Okediji, who recently visited Nigeria, said he was struck by the city’s orderliness, modern infrastructure and disciplined policing, noting that his last visit to Abuja was in 1979 when the city was still largely at the planning stage.

In remarks shared on his Facebook page, he said the difference between then and now was remarkable.

“The last time I was there was in 1979 when Abuja was still mostly a dream, and there was nothing there,” he said.

According to him, Abuja’s roads, streetlights, flyover bridges and well-maintained environment compare favourably with those of developed countries.

“The streets of Abuja are like the streets of any developed country: tidy, streetlights, flyover bridges, no potholes, aesthetically invested,” he said.

Okediji also commended the conduct of police officers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying he did not witness the roadside extortion commonly associated with policing in some parts of Nigeria.

“The police in Abuja don’t demand bribes from drivers. They keep the traffic moving fluidly,” he said, adding that conversations with taxi drivers reinforced his impression that officers in the city generally refrain from harassing motorists.

He speculated that the presence of senior government officials, who may travel without official convoys, could contribute to greater professionalism among officers.

The academic also praised the experience at the Ibadan Airport, describing security procedures and operational efficiency as exceeding his expectations.

“I flew from Ibadan airport, also looking as good as any provincial airport in the United States, without the tension associated with flying in the US. The security at the Ibadan airport was remarkable. The efficiency was astonishing, well beyond my expectation of what was possible in Nigeria,” he said.

Although he initially described Abuja as “more beautiful than any city in the world,” Okediji later qualified the statement, saying he was exaggerating and that the city is “as beautiful as any celebrated city in the world.”

He attributed Abuja’s appeal to its natural landscape, moderate climate and extensive green spaces.

“What makes Abuja more beautiful than any city I have visited immediately occurred to me: it is a garden in full bloom,” he said, adding that the city’s hills serve as natural monuments that enhance its scenery.

Despite his admiration for the capital, Okediji expressed concern that the challenges affecting other major Nigerian cities could eventually spread to Abuja if not properly managed.

He argued that the country’s urban landscape could be transformed within a decade if corruption and the looting of public funds were effectively tackled.

“The discipline and aesthetics of Abuja should be extended to the whole of Nigeria. It wouldn’t take much beyond dedication and commitment to rebuild the land,” he said.

Okediji, however, stressed that infrastructure alone would not guarantee national development.

According to him, government must also invest in restoring public confidence and improving citizens’ wellbeing, particularly as many Nigerians continue to grapple with high inflation and economic hardship.

“It would take an investment in the psyche of Nigerians—not just an investment in the infrastructure of the country,” he said.

Reflecting on his visit, he said Abuja appeared to inspire a renewed sense of order and civic responsibility among residents, citing the orderly queues he observed at the Amala Sky Restaurant.

Okediji said his trip to Abuja was facilitated by renowned Nigerian sculptor Dotun Popoola, who hosted him at his ongoing exhibition in one of the city’s designated green zones.

The post Returning to Nigeria after 47 years, Texas-based Moyo Okediji says Abuja rivals the world’s celebrated cities first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

Amazon.com Inc. announced the selection on June 23, saying the African organisations are among 42 social enterprises chosen from 16 countries for the 2026 accelerator.

The selected organisations are from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon and Tanzania, while other participants come from countries including the United States, Australia, India and the United Kingdom.

Delivered in collaboration with Deloitte, the AWS social entrepreneur accelerator provides technical training, strategic business planning, and ongoing support from AWS and Deloitte to help mission-driven organisations scale their impact.

Since its launch in 2023, the programme has supported more than 100 social entrepreneurs across 34 countries, helping innovators address global challenges in education, healthcare and climate resilience.

Speaking on Africa’s strong representation, Jyoti Ball, general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at AWS, said the selected organisations reflect the growing innovation ecosystem across the continent.

“Africa’s representation in this cohort reflects what we’re seeing across the continent, a generation of founders who don’t wait for conditions to be perfect. They build anyway,” Ball said.

“Our role is to ensure they have access to the same world-class cloud and AI technology as any startup in Silicon Valley and the support to scale impact across borders.”

According to AWS, the selected organisations are using cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle challenges such as youth unemployment, education gaps, digital inclusion and food security.

Nigeria recorded the highest number of selections with three organisations — Sabi Scholar, Kayode Alabi Leadership and Wetech Inc.

Sabi Scholar is building a digital platform that enables African universities to launch online degree programmes within 30 days.

Kayode Alabi Leadership focuses on empowering underserved young people through leadership development, education and technology-driven solutions.

Wetech Inc. is expanding opportunities for women in technology through digital skills training, mentorship and employment pathways.

Kenya secured two places through KuzeKuze and STEM Centre Africa.

KuzeKuze develops digital “education passports” that enable learners to maintain lifelong academic records, while STEM Centre Africa promotes coding, robotics and digital skills training for young people.

The remaining organisations are BASICS International from Ghana, FunHouse Digital from South Africa, EduCloud from Cameroon and Fiqra Academy from Tanzania.

According to AWS, the organisations will receive technical expertise, cloud and AI resources, and business advisory support throughout the programme to help expand their solutions and reach more communities.

At the end of the accelerator, participants are expected to be better positioned to scale their innovations using AWS cloud technology and Deloitte’s consulting expertise.

The post Nine African organisations join AWS social entrepreneur accelerator cohort first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday, the company said the initiative seeks to celebrate the resilience, humour and creativity with which Lagosians navigate traffic congestion, delivery delays and other mobility-related challenges.

According to inDrive, the chief wahala officer will be tasked with identifying different forms of “Lagos wahala”, helping to ease transportation and delivery stress, navigating the city’s notorious traffic and representing the concerns of commuters and businesses during frustrating transport experiences.

The company said applicants must have at least five years’ experience navigating Lagos, possess a good understanding of the city’s transportation and delivery landscape, and be able to remain calm under pressure.

Preference, it added, will be given to individuals with strong community influence, engaging personalities, public-speaking abilities and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by commuters and small business owners.

As part of the campaign, two successful applicants will receive cash prizes of N1 million and N500,000 respectively.

Speaking on the initiative, Oladimeji Timothy, country manager of inDrive Nigeria, said the campaign is intended to deepen engagement between the company and the communities it serves.

He said the initiative goes beyond entertainment and provides a platform for authentic storytelling and user participation.

“At inDrive, we believe that understanding people’s everyday experiences is essential to building solutions that truly serve them. Lagos is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, but it also comes with its own unique movement challenges,” Timothy said.

“Through the Chief Wahala Officer hiring, we want to celebrate the people who navigate these realities every day while creating a fun, relatable platform for conversations about urban mobility.”

The company noted that the campaign is targeted at Lagos residents who regularly contend with traffic gridlock, unpredictable weather, delivery disruptions and other challenges associated with moving around the city.

The post APPLY:inDrive opens applications for chief wahala officer role in Lagos first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

The initiative builds on the company’s “Cancel the school trip” campaign, first introduced in Kazakhstan in April 2026.

Following strong public engagement and positive feedback, inDrive plans to expand the project to other countries where it operates, including Nigeria.

The campaign addresses what experts describe as one of the most widespread yet underreported challenges facing young people worldwide.

According to UNICEF, millions of children experience bullying regularly, but many never disclose their experiences to adults.

Research cited by inDrive shows that about 17 percent of teenagers aged 11 to 15 in Kazakhstan experience bullying at least once every month, affecting hundreds of thousands of students.

As part of the initiative, users taking morning rides to school received a push notification asking if they wanted to cancel the trip after the ride had already begun.

Although the message appeared to be a technical error, it was designed to prompt parents to reflect on their children’s emotional state and encourage conversations about their daily experiences.

The company stressed that the campaign is not intended to discourage school attendance. Rather, it seeks to motivate parents to engage more deeply with their children and identify potential signs of distress before problems escalate.

“We need to talk to children more often. Not just ask ‘How are you?’, but genuinely notice their emotional state, mood and changes in behaviour.

Sometimes, even a short conversation can help identify a problem a child may be afraid to talk about,” said Timothy Oladimeji, country lead for inDrive Nigeria.

A key symbol of the campaign is the back seat of a car, which organisers describe as a unique environment where parents and children can talk without distractions.

According to the company, everyday moments such as school journeys can become valuable opportunities for children to express concerns and feel supported.

Beyond the digital campaign, inDrive installed car seat-shaped displays across shopping malls and major intersections in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to draw public attention to the issue.

The company also developed an online resource platform in collaboration with child psychologists. The platform provides guidance for parents on recognising signs of bullying, initiating difficult conversations, and supporting children through emotional challenges.

As part of the broader campaign, a roundtable discussion brought together psychologists, parents, influencers and creative industry professionals to examine the evolving nature of bullying and explore ways to strengthen trust between adults and young people.

Participants discussed why bullying often remains hidden and highlighted the importance of creating safe environments where children feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

Psychologist Kseniya Lych, who participated in the discussion, said traditional questions often fail to generate meaningful responses from children because they tend to answer automatically.

She recommended the use of imaginative and open-ended prompts to encourage more honest conversations and reduce emotional barriers.

The initiative has received positive reactions from parents, mental health professionals and members of the public, prompting inDrive to consider adapting the campaign for additional markets.

“We see that bullying is an equally painful issue across different countries and cultures. That is why we want to develop this initiative internationally and launch similar projects in other inDrive markets,” said Yevgeniy Gavrilchenko, creative lead at inLab by inDrive and co-author of the project.

“For us, it is important not only to raise awareness about the problem, but also to help parents pay closer attention to their children’s emotional well-being and start conversations in time.”

The company said the campaign reinforces a simple but important message: addressing bullying begins with everyday engagement between parents and children. By creating opportunities for open dialogue, families can help ensure that children feel heard, supported and protected when facing difficult experiences.

The post inDrive launches anti-bullying campaign, plans expansion to Nigeria first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

The management of the newspaper will hold a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Utako, Abuja,  with the theme“Daily Times is 100 years tomorrow — celebrating 100 years of fearless journalism, championing the future 1926–2026.”

According to a schedule released on Sunday, the event will also launch a year-long calendar of activities, including public lectures, exhibitions of archival front pages, and a digital archive project aimed at making a century of Daily Times editions accessible online to researchers and the public.

The anniversary carries the broader message: “100 years honouring the past, shaping the future. 1926–2026: practicing journalism for the people.”

Founded by Richard Barrow and Ernest Ikoli as a four-page daily in colonial Lagos, Daily Times evolved into one of Nigeria’s most influential newspapers and became widely regarded as the nation’s newspaper of record.

During the nationalist movements of the 1950s, the publication served as a platform for debates around self-rule and independence. Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the newspaper documented major moments in the country’s history, including the First and Second Republics, the 1966 coups, the civil war, periods of military rule, and the return to democratic governance in 1999.

At its height in the 1970s and 1980s, Daily Times recorded the largest newspaper circulation in West Africa, with its Kakawa Street headquarters in Lagos becoming a prominent media landmark.

However, the last two decades have brought significant challenges for the newspaper industry, including ownership transitions, economic pressures, and digital disruption that affected print circulation.

Despite the changes, Daily Times continues to publish in print and online formats while maintaining its longstanding editorial philosophy of journalism “for the people”.

According to organisers, the centenary celebration is intended not only to reflect on the newspaper’s legacy but also to outline its future direction.

“The centenary is about honouring the past, but more importantly, shaping the future,” a senior editor said.

“We are 100 years old, but we are not a museum piece. We are championing the future of journalism in Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.”

The management is expected to announce initiatives focused on strengthening its digital operations, including a digital-first newsroom model, expansion into video and podcast content, public access to its archival collections, media literacy programmes with schools and the NUJ, and training fellowships for young reporters in investigative and solutions journalism.

Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, Fidelis Anosike, publisher and editor-in-chief of Daily Times, described the centenary as a rare achievement in African media.

“Centenaries are rare in African media. Few newspapers reach 100 years, and fewer still continue publishing,” he said.

He added that Daily Times serves as a living archive of Nigeria’s history, having documented landmark national moments as well as everyday stories that shaped public life.

Anosike said the anniversary also presents an opportunity to reflect on the role of journalism in a rapidly changing media environment.

“The world has changed since 1926, but the job has not. People still need reliable information to make decisions. That is what we have done for 100 years, and that is what we will do for the next 100,” he said.

The post Daily Times marks 100 years, unveils plans for digital future first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

Bayo Lawal, deputy governor of Oyo state, presented the awards at the grand ceremony, which celebrated individuals and organisations contributing significantly to tourism, culture, media, and creative development within the state and beyond.

The event was organised by the Oyo state government through the Oyo state ministry of culture and tourism under the leadership of Wasiu Olatunbosun, the commissioner for culture and tourism.

Adams received the youth in tourism award in recognition of his growing impact in media and cultural storytelling.

Chatta was honoured with the outstanding tourism start-up / SME award in recognition of the remarkable contribution of the Ibrahim Chatta Film Village to tourism, filmmaking, and cultural preservation.

The summit gathered stakeholders from the tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and creative sectors to discuss strategies for strengthening tourism development and promoting Oyo state as a major cultural and tourism hub in Nigeria.

Speaking after receiving the award, Adams said the honour would inspire him to do more meaningful work that “positively represents our heritage and society”.

“This recognition means a lot to me because storytelling has always been beyond filmmaking for me,” he said.

“It is about preserving our culture, documenting our people, and projecting our stories to the world.

“I’m grateful to the Oyo state government, ministry of culture and tourism for this honour. It will only inspire me to do more meaningful work that positively represents our heritage and society.”

The post Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta, multimedia journalist Ayo Adams honoured at Oyo tourism awards first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

At the heart of the resounding success of the 2026 World Egungun Festival stands a leadership synergy that deserves more than a passing mention; it commands acknowledgement.

The unwavering belief of the executive governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr Abiodun Seyi Makinde, in the delivery capacity of his honourable commissioner proved decisive.

By entrusting the vision to Dr Wasiu Adewale Olatubosun and granting him the latitude to execute, His Excellency demonstrated rare administrative confidence and foresight.

This confidence was publicly affirmed at the grand finale by the governor’s representative, the secretary to the state government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, who conveyed the governor’s satisfaction and pride in the commissioner’s performance and the global resonance the festival has now attained.

That trust found expression in the unmistakable energy of the commissioner, vibrant, strategic, and relentless. It was not the routine energy of administration; it was the driving force of a visionary determined to transform culture into a movement.

From conception to execution, Dr Olatubosun infused the festival with passion, precision, and purpose, ensuring that every segment bore the stamp of excellence.

Indeed, Dr Wasiu Adewale Olatubosun emerges not merely as a public servant but as a man who understands the weight of responsibility that comes with his office and the cultural mandate of his ministry.

He is a leader connected not only to the corridors of power but also deeply rooted in the grassroots, a rare duality that fuels authentic cultural mobilisation.

A mobiliser of people, ideas, and institutions, he stands out as a leader of distinction and class, one who remains undistracted by noise or negative commentary, focused instead on outcomes and impact.

His ability to convene “who is who” across cultural, professional, and social strata became evident in the sheer diversity of participants at the festival. From cultural custodians to corporate stakeholders, from indigenous associations to international observers, he successfully brought together a broad spectrum of society under one cultural umbrella. In doing so, he has redefined Egungun beyond the limiting myth of deity, repositioning it as a dynamic cultural heritage, an instrument of identity, education, tourism, and global diplomacy.

Held at the iconic Obafemi Awolowo Stadium on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the grand finale did far more than entertain; it announced to the world the emergence of Dr Olatubosun as a rising global cultural phenomenon.

The historic venue, long regarded as a symbol of post-independence pride and one of Africa’s earliest modern stadiums, provided a powerful backdrop where history met contemporary cultural expression. Its transformation into a theatre of heritage elevated the festival into a historic milestone.

The atmosphere was electric, an intoxicating blend of excitement, merriment, funfair, and celebration. It was truly a festival of colour and candour, drawing an extraordinary mix of participants: cultural bodies, trade associations, professional groups, indigenous institutions, social networks, pressure groups, and elite circles from across Nigeria and beyond.

From Isokan Ile Yoruba to Egbe Alaso Ofi, from tourism stakeholders like NANTA to cultural groups such as OPC and the Foresters, the arena became a living mosaic of identity and unity. Their presence underscored the inclusive and global appeal of the festival.

The parade of masquerades electrified the audience. From Apake Igbeti to Egungun Badagry, from Eegun Edo to Ajangila, each performance was a living narrative, bridging ancestral memory with modern artistic expression.

The competitive recognitions added brilliance and excitement:

Most Colourful Egungun: Shaki

Most Spectacular Egungun: Ibadan

Most Creative Egungun: Amuwo Odofin, Lagos

Equally compelling was the participation of associations whose vibrancy brought human colour to the spectacle:

Most Populous Association: Nigerian Union of Pensioners

Most Colourful Association: APWECON

Most Glamorous Association: NBHH

In the words of a representative of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, “This is more than a festival; it is a reunion of identity. We feel seen, valued, and celebrated.” A young attendee from Lagos remarked, “I came out of curiosity, but I am leaving with pride in my heritage.” An international observer from the British High Commission noted that “the festival is a compelling model of how culture can drive diplomacy and global engagement.”

The cultural prestige of the event was further elevated by royal presence. The Olubadan of Ibadan was represented by Oba Amidu Ajibade alongside a distinguished council of high chiefs, lending traditional authority and spiritual depth to the occasion.

Special recognitions and accolades were also extended to individuals and organisations that have contributed to cultural preservation and promotion, further reinforcing the festival’s role as both a celebratory and honouring platform.

Cultural ambassadors, creative artists, and institutional stakeholders received commendations for their roles in sustaining heritage.

Adding musical grandeur to the festival was Rasidi Apala, whose modernised and reformed classical Apala music infused the arena with rhythm, colour, and glamour.

His performance was more than entertainment; it was cultural storytelling reimagined, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary appeal and captivating audiences across generations.

Beyond its visual and artistic splendour, the festival proved to be an economic powerhouse. Hotels filled to capacity, transport services thrived, and local traders in textiles, crafts, and cuisine recorded significant patronage.

Culture, once seen merely as heritage, was boldly affirmed as capital, driving tourism, creating jobs, and strengthening the creative economy.

Yet, perhaps its most profound achievement lay in its power to unify. It dissolved barriers of age, class, profession, and geography.

Pensioners danced alongside youth groups, elites mingled freely with grassroots participants, and international visitors shared in indigenous expressions. It was not just a festival; it was a statement of unity and shared identity.

The seamless execution of the event, from logistics to artistic direction, from security coordination to timing, reflected meticulous planning and refined organisation.

Every detail bore the unmistakable imprint of intentional leadership.

In the final analysis, the Grand Finale of the 2026 World Egungun Festival did more than entertain; it firmly positioned Dr Wasiu Adewale Olatubosun as a global cultural phenomenon, a custodian of heritage whose vision has transcended borders.

What he has curated is no longer just a festival; it is a movement.

The World Egungun Festival now stands as a beacon of African heritage, projecting Yoruba culture onto the world stage with pride, dignity, and renewed relevance.

In Ibadan, history was not merely remembered; it was performed, celebrated, and released to the world.

The post Wasiu Olatubosun: The rise of a cultural phenomenon first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

“Ibadan gbà onílẹ̀, ó gbà àlejò…” — Ibadan welcomes the indigene and embraces the visitor.

That timeless saying came alive on Sunday, April 12 as the ancient city of Ibadan turned its celebrated heritage into living reality, conferring one of its most culturally symbolic honours on a man whose contributions have steadily shaped its modern story.

At the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi Ape — a venue where contemporary elegance meets ancestral pride — anticipation filled the air as dignitaries, traditional leaders, policymakers, scholars, and cultural custodians gathered in a spectacle of prestige and tradition.

Among the 70 distinguished individuals honoured that day, one recognition stood out for its cultural depth and symbolic meaning.

Gbadega Adedapo, a respected figure in Nigeria’s publishing industry, was decorated with the prestigious Icon of Ibadan Heritage Award by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

In Ibadan, a city where lineage is revered and ancestry deeply respected, the honour carried a powerful message that stretched beyond bloodlines.

It reaffirmed Ibadan’s identity not only as a custodian of heritage, but also as a city that celebrates merit — a place where belonging is defined not just by origin, but by contribution.

Though not physically present, the symbolic influence of Ibadan’s foremost leaders added weight to the moment.

Seyi  Makinde, governor of Oyo state, whose administration represents the city’s progressive aspirations, and Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), the revered monarch and former governor, stood as enduring symbols of Ibadan’s fusion of tradition and modern governance.

Together, they represent the living soul of Ibadan — a city where history, leadership, and cultural continuity meet. It was within this powerful convergence that the honour bestowed on Adedapo found its deepest meaning.

Adedapo is widely recognised as a visionary in Nigeria’s educational publishing landscape.

As managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Accessible Publishers Ltd, he has played a pivotal role in advancing educational publishing, expanding access to learning materials, and promoting quality content across schools and institutions.

With academic roots in computer science and a master of business administration, Adedapo has built a career that bridges technology and publishing — two sectors central to modern knowledge development.

His work reflects a sustained commitment to education, innovation, and the wider distribution of learning resources.

Beyond corporate achievements, his influence extends into academic and social development.

Through initiatives that support students, educators, and institutions, his contributions have strengthened Nigeria’s educational framework and fostered intellectual growth.

For Ibadan to extend its revered cultural recognition beyond ancestral lines is to reaffirm a philosophy that defines the city — excellence belongs to all who contribute meaningfully to its growth.

In Adedapo, Ibadan celebrated not only a professional success story, but a man whose investments in knowledge, enterprise, and community development have become part of its living legacy.

Behind the landmark recognition stands the CCII, under the leadership of Sulaiman Ajewole, whose administration continues to champion cultural preservation while embracing progressive inclusion.

The success of the ceremony itself reflected careful planning and collaboration. The Ibadan cultural festival planning committee, led by  Moshood Akere, worked alongside the award day sub-committee chaired by  Bayo Oyeleke to deliver an event that blended tradition with elegance.

Supporting the effort were Monsurat Toyin Oyebola (vice-chairman), Saheed  Oyebamiji (secretary), Sarat Jimoh (assistant secretary), and Ismail Oyinlola, whose coordination ensured the day unfolded without flaw.

Yet beyond the applause and ceremony, the deeper meaning of the moment endures.
This was more than an award — it was a cultural embrace.

A symbolic inscription into Ibadan’s unfolding history. A declaration that legacy is not limited by ancestry, but expanded through impact.

In honouring Adedapo, Ibadan celebrated not just an individual, but a philosophy — one rooted in excellence, enterprise, and enduring relevance.

As the ceremony came to a close and the echoes of celebration lingered, one truth resonated through the ancient city’s hills and history.

In Ibadan — the city of warriors and wisdom — greatness is measured not by where one comes from, but by what one builds, what one contributes, and what one leaves behind.

The post CCII honours CEO of Accessible Publishers Gbadega Adedapo as icon of Ibadan heritage first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

Seun made the assertion during an Instagram livestream while responding to comments questioning why his father continues to be celebrated despite allegations that he infected women with the virus.

According to the musician, the narrative that Fela infected his wives is inaccurate, insisting that the circumstances surrounding his father’s marriage structure may have contributed to how the virus entered the household.

He explained that Fela practised an open marriage system that allowed his wives to maintain relationships outside the home.

“Fela did not keep his women to himself. He believed that as he was free to sleep with all his women, his women should also be free to meet other men — just don’t bring them to my house. That was my father’s law,” Seun said.

“My father didn’t leave his house to sleep with other women outside, so it was his women who brought HIV home to him.”

Seun suggested that different marital boundaries might have altered the outcome, noting that stricter arrangements could have prevented the situation.

Despite his defence of his father’s legacy, he acknowledged that no individual is without faults.

“Nobody is perfect. Everybody makes mistakes. But Fela is a man who is on the side of humanity,” he said.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, one of Africa’s most influential musicians and a prominent critic of military rule in Nigeria, died in August 1997. He was survived by several wives and children, including Seun, who has continued the Afrobeat tradition.

The post Seun Kuti: My father got HIV from his wives, not the other way round first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

In a recent comment shared on social media, Oni said she remains single and is increasingly exhausted by the volume of unsolicited and inappropriate messages she receives from men online.

According to the actress, many men send explicit content to her direct messages and make inappropriate remarks about her appearances on television, particularly on Africa Magic.

She said the persistent messages have made it difficult for her to freely access her social media accounts, especially in the mornings.

“I am tired and I’m still very single. I can’t even open my Instagram early in the morning because men bombard my DMs with nude pictures,” she lamented.

Oni also expressed concern about what she described as unhealthy competition within the film industry, noting that some talented actors do not always receive the recognition they deserve.

The actress further alleged that hostility from a colleague negatively affected her professional opportunities.

 “In our industry, the people who should be famous are often not the ones we hear about. There is one person in the industry who claims she can act better than me. I haven’t offended her and I don’t know why, but she just hates me for no reason,” she said.

Oni claimed that she lost a movie role after a director informed her that he had to choose between her and another actress who was already attached to the project.

According to her, she was ultimately dropped from the production despite having no known conflict with the colleague involved.

Oni said the situation reflects broader challenges within the industry, including rivalry and unequal opportunities for actors.

The post I’m still single, tired of inappropriate messages from men, says Nollywood actress Damilola Oni first appeared on The Times of Abuja.