Tag: Birthday

Oyedepo, wife celebrate first son on 39th birthday

The founder and general overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, (a.k.a. Winners Chapel) David Oyedepo and his wife, Faith Oyedepo, on Wednesday took to Instagram to celebrate their first son, Pastor David Olumakinde Oyedepo (Jnr) on his 39th birthday.

He is the resident pastor of the church’s headquarters known as Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.

Pastor David Olumakinde Oyedepo (Jnr)

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathered that when Bishop Oyedepo inquired to know the name of the newly born son, according to him, God told him that “Another Warrior has come”. This led to the name ‘Oluwamakinde ‘ (God has brought victory).

Oyedepo prayed for his son’s increase in his social media post. He said, “Happy birthday Pastor David Oyedepo Jnr @officialdavidoyedepojnr May the grace of God over your life be on the increase in Jesus’ name, Amen. Congratulations!”

Faith also made a similar prayer for her son. She said, “Happy birthday to my beloved son and our Resident Pastor at Faith Tabernacle Canaanland @officialdavidoyedepojnr Receive fresh grace for greater impact in Jesus’ name, amen! Congratulations.”

The cleric married Kemi in 2008. He and his brother Isaac were ordained as pastors in May 2007 by US-based preacher Kenneth Copeland.

Pastor David Olumakinde Oyedepo (Jnr) and wife, Kemi.

Oyedepo’s other children include Joyce and Love.

The cleric had a humorous birth. His parents got married on August 30th 1982.

He was born in June 1983, the same year the LFC was commissioned (Sept 1983) and the first service held in Kaduna- December 11, 1983.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that exactly 30 years to that day, December 11, 2013, the birthday celebrant preached his first message at Shiloh. Shiloh 2013.

The birthday celebrant is an Alumni of both Oral Roberts University (ORU) and Oklahoma Christian University.

The cleric was ordained together with his brother in May 2007 by Dr Kenneth Copeland.

The Minister at the wedding was Matthew Ashimolowo of KICC.

Pastor David Olumakinde Oyedepo (Jnr) showing his music skill

Kemi is the founder of Crisis-Proof Your Family (CPYF) a major ministry aimed at ensuring successful marriages and families.

The cleric preached his first message at Faith Tabernacle on March 24th 2013, the day after his grandmother’s burial.

He was introduced by Bishop David Abioye as the ‘next generation’.

In 2004, the cleric became the youngest member of the Covenant University Board of Regents (the governing council).

Oyedepo’s son was formerly the Regional Pastor of LFC European Region. He oversaw the growth of the church and established the first Kingdom Heritage Model School of the commission outside the shores of Africa.

In August 2016, Bishop Oyedepo and Mummy Faith Oyedepo went on vacation. Oyedepo Jnr then ministered in 5 services on Sunday at Faith Tabernacle. It was the first time anyone aside Bishop Oyedepo would do that.

June 1, 2022
Reality TV Star, Nina Ivy celebrates 26th birthday with jaw-dropping photos

An ex-BB9ja housemate, Nina Onyenobi, aka Nina Ivy, who is celebrating her 26th birthday today, May 31, has released jaw-dropping photos to mark her new age.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the mother of one, who became famous after participating in the 2018 edition of Big Brother Naija, took to her Instagram page to share the photos.

She donned a stunning black figure-hugging dress with a crotch-high slit and wrote, “Happy birthday Nina, I am proud of you #chapter26.”

Her colleagues, fans and followers have sent in their well-wishes to celebrate her on her special day.

A while ago, Nina was said to have undergone plastic surgery to increase the size of her butt.

The reality star took to her Insta-stories to share a photo with her doctor, who’s reportedly the same doctor that helped her colleague, Khloe achieve her banging body through similar procedure.

To further confirm the claim, fellow Big Brother Naija star, Khloe shared videos from her visit to the hospital to see Nina’s new body. “Had to come see Nina’s body”, she captioned her post.

See photos below:

It would be recalled that the Reality TV star had been stripped of her brand ambassador deal with Mav Herbals, a butt enlargement brand, after going public with her Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure.

A Brazilian butt lift is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves the transfer of fat to help create more fullness in your backside.

Mav Herbals is a popular Nigerian herbal body sculpting brand.

Nina, a popular housemate in the BBNaija 2018 edition, signed the deal with Mav Herbal barely a month ago.

She has been called out by the brand for sharing photos and videos of herself undergoing a butt enlargement procedure at 305 Plastic Surgery, Florida, U.S.

Nina currently lives in the U.S. with her husband and son.

She bared it all on Instagram and the company threatened to sue her for breach of contract after openly announcing that she went under the knife somewhere else.

They said the action has damaged their public image and made them lose customers’ trust.

However, Nina claimed she informed the company prior to signing the contract.

She said, ‘‘Most of you are suffering from depression because you don’t want your current body and no money for surgery because you can’t afford one.

“So all you gotta do is to sit and judge. Sis, I got my body done. I took out my fat and put it where I need it more and damn, this my new body is killing. I did it for me and not any of you.”

“And no, I never signed a contract not to have my body done before getting signed by any brand. In fact, I always tell my manager to tell them that I am getting surgery. So all these fuses are a waste of time.”

Following Nina’s response, Mav Herbals blew hot and then proceeded to issue a disclaimer.

They also announced the cancellation of Nina’s contract barely three weeks after the endorsement deal was signed.

Their statement read, “How in the world do I explain to people about this damage you have done to my brand?

Barely three weeks after you signed a deal with me, you went ahead to use the money to do plastic surgery.

“Why didn’t you finish the deal as promised since you already collected money from me? I paid you millions of naira!

“Asides from the fact that I am collecting my full balance back from you, I need a public apology for the confusion you have caused today on social media.

“I am the last person to be messed with because I know how hard I have worked for my brand. Is it a bad thing I paid you to influence for me?”

They also criticised the Reality TV Star for not reaching out to them to offer an apology.

Mav Herbals provide an array of services ranging from body and beauty enhancements as well as sexual enhancement products.

Nina, who owns a hair and beauty brand, Nina’s empire, has made a name for herself as a beauty entrepreneur.

She launched her brand on May 31, 2018.

The Reality TV Star, who is married to a man simply identified as Mr Tosh, had her plastic surgery done on June 2.

June 1, 2022
REVEALED: Policeman that killed two at birthday party in Lagos, friend to celebrant

It has been revealed that a policeman serving at the Lagos State Police Command who allegedly killed two people at a birthday party in Lagos is a friend to the celebrant.

Command spokesman SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development on Wednesday and also stated that the officer has absconded from duty.

He said that the command expected the suspect to turn himself in for investigation.

“The policeman has not been arrested because he ran away. He has been identified. He is one of us at the state command headquarters.

“We are doing everything possible to bring him for investigation.

“We expect him to turn himself in. The command has reached out to the families of the deceased. Two persons were killed and some persons injured,” he said.

The spokesman had earlier in a statement said that on April 24 at about 9.00 p.m. shooting incident occurred at La Silver Bar, Egbeda, which resulted in the death of two persons.

According to him, upon receipt of the information, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, ordered an immediate full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

“While investigation is ongoing, findings so far revealed that the shooting was accidental and involved an off-duty police officer, (name withheld), serving at the State Headquarters, Ikeja.

“Findings equally revealed that the off-duty officer is a friend of the celebrant (name also withheld) and was not at the party in any official capacity.

“Efforts are currently being intensified to apprehend the fleeing birthday celebrant while the officer involved is expected to turn himself in anytime soon,” he said.

Hundeyin said that the Lagos police boss has given firm assurances that everyone found culpable in the sad and unavoidable incident would be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the law.

April 27, 2022
What Buhari said about Pete Edochie on his 75th birthday

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined entertainers in the music and movie industry, particularly Nollywood, in celebrating with veteran actor, scriptwriter and movie producer, Pete Edochie, on his 75th birthday.

The President’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Monday in Abuja.

Buhari congratulated the renowned actor for the many pioneering and motivating roles in the entertainment industry, hitting the limelight in the 80s as Okonkwo in the screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, where his superlative performance brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa.

The President noted that Edochie’s background of living and working extensively in various parts of the country and the world, had greatly shaped his global outlook and influenced his interpretation of roles as a thespian.

Edochie had also served the government as staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation.

While congratulating Edochie, the usually stereotyped actor as king and father in movies, Buhari affirmed that his role in the founding and growing of Nollywood as one of biggest entertainment industries in the world deserved commendation.

He particularly lauded him for incubating younger professionals and nurturing talents like his son, Yul Edochie.

The president prayed that the Almighty God would crown the award-winning actor, who had many international recognitions, with good health and strength to keep serving the nation.

March 7, 2022
President Olusegun Obasanjo at 85 – By Hope Eghagha

By Hope O’Rukevbe Eghagha

Former President Matthew Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo turned eighty-five years on Saturday 5th of March 2022 and citizens from different walks of life stormed Abeokuta to celebrate with this icon of national politics. It was a busy week for him and his staff. I had an appointment to see him Thursday the 3rd and was witness to the calibre of persons who came in throughout the day. For a man who joined the military to get on in life, God has been really kind to him. He has governed the country in two different capacities- as a soldier and as an elected democrat- and continues to be a strong moral, political force even outside government. And the old man acknowledges a divine touch in his life’s choices and decision outcomes. Fit as a fiddle on his 85th birthday and coming out to pay soccer as an attestation of how fair nature had been to him health wise. How many 85-year-olds can jog round the football field without collapsing? Added to this is his level of mental alertness when he holds conversations and when he addresses an audience extempore. No man prays for more! For this he is eternally grateful. What is the secret behind this agile and solid framework in the ripe age of 85years?

After his days as Military Head of State when he handed over power to a civilian administration in 1979, Obasanjo became a darling of the western world. Of course, we are familiar with the penchant of African leaders to sit tight in office upon seizing power, transiting to civilian rulers with the temperament of a soldier. Obasanjo said no to the that temptation and handed over to Alhaji Shehu Shagari in a very colourful ceremony in 1979. He saluted the new president and took a back seat. That singular action endeared him to the world, and he became an international statesman huge in stature, rubbing shoulders with the world’s Eminent Group of Persons.

But Chief Obasanjo would not have become president if Murtala Mohammed was not assassinated in February 1976 in a coup attempt. It is on record that Obasanjo as Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, effective Vice President of the country, did the yeoman’s job for that administration. He worked so well with the fiery Mohammed and became the natural choice after the latter fell to the bullets of reactionary coup plotters. Much against his personal will and desire, (the other members of the Supreme military Council had to compel him to step into the shoes) he became head of State and promised to lead the nation in the spirt with which Murtala Mohammed had led the nation – that of complete dedication. He then pursued the return to civil rule with a sense of urgency.

He subsequently became a moral force in the country, often emerging from semi-retirement to write pungent letters to some of his successors once he thought the ship of state needed to be redirected. Indeed, serving Presidents prayed never to receive an Obasanjo letter. Presidents Ibrahim Babangida, Jonathan and Buhari have been victims of his trenchant moral missiles at different times. In such letters, he often spoke the mind of Nigerians, daring to say what persons in his class would not say openly. He has been involved in making presidents and unmaking them too. No government ignored such letters.

His political fortunes took a nosedive during the tumultuous days of the Abacha junta when he was arrested and detained for coup plotting. The nation will never forget that footage of a bewildered Obasanjo shocked by the gravity of the frame up by that notorious regime which soon kicked the dust in a most disgraceful and tragic manner. The fear in the nation was palpable. Abacha had no qualms deleting people from the world if he thought that it would serve his interest. The tragic story of General Musa Yar Adua illustrates this vicious aspect of Abacha’s character. Obasanjo could easily have gone the way of Yar Adua and MKO Abiola. But fate smiled at him. Innocent of the coup charge, and favoured by his antecedents, from jail, Obasanjo was drafted to become a democratically elected President in 1999 under the aegis of the Peoples’ Democratic Party. Not too many persons have their grace in this world.

As a young man, it was the post-1976 coup speech that caught my attention about him. He was virtually choking as he gave that speech to the nation. This man who had fought in the Nigeria-Biafra conflict of 1967-70, instrumental to the end of hostilities was badly shaken by the senseless violence of the 1976 assassination of his immediate political boss, Murtala Mohammed. And he conveyed that emotion to the shocked nation. He piloted the nation from 1976 till 1979 when he handed over power to a civilian administration.

His years as an elected President was a mixed bag, owing to the peculiarities of the time. He was the first elected military officer to work with hardcore often mischievous politicians at the centre. But he made the mobile phone possible in the country, disabled the military capacity to plot and execute coups and stabilized the naira among other achievements. His contacts around the world facilitated a debt forgiveness programme for Nigeria possible. He helped to entrench democracy and won a second term in office in a landslide. Although the end of his tenure was almost marred by a rumoured third terms agenda, history will be kind to Chief Obasanjo. Already, he is seen as one of the best leaders in the post military era both in achievements and the moral authority represented by his vibrant personality on national matters.

As he turns 85 years, I join him to give thanks to God for the grace of a long, successful and prosperous life and for his stabilizing personality in the affairs of the Nigerian state. A former king who becomes a king maker never really leaves the stage. Metaphorically speaking, Chief Obasanjo will never leave the Nigerian stage as long as he breathes the God-given fresh air of Mother Earth. If we all continue to wonder what Chief Obasanjo’s opinion is on national matters, then the man Obasanjo remains, relevant and powerful in the hearts of the people. Baba, I greet you from the bottom of my heart! Cheers!

Professor Hope O. Eghagha (BA, Jos; MA; PhD, Lagos) MNAL
Department of English
Faculty of Arts
University of Lagos
Akoka Lagos
NIGERIA

March 7, 2022
I disagree with Obasanjo on some issues but I respect him – Tinubu

National leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said his disagreements with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on some issues are without personal animus.

Tinubu, in a felicitation message to Obasanjo who clocked 85 years on Saturday, said at 85, Obasanjo remained strong, agile, and committed to the greatness of our dear nation.

“President Obasanjo has made numerous useful contributions to this country. There have been instances where I have disagreed with President Obasanjo on important substantive issues.

“Our debates have been spirited yet always professional and without personal animus. Through it all, I have come to respect his love of country and legendary work ethic. President Obasanjo has worked tirelessly for Nigeria, Africa and indeed the black race,” he said.

Tinubu said Obasanjo has earned his stripes as an important statesman on the world stage.

“Baba Obasanjo is bold and courageous and will continue to be so for that is the essence of his character.

“On this occasion of his 85th birthday, our prayers is that God Almighty keep Baba with us for many more years. May God grant him good health and ceaseless energy to continue to be of service to this country he loves so dearly. Amin,” he said.

March 6, 2022
2023: Obasanjo clears air on sponsoring 3 aspirants for presidency

Former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has denied sponsoring three presidential aspirants from the south ahead of the 2023 general elections.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obasanjo cleared the air on the rumours on Saturday at a symposium with the theme: “African narrative with the Nigerian Situation’’ organised to mark his birthday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He also insisted he has not endorsed anyone to run for the presidency next year.

“I read and hear about endorsements and statements in support of candidates that I frankly have not made and forming next political parties that I can never get involved in.

“I was told that social media credited to me the names of three people from the south that I am sponsoring for Presidency in 2023

“My friend, Professor Ango Abdullah, who brought this to my knowledge; I have neither named names nor stated my position.” Obasanjo said.

As former President Obasanjo marked his 85th birthday, he has said how to transition Nigeria from being a country to a nation is what is uppermost for him.

He stressed that Nigeria needed to embrace and prioritise nation-building to attain greater heights.

Obasanjo listed the ideals of nation building to include equity, justice, common ideals, popular education, shared values, mutual respect and equality of opportunities.

He explained that the fundamentals needed to be anchored and propelled by leaders who are persons of integrity, honour, morality, competence, great virtue and must be courageous to do what is right.

He added that such leaders must be humble and be able to put a team together to work in selfless devotion and service with the fear of God.

“From personal experience and clinical observation, there is no substitute for a steady and uncompromised process of nation-building as we have had in some notable examples in the past that have stood us in good stead.

“Fixing Nigeria must begin on the principles of nation-building; not necessarily on emotions, sentiments, euphoria, ignorance, incompetence, ethnicity, nepotism, bigotry, sectionalism, regionalism, religion or class.

“The issues of security, stability, development, economy and our relationship within Africa and with the rest of the world can only be taken care of if we get the issue of nation-building right,’’ he said.

Obasanjo advised that Nigeria must first seek to be a nation rather than a country, stressing that: “the cart should not be put before the horse, otherwise, Nigeria, in no time will not be a country, but countries.’’

For the statesman, such a task was beyond one person, political parties, professionals and commercial politicians.

“It demands and requires all hands to be on deck. I mean Nigerians in all walks of life including politicians, community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, diplomatic leaders, leaders in academia, leaders in all aspects of government and leaders in other aspects of civil society,’’ he said.

Concerning the 2023 general elections, Obasanjo advised Nigerians to prioritise principles above personalities in their choice of leaders.

“We need to be clear about what Nigeria needs today and why Nigeria needs it. Only then can we answer the question of how. The answer will inform us of the criteria and characteristics for determining who.

“I believe in principles before personalities and taking personalities before principles is putting the cart before the horse,’’ the former Nigerian leader said.

He added that what was uppermost for him was how to transit Nigeria from being a country to a nation.

“When we have adequately taken care of nation-building measures, especially management of our unity and taken care of every anomalous situation, then we must zero in on personalities.

“In situations like the one we are in, I will not rush into naming names without necessary consultations and well-defined principles and criteria.

“Each contender must be properly x-rayed and profiled from birth and Nigerians must be educated to be able to make a choice that will be in the national interest and propel Nigeria forward,’’ Obasanjo stressed.

March 6, 2022
Obasanjo @85: What Atiku Abubakar said about his former boss

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday described ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as a pan Africanist committed to good governance in Nigeria and the African continent.

Abubakar, in a statement on Obasanjo’s 85th birthday issued in Abuja, said “the celebration of Obasanjo is parallel to celebrating vision of good leadership and pan-Africanism.”

According to Abubakar, the vision which Obasanjo brought into governance either as a military head of government or as a democratically elected president continues to set the pace for progressive ideals in governments across Africa.

“In the decades of the late 70s when almost all of Africa was covered in military dictatorships, Obasanjo set the pace for a transfer of power to civilian government in Nigeria.

“And that singular effort began the process of democratisation across the continent.

“Similarly when he assumed office in 1999 as a civilian president, Chief Obasanjo re-enacted a convention in Africa which makes the people as the centerpiece of government policies.

“Obasanjo created an era of progressive reforms in Nigeria that continues to benefit the people of Nigeria up till today.

“And that is why he continues to enjoy the goodwill of progressive politicians and statesmen, not just in Africa but globally.”

Abubakar, who was Obasanjo’s vice from 1999 to 2007, prayed God to keep the ex-president healthy and for his legacies of good governance to continue to manifest in Africa.

March 5, 2022
At 85, Obasanjo remains a source of pride to Nigeria, Africa – Saraki

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has described ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as a man who at 85 years remains the pride of Nigeria and Africa.

Saraki in a goodwill message to mark the birthday of his former boss under whom he served as Special Assistant (Budget Matters) between 2000 and 2002, stated that Obasanjo laid the solid foundation that ensured the survival of democracy in the country.

He noted that in the same vein, the former President continued to play a key role in achieving peace, unity, and development of the continent as he still serves in different capacities to entrench stability across Africa.

“Baba, you have continued to bring honour to our country, Nigeria, and her over 200 million citizens. For decades, you have been the pride of our dear nation and its flagbearer in striving for the maintenance of peace not only in Africa but across the globe.

“From your peacekeeping role in Congo in the 1960s as a young army officer to your supportive role in the liberation efforts in Angola and Zimbabwe when you were military Head of State of Nigeria and the leading efforts you made to bring an end to the apartheid system in the Southern African region, you have always demonstrated your dedication to the unity, peace, security, stability, prosperity, and development of the entire continent.

“The various institutions that you built between 1999 and 2007 as elected President to remain the symbols of progress that our country has witnessed since the return to democracy. From EFCC, ICPC, UBEC, NCC, TETFUND, and many others, your indelible marks in the sound of time show you on the frontline among the makers of modern Nigeria.

“I pray that Almighty Allah preserves you to serve Him and humanity for many more years. May you live long and in good health to witness the realization of your dream of a united, prosperous, peaceful, and stronger Nigeria, in particular, and Africa, in general”, Saraki stated.

March 5, 2022
Obasanjo, leader to reckon with globally – Sanwo-Olu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Nigerian President, is a leader to be reckoned with, in Africa and globally.

Sanwo-Olu said this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Friday, while felicitating Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85 years birthday.

Chief Obasanjo, Nigeria’s first civilian President in the present Fourth Republic, clocks 85 on Saturday, March 5.

The governor described him as a quintessential leader not only in Nigeria, but globally.

He said Obasanjo, a retired military General and elder statesman, was worth celebrating, having served in many capacities, especially for unity, peaceful coexistence and socio-economic growth and development of Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu said that Obasanjo was one of the few Nigerian leaders who had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country, both as military and civilian leader, and left with impeccable records.

He said that Obasanjo, at the global level, was a leader to be reckoned with due to his passionate involvement on African affairs and other global issues.

”On behalf of my family, government and the people of Lagos State, I warmly felicitate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday anniversary.

”Baba Obasanjo is worth celebrating for his contribution to the development of our dear country, especially his service to the nation as a gallant military officer, Head of State and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

”He has made lots of positive impacts in the country as a military officer and political leader, fighting along with several other patriots for a united Nigeria during his days in the Nigerian Army.

”He has written his name in gold as the first Nigerian to serve as Head of State and later Civilian President. He also administered the country with focus on improving the lives of the citizens and the country’s economy.

”As Baba Obasanjo celebrates a major milestone, I join your family, friends and associates to wish you many happy returns,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He prayed that God would grant Obasanjo long life and good health, so that the country could continue to tap from his fountain of knowledge and experience, as an elder statesman and global leader.

March 5, 2022