The life and legacy of late Dr. Doyin Okupe

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

As dawn broke on March 7, 2025, news of the passing of Dr. Doyin Okupe sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political and medical circles.

At 72, he had lived a life deeply woven into the nation’s history—both as a physician and a political strategist.

While details surrounding his passing remained unclear, family sources confirmed his demise, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, controversy, and dedication.

A Legacy Rooted in Medicine

Born on March 22, 1952, in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe hailed from a distinguished family. His father, Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, was a banker at Agbonmagbe Bank. Following his early education at St. Jude’s School, Lagos, and Igbobi College, he pursued a medical degree at the University of Ibadan, setting the foundation for his early career.

Okupe worked at St. Nicholas Hospital and other medical institutions before taking a bold step in co-founding the Royal Cross Medical Centre with Dr. Seyi Roberts and Dr. Ladi Okuboyejo. He later became the Managing Director of the hospital, dedicating years to improving healthcare. His medical prowess was not just confined to the hospital—his quick intervention in 1994, alongside Dr. Seyi Roberts, saved a gunshot victim’s life, a moment that defined his passion for saving lives.

Beyond practice, he was a publisher, founding a health-focused newspaper, Life Mirror, which aimed to educate Nigerians on medical issues.

A Controversial Political Journey

Okupe’s passion for public service saw him step into the political arena in the 1980s. He contested for a House of Representatives seat under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1983, marking the beginning of a tumultuous career.

Read Also: Things to know about late PR icon mallam Kabir Dangogo

During the 1990s, he became the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and played a key role in the 1993 presidential election collation process. However, politics was not without its trials—he was detained under General Sani Abacha’s regime in 1996 and later disqualified from contesting the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries in 1998.

Despite these setbacks, he remained undeterred. In the Fourth Republic, he was appointed Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and later vied for the Ogun State governorship under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2002. His expertise in political communication made him the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.

He went on to serve as spokesman for major PDP presidential aspirants, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Bukola Saraki, and Atiku Abubakar. In 2017, he briefly left the PDP for the Accord Party, but was expelled in 2018 for supporting Saraki’s PDP presidential bid. He later rejoined PDP and became the campaign spokesman for Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 election.

His political journey took another turn in 2022 when he joined the Labour Party (LP) and temporarily served as Peter Obi’s running mate before a substantive vice-presidential candidate was selected.

Controversies and Legal Battles

Okupe’s career was not without controversy. In 2012, he was probed by the EFCC for unexecuted contracts in Benue and Imo States. Later, in 2019, he was linked to the ₦702 million arms deal scandal, which further added to his complex political profile.

Family and Personal Life

Okupe was married to Aduralere Okupe, with whom he had two children. His family made headlines for different reasons—most notably in 2019, when he supported Atiku Abubakar, while his son, Ditan Okupe, publicly backed Muhammadu Buhari.

In 2020, Okupe and his wife battled COVID-19 but made a full recovery. In 2021, his son, Bolu Okupe, made headlines when he came out as gay while living in Paris, a revelation that sparked national conversations on LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria.

Despite political differences within the family, both Okupe and Bolu later united in support of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign.

A Life Remembered

With brothers Kunle, Owo, Wemi, and Larry Okupe, and sisters Aina Okanlawon and Bisola Ayeni, Okupe’s legacy extends beyond politics. He was a man of many parts—doctor, politician, strategist, and family man.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to medicine, politics, and public affairs will not be forgotten.

Reno Omokri challenges Natasha to lie detector test over Akpabio allegations

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

Former presidential media aide, Reno Omokri, has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to undergo a lie detector test following her recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a video shared on social media, Omokri recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously made similar accusations against him in 2021.

Detailing the past incident, Omokri stated: “On October 12, 2021, Natasha Akpoti had a disagreement with me and afterward, she went on social media to accuse me of sexual harassment. She claimed that during a state banquet hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan for the visiting Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, on May 6, 2014, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, I had harassed her.

Read Also: Senate suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months

“However, at that time, I was on an official assignment in the United States as a special envoy following the Chibok girls’ abduction in April 2014. I provided evidence, including my passport stamps and flight details, proving I was not in Nigeria during the period she alleged.

“After media outlets published my evidence, Natasha deleted all traces of her accusations, including a video in which she had insulted me, my wife, and my newborn daughter. Later, a prominent Christian clergyman and her now-husband, Emmanuel Oritshejolomi Uduaghan, reached out to mediate. The matter was settled out of court, and I was paid substantial damages.”

Omokri argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s past actions should not be overlooked, suggesting a pattern in her behavior.

“Now, after a dispute with the Senate President, she has made similar allegations against him. I cannot confirm whether her claims are true, but I know for a fact that she has lied before. And the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians not to hastily judge Akpabio, insisting that Akpoti-Uduaghan should take a lie detector test to validate her claims.

“Let her come forward and take the test, accompanied by a senator who supports her and another neutral senator. Until she does so, the presumption is that she is following her past pattern,” he concluded.

Things to know about late PR icon mallam Kabir Dangogo

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

Award-winning PR Practitioner and a former Scribe of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), Mallam Kabir Dangogo, is dead.

He was 76.

Sadiq Kabir Dangogo, son of the late Kabir Dangogo, confirmed his passing on Friday.

“My father died a while ago! Janaza will be at Sultan Bello Mosque Kaduna after Jumuat prayer Insha Allah,” he said.

Mallam Dangogo was a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relation (NIPR)

The deceased practised journalism at the New Nigerian newspaper, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and as Public Relations officer at the Bank of the North Limited and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

He was also the founding president of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB).

Mallam Dangogo made Nigeria proud as the Secretary General of the Federation of African Public Relations Associations (FAPRA) from 2002 to 2006.

Here are things to know about late PR icon mallam Kabir Dangogo

1. Renowned Public Relations Icon

• Mallam Kabir Dangogo was a highly respected figure in public relations across Africa. He played a crucial role in shaping the profession through ethics, mentorship, and leadership.

2. Started His Career in Journalism

• Before transitioning to PR, he worked as the Managing Editor of New Nigerian Newspaper (1988–1989) and a Senior Lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic. He also served as Press Adviser for the U.S. Information Service in 1990.

3. Education from Prestigious Institutions

• He studied at Ohio University, USA (1981), and the University of Leicester, UK (1987), equipping himself with global expertise in media and communications.

4. Pioneer in Banking Public Relations

• He worked as a Public Relations Officer at Bank of the North and Union Bank of Nigeria. He also co-founded the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), setting PR standards in Nigeria’s banking sector.

5. Leader in African and Global PR Bodies

• He served as the Secretary-General of the Federation of African Public Relations Associations (FAPRA, now APRA) and as the Chairman of the Nigerian Chapter of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) between 2002 and 2006.

6. Recipient of Numerous Awards

• His contributions were recognized with multiple awards, including:

 Fellow, International Radio and Television Society (IRTS), New York (1981)

 NIPR President’s Award for Excellence in Public Relations (1996)

 Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) (2000)

 Fellow, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON)

 NIPR Lagos Chapter Award for Excellence in Public Relations (2005)

7. Established a PR Training School

• After retiring from Union Bank in 2005, he founded Timex Communications, a PR firm and training school that mentored the next generation of communication professionals.

8. Mentor to Many PR Professionals

• He was deeply committed to grooming young PR practitioners, often emphasizing the importance of ethics, professionalism, and integrity in the field.

9. Honored with a Surprise 70th Birthday Celebration

• On February 21, 2019, his colleagues and mentees at the PRNigeria Centre organized a surprise birthday celebration, which was attended by top PR figures across Africa, including APRA and NIPR presidents.

10. A Life Dedicated to PR and Communications

• With over three decades of experience, Mallam Kabir Dangogo left an indelible mark on public relations, shaping industry standards and inspiring future professionals.

Wema Bank unveils activities for International Women’s Day 2025

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

Wema Bank has announced plans to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, further solidifying its position as a gender equality and inclusion-driven bank.

As part of its activities, Wema Bank will host the IWD 2025 Event on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The event with the theme: “Harnessing innovation & technology to accelerate financial inclusion for women,” will bring together influential women from various industries to discuss the importance of leveraging innovation and technology to promote financial inclusion for women.

The event will also feature the Big Sister Project of the Wema Women Network, which recognizes beneficiaries of the bank’s women-focused mentorship program. Additionally, the HeForShe Awards will be presented to male employees who have made significant contributions to women empowerment in the workspace.

Read Also: Wema Bank to boost entrepreneurship, investment with Hackaholics 6.0

Throughout the month of March, Wema Bank has curated various activities to celebrate and reward women across Nigeria. These include the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 women’s month draw, where 131 women will receive N11,000,000 in cash rewards, and the Wema Women Network (WWN) outreach initiative for young female students.

Commenting on the bank’s commitment to women empowerment, MD/CEO Moruf Oseni (FCIB) stated: “In a world that is increasingly becoming digital, no conversation on sustainable development can be productive without giving consideration to how solutions in such regard will thrive and remain relevant as the world continues to evolve, As Nigeria’s oldest indigenous and leading innovative Bank, we are both deeply rooted in the advocacy for empowerment and remarkably forward thinking, so our mission of empowering lives is one that goes far beyond lip service”.

“We recognise the gap that exists in gender equality and as a pro-women bank, we have continued to develop new and more efficient ways to accelerate action for women empowerment. This is why we launched our women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema and this is why we are so intentional about making room for women in the spaces that matter and developing solutions that empower women to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

“So, for IWD 2025, we are thinking beyond the now, as always, and looking far into the future to accelerate action for sustainable women empowerment by maximising technology and innovation to amplify impact. With this futuristic mindset, we successfully provided over N50 billion in finance, disbursed $2.4 million in collaboration with the Islamic Development Finance under the BRAVE Women project, and reached over 2million women through various skills development, business support, and market access programme—and these are just some of our numbers between 2019 and 2023.

“Imagine how much progress can be made in the global quest for women empowerment if more individuals and institutions begin to replicate the Wema approach. This is the vision that has kept us driven for 8 decades and these are some of the important discussions we will address at the Wema Bank International Women’s Day 2025 Event”.

As the bank approaches its 80th anniversary, its IWD 2025 activities will reinforce its position as a leader in promoting gender equality and inclusion.

Google launches Hustle Academy 2025 for African SMBs

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

Google today announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Hustle Academy program, designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Building on the success of previous years, the program will continue to emphasize AI-powered business training, alongside the launch of a new season of the popular “Hustle Academy Brings You” speaker series.

Despite their critical role in driving Africa’s economic growth, SMBs across the continent often face significant hurdles. Limited access to funding, inadequate business resources, and a lack of specialized skills hinder their ability to scale and thrive. Google’s Hustle Academy directly addresses these challenges by providing practical training, expert mentorship, and a robust entrepreneurial network, enabling SMBs to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.

Since 2022, Google’s Hustle Academy has provided critical support to over 15,000 SMBs who have completed the bootcamp. The 2025 program will further equip entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to scale their businesses in today’s digital landscape.

“We are thrilled to launch the 2025 Hustle Academy, continuing our commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs,” said Kristy Grant, Head of B2B Marketing, SSA at Google. “This year, we are reinforcing our focus on AI-powered business training, enabling SMBs to leverage cutting-edge technology for growth. We are also excited to bring back ‘Hustle Academy Brings You’, featuring inspiring stories from successful African business leaders.”

Read Also: Google Maps marks 20 years, unveils top Nigerian locations

The free, virtual Hustle Academy 2025 bootcamp will provide participants with in-depth training on: AI Integration: Learning how to incorporate AI into operations, marketing, and customer engagement; Core Business Fundamentals: Covering business strategy, financial management, digital marketing, and leadership development.

To be eligible, SMBs must have been operating for at least one year in Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa and be seeking to expand their business. Participants will benefit from expert mentorship, practical case studies, and networking opportunities.

Complementing the bootcamp, the new season of “Hustle Academy Brings You” will feature candid conversations with prominent African entrepreneurs, including: Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble; Brian Jura, Founder & CEO, Home 254 Apparel; Foluso Ogunwale, Founder of i-Fitness Gym and Wellness Center; Nobukhosi Mukwevho, Founder and CEO of Khosi Nkhosi Fashion House and Yolanda Odida, Founder of Pure Purple

These episodes, available on the Google Africa YouTube channel, will offer valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building businesses in Africa.

“By combining practical training with inspiring stories, we aim to provide SMBs with the tools and motivation they need to succeed,” added Grant.

Applications for Hustle Academy 2025 are now open at g.co/hustleacademy.

Watch the new season of “Hustle Academy Brings You” on the Google Africa YouTube channel.

Senate suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

The Senate, on Thursday, suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct during plenary sessions.

The decision followed the Senate’s consideration and adoption of the report from the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which was presented by the committee’s Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen.

During the session, the Senate also issued a warning to the Kogi Central lawmaker, urging her to refrain from violating the upper chamber’s standing rules.

The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, raised concerns about Akpoti-Uduaghan’s repeated refusal to stand whenever Senate President Godswill Akpabio led the procession to commence plenary. He stated that her actions directly violated Senate Standing Orders 55(1).

Monguno emphasized that while she often invoked Senate Order 10 to express her views, she could not selectively follow the rules while disregarding others.

Read Also: Senate Committee proposes six-month suspension for Natasha

“Senator Natasha has been consistently and persistently in breach of this rule,” Monguno stated.

“He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

“If you are seeking refuge always under Order 10, you cannot approbate and reprobate.

“We urge her to study the rules and ensure compliance rather than breaching them,” he added.

In a related development, Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted another petition to the Senate on Thursday, alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She stated that the petition was signed by one of her constituents.

Akpabio, after confirming that the matter was not currently in court, referred the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions for review, with a directive to report back within four weeks.

This was not the first time Akpoti-Uduaghan had brought up the issue. On Wednesday, she submitted a similar petition, but the Senate rejected it on the grounds that it violated Order 40(4), which prohibits a senator from presenting a petition signed by themselves.

Raphinha earns 10-man Barcelona 1-0 win at Benfica

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

Raphinha struck a second-half winner to give Barcelona a 1-0 victory at Benfica on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Barcelona’s teenage defender Pau Cubarsi was given a straight red card for a last-man foul on Vangelis Pavlidis in the 22nd minute.

But the visitors hung on with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny putting in a brilliant performance.

The Polish veteran pulled off a string of brilliant saves to keep Barca in the game and his effort was rewarded in the 61st minute when Raphinha pounced on a poor defensive pass across the Benfica box.

He then capitalised on the mistake, firing a low strike that deflected off a defender before going in just inside the left post.

The star of the show, however, was Szczesny, who came out of retirement to play for Barca after Germany international Marc-Andre ter Stegen sustained a torn knee ligament in September.

Read Also: Chelsea beat Brighton & Hove Albion

“Szczesny saved us many times today, he is outstanding,” Barcelona midfielder Pedri told Spanish TV station Movistar Plus.

“You have to give a lot of credit for the team’s effort after going a man down so early in the game. On other days it was harder for us but today we hung on and defended really well.”

Szczesny’s brilliant night started 30 seconds after kickoff, when Pavlidis recovered the ball and fed Kerem Akturkoglu inside the box and he fired a low strike that the 34-year-old keeper kept out with a one-handed save.

The Polish keeper ended up making eight saves, five of those in the second half when Benfica piled on the pressure with over 60% of possession and 15 goal attempts.

Barca had only a couple, with Raphinha netting with their only shot on target in the second half.

Szczesny’s magic included a stunning reflex save to deny Fredrik Aursnes from close range early on after the break and an excellent stop to palm away Renato Sanches’s bullet strike.

(Reuters/NAN)

Senate Committee proposes six-month suspension for Natasha

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

The Senate is considering a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following an investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct. The committee accused her of violating Senate rules and recommended disciplinary action.

According to the report presented by the committee’s Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, the suspension is set to begin on March 6, 2025. As part of the sanctions, her office will be sealed, and she will be restricted from entering the National Assembly premises. Additionally, both her salary and those of her legislative aides will be withheld.

The committee further recommended that she be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator during the suspension. However, she may submit a written apology, which the Senate could consider in reviewing her suspension.

Read Also: Akpabio denies sexual harassment allegations by Natasha

The Senate will vote on the recommendation, and if approved, Senator Natasha will lose all legislative privileges for the duration of the suspension.

This development is the latest in an ongoing dispute between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The conflict initially stemmed from a seating arrangement disagreement but later escalated when Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.

On Wednesday, the same committee dismissed her petition alleging abuse of office, sexual harassment, and obstruction of legislative duties. Senator Imasuen, who represents Edo South, declared that the petition was “dead on arrival” and would not be considered by the Senate, despite being signed by her constituents.

Undeterred, Senator Natasha resubmitted the petition during Thursday’s plenary session. When asked whether the case was already in court, she responded in the negative. She was then instructed to submit the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation.

The committee is expected to review the matter over the next four weeks and present its findings to the Senate.

Amber Rose reveals why she no longer identifies as a feminist

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

American model and activist Amber Rose has publicly announced her departure from feminism, revealing that her decision was influenced by disturbing experiences with women who manipulated men through deceitful tactics.

She shared her thoughts during an interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast, where she expressed her disillusionment with certain behaviors she witnessed among some of her female friends.

According to Rose, she encountered women who lied about pregnancies and even faked abortions to extort money from men. She found such actions deeply troubling and emphasized the importance of honesty and trust in relationships.

“I have had girlfriends lie about abortions to get money. Some even act like they are pregnant [to extort men]. It’s disgusting. This is why I stopped my SlutWalk. This is why I’m no longer a feminist,” she stated.

Rose, who previously championed women’s empowerment and s3x positivity through her annual SlutWalk movement, expressed disappointment in how some women exploited men under the guise of feminism. She claimed that some deliberately deceived their partners by pretending to be on birth control to “trap” them into unwanted fatherhood.

Read Also: Court halts EeZee Tee’s arraignment in EFCC case, adjourns to May 14

“I saw the dark side of what women can do; you guys are extorting men, lying about pregnancies, saying you’re on birth control when you’re not to trap men. If a man cums inside of you and you said you’re on birth control, he trusts you. You don’t have to trap him like that,” she added.

Her statements have sparked widespread debate, especially given her past as an outspoken feminist and advocate for women’s rights. Many supporters of feminism argue that her reasons for renouncing the movement stem from personal experiences rather than the core principles of feminism, which advocate for gender equality. Critics, however, suggest that her statements highlight a darker side of gender dynamics that often goes unspoken.

Amber Rose’s SlutWalk movement, which she founded in 2015, aimed to combat victim-blaming and empower women to embrace their sexuality without shame. However, her recent revelations indicate a shift in perspective, suggesting that she now sees certain behaviors within feminism as problematic.

While some people have commended her for speaking out, others believe her statements generalize a few bad experiences to an entire movement. As debates continue, Rose’s decision to distance herself from feminism marks a significant shift in her public stance on gender issues.

Court halts EeZee Tee’s arraignment in EFCC case, adjourns to May 14

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has postponed the arraignment of gospel music executive Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZee Tee, in the case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

At Thursday’s court session, Justice Alexander Owoeye stated that the case could not proceed due to an administrative procedure, prompting the court to adjourn the matter until May 14, 2025.

EeZee Tee, the CEO of EeZee Conceptz, was present in court as proceedings unfolded.

Read Also: Appeal Court affirms Olaoye as Soun of Ogbomoso

The case, which has attracted significant public interest, is reportedly linked to financial and contractual disputes involving gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, one of the top artists previously managed by EeZee Conceptz before parting ways with the label.

The adjournment means all parties will have to wait for the next hearing, which could determine the trajectory of the legal battle.

As developments unfold, more details are expected to emerge.