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It has been twenty years since Stella Obasanjo departed this world, and yet her presence remains vivid – etched into the memory of a nation, woven into the fabric of Nigerian public life, and alive in the hearts of those who knew her, admired her, and were touched by her grace.

Her passing on October 23, 2005, at the age of 59, was not merely the loss of a First Lady – it was the silencing of a voice that had spoken gently but powerfully for the voiceless.

Born on November 14, 1945, in Esan, in what is now Edo State, Stella Abebe was the daughter of Dr. Christopher Abebe, a towering figure in Nigeria’s corporate history and the first indigenous chairman of UAC, and Mrs. Theresa Abebe, a woman of deep Catholic faith and maternal warmth. Raised in a household that prized education, discipline, and service, Stella’s early life was steeped in values that would later define her public persona.

She studied English and Literature at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she cultivated a love for language, ideas, and the power of narrative. But her story would not be confined to the classroom. Stella later went to the UK to study Insurance in London and Edinburgh, Scotland. She also obtained a certificate as a confidential secretary from Pitman College.

In 1976, she married General Olusegun Obasanjo, then Nigeria’s military Head of State. Though she did not serve as First Lady during that tenure, Stella’s influence was already taking root – subtle, steady, and profound.

Her defining moment came not in the glow of power but in the shadow of persecution. In 1995, her husband was arrested and imprisoned by the Abacha regime, accused of plotting a phantom coup. It was a time of fear and repression. Families were torn apart. Voices were silenced. But Stella stood firm. She became the anchor of the Obasanjo household, shielding her son, Olumuyiwa, and holding the family together with quiet resolve. She visited her husband in prison, advocated for his release, and maintained the dignity of their name in the face of national humiliation. She did not seek sympathy; she sought justice. And she did so with the poise of a woman who understood that strength is not loud – it is enduring.

In later years, President Olusegun Obasanjo would reflect on this period with deep emotion, saying, ‘Stella was my strength. When I was in prison, she was my voice. She fought for me, for our family, and for justice. I owe my freedom, in part, to her courage.’

When Obasanjo was released in 1998 and elected President a year later, Stella stepped into the role of First Lady with a vision that would redefine the office. She was not content to be a ceremonial figure. She believed that the position carried moral weight and civic responsibility. Her advocacy was rooted in empathy, not ambition. She founded the Child Care Trust, a foundation dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families. She visited orphanages, funded surgeries, and sat with mothers whose stories rarely made the headlines. Her compassion was not performative – it was deeply personal, spiritual, and humane.

She also championed women’s health, maternal care, and HIV/AIDS awareness. She worked with international partners to destigmatise the disease and promote prevention. Her efforts earned her recognition across Africa, culminating in her appointment as First Lady of the African Union in 2004. Yet, despite the accolades, Stella remained grounded. She carried herself with elegance but never with extravagance. She was stylish, yes – but her true beauty lay in her character.

Her death in Puerto Banús, Marbella, Spain, following complications from a medical procedure, was a national tragedy. The news stunned the country. Tributes poured in from every corner of the nation and beyond. Statesmen, women leaders, and citizens alike mourned the loss of a woman who had become a symbol of grace in governance.

Professor Mobolaji Aluko described her as a woman of loyalty and grace under pressure, praising her dedication to her family and humanitarian causes. He also noted that despite being born into privilege, she lived a life that earned her a place in the hearts of many Nigerians.

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, described her as ‘a woman of rare dignity and quiet power, who brought civility and compassion to the corridors of power.’

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, then Governor of Katsina State, called her ‘a mother to the nation, whose warmth and wisdom touched every corner of Nigeria.’

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former Finance Minister and now Director-General of the WTO, wrote: ‘Stella Obasanjo was a woman of substance. She used her position not for self-aggrandizement, but for service. Her compassion was not performative – it was deeply felt, and deeply given.’

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, in a moving reflection, said: ‘Stella Obasanjo was a First Lady who understood the weight of her position and bore it with grace. She was not merely the wife of a president – she was a citizen of conscience.’

These tributes, spoken in grief but rooted in admiration, reveal the depth of her impact. She was not just a First Lady – she was a moral compass, a humanitarian, and a quiet revolutionary.

Her legacy lives on in the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City; Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home in Abeokuta, named in her honour, and in the continued work of the Child Care Trust, which still supports children with special needs. Her influence is also felt in the evolution of the role of First Lady in Nigeria. She set a precedent for advocacy, substance, and service – one that has shaped the expectations of those who followed.

Her son, Barrister Olumuyiwa Obasanjo, has carried forward her values with quiet dignity. In interviews and public statements, he has often spoken of her as ‘the moral compass of our family, the one who held us together when the world fell apart.’ On Thursday, he returned to Abeokuta to lay a wreath in her honour, and released a heartfelt message: ‘In Loving Memory of Chief (Mrs.) Stella Obasanjo – A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and former First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, 20 years after her passing, we still cherish the memories of her love, kindness, and generosity. May her gentle soul rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire us.’

On Saturday, the Christ the Glorious King Chapel at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, nestled along IBB Boulevard, hosted a memorial service in her honour. Family, friends, associates, and beneficiaries of her philanthropic legacy will gather not to mourn but to celebrate a life that gave so much and asked for so little.

Stella Obasanjo was more than a First Lady. She was a humanitarian, a cultural icon, a matriarch, and a quiet revolutionary. She walked through the corridors of power with humility and through the valleys of hardship with courage. Her legacy is not confined to buildings or institutions – it lives in the children she uplifted, the women she empowered, and the dignity she brought to public life.

Twenty years on, her story continues to inspire. It reminds us that leadership is not about titles; it is about service. That strength is not about dominance – it is about endurance. And that love, when given freely and generously, can outlive even the harshest of storms.

Rest well, Stella Obasanjo. You are remembered. You are missed. You are loved.

Actor Shawn Faqua has revealed that his marriage was divinely revealed long before it happened.

The actor, on Instagram, posted a screenshot of a message from someone who had earlier told him about the revelation, describing it as a prophecy that eventually came to pass.

‘This one was a prophecy long foretold. Revealed to only those whom it may concern. And it came to pass. There are quite a number of visions but will only share as permitted by the spirit of truth,’ he wrote.

Faqua also encouraged his followers to pay attention to divine guidance when choosing a life partner.

‘To those who have received the promise of life/purpose partner, beyond the ‘physical attraction’ amongst other things. pleaseeeeeee I beg you in God’s name, pay attention to what is being revealed to you from all quarters. e get why. Las las e go favour you, #ssshhh for #Ogeifunanya,’ he added.

The revelation comes shortly after the actor’s highly publicized wedding to Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe, which captured the attention of fans and the entertainment industry alike.

‘The couple first celebrated their traditional Igbo wedding in Lagos.

They also held a white wedding reception aboard a moving train on the Lagos-Ibadan railway- a creative ceremony that made headlines as Nigeria’s first-ever train wedding.

President Goodluck Jonathan has kept the speculations about his plan to contest the presidential election in 2027 alive with the consultations he has been making with some prominent Nigerians he believes could help his cause. Among them are former military president Ibrahim Babangida, the current Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gen. David Mark (rtd) and most recently the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo.

But the more consultations he makes the more his hope of returning to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa appears to dim. Reports said his visit to Gen. Babangida at his Hilltop mansion in Minna, Niger State was met with a candid advice from the General that he should not risk his reputation with another bid for the presidency because he would be ‘messed up’. In Abuja, Gen. Mark told him point blank that there would be no automatic ticket from the ADC as the former president would have to contest the party’s presidential primary with other interested members.

Another shocker has come from Tompolo, a former political ally of Jonathan once reputed for his unflinching support for the former president. Perhaps unknown to Jonathan, a lot has changed since he lost power in 2015 and the loyalty of the Tantita boss is now to someone else.

But yet the biggest shocker is the recent defection of Governor Douye Diri of Jonathan’s Bayelsa State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with speculations that he may pitch his tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The question on the lips of observers now is how the former president hopes to pursue his ambition even without the vital support of his state governor.

On his own, Jonathan is not a political heavyweight and has not been in politics since he was voted out of power in 2015. The political interest of Tompolo, who used to be his staunch supporter, has changed while Chief I.K. Clark, the Niger Delta leader who used to rally support for him in the region is late. Many other Ijaw activists are also of the view that the former president should not waste his time and resources on an impossible mission.

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has ordered the immediate repairs of failed portions of inner roads in Uyo and other major towns in the State.

According to a statement by Commissioner for information, Aniekan Umanah, the Governor intends to ensure improved infrastructure and seamless mobility for citizens and residents across the state.

Umanah said the government is aware of potholes that have affected some roads due to heavy rainfall and storm water in recent weeks.

He assured the public that as the rains subside, rehabilitation work will begin in earnest to ensure proper and durable reconstruction of the affected portions.

‘The Governor has directed that the Ministry of Works should carry out a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of potholes in Uyo, preparatory to full-scale maintenance and overlay work.’

He noted that the Umo Eno administration, in line with the Infrastructure Development thrust of the ARISE Agenda, remains fully committed to ensuring the maintenance and sustainability of public infrastructure.

He emphasised that, beyond the construction of over 964 kilometers of new and inherited roads and bridges currently ongoing across the State, Government is also focused on routine maintenance and rehabilitation of existing roads to enhance mobility, safety, and the overall urban outlook.

The Commissioner further informed desilting of drainages and clearing of blocked water channels were ongoing in various parts of Uyo to reduce flooding and prevent further damage to road infrastructure.

He appealed to residents and motorists to exercise patience and understanding, assuring that Government will continue to respond promptly and responsibly to infrastructure needs across the State.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to conduct an immediate and comprehensive review of Nigeria’s air safety and defence mechanisms.

The call came on Friday in Mafa town after Boko Haram terrorists reportedly deployed a drone to attack military formations in Borno and Yobe states, marking a dangerous escalation in the group’s operational capabilities.

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, successfully repelled the simultaneous attacks last Thursday in Katarko village of Yobe State, as well as Mafa, Gajibo, and Dikwa local government areas of Borno State. The operations left over 50 terrorists dead, with a cache of arms and ammunition recovered.

Briefing newsmen, Governor Zulum expressed deep concern over the emergence of drones as a new threat. He noted that the successful use of a drone to target a key military asset exposes a critical vulnerability in Nigeria’s airspace security.

‘One thing I want to comment on is the issue of drones. This is frightening. In Dikwa, I was told drones were used. The proliferation of drones, particularly in the hands of non-state actors, is of great concern for the entire country. We have to do something to stop the rampant use of armed drones,’ Zulum said.

The governor stressed that the threat extends beyond Borno State, calling it a direct concern for national security. He urged the strengthening of Nigeria’s borders and airspace capabilities to counter armed drone attacks by terrorists.

While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces, Zulum called on citizens to cooperate with security agencies by reporting credible information about suspicious activities. He also urged vigilance from local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members to complement military efforts.

‘We have credible intelligence that Mafa would be attacked and have duly shared it with relevant authorities. There is a need for state and federal governments, alongside the military high command, to identify gaps and address them. There might be sabotage within, which has to be identified and resolved. We must work together rather than blame each other,’ he added.

Prominent South East businessman and philanthropist, Prince (Dr.) Arthur Eze, has been unveiled as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management (IBUAM).

The unveiling ceremony, which held on Friday in Abuja, featured the formal presentation of an appointment letter to Chief Eze by the university’s board and management team.

Speaking during the event, the founder and president of the university, Comrade Isaac Balami, said Chief Eze was appointed in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, philanthropy, and national development.

He described the billionaire businessman as a man who has consistently used his wealth to uplift people and institutions, noting that his leadership would bring immense value to the young university’s vision and mission.

Balami said: ‘Our leader and chairman, Prince Dr. Arthur Eze, chairman of the governing council of the newly licensed Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management, courtesy of Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu.

‘We are presenting this to you not just as a leader who has distinguished himself on the African soil, but as a global citizen.

‘You founded an airline and operated one of the biggest aircraft hangars in Europe, based in Stansted Airport, and you understand aviation very well. This responsibility is for you to guide us the way you have guided others.

‘We are totally submissive to your leadership, your guidance, and your prayers. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Senate of the university, chaired by Prof. AVM (Rtd.) Paul Jemitola, who is also the Vice Chancellor, we congratulate you, sir.’

In his acceptance speech, Eze expressed appreciation to the university’s founder and management for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to support the institution’s growth and success.

He noted that the vision of the university aligns with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in promoting innovation, education, and human capacity development.

Eze, a renowned figure from the South East, is widely celebrated for his philanthropy and unwavering commitment to national growth and leadership development across Africa. Described by many as one of the cleanest businessmen on the continent, Eze has made significant investments in both the public and private sectors.

The Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management, which recently received its operational licence, aims to provide world-class education in aviation, engineering, technology, and management.

Reflecting its national outlook, the university’s appointments cut across all regions of Nigeria. While the founder hails from the North East, the governing council chairman is from the South East. The institution is located in the South West, with its registrar from the North West and pro-chancellor from the South West.

Experts say this diversity has given IBUAM a national character despite being a private university.

The institution has also included notable personalities from Morocco, Ethiopia, Egypt, the United States, and Europe on its board, underscoring its international orientation and commitment to global standards.

The Ondo State government has formally transferred the Akure Teaching Hospital complex of the state-owned University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) to the Federal Government.

The facility, now renamed the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), will serve as a medical education, training, and research centre for students of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), while also providing specialized healthcare services to the public.

The ceded hospital is one of three teaching hospital complexes previously under UNIMED, leaving the university with two – located at the Medical Village, Laje Road, and Hospital Road in Ondo City.

Speaking during the official handover and unveiling ceremony in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said the move was a strategic decision to deepen medical education and research in Nigeria.

‘The decision to hand over this hospital is rooted in a clear and strategic vision to elevate the standard of healthcare for every citizen of Ondo State and the country as a whole,’ Aiyedatiwa said.

‘By handing over this asset to the Federal Government, we are unlocking access to superior funding, advanced equipment, specialized personnel, and inclusion in national and international research networks.

‘It ensures a future where our citizens will have access to an expanded array of specialist services and improved research opportunities.’

The governor lauded President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing the health and well-being of Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring staff of a smooth transition under the new federal management.

‘As I sign this instrument of transfer today, I see not just a transfer of an asset, but the gifting of a greater future to the Sunshine State,’ he added.

‘This institution will become a globally recognised centre of medical excellence, saving countless lives and defining a new era of healthcare in Nigeria.’

In his remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the new federal teaching hospital would transform the health landscape of Ondo State and the nation in terms of training, research, and service delivery.

‘It is with deep humility that I come here, with the delegated authority of President Bola Tinubu, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) transferring the UNIMED Teaching Hospital to become the new Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital,’ Pate said.

‘I want to thank the governor and his team for their remarkable collaboration and facilitation that made today possible.’

The minister also acknowledged the support of notable figures in the state, including elder statesman Pa Reuben Fasoranti and the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo.

In his goodwill message, Oba Aladetoyinbo expressed appreciation to the President and the Governor for the seamless transition and pledged the support of the host community for the success of the new teaching hospital.

The highlight of the event was the signing of the MoU and unveiling of the complex, marking the official take-off of FUTA Teaching Hospital.

The Enugu State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice C. A. Ogbuabor (PhD), has granted an ex-parte order in favour of some members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State branch, restraining a faction of the association from parading themselves as the state executives of the body.

The interim order, issued on Monday, October 20, 2025, followed a motion ex-parte filed by four senior medical practitioners-Dr. Sunday Okafor, Dr. Chima Edeoga, Emeritus Prof. Samuel Ohaegbunam, and Dr. Grace Bernard-Asdu-on behalf of members of the NMA Enugu State Branch, excluding those with ‘adverse interests’ in the matter.

The defendants in the suit include Prof. Bala Audu, Dr. Ben Egbo, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebututu, Dr. Ushakuma Anenga, Dr. Wale Lasisi, Dr. Harrison Omokhua, Dr. Bature Mannir, the Incorporated Trustees of the NMA, and others allegedly parading themselves as executives of the association in Enugu State.

The motion, brought pursuant to Order 7 Rule 5 and Order 39 Rule 1 of the Enugu State High Court Rules, 2020, and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction, was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Dr. Okafor. The plaintiffs attached several exhibits (A-G) and a written address to substantiate their claims.

After hearing the submissions of counsel to the applicants, Mr. Ndubuisi Okwesili, and considering the affidavit, exhibits, and other court filings, Justice Ogbuabor held that the depositions revealed a ‘compelling need’ to grant the application.

Although the details of the restraining order were not immediately available, the ruling effectively puts on hold the activities of the faction claiming to be the NMA Enugu State executive pending further hearing of the substantive suit (Suit No. E/1327/2025).

The case is expected to return to court for further proceedings in the coming days.

Victor Osimhen has been ranked among UEFA’s top statistical performers for the week following his sensational display in Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian striker scored twice and helped create the third as Galatasaray cruised past the Norwegian champions in Istanbul on Wednesday night. His first goal came just before the third minute, the fastest goal ever scored by a Galatasaray player in Champions League history.

That strike was also his ninth in his last seven European matches, making him the first Cimbom player in 13 years to score in seven consecutive continental fixtures. Unsurprisingly, he walked away with the Man of the Match award.

According to UEFA’s statistical breakdown, Osimhen fired seven shots on target, more than any other player in the competition this week.

The governing body’s data also listed Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as the top dribbler (11 dribbles), Liverpool’s Curtis Jones as the most accurate passer (120 completed passes), and Chelsea’s Estavio for most runs into the penalty area (six).

Qarabag’s Kady Borges led ball recoveries (13), while Kairat’s Aleksandr Martynovich topped the charts for key area deliveries (16).

Despite his statistical dominance and record-breaking exploits, Osimhen was controversially omitted from UEFA’s official Team of the Week.

The leadership of the Ibibio Traditional Council in Akwa Ibom State, has declared Senate President Godswill Akpabio, ‘is well known to us, the people of Akwa Ibom State and we know what he can do.’

The Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media, Jackson Udom, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, added that Akpabio also pledged 100 per cent support for Governor Umo Eno’s second term bid in office.

Speaking while receiving Akpabio, (whom he referred to as ‘my son’) and his entourage made up of some members of the National Assembly, in his palace in Nsit Ubium, on Friday, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, said ‘this is our son and we, as a people are very happy to receive him in this Palace. We know what he can do and we are very proud of his achievements in his current office as the Senate President’.

In what could be seen as a veil reference to the campaign of calumny, lies and falsehood against the person and office of the Senate President by some disgruntled individuals from the state in the social media, Ntenyin said: ‘I am delighted to have you and your colleagues in this Palace. You have come to pay homage to your fathers here. We know you. We know who Godswill Obot Akpabio is. We testify that we know who you are. If we don’t know who you are, it therefore, means we are not yours.’

‘As a king, I know every of my children. I know the good and I know the bad ones, but the good and the bad should stay together with the hope that they will change for good in the future.

‘As a child of grace, we have seen where grace has led you to. When you get back to Abuja thank President Bola Tinubu for us. Anything that is good is good. We as a people are happy that he is carrying you along in the administration of this county. To whom much is given, much is expected and one good turn deserves another,’ he noted.

The monarch pleaded with the Senate President to ensure that the dream of Akwa Ibom State having its Seaport becomes a reality. He thanked the Senators for all the good works they have been doing as lawmakers, especially the recently passed bill on defilement of minors and its legal consequences.

Akpabio thanked the royal fathers for the grand reception even without any prior notice, describing him as a man of peace.

According to him: ‘I am very happy to be here and I thank you my fathers for this grand reception of me and my entourage even at a very short notice. I am here today with my colleagues and family members, which shows that I am from here and my home is intact.

‘Let me thank you for being a peace-loving father. You are a man of peace. The most costly peace is better than the cheapest war. I made an appeal to him without seeing him physically and he listened to me and today, there is peace in Akwa Ibom State. Kindly extend my greetings to your son, my governor and our leader, Pastor Umo Eno, another man of peace, who not only say it, but does it.’

Akpabio stated further that his visit to the palace was a major reconciliation move among the people of the state, saying, ‘my visit to this Palace today is a major reconciliation move and will rekindle peace, love and unity in Akwa Ibom State.

‘Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno is united because of his decision to link us to the centre by joining the APC. Let me assure you that I will support him 100 per cent to succeed as a second term governor.

‘Don’t listen to nay sayers and blackmailers. We are solidly behind him and that was why immediately he joined the APC, I personally handed over the structure of the party in the state to him, because when I was the governor I controlled the structure. I will continue to work for the peace, unity and development of Akwa Ibom State,’ he declared.

At the end of the visit, the royal fathers prayed for Akpabio and his family and his success in office.