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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the newly inaugurated Ndele-Agba/Ndele-Otari/Omaraka Road and Bridge will make it easier for candidates of his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to campaign in communities previously cut off by poor infrastructure.

Fubara spoke on Wednesday while inaugurating the 14.5 km road and bridge at Elegedi Junction, Agba-Ndele, in Emohua Local Government Area.

The governor recalled that Boniface Emerengwa had told him how difficult it was to campaign in Ndele in 2014 after securing the ticket to contest the House of Representatives because residents felt disconnected from the local government and the state.

According to Fubara, the completion of the road and bridge has changed that situation and will give APC candidates easier access to the people during elections.

He said, ‘I believe what we have done here today will make it easy for candidates that will be representing us in the forthcoming elections that when they come here to campaign, especially in Emohua, they will tell them, ‘My party did this and that,’ and it will be easy for us to win elections here’.

Fubara charged the chairmen of Emohua and Abua/Odual local government areas with protecting the newly inaugurated road and bridge against vandalism and criminal activities.

‘You are the most impacted people. So please, while the security agencies are aware of these complaints, you should also set your own security arrangement to ensure that these people passing under to destroy it are stopped,’ he said.

The governor consequently charged the two council chairmen to act as ‘the new security officers’ of the bridge and ensure that the infrastructure was adequately protected.

Fubara also thanked the people of Ndele for their cooperation with the contractor, urging them to take ownership of the project.

The governor said the infrastructure was conceived to provide an alternative and easier connection between communities in Abua/Odual and other parts of the state, while also helping to curb criminal activities in the area.

He explained that his administration did not initiate the bridge but inherited and completed it because of its importance to the people.

‘Government is a continuum. So when you see something that will benefit the people, it doesn’t matter who started it. What is important is to complete it and put it to the use of our people,’ Fubara said.

According to him, the administration discovered during an inspection of the deplorable Abua road that completing the bridge without providing an access road would limit its usefulness.

He said, ‘While we were on this bridge project, we found out that what is the beauty of this project without an accessible road? It was at that point that we then conceived this 14.5-kilometre road that we are seeing today.’

Fubara said the project would ease transport for residents of Abua and communities along the Ahoada axis who had been struggling with the old Abua road.

He added that the new infrastructure would also improve access to the East-West Road and help address criminal activity in the area.

The governor commended the contractor for delivering a project he described as valuable to the people, stressing that his administration was committed to projects that would directly impact citizens’ lives.

‘I am not interested in just doing anything. I am interested in doing something that adds value and changes the lives of our people,’ he said.

Fubara also expressed concern about damage reportedly caused to the newly completed bridge by vessels passing beneath it, saying the state government had been forced to spend an additional N2.5 million to repair it.

He said the infrastructure would also strengthen political and social integration, recalling that residents of Ndele had previously felt disconnected from their local government and the state.

The governor expressed appreciation for the support and goodwill shown by the people, saying the large turnout at the event demonstrated their ‘genuine love’ for his administration.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed deep sorrow at the death of Mr. Dotun Oladipo, Publisher of The Eagle Online, describing his passing as a significant loss to the Nigerian journalism profession.

In a statement signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, the NUJ FCT Council said it received the news of Oladipo’s death with shock and sadness, noting that his passing at the age of 56 was painful and unfortunate.

‘The NUJ FCT Council is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dotun Oladipo, a committed journalist, media entrepreneur, and respected colleague whose contributions to journalism, especially digital media, will remain memorable,’ the statement read.

The Council said Oladipo distinguished himself in the media industry through his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the growth of journalism in Nigeria, adding that his death had created a significant vacuum in the Nigerian media space.

It extended its heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, family, colleagues at The Eagle Online, and the entire Nigerian media community.

The Council prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to grant all those mourning his death the strength to bear the loss.

It further noted that Oladipo’s legacy of courage, professionalism, and service to the journalism profession would continue to inspire colleagues and younger journalists for years to come.

Veteran actor Dele Odule has paid an emotional tribute to his late colleague and longtime friend, Taiwo Hassan, describing his death as an irreplaceable loss.

In an Instagram post, Odule said words could not fully capture the pain of losing Hassan, whom he described as a brother of nearly 40 years.

He recalled how they met as young men trying to find their footing in life and how that meeting blossomed into a bond that lasted for decades.

Odule described Hassan as a down-to-earth, free-spirited man who loved wholeheartedly, was loyal, generous, and always ready to stand by those he cared about.

He noted that Hassan had a rare ability to connect with people regardless of tribe, religion, or background.

On Hassan’s career, Odule hailed him as a legend of the Yoruba theatre who carried the craft on his shoulders with pride.

He acknowledged Hassan’s contributions to theatre, the actors he mentored, and the legacy he left behind, saying these would be remembered for generations.

The actor said that since news of Hassan’s passing was announced on Sunday, he had watched the entire nation mourn.

He noted tributes from colleagues, young fans sharing Hassan’s roles online, and the people of Ilaro trooping out to honour their son.

He said the widespread outpouring gave him some comfort, as it showed how deeply loved and respected Hassan was.

Odule, however, said he would personally miss Hassan’s presence, his humour, and the brotherhood they shared with Yinka Quadri.

He stated that Hassan’s departure had left a void that could not be filled.

He concluded with prayers, asking Almighty Allah to accept Hassan’s good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, adding that he would never be forgotten.

Odule wrote, ‘Taiwo, this is a loss that no words I put out can adequately describe.

‘My dear friend and brother of nearly 40 years. Ours was one of those friendships that life just blesses one with. When we met as young men trying to navigate life, who between us would have thought we would form a bond that would last for decades and turn friends into brothers? I cherish every single bit of that time.

‘My brother was a genuinely down-to-earth, free-spirited man. When Taiwo loved you, he loved you wholeheartedly. Always loyal, generous and ever ready to stand by the people he cared about. Doesn’t matter what your tribal or religious inclinations are, or even your background at all. God gave him an incredible ability to connect with people.’

‘Ogogo the actor! Action man! Deeply rooted in the game. A legend. A proud Yewa Yoruba man. Carried this craft on his back with pride. The contributions you made to theatre, the successful people you nurtured, the legacies you left behind. All of these will be talked about for ages.

‘Since your passing was announced on Sunday, up until the point you were put in the ground, I have, with my own eyes, witnessed the entire nation mourn you. I have watched even young people carry on your legacy in the roles you played. I have seen our colleagues pay tribute after tribute. I have seen the entire Ilaro show their love for their son. I have watched the whole world celebrate your life, and it gives me comfort to be reminded of how deeply loved and respected you were. As it should be.

‘But I will miss you a lot, Taiwo. I will miss the happiness you always exuded. Who will Yinka and I banter with now? You won’t be here to remind me that you are my big brother. You have left Yinka to continue that with me. We will both miss the brotherhood we shared for years. Your departure has left a space that cannot be filled. Even the whole world knows that we didn’t just lose our colleague. We lost a brother.

‘You have lived your life and left an indelible mark. Sugbon, a se eyi o wu ni Olorun Oba. May the Almighty Allah accept your good deeds and grant you Al-Jannah Firdaus. Rest well, my brother. You will never be forgotten.’

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday expressed profound sadness over the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh in Abuja, Akpabio described Oladipo’s passing as a painful loss to the Nigerian media industry and the nation, noting his significant contributions to journalism, public discourse and the growth of online media in Nigeria.

The President of the Senate commiserated with the family, friends, colleagues and professional associates of the deceased, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where Oladipo served as Emeritus President.

‘Dotun Oladipo was a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society.

‘His sudden passing is a profound loss to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria as a whole. His immense contributions to the development of online journalism, as well as his commitment to professional excellence, integrity and public interest, will remain indelible.

‘As the philosopher John Stuart Mill reminded us, ‘He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.’ Dotun understood that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power. His life demonstrated that journalism, when guided by courage and conscience, can illuminate society and strengthen democracy.

‘His legacy will continue to inspire journalists and media professionals who believe in the power of responsible journalism to strengthen democracy and contribute to national development,’ Akpabio said.

The Senate President prayed that God Almighty would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Akpabio also urged members of the media to uphold and build upon Oladipo’s legacy of professionalism, integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the public interest.

The family of the late veteran actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has announced the date of his eight-day Fidau prayer following his death at 66.

His daughter, Kira Taiwo, shared the announcement on her Instagram page, alongside a tribute poster featuring a portrait of her late father.

According to the announcement, the eight-day Fidau prayer will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Pavillon, Ilaro, Ogun State.

The programme is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. prompt.

The poster describes the late actor as ‘Alhaji Taiwo Hassan’, states that he lived from 1959 to 2026, and died at 66.

‘We pray that Almighty Allah grants him eternal rest and gives his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss,’ the poster reads.

The announcement comes as family members, colleagues, friends, and fans continue to mourn the death of the veteran actor, whose career spanned several decades in the Nigerian film industry.

Ogogo was a prominent figure in Yoruba Nollywood, known for his work as an actor, filmmaker, producer, and director.

Over the years, he became a familiar face to lovers of Yoruba-language movies and contributed significantly to the industry’s growth.

His death has generated tributes from across the entertainment industry, with many colleagues remembering him for his talent, professionalism, and contribution to Nigerian cinema.

The eight-day Fidau prayer will give family members, friends, colleagues, fans, and well-wishers an opportunity to come together to honour the late actor and pray for the repose of his soul.

The family has also asked for prayers and support as they continue to come to terms with the loss of their beloved father.

The Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has lauded Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for executing infrastructure projects designed to drive the state’s economic growth and position it for the future.

Dr Ibrahim made the commendation when he visited the Gateway International Airport along Iperu-Ilishan Road in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

·He described the airport as a major project and praised the governor for demonstrating the vision and political will required to undertake and complete it and other projects with long-term economic value.

The Ambassador, who expressed admiration for the aesthetics, quality and overall development of the airport, described the facility as one of the best of its kind in Nigeria.

He also commended Abiodun for completing major projects initiated by his administration since 2019, noting that the ability to navigate the financial, technical and administrative complexities associated with large-scale infrastructure is an important test of leadership.

Dr Ibrahim said the governor had distinguished himself among governors in the country by demonstrating an understanding that sustainable development required investments whose benefits extended beyond the immediate political cycle.

His words: ‘What he has done is simple: he talks to the future. All his projects, the one I always thank him for is that of Epe to Ijebu-Ode. I can’t believe how that was done.

‘This project is talking to the future of Ogun State. He is a Governor that is littered with mega projects.’

The Ambassador contrasted Ogun State’s experience with the challenge of abandoned projects across Nigeria, saying the failure to complete major infrastructure had imposed high economic costs on the country.

According to him, Nigeria has thousands of abandoned projects, with some of the most capital-intensive among them involving significant public borrowing.

He cited the Ajaokuta Steel Complex as an example, lamenting that decades after its establishment, the project had yet to realise its industrial potential.

‘Ajaokuta is 42 years old, and I don’t know when we will finish it. You can imagine somebody born 42 years ago hasn’t been able to produce a single iron. Ajaokuta. So, you can’t keep counting,’ Dr Ibrahim said.

He praised the Ogun State Government for sustaining its commitment to major infrastructure projects, particularly the airport and other economic projects, describing them as investments capable of strengthening the state’s competitiveness, attracting investment and creating opportunities for future generations.

The Ambassador said the completion and utilisation of such projects demonstrated the importance of continuity, effective project management and a development philosophy anchored on long-term economic planning.

The airport, he noted, represents more than an aviation facility, as its strategic location and connection to Ogun State’s industrial and commercial centres could enhance trade, logistics, tourism and investment.

He urged governments at all levels to prioritise projects that could deliver enduring economic value rather than abandoning major investments with changes in administration.

*Tinubu celebrates Zulum, Ekpenyong on birthdays

From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Senator Asukwo Ekpenyong on their birthdays.

He described Zulum as one of the exceptional governors of the current dispensation and Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South in the Senate, as one of Nigeria’s bright young leaders contributing to the country’s democratic development.

Zulum turned 65 yesterday and Ekpenyong, 41.

The President, in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the governor had distinguished himself through visionary and reform-driven leadership that helped to stabilise Borno State and deepen its development.

Tinubu praised Zulum for bringing the rigour and discipline associated with academia into public administration and for implementing reforms aimed at improving the lives of the people.

He said: ‘Governor Zulum is one of the exceptional governors of this dispensation. He brought the rigour and discipline of academia into governance, introduced landmark reforms, and fostered development in Borno. I thank him for his support and encourage him to keep providing exemplary leadership to the people.

‘As he celebrates this birthday, I wish him more years of good health and renewed strength as he continues to serve Borno and the nation.’

In another statement, the President celebrated Ekpenyong, the youngest senator in the 10th National Assembly, for bringing energy, ideas and a strong sense of service to public life.

Tinubu said the lawmaker represents a generation of young Nigerians who have chosen to take responsibility for the country’s future.

He expressed confidence that his best years of public service are still ahead of him.

‘Senator Ekpenyong represents a generation of young Nigerians who have chosen to step forward and take responsibility for the future of our country. At a young age, he has already built an impressive record of public service, and I am confident that his best years of service still lie ahead,’ the President said.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) team from its Abuja headquarters is currently engaged in sensitizing banks’ customers across the country on its recent reforms and initiatives that are aimed at increasing participation in banking and by extension, promoting the nation’s economy.

The team which had earlier been in Lagos, Abeokuta,j Kano, Kaduna, Uyo, Calabar, Enugu, Awka, Gombe, Bauchi and Lafia, had also been in Lokoja,of recent.

While in Lokoja, the team met banks’ customers including members of various professional groups such as Kogi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, NYSC members, and those in small scale industries.

The team also met individuals including farmers, teachers,lawyers, as well as those in public service,among others.

The CBN team tagged the one- day Lokoja engagement with the customers ‘ CBN Fair’ during which it’s members broadened the customers’ knowledge on recent policies and reforms of the apex bank; how technology could assist customers in their transactions with their banks and on the various rules and regulations guiding banks’ operations and transactions.

The Acting Director, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Department in the bank, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, gave the opening remarks at the event.

Mrs Ali who was represented at the event by the Branch Controller, CBN Lokoja, Mr. Zubairu Abdulrahman Lokoja, gave broader picture of the event saying: ‘The objective is to promote sustainable economic growth and development in our beloved country, Nigeria, and to hear from you on more ways to improve Nigerians’ lives and livelihoods.

‘The theme of the Fair, ‘Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,’ was meticulously selected to emphasise the connections essential to the desired monetary, price, and financial system stability, which is the foundation of the CBN.

‘Under the leadership of Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, the Bank’s management is steadfastly dedicated to maintaining monetary and price stability, as well as performing other critical functions of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as outlined in the CBN Act, 2007, as amended. The moderate decline in inflation, the ongoing growth in our foreign reserves, and the current stability in the foreign exchange market indicate that these endeavours are already yielding positive results.

‘The latest data from the NBS indicates that headline inflation slightly decreased from 15.91per cent in June 2026 to 15.43per cent in July 2026. Core and food inflation also eased over the same period, reflecting the effects of disciplined monetary tightening, exchange rate unification, and improved market transparency. The Naira continues to strengthen, with the spread between official and Bureau de Change rates now narrowing by 2 per cent. Nigeria’s foreign reserves remain above $52.5 billion as of July 2026, marking a 17-year high and surpassing the CBN’s yearly target. This is supported by sustained inflows and renewed investor confidence and participation across asset classes in Nigeria.’

He said the CBN governor has spearheaded bold reforms over the past 34 months to lay the groundwork for Nigeria’s next economic phase, promoting inclusive growth and job creation to alleviate poverty. These reforms include the unification and increased transparency of the foreign exchange market; the successful recapitalisation of the banking sector, which has significantly enhanced the resilience, capacity, and competitiveness of the Nigerian banking industry; the launch of the non-resident BVN to connect Nigerians abroad with local banking services; and the B-Match System for forex trading.

Others, he said included the unveiling of the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028); implementation of a 75per cent Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on non-Treasury Single Account (TSA) public sector deposits intended to improve liquidity management and mitigate inflationary risks; and the Nigerian Overnight Financing Rate (NOFR) was also introduced by the Bank in collaboration with the Financial Markets Dealers Association, among other initiatives.

‘This benchmark, which aligns Nigeria’s money market infrastructure with international best practices, provides a transparent, market-based reference rate for short-term funding transactions.

‘We urge you to rely solely on information shared through the official, verified channels of the CBN. I also encourage you to respect the Naira and maintain its cleanliness. Do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit the Naira. It is not only Nigeria’s vital national symbol but our collective pride as a nation.

‘Our dedicated team is ready to guide us through presentations on various aspects of the Bank’s operations, including innovations in the Nigerian payment systems, microfinance subsector activities, developments in the foreign exchange market, protection of financial consumers, monetary policy instruments and processes, and all you need to know about the Naira.’

Mr. Friday Abah, representing the Branch Controller, CBN, Lokoja, Mr. Zubairu Salihu equally provided an insight into the event.

‘The theme of this year’s Fair, ‘Driving Alternative Payment Channels as a Tool for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,’ is both timely and relevant. As technology continues to transform financial services, alternative payment channels have become essential tools for expanding access to finance and supporting economic development.

‘Financial inclusion ensures that individuals and businesses have access to affordable and appropriate financial products and services, including payments, savings, credit, and insurance. It remains a critical driver of inclusive growth, improved monetary policy effectiveness, and greater participation in the formal economy.

‘The importance of this theme is reflected in our collective pursuit of financial inclusion. While substantial progress has been made, opportunities remain to deepen adoption, particularly among underserved populations, farmers, traders, small businesses, and participants in the informal sector. Greater utilisation of digital payment channels will improve financial inclusion, enhance access to financial services, and support economic prosperity. Notably, 2023 Access to Financial Services Survey by the entity. Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access identified Kogi State as the leading state in Nigeria with a remarkable 94per cent banking penetration rate. This achievement underscores the transformative potential of digital finance and the need to deepen the adoption of alternative payment channels.

‘The CBN remains committed to promoting a safe, efficient, inclusive, and resilient payment ecosystem through sustained collaboration with financial institutions, fintech companies, government agencies, and other stakeholders. The CBN Fair provides a platform to deepen public understanding of the Bank’s policies and interventions, promote financial literacy, address consumer concerns, and strengthen awareness of financial services and consumer protection mechanisms.

‘As the transit corridor linking Northern and Southern Nigeria and an emerging commercial hub, Kogi State is strategically positioned to benefit from the opportunities presented by digital finance. I therefore encourage entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, students, business owners, and members of the public to take full advantage of the information, exhibitions, and engagements available throughout this Fair.

‘As we commence this Fair, let us reaffirm our commitment to building an inclusive, innovative, and prosperous economy where every Nigerian can participate meaningfully in economic growth and development.

‘Together, let us leverage technology, innovation, and collaboration to advance financial inclusion, unlock economic opportunities, and accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable prosperity.’

Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo, implored banks to establish more branches in rural areas to ensure that farmers and others staying in such communities have access to banks.

Represented on the occasion by his Special Adviser on Budget and Finance, Elijah Evinemi, he said: ‘I call on banks, fintech companies, payment service providers and other stakeholders to look beyond major cities and take financial services to communities where people live and work.

‘Let us develop products that understand the realities of the Nigerian farmer, trader, artisan, student, pensioner and small-business owner.

‘Let us make digital financial services simple, affordable, secure and accessible, particularly to first-time users and low-income customers.’

Officials of Federal Consumer Protection Agency and similar agencies were also on hand to dialogue with the banks customers on their rights and how they could benefit from such rights.

On the other hand, the banks customers were also allowed to ask questions and seek clarification on issues bothering them on banking and economy, thereby getting clearer picture on the modern trend in the sector.

MultiChoice Nigeria’s business has evolved beyond entertainment, with the company positioning itself as a broader participant in Nigeria’s creative economy, local talent, content production, technology and infrastructure.

Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho said said that after more than three decades in Nigeria, MultiChoice had evolved from primarily bringing entertainment into Nigerian homes to becoming part of a wider ecosystem involving producers, actors, production crews, dealers, installers and small businesses.

She said: ‘When people turn on DStv or GOtv, they see the finished product. What they don’t always see is the entire Nigerian ecosystem behind that screen. We are not just distributing content; we are investing in the people, businesses and infrastructure that help Nigeria’s creative economy grow’.

Her comments come as MultiChoice operates under a new ownership structure following its integration into CANAL+, the global media and entertainment group headquartered in France and operating across 70 countries, in September 2025.

Omotosho said the new structure gives MultiChoice Nigeria access to greater scale, technology, content and international expertise while retaining its local focus.

‘I would describe MultiChoice Nigeria as a deeply Nigerian business with the strength of a global group behind it,’ Omotosho said.

According to her, the company’s products, content and commercial strategies remain shaped by Nigerian realities, while its local operation retains significant flexibility over products, pricing, distribution, content and customer experience.

She said: ‘Nigeria is not a market where you can simply take something that works elsewhere and assume it will work here’.

That local orientation is reflected in platforms such as Big Brother Naija and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, which showcase Nigerian and African stories, talent and culture to audiences across the continent.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory is also developing young filmmakers and production professionals, providing skills to help them build careers and businesses.

Omotosho said local investment was ‘fundamental’ to MultiChoice’s future in Nigeria, adding that the company wanted to produce content Nigerians would be proud to watch while ensuring that Nigerian stories could travel across Africa and the world.

‘Nigeria has the talent to be a global creative powerhouse, and we want MultiChoice to play an important role in making that happen,’ she said.

She also linked the company’s fight against piracy to protecting the wider creative economy, arguing that piracy affects not only MultiChoice but producers, actors and the many workers whose livelihoods depend on content retaining commercial value.

According to her, MultiChoice is working with the Nigerian Copyright Commission and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to curb piracy and educate the public about its wider consequences.

Omotosho said MultiChoice’s long presence in Nigeria remained an advantage as competition intensified across the entertainment industry, citing its established brands, strong local content, extensive distribution network and relationships with producers, creatives and partners.

But she acknowledged that longevity alone was insufficient.

‘We still have to earn our customers every day by delivering great content, value, affordability and a strong customer experience,’ she said.

For Omotosho, MultiChoice’s next phase is about combining the scale of its global ownership with the local knowledge and creative investment that have defined its Nigerian presence.

The ambition, she said, is to remain deeply connected to Nigeria while using the reach of its global group to take Nigerian talent, stories and creative products to wider audiences.

Nollywood actor Abimbola Kazeem, popularly known as Jigan Baba Oja, has denied involvement in an alleged tribute event reportedly being organised in honour of late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

The controversy followed the circulation of a flyer online announcing an ‘Artist Variety Night,’ scheduled for August 29, 2026, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to the flyer, the event is presented as a tribute to the late Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo and is purportedly organised by TAMPAN Egba Zone in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The advertised programme is expected to feature drama, dance, mimicry, a disc jockey, and an August birthday celebration.

The flyer also lists different admission categories, including regular and VIP tickets, as well as a table option.

However, Jigan Baba Oja has publicly distanced himself from the event and the controversy surrounding it.

In a statement shared on his Instagram page, the actor said he had ‘no involvement in the matter currently trending,’ stressing that he did not support and would never be part of such actions.

‘I do not support, nor will I ever be part of such actions for any reason. I am unaware of where this is coming from,’ he stated.

Jigan Baba Oja said he built his name and brand on respect and integrity, adding that he did not engage in trends or controversies merely to remain relevant.

He urged his fans, family and well-wishers to disregard claims linking him to the event.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has officially unveiled former All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Salihu Mustapha as its Kwara Central senatorial candidate for the 2027 elections.

Mustapha resigned from the APC last week following the party’s May 2026 post-primaries crisis in the state.

Presenting the PDP flag to the philanthropist-turned-politician in Ilorin, the state capital, the party’s chairman, Isa Bawa Adamu, said Mustapha had been granted a waiver to contest the 2027 National Assembly election on the party’s platform.

‘By the grace of God, you have been granted a waiver to contest the 2027 National Assembly election under the banner of PDP,’ Adamu said.

He added, ‘I have the privilege and honour, on behalf of our national leader, Senator Bukola Saraki, and members of the state working committee, to officially present to you Senator Salihu Mustapha, who is going to fly the flag as the PDP senatorial candidate in Kwara Central.’

In his remarks, Mustapha urged PDP members and supporters to work tirelessly to defeat Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his candidates in the 2027 elections.

‘I want to use this opportunity to assure and guarantee you that we shall work tirelessly together to make sure we deliver victory for the party. On the other hand, I want to appreciate the warm reception the PDP has given us so far,’ he said.

Mustapha expressed hope that the party would be celebrating electoral victory by the same period in 2027.

‘I pray and hope that sometime around this time next year we will be celebrating victory. I also want to assure the leadership and members of the PDP that, better and stronger together, we shall accomplish and experience victory after the election,’ he said.

He said his defection was also aimed at strengthening ties with PDP members and consolidating efforts to improve the state.

‘Our coming here today is to familiarise ourselves with every member of the party and to also assure the party of our readiness to continue with the good work we are already doing,’ he said.

Mustapha stressed that his move to the PDP was significant because he was joining the party as a serving senator rather than merely as a candidate.

‘We are celebrating with PDP today that, in me, as a serving senator, you have an elected Senator in PDP, not just as a candidate, but as a serving senator,’ he said.

He described the political realignment as in the interest of Kwara State, saying the partnership aimed to prevent the state from being taken for granted and to take it to the ‘Promised Land’.