Connect with us

News

The Untold Story of Stella Obasanjo

Published

on

Stella Obasanjo, Nigeria’s First Lady from 1999 to 2005, remains one of the least fully told stories of women who stood quietly yet firmly at the heart of the nation’s political life. She passed away in October 2005, just weeks before her 60th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, compassion, and understated influence.
Born Stella Abebe on 14 November 1945 in Iruekpen, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, she came from a distinguished background. Her father, Dr. Christopher Abebe, was a senior executive of the United Africa Company (UAC) and later made history as the first indigenous (African) chairman of UAC Nigeria.
Stella’s educational journey reflected both discipline and ambition. She began her schooling at Our Lady of the Apostles Primary School and proceeded to St. Theresa’s College, where she earned her West African School Certificate in 1964 with Grade One, followed by a Higher School Certificate two years later.
In 1967, she gained admission into the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, to study English, attending until 1969. She later relocated to the United Kingdom, where she completed further studies in insurance in London and Edinburgh, Scotland, between 1970 and 1974. She rounded off her formal education in 1976 with a certificate as a confidential secretary from Pitman College.
That same year, Stella returned to Nigeria and married General Olusegun Obasanjo. Their union produced one son, Olumuyiwa Obasanjo, born in 1977. At the time, Nigeria was in a period of transition, following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, after which Obasanjo assumed office as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Though often reserved in public, Stella Obasanjo was a political activist in her own right. She championed causes such as women’s liberation, youth empowerment, and the rehabilitation of a nation scarred by civil war and military rule.
Upon becoming First Lady in 1999, following her husband’s election as civilian president, she founded the Child Care Trust, an initiative dedicated to the welfare of underprivileged and disabled children. She also became a vocal advocate against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), aligning Nigeria with global efforts to end the practice. On 6 February 2003, she formally declared the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s gender-rights advocacy.
Her Death
Stella Obasanjo died on 23 October 2005 at a private clinic in Puerto Banús, Marbella, Spain, from complications arising from cosmetic surgery. Her sudden death shocked the nation and brought a quiet end to a life devoted to service, advocacy, and dignity.
She is remembered not only as Nigeria’s First Lady, but as a woman who used her position to amplify the voices of children, women, and the vulnerable—leaving behind a legacy that still resonates today.

News

11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

Published

on

The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

Continue Reading

News

So Sad: Father Dies While Rescuing Daughter From Midnight Fire, Both Perish in Minna Tragedy (Photos)

Published

on

A father’s ultimate act of love has ended in heartbreak after a devastating midnight fire claimed both his life and that of his six-year-old daughter in Minna, Niger State, leaving a family shattered and a community in mourning.

The tragedy struck at approximately 2am on March 2, 2026, when fire broke out at the residence of Ikechukwu Michael Njoku, 45, situated within the premises of St. Andrew Anglican Church in the Sabon Gari area of Minna.

According to accounts shared on Facebook by family acquaintance Offor Oscar Onyinye, Njoku was jolted awake by the smell of smoke and the sight of flames rapidly engulfing his home. Without pause for his own safety, he plunged into the inferno to rescue his young daughter, Esther, who was trapped inside the children’s room. Though he managed to pull himself out of the blaze, little Esther did not survive — she died instantly.

Njoku himself emerged from the fire with severe burns across his body. For nearly two weeks, he clung to life, battling his injuries at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna. His struggle ended on March 16, 2026, when he succumbed to his wounds — fourteen days after he had thrown himself into the flames for his child.

His wife and three other children survived the inferno but sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalised at IBB Specialist Hospital, where they continue to fight for recovery.

Father and daughter are to be laid to rest on March 27, 2026, in their ancestral hometown of Mebiokpa Okposi Ohozara in Ebonyi State.

“In just one night, a family lost so much — a father gone, a daughter gone, and others left in pain and trauma,” Onyinye wrote in a tribute that has since resonated widely across social media, with many describing Njoku as a hero whose love for his child knew no bounds.

Continue Reading

News

I Thought It Was A Joke — Nigerian Man Recounts What He Witnessed During “R@ping Festival” In Delta (Video)

Published

on

A video making rounds on social media has triggered widespread reactions after capturing a disturbing incident reportedly occurring in Ozoro, Delta State.

According to multiple posts online, there are claims that several women have been ass@ulted in the area during what some users are describing as a local gathering.

There are also warnings being shared online advising women and girls in the area to stay indoors, with concerns that those outside may be at risk. Some posts further allege that individuals who are unaware of the situation, including visitors and students, may have been affected.

Ozoro is home to Delta State University, and many online users have expressed concern about the safety of students and residents.

The situation has triggered widespread outrage, with many calling for urgent attention, proper investigation, and protection for those in the community.

Delta state police command, SP Bright Edafe, said the police has begun arresting some of the defaulting men.

Watch the video below..

Continue Reading

Trending