Former Kogi East Senator Ocheja, 74, marries 18-year-old

 

Former Kogi East Senator, Emmanuel Dangana Ocheja, 74, marries 18-year-old Winifred, with the couple holding their traditional wedding on September 13 and white wedding in Abuja on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

The marriage has drawn attention following a congratulatory message by businessman, Isaac Fayose, who shared details of the union on social media.

Fayose reportedly described Winifred as the best friend of Ocheja’s granddaughter while congratulating the newlyweds.

The couple first held their traditional wedding ceremony on September 13 before proceeding with their white wedding in Abuja six days later.

Ocheja, a lawyer who later ventured into politics, represented Kogi East Senatorial District in the seventh National Assembly between 2011 and 2015.

The former senator’s marriage to the 18-year-old bride has since generated interest on social media, particularly because of the significant age difference between the couple.

Ocheja, who has remained involved in business and public affairs since leaving the National Assembly, is now beginning another chapter of his life with his new wife.

How can Nigeria rebuild from their recent failures to win the next AFCON?

 

igeria’s Super Eagles are in a critical juncture of rebuilding following a series of disappointing results that have raised eyebrows as to what is going on with the national team. The journey to consistent success is not just about finding better players or changing coaches. It is about building a more robust football ecosystem that can yield sustainable results, and Nigeria is still on that path

While fans analyse team formations, strategies, and player growth, many are also keeping tabs on the broader African football landscape via various channels, including top African betting sites, where they can find insights on competitions, teams, and betting trends. The recovery of Nigeria however will hinge less on the expectations of the outside world, but rather on the need to create a clear football identity with efficient planning.

Disappointments of the past must be the foundation for success. The performance of the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023 demonstrated that the side is still capable of playing top-tier football, reaching the final before falling 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in extra time. Despite taking an early lead through William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria conceded two second-half goals and watched the Elephants complete a fairytale triumph on home soil. The defeat marked Nigeria’s fifth AFCON final loss, highlighting a recurring inability to convert strong campaigns into silverware. The Super Eagles also faced another big blow as they were eliminated in a penalty shootout by DR Congo in the CAF Play-Off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After beating Gabon 4-1 in the semi-final, Nigeria drew 1-1 with DR Congo after extra time in the final before losing 4-3 on penalties in Rabat. The defeat meant Nigeria failed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups despite having star strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in their career prime years.

Building a stronger football development system

Improved domestic football development is the first step to recovery for Nigeria. The country has bred great players in the past, with plenty of those making it to Europe, and the quality only seems to get better, but it is not a consistent route from grassroot football to the international stage.

There is a need for more robust youth academies, better coaching education, better scouting networks and more competitive domestic structures in Nigeria. It takes more than just recognising talent to develop it. The young footballers need to be trained in the technical and tactical aspects of the game, while physical conditioning and psychological strategies will also be crucial.

Don Jazzy breaks silence as viral baby rumour with Ayra Starr’s mum spreads

 

Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has reacted after a viral social media post claimed he and the mother of Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr were expecting a baby.

The music executive responded to the claim on Wednesday after the post gained traction on X, questioning the basis of the rumour with a sarcastic message directed at the account that shared it.

“Let me first tag and beg your family members to talk sense to you now o,” Don Jazzy wrote while reacting to the viral post.

The claim, which circulated widely online, alleged that Don Jazzy and Ayra Starr’s mother were celebrating as they prepared to welcome their unborn child.

The post was accompanied by images and a video showing a man and a pregnant woman holding what appeared to be a scan, as well as footage from a celebration.

Don Jazzy’s response quickly attracted reactions from social media users, with many commenting on the unusual nature of the claim and his decision to address it.

The rumour comes amid previous online speculations linking the music executive with Ayra Starr’s mother, Nene Aderibigbe.

Earlier reports had shown that images allegedly suggesting a romantic connection between the two had circulated online, with some users questioning their authenticity and others raising concerns over possible artificial intelligence-generated content.

Don Jazzy, whose Mavin Records helped launch Ayra Starr’s career, has maintained a close professional relationship with the singer and her family since discovering her music.

Ayra Starr, meanwhile, recently released her third studio album, Starr Girl, with her mother also attracting attention online after supporting promotional activities around the project.

The latest claim has once again pushed the names of the music executive and the singer’s mother into online conversations, despite no confirmed evidence supporting the viral pregnancy allegation.

Nigeria To Send Nurses, Teachers, IT Experts, Others To Jamaica Under New Deal

 Nigeria and Jamaica have signed an Agreement on Technical Assistance aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and expanding the reach of Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Programme in the Caribbean country.

The agreement was signed at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the high-level activities of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The signing followed discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith.

Nigeria and Jamaica Seek Deeper Technical Cooperation

The bilateral meeting focused on strengthening relations between the two countries and expanding people-to-people exchanges through practical areas of cooperation.

According to a statement by the minister’s Media Assistant, Dr Magnus Eze, the two foreign ministers reviewed opportunities for deeper collaboration and agreed to explore additional areas of mutual interest through existing bilateral mechanisms.

The agreement further builds on longstanding ties between Nigeria and Jamaica, with technical assistance providing a channel through which Nigerian professionals can contribute expertise to development programmes in Jamaica.

Jamaica Wants More Nigerian Professionals

Johnson Smith expressed Jamaica’s appreciation for Nigeria’s contribution to the country’s development through the TAC Programme.

She highlighted the programme’s contribution in areas including health, education and local fabric artisanry, while indicating Jamaica’s interest in receiving more Nigerian professionals.

Among the professionals Jamaica is interested in receiving are Nigerian nurses and teachers, whose expertise could support institutions and communities in the country.

The Jamaican minister said the TAC Programme had produced an impact beyond the transfer of technical skills, also creating opportunities for cultural and creative exchanges between Nigerians and Jamaicans.

How Nigeria’s TAC Programme Influenced “JADIRE”

One example cited during the discussions was “JADIRE”, a concept that combines Jamaican designs with Nigeria’s traditional Adire tie-and-dye textile technique.

The concept was developed by Jamaican artisans following training they received through Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps Programme in 2018.

The example illustrates how technical assistance can produce outcomes that extend beyond conventional professional training, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and adaptation of indigenous creative practices.

In this case, Nigeria’s traditional textile knowledge became part of a creative concept developed by artisans in Jamaica, providing a practical example of how cooperation between the two countries can operate at community level.

Agreement Signed During Nigeria’s UNGA Engagements

The agreement formed part of a series of bilateral engagements undertaken by Odumegwu-Ojukwu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Nigeria used the UNGA platform to hold discussions with several countries and international organisations on bilateral relations, trade, development, security and other areas of mutual interest.

The agreement with Jamaica comes alongside a broader pattern of bilateral engagements involving Nigeria and countries across different regions.

Nigeria Expands Bilateral Engagements

In recent weeks, Nigeria has pursued bilateral discussions covering areas ranging from trade and investment to technology, migration, security and human-capital development.

The country’s growing engagement with international partners comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking greater investment, stronger economic partnerships and expanded opportunities for its citizens abroad.

The Bureau Journal recently examined the changing global trade environment after global goods trade reached $13.7 trillion in the first half of 2026, highlighting the importance of international commerce and stronger connections to global markets.

Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements increasingly intersect with these economic priorities as the government seeks to deepen partnerships beyond traditional political relations.

Technical Aid as a Tool of Diplomacy

The Nigeria-Jamaica agreement also highlights the role of technical assistance in Nigeria’s foreign-policy engagement.

Rather than limiting bilateral relations to diplomatic meetings and political consultations, the TAC Programme provides a mechanism for Nigerian professionals to share skills and experience directly with partner countries.

The programme can therefore serve both development and diplomatic objectives, while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals to work in international environments.

The Jamaican interest in Nigerian nurses and teachers suggests that human-capital cooperation could become an important component of the next phase of Nigeria-Jamaica relations.

Nigeria’s International Partnerships Broaden

Nigeria’s foreign-policy engagements have also expanded into areas such as technology, investment and economic cooperation.

The country’s relationship with global partners has become increasingly important as Nigeria seeks to attract capital, expand markets for its products and strengthen its position within international value chains.

People-to-People Relations at the Centre

The discussions between Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Johnson Smith also placed emphasis on people-to-people relations.

That aspect of the agreement is significant because Nigeria and Jamaica share longstanding cultural and historical connections, while technical cooperation provides a practical avenue for strengthening those ties.

The TAC Programme’s work in Jamaica, particularly in health, education and artisan training, demonstrates how bilateral relations can extend directly into communities.

The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry has also placed greater emphasis on engagement with Nigerians living abroad as part of its broader citizens-diplomacy agenda.

Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Focuses on Practical Cooperation

The agreement with Jamaica comes amid a wider effort by Nigeria to pursue practical bilateral partnerships in areas that can produce measurable benefits.

Recent engagements have covered trade, investment, technology, migration, security and human-capital development, reflecting the broad range of interests shaping Nigeria’s external relations.

During the current UNGA period, Nigeria has also engaged partners on migration cooperation and legal mobility. The Bureau Journal has continued to monitor these international engagements as they develop.

The country’s participation in global forums has similarly provided opportunities to strengthen relations with emerging economic partners and international institutions.

For example, Nigeria’s participation in BRICS-related diplomacy has focused on expanding South-South cooperation in areas including trade, investment, technology and industrial development.

What the Nigeria-Jamaica Agreement Could Mean

The immediate significance of the agreement lies in creating a formal framework for expanding technical cooperation between the two countries.

For Jamaica, increased access to Nigerian professionals could provide additional expertise in sectors where the country has identified specific needs.

For Nigeria, the expansion of the TAC Programme creates another avenue for Nigerian professionals to contribute internationally while strengthening bilateral relations.

The cultural dimension could also remain important, particularly where technical assistance produces local adaptations such as the JADIRE textile concept.

More Areas of Cooperation Expected

The two ministers agreed to explore additional areas of mutual interest through existing and other bilateral platforms.

This leaves room for Nigeria and Jamaica to expand cooperation beyond the sectors currently highlighted, depending on the priorities identified by both governments.

The formal signing of the agreement therefore represents a new step in the relationship rather than the conclusion of bilateral discussions.

Both countries said the agreement reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening longstanding relations and advancing practical cooperation for mutual benefit.

Nigeria-Jamaica Relations Enter a New Phase

The expansion of the Technical Aid Corps Programme into additional areas of Jamaica’s development agenda could give the longstanding relationship between the two countries a more practical dimension.

With Jamaica seeking more Nigerian nurses and teachers and continuing to value the contribution of Nigerian technical expertise, the TAC Programme could become an important channel for deeper people-to-people cooperation.

For Nigeria, the agreement demonstrates how technical assistance can function as an instrument of international cooperation while showcasing the skills and expertise of Nigerian professionals abroad.

The signing in New York, alongside Nigeria’s wider diplomatic engagements during UNGA 81, also underscores the government’s continued use of multilateral platforms to strengthen bilateral partnerships around the world.

Stop Bringing Cows, Rams To Judges - Justice Ibrahim Saulawa

 

A retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Ibrahim Saulawa, yesterday cautioned politicians against attempting to sway judicial officers with what he described as “Greek gifts”.

Retiring from the bench on reaching the mandatory age of 70, the jurist insisted that action must be taken against the practice of politicians gifting cows and rams to judges, adding that he had previously raised the matter with the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“Why should a politician send a ram, cow or other items to a Supreme Court Justice? It is unheard of in other countries.

“I am calling on the CJN to do something about this. I once raised the issue. It is demeaning and equally frustrating,” added Justice Saulawa, who bowed out of the bench after a 44-year journey in the legal profession.

He spoke at a valedictory court session the apex court held in his honour.

While urging judges across the federation to embrace a culture of integrity, honesty and morality, the retiring Justice recalled a case in which an influential person he later convicted had tried, before judgment was delivered, to influence him through proxies after he declined a gift of a car.

“Prior to the case, the Alhaji had donated to me a brand new Peugeot motor vehicle, which I flatly rejected.

[b]“He went to the extent of seeking the intervention of some prominent personalities, including the Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Usman, the District Head, Alhaji Balan Goggo, et al., with a view to influencing me to accept the ‘Greek gift,’ but to no avail,” [/b]Justice Saulawa added.

Only six Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and 13 other lawyers attended the jurist’s valedictory session on Tuesday, in contrast to similar ceremonies in the past that attracted serving and former governors and other eminent personalities.

A representative of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BoSAN), Mr. Damien Dodo, SAN, who declared that he was embarrassed by the poor attendance of lawyers, blamed it on miscommunication, saying it was not a reflection of the personality of Justice Saulawa, who, he said, served the country “with granite integrity.”

The outgoing jurist disclosed that, while in service, he had, in a bid to safeguard his principles, turned down several invitations to attend social gatherings.

“But some of my learned friends are always there, even if they didn’t need to be there,” he noted.

Recalling the crisis that led to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Justice Saulawa said that, as the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal at the time, he took steps to stem the tide of conflicting court orders which, he said, were orchestrated by the military.

He noted that while the FCT High Court issued two interim orders that restrained the Professor Humphrey Nwosu-led National Electoral Commission (NEC) from conducting the presidential poll and from announcing the results, some state high courts issued conflicting orders directing that the results be announced.

Insisting that the legal confusion was masterminded by the military, Justice Saulawa said he acted on the directive of the then President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice M. Akanbi, by swiftly moving to Kaduna to take control of the appellate court’s registry.

“Appeals were filed at the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, by the NEC. As the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, and the only spokesperson thereof, I flew from Lagos to Kaduna and took effective control of the Registry and supervised the registering of the appeals and the issuing of the appropriate court processes to the respective parties to the appeals.

“I equally issued a press release regarding the circumstances surrounding the two appeals and motions relating to.

“Later in the evening, I flew back to Lagos and briefed the PCA, Hon. Justice MMA Akanbi, a man of unquestionable integrity and unwavering courage. Upon my advice, the Hon. PCA called for an emergency meeting of the Hon. Presiding Justices over the crisis,” he added.

He said it was after every effort the military made to infiltrate the judiciary “was frustrated by myself and Justice Akanbi” that the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the outcome of the presidential contest on the excuse that he was saving “the judiciary from self-destruction.”

While faulting the military for engaging in “forum shopping,” which he said led to all the conflicting court orders, Justice Saulawa insisted the judiciary at that time deserved “a gold medal.”

“We actually did all we could do to frustrate the military,” he added.

Meanwhile, the CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in her address at the valedictory court session, extolled Justice Saulawa’s virtues, describing him as “a man whose life has been defined by service.”

The CJN recalled the time the retiring Justice was serving as the Presiding Justice of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal, saying: “There was, during that period, a particular moment which has remained with me, because of what it revealed about the values we both held dear.

“A situation arose which called for a clear and principled response to an attempt, however discreetly made, to place a matter of personal benefit in the path of judicial duty.

“Without hesitation, we each took the position that the integrity of the judicial office admits of no compromise and that even the appearance of impropriety must be guarded against.

“What followed was a quiet but unmistakable affirmation of a principle that needed no elaborate expression: that the honour of the judicial office is preserved not merely in our judgments from the Bench, but also in the choices we make when no judgment is being written.

“I believe that moment deepened my appreciation of my Lord’s character and, in its own quiet way, helped to define the mutual respect and understanding that have characterised our relationship since,” the CJN added.