Entertainment
My father was jailed for insisting I go to school – Atiku
“Patience is not weakness. It is a weapon of the wise. When we resisted military dictatorship, they offered me a governorship without an election — I rejected it. In 1999, I earned it the right way and became Vice President.”
Former Vice President and Founder of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his conviction that education is the most transformative force for personal and national development.
He stated this while addressing AUN graduating class of 2025.
My father was jailed for resisting my enrollment in school,” he revealed in a podcast series produced by AUN’s Communications and Multimedia Design department.
We started from nothing — sitting on the bare ground, writing with our fingers. That’s how far I’ve come.”
“To aspiring entrepreneurs among the graduates, Atiku offered a clear directive: “Build with integrity. Keep your business independent. Don’t rely on the government. Avoid unnecessary confrontation, but never compromise your values.”
Contrary to popular assumptions, Atiku clarified that AUN was not a direct response to his childhood struggles.
“The AUN story is different. It was the American Peace Corps that taught me in 1961 that truly ignited the vision,” he said.
Atiku emphasised the importance of patience and courage, sharing personal anecdotes from his journey.
“I’ve faced tribulations. I’ve been hunted, but I never wavered,” he said.
“Patience is not weakness. It is a weapon of the wise. When we resisted military dictatorship, they offered me a governorship without an election — I rejected it. In 1999, I earned it the right way and became Vice President.”
He also recounted learning courage from his mentor, the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who faced a death sentence with unflinching bravery.“His blood pressure was normal on the day of his scheduled execution. That’s a soldier. That’s courage,” Atiku said.
Atiku also detailed surviving an assassination attempt in Kaduna.“I hid my wife and children in a wardrobe and stepped forward to confront the attackers. They shot at me but missed. I stood up and demanded, ‘Why did you fire?’ That’s what courage looks like,” he said.
To aspiring entrepreneurs among the graduates, Atiku offered a clear directive: “Build with integrity. Keep your business independent. Don’t rely on the government. Avoid unnecessary confrontation, but never compromise your values.”
Source: Daily Trust
Entertainment
Burna Boy Sets Record As African Artiste To Top Billboard Global 200 Chart
The song is currently number one on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global 200 Exclusive U.S
Popular Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has made history as the first African artiste to top the Billboard Global 200 Songs chart.
The Grammy-multiple-award-winning singer achieved the feat after his collaborative World Cup song with Shakira, ‘Dai Dai’, peaked at number one on this chart this week.
The song is currently number one on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global 200 Exclusive U.S.
The song also moved up twelve places this week to reach a new peak of 55 on the Billboard U.S.Hot 100 chart .
(New Telegraph)
Entertainment
Nollywood star Ricardo Agbor “I waited 18 years before I had twins”
Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Ricardo Agbor, has opened up about his 18-year journey to parenthood, revealing that he and his wife waited nearly two decades before they had twins.
The actor disclosed this during an interview with AfricanAList, where he reflected on his marriage, faith and the challenges he faced before he became a father.
Agbor said that he remained committed to his wife throughout the period, despite the long wait for children.
“I wanted to get married to a particular lady; I married her regardless of where she is from. She is not from my tribe. So ordinarily, we were supposed to have strife; no, it was very fair,” he said.
Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.
“It took 18 years for me to have the twins. And I waited. God knows, 18 years and they are 14 now, so I told God I wanted twins.
” So while that wait was on, if it were someone else, he would cross. But at the end of the day, I have twins. I have a boy and a girl. I asked God what I wanted,” he added.
Entertainment
Okonjo-Iweala Showcases Dance Skills As Igbo Masquerades Perform At WTO Open Day Ceremony
WTO Open Day was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard).
The World Trade Organisation’s annual Open Day ceremony was fun as cultures collided, but one performance stole the entire afternoon.
WTO Open Day 2026 was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard).
The crowd of international delegates, ambassadors, witnessed the rhythmic and unmistakable sound of the Ogene- a metal gong paired with the deep rattle of the Ichaka.
In a viral video, an Adamma masquerade, adorned in elaborate woven raffia and a beautifully carved maiden mask, strode into the centre of the square and moved with intricate footwork, stamping its feet to the escalating tempo of the drums, bringing the raw spirit of southeastern Nigeria straight into the heart of global governance.
Standing near the front of the pavilion was the WTO Director-General herself, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
True to her signature style, she wore a striking, impeccably tied gele paired with a silky gown.
As the masquerade swirled, its handlers gestured respectfully toward the Director-General, inviting her into the sacred circle. In Igbo tradition, a masquerade interacting with a leader is a sign of immense honour and spiritual blessing.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala didn’t hesitate as she stepped forward into the open square. The crowd erupted in cheers as the DG immediately caught the rhythm. She matched the masquerade’s energy, rolling her shoulders and executing graceful, rhythmic steps that perfectly mirrored the cadence of the Ogene.
For a few beautiful minutes, the weight of global trade policies vanished, replaced by the universal language of dance.
The masquerade bowed low, spinning one last time in a flurry of colour before Dr Okonjo-Iweala waved gracefully back, her face lit with a broad smile. It was the perfect embodiment of the Open Day’s true purpose: breaking down institutional walls and proving that even in the world’s most serious rooms, cultural pride and joy have a vital seat at the table.
(Credit: Leadership)
-
News2 days agoBIJAMIC College Charges Class of 2026 Graduates to Embrace Resilience, Learn from Thomas Edison
-
Sports3 days agoWho made the FIFA World Cup trophy?
-
Crime2 days agoStudents Killed as Troops Foil ISWAP Abduction Bid in Borno
-
News2 days agoSenegal President, Faye elected new ECOWAS chairman
-
Sports2 days agoFIFA To Review Hydration Breaks After World Cup Final – Wenger
-
News2 days agoBadejo-Okusanya Emerges NBA National President (2026-2028)
-
Sports2 days agoEngland beat France 6-4 to claim World Cup third place
-
News2 days agoAbbas inaugurating today committee to investigate illegal PFIPC agency
