Acclaimed gospel artist and songwriter Dr. Panam Percy Paul has disclosed that he rejected a substantial £24 million record deal in 1995 due to its stipulation requiring a reduction in the mention of “Jesus” in his music.

In a recent interview with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Paul shared that the three-year contract, valued at approximately N7 billion at the time, included conditions that contradicted his religious beliefs.

The record label proposed that he substitute names like “Righteous One” or “Greatest Lover” for direct references to Jesus.

“The condition was, ‘Can you limit the number of times you mention the name Jesus in your songs?’” Paul recalled. “One representative even suggested, ‘You don’t really need to say Jesus. You can use other names instead.’ I was taken aback and responded, ‘You can keep the money; I’ll keep the name.’”

The seasoned gospel musician also voiced concerns regarding the growing commercialization of gospel music, asserting that record labels and marketers now dictate the creative direction of artists.

“Currently, the situation has escalated to where the music ministry has transformed into a music industry,” he expressed. “The industry now prescribes what ministers should do, how they should perform, and when they should do it.”

Paul’s revelation has ignited conversations about the impact of commercial interests on gospel music and the challenges artists face in preserving their faith-based messages.

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has placed fire service personnel on red alert to ensure swift response to emergencies during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Jaji also urged Nigerians to adopt fire safety measures, particularly while cooking, to prevent avoidable incidents during the festive period.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the fire service boss advised against leaving cooking unattended and emphasized the need to store gas cylinders outside kitchens and keep matches away from children.

“These safety measures are crucial in preventing fire outbreaks, especially during a period when many people travel, increasing the risks of fuel tanker accidents,” he said.

He added that all fire service commands and zones across the country have been placed on high alert to respond promptly to emergencies.

“I urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact details of their local fire service units for quick intervention in case of any fire incident,” Jaji stated.

The fire chief also stressed the need for fuel tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials to be fitted with onboard cameras to enhance safety.

“Many tankers on Nigerian roads still fail to meet modern safety standards. These substandard vehicles contribute to rising accident figures, leading to loss of lives and property and leaving many families in distress,” he said.

Jaji noted that modern tankers come with features such as anti-rollover systems, anti-spill devices, and onboard cameras to monitor drivers’ behavior, which help in preventing road crashes.

“The continued use of substandard tankers without these safety features remains a major risk,” he warned.

While acknowledging the financial burden of replacing old fleets, Jaji suggested an alternative approach—installing onboard computers to monitor driving patterns, speed, and nighttime movements.

“Although the complete replacement or retrofitting of tankers with modern safety devices like anti-skid systems, speed limiters, and automatic emergency braking remains a priority, government agencies responsible for enforcing these measures are working to address the issue. Over time, we are confident that these improvements will be implemented,” he assured.

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the tenth edition of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show will begin soon.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, the organisers revealed that the audition process for this edition will differ from previous ones.

Unlike past seasons, where aspiring contestants auditioned virtually, those vying for a spot in the 10th edition will have to audition in person.

However, the premiere date for the new season and the audition locations has not been disclosed.

“This time, it’s all about showing up and being you. Ready to shine? Get ready your moment is closer than you think! Season 10 is coming,” the post reads.

The reality TV show first introduced online auditions in its fourth season in 2019.

At the time, the option was created for those who couldn’t attend the physical auditions held earlier.

Since then, the organisers have maintained virtual auditions, adding different twists with each edition.

In the last season, contestants were required to audition in pairs.

At the last edition, Kellyrae defeated other housemates to win the grand prize of N100 million.

The feat also sees him become the first married person to win the show.

As the winner, he went home with a cash prize of N60 million, a new car among others.