Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment - Newstrends
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Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment

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Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment

Ooni of Ife  Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s growing recognition of culture as a vital pillar of national identity, unity and international diplomacy.

The monarch, who is the Global Patron of the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for creating a cultural-friendly environment and giving formal recognition to traditional heritage and spiritual institutions across the country.

“We are grateful that this administration is giving rightful recognition to our culture,” the Ooni declared. “Culture is the soul of a people. Without it, we have no identity. President Tinubu’s leadership is not only helping to reposition our cultural values on the global stage, but also bringing us back to the very essence of our existence,” he added.

Oba Ogunwusi, who spoke at a conference held at the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos,  organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), as part of preparations for the upcoming global cultural exchange between Nigeria and Brazil under the auspices of WOOCON, called for religious tolerance among adherents of  religions, saying humanity should be paramount in all that religion stood for.

The Ife monarch urged the Yoruba across the globe to reconnect with one another in order to shift global perceptions about Orisa, saying Orisa was a propellant energy that no one could survive without.

Brazilian Consular in Lagos, Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, lauded the historical and spiritual connections between Brazil and Nigeria, particularly through the shared Yoruba heritage that continued to thrive across both nations.

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Executive Secretary/CEO, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) and Secretary of the WOOCON Board of Trustees (BOT), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, emphasised the global cultural renaissance currently taking shape and the pivotal role Nigeria must play in the unfolding narrative.

“WOOCON is not just a congress—it’s a movement to reclaim and redefine African cultural consciousness and identity. This ground-breaking initiative is going to be one of the global cultural festivals that will reposition Nigeria as a major tourism destination in the world by exploring new opportunities in cultural and spiritual tourism that can generate over 10 billion USD annually for the country in the next three years if planned well.

“Nigeria’s decision to collaborate with Brazil in the area of culture, tradition and heritage is informed by the deep historical and cultural connections that exist between the two nations.

“These cultural similarities are specifically profound and undeniable in the area of Yoruba heritage where thousands of Brazilians have over the years, visited Nigeria to participate in major cultural and religious festivals such as the Osun Oshogbo Festival, the Olojo Festival, and Sango Festival to mention a few.

“These interactions reaffirm the strong ancestral ties between our people and highlight the need for structured engagements that will further solidify these bonds. Interestingly, it is not just Brazil but a whole lot of other countries in the Caribbean’s”, Otunba noted.

Two eminent cultural icons who are Patrons of WOOCON; Prof Wole Soyinka and Prof Wande Abimbola lent their voices for the movement.

While the Nobel laureate reaffirmed the importance of intellectual and spiritual engagement in reviving the African culture, Prof. Abimbola, a renowned Yoruba scholar, who joined virtually from the United States, spoke passionately about the Orisha tradition as a global spiritual system that must be preserved and respected across continents.

Soyinka alluded to the fact that culture defines people and nationalities. He opined that this consciousness is long overdue and appreciates the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for encouraging and supporting this initiative, saying it is sincerely a step to greatness and global boost in tourism revenue and relevance.

The gathering marked a significant moment in advancing Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and underscored the commitment of WOOCON to building bridges between Africa and the diaspora through shared heritage, spirituality, and collaboration.

 

Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment

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Regina Daniels Gifts Mother Two Luxury SUVs in Emotional Surprise

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Regina Daniels Gifts Mother Two Luxury SUVs

Regina Daniels Gifts Mother Two Luxury SUVs in Emotional Surprise

Popular Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has once again captured public attention after surprising her mother, veteran actress and producer Rita Daniels, with two luxury SUVs in an emotional family celebration.

The heartwarming moment, which has since gone viral on social media, reportedly took place during a private gathering attended by close family members and friends. Videos circulating online show the vehicles being unveiled to loud cheers as Rita Daniels reacted with visible shock and gratitude.

According to posts shared by Regina Daniels, the grand gesture was her way of expressing appreciation for her mother’s unwavering support and sacrifices throughout her acting career. She credited Rita Daniels for guiding her from childhood stardom into becoming one of Nollywood’s most successful young actresses.

Rita Daniels, who currently serves as the Delta State chairperson of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has long been instrumental in managing her daughter’s career and public image. Industry observers note that her influence played a significant role in Regina’s early breakthrough and sustained success in the Nigerian film industry.

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Although the exact models of the luxury SUVs were not officially disclosed, clips shared online suggest they are high-end brands valued at several millions of naira. The symbolic presentation of the car keys was captured in videos that have continued to generate reactions across entertainment platforms.

Fans and fellow celebrities flooded social media with congratulatory messages, praising Regina Daniels for celebrating her mother publicly. Many described the gesture as a powerful display of gratitude, family values and success.

Regina Daniels, who is married to businessman and politician Ned Nwoko, remains one of the most followed figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Beyond acting, she maintains a strong online presence, often sharing updates about her family life, lifestyle and philanthropic activities.

The surprise gift further underscores her growing influence and financial success within Nollywood, reinforcing her status as one of the industry’s most prominent young stars.

Regina Daniels Gifts Mother Two Luxury SUVs in Emotional Surprise

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NRC, Entertainers Finalise Plans for 2026 Valentine Train Ride

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Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)

NRC, Entertainers Finalise Plans for 2026 Valentine Train Ride

A team of leading Nigerian artistes and entertainment executives has paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, ahead of the 2026 Valentine Love Train experience.

The delegation included celebrated musician Sunny Neji, Managing Director of Ojez Entertainment Limited, Joseph Odobeatu, and veteran vocalist Yinka Davies.

The high-profile visit formed part of final preparations for the Valentine-themed train ride scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station.

Dr. Opeifa received the artistes and commended the creative industry for choosing the national rail system as the venue for the annual Valentine event. He noted that the partnership reflects growing public confidence in the corporation’s safety standards, operational improvements, and renewed focus on customer experience.

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“The 2026 edition aims to deliver an unforgettable experience while deepening public engagement with the rail service,” Opeifa said, reaffirming the NRC’s commitment to providing secure and efficient transport for passengers during special events.

Organisers disclosed that this year’s edition will feature an expanded entertainment lineup, including performances and appearances by Charles Inojie, Yinka Davies, Sunny Neji, and Segun Arinze. Guests are expected to enjoy live music, comedy, a couple’s game show, fashion showcases, and special performances throughout the Lagos–Ibadan–Lagos train ride, culminating in a Valentine banquet ball.

The Valentine Love Train has in recent years become a fixture on the NRC’s festive calendar, attracting couples, families, and leisure seekers with its blend of travel, romance, and entertainment. The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts by the corporation to promote rail transportation as a viable and enjoyable alternative for intercity travel.

With final logistics being fine-tuned, organisers say the 2026 edition promises to combine safety, comfort, and premium entertainment for participants.

NRC, Entertainers Finalise Plans for 2026 Valentine Train Ride

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Regina Daniels Shares Emotional Message on Children’s Welfare Amid Custody Battle

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Nollywood actress Regina Daniels with her children
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels with her children

Regina Daniels Shares Emotional Message on Children’s Welfare Amid Custody Battle

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has voiced deep concern about the safety and well-being of her children following her separation from estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko. The actress, who has been navigating a highly publicised family dispute, emphasised her ongoing commitment to ensuring her children are protected despite restricted access.

In a heartfelt message shared on her son’s school social media page, Daniels commended Lincoln American Academy for its role in her child’s upbringing and growth. She appealed to school authorities to continue caring for her children in her absence, describing them as the “blessed fruit of my womb.” Daniels reassured her son of her constant prayers and watchfulness, writing: “Oh my Moon! Blessed fruit of my womb! Mama is so proud! Grow in good health, my child! I will always watch and pray over you from afar. @LincolnAmericanAcademy I trust you to look after my babies well.”

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The actress’ message comes amid an ongoing custody and marital dispute with Senator Nwoko, with reports suggesting limited access to her children in recent months. Daniels’ emotional statements have drawn significant public attention, highlighting the challenges of protecting children’s welfare in high-profile separations.

Representatives of Nwoko’s camp have responded to Daniels’ claims, stating that court-ordered evaluations and social welfare assessments were required before full access to the children could be restored. They assured that the children are living in a stable environment and that their well-being remains a priority.

Despite the legal and personal challenges, Daniels continues to stress her role as a mother and her desire to be actively involved in her children’s lives. Her appeal underscores the importance of child welfare, emotional support, and parental involvement even amid complex family disputes.

The story has resonated widely on social media, with fans and followers urging respect for the family’s privacy and emphasising the need to prioritise the children’s interests during this sensitive period.

Regina Daniels Shares Emotional Message on Children’s Welfare Amid Custody Battle

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