Home Blog

Olu Jacobs: Tinubu Mourns Veteran Actor, Describes Him As Creative Industry Giant

coic
-
0
Olu Jacobs: Tinubu Mourns Veteran Actor, Describes Him As Creative Industry Giant

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed sadness over the passing of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at age 84.
The President, in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, recalled how Olu Jacobs, after his training at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, built a career in British television and international film before returning home to Nigeria, where he became a major force in the film industry.Nigeria travel guide

He recalled that Jacobs won major industry honours and awards for his pioneering roles and was also conferred with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

It was reported that President Tinubu, in his statement, described the late Olu Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose remarkable career spanned theatre, television, and film globally.

Read Also: BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies At 84 As Nollywood Pays Tribute To Acting Icon

The President acknowledged his contributions to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, stating that the late Jacobs inspired generations of actors and filmmakers through his exceptional talent, discipline and dedication to his craft.

President Tinubu also praised the late actor’s remarkable ability to bring depth, dignity, and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, earning him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.

“He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry, and the global community of lovers of the performing arts. His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn.

“The nation recognises the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development. Olu Jacobs played a big role in creating this identity,” the President said.

The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the Jacobs family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and the entire creative community over the loss of the celebrated thespian.

He prayed for the repose of his soul.

BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies At 84 As Nollywood Pays Tribute To Acting Icon

coic
-
0
BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies At 84 As Nollywood Pays Tribute To Acting Icon

Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor and film executive Olu Jacobs at the age of 84.

The actor, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, died after decades of distinguished service to the Nigerian and international entertainment industries.

His family announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, through social media posts shared by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs.

The family described Olu Jacobs as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they come to terms with the loss.

Read Also: Why I Won’t Go Into Politics – Mr Macaroni Opens Up

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs developed an impressive career that covered theatre, television and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began building his acting credentials through appearances in British television productions and international films.

Upon returning to Nigeria, he became a major presence in Nollywood and earned widespread recognition for his commanding performances and contribution to the development of the Nigerian film industry.

Jacobs was also the recipient of several major honours during his career.

In 2011, he was conferred with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria.

He also received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Beyond his acting career, Jacobs was involved in film production and helped influence generations of actors and filmmakers.

The veteran actor is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren.

His death represents a significant loss to Nigeria’s creative industry and has ended the career of a performer whose work spanned several generations.

Why I Won’t Go Into Politics – Mr Macaroni Opens Up

coic
-
0
Why I Won’t Go Into Politics – Mr Macaroni Opens Up

Popular Nigerian comedian Mr Macaroni has revealed that he is not considering a move into politics, citing his concerns about the country’s political environment and its potential impact on individuals.

The comedian shared his thoughts in a viral video while reflecting on his experiences as a social commentator and advocate for Nigerians.

Mr Macaroni said speaking publicly about national issues can be difficult because those who speak on behalf of citizens may eventually face criticism from the same people they are trying to represent.

He noted that it can sometimes appear as though the person raising concerns is the problem, even when the issues being discussed affect the wider population.

“I’m so happy about how things have been, and you keep talking, and it seems like you’re the troublesome person. The same Nigerians that you speak for turn against you,” he said.

The entertainer said these experiences, combined with his observations of Nigerian politics, have made him reluctant to enter the political arena.

Read Also: Adeyanju Raises Alarm Over Fake Drugs, Seeks Emergency Measures

“I look at Nigeria, and I don’t think I want to get into the political space because it seems like the political space in Nigeria corrupts the very best of us,” he said.

He further spoke about people he once admired who eventually ventured into politics.

According to him, some of these individuals built impressive reputations before entering politics but later made decisions that, in his opinion, affected the legacies they had created.

“Men that you have looked up to and you have respected, they got into politics and ruined their legacy,” he said.

Mr Macaroni also turned his attention to the reaction of Nigerians to economic hardship.

He cited fuel prices, noting that although citizens often express anger when prices rise, public attention can quickly shift to other matters.

He said Nigerians frequently complain for a short period before eventually accepting the situation and moving on.

The comedian also challenged the popular saying that surviving in Nigeria demonstrates exceptional resilience.

He argued that citizens should not have to celebrate their ability to endure difficult living conditions.

“If you can survive in Nigeria, you can survive anywhere. It’s not something to brag about,” he said.

Adeyanju Raises Alarm Over Fake Drugs, Seeks Emergency Measures

coic
-
0
Adeyanju Raises Alarm Over Fake Drugs, Seeks Emergency Measures

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency over the proliferation of fake and substandard drugs and consumer products in Nigeria.

The lawyer also called for the removal of NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, and the heads of other regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, over what he described as failures in regulation.

Adeyanju made the demands in a statement issued in Abuja, warning that Nigerians were increasingly exposed to potentially unsafe medicines and consumer products.

He said the situation required urgent intervention from the Federal Government as well as a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s regulatory system.

Adeyanju alleged that NAFDAC appeared incapable of effectively controlling the circulation of fake and substandard products.

He also questioned the effectiveness of SON and other agencies charged with protecting consumers.

The activist expressed particular concern over reports of medicines being sold openly in wholesale quantities and exposed to excessive heat.

Read Also: Lawan, APC, Yilwatda Oppose Suit Challenging Yobe North Primary

“No responsible government should expose its citizens to such risks and expect mortality rates not to rise,” he warned.

Adeyanju said the government must take stronger steps to protect citizens and ensure that regulatory agencies effectively perform their statutory responsibilities.

He called on Tinubu to remove the heads of agencies he believes have failed to provide adequate protection and replace them with competent leadership.

“The President must be alive to his responsibility and act decisively by removing the Director-General of NAFDAC and the heads of other failed regulatory agencies, including SON,” he said.

He further urged the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of its regulatory framework, particularly in the areas of monitoring, enforcement and consumer protection.

Adeyanju said the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard products had reached a level that warranted treatment as a national emergency.

He insisted that government action was needed to prevent consumers from being exposed to potentially harmful products.

“Nigerians cannot continue to pay with their lives for regulatory failure,” he said.

His comments come amid continuing enforcement efforts by NAFDAC against counterfeit and unwholesome regulated products, alongside renewed public concerns over product safety in Nigerian markets.

Lawan, APC, Yilwatda Oppose Suit Challenging Yobe North Primary

coic
-
0
Lawan, APC, Yilwatda Oppose Suit Challenging Yobe North Primary

Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, have faulted a suit seeking the nullification of the May 18 Yobe North Senatorial District primary election.

In separate preliminary objections, Lawan and APC queried the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear and determine the suit. They urged the court to dismiss it.

In a counter-affidavit he filed, Yilwatda queried the locus standi of the plaintiff – Hassan Kafayos – to file the suit, having been disqualified from participating in the primary election.

Lawan, APC, Yilwatda and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are listed as defendants in the suit filed for Kafayos by his lawyer, Francis Mgboh.

Kayafos claimed to have been unlawfully prevented from participating in the primary election, having allegedly met all the requirements.

Read Also: Reno Omokri Recants ‘Drug Lord’ Label Against Tinubu, Says ‘I Was Wrong’

In the objection filed by his lawyer, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), Lawan is contending that the court lacked the territorial jurisdiction to hear the case, having been filed in Abuja division instead of Damaturu division of the court.

Lawan, who classified Kafayos decision to approach the Federal High Court in Abuja as an abuse of processes, claimed the plaintiff admitted in his supporting affidavit that he was informed on May 18 that only Lawan was cleared by the APC to contest in the election.

The ex-Senate President stated that the plaintiff’s claim that he was deliberately excluded from lawfully participating in the primary election showed he was not an aspirant in the APC’s senatorial district election.

The APC stated, in documents filed by its lawyer, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), that the suit is statute-barred, as it was filed outside the mandatory 14-day period prescribed by Section 285(14) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Rule 9 of the Practice Directions, 2022.

In the counter-affidavit filed by his lawyer, Lovelyn Donatus, Yilwatda said the APC duly constituted the Primary Election Committee that conducted the election now being challenged.

He said the party also constituted a Screening Committee charged with the responsibility of screening and clearing the aspirants for the contest.

Yilwatda said Kafayos did not participate in the primary, having been disqualified by the duly constituted Screening Committee of the party.

Justice Salim Ibrahim has fixed hearing in the case for September 18.

BRICS Leaders Back Local Currency Use to Cut Trade Costs

coic
-
0
BRICS Leaders Back Local Currency Use to Cut Trade Costs

BRICS member states have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing the cost of trade among emerging economies by promoting the use of local currencies.

The bloc said the move is aimed at making intra-BRICS trade cheaper and more efficient, while deepening economic cooperation among member countries.

This was stated to journalists at the ongoing BRICS 2026 Summit, in India.

Speaking to Journalists, the India’s Secretary for Economic Relations, Shri Sudhakar Dalela, said the discussions are not aimed at creating a common BRICS currency, but at developing practical payment and settlement arrangements that can reduce transaction costs in bilateral trade.

“Discussion on trade settlement in local currency has been underway for some time. It is not a new subject,” Dalela said.

He explained that allowing countries to settle some trade transactions in their respective local currencies could improve trade efficiency while reducing costs associated with international payments.

Read Also: Reno Omokri Recants ‘Drug Lord’ Label Against Tinubu, Says ‘I Was Wrong’

According to him, the objective is to increase intra-BRICS trade, deepen economic engagement with the global business community and make cross-border transactions more efficient.

“The focus of ongoing discussions on local-currency trade and payment systems is to increase intra-BRICS trade, deepen engagement with the global business community and lower transaction costs,” he said.

Bilateral Arrangements

Dalela stressed that discussions were being pursued both through bilateral arrangements and within the broader BRICS framework.

“Financial issues relating to payment and settlement mechanisms fall under the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors track, which is responsible for advancing discussions on such initiatives. The renewed focus on trade settlement comes as BRICS seeks to strengthen its role as a major grouping of emerging markets and developing economies,” he stressed

Dalela said the grouping’s decisions were the result of sustained consultations among member countries involving Sherpas, foreign ministers and leaders.

“The extensive engagement throughout the year enabled members to reach a broad consensus reflected in the New Delhi Declaration. India’s chairmanship placed particular emphasis on “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with development outcomes designed to have a direct impact on ordinary citizens,” he said

Beyond financial cooperation, India used its BRICS chairmanship to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among member states.

Dalela highlighted initiatives such as the BRICS Incubator Network and a proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, saying India was keen to deepen cooperation with China and other BRICS members in the innovation sector.

“The initiatives are expected to create greater opportunities for collaboration among startups, entrepreneurs and businesses across member countries. Energy security and resilient supply chains also featured prominently in discussions among BRICS members, particularly against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and conflicts in West Asia,” he said

Dalela said member states had considered the economic consequences of global conflicts and supported efforts to maintain smooth international trade flows, resilient supply chains and reliable energy supplies. Sttressing that such efforts should be pursued in accordance with international law.

On global trade, he maintained that tariffs and other trade-related measures should comply with international law and World Trade Organisation rules.

He pointed to the New Delhi Declaration, which expresses opposition to unilateral measures that are inconsistent with international obligations.

The bloc also adopted a firm position against terrorism, with leaders condemning terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism.

To this, Dalela said the declaration demonstrated the collective commitment of BRICS members to combating the threat.

As BRICS marks two decades since its first meeting in 2006, India has sought to build on previous presidencies while introducing new areas of cooperation.

Dalela stated that, India had also proposed a mechanism to support seafarers in distress and expressed confidence that the initiative would attract broad international support.

“The overall direction of India’s BRICS presidency, is to pursue practical initiatives capable of strengthening cooperation among member states,” he explained.

While the bloc has no current proposal for a common currency, its continued discussions on local-currency settlement signal a broader effort to make trade among emerging economies more efficient, affordable and resilient.

Reno Omokri Recants ‘Drug Lord’ Label Against Tinubu, Says ‘I Was Wrong’

coic
-
0
Reno Omokri Recants ‘Drug Lord’ Label Against Tinubu, Says ‘I Was Wrong’

Former presidential aide and ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, has admitted that he was wrong to describe President Bola Tinubu as a “drug lord”.

It was reported that Omokri said his own investigation in the United States did not support the allegation.

He made the disclosure while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Omokri explained that he had travelled to Chicago in September 2022 to independently investigate claims surrounding Tinubu’s academic background and alleged involvement in drug-related activities.

Read Also: Real Warri Pikin Addresses Viral Video With Timaya, Offers Apology

According to him, he initially accepted reports questioning Tinubu’s academic credentials and linking him to drug trafficking.

However, he decided to travel to the United States to verify the claims for himself.

Omokri said he arrived in Chicago on September 18, 2022, and visited Chicago State University the following day.

He said officials at the institution provided him with documents, photographs and newspaper materials showing that Tinubu attended the university.

He revealed that the information he obtained during the visit changed his position and led him to publicly withdraw his earlier claims, despite the possible political consequences of doing so.

He said: “I honestly believed what the media reported. Like most Nigerians, probably you who believe me, but I did something that no other Nigerian did. I went to Chicago.

“They gave me documentary evidence, photographic evidence, newspaper clippings, and then they have a hall where the president is there because the president is an alumnus.

“Right there in Chicago, I came out, even though it was against my own political best interest, and I said, Look, it is not true.

“The results of the checks were negative for any criminal arrest records, once, or warrant, for Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“There was an investigation. Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not the subject of the investigation. The president was not the person that was being investigated.

“The money was forfeited to the US government in a case connected to a wider investigation into heroin trafficking. The proceeding was a civil forfeiture case rather than a criminal conviction of Mr Tinubu.”

Real Warri Pikin Addresses Viral Video With Timaya, Offers Apology

coic
-
0
Real Warri Pikin Addresses Viral Video With Timaya, Offers Apology

Nigerian entertainer Warri Pikin has apologised after a video of her interaction with singer Timaya during a stage performance generated controversy online.

The comedienne, whose real name is Anita Asuoha, came under criticism after footage of her dancing with Timaya surfaced on social media.

Some viewers questioned the appropriateness of her conduct as a married woman, prompting the entertainer to explain what led to the incident.

In an apology video, Warri Pikin said she had been backstage watching Timaya perform when he invited a woman to join him during his “Ukwu” performance.

She said she became excited and immediately went onto the stage. However, when Timaya asked her to participate more closely in the performance, she initially refused.

Read Also: He’s A Noisemaker And Nobody – Nwifuru Knocks Chief Priest Over Calls To Step Down

According to her, she eventually agreed after being told that she had already come onto the stage and should not disrupt the singer’s performance.

Warri Pikin said she did not perceive the incident as problematic at the time because she considered it part of the entertainment.

However, she admitted that the situation appeared differently after the video was posted online and attracted widespread reactions.

The comedienne also revealed that her husband, Ikechukwu, was angry over the incident.

She pleaded with her fans, critics and social media followers to forgive her, saying she took full responsibility for what happened.

Warri Pikin maintained that such behaviour was not typical of her and reaffirmed her commitment to her marriage.

She also appealed to people who expressed concern over the video to understand that their reactions were not necessarily motivated by hatred.

The entertainer described the episode as an awkward moment and said she believed she owed her followers an apology because she understood their concerns.

She urged the public to be more forgiving while assuring them that her family and marriage remained important to her.

He’s A Noisemaker And Nobody – Nwifuru Knocks Chief Priest Over Calls To Step Down

coic
-
0
He’s A Noisemaker And Nobody – Nwifuru Knocks Chief Priest Over Calls To Step Down

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has dismissed criticism of his administration by businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest.

The governor reacted to the comments while addressing supporters at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally on Sunday.

Cubana Chief Priest had called on Nwifuru to step aside, alleging that the governor had failed to deliver enough major projects despite spending almost three years in office.

The socialite questioned the absence of landmark projects that could leave a lasting legacy in Ebonyi, while also criticising the state’s development record.

He claimed that Ebonyi had lagged behind other South-East states and accused its political leaders of failing to embrace the level of thinking needed to transform the state.

Read Also: In Two Weeks, I Saw Someone Run Mad – Fireboy Reveals What Terrified Him After Relocating To Lagos

Cubana Chief Priest is also supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii, ahead of the February 2027 governorship election.

Responding to the criticism, Nwifuru said he was not interested in engaging the socialite, whom he described as a “noisemaker” and “nobody.”

The governor said Cubana Chief Priest was not important enough for him to spend time responding to his remarks.

Nwifuru added that he would only give the socialite attention if he happened to remember him.

“I don’t have time for Cubana Chief Priest. He’s a noisemaker and a nobody. But if I remember him… I’m sorry for him,” the governor said.

The verbal exchange comes as political activities intensify in Ebonyi ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with rival political camps increasingly mobilising support across the state.

In Two Weeks, I Saw Someone Run Mad – Fireboy Reveals What Terrified Him After Relocating To Lagos

coic
-
0
In Two Weeks, I Saw Someone Run Mad – Fireboy Reveals What Terrified Him After Relocating To Lagos

Afrobeats star Fireboy DML has recounted the unsettling experiences he had when he first moved to Lagos in pursuit of his music career, while also revealing how one social media post left his family deeply worried.

The singer, who relocated to Lagos in 2016, said his early days in the city were far from easy. Speaking during a recent livestream, he recalled being frightened by several things he encountered shortly after arriving in Surulere.

Fireboy said he witnessed disturbing incidents, including someone running mad and dead bodies on the streets. He also said the presence of cultists and the appearance of some residents made the city seem intimidating to him.

“I was so scared the first time I came to Lagos in 2016, in Surulere. People’s eyes were so red, and they looked scary,” he recalled.

According to the singer, he encountered several of the situations within just two weeks of arriving in the city. Despite the shock, however, Fireboy remained determined to establish himself in the Nigerian music industry.

He said he eventually adjusted to Lagos and its fast-paced lifestyle, joking that he now looks like the people he once found frightening.

Read Also: INEC Publishes Presidential Candidates for 2027 General Election

The ‘Vibration’ crooner also spoke about a separate incident involving his family and an Instagram post.

Fireboy revealed on the Afrobeats Podcast that his relatives became alarmed after he shared a snippet on his Instagram Story while holding a cigarette in his mouth.

He said the post triggered a reaction in the family WhatsApp group, with his mother becoming emotional and crying after seeing the image.

Fireboy explained that the cigarette was initially meant to form part of his showbiz presentation and assured his family that there was no reason for them to panic.

However, he admitted that he eventually smoked the cigarette despite initially telling his relatives it was only part of the act.

The singer said the incident showed how quickly his family could become concerned whenever they saw something unexpected about him online.

123...2,843Page 1 of 2,843
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv