Soludo bans loud preaching in markets, imposes ₦500K fine

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a strict directive against roadside preachers using loudspeakers in public spaces, particularly markets. He condemned the practice, citing noise pollution and disruption to residents.

Soludo warned that anyone caught violating the order would face a ₦500,000 fine.

A viral video circulating on social media on Saturday captured the governor confronting an unidentified preacher at a market, instructing him to stop disturbing traders with his sermons.

He advised the preacher to conduct his activities within a church or rent an open space, emphasizing that those interested in listening would willingly seek him out.

Read Also: Soludo gives roadside traders two-week ultimatum to vacate Ekwulobia flyover

While addressing traders at a market, believed to be Ochanja Market in Onitsha, Soludo stated:

“If you want to preach, do so in a church. You cannot turn a marketplace into a church and disturb everyone. Those interested in your message will come to you—you cannot force it on people.

“Markets are for business, not religious gatherings. Violators will be penalized. We have banned loudspeakers in markets to curb noise pollution, which negatively impacts people’s health.

“Anyone caught flouting this rule will be fined ₦500,000. We are also taking action against fake pastors and prophets in Anambra.”

PDP condemns Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday condemned the suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central) by the Senate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for a period of six months, following allegation of improper behaviour exhibited against the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

The party, in a statement in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the action of the Senate leadership against Akpoti-Uduaghan smacked of a desperation to cover up.

It urged the Senate to redeem its image and integrity by immediately reinstating Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensuring an open investigation into the matter.

“The hasty suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, without an open investigation into the weighty allegation of sexual harassment against the Akpabio, negated the principle of fair hearing, especially in parliamentary convention.

“The action also portrays the Senate as an institution that endorses, condones and offers protection to reprobacy,” it said.

The party added that the “excessively-harsh” six-month suspension placed on Akpoti-Uduaghan translated to denying the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone their constitutional right of being represented in the legislative body.

“It is scandalous, and amounted to gross abuse of office and violation of the fundamentals of justice and fair hearing, for Akpabio to sit as a judge in a matter in which he was the accused,” it said.

PDP further said the situation validated public apprehension of a desperation by Akpabio to suppress open legislative probe into the allegation of sexual harassment leveled against him.

Read Also: The life and legacy of late Dr. Doyin Okupe

It pointed out that the allegation by Akpoti-Uduaghan would not be the first time Akpabio was accused of sexual harassment.

“If Sen. Akpabio has nothing to hide, what Nigerians expected of him was to clear his name.

“(He should) clear his name by stepping aside, in line with established parliamentary practice, allow and submit to an open and unbiased investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment by Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“It is indeed a national embarrassment that the person of the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly is being mentioned in a case of sexual harassment, which has now tarred the image and integrity of the highest lawmaking body in Nigeria.

“Ordinarily, under this situation, the Senate President needs no prodding to step aside for an independent investigation to clear his name,” the PDP said.

(NAN)

Abiodun describes Okupe’s death as personal loss

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Newsaccessadmin

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has described the death of Dr Doyin Okupe as a personal loss.

Abiodun stated this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade.

The governor said that Okupe’s passing came shortly after the demise of a revered figure, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo.

Abiodun, who paid tribute to Okupe’s lifelong service to Nigeria, noted that he remained a patriotic statesman and a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moments.

“Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr Doyin Okupe has left me with a profound sense of personal loss.

“Without a doubt, Okupe’s departure leaves a void that will not be easily filled.

“Beyond his political and professional engagements, Dr Okupe was an easy-going and principled individual who, despite never flaunting his credentials, played a significant role in Nigeria’s resistance to military rule.

Read Also: The life and legacy of late Dr. Doyin Okupe

“Like many other democracy advocates, he endured detention and persecution under military regimes, standing firm in his convictions,” he said.

Abiodun acknowledged Okupe’s fluid political journey, emphasising that while his affiliations changed over time, his relationships with family, friends and associates remained intact.

“Although he shifted political alliances as situations evolved, aligning with the National Republican Convention (NRC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Accord Party, and the Labour Party.

“He never severed ties with his friends across political platforms. Even after the 2023 general election, he openly admired and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s progressive vision,” Abiodun said.

The governor concluded his tribute with a heartfelt prayer: “It is my sincere prayer that Almighty God grants his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that Okupe, from Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government area of Ogun State, died in the early hours of Friday in Lagos at the age of 72.

(NAN)

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)