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Ex-Presidents Obasanjo, Koroma Grace COZA Leaders’ Silver Jubilee Celebration

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2 months ago

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Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma were among the dignitaries who attended the 25th wedding anniversary of Pastors Biodun and Modele Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA).

The event, held in Abuja, also celebrated Biodun Fatoyinbo’s 50th birthday, attracting prominent political figures, religious leaders, and legal luminaries.

Notable attendees included Anyim Pius Anyim, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Ibe Kachikwu, former Minister of State for Petroleum; and Stanley Ifeanyi Uzochukwu, Chairman of Stanel Group.

Religious leaders present at the celebration included Pastor Mary Abioye (formerly of Living Faith Church), Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, and Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International.

The celebration featured speeches from notable personalities, including Obasanjo, who humorously referred to Anyim as his “boss,” acknowledging the influence the Senate had during his tenure.

He remarked, “During the times I was in government, he served as the Senate President. If I sent a bill to the National Assembly, unless it had the support of the Senate President, my bill might not be passed. So I had to regard him as my elder to ensure my bill could be passed. Hence, I now refer to him as my boss.”

Addressing the couple, the former president said: “You have now set a new standard regarding Jubilee. Twenty-five years in Jubilee, as mentioned in the Bible. So, every Jubilee, every 25 years, you must renew your power and purpose in your marriage. If I had my way, then every marriage in Nigeria that has reached 25 years should have what we call new vows and a renewed purpose.

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“Now, as for the next event, 25 years from now, I wish you well in advance. As you know, I may not be able to attend—not because I am unwell, but simply because I will be elsewhere permanently.”

Representing former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim extended his congratulations to the couple.

He stated, “If former President Goodluck Jonathan were here physically, I believe he would say that President Olusegun Obasanjo will speak for the former presidents. On behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan, I am humbled to congratulate you and your wife, and indeed your entire family, on this milestone.”

Legal expert Mike Ozekhome praised the couple’s dedication to faith, while senior lawyer Alex Izinyon commended their positive impact on society.

“You have touched lives; your family has made a significant impact over the past 25 years. Keep on doing what you are doing. Do not grow weary in doing good. I pray that you and your family will continue to flourish from glory to glory,” Izinyon said.

Renowned clergy such as Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo and Pastor Paul Enenche also spoke, offering prayers and blessings for the couple.

Ashimolowo advised, “You must always remember that this woman stands by your side, not at your feet. You have responsibilities in this union; you have a spiritual obligation. I want you to wear this ring as your helmet. It must never signify dominance but always serve as a reminder of faith and love—a love that never fails and is never puffed up.”

The ceremony incorporated various traditional and religious elements, including the renewal of marriage vows, the exchange of rings symbolising eternal love, and prayers for continued unity.

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The couple reaffirmed their commitment to each other, with Biodun Fatoyinbo emphasising the spiritual significance of their union and Modele Fatoyinbo pledging lifelong devotion.

“According to the word of God, I submit myself to you as your wife continually, from this moment onward. We shall continue to be one,” Mrs. Fatoyinbo declared.

The event also highlighted the importance of milestone celebrations, with Obasanjo humorously suggesting that marriages in Nigeria reaching 25 years should mark the occasion with renewed vows and purpose.

The presence of two former presidents elevated the gathering to an international status, underscoring the couple’s influence beyond Nigeria.

With music from renowned gospel artists such as Mercy Chinwo and Chris Morgan, alongside prayers and a grand atmosphere, the ceremony exemplified love, faith, and enduring commitment, leaving guests inspired and uplifted.

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FCT Minister Wike, Emir Ado Bayero Image Sparks Reactions On Social Media

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43 minutes ago

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March 23, 2025

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A striking image of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, engaged in an intense discussion with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has sparked widespread speculation.

Could this meeting signal a political manoeuvre or a bid for influence in Abuja’s corridors of power?

A recently surfaced image of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the deposed Emir of Kano, deep in conversation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media. The picture, circulating widely, has led to intense debates about its political implications.

Renowned political analyst Shehu Mahdi took to social media platform X to share his enigmatic reaction:

“YOUR GUESS COULD BE CORRECT: What comes to your mind on seeing this picture? Politics? Justice on the plate? Saving grace away from home? Seeking refuge?

How the mighty have fallen? Spirit dancing to the devil? End of the game? Casualty on the way? Another sole administrator?”

This cryptic message has only fuelled speculation, leaving many to wonder whether the meeting was a strategic move by Ado Bayero to reclaim his throne or if it was simply a routine discussion.

Following his dethronement, Ado Bayero’s future remains uncertain, and many believe his meeting with Wike was not a mere coincidence. Wike, a seasoned political strategist with strong ties to the current administration, is known for his calculated moves. The timing of this encounter suggests that something significant could be unfolding behind closed doors.

Sources close to the situation indicate that the former Emir may be exploring legal and political avenues to challenge his removal. Others speculate that he could be negotiating a favourable political settlement, ensuring that his influence remains intact despite losing the throne.

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Wike’s role in this saga cannot be overlooked. As a key figure in the government, he wields significant influence in the nation’s political landscape. Given his history of bold and strategic decisions, his meeting with Ado Bayero is bound to raise eyebrows.

Is Wike offering support, or is he merely playing a neutral role in the unfolding drama? Some political analysts argue that the discussion could be an attempt to align interests, especially if Ado Bayero seeks federal backing to mount a legal or political challenge against his dethronement.

Shehu Mahdi’s cryptic statement has left many wondering whether there are deeper forces influencing Kano’s leadership crisis. Could external players be pulling the strings behind the scenes? His reference to “justice on the plate” and “casualty on the way” hints at the possibility of larger forces at work, shaping the destiny of Kano’s traditional institution.

As speculation continues to mount, only time will reveal the true purpose of this meeting.

For now, the nation watches closely, waiting to see if this encounter will alter the political landscape in Kano and beyond.

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Fire guts 1-storey building in Lagos

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2 hours ago

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March 23, 2025

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Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that a one-storey building at Alapere area of the state was gutted by fire.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

According to him, the agency received distress calls at about 8:55 a.m. regarding the incident at No. 16B, Agidi Road, Osogun Bus Stop, Alapere.

He said LASEMA activated the state’s Emergency Response Plans from its Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.

“Upon arrival at the scene, LASEMA discovered that the upper floor of a one-storey building, comprising four self-contained apartments, had been engulfed by fire.

“Fortunately, the inferno did not spread to the ground floor of the building,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu said preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from one of the kitchens due to an electrical power surge, which rapidly spread to other parts of the apartment, causing significant damage.

“No casualties or fatalities were recorded in the incident.

“The LASEMA Response Team, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, successfully contained and extinguished the fire.

“Necessary safety precautions were implemented to prevent further spread and secondary incidents, while search and rescue operations confirmed that no individuals were trapped,” he added.

He stated that while the affected apartment suffered substantial structural and material losses, the lower floor remained intact.
“The incident has been brought under control, and the inferno has finally been put off. Operation activities have been concluded,” he said. (NAN)

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Policeman goes ‘berserk’, shoots 3 in Cross River

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2 hours ago

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March 23, 2025

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A police Inspector, Effiong Bassey, suspected to have gone berserk, has shot three persons in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Ugbo Irene, the incident happened in the early hours of Sunday at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar.

She said Bassey “returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behaviour.”

“Inspector Bassey refused to hand over the AK-47 rifle he was assigned and instead proceeded to block the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises. Despite attempts at peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation, the officer’s actions escalated,” the statement read.

“Subsequently, Tactical Units/Patrol teams were deployed to the scene, where Inspector Bassey, suspected to be mentally deranged, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the area.

“Tragically, three individuals were struck by the officer’s stray bullets, including Ijeoma Wilson Obot, a 41-year-old female, who later succumbed to her injuries. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual, are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.”

The Command’s spokesperson stated that the officer was eventually subdued, disarmed, and is now in police custody, adding that he is undergoing further investigation into the incident.

Worried by the incident, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, and the Cross River State Command Management Team visited the hospital where the victims were receiving care.

At the hospital, the AIG made a donation to support the immediate treatment of the injured.

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The Command explained that police authorities were engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that the tension in the community is de-escalated.

It also called on the families of the victims and the public to remain calm as the investigation into this unfortunate incident continues.

“The Cross River State Police Command is committed to ensuring that justice, fairness, and equity prevail, and the outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the statement said.

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