Actress and producer Ruth Kadiri has shared her thoughts on the pressure and anxiety surrounding weddings, especially the expectation of having a large bridal party.

In a video on the photo and video sharing platform, Instagram, Ruth Kadiri expressed concern for individuals with small social circles who might feel inadequate when seeing weddings with large entourages. 

She questioned why intimate weddings with fewer friends are rarely showcased, suggesting that sharing such moments could offer reassurance to those feeling anxious about their own guest lists.

The actress asserted that merely witnessing such gives her panic attacks on behalf of brides with small circles.

Ruth Kadiri emphasized the importance of normalizing simple, close-knit celebrations and allowing couples to focus on their special day without societal pressure.

In Ruth Kadiri’s words:

“What I want to talk about are weddings. Am I the only one who sometimes see wedding pictures, how the bride sits with 15-20 of her friends and have a panic attack? What happens to those girls who are not usually friendly people. They just live their lives on their own. They don’t have friends. Sometimes they don’t have family, how do they cope? Are you also dealing with the same type of anxiety that I deal with on your behalf? 

“The fear of who is going to attend my wedding. I mean why can’t we also see pictures of people who get married truly without friends and the pictures are cute so they can give hope. Do you know some people have never had parties because they’re afraid people are not going to come, and they also genuinely not have friends.”

Legendary singer Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has made a passionate appeal to Nigerians over his new lawmaker girlfriend, Natasha Osawaru.

The father of seven in a video via his Instagram page, confirmed his relationship with Natasha. He revealed that he loves the lawmaker and plans to marry her.

2Baba also made it known that she had nothing to do with the breakdown of his marriage to Annie, claiming he and his estranged actress wife have an understanding.

In a fresh post on his official photo and video sharing platform, Instagram, 2Baba for the first time boldly shared a photo of Natasha and urged netizens to help beg his new partner to marry him. He went on to describe her as his world. He simply wrote:

“Now this is my world. Make una help me beg am to marry me”.

See screenshot of 2Baba’s post below:

WITHIN NIGERIA reported that an earlier Instagram post announced the end of the African Queen hitmaker’s 13-year marriage to actress Annie. The post read:

“Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long…I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now, and currently filed for divorce.

“I would grant a press release soon to say my story. Not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life but because I love my people and I need them to know my innocence or offense. Stay blessed my people. I love you all.”

Shortly after, it was deleted and another post appeared on the same account, claiming that the page had been compromised. It read:

“My Instagram account has been hacked, efforts are being carried out to take back control. #onelove!”

However, in a surprising turn of events, 2Baba later released a video of himself clarifying the situation.

In the veteran singer’s latest reveal, shared on his Instagram story on Sunday night January 26, he  confirmed that a controversial post on his social media page regarding his separation from his wife, Annie Idibia, was indeed made by him.

He disclosed that his account had not been hacked, contrary to the previous statement, and implied that the initial post about his separation was authentic. This earned him a barrage of backlash from many celebrities and netizens alike.

An Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos State, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of 56-year-old policeman Owolabi Akinlolu at the Maximum Correctional Centre Kirikiri for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl in his office.

Owolabi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Ogudu Police Station in Lagos, allegedly raped the survivor in his office after promising to help recover her phone, which was stolen by one-chance robbers while she was returning from Ikeja with her grandmother and siblings.

Akinlolu reportedly summoned the teenager to his office on June 29, claiming they had apprehended the suspect who had stolen her phone two weeks earlier.

Upon arriving at the police station, the senior police officer allegedly locked his office door behind him and raped the teenager.

In July 2024, the survivor’s mother, Mrs Aramide Olupona, accused the police of attempting to cover up the case, revealing that the suspect’s wife and family had pleaded with her to drop the charges, as Akinlolu was set to retire in December 2024.

At the Magistrate Court 11 on Tuesday, the prosecution counsel, backed by a seven-paragraph affidavit, urged the court to remand the defendant, stating that the offence of defilement violates Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In response to the prosecution’s request, Magistrate O.O. Fagboun ordered the defendant’s remand at the Maximum Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until March 11, 2025, for trial and further proceedings.

Renowned leadership coach and former presidential candidate of the defunct Alliance for New Nigeria, Fela Durotoye, has revealed how he rejected an opportunity to siphon N5bn in a fraudulent government deal, despite immense pressure from an official who claimed to be a pastor.

Speaking on Tuesday, at the ongoing biannual conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Abuja, Durotoye recounted the experience, which he described as a test of integrity.

This is according to a Church Times Nigeria report on Wednesday.

According to him, the official approached him with a lucrative training contract, insisting that he had already been selected for the job.

The programme involved training people in all 774 local government areas of Nigeria within eight weeks, and Durotoye was assured that he fit the criteria perfectly.

Upon request, he prepared an invoice, ensuring the cost was strictly based on actual expenses.

His team calculated a fair price of N1.3 bn for the training.

But just three days later, a call from the presidency changed everything.

“I got a call congratulating me that I had secured the job.

“But they said the amount I was asking for was too small. They promised to add N700m to make it N2bn. Then they asked me to submit an invoice for N5bn,” Durotoye recalled.

Alarmed, he questioned the ethics of inflating the price, especially for a training centred on ethical leadership.

The official, however, dismissed his concerns.

“The man assured me he wasn’t ripping off Nigeria.

“He said he had served the country and deserved compensation. When I reminded him that the blessings of God make one rich and add no sorrow, he fired back, saying, ‘There is no sorrow in this one. You have been doing well for Nigeria. It is time for Nigeria to do well for you,'” Durotoye said.

As pressure mounted, Durotoye claimed he made a bold decision—he switched off his phone.

He added that three months later, news broke that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had arrested some presidency officials for stealing N426m from an ethical leadership training fund.

Reflecting on the ordeal, he emphasised the importance of strong moral values.

“Only your values can help you turn down corrupt tendencies,” he warned.

Durotoye also revealed details about his time serving under the Tinubu administration as Special Assistant to the President.

“I did not collect an official car, I did not collect a house, and I did not collect a salary for serving.

“It was difficult to get my letter out because, according to somebody in government, my refusal to collect those things would make it difficult to pin me to corruption,” he stated.

Despite the challenges, he said he encountered like-minded individuals in government who shared his commitment to integrity.

“When we have the right values, there won’t be corruption in this land,” he concluded.

Several notorious bandit leaders, terrorising Batsari, Safana, and Jibia LGAs of Katsina, have reportedly surrendered to the troops of the Nigerian Army.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, identified those who surrendered as Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, who have all operated from the Jibia axis.

The publication quoted security sources as saying the bandits embraced the peace deal and surrendered following sustained military operations in the region.

Makama said the repentant bandits handed over their weapons to the troops and released several hostages they had abducted.

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According to the publication, the former bandits appealed to the government to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, requesting engagement in the construction of markets and hospitals.

They vowed to embrace peace and end their involvement in criminal activities, it added.

Their surrender was reportedly facilitated by the National Community for Security and Societal Advancement in Katsina (NCSOSACK), led by Hamisa Batsari.

On Monday, the defence headquarters (DHQ) said 800 former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military are currently undergoing deradicalisation for onward reintegration into society.

Below are photos.

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The mother of the trafficked child, simply identified as Rachael, a resident of Asaba, has confessed that she was lured into selling her eleven-day-old baby for N600,000.

Three suspects, all women, are in police custody at the Delta State Police Command as investigations into the crime continue.

“The father of the child abandoned me and the pregnancy. I was supported by neighbours and people of goodwill before I delivered the baby girl.

“Eleven days after delivery, I was introduced to a vendor who promised to help me but later took advantage of my distress and persuaded me to sell the baby. I did, and I was paid N600,000,” Rachael confessed.

Those who had supported her during the pregnancy became concerned when they noticed Rachael without the baby.

Upon inquiry, she admitted to the crime and was promptly arrested along with the contact who linked her to the vendor.

The vendor confessed to selling the baby for N3.5 million and giving the mother N570,000 after deducting N30,000, which she had previously lent her.

The third suspect, a woman from Delta, who bought the child, claimed she paid N4 million.

Parading the suspects, the Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, stated that they had all confessed to their involvement in the crime.

Edafe, in a voice note, said: “We have come to realise that the business of baby factories is on the rise, and we are going to fight it head-on.

“The other day, we apprehended three women who were attempting to transport three different children to Abuja via Asaba International Airport. Thankfully, they were caught and arrested.

“Today, we have three suspects. The mother of the child, who is just over a week old, handed the baby to one woman, who then sold the child to a third woman for N4 million, although she claimed to have received N3.5 million.

“The most shocking aspect is that the woman who sold the baby for N4 million—or N3.5 million, as she claimed—gave the mother not even up to N600,000.”

Meanwhile, the baby has been recovered and remains in the custody of the Delta State Police Command at the time of reporting.

Innocent ‘2Baba‘ Idibia has finally addressed the rumours surrounding his relationship with Natasha Osawaru, the deputy majority leader of Edo state house of assembly.

On Monday, the award-winning singer made a surprise appearance at the state house of assembly during a plenary session, sparking rumours about his relationship with Natasha.

The rumours suggested that Natasha might have contributed to his separation from his wife, Annie Idibia.

However, in a video shared on Instagram, 2Baba clarified his relationship with Natasha, emphasising that she has nothing to do with his current situation with Annie.

He also expressed his affection for the lawmaker, stating, “Yes, I love her. I want to marry her”.

The ‘African Queen’ hitmaker also defended Natasha, calling her a “young, brilliant, and amazing woman” who has been unfairly labeled as a “home breaker”.

“I said what I said. All of us will be alright… Honourable Natasha, I see she has been dragged, she has been called all sorts of names. She has been labelled as a home breaker. She is a young, brilliant and amazing woman,” he said.

“She has nothing to do with what’s happening between me and Annie. But I see everybody trying to allegedly want to rope her into everything.  Yes, I love her. She is amazing, she is cool, I want to marry her.”

Annie, an actress and model, has been married to 2Baba since 2012, and they have two daughters together. However, their relationship has been plagued by rumours of infidelity and instability.

Last month, the singer announced that he and Annie had not been together for a while and were filing for divorce.

The news of their separation has continued to spark reactions from fans and celebrities alike.

WHO IS NATASHA?

Natasha Osawaru is a 31-year-old politician and lawyer from Edo state. She is the daughter of Desmond Osawaru and Philomina Osawaru and the granddaughter of billionaire Gabriel Igbinedion.

Osawaru, who represents the Egor constituency in the house, is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A former member of the Labour Party, LP, Kenneth Okonkwo has urged President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from contesting for the presidential seat in the 2027 election.

DAILY POST reports that the Nollywood actor-turned politician was a former spokesman of the LP presidential campaign team in the 2023 general election, working alongside Obi who flew the party’s flag in that poll.

However, after two years, Okonkwo has backtracked from his support for Obi, asking the LP chieftain, Atiku and Tinubu to step aside for other candidates in Nigeria’s next round of elections.

He stated this on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

On whether he still wants the trio to give way for other candidates in the next general election, he said, “I said it and I maintain it because in Nigeria, people will not give you their mandate and you treat it with levity.

“You must do everything decisively to secure it. Unfortunately, nature has bestowed on us the duty that in Nigeria, you will not only win an election, but you have to fight for your mandate.”

He further stated that though he worked with Obi in the 2023 election, that is now in the past.

He said whatever happened in 2023 should stay in 2023, ruling out backing the former Anambra State governor in the next round of general polls in Nigeria.

DAILY POST recalls that Okonkwo, on Tuesday officially resigned from the party, saying his resignation from the party will take effect from February 25, 2025.

He cited internal rambles in the Labour Party as the reason he dumped the party, adding that he resigned on principle.

The former member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ruled out returning to the ruling party.

He also accused the ruling party of failing to address the country’s challenges.

“I resigned [to leave APC] on principle,” Okonkwo insisted but gave only one condition to return to the party.

“Let me tell you, I will be the first person to admit if the APC changes today and is doing well for Nigeria,” he said.

The former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that his political adversaries are scheming to arrest, detain, and torture him in the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Despite these threats, El-Rufai has vowed not to be intimidated. “I have received credible information that there is a plan to arrest Mallam Nasir El-Rufai upon his return to Nigeria, based on yet another fabricated allegation, as has become the norm,” he stated.

He expressed confidence in his imminent return to Nigeria, asserting that he has nothing to conceal and fears no one. El-Rufai further revealed that his friends, family, and political associates have been subjected to similar threats.

He believes his opponents aim to force him into self-imposed exile, a prospect he refuses to entertain. He has decided to pause all academic pursuits and dedicate more time to confronting his adversaries within Nigeria.

“I have been hearing these persistent rumours of arrest, detention, and torture in the NSA’s office—where Emefiele was reportedly coerced into resigning as CBN governor—since July 2024, when the fabricated report from the Kaduna Assembly began to circulate,” he noted.

“They panicked when we questioned the legality of their premeditated defamation and have since attempted to manipulate the judicial process, which is still ongoing in the Court of Appeal. Similar messages of intimidation and threats have been sent to many of my friends, family, and political associates because they wish to see me go into exile. I will not comply.

“I have now halted all my academic and language-learning plans to spend more time in Nigeria. Silence is no longer an option, and inaction has never been a solution.”

El-Rufai reflected on the historical context of political repression, stating, “The arrest, detention, and torture of perceived political adversaries are not new in human affairs. I have been arrested and detained three times in the past for voicing my opinions against previous governments.”

He added, “There is always life after arrest, detention, or torture, and political life continues. As for death, it will come when Allah decrees it, and every human must face that date.”

In a message directed at those uneasy about his presence in Nigeria, he declared, “I intend to return in time for the launch of President IBB’s memoirs, scheduled for 20th February, in sha Allah. We rely solely on Allah and fear no one but Him. We always hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”

El-Rufai’s relationship with the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, has become contentious following claims made by Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, a former Commissioner at the Police Service Commission (PSC), in a viral TikTok video. She alleged that Ribadu had previously described President Bola Tinubu as corrupt during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

In response, Ribadu’s legal representative, Dr Ahmed Raji, SAN, stated that Ribadu has never held such views publicly or privately and claimed that the damage caused by the TikTok video was substantial.

However, Muhammad has maintained her stance, asserting she has no reason to apologise since the records are available. In a post on his X account, El-Rufai defended Muhammad, mocking Ribadu by suggesting, “Nuhu must have serious amnesia.”

He elaborated, “Nuhu appears to be suffering from profound amnesia. The Senate proceedings confirm that he made those statements in 2006. A Daily Trust report from February 2007 further corroborates this. The Federal Executive Council conclusions from 2006, which can be obtained from the Cabinet Secretariat of the SGF’s office, contain these allegations. During that special FEC meeting I attended, Nuhu’s EFCC made similar accusations against several officials in 2006. These records dispel any doubts.”

“This is to ensure that the morally flexible are reminded that silence is no longer an option in our national discourse,” El-Rufai concluded.

FBN Holdings Plc, one of Africa’s premier financial institutions proudly announces change of its name to First Hold Co Plc. (FirstHoldCo). This naming convention will also be adopted across all its subsidiaries. This strategic transformation and rebranding marks a significant milestone in the Company’s journey to redefine its identity, unify its subsidiaries, reinforce its heritage, and strengthen its position as a leader in the financial services industry. The new name reflects a forward-looking vision rooted in a timeless legacy of trust, resilience, innovation, and exceptional service delivery.

The rebranding underscores FirstHoldCo’s dedication to innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence. It represents a commitment to providing integrated financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses while addressing the evolving demands of a dynamic marketplace.

Rooted in a legacy of over a century of financial expertise through its flagship subsidiary, FirstBank, First HoldCo Plc’s rebranding includes the retention of First Bank Nigeria Limited for the flagship business and adoption of new and unified names for its other subsidiaries in the Asset Management, Capital Markets, Securities, Trusteeship and Insurance Brokerage. FirstHoldCo intends to implement this name change across the Group, as soon as the necessary regulatory approvals are received.

Expectedly, this unified identity will amplify the Group’s visibility and position it as a dynamic leader in financial services, both locally and internationally.

Speaking on this milesone development, Group Managing Director, First Holdco Plc, Wale Oyedeji, stated that, “This transition to First Holdco Plc is a defining moment in our history as we chart a bold course for the future. The rebranding represents more than a name change; it is a renewal of our purpose, vision, and commitment to delivering world-class financial solutions to our stakeholders. It allows us to unify our identity across subsidiaries and geographies, creating a strong, cohesive brand that reflects our leadership position in Africa and sustains our global presence.”

“For our stakeholders, this transformation signals a renewed focus on excellence and innovation. It ensures that we remain steadfast in delivering long-term value while strengthening the trust and confidence that has defined our relationships for over a century. As FirstHoldCo, we are better positioned to meet evolving market demands, support our partners, and deliver on our promises in an increasingly interconnected financial ecosystem.”

Oyedeji continued, “Locally, FirstHoldCo’s unified brand structure will enhance operational synergies and improve the clarity of our offerings, allowing us to provide seamless solutions tailored to the needs of businesses and individuals across Nigeria. Internationally, it positions the Group as a formidable organisation, ensuring that we leverage opportunities in global markets to reinforce our role as a trusted partner in financial services.”

“Ultimately, this rebranding represents our strategic foresight and determination to remain ahead of industry trends, driven by innovation and a customer-centric approach. We are not just building a brand, we are shaping a legacy, one that balances heritage with progress, tradition with transformation, and local impact with global reach”

At First HoldCo Plc, as we embark on this new chapter, we reiterate our commitment to delivering customer-focused solutions, driving growth, and setting benchmarks for innovation and sustainability in financial services.

About First Hold Co Plc

First Hold Co Plc, formerly FBN Holdings Plc is a financial holding company and one of the largest financial services organisations in Africa with Headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. It is a diversified financial services Group offering a broad range of products and services through its subsidiaries, across commercial banking, asset management, capital markets, trusteeship, and insurance brokerage to millions of customers.