off retaining their European Championship title, provided the bulk of the selections, with FC Barcelona contributing an impressive six players.

The team, covering performances from August 11, 2024, to August 2, 2025, is presented in a classic 4-3-3 formation:

Goalkeeper:

Hannah Hampton (Chelsea FC / England), The newly crowned Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper anchored the defense with her commanding presence.

Defenders:

Lucy Bronze (Chelsea FC / England) – Right-back

Leah Williamson (Arsenal FC / England) – Center-back

Irene Paredes (FC Barcelona / Spain) – Center-back

Ona Batlle (FC Barcelona / Spain) – Left-back

Midfielders:

Aitana Bonmatí (FC Barcelona / Spain) – Central midfielder

Patri Guijarro (FC Barcelona / Spain) – Central midfielder

Clàudia Pina (FC Barcelona / Spain) – Central midfieldere46daa

Forwards:

Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal FC / Spain) – Right forward

Alessia Russo (Arsenal FC / England) – Striker

Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona / Spain) – Left forward0f1ac3

Barcelona’s dominance is unmistakable, with Batlle, Paredes, Guijarro, Bonmatí, Pina, and Putellas all earning spots , a testament to the club’s success in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and domestic competitions. Arsenal bridged the gap with three inclusions, including Caldentey, who joined the Gunners from Barcelona in 2024, while Chelsea celebrated two: Hampton and Bronze.

Adding to the Spanish joy, Aitana Bonmatí secured The Best FIFA Women’s Player award for the third consecutive year, capping off another masterful season for club and country.

England’s Sarina Wiegman was also honored as Best Women’s Coach.

FIFA highlighted the lineup as a celebration of “England and Spain stars dominating The Best Women’s 11,” underscoring the global impact of European powerhouses in women’s football.

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 continue to recognize the sport’s elite, with further honors including the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal and individual accolades across men’s and women’s categories.

read more
1 … 14 15 16 17 18 … 77
Page 16 of 77