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Isbae U Reflects on 2022 Sex Scandal and Its Impact on His Career

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Isbae U Reflects on 2022 Sex Scandal and Its Impact on His Career

Nigerian content creator Adebayo Ridwan, popularly known as Isbae U, has opened up about the impact of the controversy he faced in 2022, revealing that the experience forced him to rethink how he handled fame and public attention.

The skit maker spoke about the difficult period during an interview with Morayo Afolabi Brown, saying the backlash was severe enough to make him question whether his career would survive.

Isbae U explained that the situation was particularly painful because people who had previously supported his work began criticising him.

He said the experience exposed how quickly public opinion can change when a popular personality becomes involved in controversy.

During the period, Isbae U said he sought guidance from fellow content creator Mr Macaroni.

He recalled asking him whether the situation represented the end of his career because he was unsure about what would happen after the intense criticism.

“2022 was a tough time for me. It was the first time I was going through something like that, and then I asked Mr Macaroni, ‘Is this the end?’” he recalled.

Read Also: WHO Raises Alarm Over Health Worker Shortage in DRC Ebola Outbreak

According to the content creator, some people who had regularly praised his work suddenly began posting negative comments.

He said this taught him that members of the public have their own opinions and may change their perception of celebrities based on circumstances.

Rather than responding constantly to the criticism, Isbae U said he decided to focus on improving his craft.

He also worked on becoming a better person and concentrated on providing entertainment for his audience.

Another major change was his decision to share less about his personal life online.

“I stepped back from posting anything about my life and I kept giving them entertainment,” he said.

Isbae U said he preferred to focus on his work rather than spend his energy worrying about public reactions.

The entertainer also discussed Curiosity Made Me Ask, explaining that the programme is intended to reveal another side of celebrities that audiences may not have seen.

He said he would like to interview Donald Trump on the programme.

Isbae U’s reflections show how the 2022 controversy influenced his approach to social media, fame and his professional career.

WHO Raises Alarm Over Health Worker Shortage in DRC Ebola Outbreak

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WHO Raises Alarm Over Health Worker Shortage in DRC Ebola Outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a shortage of health workers to staff treatment centres as the country battles its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, with cases in North Kivu province rising by 73 per cent in three weeks.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the alarm, saying the outbreak remains uncontrolled despite a decline in cases in some provinces.

According to the latest government figures, the outbreak has spread to seven provinces, recording 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths.

WHO Regional Emergency Director for Africa, Marie Roseline Belizaire, said cases declined by 26 per cent in Ituri Province and 15 per cent in Haut-Uele between Aug. 31 and Sept. 20.

Belizaire, however, said transmission patterns continued to vary significantly across the affected areas.

“While cases and deaths are declining in some provinces, they continue to rise in others. The outbreak is still not under control and remains spread across a wide geographic area,” she said.

Read Also: Nigeria Sets 2030 Goal for Investment-Grade Credit Rating

The WHO said the outbreak is being aggravated by insecurity, population displacement, a strike by health workers and increased population movements.

It said the outbreak was on course to surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which remains the deadliest on record, killing more than 11,000 people, mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Catherine Smallwood, WHO’s Ebola Incident Manager, said cases and deaths had started declining in North Kivu after several weeks of increases.

She said although treatment beds were being added daily, health facilities continued to face shortages of personnel and operational partners needed to run them.

Nigeria Sets 2030 Goal for Investment-Grade Credit Rating

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Nigeria Sets 2030 Goal for Investment-Grade Credit Rating

Nigeria is setting its sights on achieving an investment-grade sovereign credit rating by 2030, as the Nigerian Government intensifies efforts to strengthen fiscal management, macroeconomic stability and institutional credibility.

The Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, is expected to outline the government’s roadmap towards the target at the sixth International Rating Webinar organised by DataPro.

Uzoka-Anite is scheduled to deliver a keynote address titled, “Achieving Investment-Grade Rating by 2030: The Roadmap for Nigeria.”

The webinar, scheduled for October 8, will focus on the reforms and economic conditions required to strengthen Nigeria’s sovereign credit profile and improve its position in international capital markets.

The discussion comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s recent sovereign rating improvements.

Read Also: Dolly Parton’s Sister Shows Support for Nephew Amid Estate Tensions

S&P Global Ratings raised Nigeria’s long-term sovereign rating from B-minus to B, with a positive outlook, in its 2025 review.

An investment-grade rating is generally associated with stronger perceived creditworthiness and could improve a sovereign’s access to international capital markets, although the eventual rating assessment will depend on the criteria and judgements of individual rating agencies.

The government’s 2030 objective is also being pursued alongside its broader ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.

The webinar is expected to examine issues including fiscal discipline, debt sustainability, foreign exchange stability, institutional governance, financial-sector stability, infrastructure and human capital development.

Other speakers expected at the event include the Executive Director, Risk Management at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Oluwakemi Babalogbon; Lead Expert on Credit Rating Agencies at the African Peer Review Mechanism, Dr. Misheck Mutize; Founder of the Credit Rating Research Initiative, Dr. Daniel Cash; Professor of Political Economy at the University of Bern, Professor Kai Gehring; and Head of Macroeconomics and Public Finance Research at RWI-Essen, Professor Torsten Schmidt.

The organisers said; “the discussions will also consider how African economies can strengthen sovereign credibility, attract long-term investment and improve their access to global capital markets.”

For Nigeria, attention is expected to centre on how ongoing fiscal, monetary and structural reforms can be sustained to support stronger credit fundamentals and move the country towards investment-grade territory by 2030.

Dolly Parton’s Sister Shows Support for Nephew Amid Estate Tensions

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Dolly Parton’s Sister Shows Support for Nephew Amid Estate Tensions

Freida Parton, younger sister of late country music superstar Dolly Parton, has denied reports of disagreements within the family over the singer’s estate.

Freida addressed the speculation in an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 23, insisting that the Parton/Owens family remains united despite a legal dispute involving Dolly’s nephew, Bryan Seaver.

“I’ll say this and this only: there is no feud within our family,” Freida wrote, adding that no member of the family was fighting over Dolly’s estate.

The clarification followed developments involving Seaver, who previously served as head of security for several of Dolly’s properties.

Seaver was reportedly chosen to announce Dolly’s death but was later removed from the security arrangement following the singer’s passing.

The situation subsequently led to legal action by Dolly’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, who sought protection against Seaver.

According to court filings, the estate accused Seaver of making threatening statements. Seaver has disputed the characterization of his communications as threats.

A Tennessee judge has since granted a temporary restraining order against Seaver and his private security company.

Read Also: Cardiff Emerges as Leading Venue for Fury-Joshua Showdown

The legal dispute fueled speculation that tensions had emerged among members of Dolly’s wider family, particularly because of Seaver’s connection to the singer.

Freida has now rejected that suggestion and said the family continues to have affection for her nephew.

“We all love Bryan, just as we all love each other,” she wrote.

Her statement comes weeks after Dolly died at the age of 80 on August 25, prompting widespread tributes from fans, musicians and other public figures.

Since her death, public attention has also focused on the management of her estate and the people involved in handling her properties and affairs.

Freida’s comments appear intended to distinguish the legal dispute involving Seaver from the personal relationships among the Parton/Owens family.

She maintained that the family is not engaged in a fight over Dolly’s estate and expressed love for her relatives.

While the legal proceedings involving Seaver remain ongoing, Freida’s statement directly challenges reports portraying the matter as evidence of a broader family conflict.

For now, the Parton family has publicly maintained that the legal disagreement does not represent a feud among relatives over Dolly’s estate.

Cardiff Emerges as Leading Venue for Fury-Joshua Showdown

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Cardiff Emerges as Leading Venue for Fury-Joshua Showdown

Cardiff has emerged as a leading option to host the much-anticipated heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, with Fury publicly supporting the Welsh capital as the location for the fight.

The proposed contest could be held at the Principality Stadium on Friday, December 11, although negotiations involving the fighters and Netflix have yet to be completed.

Fury recently posted a picture of himself at the Cardiff stadium on Instagram, alongside a Welsh dragon, and expressed enthusiasm about fighting in Wales.

He said the event would feel like a homecoming because his mother’s family is from Wales.

Joshua’s contractual requirements are reportedly another factor working in Cardiff’s favour. The agreement requires the fight to be staged in the United Kingdom, making New York and Middle Eastern venues unsuitable.

Wembley Stadium has also reportedly become a less attractive option because the venue does not have a roof.

The Principality Stadium already has a connection with Joshua. He fought there in 2017, defeating Carlos Takam in front of around 78,000 fans.

A confirmed Fury-Joshua fight could bring another large sporting crowd to Cardiff and generate significant demand for accommodation and other services.

However, organisers may need to address several logistical issues before the venue can be confirmed.

Reports indicate that some of Cardiff’s major hotels are already fully booked for the proposed fight date, including the Hilton, Parkgate and Marriott.

The stadium’s 1am curfew is another potential obstacle. Netflix reportedly wants a schedule that will attract viewers in the United States, which could require the event to run later than the existing restriction permits.

Cardiff Council has said no application has been received to extend the curfew. It has also indicated that any request would require 28 days to process.

With negotiations continuing, Cardiff remains a strong possibility for the fight, while Fury’s comments show that he would welcome the opportunity to stage the bout in Wales.

Fubara: Wike’s Interest in Rivers Is About Resources, ADC Claims

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Fubara: Wike’s Interest in Rivers Is About Resources, ADC Claims

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has alleged that former state governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike remains focused on the resources of Rivers State.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Chizzy Enyi, made the allegation in a video shared on social media.

His comments followed an interview in which Wike discussed the ongoing reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the political group involved in the state’s political crisis.

Speaking on TVC News, Wike said Fubara had fulfilled the requests made to him and had demonstrated sincerity in the reconciliation process.

Wike cited the submission of the list of members of the APC campaign council as one of the steps taken by the governor before travelling to the United States.

Enyi, however, criticised Wike’s comments and accused him of acting as though he remained the chief executive of Rivers State.

The ADC spokesman questioned the level of influence Wike continues to exercise over the state government.

He also alleged that the former governor’s interest in Rivers was centred on its resources.

Read Also: Eniola Ajao Rejects Criticism, Says Audience Will Decide Her Acting Fate

Enyi said Wike’s comments had made it clear that he considered himself responsible for directing important decisions involving the state.

The ADC official further warned that what he described as Wike’s continued influence would eventually come to an end.

The comments reflect the continuing political tensions surrounding Rivers State, where disagreements involving Governor Fubara and Wike have remained a subject of public debate.

Wike served as Rivers State governor before becoming FCT minister, while Fubara succeeded him as governor.

Political reconciliation efforts have continued amid disagreements between different camps.

The ADC has criticised Wike’s role in the state, while Wike has publicly discussed the actions being taken by Governor Fubara as part of the reconciliation process.

The latest allegation from the ADC adds another layer to the political dispute, with the party questioning Wike’s motives and influence in Rivers State.

Eniola Ajao Rejects Criticism, Says Audience Will Decide Her Acting Fate

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Eniola Ajao Rejects Criticism, Says Audience Will Decide Her Acting Fate

Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao has refused to be discouraged by criticism from movie critic Tolu Fagbure, saying she will continue working and allow audiences to judge her performances.

Fagbure recently criticised Ajao during an interview on Agbaletu, where he questioned her acting ability and argued that she should not be taking movies to the cinema.

Discussing Ajao, the critic referenced her film Ajakaju and said he did not believe she had any business taking the production to cinemas.

He also compared her with actor Odunlade Adekola and questioned whether her performances could be regarded as genuine acting.

According to Fagbure, Ajao’s appearance was her strongest advantage. He described her as having a “fine face” but criticised her delivery and said he did not believe she had demonstrated the talent required for acting.

The interviewer challenged the severity of the comments by asking whether the assessment was too brutal.

Fagbure responded by stressing that he was giving his personal opinion.

“That’s my opinion. My opinion is not sacrosanct; my opinion is not the end,” he said.

Ajao subsequently addressed the criticism in a post on X, appearing determined not to allow the remarks to affect her career.

Read Also: Tinubu Hiding From UNGA Over ‘Venezuela Option’, Okonkwo Claims

She sarcastically questioned the suggestion that her appearance was the only reason for her continued success in Nollywood.

“Ahhh, so my fine face is the only thing carrying me? After all these years?” she wrote.

The actress then said she would continue working on her craft and growing professionally while allowing viewers to determine their own assessment of her performances.

“I will just keep doing what I know how to do: work, grow and let the audience decide,” she stated.

Ajao added that although opinions could be freely expressed, building a career required consistency and commitment.

“After all, opinions are free, but careers are built,” she said.

She also made it clear that the performance of her movies at the cinema would not determine whether she continued acting.

“Cinema or no cinema, I’m not stopping anytime soon. Ire oo,” Ajao added.

The exchange between the actress and the critic has sparked discussion among Nollywood followers about acting standards, film criticism and the role of audiences in determining the success of actors and movies.

While Fagbure has described his comments as his personal opinion, Ajao has chosen to respond by reaffirming her commitment to acting and promising to continue improving her work.

Tinubu Hiding From UNGA Over ‘Venezuela Option’, Okonkwo Claims

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Tinubu Hiding From UNGA Over ‘Venezuela Option’, Okonkwo Claims

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Okonkwo alleged that Tinubu may have avoided the international gathering because of concerns about possible action by U.S. authorities.

Okonkwo particularly criticised presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga and argued that the President should have personally attended the UNGA.

According to recent reports, Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria at the 81st session, marking the third consecutive year Tinubu has delegated the responsibility to his deputy. Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023 but did not attend in person in 2024 and 2025.

Okonkwo described the President’s continued absence as suspicious and claimed that he could be trying to avoid the United States.

He also referenced comments previously made by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim. Ibrahim had said Tinubu could travel to the United States for the UNGA without facing arrest or restrictions.

In a statement issued earlier this month, Ibrahim said neither Tinubu nor members of his family faced U.S. movement restrictions and cited provisions of the UN-U.S. headquarters agreement concerning access to the United Nations district.

Read Also: Lagos: Father Arrested After Toddler Flogging Video Surfaces Online

Okonkwo, however, connected the President’s absence to renewed public interest in old U.S. records concerning him.

The ADC spokesperson referred to the forfeiture of $460,000 linked to a 1993 U.S. case involving accounts associated with Tinubu. A U.S. court record documents the forfeiture, while more recent reporting has highlighted efforts to obtain additional records from U.S. agencies.

A separate legal dispute is currently focused on whether certain U.S. government records relating to historical investigations involving Tinubu should be released. Tinubu has challenged the release of the records.

Okonkwo argued that the circumstances warranted questions about why Tinubu did not attend the UNGA personally.

The allegation that Tinubu is avoiding the United States because he fears arrest has not been established by the available evidence. Officials have instead stated that the President has no known U.S. travel restriction preventing him from attending the UNGA.

The debate over Tinubu’s absence continues as Nigeria is represented at the UN gathering by Vice President Shettima.

Lagos: Father Arrested After Toddler Flogging Video Surfaces Online

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Lagos: Father Arrested After Toddler Flogging Video Surfaces Online

The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man seen in a viral video brutally flogging a toddler in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency said it was alerted to the viral report of alleged child abuse on Tuesday and immediately activated its response protocol.
“The agency successfully established contact with the survivor’s mother, who disclosed that the matter had already been reported at Imota Police Station,” the statement signed by Onadipe Opebere, Head, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos DSVA, said.

The DSVA said upon contacting officers at the Family Support Unit, it was informed that the survivor’s mother had initially reported the matter to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA).

Read Also: Harvey Weinstein Gets Fresh 15-Year Sentence After Retrial Conviction

“Following the report, the alleged perpetrator was apprehended on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026, and is currently in police custody, as the matter has now been escalated for further investigation,” it added.

The agency said the survivor and her mother have been referred to the General Hospital for immediate medical attention and further assessment.

It assured that it would continue to monitor the matter and provide necessary support to the survivor and her mother.

“The Lagos State Government hereby reiterates its ZERO TOLERANCE stance for all forms of Child Abuse and remains committed to strengthening safeguarding systems and ensuring that survivors receive the support and protection they need,” the DSVA added.

Harvey Weinstein Gets Fresh 15-Year Sentence After Retrial Conviction

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Harvey Weinstein Gets Fresh 15-Year Sentence After Retrial Conviction

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006.

Haley was in the Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday when Weinstein, 74, received the sentence. She told the court that the assault had caused lasting emotional and psychological damage and described her experience as a “life sentence.”

Haley said she developed post-traumatic stress disorder following the assault and accused Weinstein of exploiting the enormous power he held in Hollywood.

She also said she was deeply embarrassed that Weinstein believed he could treat her as though she were insignificant.

Weinstein, who appeared in court wearing a dark suit and red tie, addressed the judge while sitting in a wheelchair. He asked for leniency and rejected the characterization of himself as a violent person.

“I am not a violent man, have some mercy,” he said.

He also apologized to those he had harmed, saying he was sincerely sorry.

The sentence is the latest development in a case that has gone through several stages. Weinstein was originally sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2020 following his conviction for sexual assault.

However, an appeals court overturned that conviction in 2024. He was subsequently tried again, and a jury convicted him in 2025.

Read Also: Crime Has No Religion – EFCC Boss Tasks Pastors, Imams on Moral Dignity

Before Wednesday’s sentencing, prosecutors sought 20 years behind bars. Weinstein’s lawyers argued that a lengthy sentence would likely result in him dying in prison.

The former producer was once one of Hollywood’s most influential figures. He was associated with major films and had significant influence over actors, filmmakers and other entertainment professionals.

His position collapsed after investigations by The New York Times and The New Yorker revealed allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. The reports triggered numerous additional accusations, with more than 80 people eventually coming forward with allegations against him.

The scandal became a major catalyst for the #MeToo movement, which spread internationally and brought increased attention to sexual harassment, assault and abuse of power.

Weinstein also remains involved in legal proceedings in California. An appeals court in June upheld his conviction for the 2013 rape and assault of an actress in a Los Angeles hotel room but overturned his 16-year sentence. He is expected to be resentenced.

Another New York case involving actor Jessica Mann ended in a mistrial in May after jurors failed to reach a verdict. Prosecutors later said they would not seek another trial.

Weinstein’s sentencing therefore comes amid continuing legal proceedings and marks another significant stage in the downfall of a producer whose career was once at the center of Hollywood’s film industry.

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