Category: PM News

What started as a light-hearted TikTok prank between two sweethearts has blossomed into one of Nigeria’s most inspiring digital love stories. Tola and Ola, the couple whose playful videos once amused a few friends, now command the attention of thousands across social media.

Their content is a blend of humor, affection, and everyday realities that has earned them millions of followers across social media and brand partnerships that many creators only dream of. But behind the laughter and viral moments lies a story of consistency, creativity, and authenticity.

In this interview, Bello Alliy Adetola popularly known as Ocean Vibes opens up about his unexpected journey from studying Sociology to becoming a full-time content creator, how he and his partner, Ola built their brand from scratch, and why staying true to their love story has kept their audience glued to their screens.

You studied Sociology but you ended up as a content creator, how did that happen?

Honestly, it just happened naturally. I’ve always been curious about people – why they act the way they do, what makes them laugh, what connects us. Studying Sociology actually helped me understand human behavior better, and I think that reflects in my content. So even though I’m not in a traditional Sociology career, I’m still studying people – just through creativity and entertainment.

Tell us about your educational background.

I completed my primary and secondary education in Lagos State, Nigeria, before proceeding to University of Lagos (UNILAG), where I earned a degree in Sociology. My time in school played a big role in shaping my curiosity about people and how society works, which eventually influenced the kind of content I create today.

Can you take us back to the very beginning – how did that playful TikTok prank with Ola come about?

It all started with that playful prank where Ola called one of my friends to see if he’d cover for me even though I was sitting right there with her. It was just one of those random, funny moments we always have, so we decided to record and post it on TikTok. We honestly didn’t expect much, but people found it super relatable and couldn’t stop sharing it. That one video went viral and opened a new chapter for us. From there, we just kept creating – turning those real, everyday moments into content people could laugh about and connect with.

At the time, did you have any idea the video would go viral and mark the start of your content journey?

Not at all. Honestly, I just posted as a normal TikTok video post with no planning, no expectations. It was one of those moments you record and move on from. So when the video started blowing up, we were shocked. I remember refreshing the app and watching the numbers climb like, ‘Wait, what’s happening?’ That’s when it really hit me that people actually connect with real, simple relationship moments. That reaction inspired me to take content creation seriously and start building something consistent from it.

What was the first moment you realized that content creation could actually become a career path for you?

The first time it really hit me was after that prank video went viral. I started getting messages from people saying how much they laughed, how they watched it with their partner, or how it reminded them of their own relationship. That kind of response made me realize this was more than just content, it was connection. As more videos started gaining traction and brands began reaching out, I knew it wasn’t just a hobby anymore. That was the moment I decided to treat content creation like a real career and put my full energy into it.

After your first viral video, how did you handle the sudden presence on TikTok compared to other platforms, why is that?

It was definitely a big change at first. Going viral came with a lot of attention, and I had to quickly learn how to balance creating more content and know what type of content people actually want to see me do.. I didn’t want to start chasing trends just to keep numbers up – I wanted to build something that felt real and consistent.

TikTok became the main platform for me because it’s where everything started. It’s a space that allows me to experiment, be spontaneous, and connect directly with people through relationships, couple moments. The audience there loves authenticity, and that’s exactly what I enjoy giving. It’s just easier to express creativity and personality on TikTok, and from there, I build and share across other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

How did your family react to your type of content?

They were actually cool with it from the start. My family has always known I’m a creative person, so when I started making videos, they just let me do my thing. They’d laugh at the funny ones and sometimes even share ideas. As things grew, they became even more supportive – they love seeing how far it’s come.

Nigeria’s digital space can be competitive even though we don’t have many people doing relationship content – how do you ensure your content stays unique and authentic?

Yeah, the digital space here is definitely competitive, but I think what keeps my content unique is that it’s real. I don’t try to force ideas or copy what’s trending – most of what I post comes from real moments between Ola and I. We just take everyday experiences that couples go through and tell them in a funny or relatable way. I also pay attention to the little details – the emotions, the reactions, the timing because that’s what makes people feel connected. At the end of the day, I think authenticity is what people relate to the most, and that’s what I always focus on.

You and Ola seem to have a strong chemistry both on and off camera – how does your relationship influence your content?

Honestly, our relationship makes everything easier. The chemistry people see on camera is just how we are in real life. We have fun together, and that energy naturally shows in our videos.

How do you balance your personal relationship with the demands of creating consistent, engaging content?

It’s all about balance and communication. We make sure our relationship always comes first, no matter how busy content gets. When it’s time to create, we give it our full energy, but we also take time off-camera to just be ourselves. We’ve learned to separate work from our personal moments so we don’t lose that real connection. At the end of the day, the content works because the relationship is solid.

Do you both brainstorm content ideas together, or does one of you take the lead creatively?

I usually take the lead when it comes to brainstorming and creating ideas. I enjoy coming up with concepts and visualizing how everything will look, but Ola adds her own touch to make it better. Sometimes she brings fresh perspectives or funny twists I wouldn’t have thought of. So even though I take the lead, it’s really a team effort – we balance each other out.

Have there been moments when social media attention affected your relationship – either positively or negatively?

Not really. We just do our thing and focus on our strength as a couple .

I know there are challenges, can you talk about some and what keeps you going despite those challenges?

There are definitely challenges, like dealing with pressure to stay consistent or trying to keep ideas fresh. Sometimes it can get overwhelming, but what keeps me going is the love for what I do and the support from people who enjoy the content. Seeing how much people connect with our videos makes all the hard work worth it.

Who are those creators who inspire you guys?

We get inspired by a few creators who do similar couple content. The Teach Family on YouTube and Blaise and Alexia on TikTok are some of our favorites. We love how natural they are and how they show real moments while still keeping things fun. There are also a few other amazing couples we watch from time to time who just give that good energy.

And who are those creators you love to collaborate with, in Nigeria and abroad?

In Nigeria, there are creators I already know and would love to work with. Abroad, I’d really love to collaborate with Blaise and Alexia, and The Trench Family. I like their energy and how they create content that feels real and entertaining at the same time. Working with people who have that same vibe would be amazing.

You’ve worked with several brands, what do you look for before agreeing to a partnership?

Content creation can be very profitable, especially when you treat it like a real business. It’s not just about posting videos, it’s about building trust and value. I’ve been blessed to work with several brands, but before agreeing to a partnership, I always check if the brand fits my personality and audience. I only work with brands I genuinely connect with, because I want my audience to feel that what I promote is real and not forced.

How do you ensure that your sponsored content still feels genuine and connects with your audience?

I make sure every sponsored video still feels like something I’d normally post. I don’t change my style or force the message. I just find a way to blend the brand naturally into my usual kind of content. That way, it still feels real and fun, and my audience can connect with it the same way they do with my regular videos.

What are some of the most memorable brand collaborations you’ve had so far?

I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing brands like Sprite, Close Up, AddMe, Infinix, and Tecno, among others. Each collaboration was special in its own way because they all allowed me to be creative and still stay true to my style. I really appreciate brands that give creators the freedom to express their ideas and that’s what makes the projects memorable for me.

How do you think social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have changed opportunities for young Nigerians?

Social media has changed everything for young Nigerians. It has opened up opportunities that didn’t exist before, now you can build a brand, a career, or even a business just from your phone. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have given young people the chance to show their talent, connect with others, and reach a global audience. It’s really about creativity now, not just connections or location.

What kind of feedback do you receive from your followers?

The feedback has been really positive. A lot of people tell me how much they enjoy the videos and how they can relate to them. Some say our content reminds them of their own relationships or makes them smile after a long day. Messages like that really motivate me to keep going and keep creating.

You’ve been in a loving relationship since 2021 and built a career around it – what have you learned about love and creativity along the way?

We’ve been together since 2021, and it’s been an amazing journey. One thing I’ve learned about love and creativity is that they actually work hand in hand. When you’re in a healthy, supportive relationship, it inspires you to create more and do better. Love keeps you grounded, and creativity keeps things exciting and that balance has really helped both our relationship and our content grow.

What do you say to people looking to get into the content-creation industry?

I’d say just start. Don’t overthink it or wait for everything to be perfect – learn as you go. Be consistent, stay true to your style, and focus on what makes you different. It takes time, but if you’re passionate and genuine, people will connect with your content. Most importantly, enjoy the process and keep improving.

What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to ten years?

In the next five to ten years, I see myself growing even more as a creator and storyteller. I want to build a strong brand that goes beyond social media – maybe produce shows, collaborate with bigger global brands, and create content that inspires people worldwide. I also want to use my platform to support other young creators and show that you can really turn your passion into something great.

When are you getting married?

Haha, that’s the golden question! We’re taking things one step at a time and just enjoying the journey together. When the time is right, everyone will definitely know, we’ll make it a content moment for sure!

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), joined organisations around the world in commemorating this year’s Customer Service Week, celebrating the theme ‘Mission Possible.’

The week-long event showcased MMA2’s dedication to exceptional passenger experience and appreciation for the staff who drive service excellence across the terminal.

The Customer Service Unit of the Operations Department led a series of engaging activities for passengers and terminal users, reinforcing the terminal’s culture of empathy, responsiveness, and professionalism.

Acting Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Remi Jibodu, described the celebration as a reminder of BASL’s consistent pursuit of excellence.

‘At BASL, our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering. Customer Service Week reminds us that excellence is not occasional, it’s a daily standard we uphold across all areas of our operations,’ he said.

Similarly, Customer Service Unit Supervisor, Mrs. Ifeoma Azubuike, described customer service as the ‘heartbeat’ of MMA2’s operations.

She said the event was an opportunity to celebrate every staff member who ensures comfort, safety, and efficiency for travellers, adding that the terminal strives to make each passenger’s experience ‘memorable for all the right reasons.’

Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, noted that Customer Service Week has become an essential part of MMA2’s culture.

‘Excellent service begins with a motivated team. Customer care is one of our core values, and it guides how we engage with our passengers, partners, and colleagues daily,’ she stated.

In continuation of its three-year tradition, BASL honoured outstanding customer service personnel from airlines operating at MMA2 with gifts and certificates of recognition.

The recognition was also extended to Ground Service Agents (GSAs) at the terminal’s cargo facility, reflecting BASL’s broader commitment to rewarding excellence and promoting a culture of service-driven performance across all its operations.

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has declared that Governor Peter Mbah has assumed the position of the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu state following his defection to the party on Tuesday.

Shettima said this while welcoming Mbah to the APC at an event held at Okpara Square Enugu.

According to the Vice President, the APC Convention and Constitution stipulated that the Governor is the leader of the party in the state.

‘Your Excellency, you are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu State. I am the vice-president, but the leader of the APC in Borno is Gov. Babagana Zulum.

‘The President of the Senate is the number three citizen but the leader of the party in Akwa Ibom is Gov. Umo Eno.

‘The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the number four citizen but the leader of the party in Kaduna State is the governor of Kaduna state,’ he said.

The vice-president described Igbos as the ‘Nigerian Jews’, geographically mobile, economically enterprising, and educationally ambitious.

Shettima regretted that for the past 12 years, the Ndigbo, one of the most vibrant ethnic groups in Africa, had been in the margin of Nigerian politics.

‘But with the coming of Mbah, with the continuous energy being exhibited by Gov. Hope Uzodinma and Gov. Francis Nwifuru, I believe the Ndigbo have come to the mainstream of Nigeria.

‘I want to assure you that President Bola Tinubu, our leader, is a man for all citizens and all people.

‘A man whose word is his bond, and his sense of inclusion, his real capacity to listen, and his belief in merit over sentiment has made the APC the most formidable political party in Africa,’ Shettima said.

He disclosed that Mbah had always been one of them, stressing, ‘You are a progressive, I am convinced that you had a broom hidden in your umbrella all these years waiting for the right moment to bring it out.

‘We are one family tied to a common destiny. I want to assure all of you that you are very much welcome to the APC and we are one big family.

‘Rest assured that you will be treated justly and fairly and all the developmental initiatives that have been planned for will certainly reach the South-East’.

Shettima commended APC Governors and party leaders in South-East.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has mocked opposition parties following the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a post shared on his official X account on Tuesday, Keyamo taunted the PDP, Labour Party, and African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying he decided to help them ‘draft’ their usual responses before they ‘recover from the shock’ of losing another major figure to the ruling party.

‘Before they recover from the shock of their total exit from the South-East and manage to piece together some press statements, let me help the opposition, particularly the fractured PDP, the accidented ADC and the epileptic Labour Party to draft something from which they can take some extracts,’ Keyamo wrote.

He went on to mock the expected reactions of the opposition, writing:

‘We are not surprised by this cowardly act of the Governor who has been arm-twisted by the APC or President Tinubu, bla bla bla…

This latest defection of the Governor will not affect the fortunes of the opposition bla bla bla …

The 2027 election will be between the APC and the Nigerian people bla bla bla.’

Keyamo dismissed such statements as ‘old and outdated,’ claiming Nigerians are now wiser and can see through the opposition’s rhetoric.

‘The formats are old and outdated. The true voters and Nigerians are now wiser,’ he added.

The minister concluded by hinting that more defections to the APC were imminent, saying:

‘I will be back with more drafts for the opposition after the next defection to the APC in a matter of days or weeks.’

The family of the late Bilyaminu Ahmed Bello has publicly expressed deep shock and disappointment following the recent presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted and sentenced to death for his murder in 2020.

The decision, which formed part of a broader exercise of presidential clemency under the Prerogative of Mercy, saw 175 convicted individuals either released or granted posthumous pardons. Among them was Sanda, whose case had captured national attention after her conviction for the premeditated killing of her husband in November 2017.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday and signed by Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, the family of the deceased described the pardon as ‘the worst possible injustice’ and an act that has ‘reopened healing wounds’ nearly eight years after the tragedy.

‘To have Maryam Sanda walk the face of the earth again, free from any blemish for her heinous crime as if she had merely squashed an ant, is the worst possible injustice any family could be made to go through for a loved one,’ the statement read.

The family recounted how they had deliberately refrained from making public statements throughout the duration of the legal process, out of respect for the judicial system and the best interests of the two children left behind by the deceased.

Bilyaminu Bello, son of prominent political figure Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, was murdered on 19 November 2017. Sanda, his wife at the time, was arrested, tried and found guilty of his murder by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in January 2020. The death sentence handed down by the High Court was subsequently upheld by both the Court of Appeal in December 2020 and the Supreme Court in October 2023.

The family said they had taken solace in the judicial process, describing the legal outcome as a form of closure that allowed them to begin healing. However, they noted that the recent pardon not only undermines that closure but also sends a troubling message to other victims of domestic violence and families who have lost loved ones to violent crimes.

The family also criticised what they described as ‘sponsored falsehoods’ previously circulated by the convicted killer’s supporters, which they say attempted to distort the facts of the case and malign the character of the deceased.

‘Maryam, let us not forget, had earlier denied the same children now used to elicit sympathy and secure her release, the opportunity to know what a father’s love and care means,’ the statement continued.

They questioned the moral and judicial basis for extending mercy to someone whom three different courts found guilty beyond reasonable doubt and who, they allege, never showed remorse for her actions.

The statement concluded with prayers for the late Bilyaminu, a call for divine justice, and an appeal for continued strength to bear the painful loss that, the family insists, has now been compounded by this latest development.

‘We take solace in the simple fact that in such matters, the ultimate comprehensive justice resides purely with the Supreme Judge and our Creator,’ the family said.

Philomena Iroko, mother of the rescued sold 5-day-old baby boy in Ebonyi, has sought for help from individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to enable her take care of the baby.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the baby boy, sold by his father, five days after his birth, was recovered by the Police from the buyer, Chinyere Ugochukwu, on Friday, Oct. 10.

The mother of three kids told NAN on Monday in Abakaliki that her live-in lover, Chukwuma Onwe, had threatened her before taking the child away from her.

She said, ‘The man who pretended to be my husband, lied to me after I gave birth to the boy, that he would give the child to his sister for adequate care.

‘I didn’t know that the woman he gave the baby was buying him. It was after some days that I discovered that the father of my son collected money in exchange of my child.

‘It was from that period that I raised the alarm and started crying until my baby was recovered with the intervention of the police on Friday.

‘Though, we are not yet married, I don’t know what prompted my son’s father to sell him off.

‘Onwe, the father of my child, has been arrested alongside with the buyer by the police. I am here alone, no one to assist me.

‘Yes, I have other kids, two of them, but they are from a different man, whose whereabouts. I can’t trace. I have been living here with him (Onwe), with my two kids.

‘Please, I need help from the government, individuals and NGOs, so, that my son can live in good health,’ Iroko begged.

SP Joshua Ukandu, Spokesman of the Police Command in Ebonyi, said that Onwe, the father of the child and the buyer are still in custody as they begin investigation.

A Lagos businessman Ugoh Christogonus Onyewuchi and his company C-PAC Integrated Service Nigeria, have been accused of

stealing N215,800,000.

They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

The anti-graft agency in a social media post confirmed the development.

The post read: ‘The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, October 13, 2025, arraigned one Ugoh Christogonus Onyewuchi and his company, C-PAC Integrated Service Nigeria,

for alleged theft of N215,800,000 (Two Hundred and Fifteen Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

‘They were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on retention of proceeds of criminal conduct and stealing to the tune of N215, 800, 000.’

Amid mounting climate disasters and growing water insecurity across Africa, civil society groups have launched a coordinated campaign to resist the privatisation of water resources.

Operating under the umbrella of the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC), the coalition on Monday began the Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation with a press briefing at the Lagos headquarters of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

With a campaign themed ‘Public Water for Climate Resilience,’ OWORAC warned that the continent’s worsening water insecurity cannot be solved by handing over water systems to private corporations.

In a statement read on its behalf by CAPPA’s Programme Officer for Water Campaign, Sefa Ikpa, OWORAC painted a stark picture of how climate change is reshaping the African continent, with water – or the lack thereof – emerging as the most immediate and devastating impact.

‘Across the continent, intense and prolonged droughts, devastating floods, coastal erosion, and increasing unpredictability in rainfall are disrupting lives and livelihoods,’ OWORAC stated.

The coalition argued that these challenges demand urgent public investment in resilient water infrastructure, and not further privatisation.

It said, ‘Ordinarily, these challenges should serve as a wake-up call for governments to invest in stronger publicly governed water systems capable of protecting life under climate stress. Yet, in many African states, the opposite is taking place.’

OWORAC criticised the growing promotion of desalination plants as a ‘climate-resilient’ solution. While acknowledging the urgency of water scarcity, it warned that desalination, often led by private companies under long-term contracts, is environmentally damaging, expensive, and exclusionary.

‘Desalination is no panacea,’ OWORAC said. ‘It is extremely energy-intensive, largely dependent on fossil fuels, and produces a concentrated salty waste called brine that pollutes marine ecosystems, destroys fisheries, and further dispossesses coastal communities,’ it said.

Also speaking at the event, Neil Gupta, Water Campaign Director at Corporate Accountability, echoed OWORAC’s warnings and linked the water justice struggle to broader issues of corporate exploitation and neocolonial influence.

Gupta said, ‘Defending water is defending life itself Unfortunately, there is an entire industry that aims to exploit our need for water to profit.’

He then went on to accuse the governments of advanced countries and their institutions of enabling and even profiting from water privatisation across the Global South.

He said, ‘From the World Bank to the IMF, international financial institutions foist privatisation and austerity on governments at the expense of the people. We’re also witnessing an alarming rate of direct Global North government interference in water.’

As an example, Gupta pointed to recent developments in Lagos, where the US government is reportedly backing ‘a multimillion-dollar corporate water scheme that has been shrouded in secrecy.’

‘While some might try to convince us that certain schemes like public-private partnerships don’t count as privatisation, we can’t be fooled,’ he said.

On his own part, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi, who delivered the welcome address at the event, lamented that at a time when urgent public investment is needed to shore up equitable and resilient water infrastructure, governments are instead bowing to pressure to privatise.

‘While nature cries for justice in the face of the climate emergency, capital smells opportunity.’Multinational corporations now peddle desalination and other privatisation schemes as climate solutions, selling back to us the very water that belongs to the people.’

Adding, he said, ‘Today we reject these false solutions. We assert that the way we protect and govern water will determine whether our communities can endure the crises ahead.’

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday suffered another setback as three of its members in the House of Representatives from Kaduna State defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to The Punch, the lawmakers, which include Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau), and Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabongari) announced their defection in separate letters read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary.

Their move comes amid a growing trend of defections in the North-West, with several prominent figures, including Senator Shehu Sani and Hon. Amos Magaji, recently returning to the APC fold.

In their letters, the lawmakers cited the prolonged internal crisis rocking the PDP and their desire to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as the main reasons for leaving the party.

One of the defectors, Abdulkarim Ahmed, said his decision followed wide consultations with his constituents and political stakeholders.

‘The constant internal conflicts and factionalism within the PDP have made it impossible to represent my people effectively. After careful reflection, I have resolved to resign my membership and continue serving my people under a platform that promotes purposeful and inclusive governance,’ he said.

The defectors expressed appreciation to the PDP for past opportunities but insisted that the current leadership crisis within the party had crippled its effectiveness.

Their defection further strengthens the APC’s grip in Kaduna, where Governor Uba Sani and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas have recently received dozens of new members into the ruling party.

Nigerian rapper and music executive, M.I Abaga, has revealed that he would prefer to raise his future children in Nigeria, citing the country’s rich communal values and strong family support system as key reasons.

In a recent interview, the award-winning rapper praised Nigeria’s family-oriented culture, describing it as an ideal environment for nurturing children.

He contrasted this with life in the United States, where relatives are often preoccupied with work, leaving parents with little external support.

‘There are a lot of things appealing about home, especially because we’re already ingrained in that system. There’s a lot of support as well. I feel it’s very difficult for parents abroad,’ he said.

M.I emphasized that the communal nature of Nigerian society allows parents to receive help from extended family members in child-rearing, something he believes is lacking in many Western countries.

‘You have enough people that can stay at home and support you. But it’s not easy abroad – everyone is a professional and busy,’ he added.

The rapper, who got married in 2022, explained that while raising children abroad has its advantages, Nigeria provides a strong cultural foundation for children’s early development.

He suggested a blended approach:

‘Maybe it’s a thing like early years here and then at a certain point, move abroad. There are some good things about Nigeria that make it ideal for the early days.’