Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has debunked speculations that she snubbed fuji musician Pasuma at a Lagos event over the weekend.

A video circulating on X captured the moment the fuji legend tried to get Akindele’s attention while she was exchanging pleasantries with someone else. In the video, the actress continued her conversation with the other person, which led to Pasuma getting back on his seat.

Since the video went viral, it has been speculated that the actress intentionally snubbed the fuji legend.

An X influencer Uoladiti posted the video with the caption, “Moment Funke Akindele snubbed Pasuma in public. This is not looking good at all.”

Reacting, Funke Akindele debunked the allegations, explaining that she greeted and danced with Pasuma at the same event.

“Snub? Hell no. Stop the negativity pls. I saw him, greeted him, danced with him. pasuma is my Egbon. Pls you all should stop this evil,” she wrote.

DAILY POST recalls that Funke Akindele recently made headlines for snubbing her colleague, Toyin Abraham, at a movie premiere.

Following the public snub, Abraham vowed never to initiate conversations with Akindele again.

Funke Akindele denies snubbing fuji legend, Pasuma at Lagos event

BUA Cement Plc has recognised and rewarded its top performing distributors across Nigeria at the 2025 edition of its annual Distributors’ Awards, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites Convention Centre, Lagos.

At the ceremony, outstanding distributors were rewarded with a range of prizes including cash awards, Sports Utility Vehicles, and compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, in recognition of their exceptional performance and contribution to the Company’s growth during the year under review.

The two top distributors received cash prizes alongside two CNG trucks each, while other leading distributors were presented with one CNG truck each in addition to monetary rewards. Ten distributors were also awarded brand new 2025 Toyota RAV4 vehicles alongside cash prizes. Regional Champions were rewarded with 900 bags of cement each. In total, 30 distributors were recognised across four categories including Regional Champions, Pacesetters, Powerhouse, and Market Dominators.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of BUA Cement Plc, Engr. Yusuf Binji, commended the distributors for their commitment and resilience, noting that the Company remains focused on strengthening partnerships across its value chain.

“BUA Cement values its distributors and has consistently provided incentives to motivate them to achieve even greater results. I want to specially recognise all our dealers across the country. We see you, we value you, and we are working tirelessly to improve our supply chain to make your businesses safer and more profitable, including the many livelihoods that depend on BUA Cement,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of BUA Cement Plc, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), described the awards as a reflection of the Company’s appreciation for the loyalty and performance of its distributors.

“This awards ceremony is to acknowledge the efforts of our distributors who have shown resilience and have grown with BUA Cement Plc over the years through their outstanding performance. Their role goes beyond selling cement. They are key contributors to socio economic development across the country,” he stated.

He further noted that Nigeria’s growing population presents significant opportunities for distributors to expand and deepen their impact, assuring them of the Company’s continued support.

“We are making concerted efforts to increase our production capacity with the addition of Line 6 in Sokoto and the forthcoming 3 million tonnes per annum Ososo plant. These investments will improve efficiency and ensure we meet growing market demand. In addition, to further demonstrate our appreciation, all our dealers will receive a N30 per bag bonus on all volumes purchased in 2025, with a total sum of N4.5 billion earmarked for this initiative,” he added.

The event was attended by prominent industry leaders, business partners, and stakeholders, including Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, making it a memorable evening of recognition, celebration, and renewed commitment to growth.

Signed
Management
BUA Cement Plc

BUA Cement rewards top distributors at 2025 Distributors’ Awards

Former Newcastle United manager, Alan Pardew, has predicted that Manchester City will beat Chelsea when both teams clash in the FA Cup final next month.

Chelsea and Man City booked their places in the FA Cup final after beating Leeds United and Southampton, respectively, in the semi-final played at the weekend.

When asked if Chelsea can defeat Pep Guardiola’s side in the FA Cup final, Pardew told talkSPORT: “I don’t think so, no.

“Looking at Manchester City against Southampton, they are in great form, their offensive players are on fire, and Pep Guardiola has got such ammunition from the bench,” he said.

The FA Cup final will take place at Wembley Stadium on 16 May.

FA Cup final: Alan Pardew predicts Chelsea vs Man City

OPay, a leading financial technology company in Nigeria, took center stage as the Headline Sponsor of the inaugural BusinessDay Fintech Summit held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos. The summit, themed “The Next Financial Frontier: Intelligence, Infrastructure & Inclusion in Africa’s Digital Money Economy,” brought together key players across the financial ecosystem to discuss the future of fintech on the continent.

As part of its strong participation, OPay’s COO/CTO, Dotun Daniel Adekunle, delivered a powerful keynote presentation titled “Payments are solved. The next frontier is different.” In his address, he challenged the industry to move beyond payment services and focus on building smarter financial systems that truly improve people’s lives.

He emphasised that while access to payments has improved across Africa, the real opportunity now lies in using data, intelligence, and strong infrastructure to drive financial progress for users. He highlighted the need for fintech companies to shift focus from transaction volumes to measurable impact, such as financial health, user empowerment, and long-term value creation.

“Payments are no longer the problem we need to solve,” said Dotun Daniel Adekunle, COO/CTO, OPay. “The real opportunity now is building intelligent systems that understand users, support better decisions, and improve financial outcomes. At OPay, we are focused on using data and technology to move from enabling transactions to enabling real transformation.”

Further reaffirming OPay’s leadership in innovation, Ibukun Humphrey Oluwagbenga, Head of IT Business Support and Operations at OPay, participated in a high-level panel session on “Intelligent Finance: How AI, Data and Automation are rewriting Financial Services.” He shared insights on how OPay is leveraging data, automation, and advanced technologies to improve service delivery, strengthen fraud prevention, and create more personalised financial experiences and smart solutions for customers and businesses.

OPay’s participation at the summit reflects its continued commitment to advancing financial inclusion, strengthening digital infrastructure, and leading innovation in Africa’s financial ecosystem. By focusing on intelligence, infrastructure, and inclusion, OPay is helping to shape the next phase of growth in the digital money economy.

For more information about OPay’s innovations, smart business solutions and initiatives, please visit www.opayweb.com and follow OPay and OPay Business on LinkedIn, @OPay_NG @opaybusiness on X, and @opay.ng @opaybusiness on Instagram to stay updated.

About OPay
OPay was established in 2018 as a leading financial institution in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfers, bill payments, card services, airtime and data purchases, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its fast and reliable network and strong security features that protect customers’ funds, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

OPay leads conversation on Africa’s next financial frontier at BusinessDay Fintech Summit 2026

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of engaging in “nuclear terrorism” as he commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl reactor disaster on Sunday.

Zelensky stated that Russia is “once again bringing the world to the edge of a man-made catastrophe”.

He noted that Russian drones frequently fly over Chornobyl, with one having struck its protective shell last year.

Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), shared Zelenskyy’s apprehensions regarding Chornobyl during his visit to Kyiv, emphasizing that repairs to the plant’s damaged outer protective shell must commence without delay.

He remarked that “IAEA evaluations indicate that the damage incurred from a strike last year has already jeopardized a crucial safety function of the structure.”

He cautioned that prolonged inaction could increase the risk to the original sarcophagus beneath it. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development indicated that repairs would necessitate a minimum of 500 million euros ($586 million).

In the meantime, Ukrainian forces have targeted an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, deep within Russian territory, as reported by Ukraine’s General Staff on Sunday.

The strikes ignited fires at the facility, which processes 15 million tons of oil annually and produces gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for the Russian military.

Russia did not provide an immediate response. Ukraine has developed its own long-range drones capable of reaching targets 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) inside Russia.

Additionally, a Ukrainian drone strike also impacted a fertilizer plant in Russia’s Vologda region, as stated by local governor Georgy Filimonov on Sunday. Filimonov reported that a high-pressure sulfuric acid pipeline was damaged at a complex operated by Apatit, a subsidiary of PhosAgro, one of the largest producers of phosphate-based fertilizers globally.

The leak has been contained, and there were no hazardous chemical releases, he added, noting that five individuals sustained injuries.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, mentioned on Sunday that he has had “productive discussions” with Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy as he seeks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

“We’re working on the Russia situation, Russia and Ukraine, and hopefully we’re going to get it,” Trump said in an interview on Fox News.

Ukrainian peace talks have stalled since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February.

Nuclear weapon: Russia bringing world to brink of man-made disaster – Zelenskyy warns

Chief Henry Udeh has emerged Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State following a consensus-based congress held on Saturday at the party secretariat in Abakaliki.

The development is widely regarded as part of the party’s early strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The congress, which attracted party faithful and critical stakeholders from across the state, formally ratified Ude’s emergence through a unanimous voice vote.

The motion for the adoption of a consensus arrangement was moved by Comrade Christian Mayor Iduma and seconded by Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, after which it was adopted without dissent, an outcome party leaders described as reflective of strong internal cohesion within the state chapter.

In the same vein, other members of the State Executive Committee, including the State Secretary, Mr. Innocent Igiri, were returned to office, thereby consolidating the existing leadership structure to guide the party through the forthcoming electoral cycle.

The exercise was attended by notable party figures, including the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Splendor Oko-Eze, and the 2023 House of Representatives candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside security agencies and representatives of the party’s national leadership, monitored proceedings in compliance with statutory requirements.

Addressing members shortly after the congress, Chief Splendor Oko-Eze described the successful conduct of the ward, local government, and state congresses as a defining milestone for the party in Ebonyi State.

“The Labour Party ward, LGA, and state congresses have been successfully concluded in Ebonyi State to the glory of God Almighty. This is the party to beat in 2027. Victory is assured — forward ever, and God remains our helper,” he said.

Similarly, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh commended the party’s internal processes, describing the peaceful conduct of the congress as a demonstration of political maturity and organisational discipline.

He contrasted this with what he characterised as persistent internal crises in other political parties, noting that the LP is positioning itself to play a dominant role in both state and national politics by 2027.

He, however, cautioned against complacency, urging sustained unity, strategic mobilisation, and institutional strengthening to consolidate the party’s growing influence.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Henry Udeh pledged to deliver inclusive, transparent, and accountable leadership rooted in grassroots participation and institutional integrity.

“The strength of any political organisation begins with its leadership. When leadership is properly aligned, the entire structure follows. We will operate an open system where every opinion is valued and duly considered in decision-making,” he said.

He emphasised that integrity, honesty, and political education would form the cornerstone of his administration, noting that the party must distinguish itself through discipline and accountability.

“I intend to serve as a ‘master-servant’ to the Labour Party in Ebonyi State, ensuring fairness, equity, and responsible stewardship in the management of party affairs,” he said.

On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the newly elected chairman disclosed that the state chapter is awaiting official guidelines from the party’s national leadership before initiating its primary election processes.

“We are awaiting directives from the national body. Once these guidelines are released, we will proceed accordingly. Preparatory efforts are already underway, and we will act decisively when the time comes,” he added.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to internal democracy, Udeh stressed that candidatures would be determined by grassroots popularity and acceptability rather than financial capacity.

“We are a grassroots-driven party. Tickets will be awarded to candidates chosen by the people not those with the deepest pockets so that they can truly represent and serve the electorate,” he assured.

Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, he underscored the LP’s ambition to emerge as a credible alternative in future elections.

“Our objective is clear, we aim to win. Without that conviction, there would be no purpose in being in opposition,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the national leadership, the Deputy National Woman Leader, Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, described the congress as peaceful, orderly, and fully compliant with established guidelines. She dismissed reports of factional divisions within the state chapter, affirming that the party remains united.

“The atmosphere has been calm, and the process has proceeded seamlessly in accordance with laid-down procedures. The Labour Party in Ebonyi State remains one cohesive family,” she said.

She further urged the newly elected leadership to sustain the prevailing unity and intensify efforts toward building a formidable political structure capable of delivering electoral success in 2027.

Party members who spoke on the sidelines of the congress expressed optimism that the outcome would reposition the party for enhanced electoral performance. Many pledged renewed commitment to grassroots mobilisation and organisational strengthening as the party prepares for future contests.

Henry Udeh emerges Labour Party Chairman in Ebonyi

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lambasted the administration of President Bola Tinubu over insecurity bedeviling the country.

In an interview with News Central, Obasanjo said any government that cannot protect lives and property of its citizens does not have the right to exist.

The ex-Nigerian leader was reacting to the recent wave of insecurity which has confronted Nigeria, resulting in the killing of so many citizens and abduction of several others.

“Let me tell you, the government that cannot give security of life and property of its citizen has no right of existence.

“The elected members of our National Assembly have no right to fix their own salary and their own emolument.

“It’s not in our constitution for them to do that. It’s the revenue mobilization and allocation commission that should do it,” he said.

Govt that can’t protect lives has no right to exist – Obasanjo blasts Tinubu administration

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to industrialisation and export-driven growth with the inauguration of a multi-million naira garment factory in Abuja by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole.

The event, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of Mo’Afrique, drew key stakeholders from government and the private sector, highlighting renewed efforts to reposition Nigeria’s garment and textile industry for increased local production and global competitiveness.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oduwole described the occasion as a dual celebration of entrepreneurial resilience and industrial progress, commending the founder’s journey from humble beginnings to establishing a full-scale manufacturing facility.

“Today is truly a double celebration,” she said. “We are marking 10 years of an entrepreneur who started her business in her parents’ home – right from her bedroom – and steadily built it. That journey speaks volumes about tenacity, determination and relentless hard work.”

The minister noted that the transition from a small-scale operation to a factory aligns with the Federal Government’s broader industrialisation agenda.

“She is opening a factory—this is industrialisation in action. This is scale. This is production at scale,” Oduwole said.

She also challenged the company to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging expansion into regional and global markets.

“I have already challenged her to take the next step: to export her products across Africa and to the rest of the world,” she said, adding that the government remains committed to “supporting entrepreneurs to achieve productivity, scale and global competitiveness.”

Oduwole further praised Nigerian entrepreneurs for their resilience despite economic challenges.

“They are resilient, determined and unyielding in the face of challenges. We remain committed to supporting them and improving the business environment so they can thrive,” she added.

Founder and Creative Director of Mo’Afrique, Omobolanle Olawale, described the inauguration as a defining moment for the company and the local garment industry, noting that the expansion is aimed at bridging gaps in Nigeria’s clothing market.

“It is with profound gratitude and excitement that I welcome you to this historic occasion – the celebration of Mo’Afrique’s 10th anniversary and the launch of our new brand, Modish, alongside the commissioning of our state-of-the-art garment factory here in Abuja,” she said.

Olawale explained that while Nigeria’s luxury fashion segment has seen growth, the mass market for everyday clothing remains underserved.

“While luxury fashion thrived, the mass market for professional wear, uniforms, casuals and outerwear remained underserved. Modish is our response to this challenge,” she said.

She added that the newly launched Modish Formals brand is designed to meet large-scale production needs for institutions.

“For the military, paramilitary organisations, corporations, schools and other institutions requiring large-scale production, Modish Formals is here to meet your needs with quality and efficiency,” Olawale said.

According to her, the factory is equipped with modern technology and skilled personnel to boost local manufacturing capacity and create jobs.

“This facility will empower local talent through training and job creation, demonstrating that Nigerian fashion can compete globally – not only in creativity but also in manufacturing excellence,” she said.

Highlighting challenges in the sector, Olawale revealed that Nigeria spends about $6 billion annually on imported clothing, with over 90 per cent of commonly used fabrics sourced from abroad, alongside issues such as smuggling and inadequate infrastructure.

“It is against this backdrop that Modish has emerged, not just as a brand but as a solution,” she said, adding that the company aims to strengthen the textile value chain over the next five to 10 years.

She also announced the launch of the Modish Scholars Programme, a corporate social responsibility initiative targeted at supporting the education of disadvantaged children.

“This is our contribution to tackling the scourge of out-of-school children in our society,” she said.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Olawale said the success recorded over the past decade was driven by resilience and commitment to excellence.

“Ten years ago, Mo’Afrique was a dream. The road was not always easy, but we remained steadfast, guided by excellence and sustained by the trust of our clients and partners,” she added.

FG Inaugurates Garment Factory, Targets AfCFTA Opportunities is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Russia for a high-level meeting with President Vladimir Putin, as Tehran intensifies diplomatic efforts to end its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

Araghchi confirmed his arrival in St. Petersburg on his official Telegram account on Monday. He is scheduled to meet Putin in Moscow, along with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other senior officials.

Iran’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, said the visit is part of “close consultations” between the two countries.

The Moscow stop is the final leg of an intensive diplomatic tour that took Araghchi to Pakistan twice in 48 hours and Oman over the weekend. In Islamabad, he met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. In Muscat, he held talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on maritime security and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

Iranian state media reported that Tehran transmitted written messages to the United States through Pakistani mediators, outlining Iran’s positions on key issues including its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. The messages were described as communicating red lines, not as part of active negotiations.

The diplomatic push comes after U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned trip to Pakistan by American negotiators. Trump said Sunday that Iranian officials “can call” if they wish to resume talks, while maintaining that the U.S. would be “very victorious.”

Russia has been a firm diplomatic ally to Iran throughout the conflict, which began in late February. Moscow has condemned U.S. and Israeli military actions, vetoed anti-Iran resolutions at the United Nations Security Council, and proposed storing Iran’s enriched uranium on Russian soil as part of a potential settlement framework.

No official statements on the outcomes of the Putin-Araghchi meeting have been released. Kremlin and Iranian government announcements are expected later Monday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Arrives In Russia For Talks With Putin is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The presidency has said that opposition political parties are standing on a sinking ground while President Bola Tinubu is standing solidly on the rock of competence.

Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated this on Sunday in an interview on Arise Television.

The presidential spokesman, who was reacting to the Ibadan declaration by the opposition to field one presidential candidate, described the summit as a collection of recycled politicians.

He said they are people who have been ministers, governors, and political actors for years, stressing that a closer look at their recent performances, whether in executive or legislative roles, there is little evidence of fresh thinking.

According to him, the individuals have nothing new to offer Nigerians.

He said, “They are free to field five, seven presidential candidates. But I said they’re standing on the sinking ground.

“That is the beauty of democracy. You have the opposition, you have individuals, political leaders decide on what they want to do.

“But that does not diminish the fact that there is a government in place that is functional, that has measured outcomes in what it has been doing. It does not take that away.”

Ibadan declaration: Opposition standing on sinking ground – Presidency