Kwara hosts Islamic scholars, Imams to reposition mosques as hubs of community leadership

Islamic scholars, imams, traditional rulers, students and faithful from across Nigeria gathered in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, for the second annual Imams’ Conference a one-day event focused on revitalising the role of mosques and their leaders in contemporary society.

With the theme ‘The Mosque, the Imam and Da’wah’, the conference, organised by Daarus-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre, called for the adoption of a unified Friday sermon (Khutbah) across central mosques in the country.

Delivering a keynote lecture titled ‘The Role of the Mosque in Building the Ideal Muslim,’ renowned Islamic scholar and Grand Mufti of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Ustadh Dhikrullahi Shafii, emphasised that the mosque should not be reduced to a mere prayer ground.

‘Historically, the mosque served as a hub for decision-making, social welfare, refuge, and even medical care,’ Shafii said, lamenting that these roles have been largely abandoned in many Muslim communities today – to the detriment of the Ummah.

He described the Imam as more than a sermon-giver, stressing the need for comprehensive knowledge in Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, and global affairs.

‘No individual can master all areas of Islamic jurisprudence. Therefore, scholars and Imams must specialise and collaborate to serve their communities effectively,’ he said.

Shafii proposed that mosques be repositioned to address broader community needs by establishing functional committees dedicated to areas such as youth engagement, women’s affairs, elder care, conflict resolution, marriage counselling, and naming ceremonies.

He further suggested that future editions of the conference span two to three days to deepen its impact, concluding with a communiqué that could guide implementation across mosques statewide.

Speaking on ‘Da’wah Without Bitterness: Etiquette of Disagreement in Islam,’ Dr. Sirajudeen Bila Al-Asra emphasised the importance of tolerance and humility in Islamic propagation. He urged preachers to approach disputes with wisdom and patience, noting that Islam abhors bitterness and arrogance in Da’wah.

Chairing the occasion, the Chief Imam of Ajase-Ipo, Shaykh Aliyu Taofeeq Atoloye, commended the programme’s contribution to the intellectual and spiritual development of scholars and religious leaders. He described the conference theme as timely, pointing out that it encouraged new perspectives on how mosques can function beyond routine prayers.

Atoloye joined other speakers in advocating for an extended duration for subsequent editions, describing the initiative as spiritually impactful and intellectually enriching.

Lagos-based philanthropist and businesswoman, Alhaja Rahmat Mojisola Salih, who sponsored the event, shared her personal journey into philanthropy, inspired by her grandmother’s teachings on giving back to the mosque.

‘As a child, I would spend part of the profit I made from hawking bread and other goods to buy items for cleaning the mosque. That experience shaped my lifelong commitment to supporting Islam,’ she said.

Salih encouraged other affluent individuals to dedicate part of their wealth to Islamic causes and community welfare.

In a goodwill message, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the conference as ‘highly educative,’ praising the organisers for advancing Islamic scholarship and leadership through purposeful dialogue and training.

RemoteWorkPadi to Launch AI-Powered Platform for African Jobseekers on October 6, 2025

RemoteWorkPadi, a remote job board for African professionals, is preparing to launch an upgraded version of its platform on October 6, 2025. The platform, which first became public on March 31, 2025, has focused on helping Africans access verified remote job opportunities while reducing exposure to fraudulent listings.

The initiative was founded by Alice Awobite Joshua, Africa’s No 1 Remote Work Coach and product manager. She explained that the platform was created in response to the rise of scams and fake job offers. According to her, every listing on RemoteWorkPadi undergoes a vetting process to ensure legitimacy, and the tools provided are tailored to support African jobseekers in navigating the global market.

Since its initial release as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), the platform has attracted more than 13,000 signups across the continent, with over 500 monthly active users. Its approach of prioritizing quality over quantity has distinguished it from other job boards that often host large numbers of unverified positions.

The upcoming version, RemoteWorkPadi V2, introduces artificial intelligence features designed to simplify the application process. These tools include the ability to generate tailored cover letters, scan job descriptions for Applicant Tracking System (ATS) keywords, write recruiter and negotiation emails, optimize LinkedIn profiles, and create keyword focused bullet points for resumes.

The platform’s team describes the new version as an advanced system aimed at providing African professionals with stronger support in securing opportunities across Africa, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

With the official launch date approaching, users of the platform and new jobseekers are awaiting the release. ‘African talent is world class, and all we’ve been missing is access and support,’ Alice said, noting that the new version is intended to bridge this gap.

About RemoteWorkPadi

RemoteWorkPadi is a career platform that connects African jobseekers with verified remote job opportunities. It provides listings, application tools, coaching, and community support. Since its introduction in March 2025, the platform has signed up over 13,000 users and continues to expand its reach.

BBNaija S10: Sir Uti weighs in on Faith’s disqualification

Nigerian media personality and former reality star, Uti Nwachukwu popularly known as Sir Uti, has weighed in on the disqualification of a Big Brother Naija housemate, Faith.

The dramatic disqualification, which happened on Thursday, occurred after a clash between Sultana and Faith.

Sir Uti on his X handle, spoke about labeling the instigator of a conflict as a victim. He claimed that such behaviour could be narcissistic and dangerous.

‘Could she have acted better – YES! Could he have handled it better? YES!. A trigger is just as grave as a reaction. It is incredibly narcissistic to label the one who triggered/created/fueled the situation a VICTIM and then label the one who reacted (without hitting the other) – an Abuser. This is not defending anyone. It’s analysing what we all watched live-not internet clips. Learn the lessons and dead sentiments – this is 2025, let’s be guided,’ he stated.

Akwa Ibom gov dissolves boards, commissions

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved all statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, was announced in Uyo on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah.

According to the SSG, the governor acted under the Statutory Boards (Special Provisions) Law, 2023, and directed the affected chairmen to hand over to the most senior officers in their establishments.

‘The governor wishes members of the dissolved boards and commissions well in their future endeavours and commends them for their roles in advancing the ARISE agenda,’ Uwah said.

He further instructed that all government property in the custody of the affected chairmen be returned to ensure a smooth transition.

Our correspondent reports that the development, which marks a major shake-up in the state’s governance structure, had earlier been hinted at by Governor Eno during a media chat to mark Akwa Ibom’s 37th anniversary in 2024.

At the time, the governor said that he was ‘waiting for the right time’ to reorganise his administration and promised a valedictory session to appreciate commissioners and board members for their contributions to the state’s growth.

It is, however, believed that the dissolution signals the beginning of a new phase in the administration’s governance strategy.

Veteran journalist Femi Soneye launches The Exchange Podcast

Femi Soneye, respected journalist, media entrepreneur, and former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, has announced the launch of his new biweekly podcast, The Exchange with Femi Soneye.

The Exchange will spotlight some of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most influential voices, spanning politics, business, entertainment, and civil society.

With Soneye’s decades of media experience and insider access, the show promises bold conversations, rare insights, and candid perspectives on issues shaping the nation and the world.

‘The Exchange is more than just another interview program, it’s a space for open, meaningful dialogue,’ said Femi Soneye.

‘Listeners will hear the human side of leaders and changemakers, beyond the headlines.’

The podcast will feature 20-25 minute episodes released twice a month and will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Audiomack, and other major platforms.

Why I’ll never date a rapper again – AKA’s ex-girlfriend, Nadia Nakai

South African media personality and TV host, Nadia Nakai, has revealed that she will never date a rapper or anyone in the entertainment industry again following the tragic death of her late boyfriend, Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes.

In an interview with Fresh Men Magazine, Nakai said she now prefers a private relationship away from the public eye, stressing that the pain of losing a high-profile partner was overwhelming.

‘I will not date another rapper or anybody in the [entertainment] industry ever again. I never want to do that again. I want to have a very private relationship. I don’t want it to be public because if he had to die, that experience was terrible for me,’ she said.

The rapper’s ex-girlfriend explained that she disliked having to share her grief with strangers and social media users after AKA’s passing.

‘I didn’t like having to explain my pain to strangers at the airport. I don’t want to explain nonsense to people on social media. So, I will never date a rapper or anybody in the public eye,’ she added.

AKA was shot dead by a gunman outside a restaurant in Durban on February 10, 2023. The trial into his murder is still ongoing.

Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, other Nollywood stars set for opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ in Lagos

Popular Nollywood Director, Muyideen Oladapo, (A.K.A Lala) has announced the stage opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ at Terra Kulture in Lagos.

The opera, written by Dr. Taiye Adeola, will feature a collection of top Nollywood actors and actresses including Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, Dr. Tunji Sotimirin, Omowunmi Dada and Lizzy Jay.

Addressing the media in Lagos on Tuesday, Lala, who also directed the stage performance of Ola Rotimi’s play ‘Kurunmi’, said the collection of stars for the opera was a deviation from the norm, as the audience will be seeing them in another element for the first time ever. He added that the play has a 40-page script and over 140 pages of music, while the performance will feature over 80 actors and crew members.

‘Opera is a play in the form of music and art where the singers and instrumentalists perform in a theatrical way. Every line will be acted out in the form of a song. I chose to perform ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ because the message mirrors society. It’s a story that gives hope to the common man in their pursuit of destiny,’ he said.

Commenting on the play, Dr. Sotimirin assured the audience of a spectacular experience, citing that ‘This is a tiny script with a unique, significant message and dialogue being rendered for a spectacle to behold. This is to celebrate the common man’s voice to equip themselves.’

The Choreography Director, Segun Adefila,explained that the story which is about destiny and character teaches how man can influence the voice of the gods to bring destiny to life.

Speaking at the performance rehearsal, the Music Director, Adeaga Mofopefoluwa, said ‘The Gods Have Spoken is a peculiar play with a unique message for the audience. We’ve been working on the music scoresheet written by the writer and the arranger of the play, orchestrating the performance of this play. I assure the audience of a captivating performance different from what they’ve experienced.’

The producer, Olamide Oladapo, hinting that the performance will also feature something special, urged the audience to be on the lookout, ‘This is a satire and total theatre: dancing, acting, singing, with actors saying their lines in the form of songs. This will captivate and engage the audience. And I would like to add that we have something special coming on stage. I want everyone to watch out and come see,’ Oladapo said.

The opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ will be at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos on October 18 and 19.

Sanwo-Olu, Lumumba, Fashola, Olaonipekun, Others Extol Nigeria’s Greatness

Prominent leaders in Nigeria yesterday gathered at the Island Club 2025 Nigeria @ 65 Independence Lecture and Awards Night to emphasize the need for Nigeria to stand tall as the giant of Africa and strengthen the continent’s place on the global stage.

These were the central messages of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, and other stakeholders at the event with the theme, ‘Nigeria and the African Reawakening: The Giant That Must Not Sleep,’ held at the Peacock Hall, Island Club, Lagos.

Other dignitaries who spoke include: Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN), Major General Ike Nwachkwu, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, and others.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stressed that Nigerians need to join hands and fight to ensure that the country hits its potential in all areas of human endeavor to strengthen African unity, foster economic growth, and secure its rightful place as a global leader.

He added that Nigeria stands tall as Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, a demographic dividend fuelling growth, adding that the figure, over 60 per cent, is believed to be young and in their productive stage, stressing that not many countries can boast of this youthful, productive, and vibrant demographic.

According to him, ‘We need to join hands and fight to ensure that Nigeria hits her potential in all areas of human endeavours. With private sector leadership or collaboration with captains of industry, like the esteemed Island Club members, this giant of a nation will wake up, move up, and stay up.’

The Governor noted that the theme of the event is a reflection on Nigeria at 65, which should be an exhibition of collective ideas on how this giant of a country can live up to its stature as a true giant, responsible and respected, honoured and valued at home and abroad.

Accordingly, the Governor reaffirmed that Lagos remains committed to contributing its quota as a hub of enterprise, creativity, and progress to Nigeria’s bright future and Africa’s awakening.

‘Nigeria has all that it takes to succeed. We are home to the largest number of millionaires in Africa – a true reflection of our economic vibrancy. Lagos State epitomizes entrepreneurial dynamism; a commercial heartbeat driving Africa’s economic pulse. It is working towards becoming Africa’s model megacity, one that is safe and secure, functional and productive. It has the ambition of becoming a global economic and financial hub in which businesses thrive and with high returns on investment,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

Highlighting Lagos’ pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic progress, Sanwo-Olu noted that the state now ranks as the second largest city economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $259 billion based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), adding that the state GDP is more than 18.7% of Nigeria’s GDP and about 20% of the country’s non-oil GDP.

Similarly, Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), called for a national consensus on what the ‘Nigerian Dream’ truly means, stressing the importance of defining clear standards for success and leadership. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, addressing the audience at the Island Club 2025 Nigeria @ 65 Independence Lecture and Awards Night, held at the Peacock Hall, Island Club, Lagos, on Thursday, behind him are; Moderator, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae; Keynote Speaker, Prof. Patrick Lumumba and Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN)

He emphasized that success is not static but must be redefined over time to reflect the nation’s evolving challenges and opportunities, urging Nigerians to establish a gold standard for leadership, so the nation can recognize and rally behind true visionaries.

Referencing Nigeria’s role in continental infrastructure, Fashola highlighted the country’s contributions to the Trans-African Highway and other projects, noting that three of the nine highways across Africa terminate in Lagos. From the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to the Kano-Maradi Railway, he explained that such investments reflect Nigeria’s responsibility in shaping Africa’s shared future.

In the same vein, the Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN), underscored the importance of structural and constitutional reforms to rebuild Nigeria’s foundations.

Olaonipekun stressed that ‘The responsibility now rests on Nigerians and Africans themselves to define a new path. With a call for justice, unity, and moral rebirth. Nigeria must be born again, contextualized, structural, constitutional, and legal. Only then can we inspire Africa and the world.’

Also speaking, the Former Foreign Minister, Major General Ike Nwachkwu, noted the importance of strong opposition in safeguarding democracy, recalling how past opposition figures helped preserve Nigeria’s stability and accountability.

The Major General lamented the weakening of opposition politics today, warning that democracy cannot thrive without genuine checks, fairness, and focus. ‘With a call for Nigerians to unite, rise above selfish politics, and demand governance that prioritizes the collective good over personal ambition,’ he concluded.

The Keynote Speaker, an Internationally Celebrated Pan-Africanist and Thought Leader, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, challenged Nigerians to embrace their historic responsibility as Africa’s leader, warning that the nation can no longer afford ‘business as usual.’

Lumumba noted that despite its vast resources and human talent, Nigeria has yet to achieve its true potential, pointing to persistent challenges in governance, education, healthcare, electricity, and the economy. ‘The day Nigeria wakes up is the day Africa wakes up,’ said the erudite scholar. The lecturer emphasized that leadership at all levels must rise above self-interest and tribalism to deliver real transformation.’

He therefore urged Nigeria to take bold steps in diversifying its economy, reviving local industries, strengthening education, and investing in innovation, rather than relying on imports.

Music Mogul Diddy Combs jailed four years after shocking prostitution conviction

In a landmark verdict that has riveted public attention, music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was sentenced today to 50 months in federal prison on charges tied to prostitution-related offences.

Combs, 55, had been held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024.

He faced multiple federal charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking by force or coercion, and transportation for the purposes of prostitution-the last being the counts on which he was ultimately convicted.

On July 2, 2025, after nearly three days of jury deliberation, Combs was acquitted of the more severe charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but was found guilty on two counts relating to transporting persons across state lines for prostitution under the federal Mann Act.

The counts he was convicted of involved allegations that he facilitated interstate travel (including air travel) for ‘male escorts’ to escort his girlfriends to what prosecutors described as drug-fueled sexual events, sometimes filmed.

The jury concluded that the government had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Combs had engaged in sex trafficking via coercion or operated a criminal enterprise under the RICO (racketeering) charges.

Judge Arun Subramanian, who oversaw the case in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, delivered the sentence today.

In addition to the prison term, Combs was ordered to pay a $500,000 fine and will face five years of supervised release following his incarceration.

Importantly, the judge gave credit for time already served-Combs had spent approximately 13 months in pre-sentencing detention, which will reduce his remaining term.

During the hearing, Combs addressed the court. He expressed deep remorse, calling some of his past behavior ‘disgusting, shameful and sick,’ and apologized to his family, the court, and the women involved.

He also acknowledged a history of domestic violence in previous relationships and said he would carry that burden moving forward.

The prosecution, which had urged a much harsher sentence, criticized Combs for lacking genuine contrition and described him as ‘unrepentant.’

In their sentencing memo, prosecutors had sought a sentence of 135 months (11¼ years).

The Guardian

Combs’s defense team, meanwhile, argued for a dramatically lower sentence, no more than 14 months, citing his time already served, his efforts toward rehabilitation, and claims of undue harm to his reputation, businesses, and family.

At the hearing, the court acknowledged Combs’s charitable work and his standing in communities, but also underscored the severity of the evidence, including testimony and video of past abuse. Judge Subramanian remarked that deterrence required a serious sentence.

The judge also directly addressed the two women who testified, singer Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura and a second witness known as ‘Jane,’ telling them, ‘We heard you these horrible acts were made public.’

In statements following the sentencing, Cassie Ventura’s legal team expressed that while nothing can erase the trauma she endured, the sentence ‘recognizes the impact of the serious offenses’ committed by Combs.

Inside the prison, Combs has reportedly launched a programme for fellow inmates titled ‘Free Game with Diddy,’ teaching business skills and personal development.

His attorneys submitted letters from participants highlighting the program’s positive impact as part of their mitigation efforts.

Combs has claimed to have achieved sobriety after years of struggles and insisted he is changed.

However, legal challenges are still ahead. Combs’s team is expected to appeal the conviction.

Moreover, beyond this criminal case, he faces dozens of civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, assault, and abuse spanning years.

The case marks one of the highest-profile prosecutions in which a major artist has been convicted on prostitution-related charges tied to organizing and exploiting intimate events.

The use of the Mann Act, a statute passed in 1910 to prevent transport of persons for prostitution-demonstrates how older laws are still wielded in modern federal prosecutions of sexual misconduct.

Although Combs was acquitted of the sex trafficking and racketeering charges, counts that arguably carried harsher penalties, the convictions underscore how the evidence presented by his ex-girlfriends and witnesses succeeded in persuading a jury of wrongdoing on the lesser, transport-based counts.

This ruling and sentencing may influence how other high-profile figures facing allegations of sexual exploitation are prosecuted or defended in federal court.

Spotify shakes Lagos, blends Afrobeats, Naija food, culture with ‘Greasy Tunes Café’ launch

On Tuesday, September 30, the energy was off the charts at Fired and Iced, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, as Spotify officially launched its Greasy Tunes Café. This three-week experiential pop-up celebrates the connection between Nigerian culture, food, and music. The venue, packed with a mix of media, influencers, podcasters, music artists, and fans, set the perfect scene for the brand’s immersive new experience.

This campaign is backed by new Spotify data showing that for Nigerian Gen Z, music and food are core pillars of daily life, with Afrobeats dominating their listening habits from morning to night. Greasy Tunes Café brings this insight to life: customers can order local Nigerian meals and instantly receive a personalised Spotify playlist or podcast, curated in real-time based on their food choices.

The evening featured two exclusive fireside chats that provided intimate insight into the campaign’s vision. Spotify executives Bea Theron, Experiential Marketing Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, and Victor Okpala, Artiste and Label Partnership Manager for West Africa, introduced the strategy, with Theron stressing that the café is an immersive experience built on the pillars of culture, music, and food. She emphasised that Spotify’s role is clear: supporting creatives and prioritising the hyper-local storytelling essential to celebrating the people of Lagos.

‘Tonight proves the power of the youth: they build the culture here in Nigeria. The Greasy Tunes Café is our future-facing model, blending the force of Afrobeats with the authenticity of local cuisine. This isn’t just a party; it’s a strategic move to establish the new cultural future of Lagos,’ said Theron.

Okpala expanded on the café’s programming, noting that it will serve as both a launchpad for local talent and a centre for education. He highlighted plans to spotlight diverse emerging artists, citing names like Fola and Adekunle Gold. Okpala also announced specific educational moments, including an October 11th screening of a documentary on Afro-Nigerian Afro-funk and the Eyo masquerade, underscoring its commitment to Nigeria’s rich culture and musical heritage.

Following the executives’ discussion, the spotlight shifted to two of the platform’s biggest recent names: Spotify RADAR and South African artist Thakzin, and Afrobeats artist Fola, who rank among the platform’s most-streamed emerging artistes of the 2020s.

Anchored by themes of authenticity and dedication, the artistes’ fireside chat offered raw insight into their creative journey. Fola shared that success was anything far from overnight, stressing that background doesn’t define the future. ‘You have to put in the work; that is my truth,’ he said. ‘Nothing about my journey is overnight. The love I’m receiving fuels me, and my goal is clear: I’m going to take Afrobeats to the next level.’

Thakzin, meanwhile, spoke about the importance of emotion in his sound. ‘For me, music is about translating real-time feelings into rhythm,’ he explained. ‘If you’re going to push new sounds, you have to go harder, always, because that’s how you break through and move people.’

After the fireside chats concluded, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as DJ Dami Osinubi kicked off the party with electrifying sets. Guests moved to the music, captured moments, and enjoyed a true taste of Nigeria through the local food and drinks. The launch served as the perfect kick-off for the campaign, setting a high bar for the celebration of music, culture, and community ahead.