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𝗙𝗜𝗙𝗔 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

FIFA has introduced a landmark rule mandating female representation in coaching roles for all women’s football competitions under its governance.

The new regulations, approved by the FIFA Council on Thursday, March 19, 2026, require every team participating in FIFA women’s tournaments to include at least one female head coach or assistant coach on the bench. Additionally, teams must have a minimum of two female staff members in their backroom setup overall.

This policy applies immediately and covers all levels of FIFA-organized women’s competitions, including youth events such as the upcoming U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, senior national team tournaments, and club-level events. It will also extend to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup, scheduled for 2027 in Brazil.

The move aims to boost the number of women in high-level coaching positions and address longstanding gender imbalances in the sport. For context, at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only 12 out of 32 head coaches were women.

FIFA’s decision is part of broader efforts to promote gender equality and increase female representation in leadership roles within women’s football. The regulations were described in reports as a step toward reshaping the future of the game by ensuring greater visibility and opportunities for female coaches.

This requirement is expected to encourage national associations, clubs, and federations to invest more in developing and hiring qualified women coaches, potentially creating a pipeline for more diverse technical staffs in the years ahead.

The announcement has been welcomed as a progressive step in advancing women’s football, though implementation details, such as compliance monitoring and potential sanctions will likely be clarified in the coming weeks.

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Nollywood Star Toyin Abraham Honored by NFVCB with Box Office Champion Award for Historic ₦1 Billion Milestone

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In recognition of excellence in Nigerian cinema, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) today presented actress, filmmaker, and producer Toyin Abraham with the prestigious Box Office Champion Award.

The honor celebrates the outstanding commercial success of her directorial debut, Oversabi Aunty, which surpassed ₦1 billion in box office earnings. This achievement marks a historic first: Abraham became the inaugural solo director in Nollywood history to reach the billion-naira threshold with a debut feature film.

The award ceremony took place at the NFVCB’s South West Zonal Office in Ikoyi, Lagos, and was led by the board’s leadership, including Director General Dr. Shaibu Husseini. The event drew notable attendees, including Her Majesty Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, who surprised Abraham with her presence and shared how the film personally inspired her approach to parenting.

In an emotional moment captured during the presentation, Abraham expressed deep gratitude. She described the recognition as a cherished honor from a reputable institution and highlighted the film’s deeper impact beyond finances. “Oversabi Aunty is more than just a film; it is a wake-up call for families, especially mothers, to realize that there is more to raising a child than shouting or reacting dramatically,” she said.

Released on December 19, 2025, and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, Oversabi Aunty quickly resonated with audiences nationwide. It ranks among the top-grossing Nollywood films of all time and underscores the growing commercial viability of locally produced stories in Nigerian cinemas.

The NFVCB’s commendation reflects broader excitement about Nollywood’s trajectory. Earlier in 2026, the board had praised both Abraham and fellow filmmaker Funke Akindele for their box office feats, signaling strong governmental support for the industry’s growth.

Abraham thanked her fans (affectionately known as Toyintitans), collaborators, and supporters, calling this milestone “just the beginning.” The award not only affirms her transition from acclaimed actress to successful director but also highlights the increasing influence of women in shaping Nigerian cinema’s future.

This recognition arrives amid a wave of record-breaking performances in Nollywood, further cementing the industry’s status as a powerhouse of cultural storytelling and economic impact.

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Tinubu commiserates with ex-minister Nnaji over mother’s death

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By Prosper Mene

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, following the death of his mother, Mrs. Monica Nnenna Nnaji.

In a statement issued on March 16, 2026, by the State House, President Tinubu mourned the loss alongside the entire Nnaji family. He described the late matriarch as a woman of remarkable resilience, strength, discipline, and sacrifice, who raised four sons through unwavering hard work and moral guidance.

“President Tinubu extends his condolences to Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji… on the passing of his mother, Mrs Monica Nnenna Nnaji,” the statement read. “The President mourns the loss with the Nnaji family and extols the resilience and sacrifice of their late matriarch, who raised four sons through hard work and discipline.”

The President highlighted Mrs. Nnaji’s exemplary life, marked by dedication to her family and values that continue to inspire those she left behind. He encouraged the family to find comfort in her enduring legacy of commitment and perseverance.

President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and for God to grant the Nnaji family strength and solace during this period of grief.

Chief Uche Nnaji served in the cabinet as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the President’s gesture underscores the personal bonds that persist beyond public service.

The news has drawn sympathy from various quarters, including political figures who have also expressed condolences to the family as they prepare for the funeral rites.

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Benin Traditional Council Sanctions Queen, Chief, and Others Over Unauthorized Visit by Influencer Peller

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By Prosper Mene

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), acting on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, has imposed sanctions on a palace queen, a chief, and other individuals following a breach of protocol involving popular social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, widely known as Peller.

The incident occurred on March 6, 2026, when Peller reportedly gained unauthorized access to the sacred precincts of the Oba’s palace during what appears to have been part of his nationwide content creation tour. The BTC described the visit as a “serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace,” emphasizing that proper traditional procedures were not followed.

In an official statement released by BTC Secretary Frank Irabor, the council confirmed that investigations identified several palace insiders who facilitated or aided the influencer’s entry. Key disciplinary measures include:

A palace chief implicated in the matter has been placed on indefinite suspension from palace duties.

A staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force. He faces charges related to causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorized entry.

A queen of the palace, who was featured in the incident and allegedly involved in welcoming or interacting with Peller, is now subject to serious disciplinary proceedings. In line with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings could result in her removal from the palace.

The council expressed deep regret over the event, underscoring its commitment to upholding the dignity, sanctity, and cultural integrity of the Benin monarchy. It has also extended an invitation to Peller to appear before a committee of chiefs to provide his account of the visit, amid reports that he may face legal consequences for the unauthorized access and related disruptions.

The sanctions highlight the strict adherence to protocol within the Benin palace and have caused widespread discussions online about the intersection of modern social media influence and ancient royal traditions.

The BTC reiterated that such breaches undermine the revered institution and vowed to preserve its protocols moving forward. Further updates on the disciplinary proceedings and any potential legal actions are expected as investigations continue.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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