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I’m a Christian, but I don’t joke with Ifa — Olusegun Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday emphasised the importance of preserving African cultural heritage, affirming his respect for the traditional Ifa religion and its role in African identity, despite being a Christian.

Chief Obasanjo disclosed this at a luncheon he organised to celebrate the 50th birthday of the renowned woman drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa held at the Green Legacy of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

Obasanjo lamented that it is unfortunate that lots of rich African cultures are being relegated to the background in the name of embracing western culture.

He said “Culture is the totality of who we are, unfortunately, we have relegated some of our culture to the background, our food, our language, our dress and so on

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“They even say Yoruba is vernacular, that is not right, Yoruba is Yoruba, it is the authentic and we must learn to celebrate what belong to us because that’s the authentic

“I am a Christian, I have been to two churches today but whoever say Ifa Orumila is nothing must be a bloody fool because Orunmila has been with us before the advent of Christianity or Islam”.

The former President said that he decided to celebrate the female talking drum expert for being a cultural icon and ambassador in her own right.

Obasanjo “While I growing up there are two things you will never see a woman doing. A woman will never be seen climbing palm tree, you can’t see a woman on top of palm tree and you will also not see a woman drummer.

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“But Ara with her tenacity and focus has however broken this taboo. She is now known all over the world as a drummer.

“We now have a woman who can beat the drum better than the men. She is helping a lot to sustain our cultural heritage and that is why I have decided to celebrate her so as to further encourage her to keep up the good job.

The former President urged youths to take a cue from the celebrated drummer saying that “whatever good your hands find to do, do it well and I will celebrate you, the lesson here is that nothing is unimportant in every area of human’s endeavours”.

Speaking earlier, Ara thanked the former President for the honour done her, saying that it was a gesture she would ever cherish for the rest of her life and career.

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The renowned Ondo State born drummer said that she had thought that she would not be alive to celebrate 50 years having suffered a life threatening ailment last year.

Ara explained that the celebration was to return the praises to God who had preserved her and has supported her to be on the global stage despite all odds.

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Tinubu Orders Construction of New Roads for Abuja Communities, Declares End to Abandoned FCT Projects(Photos)

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, directed the immediate expansion of road infrastructure to more communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declaring that his administration would continue to extend development to underserved areas while ending the era of abandoned projects in the nation’s capital.

Tinubu, who gave the directive while commissioning the rehabilitated over 16-kilometre Old Keffi Road, linking Kado Fish Market to Dei-Dei Junction through Life Camp, approved the construction of the Kaba – Kagini – Zaudna road, after residents displayed banners highlighting the poor state of access roads in their communities.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the ceremony held along the Gwagwa Rail Station Road in Abuja, the President said his administration remained committed to ensuring that every district and community benefited from the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are not slowing down. Across the FCT, from the centre to the area councils, we are building for inclusion, for safety and for growth. Every district deserves access. Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government where they are,” Tinubu said.

He declared that the completion of the Old Keffi Road signalled the end of abandoned infrastructure projects in the FCT.

“When we assumed office under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we told Nigerians the era of abandoned projects in Abuja was over. Some doubted. Today, doubt has no ground to stand on.

“From Saburi 1 and 2, to this corridor, and to many others we started unveiling last month to mark the third anniversary of this administration, the pattern is clear: we identify the pain, we fund the solution, and we deliver.”

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The President described the newly rehabilitated road as a practical demonstration of government’s resolve to improve the daily lives of residents.

“It gives great honour today to open a road that restores dignity to daily movement.

“The fully rehabilitated 15-kilometre Old Keffi Road, from Kado Village through Life Camp to Dei-Dei Junction by the Outer Northern Expressway, is now open for use. This is not a promise on paper. It is asphalt you can drive on, lights you can trust after dark, and drainages that serve both homes and markets.”

Tinubu explained that the project was initiated after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, reported the deplorable condition of the strategic economic corridor serving Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Karmo, Idu and Dei-Dei.

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“He brought the report to me. We acted,” the President said, adding that the Federal Executive Council subsequently approved the project and awarded it to Lubrik Construction Company Limited based on its proven capacity.

“Under this government, we do not reward patronage. We reward competence. If you deliver, you get more work. If you fail, you are out. Lubrik has delivered again.”

Tinubu also commended Wike for transforming the FCT through visible infrastructure development.

“Minister, you have turned the FCT into a site of visible results. You inspect, you decide, you follow through. You have matched development in the city centre with development in the districts and area councils so that no community is left behind.

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“Mr. Projects’ is not a slogan. It is the record of roads opened, lights installed and deadlines met. I trust you. I rely on you. And Abuja is better because you are at the wheel.”

He equally praised the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the FCT Administration for delivering the project within schedule without compromising quality.

The President described the road as “an economic artery” that would reduce travel time, lower transportation costs and improve commercial activities by linking Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Karmo, Idu and Dei-Dei directly to the Outer Northern Expressway.

He added that the integrated streetlights under the Light Up Abuja initiative would improve security and support night-time economic activities.

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Tinubu urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing vandalism of streetlights and keeping drainage channels free from refuse.

“This infrastructure belongs to you. Guard it. Do not vandalise streetlights. Do not block drains with refuse. Report any damage early.”

Earlier, FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike said the project fulfilled a long-standing promise made to residents and traders who had repeatedly appealed for the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road after the successful completion of the Saburi Road.

He recalled that during the Area Council election campaign, traders had appealed to him to tell President Tinubu that completing the road would earn their lasting appreciation.

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“They told me, ‘Please tell Mr. President, if he completes this road for us, Mr. President should go home and sleep with his two eyes closed,’” Wike said.

The minister noted that the promise had now been fulfilled with the commissioning of the road.

In a dramatic moment during the event, Wike invited residents of Kaba, Kagini and Zaudna, carrying banners requesting another road project to come forward and announced that President Tinubu had approved immediate intervention.

“I have told the Executive Secretary of the FCDA to direct Lubrik Construction Company to move to this area immediately and construct the road,” Wike announced.

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He said the decision reflected the true essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The whole essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda is to bring back hope where people have lost hope. Once Mr. President becomes aware of critical infrastructure needs that will improve connectivity and economic activities, he acts.”

Wike thanked Tinubu for approving the Old Keffi Road project and pledged that work on the newly approved road would commence without delay.

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Akwanga-Jos Road: Mutfwang’s Persistence Has Paid Off — PVD

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The Plateau Vanguard for Democracy, PVD, has commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for what it described as his sustained efforts in drawing the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to the deplorable condition of the Akwanga-Jos highway.

The group also praised President Tinubu for approving and flagging off the reconstruction of the strategic road, saying the intervention would bring huge relief to motorists, commuters, traders and communities along the corridor.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Chris Ishaku, PVD said Governor Mutfwang had demonstrated focus, persistence and responsible leadership by repeatedly engaging top officials of the Federal Government on the urgent need to reconstruct the road.

According to the group, the governor’s regular visits to Abuja and consultations with key federal authorities were not in vain, as they helped to place the road project on the front burner of national attention.
PVD noted that the Akwanga-Jos highway is not only critical to Plateau State but also serves as a major economic and security route linking the North Central region to other parts of the country.
The group said the flag-off of the reconstruction was another proof that constructive engagement between state and federal authorities can produce meaningful results for the people.
While stressing that the project should not be reduced to mere political gain, PVD said it was clear that Governor Mutfwang’s movement to the All Progressives Congress, APC, had made it easier for him to canvass support for Plateau’s development needs at the federal level.
“This is not about political celebration. It is about the welfare of the people. However, we must also acknowledge that the governor’s alignment with the ruling party has opened wider doors of engagement and made it easier for him to push Plateau’s case before the Federal Government,” Ishaku said.
The group urged citizens of Plateau State and other road users to be patient and supportive as the reconstruction begins, noting that the long-term benefits of the project would outweigh the temporary inconveniences likely to arise during construction.
PVD said when completed, the project would reduce travel time, improve trade, enhance security movement, cut down accidents and boost economic activities across Plateau, Nasarawa and neighbouring states.
It called on contractors handling the project to ensure quality delivery and urged communities along the route to cooperate fully with government agencies and construction workers.
The group further assured Governor Mutfwang of continued support, saying his commitment to infrastructure, peace and development had shown that he remained focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Plateau State.

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Coalition of patriots Set To Honour Pastor Enoch Adeboye With Responsible Citizen Award

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Working People United (WoPU), a broad coalition of patriots comprising organised labour unions, seasoned professionals, artisans, traders, and stakeholders across critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy, has announced its intention to confer its highly esteemed “Responsible Citizen Badge” on Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

This recognition underscores WoPU’s commitment to celebrating individuals whose voices and actions embody patriotism, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to national unity. Pastor Adeboye’s influence, which transcends the pulpit, has consistently reflected moral clarity, responsible leadership, and a deep concern for Nigeria’s stability and progress.

“The Responsible Citizen Badge” is not merely symbolic; it represents WoPU’s civic mission to highlight exemplary citizens whose contributions strengthen institutional accountability, foster constructive dialogue, and inspire collective responsibility in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

By honouring Pastor Adeboye, WoPU seeks to affirm the value of principled leadership and encourage Nigerians at home and abroad to engage in nation-building with dignity and respect.

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The honour will be bestowed in recognition of the highly revered clergy’s courageous and statesmanlike defence of Nigeria’s leadership and institutions, particularly in relation to the country’s ongoing security challenges.

The declaration follows Pastor Adeboye’s remarks at the US–Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala in Washington, where he responded to criticism of the Nigerian President’s handling of national security.

In his comments, Pastor Adeboye firmly rejected claims that the President had failed in addressing insecurity, stressing that the Commander-in-Chief’s role is to provide strategic leadership and direction, while operational responsibilities rest with the nation’s security agencies.

He noted pointedly that the President is not expected to “put on khaki,” underscoring the constitutional clarity of executive responsibility.WoPU described Adeboye’s intervention as a patriotic act and a demonstration of high responsiveness.

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According to the coalition, Adeboye’s remarks contribute to a more balanced national discourse at a time when Nigeria faces complex security challenges requiring unity of purpose, institutional accountability, and coordinated action.

Speaking on the honour, WoPU Convener and National Coordinator, Comrade (Prince) Williams Eniredonana Akporeha praised Pastor Adeboye’s courage and moral clarity:

“Pastor Adeboye has consistently demonstrated leadership that extends beyond the pulpit. His voice in moments of national tension reflects responsibility, wisdom, and a sincere commitment to the stability and progress of Nigeria. Unlike others who have gone abroad to disparage the country for personal gain, he has chosen to defend Nigeria with dignity and patriotism.”

The “Responsible Citizen Badge Award”, unveiled during WoPU’s Good Governance Summit on June 25, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, is designed to honour individuals whose public engagement strengthens unity, promotes responsible leadership, and advances constructive national dialogue.

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WoPU emphasised that the award is civic in nature, not political, and is intended to recognise voices that contribute meaningfully to peace, accountability, and national development.

By honouring Pastor Adeboye, WoPU seeks to highlight the importance of responsible citizenship and encourage Nigerians at home and abroad to engage in discourse that uplifts the nation rather than undermines it.

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