Author: Nouman Ali

The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) Wealthy Place Church Iyanaipaja Lagos has intensified efforts to equip children and young people with the character, leadership skills and values needed to make meaningful contributions to society.

Speaking at the church’s annual programme with the theme: ‘Talents for the Master’s Use’ the pastor in charge of the church Rev. Rotimi Adekunle Olukorede said the church places strong emphasis on character, integrity, honesty and leadership as part of its mission to prepare the next generation.

Olukorede explained that the programme was designed to go beyond spiritual instruction by helping young people develop healthy relationships, leadership abilities and strong moral values

According to him, the initiative has been running for several years, with children brought together from different TREM branches and other churches to participate in Bible studies, character-building sessions, leadership training, music, dance, recitation and other activities.

He said the programmes also encourages children to learn tolerance, relationship, forgiveness and teamwork while developing the ability to relate positively with others.

‘We bring them together, and then we try to ensure that they are able to relate with each other, have tolerance for each other and forgive each other,’ he said.

Beyond the annual programmes, Olukorede noted TREM had over the years supported children in its community by helping them pursue further education.

He therefore urged parents to complement the efforts of the church by becoming positive role models for their children.

‘Children learn more from our actions than even from what we say,’ he said, advising parents to demonstrate prayerfulness, honesty, integrity, hard work and responsible living.

Prizes, medals, awards, and trophies were presented to first runner up, second runner up, third runner up, to encourage them.

The Leader of the Women and Children Department and one of the coordinators of the Programme Mrs. Ayodeji Olukorede charged the children to be bold, take control, showcase their talent and not be ashamed of what God has placed in them.

‘This programme is a way of engaging their minds, taking them away from bad influence. Of course, we know we are in a technology-driven society but we are not taking them away from the technology but to bring out the best in them.

‘The talent impacts the society greatly, because developing, bringing them out and showcasing them, not only help to bless the church, but also, wherever they find themselves, are useful to the society. A child that can play the violin, can not only play in the church, but can also play in school, can also play at concerts,’ Olukorede said.

Churches that participated in the programme were TREM Wealthy Place, TREM branches from Ishuti, Oko oba, Ejigbo, Iju, Ambassador Mega Zone, Igando, Ikotun, RCCG Great Expectation, RCCG Ark of God, Christ Gospel Church of Praise,

Go Ye Pentecostal Mission International and Hour of Touch Bible Ministry.

The event featured Bible recitation, dance competition, Bible quiz, music competition,

Bible Sword, among other. TREM Wealthy Place emerged winner in most of the competitions with RCCG Ambassador Mega Zone as first position for Bible Sword competition.

Actors from the Yoruba film industry held a special prayer session for veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as he continues to battle health challenges.

In a video circulating on social media on Friday, several prominent Yoruba film stars gathered to pray for Allah’s mercy, divine intervention, strength and complete healing for the actor.

Those present included Jide Kosoko, Fausat Balogun (aka Madam Saje), Yinka Quadri, Rotimi Salami, Mr Latin, Adewale Elesho and Antar Laniyan.

The prayer session comes amid growing concern over Ogogo’s health.

His family and colleagues have urged Nigerians to keep praying for him.

Earlier this week, Kosoko appealed to fans and well-wishers to continue praying for Ogogo.

In a statement on his Instagram page on Wednesday, he also explained why the actor could not be moved to another facility despite offers of spiritual and medical help, citing his current medical condition.

The appeal followed an emotional request from Ogogo’s daughters, who sought medical assistance for their father amid reports that he is battling stage-four cancer.

The veteran’s condition has triggered an outpouring of support from across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues asking the public to keep him in their prayers.

The Face of Good Governance Nigeria (FOGGN) has expressed its commitment to mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Director-General of FOGGN, Sonia Joy Okochichi, alongside other stakeholders, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the President during a road walk in Abuja.

Okochichi said the group’s support for the administration was based on the belief that the government’s policies and programmes could contribute to economic growth, youth empowerment and national development.

The road walk, which started in Nyanya and ended at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, drew youths, members of the organisation, and other supporters who expressed confidence in the administration and its policies.

Participants carried placards and chanted solidarity messages as they moved through the city, saying the exercise aimed to demonstrate their support for continuity, good governance and the country’s development.

The organisers explained that the exercise was intended not only to demonstrate political support for the President but also to promote peace, unity, and responsible citizenship among Nigerians.

According to them, the road walk gave young Nigerians a platform to express their views on national issues and encouraged greater participation in the country’s democratic process.

They stressed the need for sustained youth involvement in governance and national development, noting that young Nigerians have important roles to play in shaping the country’s future.

Okochichi and other stakeholders called on youths to remain committed to Nigeria’s progress and to participate constructively in the democratic process.

Representatives of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development and the Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group commended participants for their commitment and peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.

They said initiatives that encourage youth participation in national affairs could create more opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

The representatives also urged young people to remain peaceful and law-abiding while actively participating in programmes and initiatives that promote national unity and development.

At the Federal Secretariat, where the road walk ended, participants reiterated their support for the President and called for sustained efforts to address the country’s development challenges.

FOGGN said it would continue to engage Nigerians, particularly youths, on issues of governance and development while mobilising support for its preferred political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies to collaborate with the Sokoto State Government to prevent a recurrence of the boat accident in Gorau Community, Goronyo Local Government Area, which claimed several lives and left others missing.

The President specifically directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work closely with the state government to ensure that waterway safety standards are strictly enforced.

Tinubu gave the directive on Friday while reacting to the boat mishap, which he described as a tragedy, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President also commended emergency responders and local authorities for their swift intervention in rescue and recovery operations following the accident.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life, Tinubu extended his condolences to the bereaved families, as well as the government and people of Sokoto State.

‘The news of this boat mishap deeply saddens me. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this difficult time. I pray that God grants the departed eternal rest and gives their loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,’ the President said.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident and assured the people of Sokoto State of the Federal Government’s support as they grapple with the tragedy.

The latest directive underscores concerns over recurring boat accidents across the country and the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures on inland waterways.

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), which coordinated the re-election campaign of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has thanked residents of the state for their support that secured the governor’s victory at the polls.

The council, in a statement jointly signed on Friday by its Director-General, Senator Lere Oyewumi, and Secretary, Prince Bola Ajao, also appreciated traditional rulers for their prayers and support throughout the election period.

The council said the victory reflected the people’s confidence in what it described as the Imole vision and their desire for continued development and good governance in the state.

It said, ‘We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the good people of Osun State for the confidence, support, prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment demonstrated throughout our journey.

‘The victory we celebrate today belongs, first and foremost, to God Almighty and to the good people of Osun State. It is a testament to the strength of your faith in the Imole vision and your determination to see Osun continue on the path of progress, development, and good governance.’

The council also commended traditional rulers for their counsel, prayers and contributions to their communities.

‘To our Royal Fathers and Traditional Rulers, we salute your wisdom, dignity, and invaluable counsel. Your leadership remains a pillar of our communities, and we deeply appreciate your prayers and support,’ it said.

Religious leaders were also recognised for their prayers, guidance and commitment to peace, unity and the wellbeing of Osun State.

The council said the victory belonged to all residents of the state, including those in the diaspora, and urged them to remain united.

‘To every citizen of Osun State-at home and in the diaspora, we see and value you. You will never be taken for granted. This moment belongs to all of us,’ it said.

The council acknowledged that the campaign was not without challenges but said the outcome demonstrated the importance of collective support for a shared vision.

It stressed, however, that the electoral victory should be viewed as a renewed responsibility to serve the people.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we are conscious that victory itself is not the destination. It is a renewed responsibility to serve, to listen, to unite, and to deliver on the aspirations of the people,’ the council said.

It pledged that the trust placed in the administration would not be taken for granted.

Former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has urged the military to intensify operations to rescue 78 schoolchildren and a teacher abducted by insurgents from two communities in Southern Borno.

Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Senate, made the appeal during a visit to the Theatre Commander, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar.

According to a statement from the senator’s media office, 42 pupils were abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in May. A similar attack occurred in June at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where insurgents abducted 36 students and a teacher.

Ndume said the appeal was not an indictment of the military but part of his duty to draw attention to the plight of affected constituents amid growing anxiety among families.

‘We know you are making efforts, but because of the anxiety we all share and the length of time these pupil have remained away from their families, I have to continue to push for greater effort,’ he said.

The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army commended the military for sustained anti-insurgency operations, saying security in Borno had improved significantly due to the sacrifices of troops and better inter-agency coordination.

Responding, Abubakar assured Ndume that concerns over the abductees had been noted and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting communities and facilitating the safe return of displaced residents.

He attributed gains in the theatre to the support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosing plans to expand military presence in vulnerable areas through new formations and additional troop deployments.

As part of measures to secure Southern Borno and adjoining parts of Adamawa State, Abubakar said about 1,000 youths, mostly from Gwoza Local Government Area, would be recruited into the military to strengthen the response capacity in affected communities.

WAPTV has reached another ground breaking milestone, as it will be the first TV channel in Nigeria, to broadcast the smash hit Indian Romantic Drama, Rajjo.

The move, according to an official statement from the channel, is an effort to ensure the TV channel maintains its apex position in ensuring premium programming for its millions of viewers worldwide, in the ever rising competitive world of broadcasting.

The show revolves around the trials and tests of an aspiring athlete Rajjo from Uttarakhand. Her mother, Manorama, has a dark past, and hence is against Rajjo’s dreams of turning an athlete.

Rajjo is a family drama, fully dubbed and subtitled in English Language.

Wale Adenuga Jnr, Director WAPTV, excitedly announced; ‘after years of painstakingly pursuing the broadcast license of the hit show: Rajjo, we were delighted when we acquired the rights, as the series is tailor-fitted to our core values at WAPTV, to provide wholesome family friendly entertainment, that will keep our audiences glued to their screens, both TV and Mobile.’ Rajjo will start showing from September 7 between Mondays and Fridays on the WAPTV channels.

AK Media Concepts Ltd is set to unveil its latest family drama series entitled The Family Man.

The Family Man is a compelling production exploring love, betrayal, family, crime, redemption and second chances.

According to a statement by the production company, the new series expands the company’s portfolio, which includes Family Ties, Face2Face, ‘Nowhere to Be Found,’ ‘City Buster,’ ‘Liberty Villa’ and ‘Oyinmomo,’ a magazine talk show.

The 30-minute drama-crime series centres on Banjo Balogun, a brilliant civil engineer played by Olarotimi Fakunle, who returns home after serving 10 years of a 21-year prison sentence following the governor’s prerogative of mercy. Expecting to reconnect with his wife and three children, Banjo discovers that his family has changed considerably during his years away.

His return is further complicated by his struggle to secure employment because of his criminal record. Once a respected engineer and provider, Banjo now finds himself struggling to get the attention of his family, especially his wife, Chioma, who has built a successful career and become the principal provider. The situation becomes more explosive when Chioma is revealed to be romantically involved with Iredia, Banjo’s best friend and marriage counsellor.

The series features a strong ensemble cast comprising Joy Nmezi, Nifemi Lawal, Jasmine Olarotimi, Eze Ukwa, Femi Branch, Akin Lewis, Kunle Dada, Modola Osifuwa, Kenny Ayanfe, Babaseun Faseru, Halimah Ganiyu and Chy Nwakama, alongside Fakunle.

The inclusion of established actors such as Branch and Lewis adds further depth and experience to the production.

Directed by Tunde Olaoye and executive-produced by Olajumoke Akindeju-Asekun, ‘The Family Man’ is set in contemporary Lagos.

Speaking on the project, the MD/CEO of AK Media Concepts Ltd, Mrs Olajumoke Akindeju-Asekun, described The Family Man as a multi-million-naira production designed to meet contemporary cinematic standards.

‘I want to assure our media partners, and the general public that our new series, The Family Man,’is a content designed to keep viewers glued to their screens. It is our biggest project in recent times, and we have produced it in line with today’s cinematic standards.

‘What we have come up with this time, is a big difference and a blockbuster to reckon with.’

The Hausa Community in Ondo State has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima remain the best leadership option for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

They made the declaration on Friday in Akure during a mobilisation programme organised by the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), a political support group backed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Speaking at the event, the State Leader of the Hausa Community in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Bala Umaru, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s administration’s ongoing reforms in agriculture, security, infrastructure and other sectors.

Umaru said the Hausa community, from the 18 local government areas of Ondo, has endorsed President Tinubu and his Vice President, Shettima, to reposition the country for sustainable development.

He observed that the administration inherited significant economic and social challenges but had demonstrated commitment to addressing them through reforms and interventions targeted at food security, infrastructure, transport, investment, job creation and economic growth.

‘Today is more than a political gathering. It is an opportunity for us to speak with one voice about the Nigeria we want, and the kind of leadership we believe can take us there.

‘The leader is none other than His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our decision as the Hausa community in Ondo State is to support his administration and endorse him alongside our Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, for a second term in office,’ Umaru said.

He also lauded the Federal government’s road construction projects, saying improved road infrastructure was essential to the economic activities of northern Nigerians who transport agricultural produce to different parts of the country.

‘In the history of Nigeria, there is no President who has embarked on massive road construction like the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘Good roads play a significant role in the economy of we northerners. They make it easier for us to transport our goods, especially farm produce, to any part of the country,’ he said.

Umaru also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration, stressing that some of the reforms would require time before their full impact could be felt.

He further cited Tinubu’s contribution to the political emergence of former President Muhammadu Buhari as one reason the Hausa community should reciprocate the support.

‘These are not things that can be achieved overnight. They require patience, consistency and cooperation from all Nigerians.’

‘President Tinubu also played a significant role in installing the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is just natural for any northerner to support President Tinubu’s second-term bid,’ he said.

Umaru said the community’s decision was also motivated by its desire for a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.

He applauded the Minister of Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo, for his leadership, commitment and development initiatives.

The Director-General of GMT, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the Hausa endorsement was part of the group’s wider mobilisation of ethnic communities and non-indigenes across Ondo State for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

Yusuf-Ogunleye said the group had previously secured endorsements from the Ebira and Igbo communities, adding that the Hausa community had now joined the campaign.

‘Different ethnic groups in Ondo State have been endorsing President Tinubu. We started with the Ebira community. Last week, the Igbo community did their own. Today, the Hausa people from all 18 local government areas are here to endorse the President’s second-term bid,’ he said.

He said the Hausa community had acknowledged what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration and decided to support the President despite the possibility of other aspirants from the northern region contesting the presidency.

‘That is the spirit of sportsmanship. That is the spirit of oneness,’ he said.

Yusuf-Ogunleye added that the Hausa community, which he described as committed and loyal, supported Tinubu in the 2023 election and had resolved to back him again in 2027.

He also commended Tunji-Ojo for providing resources to mobilise residents and non-indigenes across the state in support of the President.

Similarly, a member of the GMT Board of Trustees, Hon. Adekola Olawoye, SAN, described the gathering as a significant mobilisation event and expressed satisfaction with the turnout of Hausa residents from the 18 local government areas.

Olawoye said the group had been engaging different ethnic communities in the state as part of its mobilisation strategy.

‘We have been mobilising non-indigenes in the state, different ethnic groups, to support the President. Our target is one million votes for the President,’ he said.

Noor Takaful Insurance Limited and its subsidiary, Noor Health Limited, have distributed N427.96 million in surplus to participants and enrollees who did not make claims during the 2024 financial year.

The companies shared a combined N427,963,044.68 at a ceremony in Lagos, marking what they described as a demonstration of the principles of mutuality, fairness and shared benefits underpinning the Takaful model.

While more than 1,000 participants are expected to receive various amounts from the surplus distribution, 22 Noor Takaful participants and two Noor Health enrollees received their payments at the ceremony.

Among the organisations that received surplus payments were Jaiz Bank, Lotus Bank, Sterling Bank, The Alternative Bank, Payvantage Limited, Integrated Indigo Limited, Smadac Securities and Taxaide Logistics.

Speaking at the 2024 Surplus Distribution and Claims Celebration Ceremony, themed ‘Promise Kept: Celebrating Takaful’s Commitment to Shared Reward, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) described the surplus distribution as a practical demonstration of the principles of cooperation, shared responsibility, fairness, ethical conduct and collective prosperity.

The NAICOM Commissioner for Insurance, Ayo Omosehin, who was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Insurance, Technical, Usman Jankara, said the development showed that Takaful participants were not merely buyers of insurance protection but contributors to a system based on cooperation and mutual benefit.

Jankara said the payment had demonstrated that Takaful could create measurable value while remaining faithful to its ethical foundation.

On the ongoing recapitalisation of the insurance industry, Jankara said Takaful operators were exempted because they had undergone a similar exercise four years ago.

He said there was currently no compelling need for another recapitalisation of the Takaful segment, stressing that all Takaful operators were adequately capitalised.

He added that NAICOM would continue to support the growth of Takaful while maintaining regulatory oversight.

The Board Chairman of Noor Takaful, Ambassador Shuaibu Ahmed, disclosed that the distribution was more than a financial reward but a demonstration of gratitude, accountability and the fulfilment of promises made to participants.

According to him, Noor Takaful’s consistent surplus payments have shown that the concept is not merely theoretical but a model capable of delivering tangible benefits to participants.

He said the growing acceptance of Takaful in Nigeria reflected increasing recognition of the model as a credible alternative to conventional insurance.

‘At Noor, however, we believe it is more than just an alternative. We believe it is a better alternative,’ Ahmed said, citing equity, fairness, mutual responsibility, transparency and shared benefit as core values of Takaful.

The Vice Chairman of Noor Takaful, Aminu Tukur on his part said the 2024 surplus distribution was based on the performance of participants’ risk pool after claims and other obligations had been settled.

Tukur added that the company had grown from about 60 participants at inception to approximately 4,000, adding that it would continue to work with regulators and other stakeholders to deepen Takaful awareness and insurance penetration in Nigeria.

He said the company would mark its 10th anniversary in 2027.

He also disclosed that Noor Takaful had paid about N22 billion in claims to beneficiaries and participants since inception, comprising N7.4 billion from General Takaful and N14.5 billion from Family Takaful.

He said the company’s responsibility extended beyond managing and investing participants’ funds to ensuring that genuine claims were paid promptly and without unnecessary stress.

Noor Takaful was established and licensed by NAICOM in April 2016 as Nigeria’s first full-fledged composite Takaful operator, with 100 per cent indigenous Nigerian ownership.

Noor Health, a National Health Maintenance Organisation licensed by the National Health Insurance Authority, operates on principles inspired by Takaful, including fairness, transparency and shared value.