Abisola Kola-Daisi, Daughter of Late Governor Ajimobi, Passes Away at 42 After Battling Illness

Abisola Kola-Daisi, the eldest daughter of the late former Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has passed away at the age of 42. She reportedly died on Thursday in the United Kingdom after a prolonged battle with breast cancer, though the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed.

Her untimely passing has sent shockwaves through political and social circles, with an outpouring of grief from family members, friends, and associates across Nigeria. Tributes have begun pouring in for the late philanthropist and entrepreneur, remembered for her warmth, grace, and deep commitment to family values.

Former senator representing Oyo Central, Teslim Folarin, took to his Facebook page to announce the heartbreaking news. He expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, describing Abisola’s death as a “non-fillable void.”

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Bisola Kola-Daisi (née Ajimobi), the beloved daughter of my cousin, the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and former First Lady of Oyo State, Dr. Florence Ajimobi,” Folarin wrote. “Bisola’s untimely death is a heavy blow, and I can only imagine the pain of a parent having to bury their child.”

He offered prayers for the bereaved family, asking Almighty Allah to grant them strength and to bless Abisola’s soul with Al-Jannah Firdaus. “May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” he added.

Similarly, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, mourned the loss, describing it as a “colossal and irreparable tragedy.” In a condolence message released in Ibadan, he noted that Abisola’s death was not just a personal loss to the Ajimobi family, but also a painful blow to the people of Oyo State.

“She was more than just the daughter of a former governor,” Ogundoyin said. “She represented grace, strength, and the enduring legacy of the Ajimobi family. We extend our deepest sympathies to her mother, Dr. Florence Ajimobi, and the entire Kola-Daisi family during this incredibly difficult time.”

As the family and loved ones mourn this devastating loss, Abisola is remembered not only for her lineage but for her kindness, elegance, and quiet strength in the face of adversity. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

Panic in Ibadan as Stray Bullets From Army Shooting Range Injure Woman, Damage 15 Homes—Residents Call for Urgent Relocation

Fear and frustration gripped no fewer than 10 communities surrounding the Odogbo Cantonment of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan, as stray bullets from a military shooting exercise injured a woman and struck at least 15 houses, sparking renewed calls for government intervention.

The affected communities — including Omilabu Zones 1, 2, and 3; Omilabu Mainstream; Oluseyi; Idi-Omo; Anilelerin; Dominion Estate; Ajobo, and surrounding neighborhoods — have pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to urgently direct the Army to relocate the shooting range to a safer, non-residential area to prevent further casualties.

According to community representatives — Prince Ijeru, Mr. Adekunle Taiwo, Mrs. Odekunle, Mr. Qozeem Alayo, Mr. Abdrauf, and Iya Eleedu — over 5,000 residents have been living under the shadow of fear, with their repeated appeals for federal assistance dating as far back as 2017 falling on deaf ears.

Unlike previous military training exercises, where prior notice was given to residents, the latest round of live ammunition drills allegedly began without any warning on Monday, March 17, 2025. By the second day, tragedy struck when a woman was hit by a stray bullet while in her shop and had to be rushed to the Military Hospital within the barracks for urgent treatment.

The community leaders lamented: “In the past, there was always communication from the Army before any shooting exercise began. This time, nothing was said. People are living in fear in their own homes. No fewer than 15 houses have been damaged by bullets, and it could have been worse.”

They further warned that the situation has become untenable, stating that thousands of lives remain at risk every time the Army conducts shooting practice within close proximity to civilian settlements.

The residents are now urging both the federal and Oyo State governments to treat the situation as a matter of national security and public safety, insisting that continued neglect may result in greater tragedy.

Lagos Govt Urges Waste Disposal Reform, Debunks 'Smelly City' Tag with Bold Environmental Plans

The Lagos State Government has called on residents to adopt a more responsible and intentional approach to waste management, emphasizing that changing attitudes is key to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made the appeal during a recent television interview and a live discussion on X (formerly Twitter), where he addressed growing concerns and viral narratives portraying Lagos as a “smelly city.”

Wahab dismissed the blanket description, noting that while every major cosmopolitan city across the globe—including New York, Beijing, and London—has pockets of areas with unpleasant odours, these are typically found near waste disposal or landfill sites. He clarified that in Lagos, such occurrences are largely confined to areas around Olusosun in Ojota and Solous III in Igando, where landfill operations are still active.

“Proper waste disposal is not just the government’s responsibility; it’s a collective habit we must all adopt,” Wahab stated. “Sustainability begins with how we treat our environment.”

He revealed that Lagos generates an estimated 13,000 to 14,000 tonnes of waste daily. However, innovative strategies have been introduced to reduce the burden on landfills. According to him, between 4,000 and 5,000 tonnes of waste are now being converted into usable resources every day. This includes:

• 2,500 tonnes transformed into energy,

• Another 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes repurposed as fuel for LAMATA buses,

• Combustible waste materials supplied to companies like Lafarge for industrial power generation.

The Commissioner said the state's long-term environmental strategy aims to ensure that less than 1,000 tonnes of waste end up in landfill sites daily. Part of this plan includes the eventual decommissioning of the Olusosun and Solous III dumpsites, as well as ramping up waste segregation initiatives to drastically cut down landfill contributions.

Wahab also stressed the crucial role the private sector plays in waste collection through the Public-Private Partnership model with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) serving as the regulatory body. However, he lamented that many homeowners attempt to dodge the system by disposing of their waste illegally, which undermines the collective effort.

“If your PSP (Private Sector Participant) operator isn’t meeting standards, residents can report to LAWMA, which is equipped with over 200 trucks to provide temporary relief while resolving any lapses,” he explained.

Beyond infrastructure, Wahab highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy. He said the government is actively engaging market leaders, homeowners, and communities through education campaigns while enforcing environmental laws where necessary. He warned that offenders would face arrest and prosecution to ensure full compliance.

Ultimately, Wahab reiterated that transforming Lagos into a cleaner city begins with the citizens. “We all have a stake in this. Changing our waste disposal culture is not optional—it’s a necessity.”

Migration Isn’t a Crime: Dabiri-Erewa Urges Media to Embrace Balanced Narratives on ‘Japa’ Movement

 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has made a passionate appeal to media professionals to stop portraying migration—widely referred to as ‘Japa’—in a negative or criminal light.

Speaking through Mr. Sule Bassi, Secretary of NIDCOM, at the 6th International Conference on Development and Communication in Africa, held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for a shift in public discourse surrounding migration. The conference, themed “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora and Africa’s Development”, was organised by the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

She noted that migration is a universally recognised human right, and as such, regular migration should never be demonised or equated with criminal activity. “Migration is not a crime. It is a fundamental human right. Therefore, regular migration must not be criminalised under any guise,” she emphasized.

Dabiri-Erewa further urged the media to promote fair, truthful, and constructive storytelling that captures both the contributions and challenges of Nigerians in the diaspora. She condemned the tendency to generalize the negative actions of a few individuals abroad as representative of the entire Nigerian diaspora community.

“The media must go beyond sensational headlines and start highlighting the incredible achievements of Nigerians across the globe,” she said. “From innovators to academics, creatives to healthcare professionals—our diaspora is filled with stories of excellence that deserve to be told.”

She also addressed the ongoing brain drain crisis, suggesting a shift in focus toward fostering opportunities at home that would empower young people to thrive, thus converting ‘brain drain’ into ‘brain gain’ and productive engagement.

“This conference couldn’t have come at a better time,” she said. “We must collectively explore and implement communication strategies that bridge the gap between the diaspora and the African continent, and reposition migration as a tool for national development.”

Dabiri-Erewa called on scholars, policymakers, the media, and diaspora engagement advocates to build stronger synergies that would ensure migration becomes an asset to Nigeria’s socio-economic development rather than a source of concern.

Her message resonated with the overarching call of the conference—to change the narrative of ‘Japa’ from one of desperation and loss to one of opportunity, resilience, and shared progress.

Eniola Badmus Defends Loyalty to President Tinubu Amid Mounting Criticism

 Popular Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has once again reaffirmed her steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, brushing off waves of public criticism and standing tall amidst mounting political backlash.

The actress, who faced intense scrutiny during the election season for her vocal endorsement of Tinubu, has remained unapologetic about her stance. Her support, both before and after the presidential election, ignited controversy, with many accusing her of leveraging her influence for personal gain—especially after her appointment as Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass.

In recent weeks, Nigerians have increasingly voiced their discontent with the state of the nation, leading to the viral #30DayRantChallenge on social media—a protest movement giving citizens a platform to air their grievances about the economic and social conditions under the current administration.

Despite the growing outcry and public backlash, Eniola remains unshaken. In a recent post on Instagram, she doubled down on her loyalty, stating unequivocally that her support for Tinubu is unwavering and not dictated by public sentiment.

Her stance has continued to draw both admiration and criticism, sparking debates about celebrity involvement in politics and the responsibilities that come with public influence.

As the nation grapples with challenges and citizens demand accountability, Eniola Badmus’s bold declaration of allegiance has positioned her as one of the most outspoken celebrity supporters of the President—refusing to bow to pressure or shift her political loyalties.

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First Lady Reassures Nigerians of Tinubu Administration’s Dedication to National Progress, Urges Kindness and Unity During Ramadan

 First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Bola Tinubu-led administration to uplifting Nigeria and addressing the prevailing economic challenges faced by its citizens.

Speaking during a special Iftar gathering held in Abuja on Thursday, Mrs. Tinubu expressed empathy toward the difficulties many Nigerians are experiencing and assured attendees that the government remains focused on delivering meaningful change and lasting improvements.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima; wives of state governors; female lawmakers from the National Assembly; and their spouses. It served as a moment of spiritual reflection, unity, and national discourse.

According to a statement released by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady encouraged Nigerians to engage in compassionate acts and extend help to those in need. She stressed that small, individual acts of kindness could collectively make a powerful impact in easing the burden of hardship.

“If each one of us reaches out to just one person in need, we would be taking a significant step toward reducing the hardship that so many are facing,” she stated.

Mrs. Tinubu also highlighted the rare convergence of Ramadan and Lent this year, describing it as a divine arrangement meant to foster collective spiritual reflection across faiths. “This season presents a unique opportunity for both our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters to engage in introspection, prayer, and acts of goodness. It is no coincidence—it is God's will at this critical time in our national journey,” she said.

The First Lady urged the Muslim faithful to sustain the virtues of self-discipline, generosity, and prayerfulness beyond the holy month and to continue praying for the nation’s peace and prosperity.

In her remarks, Hajiya Nana Shettima expressed heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Tinubu for hosting the Iftar and creating a platform for fellowship and dialogue. She appealed to Nigerians to continually keep President Tinubu and the nation in their prayers, especially during this sacred season.

The spiritual ambiance of the evening was deepened by a keynote lecture delivered by Professor Fatima Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of Azman University, Kano, who spoke on the deeper meaning and spiritual benefits of Ramadan.

The gathering was not only a moment of faith and reflection but also a call to unity, resilience, and shared responsibility as Nigerians look forward to better days under the current administration.

Ifon/Ilobu Conflict: Olobu Urges Adeleke to Ease 24-Hour Curfew, Demands Justice for Victims

 The Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, has appealed to Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to reconsider the ongoing 24-hour curfew imposed on Ilobu and surrounding communities following renewed clashes over a long-standing land dispute.

Oba Olaniyan said the round-the-clock lockdown is preventing affected residents from assessing the extent of destruction in their homes and communities. He stressed the urgent need for the people to begin the process of rebuilding their lives and properties after enduring such a traumatic episode.

Governor Adeleke had declared the curfew across Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun after violent communal clashes erupted, leaving over 30 people reportedly shot and properties worth an estimated N2 billion destroyed.

In a heartfelt statement issued yesterday, the traditional ruler expressed deep sorrow over the repeated violence that has ravaged the area over the last 18 months. He attributed the unrest to "a handful of selfish individuals driven by greed, political ambition, and a distorted sense of power," accusing them of exploiting leadership as a tool of oppression.

"I share in the pain, anguish, and heartbreak of my people,” he said. “We have witnessed horrific bloodshed—more than 30 of our sons and daughters have been killed within just 18 months. Homes have been burnt to ashes, shops looted, livelihoods ruined. Yet, I still plead with you all to remain calm and law-abiding, as instructed by our ancestors."

Oba Olaniyan also referenced legal victories and historical evidence supporting Ilobu’s rightful ownership of the disputed land, insisting that justice must prevail.

He concluded with a five-point demand directed at the state government, which included the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for inciting and perpetrating the violence, a review of the curfew, compensation for victims, and a call for genuine peace-building efforts from both state actors and community leaders.

The monarch reaffirmed his commitment to peace, but maintained that lasting harmony can only be achieved through justice, fairness, and responsible leadership.

Jaiye Kuti Stresses Importance of Talent Over Education in Entertainment Industry

Renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Jaiye Kuti, has shed light on the balance between education and natural talent, asserting that while formal education plays a vital role in life, it is raw, innate ability that often drives true success—especially in the entertainment industry. 

 In a recent interview with *The Nation*, Kuti reflected on how some of the most impactful performances in the creative world come not from classrooms or textbooks, but from individuals with an unteachable, natural flair. She argued that formal education, although beneficial, does not define an individual’s relevance or value in showbiz. “Education is undoubtedly important,” she said. “But that doesn’t make those who are uneducated less important. Many people carry a natural gift that can’t be taught in any school, yet it’s those gifts that bring magic to our screens and stages.” The veteran actress highlighted the unique contributions of traditional performers—many of whom lack formal schooling yet excel in their craft through deep-rooted cultural expression and raw emotional delivery. 

Drawing from her own experience, she acknowledged the richness these talents bring to the industry. “There are certain things I simply can’t do. I can’t chant, for instance. But there are these older, untrained actors—when they deliver a line or give a certain look or gesture, it’s pure brilliance. They didn’t learn that in school—it’s instinctive, it’s natural. And it works,” she explained. 

 Kuti concluded by emphasizing that in the world of entertainment, it’s the passion, presence, and personal gift that truly set individuals apart—not their academic qualifications. “In this business, it’s not all about what’s written in your certificate—it’s about what lives inside you,” she said. 

“Talent is the true engine of success in our industry.” Her remarks have since sparked conversation across social media, with many echoing her sentiments on the power of innate ability in creative careers.