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Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has hailed the exploits of Jagz Hotels in the hospitality industry, describing its huge investment as a game changer for tourism and economic growth.

Speaking at a hospitality conference organised by the Jagz Hotels to mark its first anniversary in Ibadan, the Governor said the exploits of the hotel reflect the positive impacts of his administration’s business-friendly policies, which has continued to attract both local and foreign investors.

Makinde noted that the giant strides of Jagz Hotels in the hospitality industry aligned with his administration’s broader plan to expand the Oyo state’s economy through tourism development.

He said that his administration recently broke a 43-year-old jinx at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, when a wide-bodied aircraft successfully landed on the newly upgraded runway for the first time since its commissioning.

According to Makinde, the development would further open Oyo state to more tourists and investors who can enjoy world-class hospitality services provided by Jagz Hotels and other establishment.

He commended Chairman/CEO of Jagz Hotels, Engr. Kayode Adegbulugbe, for injecting over N10 billion into the state’s economy, saying that such confidence in government policies shows that Oyo is becoming a hub of investment.

He said; ‘I am glad to be here one year after we inaugurated this business. The business has not folded up; instead, it is waxing stronger. That does not happen by accident. it is the result of hard work and dedication from the management, staff, and even patrons of this hotel.

‘Since the past one year, the economic environment has been very challenging, yet this hotel is still standing tall. That shows you have built a formidable team. As a government, I assure you that whatever you need to keep succeeding, please ask, and we will oblige,’ the governor added.

The Managing Director of Jagz Hotels, Mr. Gbenga Lugard Agbomoagan, lauded Governor Makinde-led administration for creating a partnership framework that supports private businesses.

Agbomoagan, who presented Makinde an award of excellence for promoting an enabling business environment, said that the government through its policies had given the Jagz Hotels the confidence to commit huge resources into its Ibadan project.

The Managing Director noted that the experience had been more rewarding compared to other locations where the company has operations.

Highlighting the company’s impact in just one year of operation, Agbomoagan disclosed that Jagz Hotel, Ibadan had lifted more than 150 unemployed youths out of poverty through empowerment and employment opportunities.

He noted the hotel employs no fewer than 159 people, with 137 of them drawn from Oyo State, adding that these figures represent more than statistics, as it would has a multiplier effect on society by reducing poverty as well as fostering economic stability.

He assured that the company would not relent in its mission, pledging that Jagz Hotels would continue to provide world-class hospitality services in Ibadan while expanding opportunities for youths in Oyo State.

Oyo Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, also commended the management of Jagz Hotels, noting that the growth of the hospitality sector in Ibadan reflects the success of the Makinde administration’s investment-friendly climate.

In their contribution, a Professor of Hotel Management and Tourism, Prof. Wasiu Babalola, and the Head of Department, Wildlife and Ecotourism, University of Ibadan, Prof. Samson Ojo, lauded Jagz Hotels for redefining hospitality business in Oyo State.

Singer Niniola Apata has triggered fresh speculation about a possible pregnancy after she recently appeared in a video flaunting what looked like a pronounced baby bump.

The footage quickly made waves online, prompting fans and gossip blogs to ask whether the singer is expecting.

In the video, Niniola was seen embracing what many interpreted as a mid-riff protrusion. Accompanying the visuals was a caption:

‘There is time and season for everything.’

Some took the line as a subtle nod to a new chapter in her life.

The video has fuelled widespread speculation among fans and media outlets.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 100 kilometer stretch of the project to pass through Edo, correcting the initial alignment that excluded the State from the 700-kilometer route, it has emerged.

The extension of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to Edo State has been described as a strategic socio-economic intervention that will unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, and connectivity across the South-South corridor.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the approval during the Edo State Independence Day Gala Night at the State Villa in Benin City, where Governor Monday Okpebholo rallied support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, citing his ongoing efforts to address decades of infrastructural decay that are beginning to yield results.

According to his Media aide, Uchenna Orji Inna statement on Friday, the Minister said the decision to extend the route through Edo was a demonstration of President Tinubu’s inclusive approach to development and his long-standing vision for a modern coastal highway.

Umahi explained that the project, first conceived 47 years ago by then-Governor Tinubu of Lagos, had suffered setbacks but was now a reality under the Renewed Hope agenda.

He noted that the revised alignment increased the project length from 700 to 750 kilometers, with the additional stretch captured in Edo State.

‘The coastal road was first dreamt by President Tinubu 47 years back. He contacted Governors who were in office with him, but unfortunately, the project could not take off.

‘But then, the route was made known, but unfortunately, the route did not pass through Edo State, very sad.

‘When you hear 700 kilometres, and today you hear 750 kilometres, you ask yourself where is the difference coming from, the difference is coming from here because a miracle Governor appeared on the State.

‘The President called me and said, This project must pass from Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and to Cross River. That is why we are here.

‘Your Excellency, the President has given you 100 kilometers 2 of the coastal highway,’ Umahi told Governor Okpebholo and guests at the gala.

The Minister commended Edo people for their support for Tinubu administration and praised the governor for agreeing to intervene on critical sections of the Benin-Sapele-Warri highway, which he described as a deathtrap for motorists.

He applauded the quality of work being delivered by the contractor CBC on part of the road and directed them to remobilize fully, with strict supervision from the Works Ministry.

‘I want to thank you highly, for this intervention, and I want to thank CBC for the quality work we have seen. But we must see more. The controller must be giving me photographs of work done every day. We have to do more work at night,’ Umahi said.

He assured residents that the Federal Government remained committed to completing inherited road projects in Edo and across the country despite the huge infrastructural and funding deficits carried over from previous administrations.

Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for correcting what he described as a historic omission by ensuring Edo was part of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

He said the gesture was proof of the President’s extraordinary love for the State and urged Edo people to stand firmly behind him as he seeks re-election in 2027.

The governor also hailed Umahi for his innovative approach to road construction, which he said guarantees quality and value for money.

He pledged that his administration would continue to complement federal efforts in infrastructure delivery.

‘A few days ago, I came to this axis on my way back, and what I saw almost made me weep. Knowing the number of vehicles that were on this road, the trailers that fell, I felt it should not be so.

‘The President is trying, and whoever is criticizing the President does not know what they are doing. However, criticism is also good because it serves as a wake-up call for all of us,’ Okpebholo said.

He explained that he invited the Minister because of the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road, which he described as a daily ordeal for commuters.

‘Our people are crying out for this road to be fixed. For us to earn more votes, we need to do something about this place, whether it is the Federal Government or Edo State. The Benin people use this road the most, and they cannot go to work or come back from work without struggling.

‘That is why we need to fix this road so that it will be motorable. This is the essence of inviting you here,’ he added.

Afrobeat sensation Tiwa Savage headlined the recent edition of Trace Live on Friday, September 26, 2025, and she delivered a high-energy performance at Terra Kulture in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which drew a packed crowd of fans, influencers, and industry stakeholders, was sponsored by Lord’s Dry Gin, marking another chapter in the brand’s ongoing partnership with the Trace Live platform.

The evening opened with excitement as guests sauntered into the intimate venue, anticipating a night of live music led by one of Nigeria’s most iconic artists. With a career spanning nearly 15 years, Tiwa Savage brought a mix of classic hits and new releases, creating a multigenerational experience for her fans.

Her set list included fan favourites like ‘Kele Kele Love,’ ‘Eminado,’ ‘All Over,’ and her more recent collaborations that have continued to cement her place in the global Afrobeat movement.

Taking a brief moment during her performance, Tiwa Savage addressed the crowd, saying, ‘Lagos will always be home for me, every time I step on a stage here, it feels like family, thank you for riding with me all these years, from the early days till now, I love you all deeply.’

Lord’s Dry Gin, the event’s headline sponsor, has been a long-term supporter of the Trace Live series, with this partnership now running for over three years. According to Valentine Dibia, PR and Digital Manager for Lord’s Dry Gin, the sponsorship aligns with the brand’s vision and core target audience. Speaking during a media interaction at the event, Dibia said the platform represents an ideal space for brand engagement.

He said, ‘Lord’s Gin has been a part of Trace Live for more than three years. It aligns with the brand ethos for distinguished ladies and gentlemen and Lord’s Dry Gin sees the Trace platform as one of the biggest avenues by which to reach our target audience.’

Continuing, he said, ‘Tiwa Savage is referred to as the Queen of Afrobeat, she has a career longevity that spans almost 15 years as an A-list artiste. This puts her across multiple generations with a broad fanbase, and I believe she did exceptionally well to connect across generations both with her music and her performance.’

Benin City, the Edo State capital, will come alive from December 21 to 24 when it plays host to the Edo Carnival 2025, a four-day cultural fiesta showcasing music, dance, fashion, food, and tradition.

The event, which will hold at Garrick Memorial on Ekehuan Road, is expected to draw thousands of visitors, including culture enthusiasts, tourists, and residents. Organisers said the carnival will feature cultural parades, traditional masquerades, live music concerts, and fashion shows celebrating Edo and African styles. Dance competitions and street performances will also add colour to the city.

Food lovers will enjoy a festival of delicacies that blends Edo favourites with Nigerian staples, while educational programmes such as seminars and training sessions will run alongside the entertainment.

One of the highlights will be the Miss Edo Carnival 2025 pageant, described as a platform to celebrate grace, intelligence, and cultural pride.

The festival will climax with a grand finale and fireworks display across the Benin skyline.

According to the organisers, Edo Carnival is designed not only as entertainment but also as a celebration of the state’s heritage and a platform to boost tourism and community.

Afrobeats singer Oxlade has expressed gratitude to his early supporters, appreciating those who believed in him before he gained widespread success.

Oxlade, on X, acknowledged that not everyone can see potential in an artist early on and value the support of those who stood by him from the beginning.

He thanked his loyal fans and supporters for their faith in him and his music, subtly acknowledging that doubters won’t deter him from his path to success.

Oxlade wrote, ‘I know this isn’t meant for everyone to see . but For those that saw the light early enough, those that ddnt need to see me succeed before they started to believe my shit. I just wanna thank you.. Cause no be everybody fit see am that early before E start dey make sense. I cherish the early investors in my stocks Una own no go actuall spoil’.

Oxlade’s unique sound blends Afrobeats with contemporary styles, resonating with fans globally.

His breakthrough hit ‘Ku Lo Sa’ achieved global recognition, and he has since released successful albums like ‘OFA’.

Drawing inspiration from his life experiences, including his struggles and triumphs, Oxlade has made a significant impact in the music industry, selling out venues and collaborating with notable artists like Sarkodie, Flavour, and Dave.

Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has apologised to Cardi B’s daughter Kulture, whom she previously referred to as ‘ugly,’ a ‘roach,’ and a ‘monkey’.

The apology comes after a heated online exchange between Minaj and Cardi B, where both rappers exchanged blows, including personal attacks on each other’s children.

Minaj stated: ‘Dear Kulture, truth is: I did all of this for a bigger purpose and one day you’ll understand.

‘You’re a cute child and lots of kids have cute little funny looking gums before they grow into all of their features.

‘One day you’ll see this, so I have to say: I apologize. As a child of God and QUEEN of my community who look to me for integrity. You’re an innocent child and don’t deserve any of this’.

However, Minaj’s apology wasn’t without a jab at Cardi B.

She stated :’One day your mother, aunt and many more will be brought to their knees for what they’ve said AND TRIED to do to my young prophet/beautiful boy. Take care my darling. This isn’t who I am’.

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved another board, the Rivers State Microfinance Agency, inaugurated by the former Sole Administrator of the state, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

The dissolution occurred about two days after Fubara disbanded the Rivers Pension Board and directed the state’s Accountant-General to take charge of the board’s activities till further notice.

The recently dissolved Microfinance Board was among the eight agencies inaugurated in one fell swoop by Ibas on August 14th, with Prof. Adolphus Toby named as the Chairman.

The governor, in a statement signed by the Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, appointed Pastor Jonathan Tobin to act as the Managing Director of the Agency.

The statement said, ‘The Rivers State Governor hereby announces the dissolution of the Board of the Rivers State Microfinance Agency and the immediate appointment of Pastor Jonathan Tobin as the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

‘Consequently, members of the defunct Board are by this notice to hand over all properties and assets of the Board in their possession to the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

‘His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, will in due course reconstitute the Board’.

The Lagos State chapter of the Omoluabi Progressive, a coalition of young politicians in the Southwest, has called for a more active and inclusive democratic system.

This, it said, is to ensure that the voices of people at the grassroots are better represented in governance.

Speaking at a meeting held in Lagos, the group, under the leadership of its state chairman, Rilwan Usman, stressed that true democracy can only thrive when ordinary citizens are carried along in decision-making processes.

Usman noted that the current political climate requires a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between leaders and the electorate.

He added that the Omoluabi Progressive was committed to building a platform where young leaders can champion accountability, transparency, and grassroots development.

‘Our mission is to ensure that the people at the grassroots are not sidelined but remain the bedrock of democratic participation.

‘As young progressives, we believe in a system where every voice counts and where governance reflects the aspirations of the people,’ he said.

The group resolved to intensify grassroots mobilization across local communities in Lagos, while also advocating youth involvement in leadership and policy development.

According to Usman, the Omoluabi Progressive intends to set a new standard of political engagement in Lagos State, one that prioritises community needs and sustainable development over personal interests.

The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by members to work together in strengthening democratic ideals and preparing young leaders for more active roles in the political process.

BMJ Music, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, James Ochuko Blessing, has unveiled its newest artiste, KNG Maleek, in a move set to deepen the label’s stake in the Afrobeat and street-pop scene.

KNG Maleek, whose style fuses Afrobeat rhythms with street-pop energy, has been described as a rare talent with the potential to dominate the music industry.

His sound, rooted in both the struggles and triumphs of everyday life, has already won him street credibility and growing attention.

Speaking during the unveiling, Ochuko Blessing said, ‘KNG Maleek is a rare talent. He has the energy of the streets, the creativity to cross borders, and the voice that speaks to today’s generation. At BMJ Music, our focus has always been on nurturing artistes who can grow into global stars, and Maleek is exactly that kind of artiste.’

The artiste is set to make his official debut with an Extended Play (EP) project titled Minimum Wage. The project, expected to hit streaming platforms soon, will feature tracks such as Motion, Tension, Scatter, and Elevate.

Industry watchers say the move positions BMJ Music as one of the record labels to watch, as it continues to groom artistes capable of crossing local and international markets.