Lagos, Nigeria – August 2026 Hours after a video of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu, CFR correcting a graduate trainee went viral, sources say the billionaire businessman personally called the young lady to advise her privately. The incident happened during the graduation ceremony of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP) held in Lagos on Thursday. 720 trainees attended the event, with 300 of them converted from contract staff to full-time employment. What Happened At The Event. In the viral clip, a female trainee stood to ask a question and began with: “Good morning, Tony.” Elumelu, who was on stage, first thought she said “Toyin.” When she clarified, he responded: > “Okay. No, you won’t call me Tony. I’m not… you’ll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE. You won’t call me Tony, or Chairman. I don’t subscribe to that kind of… Oyinbo life, okay?” The trainee immediately corrected herself to “Good morning, Mr Elumelu” and continued with her...

SOKOTO, Nigeria – August 2026 At least 40 people have been confirmed dead, with the majority of them children, after an overloaded boat capsized in Sokoto State over the weekend. The tragedy has left entire communities in mourning and reignited urgent calls for safer water transportation in Nigeria. According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the wooden vessel was transporting passengers and goods across a river in Sokoto when it overturned. The boat was said to be carrying far more passengers than its capacity could handle.  Most of those on board were women and children returning from market and school activities. Only a few passengers were rescued, while rescue operations continued into the night. Officials say the death toll could still rise as search and recovery efforts are ongoing. Families have gathered at the riverbanks waiting for updates, with many still searching for missing loved ones. *A Pattern We Know Too Well* Boat mishaps are sadly not new in Ni...

Lagos, Nigeria – August 2026  United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has sparked nationwide conversation after correcting a graduate trainee who addressed him by his first name at a bank event in Lagos. The incident happened on Thursday during the graduation ceremony of UBA’s *Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP)* held at the bank’s headquarters. 720 trainees were present at the ceremony, with 300 of them converted from contract staff to full-time employees. What Happened In a viral video from the event, a female trainee stood to ask a question and opened her address with:   “Good morning, Tony.” Elumelu, who was on stage, initially seemed to have misheard her and asked, “Toyin? Toyin?”   When she clarified, he responded firmly: > “Okay. No, you won’t call me Tony. I’m not… you’ll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE. You won’t call me Tony, or Chairman. I don’t subscribe to that kind of… Oyinbo life, okay?...

RAVENNA, Italy — August 21, 2026 Football fans have been given a remarkable blast from the past as Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has returned to professional football at the astonishing age of 46, joining Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC more than a decade after his last competitive appearance. The former Barcelona, AC Milan and Brazil superstar arrived in Italy on Thursday to an enthusiastic reception as Ravenna officially presented him to supporters. Ronaldinho has also taken a stake in the club, combining his role as an investor with a potential return to the pitch. Ronaldinho Ronaldinho last played professional football for Fluminense in 2015 before officially retiring in 2018. Now, eleven years after his final competitive appearance, the 2002 World Cup winner is preparing for what could be one of the most extraordinary football comebacks ever witnessed. The biggest question, however, remains: when will Ronaldinho actually play? The Brazilian has not been included i...

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rewarded two outstanding graduates of Lagos State University with N20 million each for emerging as the institution’s overall best graduating students for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions. Ayilara lawal. The beneficiaries are Ayilara Lawal Olawale , who emerged as the best graduating student for the 2024/2025 academic session, and Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide , who was adjudged the best graduating student for the 2025/2026 session. Sanwo-Olu announced the cash gifts on Wednesday during LASU’s 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies held at the university’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos state. Adebanjo Samuel. According to a statement shared by the governor’s New Media aide, Jubril Gawat, the two graduates would each receive N20 million in recognition of their outstanding academic performances. The governor made it clear that the money was his personal donation to the two graduates. “Ayila...

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has received an outpouring of support from fans and well-wishers following an emotional appeal by his daughter. The appeal has drawn attention from members of the public, with fans expressing concern and sending messages of encouragement to the respected actor and his family. Ogogo, one of the prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, has enjoyed a career spanning several decades. His contributions to Nollywood have earned him a large following, particularly among lovers of indigenous-language movies. The development surrounding the actor has consequently generated considerable interest among his admirers, many of whom have taken to social media to express their support. Ogogo’s daughter reportedly became emotional while appealing to the public, prompting fans and colleagues to rally around the family. Her message resonated with many Nigerians, who urged the actor’s supporters to stand by him during the ...

 Political reactions have continued to trail Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, with supporters describing the outcome as a strong endorsement from voters and opponents and political observers examining its wider implications for Nigeria’s 2027 elections. Adeleke, who contested under the Accord Party, secured a second term after defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the closely watched election. The result has sparked debate over the influence of federal political machinery in state elections. PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, described Adeleke’s victory as a triumph of the people’s will, while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike argued that President Bola Tinubu allowed the election to take place freely and fairly. Adding to the post-election discussion, singer Davido, Adeleke’s nephew, described the contest as a major political battle, claiming that his uncle faced oppo...

The reported health crisis involving veteran actor Ogogo has once again drawn attention to the difficult realities many entertainers face after years of contributing to Nigeria’s film industry. His daughters’ reported appeal for help, following news that the actor is battling stage-four cancer, is a painful reminder that fame does not necessarily guarantee financial security or access to quality healthcare. For decades, actors have entertained Nigerians and helped preserve the country’s cultural heritage through film. Ogogo, whose real name is Taiwo Hassan, is widely known for his contributions to Yoruba-language cinema. His family has also remained in the public eye, with his daughters previously speaking about their close relationship with their father. In my view, the most important thing at a moment like this is compassion. Cancer is not a condition that should be treated as entertainment news or an opportunity for gossip. When a family publicly asks for assistanc...