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Actor Ray Emodi quits Nollywood, set to pursue music career

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Actor Ray Emodi quits Nollywood, set to pursue music career

Nollywood actor Ray Emodi has announced his exit from the film industry, citing traumatic experiences on movie sets and pressure from his family as key factors behind the decision.

In an Instagram video message, Emodi disclosed that he had filmed in dangerous environments, including a town affected by violence where gunshots were heard during production.

He said, “I have stopped acting in films. I quit. There was a time I never thought I would say that sentence for a short period of time, but I won’t lie.

“I have put in a lot of work in Nollywood. I shot a film in a town that I won’t mention, but we were literally hearing gunshots. There was like a craziness going on in the town next to our town, and we were still shooting.”

The actor explained that the decision was influenced by concerns about his mental well-being, though it has come with significant consequences.

READ ALSO: NAPTIP to probe alleged ‘child sexual abuse’ at singer Simi mum’s daycare

He added, “This is a decision that has come with a lot of consequences. My family does not support this. It is a family with strict rules and a reputation to protect, which is understandable, and I respect them.

“I respect their decision, and I won’t do anything that would bring any stain to the name.

“I have been in crazy situations. I have had some of the best experiences of my life on set, and I won’t lie. It is not easy to say no. It is difficult to turn them down when they call you, but I had to say no. I had to stop saying yes.”

“I love music. I have always loved music. I make good music. I want you guys to come with me on this journey. I love every single Nollywood fan, and I am not leaving you. I am just going to make music.”

NAPTIP to probe alleged ‘child sexual abuse’ at singer Simi mum’s daycare

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NAPTIP to probe alleged ‘child sexual abuse’ at singer Simi mum’s daycare

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has responded to calls from Nigerians to investigate the alleged child sexual abuse at singer Simi’s mother  daycare centre.

This came after Simi’s old posts on X surfaced on social media amid the rape allegation by a Tiktok user identified as Mirabel.

The singer had raised concerns over the growing sexual assault culture in the country.

While explaining that almost every woman she knows are victims of sexual assault, she recommended that rapists should be castrated.

Her post resulted in an online exchange between her and others with contradictory opinions.

Amid the controversy, some of the singer’s old tweet about experience with children at her mother’s daycare resurfaced online, with users alleging it suggested inappropriate intent.

The surge in debate was triggered by the resurfacing of old tweets from singer Simi dating back to 2012.

Director General Binta L. Adamu Bello reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to investigating every credible report related to child exploitation.

She urged anyone with factual information or personal experience to report confidentially via direct message or email at info@naptip.gov.ng, with contacts available at the Abuja headquarters and Lagos Zonal Command.

Simi addressed the resurfaced posts on Twitter, emphasising the innocent nature of her 2012 experiences at her mother’s daycare.

She said, “14 years ago, I was 23, so I was definitely not a child. I’m not here to make excuses because I don’t have anything to make excuses for. What I can’t let anyone do is twist my story to fit false narratives.”

She added, “In 2012, I lived and helped out at my mom’s daycare while I was hustling my music. I tweeted everything that happened in my life… Nothing I tweeted was from perversion. I’ve never been depraved in my life.”

Both NAPTIP and Simi’s statements underscore the need for careful interpretation of social media content.

The agency stressed that all allegations of child abuse must be treated seriously while encouraging the public to report responsibly to protect vulnerable children and ensure fair investigations.

Tinubu, Gowon, Obasanjo, Jonathan set for N’Assembly chapel dedication

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Tinubu, Gowon, Obasanjo, Jonathan set for N’Assembly chapel dedication

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan are set to attend the commissioning and dedication of a 750-capacity Christian chapel at the National Assembly on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The event, organised by the Christian Legislators Fellowship of the National Assembly, is expected to attract eminent Nigerians, senior clerics, and policymakers from across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, jointly signed by the Fellowship’s President, Senator Binus Yaroe, and Secretary, Bamidele Salam, a member of the House of Representatives, the group said the dedication of the chapel marks a new phase in efforts to strengthen spiritual fellowship among Christian lawmakers and staff members.

READ ALSO: Shut Down National Assembly, What Are We Legislating For – APC Lawmaker Laments Insecurity

The statement noted that the commissioning ceremony is expected to “bring together prominent Christian leaders, policymakers, and dignitaries in a moment of thanksgiving and spiritual reflection.”

Among other guests expected are the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, alongside several clerics and Christian leaders from various denominations nationwide.

The non-denominational chapel project was initiated in May 2019 during the leadership of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

The decision to build a Christian worship centre within the National Assembly followed years of appeals by Christian lawmakers and staff for a dedicated space for prayer and fellowship within the legislative complex.

While a mosque has long existed within the premises to serve Muslim members and workers, Christian legislators had relied on temporary venues for services, fellowship meetings, and special observances.

Advocates of the project argued that providing a permanent, non-denominational chapel would ensure parity, promote religious inclusion, and create a structured environment for spiritual activities without disrupting legislative work.

According to the Fellowship, the facility is designed to serve members of both chambers, legislative aides, and staff, and to function as a centre for regular worship, counselling, and intercessory sessions.

“The chapel will serve as a spiritual hub aimed at fostering unity, moral reflection, and faith-based support among members of the legislative community,” the statement added.

The dedication is expected to draw wide participation from the legislative community and the broader Christian public, marking a significant addition to faith infrastructure within the nation’s parliament.

FULL LIST: Lagos releases new BRT fares after 13% increase

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FULL LIST: Lagos releases new BRT fares after 13% increase

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has released the revised fare structure for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard route services following the approval of a 13 per cent increase across services under the Bus Reform Initiative.

The new fares, announced on Tuesday, will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.

Lagos State Government approved the fare adjustment after regulated public transport operators raised concerns over rising operational costs driven by economic pressures.

In a statement issued by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, the agency said the review became necessary to ensure sustainability of transport operations across the state.

“The adjustment is designed to help offset the severe impact of ongoing economic pressures on public transport providers. It also aligns with the state’s previously established annual fare review mechanism,” Ojelabi said.

He added that inflationary trends continue to place significant strain on operators.

“Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows Nigeria’s headline inflation rate stood at 15.15 per cent in December 2025, with only slight moderation to around 15.1 per cent in January 2026, levels that continue to exert heavy strain on operating costs.”

Below are the newly approved fares:

Standard Route Services

Igando – Obalende: ₦1,140
Baruwa – Ikeja – Oshodi: ₦800
Marina – Lekki: ₦570
Egbeda – Obalende: ₦1,030
Iyana Ipaja – Obalende: ₦1,090
Odogunyan – Oshodi: ₦920
Odogunyan – CMS: ₦1,140
Joke Ayo – Oshodi: ₦920
Joke Ayo – Yaba: ₦1,030
Ifako Ijaiye – Yaba: ₦920
Ikotun – Yaba: ₦940
Oshodi – Shasha: ₦570
Oshodi – Dalemo: ₦920
Ikorodu – Obalende: ₦970
Yaba/Oyingbo – Idumota: ₦460
Berger – Lekki: ₦1,140
Mile 12 – Yaba – TBS: ₦690
Ojota – Egbeda: ₦690
Iyana Ipaja – Oyingbo: ₦800
Ikotun – Marina/CMS: ₦1,100
Ikeja – Kola: ₦800
Badagry – Mile 2: ₦1,140
Dopemu – Yaba: ₦800
Abesan Gate – Oshodi: ₦800
Ayobo – Obalende: ₦1,260
Dopemu – Obalende: ₦1,090
Marina – Ajah: ₦920
Igbogbo – Marina: ₦1,140
Yaba – Berger: ₦630
Ikorodu – Alausa Secretariat: ₦800
Ayobo/Abesan – Fadeyi/Yaba/Oyingbo: ₦1,090
Elepe – Oshodi: ₦920
Maya – Oshodi: ₦920
Alausa Secretariat – Egbeda: ₦690
Abule Egba – Ojota: ₦690

Additional Standard Routes

Ikeja – Berger: ₦470
Ikeja – Obalende: ₦720
Berger – Ajah: ₦1,710
Ikeja – Iyana Ipaja: ₦440
Oshodi – Obalende: ₦630
Berger – Oshodi: ₦580
Berger – Obalende/TBS: ₦680
Oshodi – Ajah: ₦1,320
Mile 12 – Apapa: ₦810
Oshodi – Apapa: ₦690
Obalende – Ajah: ₦630
Oshodi – Agege: ₦430
Ikeja – Ikotun: ₦630
Ikeja – Ayobo: ₦690
Ikeja – Egbeda: ₦680
Ikeja – Igando: ₦690
Oshodi – Tinubu: ₦650
Oshodi – Orelope: ₦690

BRT Services – New Fares

Oshodi – Abule Egba: ₦680
Oshodi – Ayobo: ₦890
Oshodi – Command: ₦890
Oshodi – Ikola: ₦890
Oshodi – Tollgate: ₦970
Abule Egba – Ikeja: ₦560
Abule Egba – CMS/TBS: ₦1,080
Ikorodu – TBS: ₦960
Ikorodu – Yaba/Oyingbo/Costain: ₦910
Ikorodu – Barracks: ₦910
Ikorodu – Fadeyi: ₦680
Ikorodu – Oshodi: ₦680
Ikorodu – Ikeja: ₦680
Ikorodu – Maryland: ₦570
Ikorodu – Ojota: ₦570
Ikorodu – Ketu: ₦570
Ikorodu – Mile 12: ₦450
Mile 2 – TBS: ₦680
Ketu – TBS: ₦680
Ojo Barracks – Mile 2: ₦510
Okokomaiko – Oyingbo: ₦910
Okokomaiko – Mile 2: ₦510

Shut Down National Assembly, What Are We Legislating For – APC Lawmaker Laments Insecurity

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Shut Down National Assembly, What Are We Legislating For – APC Lawmaker Laments Insecurity

A member of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has declared that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is “horrific” and “not good enough,” despite efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies, urging the National Assembly to consider drastic measures, including a possible legislative emergency.

Speaking during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, stressed that he was speaking “as a proud member of the APC” and not from an opposition standpoint.

“I am not an opposition. I am a member of the APC, the ruling party, and by extension a member of this government,” he said. “But I will speak as an APC member with a particular concern.”

The lawmaker acknowledged the briefings presented by committee chairmen on security but insisted that the current performance of security institutions falls short of public expectations.

“Yes, the government is doing its best. The security agencies are doing their best,” Doguwa said. “But with every sense of responsibility and without fear of equivocation, their best is not good enough. The security situation in Nigeria today is horrific. It is tragic. It is devastating, especially in the North.”

According to him, communities across the country are gripped with fear, tension and desperation as killings, kidnappings and banditry persist.

“The fundamental responsibility of any government is the security of lives and property. What we have today is like failed security,” he said. “Nigeria is operating under what looks like a war against humanity.”

READ ALSO: Kayode Egbetokun Resigns As Inspector General of Police — Presidency

Doguwa warned that the crisis transcends religion, ethnicity and party affiliation, describing it as “a calculated attempt to demoralise the Nigerian state.

“It is not religious. It is not political. It has no party or tribal coloration. It is a collective national challenge,” he stated.

He also cautioned that the insecurity could undermine future political processes, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

“As we approach 2027, how do we expect peaceful elections when communities are engulfed in banditry and kidnappings? Farmers cannot go to farm. Traders cannot go to the market. Worshippers cannot go to mosques or churches. Then what are we legislating for?” he queried.

READ ALSO: US Congress submits Nigeria report on‘Christian genocide’, recommends sanctions

The lawmaker urged the House to go beyond motions and debates and intensify its oversight functions. He suggested that the legislature could consider suspending regular activities to focus squarely on the security crisis.

“We can even declare a legislative emergency. Close the House if necessary. Who are we legislating for when the country is running in blood and tears?” he said.

Doguwa further called on lawmakers to take proactive roles in their constituencies by strengthening local vigilante groups and civil security structures.

“We should go back to our constituencies and reorganise vigilante groups. We must take charge of civil efforts to salvage and protect our country,” he said.

Highlighting the situation in his constituency, he said parts of southern Kano, particularly around the Polgore area, have witnessed rising kidnappings and banditry.

“What used to be a tourist attraction has now become like an extension of Sambisa Forest. Kidnappings have become a daily occurrence, like a prescribed drug taken morning, afternoon and night,” he lamented.

Despite his strong criticism, Doguwa reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“I have not lost hope in the Renewed Hope agenda. I remain a proud member of the APC,” he said.

The debate on security formed part of broader deliberations by the House on the state of insecurity across the country, with lawmakers across party lines calling for more decisive action to protect lives and property.