Archives 2025

RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
13 September 2025

Lagos stood still at the weekend as Nigeria’s culinary sensation, Hilda Baci, took another audacious shot at the Guinness World Records (GWR) — this time by cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice. The atmosphere at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, was nothing short of electric, as thousands thronged the venue for what was tagged the World Jollof Festival.

The 28-year-old celebrity chef, famed for her 2023 Cook-a-thon marathon, once again set social media and the streets abuzz as she rolled out her second record-breaking attempt — a feat involving an enormous 22,619-litre steel pot, designed and fabricated over two painstaking months. The challenge? Cooking 200 bags of rice, weighing over 4,000 kilograms, to feed at least 20,000 people.

Baci, dressed in her trademark apron and vibrant smile, personally confirmed the pot’s readiness with a playful announcement to her cheering supporters: “Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! I washed it myself.”

The cooking began at exactly 2:08 p.m. on Friday and stretched into the early hours of Saturday. Assisted by a team wielding giant wooden paddles, Hilda meticulously layered onions, peppers, spices, and meat into the massive bubbling mix, pausing occasionally to give tasters to her crowd. By 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, the jollof was ready, and by 2:00 a.m., steaming plates were being distributed to thousands of eager guests.

But behind the spectacle lay months of rigorous planning. Baci disclosed that the project took nine months of preparation, including logistics, pot design, safety protocols, and ingredient coordination. “It was exhausting, but every minute was worth it,” she told reporters, fighting back tears as she scrolled through messages of support online. “This wasn’t just about breaking a record. It was about celebrating Nigerian food culture and bringing people together.”

The nine-hour cooking marathon was peppered with entertainment. DJs kept the crowd grooving, while musicians like Slim Case and Spyro lit up the stage. At one point, Nollywood star Funke Akindele made a surprise entrance, dancing and rallying the crowd, before giving a stirring pep talk: “Hilda is proof that beauty and brains go hand in hand. But beyond looks, young women must embrace hard work and purpose. That is where greatness lies.”

Other dignitaries, including Ogun State’s First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, Lagos Deputy Speaker Lasbat Meranda, socialite Enioluwa, and fashion icon Veekee James, lent their voices and presence to the historic moment.

Although Baci had initially planned to cook 250 bags of rice, she scaled it down to 200 after calculating the maximum safe weight of the pot and crane scale — a smart adjustment that still yielded enough food for her 20,000 supporters.

Guinness World Records, which had earlier tweeted good luck messages, has yet to certify the attempt. But that did little to dampen the euphoria on the ground, as fans hailed Hilda for putting Nigerian cuisine once more on the global map.

From the Cook-a-thon Queen of 2023 to the Jollof General of 2025, Hilda Baci has cemented her place as one of Africa’s most daring culinary innovators. Her message was clear: Nigeria may argue about who makes the best jollof, but when it comes to size, the world must bow.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
13 September 2025

The political tides in Rivers State are set for another dramatic turn as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), to compile a comprehensive handover note before bowing out of his six-month emergency stewardship. The directive, issued after a closed-door meeting in Aso Rock last week, is being interpreted as a green light for the long-awaited return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Reliable sources confirm that Ibas, who is currently on a 10-day vacation, was handed a no-nonsense instruction to present a detailed report of his interim reign before his official exit. The handover file, expected to reach Tinubu’s desk two days before Ibas returns, must capture inherited funds from Fubara’s sidelined government, internally generated revenue, expenditure trails, and a clear breakdown of projects executed during his brief but controversial tenure.

This development appears to slam the brakes on lobbying efforts by some lawmakers in Abuja, who had been pushing for an extension of Ibas’s stay in power. Had they succeeded, Rivers would have remained under emergency rule until January 2026, delaying the restoration of democratic governance.

Instead, all eyes are now on September 18, when Fubara, his deputy Professor Ngozi Odu, and the state’s embattled 32-member House of Assembly are expected to return to their respective offices—unless, as political watchers caution, fresh twists derail the plan.

But Fubara’s return is being tied with invisible strings. Presidency insiders whisper that the governor has signed onto strict conditions to reclaim his seat. Chief among them is his pledge not to seek re-election in 2027, effectively making him a one-term occupant of Brick House. Even more, Fubara is said to have submitted to the political supremacy of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, conceding the power to nominate candidates for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers’ local government elections.

The suspended governor has also reportedly agreed to settle the backlog of allowances and entitlements owed to the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers suspended from the House of Assembly. In return, the legislators are expected to sheath their swords and grant him the legislative backing required to complete his term without further turbulence.

For many observers, the unfolding script is less about justice and more about power chess, with Tinubu acting as the grandmaster ensuring that the pieces fall into place. Rivers State, with its oil-rich status and history of political volatility, has once again become a national spectacle, with its fate decided in hushed meetings far from Port Harcourt’s streets.

As the countdown begins, uncertainty lingers. Will Fubara’s comeback restore calm or ignite a fresh round of political fireworks? Will Ibas’s handover report expose fault lines or provide a smooth runway for transition? For now, what is certain is that Tinubu has set the stage, and Rivers State is bracing itself for the next act in its high-stakes political drama.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
7 September 2025

The past week saw Nigeria’s social media space ablaze with claims that the Federal Government had slammed a fresh 5% surcharge on fuel, sending ripples of anxiety through homes and markets alike. In a nation where the cost of living already bites deep, the prospect of another hike at the pumps was enough to stir outrage.

But as panic spread, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, stepped forward on Saturday to offer clarity. In a detailed explanation posted on his official X handle, he insisted the alarm was more fiction than fact.

Is it true that Tinubu’s administration introduced a 5% surcharge on fuel?

Not quite. According to Oyedele, the provision is not new. It dates back to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act of 2007, which already established the framework for a road maintenance levy. What the new Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 does is simply restate the surcharge for harmonisation and transparency.

“This was not part of the original tax reform bills President Tinubu submitted to the National Assembly,” Oyedele clarified. “It is not a fresh imposition.”

Does this mean the surcharge will commence in January 2026 when the new tax laws take effect?

No. The surcharge will not take effect automatically once the new laws are operational. Instead, its activation requires an explicit order from the Minister of Finance, published in the official gazette.

This safeguard, Oyedele explained, is designed to ensure that timing and economic conditions are carefully weighed before any rollout. In short, Nigerians will not see an automatic hike in January 2026.

Will the surcharge apply to all fuel products?

Not all fuels are covered. The law carves out essential household energy sources like kerosene, cooking gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and clean renewables. These exemptions, Oyedele said, align with Nigeria’s broader energy transition agenda and the need to shield families from additional hardship.

Why not abolish the charge, given the current hardship and the risk of higher inflation?

Oyedele argued that the surcharge is not merely a revenue tool but a dedicated lifeline for roads. Nigeria’s highways are riddled with potholes, accidents, and delays that erode productivity and inflate costs.

If implemented effectively, the levy would guarantee predictable funding for road construction and maintenance, cutting travel times, reducing logistics costs, and even lowering long-term vehicle repair expenses.

“This is standard practice,” Oyedele noted, pointing out that over 150 countries impose fuel-related levies, many ranging between 20% and 80%. Nigeria’s 5% stands modest in comparison.

Why can’t savings from fuel subsidy removal be used instead?

While subsidy removal freed up funds, Oyedele stressed that the amounts are insufficient to meet the country’s massive infrastructure needs. Nigeria’s road deficit demands a dedicated and reliable stream beyond the national budget.

“A surcharge ensures roads are not left at the mercy of competing fiscal demands,” he explained.

Isn’t this at odds with the reform objective of reducing taxes and easing the burden on citizens?

Oyedele disagreed. He highlighted that the reforms had already cut or suspended multiple levies, including VAT on fuel, excise on telecoms, and the cybersecurity levy.

By consolidating taxes into a single framework, duplication is reduced and administration becomes more efficient. In essence, the surcharge’s inclusion is less about new pain for citizens and more about tidying the system for future use.

Why not just amend the FERMA Act to remove the surcharge?

According to Oyedele, this is precisely what has been done — the FERMA provision has been transferred into the new harmonised tax laws. The move, he explained, is forward-looking, ensuring Nigeria has a ready framework for sustainable road financing and climate resilience when the time is right.

The bigger picture

For now, Nigerians can rest easier: there will be no immediate 5% hike at filling stations. But the provision remains on the books, waiting for the right moment.

Oyedele’s explanation underscores a larger challenge — bridging the trust gap between citizens and government policy. Until Nigerians see transparency matched by delivery, even old laws will continue to feel like new burdens.

In the meantime, the surcharge saga is a reminder that in tax policy, as in public trust, clarity is sometimes as valuable as cash.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
7 September 2025

Under the floodlights of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where tension and expectation gripped every seat, Nigeria’s Super Eagles rediscovered their bite. A single strike from substitute Tolu Arokodare was all it took to lift the nation’s 2026 World Cup hopes, sparking delirium in Uyo as the Eagles edged Rwanda 1-0 in a contest that was more grit than glamour.

For much of the first half, the story was one of frustration. Nigeria dominated possession but produced little to trouble the Rwandan backline, whose defensive discipline frustrated every forward surge. The blow of losing talisman Victor Osimhen to injury only deepened the unease, silencing the early carnival-like atmosphere. Whispers spread through the stands: would this be another missed opportunity on the road to North America?

Then, football delivered one of its classic plot twists. Barely six minutes after the restart, and scarcely five minutes after entering the fray, Arokodare seized his moment. A sharp counterattack sliced through Rwanda’s shape, and with ice in his veins, the young forward drilled home. The net rippled, the stadium convulsed, and Nigeria’s faltering qualification campaign suddenly had oxygen again.

It wasn’t just a goal—it was a statement. Flags unfurled, drums thundered, and voices joined in a thunderous chorus as the Eagles protected their narrow lead with a resilience befitting the stakes. Rwanda pressed desperately, sensing vulnerability. Twice they came close, once forcing a superb clearance off the line from Calvin Bassey, another time testing the gloves of Francis Uzoho. But Nigeria would not yield.

Coach Finidi George’s late introduction of William Troost-Ekong steadied the defence, marshalling bodies and blocking spaces as the visitors hurled everything forward. Every tackle was greeted like a goal, every clearance like a victory. The final whistle released a collective exhale—a roar of relief and renewed belief.

The table still tells a complicated tale: South Africa top Group D with 16 points, Benin Republic sit just ahead on 11, and Nigeria’s 10 points leave no room for complacency. Yet the Eagles’ wings are not clipped. Next stop is Johannesburg, where a seismic clash with South Africa looms—a duel that could decide whether Nigeria’s World Cup dream takes flight or fades into memory.

For now, though, Uyo will remember Arokodare’s 51st-minute strike as more than just a goal. It was hope rekindled, belief restored, and proof that the Super Eagles, battered but unbowed, are still soaring.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
6 September 2025

Few weddings can claim to have captured the imagination of the world quite like the union of Afrobeat star Mr Eazi and fashion entrepreneur Temi Otedola. In a dazzling trilogy of ceremonies that spanned Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland, the couple transformed matrimony into a globe-trotting celebration of love, culture, and unbridled luxury.

The odyssey began in Monaco, the Mediterranean jewel famed for its understated opulence. Against a backdrop of azure waters and terraced hills, Eazi and Temi exchanged vows in an intimate gathering that set the tone for what would become one of the most talked-about weddings of the decade. Temi, daughter of billionaire philanthropist Femi Otedola, captivated in a bespoke couture gown that drew as much praise as the heartfelt Yoruba-infused traditions woven into the ceremony. Mr Eazi, ever the gentleman of global stage presence, opted for a sharp ivory tuxedo that mirrored the ceremony’s blend of sophistication and sentiment.

From the Riviera, the celebration soared to new heights in Dubai, where extravagance met spectacle. Guests were ushered into a desert dream as vows were renewed beneath the glow of a setting sun, before fireworks burst across the horizon in a crescendo of brilliance. The Dubai affair pulsed with energy—complete with live performances from African and international artists, golden décor, and a guest list studded with influencers, dignitaries, and admirers of the couple’s journey. If Monaco whispered elegance, Dubai roared magnificence.

Yet it was Iceland that offered the most poignant chapter of the couple’s marital journey. In a scene almost cinematic, the pair exchanged vows under the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights. Minimalist styling and snow-draped landscapes lent an air of purity and permanence, a fitting metaphor for a union designed to withstand the test of time. Reserved for only their innermost circle, the Nordic gathering was both serene and symbolic—a breathtaking finale to a love story told across continents.

At every stop, the couple ensured their identity remained at the heart of the celebration. From Yoruba cultural elements to curated fashion statements and carefully chosen music, each detail spoke to a narrative of self-expression and intentionality. As Temi reflected, “Eazi and I have always done things our way. We honoured our culture while making sure every moment truly reflected us.”

What emerged was not just a wedding, but a global statement: a declaration that love can be as boundless as ambition, as vibrant as culture, and as enduring as tradition. In Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland, the world witnessed not simply vows, but a vision—love without borders, etched forever in memory.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
6 September 2025

History is set to be made this November as 50 Nigerian-Americans return to Lagos in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming nostalgia into nation-building. Under the banner Diaspora Returns, the homecoming project was unveiled on 2nd September 2025 at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, sparking excitement across business, culture, and tourism circles.

But this is no ordinary visit. Unlike previous symbolic returns, this movement is rooted in a clear mission—investment, collaboration, and growth. The organisers, led by Strategic Solutions Global in partnership with Waterlight Save Initiative, East Point Atlanta Convention and Visitors Tourism Bureau, Palton Morgan Holdings, and Eko Hotel, want to make one point clear: the Nigerian diaspora is ready to do more than send money home. They are ready to build.

Nancy Aragbaye, Chief Executive of Strategic Solutions Global, set the tone at the launch. “This is bigger than tourism—it is a movement. We are reconnecting with Africa deliberately, to invest, to collaborate, and to reimagine global commerce through Nigeria. When Nigeria gets it right, Africa gets it right; and when Africa gets it right, the world gets it right.”

According to recent figures, Nigerians abroad send over $20 billion in remittances annually. But the organisers stressed that this moment is about more than transfers. “The diaspora is a critical driver of nation-building,” Aragbaye said. “Now we want to back startups, empower SMEs, and reimagine industries through a global lens.”

The November programme will not only see the returnees explore Nigeria’s vibrant cities, but also connect with local entrepreneurs, sit down with policymakers, and pursue joint ventures. The group includes high-profile professionals and investors from real estate, technology, fashion, and philanthropy. To give the journey global visibility, the reconnection experience will also be documented in a feature film showcasing Nigeria’s beauty, creativity, and business opportunities.

Eko Hotel’s Publicist, Ayodele Adio, described the event as another chance for Lagos to shine. “Hospitality today is more than comfort. It is about creating platforms where Nigeria can proudly stand before the world. Lagos has proven with Detty December and other global events that we can deliver experiences of international standards. Diaspora Returns will only amplify that story of resilience and brilliance.”

From across the Atlantic, Chantel Francois, President of the East Point Atlanta Convention and Visitors Tourism Bureau, noted the cultural and economic bridges already linking Atlanta and Lagos. With over 20,000 Nigerians living in Atlanta and direct daily flights between the two cities, she said, “tourism, culture, and business are now easier than ever to strengthen.”

The economic side of the project is equally bold. Waterlight Save Initiative announced plans to support 200 Nigerian small businesses with loans, while Palton Morgan Holdings pledged to provide credible platforms for diaspora capital in real estate and beyond. “This is not just an event, it is the start of a lifetime partnership,” said Palton Morgan’s Sales Director, Achuonye Vivian.

As November approaches, the excitement is undeniable. For many, this return signals more than a reunion with ancestral soil—it represents a rebirth of confidence, creativity, and commerce. And for Nigeria, it is a reminder that the diaspora is not just watching from afar. They are coming home, ready to build.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
4 September 2025

In a gesture of unity and reverence, the Federal Government has officially declared Friday, September 5, 2025, as a public holiday in honor of Eid-el-Maulid, the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

This announcement was made on Tuesday through an official statement issued by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, on behalf of Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior.

The public holiday aims to provide Muslim faithful and all Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the values of peace, compassion, and humility, virtues deeply associated with the life and teachings of the Prophet.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, via the ministry’s communiqué, extended warm greetings to the Muslim community and urged citizens across the country to use the occasion not only for celebration but also for introspection and spiritual growth. He emphasized the need for all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation, to embody the Prophet’s teachings by promoting tolerance, harmony, and love for one another.

“As we mark this sacred occasion,” the Minister noted, “let us remember that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. This celebration is a moment to reinforce our collective commitment to peace, unity, and nation-building.”

Eid-el-Maulid is a significant event on the Islamic calendar, observed by millions around the world. It offers a time to remember the Prophet’s legacy of justice, kindness, and devotion to God, while also serving as a reminder of the moral and spiritual path Muslims are encouraged to follow.

The Federal Government encourages all Nigerians to celebrate responsibly, obey public safety guidelines, and continue to support efforts that foster mutual respect and coexistence in the country.

With Friday now declared a national holiday, citizens can prepare to mark the day with prayers, communal gatherings, charitable acts, and educational events, all centered on honoring the Prophet’s memory.

Let this year’s Eid-el-Maulid be a beacon of hope and a renewed call for peace across our beloved nation.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
2 September 2025

Nigeria’s civil service community was thrown into mourning on Monday following the sudden death of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the pioneering Head of the Civil Service of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the first woman to ever hold the position.

Adayilo, who only a year ago was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead the FCT civil service, reportedly collapsed in the early hours of September 1 and was pronounced dead at a hospital. Sources confirmed she had suffered complications linked to high blood pressure.

Until her death, Adayilo was a symbol of resilience and dedication in public service. Her appointment on October 6, 2024, marked a historic milestone, as she became both the first Head of Service for the FCT and the first female to occupy the office. Before her elevation, she served with distinction as Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, where colleagues described her as “diligent, disciplined, and deeply committed to her duties.”

Reacting to the shocking development during a scheduled media chat in Abuja, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, could barely contain his grief. “This is really pathetic. The late FCT Head of Service was very hardworking,” he said. “I had even written to President Tinubu to extend her tenure beyond retirement because of her diligence. If I had gotten the news earlier, I would have called off this media briefing.”

The minister, visibly shaken, recounted how he was informed of her death just minutes before facing the press. “I never heard she was sick. My Chief of Staff told me she was supposed to preach in church yesterday but couldn’t because of high blood pressure. Before they got her to the hospital, it was too late. It is very unfortunate,” Wike lamented.

Her sudden passing comes only days after her last official assignment—representing Wike at a high-level G7 security meeting in Abuja. Colleagues who interacted with her at the event described her as energetic and focused, making her untimely death all the more devastating.

Beyond her official duties, Adayilo was admired as a mentor and role model, particularly for women in public administration. Her rise to the pinnacle of the FCT civil service was celebrated as a breakthrough for gender representation in leadership.

Wike announced plans to visit her family immediately after the briefing, promising that the FCT Administration would stand with them during this period of grief.

For many in Abuja and beyond, Adayilo’s death represents not just the loss of an accomplished civil servant, but the dimming of a trailblazing light whose legacy of hard work and integrity will not be forgotten.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
2 September 2025

A Finnish district court has delivered a seismic judgment against Nigerian-born political activist Simon Ekpa, sentencing him to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes and other serious offences.

The verdict, handed down on Monday at the Päijät-Häme District Court, marks the climax of a high-profile trial that has gripped Finland, Nigeria, and the wider international community.

Ekpa, 40, a former municipal councillor in Lahti, was convicted on multiple counts: participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit terrorist crimes, aggravated tax fraud, and breaches of the Lawyers Act. The panel of three judges ruled unanimously, ordering that he remain in custody.

According to official court documents, Ekpa’s actions spanned from August 2021 to November 2024. During this period, he actively promoted the independence of southeastern Nigeria’s so-called Biafra region through methods the court deemed illegal and violent.

The judgment revealed that Ekpa wielded social media as his primary weapon, carving out an influential political niche for himself by exploiting divisions within Nigeria’s separatist circles. “He played a significant role in transforming the movement into a more structured organisation,” the court stated.

Investigations disclosed that under his influence, armed groups classified as terrorist organisations were formed. Prosecutors argued—and the court agreed—that Ekpa supplied these groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition via an international contact network. He also used his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to incite followers to commit crimes in Nigeria.

The case drew considerable attention, not only for the charges but also for the defendant’s background. Ekpa, once regarded as a rising politician in Finland’s local government, rose to notoriety for his uncompromising rhetoric and inflammatory broadcasts from abroad. While his supporters hailed him as a freedom fighter, critics accused him of orchestrating violence in a homeland he had long left behind.

The trial, conducted over 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, laid bare the complexity of transnational activism in the digital era. Finnish authorities first arrested Ekpa in December 2024, holding him on suspicion of incitement to terrorism. Although four other suspects were initially detained, they were later released without charges due to insufficient evidence.

Ekpa denied all allegations throughout the proceedings, insisting he was targeted for his political views. However, the unanimous verdict underscored the weight of the evidence presented against him.

For Finland, the case signals a firm stance on terrorism offences committed within its borders, regardless of international context. For Nigeria, it reopens old wounds of separatist agitation and raises fresh questions about the role of diaspora actors in fueling unrest back home.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
2 September 2025

What should have been the dawn of a promising future has ended in unthinkable heartbreak. Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Josephina “Phyna” Otabor, has died—just weeks after surviving a horrific crash involving a Dangote truck.

Her death, announced in a family statement released by Eko Solicitors & Advocates and shared on Phyna’s Instagram page, occurred at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2025. The Otabor family, still in shock, appealed for privacy as they process the devastating loss.

The tragedy began on August 13, only six days after Ruth had joyfully graduated from Auchi Polytechnic. On her way home, she was struck by a heavy-duty Dangote truck near the institution. Eyewitnesses recounted the horror: the towering vehicle rammed into her, crushing her leg before a quick-thinking bystander managed to bring it to a halt.

Doctors were forced to amputate her leg to save her life. For a time, hope shimmered. Ruth, though fragile, was said to be conscious and responsive. Her family rallied around her bedside, and her sister Phyna—clinging to faith—called for prayers from fans across the nation.

But fate proved merciless. Complications from her injuries set in, and despite intensive care, Ruth’s body could not withstand the trauma. On the last day of August, her fight ended, leaving her family and fans stunned by the cruel twist of destiny.

Phyna, adored by millions for her grit and charisma, expressed her grief in a short but searing post: “This pain is too much to bear.” It was a cry that resonated across social media, drawing torrents of condolences from celebrities, fans, and ordinary Nigerians alike.

Beyond the grief of one family, Ruth’s death has once again put the Dangote Group under public scrutiny. Over the years, their fleet of trucks has been linked to multiple road tragedies across Nigeria. Many are now demanding accountability, stricter oversight, and safety reforms to prevent further needless deaths.

Yet for the Otabor family, public debates offer no balm. They are left to mourn a daughter, sister, and mother whose dreams were cut short at the threshold of adulthood.

Funeral arrangements, the family announced, will be communicated in due course. Until then, Nigerians mourn alongside Phyna—a star who now faces a pain no spotlight can brighten.

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