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Hon Rotimi Olowo, Chief Zebrudaya alias 4.30, and other top Nigerians for Virtuous Widows Int’l Foundation Awards
Ambassador Ifenyinwa Benice Egbosiuba, the Founder and International President, informed journalists in Lagos that the awards will be presented during an empowerment seminar scheduled for November 22, 2025.
• Ambassador Ifenyinwa Benice Egbosiuba, Founder/International President, addressed the widows during one of their outreach programmes, recently.
The Virtuous Widows International Foundation, a local non-governmental organisation focused on empowering Nigerian widows nationwide, has finalised plans to honour prominent Nigerians with prestigious awards in recognition of their services to humanity, particularly for indigent widows and the less privileged in society.
Ambassador Ifenyinwa Benice Egbosiuba, the Founder and International President, informed journalists in Lagos that the awards will be presented during an empowerment seminar scheduled for November 22, 2025.
The theme of the seminar is “Come, Let’s Build Together,” and it will take place at the auditorium of Queens College, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos.
“During the event, we will recognise men and women who have a passion for helping widows,” she stated.
“We have identified several individuals who will receive awards to appreciate their support, belief in our mission, and understanding of the challenges faced by Nigerian widows.”
When asked about the notable figures receiving the awards, Mrs Toyin Badmus, the NGO’s Vice President, revealed that one of the honorees is Honourable Rotimi Olowo from Somolu Local Government in Lagos State. She emphasised that Hon. Olowo is passionate about assisting the less privileged.
During his tenure as a House of Assembly member representing Somolu, he empowered numerous people and helped thousands of youths, many of whom might have otherwise become vagabonds.
“He provided buses and tricycles for them to operate, giving them meaningful lives,” she explained.
“He has also reached out to physically challenged individuals, touching the lives of women, orphans, and widows.
He has proven himself to be committed to humanitarian service, which is why we have deemed him worthy of this award.
“Another personality on the list is Dr Hamza Al-Mustapha, who has been a strong supporter of the foundation.
“Our board of directors has also selected Chief Chika Okpala (alias ZB 4.30) for his role in the memorable defunct television comedy series ‘New Masquerade’ on NTA.
In the 70s and 80s, he brought joy to many viewers across the country through this program.”
Additionally, Dr Mrs. Oyindamola Obabori, the current principal of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, will be honoured.
“She has made significant contributions in her capacity, particularly in training young girls at Queens College.
As we know, training women empowers the entire nation, and her leadership has produced many successful individuals.
“Chief (Dr.) Alexander Chika Okafor of Chikason Group of Companies will also receive the prestigious award.
For 17 years, he has consistently uplifted people’s spirits through his philanthropic activities.
Regarding the membership strength of the NGO, Mrs Badmus shared that it started with just nine members and gradually grew to 11, then 21, and 200 at its inception.
“Today, if there are seven million widows in Nigeria, I have five million under our umbrella as members. They come out in large numbers wherever I go, unless I do not call them.
Our membership spans across Nigeria and extends to countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cotonou, Senegal, and Tanzania, all seeking to establish chapters.
However, as the saying goes, ‘charity begins at home’; I have not yet completed outreach in all 36 states of Nigeria due to the challenges of insecurity.”
News
Fayose Meets Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Holds Closed-Door Talks at OOPL
The meeting has, however, sparked political speculation, coming at a time when discussions around the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and national reconciliation efforts are gaining momentum.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Sunday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo behind closed doors at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Fayose, who arrived at the OOPL complex was received by aides of the former president before proceeding to Obasanjo’s private where the meeting was held.
Although details of their discussions were not made public, sources close to the meeting described it as “a private visit” that lasted for over an hour.
The former Ekiti governor, known for his outspoken political style and criticism of national leaders, has in recent times called for unity among southern political actors ahead of future political realignments.
The meeting has, however, sparked political speculation, coming at a time when discussions around the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and national reconciliation efforts are gaining momentum.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has sealed a construction site and issued a 72-hour ultimatum to another property within the Lekki–Ikoyi corridor for engaging in unauthorised development.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the agency said its officials sealed a building under construction at Femi Okunnu Road, Alexander Avenue, after the developers failed to obtain the necessary building permits.
LASBCA stressed that strict adherence to building regulations remains essential to curb the rise of illegal structures and ensure safety and orderly urban development across Lagos.
The agency also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to QMB Mart to dismantle all illegal structures erected on Coastal Road and under the powerline.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun, the space in question was originally designated as a parking lot but had been converted into a commercial complex without proper approvals.
“The occupants allegedly turned the area into a commercial hub, erecting a laundromat, clubhouse, and eatery without authorisation,” Abiodun said. “Development in Lagos must follow due process. Any structure built without approval or any change in the use of government-allocated spaces without consent is illegal. We are committed to upholding the state’s master plan.”
The General Manager of LASBCA, Gbaye Florence, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement across all development zones.
“Our duty is to ensure that all buildings in Lagos meet safety and regulatory standards,” she stated. “Anyone who erects structures without approval will be identified, marked, and subjected to necessary enforcement actions.”
LASBCA added that the ongoing enforcement drive will continue across the state as part of efforts to eliminate illegal constructions and promote a safer, well-planned Lagos.
Islamic groups in Kano State are currently protesting against recent moves by United States President, Donald Trump, to intervene in the country’s security crisis.
The protesters trooped out on Saturday to counter Trump’s claim of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
They were seen displaying placards with different inscriptions such as ‘We condemn Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria’, ‘There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria’, ‘America wants to control our resources’, amongst others.
Islamic groups in Kano State are currently protesting against recent moves by United States President, Donald Trump, to intervene in the country’s security crisis.
The protesters trooped out on Saturday to counter Trump’s claim of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
They were seen displaying placards with different inscriptions such as ‘We condemn Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria’, ‘There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria’, ‘America wants to control our resources’, amongst others.
Ohibaba recalls that Trump recently designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ over the alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
The US President subsequently threatened that if the Nigerian government fails to address the killing of Christians, the American military will intervene.
The Nigerian government has since denied the alleged Christian genocide, describing it as false.
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