latest
90-Year-Old Iya Oge Of Lagos, Opral Benson, Reported Missing By Family.
The family of Opral Benson, the 90-year-old Iya Oge of Lagos, has reported her missing after she left her home for an undisclosed location several days ago.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement, the family said Benson was last seen on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and her whereabouts have remained unknown since. They described the situation as urgent and appealed to the public for any information that could help locate her.
“The family reports that Mama Opral Benson has been missing since January 13. Her current location is unknown. Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urged to contact us immediately at 08037039214 or report to the nearest police station. This is a time-sensitive matter. Please share widely,” the notice read.
Born on February 7, 1935, Benson is an American-Liberian-Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite, holding the prestigious title of Iya Oge of Lagos. She was married to T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his passing and has had a long career in education, fashion, and corporate administration.
A former university administrator, Benson currently runs a fashion and beauty school in Lagos and has previously served as a director at Johnson’s Products, the Nigerian affiliate of the multinational company. In 2012, she was appointed honorary consul of Liberia in Lagos.
The family has urged the public to assist in the search by sharing the notice widely to help locate her.
Veteran Nigerian actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, has revealed the challenges he faces despite achieving nationwide fame for his iconic role.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ayoyinka is best known for portraying Papa Ajasco in the long-running comedy series Papa Ajasco & Company, produced by Wale Adenuga Productions.
In a recent interview with media personality Lucky Udu, he explained that he does not have ownership rights to the character, which has limited his personal projects, commercial deals, and opportunities outside the franchise.
He said many companies approach him to appear in advertisements or campaigns dressed as Papa Ajasco, but he cannot do so without permission, as the character’s name and costume are legally registered by Wale Adenuga.
“The major problem is that particular character has been registered by Wale Adenuga. Anybody that wants to use me outside wants me with the character, with everything that I have, but it has never been easy for me. I don’t have the right. I can’t use the name Papa Ajasco unless I go and take permission. I can’t even use the costume because that character is very strong; they want to see me as Papa, dress like Papa, look like Papa. It is always difficult for me to do it,” he explained.
Ayoyinka also shared that he previously worked with the Lagos State Government in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture before retiring about five years ago.
Despite his long career and fame, he admitted that life has been challenging in recent years.
“Things have never been okay for years now. I retired five years ago, and it has never been easy for me to move around and connect with people. I’m always thinking every day. Look at my home—I don’t have my own house. I don’t have a car,” he said.
United States President Donald Trump has urged other countries to help safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying several nations would deploy warships “in conjunction” with the U.S. to reopen the vital energy corridor.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday that countries affected by Iran’s attempt to block the Strait are expected to send naval vessels to cooperate with the U.S. to ensure the passage remains open and secure.
“The United States of America has beaten and completely decimated Iran, both Militarily, Economically, and in every other way, but the Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help – A LOT!” he wrote, naming China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others as potential participants.
It is currently unclear which nations have committed, and the White House has not confirmed any specific contributions.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most crucial oil shipping lanes, and tensions have escalated amid the conflict with Iran. Officials in the Trump administration have emphasized that reopening the route for commercial shipping remains a top priority.
UK, France Engage in Talks
The UK Ministry of Defence said it is “currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.” French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France’s support for a coalition to secure free passage but stressed that organizing the effort could take several weeks. UK Defence Secretary John Healey described discussions as preliminary, emphasizing the need to de-escalate tensions first.
Trump added that the U.S. will coordinate closely with other nations “so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well,” describing the initiative as a long-overdue team effort.
Iran Rejects Closure Claims, Criticizes Trump
Tehran reacted angrily to Trump’s statements. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said U.S. policy “invites rather than deters trouble,” claiming the Strait has only been restricted for American and Israeli vessels.
“It is only closed to American, Israeli ships and tankers, and not to others,” Araghchi said on X.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Aziz Reza Tangsiri also mocked Trump’s call for allied support, asserting that the Strait remains under Iranian control but not militarily closed.
Iran’s partial blockade of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global energy crisis, adding to economic pressures the U.S. and its allies now face.
The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has stepped up security measures ahead of the second-term inauguration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Saturday.
“The Anambra Police Command has intensified security across the state as preparations heighten for the governor’s second-term inauguration,” the statement said.
“It is working with other security agencies to boost public sensitisation, advocacy, and operational patrols to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free event,” Ikenga added.
He explained that 100 police personnel, recently trained in arms and combat readiness at the Police College, Orji River, will reinforce officers already deployed on the ground.
“These trained officers will complement strategically positioned personnel, strengthen patrols, and enhance intelligence gathering to maintain law and order before, during, and after the inauguration,” he said.
The police urged residents, stakeholders, and visitors attending the event to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel, assuring that all necessary measures have been taken to safeguard dignitaries and members of the public.
SP Ikenga reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring that the inauguration is conducted in a safe, peaceful, and secure environment.
Governor Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was elected for a second term in the off-cycle governorship poll held on November 8, 2025.
-
latest7 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges