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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday said he has since dropped Matthew from his name because he did not fancy it.

This is just as he called for decolonisation of names as part of moves to break out from the shackles of slavery, slave trade and colonialism by Africans.

He said there is a need for Africa to free itself from the shackles in order to make progress politically and economically.

He spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a public lecture and book presentation to mark his 88th birthday.

The books are titled “Lest we forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation” and “Nigeria: Past and the Future.”

In his remarks, Obasanjo maintained that Africa must free itself from the effect of colonialism for the continent to attain its desired growth and development.

“The (guest) lecturer made us to realise that part of our problem is what I may call the residue of slavery, slave trade, and colonialism. And until we can break ourselves completely out of it, we will not be able to make much progress as we should,” Obasanjo said.

The former President noted that Africa is still battling the effects of colonialism and slave trade, spanning about two centuries.

Quoting some speakers at the event, the Ota – Farmer also pushed for what he called decolonisation of names, hinting that he no longer fancy his name, Matthew.

Obasanjo jokingly referenced comments of the African Development Bank President, Dr Akin Adesina, in a recorded speech, where he called the former president Matthew.

He told the gathering that he would stick to his native names – Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo – but Adesina is free to retain Matthew on his part.

Obasanjo wondered why his late parents named him Matthew, a tax collector, and not names like Peter, Samuel, John and Moses, which he described as “beautiful names.”

He said “And that brings me to Akin Adesina, who wants to continue to rename me Matthew. I have no problem with his evangelical mission. Matthew was a disciple of Jesus Christ, but he was a tax collector.

“We have Peter, who was a disciple, even though he denied Jesus but he was forgiven, and he became the rock. We have John. But for me, the name Mathew I don’t fancy it. And I said it was my father and my mother… I don’t know why they decided on Mathew. They didn’t name me Peter, John, Samuel, Moses. Those are beautiful names. Not even Joseph.

“So, Akin Adesina can keep his Matthew, I will keep my Olusegun Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo.”

Speaking further on his second book on Nigeria’s past and future, Obasanjo described himself as an incurable optimistist, saying Nigeria would become a great country in his lifetime.

“On ‘Nigeria past and future’, it is for us to see where we have all gone wrong without any exception as a group. And then, is there a way out and if there is a way out, what’s the way out? If we know the way out, how do we get there? And what should we do?

“But for me, I am an incurable optimistist about Nigeria. Yes, the situation is bad , no doubt. But I believe that in my lifetime, we will have Nigeria that will be all proud of.”

A senior Professor at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been declared dead after slumping during a departmental meeting today, March 6.

A statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, said during a departmental meeting this morning (Wednesday, 5th day of March 2025), it was noticed by his colleagues that he was breathing “abnormally” and was immediately rushed to the University Health and Medical Centre.

Upon prompt medical examination by the team of doctors on duty, he was referred to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), also in Ile-Ife, where he was pronounced dead.

The statement adds that the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Bamire, has led other members of his management team to pay a condolence visit to the widow and children of the deceased academician.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the employment of 774 National Health Fellows, a pivotal initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Health to foster sustained improvements within Nigeria’s healthcare system.

President Tinubu announced the fellows ‘ employment on Thursday during the programme’s launch at the State House in Abuja. Nigeria’s development partners, senior government officials, and traditional leaders, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III attended the ceremony.

The employment of these fellows, selected from each local council, stemmed from the recommendation of Professor Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Professor Pate lauded their selection as the best among 360,000 applicants, underscoring the merit-based nature of the process.

The President’s surprising gesture drew wild applause from the fellows and other guests at the event.

President Tinubu praised the bold initiative and the rigorous selection process, highlighting its significance.

“This programme is a transformative initiative that underscores my administration’s commitment to harnessing the immense potential of Nigeria’s greatest asset—its young people. With over 60% of Nigerians under 30, we boast one of the most energetic, resourceful, and dynamic youth populations globally. This presents unparalleled opportunities to drive innovation, economic prosperity, and social transformation,” stated President Tinubu.

President Tinubu said the National Health Fellows initiative is part of several platforms provided by his administration to empower Nigerian youths, enabling them to excel and contribute to national development.

The President encouraged the fellows, pioneers in the health service programme, to fully embrace the opportunities and view themselves as future leaders of Nigeria’s health care system.

“Your selection is more than a recruitment; it proves our commitment to creating a nation where equal opportunities are available to every Nigerian, irrespective of social status, gender, or creed. You are this country’s greatest asset, and we are committed to fostering a bright future where Nigeria stands as a nation of pride for all,” the President affirmed.

President Tinubu emphasised the programme’s vision to cultivate a pipeline of health leaders to drive meaningful, sustained change and innovation within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“Healthcare is a critical pillar of national development. No country can thrive if its people are unhealthy. An unsustainable health program poses risks, while sustainable development hinges on a robust healthcare system. You are the pillars of this vision, and I am proud to be here with you today,” said President Tinubu.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and the crucial role the 774 fellows will play in revolutionising Nigeria’s health sector.

“I am here to inform you that the social movement to improve the health of Nigerians has begun, and we are already witnessing positive results,” he remarked.

Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Youth Minister Ayodele Olawande, and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, offered the fellows additional encouragement with inspiring messages.
 

President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said he is currently resting after delivering his refinery project.

The 650,000-barrel refinery and petrochemicals project worth over $20bn has come to disrupt the oil and gas market in Africa and the world even as the refinery now exports refined products to other countries in Africa and Middle East.

Dangote recently spoke about the challenges he faced constructing the refinery which he described as the biggest risk of his life, saying he went through hell.

But speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 43-storey building new First Bank Head Office at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos, Dangote said he’s now resting after delivering the project.

He commended his friend and ally, Mr. Femi Otedola, who is the Chairman of FirstHoldCo for daring to put up a 43-storey edifice in Eko Atlantic as the new Head Office of FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest financial institution.

He said Eko Atlantic has become the new City of Lagos and with FirstBank joining the list of corporate entities in the emerging industrial city, more banks would come in.

Dangote however stated that Otedola had also invited him to come to Eko Atlantic, adding, “Maybe soon, not now I’m resting right now. Having delivered the refinery I need some rest but I’ll come, I’ll be here very soon. So I want to congratulate you (Otedola) and the entire board and management of First Bank for taking this bold move of building a massive edifice in the new City of Lagos.”

Two teachers at Ibru College in Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, were filmed in a violent altercation within the staff room.

The video was seen in a post on Facebook by one Nkeiru Udoh Ogosi on Wednesday, March 5.

The disturbing video, which has since gone viral, captured two male teachers at Ibru College in Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, physically fighting in the staff room while colleagues screamed and made urgent calls for help.

The footage also shows students and other staff members peeping through windows to witness the brawl.

Despite several efforts to intervene and separate the teachers, the fight continued unabated.

The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday, March 6, 2025, though the exact cause of the altercation remains unknown.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on Thursday recommended a six-month suspension for the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The suspension followed allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office leveled against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

At the ongoing plenary session, the committee advised that the salary and security details of the female lawmaker be withdrawn.

The committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, who presented the panel’s report at plenary, said Natasha was guilty of all allegations against her.

According to him, Natasha failed to submit herself to the legislative committee for the review of her conduct.

Four bodies have been recovered from the collapsed two-storey building at Oriwu Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

On Wednesday, two bodies were recovered from the accident site, and six individuals were rescued by emergency responders.

Ibrahim Farinloye, the Territorial Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the South-West Region, confirmed on Thursday that two more bodies were retrieved from the debris, and one additional person was rescued.

He said: “Additionally, two dead bodies retrieved from the rubles and one male adult rescued as at Thursday morning making a total of four dead bodies recovered and 15 persons rescued at the scene of the storey building incident.

“The structure is located at Oriwu Estate, Elf Bus stop, imward Ajah, Lekki+Epe expressway, Lagos.”

It was gathered that the building was under construction at the time of collapse and many workers were inside it.

Initially, emergency workers rescued 14 persons underneath the rubble and rushed them to the Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment.

Singer Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni the entertainer, has recounted battling with malaria for two weeks.

In a video on her Instagram page on Wednesday, March 5, Teni disclosed that even while unwell, she had to push through and travel to Ondo state to fulfill a music performance for which she had been paid for.

The singer emphasised that no amount of money could ever guarantee good health, but God.

The caption reads: ” Money cannot buy you health O,na God.”

President of the United States, Donald Trump, has issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the release of all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, threatening severe consequences if they are not freed.

Trump threatened that if Hamas does not obey his order he would be providing Israel with everything necessary to “finish the job,” warning that “not a single Hamas member will be safe”.

Trump’s order follows shortly after the White House confirmed it was engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas regarding the hostages.

Until now, Washington has steered clear of direct interaction with the group, adhering to a long-standing U.S. policy that prohibits contact with organisations designated as terrorist groups.

Trump’s warning was contained in a statement he signed on Wednesday, March 05.

The statement reads: “Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is over for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!

“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.

“I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.

“Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are dead! Make a smart decision. Release the hostages now or there will be hell to pay later!.”