Archives September 2025

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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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
1 September 2025

Abuja, Nigeria — The nation woke up to somber news on Saturday as reports emerged of the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC). He died in Abuja at the Cedarcrest Hospital.

Arase’s death closes the chapter on a life of remarkable service to Nigeria — a man whose name became synonymous with reform, discipline, and a human-centered approach to policing. Born on June 21, 1956, in Edo State’s Owan West Local Government Area, Arase embodied the Nigerian story of grit, perseverance, and public service.

After studying Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University in 1980, he joined the Nigeria Police Force the following year, launching a career that would span more than three decades. He later fortified his intellectual arsenal with a Law degree from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos.

Within the Force, Arase was known not only for his sharp intelligence but also for his ability to balance firmness with fairness. He rose steadily through the ranks, serving as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Principal Staff Officer to successive Inspectors-General, and eventually Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. His international footprint was also significant, having represented Nigeria on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia.

Appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, Arase wasted no time in rolling out initiatives that modernized policing. He strengthened the Intelligence Response Team, launched the Complaint Response Unit to give citizens a voice against misconduct, and restructured highway patrols to restore safety for travelers nationwide. Analysts hailed him as a “thinking policeman,” a reputation reinforced by his focus on community trust and welfare of rank-and-file officers.

Even after his statutory retirement in June 2016, Arase remained active in public life. His appointment in January 2023 as Chairman of the Police Service Commission underscored the trust successive governments placed in his integrity and expertise.

Away from uniforms and medals, Arase invested deeply in the next generation through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF). Only last year, the foundation awarded scholarships to 29 students, many of them children of late police officers, in fields ranging from Medicine and Engineering to Criminology and Political Science. For him, it was more than charity — it was a deliberate effort to craft a fairer, more empowered Nigeria.

Today, tributes pour in for a man remembered as a patriot, reformer, and mentor whose legacy extends beyond the barracks. In the words of one admirer: “Arase did not just serve the Force — he served the nation, and he served the future.”

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