Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

Nigerian pastor Femi Lazarus has stirred debate in the gospel music industry by challenging the financial expectations of gospel ministers. In a sermon aired on YouTube, Lazarus asserted that music ministry is a divine calling and should not be commercialized. Ministry vs. Business Lazarus argued that those charging fees for performances are not music ministers but artists engaged in business. He emphasized that true gospel ministers should be rooted in a church and not demand payments for ministration. “A music minister expresses ministry through music. A music artist is not a kingdom-based minister, hence is not for the church,” he…

Maternal health experts continue to express concern over the reluctance of many pregnant women to accept cesarean sections (CS), despite medical recommendations. Several factors, including lack of public awareness, cultural and religious beliefs, societal stigma, and the high cost of surgery, contribute to this resistance. Addressing these barriers through increased public enlightenment, healthcare policies, and financial support is crucial to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Studies show that while approximately 60% of pregnant women understand the benefits and success rates of CS, many still reject the procedure. This highlights the need for comprehensive health education campaigns. Key Awareness Strategies:…

Chris Wood, Forest’s top scorer with 18 goals in 29 league games, sustained a hip injury during New Zealand’s 3-0 win over New Caledonia. Substituted in the 54th minute, he later celebrated World Cup qualification, but his fitness remains a concern for Espirito Santo. Forest, third in the table and chasing a rare top-four finish, faces key league fixtures against Manchester United and Aston Villa. Wood has yet to start an FA Cup match this season, highlighting Espirito Santo’s rotation strategy. Awoniyi, with just six starts under Espirito Santo three in the FA Cup, has struggled for minutes, impacting his…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially rescheduled the 2025 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from April 5 to April 10. This announcement was made in the board’s latest weekly bulletin, shared with newsmen in Abuja on Monday. Why the Rescheduling? According to JAMB, the date adjustment aims to allow for thorough preparation and to incorporate various innovations and enhancements. These changes are designed to make the examination more efficient and ensure a seamless experience for all candidates. Another key reason for the rescheduling is the increased number of examination centers. The expansion requires additional logistical arrangements…

Lagos State has invested over N3 billion in combating tuberculosis (TB), making it the highest contributor among Nigerian states. Dr. Olusola Sokoya, the state’s Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme Manager, disclosed this during the 2025 World TB Day commemoration. Dr. Sokoya highlighted that the investment, made through counterpart funding and equipment donations, has significantly bolstered TB diagnosis and treatment. “No other state in Nigeria has allocated such an amount solely for TB. Lagos has spent over three billion naira from 2019 to date,” he stated. Lagos is the only Nigerian state with at least one WHO-recommended diagnostic tool per health…

Ogun West has long struggled with educational challenges, including low school enrollment, poor performance in external exams, and limited access to higher education. Many graduates also face difficulties securing well-paying jobs. Despite these setbacks, the region boasts students with immense intellectual potential, excelling academically despite financial and infrastructural constraints. Recognizing this, Senator Olamilekan Adeola YAYI has launched strategic interventions to transform the educational landscape. Key Educational Initiatives A Vision for the Future Senator Adeola’s interventions aim for long-term transformation. By addressing fundamental challenges and fostering excellence, he is paving the way for Ogun West’s educational and economic growth. Sustained investment…

The Super Eagles have ramped up their preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe, training behind closed doors in Uyo. Head coach Eric Chelle has demanded full concentration from his players as they look to build on their recent victory. Following their 2-0 win over Rwanda last Friday, the team flew directly to Uyo from Kigali via a chartered Valujet flight. They wasted no time settling in and commenced their first training session on Sunday, maintaining a strict no-access policy for journalists and visitors. Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer, confirmed that the decision was…

Dr. Oluwatosin Akande, Founder of Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation, calls for inclusive policies, interventions, and cultural acceptance to improve the lives of autistic individuals. Speaking at the Autism Awareness Conference, part of the 2025 World Autism Awareness Day events, Akande stressed the need for better awareness and understanding. World Autism Awareness Day, celebrated globally on April 2, fosters acceptance of autistic individuals. This year’s conference, themed “Autism and Culture: Awareness and Acceptance,” explored how African beliefs shape autism perceptions, either promoting inclusion or reinforcing stigma. Akande noted that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often misunderstood and stigmatized in Africa. The…

Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid has expressed excitement over the Super Eagles’ preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali. Under newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle, the team held its first training session on Tuesday. Wizkid reacted on X (formerly Twitter), posting: “New Super Eagles team! (I) love the energy.” The high-stakes qualifier is set to take place at Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda on Friday, March 21, with kickoff scheduled for 5 PM Nigerian time. Following this fixture, Nigeria will return home to face Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday, March 26.Nigeria’s Road to the 2026…

Newcastle United secured their first silverware of the 2024/25 season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final at Wembley. While this triumph is a historic moment for the club, it also plays a crucial role in shaping European qualification for English teams in the upcoming season. Winning the EFL Cup traditionally grants the victors a place in the UEFA Conference League playoff stage. However, Newcastle’s league performance could significantly alter the allocation of European spots. As of now, Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table with 47 points from 28 matches. Their primary focus…