Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Mayowa Lambe, has issued a cease-and-desist notice to her ex-husband and popular media personality, Roby Ekpo, over comments about their marriage.

This came a few days after Roby Ekpo publicly cried during an interview with the Honest Bunch podcast after Mayowa got married to another man abroad without an official divorce with him.

Narrating how he supported Mayowa to travel abroad, Ekpo accused her of secretly using contraceptives throughout their 11 years of marriage, while he kept visiting hospital over fertility concerns.

He further shared evidence of how he had been sending money to her without knowing she was living with a man.

While describing the experience as painful, the media personality said “I woke up to videos and pictures of my wife on Instagram getting married to another man.”

His emotional breakdown heightened public interest, with many users criticising Mayowa for using Ekpo while some demand her own side of the story.

Reacting to the controversy, Mayowa, in a legal document signed by Chinedu Nwaneli Esq, issued a cease-and-desist notice to Ekpo and gave him 48 hours ultimatum to pull down the post online, retract and apologize, and pay N100 million in damages for defamation or face legal action.

“A Cease & Desist has been formally issued on behalf of Ms. Mayowa Lambe over false and defamatory statements being circulated publicly.
Let this be clear, there is no existing marital relationship. There is verifiable evidence contradicting these claims”, he said.

DAILY POST reports that the couple met on Instagram in 2015 after Mayowa Lambe slide into Ekpo’s DM, and got married a few months after a brief courtship.

Mayowa Lambe issues cease-and-desist notice to Roby Ekpo, demands N100 million in damages

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned that climate change is increasingly reshaping infectious disease patterns across Africa, driving new transmission dynamics for malaria and other epidemics.

It said the development is also exposing gaps in national surveillance systems, raising concerns about preparedness and response capacity across several African countries.

Prof. Yap Boum I, Deputy Incident Manager for Mpox at the Africa CDC Incident Management Support Team IMST, disclosed this on Thursday. He spoke during the agency’s weekly high level regional press conference on disease preparedness across member states.

He said African countries were at varying levels of preparedness, noting that while some had strong outbreak response capacity, others still faced critical gaps in surveillance, early detection, and effective epidemic response systems.

Boum added that Africa CDC was working closely with member states to identify system strengths and weaknesses, with the aim of providing targeted technical support and strengthening continental epidemic preparedness frameworks.

In a related discussion, Dr Landry Tsaque, Director of Primary Health Care at Africa CDC, said Africa still accounted for nearly 95 per cent of global malaria deaths in spite of available tools such as diagnostics, treatment, and vaccines.

He warned that climate change was altering mosquito behaviour, contributing to malaria resurgence in areas previously close to elimination, including parts of Southern Africa and other vulnerable regions. Tsaque explained that shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and environmental changes were expanding mosquito breeding sites and affecting parasite transmission and response to existing control measures.

He said Africa CDC was scaling up genomic surveillance and cross-border monitoring to track evolving disease patterns and improve regional coordination for more effective public health interventions. He added that upcoming World Malaria Day activities on April 25 will focus on strengthening surveillance systems, improving data sharing, and closing gaps in epidemic intelligence across African countries.

Africa CDC Warns Of Climate Impact On Disease Patterns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned to rule on an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to represent an exhibit to its witness, Abdullahi Jamilu, in the ongoing trial of former Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case until April 24 after taking arguments on the validity of the application from lawyer to the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, and Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN,

The development followed an evidence in court that appeared not to have aligned with what Jamilu, the 12th prosecution witness (PW-12), had written in his initial statement to the commission.

It would be recalled that Jamilu’s statement made to EFCC was admitted in evidence in court and marked as Exhibit 46. The former governor’s lawyer had objected to the move by Pinheiro to represent Exhibit 46 to Jamilu following the witness’ contradictory response while given his evidence.

Daudu argued that to contradict its witness, the prosecution must first seek the leave of court to declare the witness hostile. The PW-12, who is the owner of Kumfayakum Global Limited, had said that he converted certain funds deposited in his account by one Abba Adaudu to United States dollars and handed it over to the latter at various times, either in his office or at the recipient’s office in Abuja.

When the EFCC lawyer asked if Jamilu could recall delivering the funds at any other location other than the offices of both parties, the witnesd said he could only remember delivering the foreign currency at the offices.

It was at this point that the prosecution lawyer sought to show the witness his earlier statement (Exhibit 46) to the EFCC, but the defendant’s counsel objected.

“My Lord, I object. If learned counsel intends to contradict his witness, he must first apply to have him declared a hostile witness. The witness has clearly stated that the transactions took place only at his office and that of Abba Adaudu. Counsel cannot rely on this document to contradict or augment the witness’ oral evidence without following due procedure,” Daudu argued.

Pinheiro then said that he only wanted to show the witness the document to refresh his memory, noting that the transactions occured in 2022. He referred the court to Section 239(1), (2) and (3) of the Evidence Act (formerly Section 218), which permits a witness to refresh his memory, while also citing other authorities that supported his stand.

The defence counsel, however argued that the cases cited by the prosecution lawyer were not relevant to his objection.

My contention is that my learned counsel is attempting to treat his witness as hostile by confronting him with prior statement already tendered as exhibit. This amounts to contradiction without first seeking leave of court to declare the witness hostile, contrary to Section 230 of the Evidence Act.

“I further rely on Ibe v. State (1997) LPELR-1389 (SC), which addresses the consequences of breaching this provision,” Daudu submitted.

Justice Nwite, then, adjourned the matter until April 24 for ruling on whether or not the prosecution could alter the witness’ evidence by representing Exhibit 46, and for continuation of trial.

Earlier, during his examination-in-chief, the PW-12 said he did not make any cash deposit at the Lokoja branch of Access Bank. He said the name; Abdullahi Jemilu or Jamilu Abdullahi might have been used as narration in the cash deposits, but maintained that he did not make the deposits.

On certain transactions of Oct 8, 2021; Oct. 11, 2021 and March 17, 2022, he said one Abba Adaudu was the depositor and the deposits were made at the Lokoja branch.

According to him, after receiving the funds from Abba Adaudu, he converted them to U.S dollars and handed them over to Abba Adaudu. The witness’ attention was drawn to Exhibit 37(1), statement of account of Kumfayakum Global Limited, specifically the transactions of Dec. 15 and Dec. 17, 2021.

He identified the nature of entries from Keyless Nature Limited as N100 million bank transfer on Dec. 15, 2021 and N400 million on Dec. 17, 2021. The witness also told the court that Keyless Nature Limited is owned by Abba Adaudu.

He was also told to confirm the transactions of Feb. 18, 2022, an inflow from Ejadams Essence Limited into his account, which he did.

EFCC, Defence Clash Over Exhibit In Yahaya Bello Trial is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Driven by loneliness, hunger, and a relentless flow of ideas, Motell Solomon Ovat known by his stage name, Motell has emerged as a viral content creator after years of quiet persistence, achieving his breakthrough in 2026.

Motell, who’s from Cross Rivers State, did not initially pursue a career in skit-making. He spent several years working behind the scenes as a videographer, collaborating with content creators and filmmakers while steadily nurturing his own creative concepts.

In 2023, he took a decisive step by bringing one of those ideas to life – a spontaneous move that marked the beginning of his transition into content creation.

From that point, his journey evolved through consistency and authenticity. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences including moments of loneliness, hunger, and everyday realities, he began producing short, organic skits that resonated strongly with audiences.

In this interview with THE WHISTLER, Motell explains how persistence eventually paid off in 2026, when a viral breakthrough propelled him into the spotlight, earning him widespread recognition and a rapidly growing fan base across social media platforms.

Excerpts…

Can you tell us about your background and how your journey into skit-making began?

This wasn’t part of the plan at all in my whole life. Very accidental. Speaking of showbiz, I’ve always been a videographer. I’ve been working behind the scenes. I share ideas with skit makers. I work with skit makers. I work with filmmakers as well.

So I always have special ideas, and I share them. That’s how I managed to have this close relationship. Then I had this idea, that’s the idea of Philip’s friend, always calling Philip beside the window to ask for N1K (a thousand naira).

That was actually the skit that first went viral. Before I started it, as I said, it wasn’t the plan.

So I shared the idea with a friend of mine, two friends actually. Why don’t you guys do it? It didn’t really sit well with them. I don’t blame them because people have their differences. So I decided to try it, and that opened the way for me.

I was like, okay, this thing is working. Let’s keep it going.

At what point did you decide to transition from working behind the scenes to creating content yourself?

What brought about the content creation idea is loneliness. I was in my room. Lonely and hungry and I decided to try something.

How did your family react to your decision to venture into content creation, given your background?

Well, I lost my dad at a very young age. My mom, a very good trader, is hustling to make ends meet, to make sure we go to school. As I said, it wasn’t part of the plan.

So she tried all she could. Growing up, I’ve been this calm and quiet guy.

I don’t look for trouble. I’m just there on my own. I was always all about school, books and the like.

But as I said, certain things happen, and we don’t even know how they begin. But I also found out that I had a lot of ideas. I knew how to do a lot of things.

I knew how to paint. I mean, I tried music. So my mom and my sisters, because I have four sisters before me, they were just watching me. I come from a family where nobody discriminates against you. Do what you do. We’ll support you as long as it is good. Just keep doing what you do.

Your content often revolves around everyday experiences—how did the “garri” concept come about?

Oh, you know, in our society, looking at it, garri is at least one of the most necessary things you have in your house as a Nigerian.

Permit me to use the word Nigerian, because in my comments, I see some people from some African countries, they’re like, ” This is garri. They’ve not really had it before. They’ve not heard of it before.

So they would like to try it because Motel is always talking about this garri guy. So I grew up in a place where people often beg. Yes, some take it as an entitlement.

Yes, locality. So garri was this particular gold or diamond, that was easy to give out. And also, when I started, although I didn’t start with garri, the first content was when I heard a friend of mine who told me that raw rice could actually absorb water from a phone.

I was like, how? Maybe your phone gets wet, and you put it inside a bag of rice or something. So I came up with that idea, you know, going to meet my neighbour, I told him my phone fell into the water. If he could give me a cup of rice, and I further demand tomatoes, pepper and the like? Looking at it very well, not everyone can easily feel comfortable giving you other foodstuffs.

But garri is common in Nigeria, it is something you can ask anyone. And if the person has it, they’ll just give it to you. But my case is always different, they don’t give me.

Maybe because I ask too much.

Some viewers interpret your use of garri as a subtle reflection of economic realities—how do you respond to such interpretations?

Well, for now, I haven’t. Instead, I even get the opposite of it.

I get comments like some people who sell garri should actually reach out to this guy for adverts and collaboration. This is an opportunity. All those garri vendors, those who package their garri in such a way, Ijebu garri, reach out to this guy now.

And I’ve actually had a lot of bookings, which I’m yet to put out the content here. So, yes, those are the most comments I get. People don’t really make it look like because of my content, the price of garri is on the increase.

Are you personally concerned about rising living costs and how they affect everyday Nigerians?

Honestly, I don’t know where to put the blame. I don’t know if I should say the government or the farmers. Inflation is affecting the prices of garri, please, let this garri cost drop, so that those who I’m begging can give me.

Many public figures speak out on social issues and governance—have you made a conscious decision about how you engage with such topics?

No, it’s not.

Sometimes I do. I have a few friends who are politicians as well, and we do talk.

And sometimes, I’ll say this, our discussion is so deep that I get to understand them. Yes. Some of my political friends, they try as much as they can, but you can’t please people.

Of course, presently, the economic situation is crazy. But I do have some deep conversations with a few people, my friends. Sometime last month or two months ago, they protested against bad governance and all.

I had messages, dm (direct message) saying Motel, you should join, I don’t jump into things like that.

And they went as far as saying is it because it’s not happening to your family? Excuse me, I’ve had family members who have been victimised. I’m not one who actually jumped into anything because some people believe I should, and even some of these people who come to me saying, ” Ah, motel, look at what is going on. You’re supposed to use your platform to speak against the government.

I look at these people’s platforms. You have influence, too, and there is nothing on your page. Do you understand? So I understand when people do all of that, but I need to have some conversation with some of the close friends in politics.

I may not know the meetings you might have had. I may not know what is going on in this aspect. And they’ll sit me down and break it down with me, and to be frank, not every news you see on the internet is true.

Your skits are typically short, sharp, and engaging—what informs this creative choice?

Well, I’ve been doing longer skits before now. But in our industry, you need to think very fast. And if you don’t, you will be left behind. So there is innovation everywhere. You need to try as much as you can to evolve.

So I started with at least two to three-minute skits. And later made it a little bit longer. And I saw the engagement, nice storytelling still.

I do hear things like a skit is dying because it is so saturated and stuff. No, it is not. You can’t say skit is dying or skit is dead.

Skit is like art. So you can’t say art is dead. It’s longing.

You need to look for a way to evolve. Yes. Because if you say skit is dead, some people have not even started, and they are planning to start.

So what do you want them to do? Should they give up? The answer is no. You should instead know by yourself what the next step is, what is needed to evolve. That way, you would be able to educate those who are coming or who are looking up to you.

Personally, I sat down and discovered that presently, people don’t have time. I’m not saying that those people who actually do long skits, interesting ones, are not evolving; actually, they are Interesting with nice storytelling, and they have their engagements.

Everybody has their audience. But for me, I am a deep thinker, and my kind of skits are organic. I don’t do too much.

It has to be relatable. So for something to be relatable, it has to be short. People don’t have time; they have a whole lot to do. So don’t expect people to just sit on your page on a video and be like, where is the humour now? We need to see it. Just make it fast and enjoyable.

How do you manage audience expectations and reactions, especially when people applaud your work so highly?

When I see such comments, I’m always like, yes, okay what’s next. I don’t feel too comfortable with compliments.

Oftentimes I get long paragraph messages like Motel. It has really been a rough day, a rough week, but I just came across you. Today is the first day I discovered you and it’s crazy. Your page heals and stuff.

I’m like, thank you, Lord. Thank you, God. And the next thing I ask myself is, what’s next?.

So these things, they don’t really get to me but how do you keep it going to sustain it? Because you have to keep it going. And I also understand that people get tired. So you don’t have to keep giving them the same content. I get comments like this guy actually drops the same content, but it’s still funny.

I still don’t let that get into me. These are humans we are talking about. So they tend to change. So we try to think and look for how to make the next one better than the previous one.

You recently introduced silent skits—what inspired this shift, and how do you adapt to new creative styles?

I just think, as I said, I grew up in a locality. I was born and raised in Akwa-Ibom state, and I have seen some things and, you know, especially from my mom.

She’s a typical African mother, her name is Nancy and I love her a lot. She does not even need to say anything, just her stare you will just know you’re in trouble. Those experiences then birthed this new approach. And because a lot of African mothers are alike in that pattern of training, it was easy for everybody to understand the message,

There’s a recurring “neighbour” character in your skits—can you tell us more about this person?

I don’t know. It’s the neighbour that don’t want to be unveiled. We have so many people as neighbours, but that female neighbour whose voice is heard in almost all the skits gives an interesting and engaging energy. Sometimes I don’t know when she closes the door.

Really?

Yes, I don’t know when she shuts the door, I don’t need to know actually, but once the door is shut, I need to stop talking and she knows the timing.

Can you walk us through your creative and brainstorming process?

I write down my scripts. I review them and I try to see if I will laugh at this. Some days I record at least 15 times. And that has enabled me to be consistent with posting every day.

I post every single day on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

But sometimes it does not work that well. What you watch and it’s not funny to you as the creator. It might be funny to others.

I take an example from the content I did by the window. When I was doing the window content, calling my friend Philip, there was this video that went viral that I did not believe would. The video where I was hailing him. Philo, Philo. Philadelphia, Philadelphia. So, I did that content, I watched it, and I was like, okay, should I post this one? I recorded another one. I posted the rest. That one was still there.

I delayed. I dragged until one faithful Saturday, when I was just bored, to tell you how I didn’t even regard that content. I didn’t post it on my Instagram, I didn’t post it on my TikTok. I went and posted it on my Twitter, where I didn’t have enough engagement. After posting it there, people started reaching out to me on WhatsApp.

Ah, Motel, we saw this, your video. People are using the sound on TikTok. I said, but I never post on TikTok now.

So, when I went on TikTok, I posted the video again, and people started using the sound under my own post. So, I had close to a million users in a few weeks.

I was like, “ Oh, wow. So, that post alone gave me over 500,000 followers. Wow.

I mean, Mercy Johnson used the sound. A lot of people used the sound because it’s a relatable sound. You’re hailing somebody you want to borrow money from, only for the person to hang up.

So, when I posted it on Instagram, people were like, really? So, it’s this guy who owns this sound? So, it increased my number of followers. I was like, ” Oh, this thing doesn’t work this way.

So, yes I brainstorm. I work. I do a lot of work.

You recently crossed major follower milestones on Facebook and celebrated it—how did that feel?

Yes, I did.

How would you describe that milestone and what it means for your journey?

It does serve as a special inspiration for me to do more because every day I check. I’m young. So, I need to work. So, I handle my socials myself.

Yes, I check my numbers and see if they are increasing. If I notice any glitch, I put in work. This is my office. So, it really inspired me, and I just have to keep it What brought about the content creation idea is loneliness. I was in my room. Lonely and hungry. I decided to try something.

Looking ahead, how do you see the future of content creation in Nigeria?

I don’t know. I can’t even tell, honestly. Asking me about the future, I think, in a way, is equivalent to asking how to define my own way of consistency. I never knew this short content was going to go this viral.

So, right now, I would tell anybody that the future of this industry is that you have to keep it going, try to meet up with what is trending, try to evolve, and know that you have to really capture people’s attention with what you’re doing. It’s okay to start small.

It’s okay to start, even if it doesn’t make sense, be consistent in the process. I don’t know how to say this is the future. But the truth is, content creation is the new crude oil.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to upcoming skit makers?

You have to keep it going. I started three years ago, on April 13th. It doesn’t have to make sense. As I said, you also have to understand that it’s not going to be easy. You have to be careful.

You have to be ready to take the pain. There was this skit I watched way back, I think 2018 or 2019, where someone went to meet his boss in the office. Informing him of the intention to venture into content creation.

And the boss‘s response was like bring this form, sign that you’re ready to cry, I’m ready to take curses and abuses. What kind of rubbish content is this? Sign that you are ready to get one comment in one year.

So, it’s not going to be easy. I get messages like, “ Can you put me through on how to be a better content creator? I didn’t even know how to be better. Right now, I even feel I’m not even better.

Have people ever commented on your appearance or how it contributes to your content?

People do tell me that I look funny. I even got paid for that one. They will tell me Just come to my show. You’re not doing anything.

Just be around. Just sit down.

You’ve collaborated with several established creators—how do you navigate relationships in what many consider a competitive industry?

Well, when I started, I started alone. I just wanted to keep doing what I do.

Keep doing my thing until I am discovered. Shout out to Tunde Ednut and Don Jazzy. These are the people who first put out my content on their platform. When people say that I’m collaborating with other colleagues, I don’t see that as a problem.

Even my colleagues, they see my kind of content. They’ll be like, okay, fine. This guy has been doing well.

The beautiful thing is that it’s just him, his face. Whoever is behind the camera, I guess the person should be, maybe his sister, his friend or somebody who wants this person to grow.

Not somebody that is struggling like, ah, it’s only my voice that is out there. Let me also show my face. So I started content creation alone. I built it brick by brick.

So even if it tries to collapse, it won’t collapse. I will rebuild it brick by brick.

Don Jazzy has been accepting my collaboration. I post on Instagram, and I send collaborations, and he accepts them immediately. And I go to his DM to thank him.

And funny enough, he does not respond. He has never responded. Until recently, he just responded.

He was like, “how far guy” I’ve really been busy and I understand. Don Jazzy is a busy person. So for him to accept your collaboration is a whole lot.

Do you have plans to transition into filmmaking?

Yes, I have plans to go to the big screen and to do big things.

What message would you like to share with your fans?

My fans are my angels. I just want to thank you for riding with me from day one. I see comments like, I’ve been watching this guy since 2023, that’s true.

Thank you. I can’t thank you enough. I can’t thank everyone, even for some of you who just discovered me.

I mean the share, the engagement. I’ll just put, it’s not even up to five minutes, and I’m seeing over a hundred comments. Do you people sleep on my page? Thank you.

I don’t take it for granted. Please keep sharing. I have lots of new concepts coming, I’ve not even started.

INTERVIEW: How Loneliness, Hunger Led Me To Skit-Making — Motell is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Troops of the Nigerian military have intercepted suspected terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a patrol in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The development was disclosed in a post shared on X on Thursday by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who cited security sources.

According to the post, the troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA were on a fighting patrol around Dumpawa village at about 3:30 pm on April 21 when they sighted armed men believed to be terrorists moving towards the community.

The troops quickly engaged the suspects, forcing them to retreat from the area.

Following the encounter, the soldiers combed the scene and recovered one AK-47 rifle abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

Security sources said the operation was part of efforts to prevent attacks and protect residents in the area.

They added that troops have continued patrols and clearance operations in Zurmi to restrict the movement of terrorists and ensure the safety of communities.

Troops intercept suspected terrorists, recover AK-47 in Zamfara patrol

The family of Mrs Olanike Ogundare, who was abducted from her residence in the Oke Agaye area of Ijedodo, Lagos State, has engaged security agencies to secure her release.

The victim was reportedly taken around 1:00 a.m. from her home on No. 1 Olufemi Ogundare Street by armed assailants who stormed the premises in a coordinated operation.

Eyewitness accounts from the neighbourhood indicate that the attackers overpowered a security guard at gunpoint before taking her to an undisclosed location.

Efforts to rescue her have since involved the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS, alongside local security stakeholders and community leaders, including Gani Adams.

Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the abductors have contacted the family on two occasions, demanding a ransom of N60 million for her release.

The kidnappers were said to have used the victim’s phone line to reach out, with communication reportedly handled through an intermediary, Mr Dapo Adeola.

Further findings suggest that the ransom demand has now been converted from naira to United States dollars, a move investigators believe may be intended to complicate tracking and payment monitoring.

It was also gathered that the victim’s husband has already transferred N5 million to the intermediary, although it remains unclear whether the funds have been converted or delivered to the kidnappers.

Security sources believe Mrs Ogundare is still being held in captivity, while efforts continue to trace communications and financial transactions linked to the abduction.

“The ransom demand remains N60,000,000, but now required in US dollars. N5,000,000 already transferred by husband to Adeola,” a source close to the investigation said.

“The status of USD conversion and delivery to kidnappers is unconfirmed. USD demand suggests an organised operation and intent to avoid traceability.

“Use of intermediary presents both risk and monitoring opportunity.”

The source added that urgent steps are being taken to track communications, monitor financial flows, and supervise further negotiations as part of efforts to secure the victim’s safe return.

Family seeks help as kidnappers abduct woman, demand N60m in Lagos

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is currently holding talks with officials of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, at his Abuja office.

According to a statement from his spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, the discussion is focused on the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the FCT.

On Tuesday, members of the NUT’s FCT chapter staged a protest at the entrance of the Federal Capital Territory Secretariat under tight security.

They said the protest was part of a broader industrial action that began on Monday, April 20, 2026, as teachers press the FCT administration over unresolved grievances.

The strike stems from an earlier directive issued on Friday by the NUT FCT Executive Council, instructing both primary and secondary school teachers to embark on an indefinite strike starting Monday.

Wike meets leaders of NUT over FCT primary school teachers strike

The South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), hosted the 4th edition of the South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, Nigeria, from 22 to 26 April 2026.

The annual platform continues to grow as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and education. Since its inception in 2023, South Africa Focus Week has attracted over 1,500 participants, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors including trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, aviation, and the culinary industry.

The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic Constitution, enacted in 1996, as well as 32 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994. These milestones underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared history and strengthened through formal agreements and ongoing collaboration.

The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically significant, multi-dimensional partnership anchored in trade, energy security, investment flows, and strong institutional cooperation. While bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced – with South Africa exporting US$468.48 million and importing US$1.69 billion, resulting in a US$1.22 billion deficit – this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa’s reliance on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.

This partnership is further elevated by the relative economic weight of both countries. According to IMF projections, South Africa’s economy is valued at approximately US$443.6 billion, while Nigeria’s stands at around US$334.3 billion in nominal terms for 2026. As two of the largest economies on the continent, their bilateral engagement constitutes a central axis of African economic activity, with disproportionate influence on the success of continental integration efforts.

Beyond trade, the relationship is reinforced by deep two-way investment linkages. South African firms -including MTN Group, Shoprite, and Standard Bank – maintain a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies such as Access Bank and Paystack have established a growing footprint in South Africa. Although investment flows are asymmetrical and some Nigerian firms have faced operational challenges, these exchanges reflect an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extends beyond goods trade into services, finance, and digital innovation.

Aligned with Brand South Africa’s mandate to build the country’s global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long programme will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. Discussions will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a tool for market access and global positioning, with Nigeria serving as a key focal point.
The South Africa Focus Week features a series of high-level engagements and cultural activities designed to deepen economic ties and promote collaboration:

● South Africa–Nigeria Infrastructure Investment Conference (22 April 2026)
Held under the theme “South Africa–Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities,” the conference will bring together key stakeholders in infrastructure development to explore collaborative projects in road, rail, and transportation systems. The forum will also examine the role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and facilitate discussions on project financing and implementation with institutions such as the DBSA and Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

● 2nd Economic Diplomacy Roundtable (23 April 2026)
Hosted in partnership with MTN Nigeria under the theme “Role of Technology in Infrastructure Development,” the roundtable will convene senior government officials, private sector leaders, and industry experts to identify investment opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.

● Arts and Culture Experience (24 April 2026)
A dedicated cultural day will showcase Lagos’ creative spaces and feature a panel discussion on South Africa’s arts, film, music, and culture. The programme includes a South African film screening, engagements with filmmakers, and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration between the creative industries of both countries.

● Freedom Day Celebration and Closing Ceremony (25 April 2026)
This commemorative event will celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, 32 years of freedom and democracy, and the enduring diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to reflect on outcomes from the week and outline future areas of cooperation.
The celebration forms part of Brand South Africa’s Global South Africans Programme, which recognises and connects South Africans in the diaspora as ambassadors of the nation’s values and identity.

● South Africa Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club (26 April 2026)
In partnership with Crossflex International, the Consulate will host the 4th edition of the South Africa Golf Tournament. The event aims to strengthen people-to-people relations through sports diplomacy, bringing together South African and Nigerian golfers in a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.

4th edition of South Africa focus week returns to Lagos, strengthening bilateral ties, economic collaboration

Ute Okpu Kingdom in Ika North East local government area of Delta State has suspended the burial of late Dr Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu until an independent autopsy is conducted to determine the cause of his death.

Dunkwu, until March 7, 2026 served as the Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.

The community dismissed reports circulating about a scheduled burial, describing them as “false and misleading, amid suspicions of the
circumstances behind his death.

The position was contained in an official community statement issued by the Obi of Ute Okpu Kingdom, the Elders-in-Council, traditional chiefs, the Uwizimas, youth groups, and members of the Dunkwu family led by Chief Augustine Dunkwu.

The community called on relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Police, the Ministry of Health, and other government agencies, to urgently facilitate an independent medical examination.

“There is no burial date fixed at this time,” the statement clarified, urging the public to disregard such information. There shall be no burial until a full and independent autopsy is conducted to determine the true cause of death,” the statement declared.

The community outlined several reasons for its stance, citing cultural, legal, and emotional considerations.

“The events leading to the death of Dr Chamberlain remain unexplained. Both customary practice and the law require proper investigation in such cases.”

It further stressed the importance of prevention and accountability, noting that an autopsy would help ensure that “any wrongdoing does not go unpunished” and safeguard the community from similar occurrences in the future.

The elders also referenced traditional beliefs, stating: “Our tradition forbids the burial of any individual whose death is surrounded by doubt. Truth must precede transition.”

On legal grounds, the statement cited standard procedures for sudden or unexplained deaths, calling for compliance with the Coroners Law and medical protocols requiring autopsy in such cases.

“We respectfully call on the Nigeria Police, the Ministry of Health, and relevant government authorities to urgently facilitate an independent autopsy by certified pathologists.

According to the statement, “the circumstances surrounding Dr Dunkwu’s death remain unclear.”

While the community emphasised it is not opposing burial rites, it insisted there must be due process and clarity.

It assured of full cooperation with investigative authorities throughout the process.

“We remain law-abiding citizens. We are not opposed to burial, we are committed to truth before burial,” the statement read.

It added that once the autopsy is completed and findings are made available, the community would proceed with a “befitting burial.”

The statement concluded with a unified declaration from all stakeholders in Ute Okpu Kingdom: “In the interest of justice, tradition, and the safety of our people, we stand united: No autopsy, no burial”

Dr Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu (March 21, 1971 – March 7, 2026) was a Nigerian public servant, politician, and sports administrator.

Delta community demands autopsy, independent investigation into death of Reps Speaker’s aide

Commercial activities were suspended at Agbalata International Market in Badagry on Thursday as Lagos State commenced burial rites for the late Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-Toyi I.

The monarch passed away on January 12, prompting the state government to organise a series of ceremonies to honour his life and traditional leadership within the Badagry community.

DAILY POST recalls that the Lagos State Government had earlier announced a 10-day programme for the burial rites.

Speaking during a media briefing in Badagry on April 18, the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who chairs the Central Planning Committee, said the activities would run from April 23 to May 6.

She said, “The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is committed to honouring the Akran befittingly.”

Ahead of the ceremonies, a town crier had on Wednesday moved round markets and residential quarters to announce the commencement of the rites and direct the temporary closure of Agbalata Market.

A visit to the area showed that shops and stalls remained shut throughout Thursday, leaving the usually busy market largely deserted.

Chief Tunde Giro, the Depegan of Badagry, said the market would reopen on Friday after the initial rites, noting that closures would only occur during key ceremonial periods due to the market’s economic importance to Badagry, Lagos State, and neighbouring areas.

Meanwhile, burial activities have begun at the palace, accompanied by ‘Ajogan’ dance displays across the eight quarters of Badagry.

Religious prayers are also ongoing, with Christian, Muslim and traditional worshippers offering supplications for the repose of the late monarch as the ceremonies continue.

Agbalata Market shut as Lagos begins burial rites for Akran of Badagry