Revenge, Power, and Betrayal: The Cartel Brings Non-Stop Action to Cinema Screens March 7th

– Brace yourself for an electrifying cinematic experience as ‘The Cartel’, a gripping action-packed thriller, is set to make its grand debut in cinemas nationwide on March 7, 2025.

Watch Trailer HERE: https://youtu.be/HGTXpbyX_bw 

Produced by the multiple award-winning filmmaker Elvis Chucks, The Cartel unravels a powerful and suspenseful tale of drugs, power play, betrayals, drug trafficking, and family violence. The film takes audiences deep into the underbelly of crime, where loyalty is fleeting, and survival is everything.

Featuring an ensemble cast of Nollywood’s finest, The Cartel boasts stellar performances from Bolanle Ninalowo, Broda Shaggi, Clarion Chukwurah, Eniola Badmus, Chika Ike, Nkechi Blessing, and many more. Each actor brings raw intensity and depth to this thrilling narrative, promising an unforgettable cinematic journey.

Shot with breathtaking visuals by Oscar Award-winning cinematographer Lance Gewer, the film combines a masterful blend of action, suspense, and emotion, keeping audiences at the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Distributed by FilmOne Cinemas, The Cartel is poised to be one of the biggest movie releases of the year, offering viewers a thrilling ride through a world where danger lurks at every corner.

Don’t miss the premiere of The Cartel on March 7, 2025, in cinemas nationwide. Get ready for an intense and action-filled rollercoaster like never before!

Click to buy ticket 

https://www.filmhouseng.com/

https://silverbirdcinemas.com/

https://genesiscinemas.com/

VOLUNTARY NATIONAL REVIEW ON SDGs: LAGOS HOSTS REGIONAL FORUM

The Lagos State Government through the Office of SDGs hosted a high-level Regional Stakeholders Consultation on Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Sustainable Development to evaluate progress, address implementation challenges, and enhance multi-stakeholders collaboration towards advancing SDG attainment at both national and subnational levels.

The crucial engagement, convened under the auspices of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), brought together key stakeholders from across the South-West geopolitical zone, including government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and academia.

In her keynote address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, highlighted the importance of the VNR process as a mechanism for measuring national and subnational progress, identifying gaps, and enhancing accountability in SDGs implementation.

According to her, Nigeria’s 2025 VNR is not just an exercise in reporting but an opportunity to assess our collective efforts, refine strategies, and accelerate action towards achieving the global agenda.

Orelope who was represented by her Technical Assistant, Dr. Bala Yinusa, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to accelerate sustainable development efforts across the country.

“The Voluntary National Review is an opportunity for us to critically reflect on our obligations, assess challenges, and refine strategies to ensure that no one is left behind. Through broad-based consultations like this, we strengthen policy coherence, encourage multi-stakeholder participation, and reinforce our commitment to the global SDGs agenda,” she stated.

She noted that the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which serves as the global review platform for the SDGs, will convene in July 2025, where Nigeria will present its third VNR report alongside 38 other countries.

Welcoming delegates to the forum, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, commended OSSAP-SDGs for convening the dialogue, stressing the pivotal role of subnational governments in translating the SDGs into practical, local implementation.

She stressed that as Nigeria moves closer to the 2030 deadline, the 2025 VNR consultation provides an excellent platform to re-evaluate progress, identify bottlenecks, and co-create scalable solutions for accelerating SDG implementation at both national and subnational levels.

While noting that Lagos State has remained a frontrunner in data-driven governance and policy innovation, the Special Adviser revealed that the present administration in the state has institutionalized mechanisms to ensure that development policies and interventions are data-driven, evidence-based, and impactful.

“Lagos State’s 2023 Voluntary Local Review (VLR) has significantly influenced policy formulation, resource allocation, and inter-agency collaboration. 

It has provided a framework for tracking our SDG progress and strengthening participatory governance, aligning our state policies with global development targets,” Dr. Finnih remarked.

She further reiterated the transformational role of periodic assessments, such as the VNR and VLR, in advancing sustainable development, stating that they enable governments to adopt responsive, transparent, and inclusive strategies to meet their SDG commitments effectively.

Dr. Finnih encouraged government institutions, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society actors to contribute their insights and expertise to shape a more inclusive and results-driven VNR, noting that the national review is not just a formality, but a true reflection of the progress, challenges, and solutions needed to fast-track the SDGs.

She appreciated the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs for its leadership and commitment to fostering a national dialogue and driving initiatives that aligned with the aspirations of the SDGs.

During the consultation, participants reviewed Nigeria’s 2024 SDG Progress Report, analyzed institutional frameworks, and discussed challenges and key recommendations to enhance implementation at all levels. 

The discussions also focused on leveraging public-private partnerships, innovative financing, and digital technology to fast-track progress in critical areas such as poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, and climate action.

The regional consultation in Lagos marks the beginning of a nationwide engagement series, with subsequent discussions scheduled to take place in Uyo (South-South), Enugu (South-East), Gombe (North-East), Kaduna (North-West), and Abuja (North-Central), culminating in a National Validation Summit in the Federal Capital Territory.

Ramadan: Agboworin Greets Muslim Faithfuls, Sues For Tolerance, Love Among One Another

Member, House Of Representatives representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal constituency of Oyo State, Rep. Abass A. Adigun (Agboworin), has felicitated Muslims on the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan in his constituency, Ibadanland, Oyo State, Nigeria and across the globe.

The lawmaker, in a statement released through his Special Assistant on Online, Aremu Ibraheem, urges Muslim faithfuls to show act of love and tolerance during the period of fasting, which are major pillars in Islam.

The statement read, “The Holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to deepen their relationship with Allah, promote life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another.”

Agboworin, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, therefore called on all Muslims to sustain these values during and even after the holy month to build a prosperous and peaceful Ibadanland and Oyo State where everyone can actualise their dreams.

While assuring the Muslim community in his constituency of his continued support and commitment to their welfare and well-being, He promised to continue working tirelessly to promote their interests and address their concerns.

As the Muslim community begins the 30-day fasting period, Agboworin wished them a blessed and rewarding Ramadan, praying that Allah would accept their fasting and supplications.

LAGOS INAUGURATES CORE WORKING GROUP FOR HCD 2.0

In a bold step to fostering sustainable growth and improving human capital outcomes, the Lagos State Government has inaugurated the reconstituted Core Working Group for HCD 2.0 to drive data-driven policymaking, enhance multi-sectoral collaboration, and accelerate progress in key areas.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, who presided over the inauguration, emphasized the critical role of data in tracking progress, identifying challenges, and implementing impactful policies for human capital advancement across the state.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Alausa, Ikeja, the Deputy Governor underscored the importance of adopting a data-driven approach to HCD. He stressed that “data is the lifeblood of informed decision-making, a vital tool that allows government to measure our progress, address gaps, and shape policies that truly reflect the needs of our people.”

Dr. Kadiri bemoaned the persistent challenge of inaccurate and inadequate data collection in the state and the country at large, noting that the absence of precise metrics has hindered the ability to project Nigeria’s achievements in HCD.

“Without accurate data, we risk underestimating our achievements and missing out on opportunities to showcase Lagos as a model for HCD implementation in Africa. To address this, the Lagos State Government is taking decisive action to support HCD initiatives by ensuring that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) prioritize the regular collation, validation, and submission of relevant data to the Lagos State Bureau of Statistics.”

The Lagos State Bureau of Statistics, according to him, is the haven of reliable data in the state, and the state government remains resolute in its vision to build a knowledge-based economy where data-driven governance becomes the bedrock of sustainable progress.

He urged the Bureau to optimize its role as the principal repository of statistical data to improve Lagos State’s HCD framework, stating that the present administration will ensure Lagos stands as a beacon of accurate and verifiable data, setting the standard for effective governance and sustainable human capital development.

While inaugurating the group, the Deputy Governor pointed out that the reconstituted Core Working Group for HCD 2.0 is expected to drive impactful reforms, utilizing data to create strategic interventions that will improve education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and social inclusion across the state.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, explained that the reconstitution of the Core Working Group marks a new defining chapter in the State’s commitment to socio-economic transformation through strategic, data-driven, and people-centered development initiatives.

She noted that the transition from HCD 1.0 to HCD 2.0 signifies a paradigm shift towards deeper integration of technology, data-driven policymaking, and inclusive governance that places people at the center of development.

According to her, “HCD 2.0 aligns seamlessly with global best practices and the broader vision of achieving the SDGs by 2030,” with a focus on Equitable and Modern Healthcare, Inclusive and Functional Education System, and Promotion of Financial Inclusion.

She reiterated that investing in human capital is pivotal to eliminating inequalities, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable urban development. 

“Lagos, as a pacesetter in governance and development, is poised to lead the charge in actualizing these global goals through deliberate policy actions and unwavering political will,” she added.

Dr. Finnih called for collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative, emphasizing that collective resolve is necessary to implement data-driven policies that translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Lagosians.

The reconstituted Core Working Group for HCD 2.0 which is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat with the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih as the State Coordinator/Focal Person is expected to bring together policymakers, experts, and key stakeholders to drive meaningful reforms that will propel Lagos to the forefront of human capital development in Africa.

Members of the Group include Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments and. Agencies.

"We Need To Celebrate This Festival In a Bigger Way Says Arogundade

In the heart of Ibadan, where history and culture intertwine, the Ose Meji Festival stands as a sacred ritual, deeply rooted in the city’s founding legend. This festival honors Lagelu, the progenitor of Ibadan, through the divination of the Ifa oracle, "Odu Ose Meji."

According to Yoruba folklore, when Lagelu sought divine guidance to establish a new settlement, the Ifa oracle revealed "Odu Ose Meji." This prophecy spoke of a land with great potential but also warned of challenges that could only be overcome through unity and communal spirit. Thus, "Ose Meji" became the guiding principle of Ibadan—a reminder of the sacrifices and resilience needed to build and sustain a thriving community.

Speaking at the Ose Meji Festival 2025, the National President of OPC New Era Worldwide, Aare Dr. Razak Arogundade, emphasized the importance of celebrating the festival on a grand scale. He described Ose Meji as a festival that truly represents Ibadan’s identity and heritage.

"We need to celebrate this festival in a big way so that Ose Meji itself will be happy," he said. He also called on all sons and daughters of Ibadan to unite in celebration, just as they do for the Osun Osogbo Festival.

In his address, the Araba Oluseese of Ibadan, Araba Ifalere Odugbemi, expressed gratitude to Eledumare for granting them another opportunity to celebrate the festival.

"This festival tells the story of Ibadan’s beginning. Without Ose Meji, there would be no Ibadan," he stated. He urged all Ibadan indigenes to come together and uphold their cultural traditions.

Similarly, the Chairman of OPC New Era in Oyo State, Comrade Rotimi Olumo, highlighted the collaboration between OPC New Era and the people of Ibadan in organizing the festival. He reiterated that one of the primary goals of the OPC (Oodua People’s Congress) New Era is the promotion of Yoruba culture and traditions.

"The Ose Meji Festival is significant to the people of Ibadan, and they do not take it lightly. If Ose Meji had not been revealed by Ifa, Ibadan as we know it today would not exist. The name Ose Meji signifies greatness, meaning the city was destined to be great," Olumo explained.

He further encouraged all residents of Ibadan to actively participate in the festival, emphasizing that those who seek prosperity in Ibadan must honor its traditions and heritage.

The Ose Meji Festival is more than just a cultural event—it is a celebration of Ibadan’s history, unity, and identity. As calls for greater participation grow, this festival continues to reinforce the legacy of Lagelu and the divine wisdom of the Ifa oracle, ensuring that future generations uphold the values that shaped Ibadan into the great city it is today.

AGBOWORIN; TRANSFORMING LIVES , GIVING HOPE FOR THE YOUTHS By Eluyefa Temitope

Transforming lives is not only given daily needs but being a sacrificial lamb to other fellow human being in view that the person or people to become professionally, academically worthy and successful in life.

Prophets of God are known to be very procative, sincere, selfless , giving without season. Just like John the Baptist, a fisher with several followers on his job,make a very significant impact in the area mentoring, direct human capacity development and empowering them just as others do.

Another face of direct human capacity building of over 50 youths in Oyo with presentation of Laptops and a cash token for start up by a Federal Lawmaker representing Ibadan North East/ South East federal constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin gives an insight of a true prophet on earth. Having done series of human capacity development projects that has direct impact on people.

A multimillion naira human development capacity building seminar Organise do not enrich and brushing the youths knowledge but also add value to the lives of participants which will no doubt have direct impact on just the lives of the participants but also on their dependants.

 Is Honourable representing Ibadan North East South East Federal Constituency , Hon Abass Adigun Agboworin a replica of prophets of good old days and not today's prophets of doom? Yes he is.

Are we wrong to eulogies his goodness and mercy enjoy by his people within and outside his constituency?

What a great representative who has immensely contributed to the growth of the State, Oyo ,the constituency. Agboworin has move human face motions and matters of public urgent importance including Bills that has not only affected Oyo State, Southwest States but also to the benefit of Nigerians positively.

The American trained educationist and a man who once worn "Kaki" but believe in the principle of democracy and democratic governance never stop amazing his people, aware that their is an ongoing Free after school class for Senior Secondary school students which metamorphosis into free WAEC/ JAMB forms for prospective students.

Posterity shall always be kind to this great asset for Oyo State. He has not only demonstrated that he is able to lead and not just with those making mouths of Queen's English with no direct human capacity development to people. 

The wailing wailers who are accusing the distinguished member of the Green chamber do not see the potentials of an orator like Adigun Agboworin, a very collected, brained, discipline lawmaker.

I hope and I pray all these goodness do not and shall not go in vain as I sincerely believe Oyo State needs you to be in charge of their state affairs someday,one day and in their nearest future, sir. I beg to submit.

Eluyefa Temitope writes

S.S.A. On Media and Public Affairs To 

Deputy Chief Whip,OYHA

Ketu Day 25th anniversary: Federal Lawmaker Hon Kafilat Ogbara shared message of Hope, Unity, and Progress as she celebrated with constituents

The 25th anniversary of Ketu Day was marked with fanfare, cultural displays, and an outpouring of community spirit as Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Kosofe Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, joined her constituents in celebrating the milestone event. Her entrance was met with massive applause and chants of appreciation from the crowd, underscoring her popularity and deep connection with the people of Ketu Kingdom.

Held at the palace grounds of Oba Isiaka Adio Balogun, the Oba of Ketu Kingdom, the event drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, and thousands of community members. Hon. Ogbara’s presence added significance to the celebration, as constituents lauded her as the "true people’s MHR," commending her unwavering commitment to the welfare of Kosofe residents.

In her heartfelt address, Hon. Ogbara emphasized the importance of unity, love, and mutual respect within the community. “Let us continue to live in love and harmony with one another,” she urged. Reflecting on the state of the nation, she assured constituents that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to address national challenges. “This administration is your administration. While things may not yet be where we desire, rest assured that with President Tinubu’s policies, we are gradually shaping a better and greater Nigeria—one that we all will be proud of,” she stated.

Reaffirming her commitment to bringing the dividends of democracy to her constituents, Hon. Ogbara recounted recent empowerment initiatives undertaken within the Kosofe Federal Constituency. These include financial support for small business owners, skill acquisition programs, and the distribution of essential materials to vulnerable groups. “Our work is far from over. I will not rest until every constituent has access to opportunities that improve their quality of life,” she declared.

She encouraged constituents to be proactive and stay informed about various employment opportunities disseminated through her constituency office. “Whenever there are openings in government parastatals or agencies, I will ensure that information reaches you. I urge you to take advantage of these opportunities as they arise,” she added.

Hon. Ogbara also extended her gratitude to the royal fathers in attendance, with special praise for Oba Isiaka Adio Balogun. “Your leadership and commitment to the development of Ketu Kingdom are commendable. It is an honor to celebrate this landmark anniversary with you and the entire community,” she said.

Constituents expressed immense joy at Hon. Ogbara’s presence and her continued engagement with the community. Mrs. Abosede Olowu, a trader, remarked, “Hon. Ogbara is always here with us, not just during elections. She listens to us, supports us, and today’s presence shows her love for the people.” Another resident, Mr. Taiwo Adeyemi, described her as a leader with genuine concern for her constituents, stating, “She is a breath of fresh air. We are lucky to have someone who genuinely cares.”

The vibrant celebration featured cultural performances, traditional dances, and the honoring of notable community members. Amidst the festivity, Hon. Ogbara’s message of hope, unity, and progress resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing her status as a representative who prioritizes the needs and aspirations of her people.

As the Ketu Day celebration concluded, the prevailing atmosphere was one of optimism and gratitude. With leaders like Hon. Kafilat Ogbara championing the cause of the people, the future of Kosofe Federal Constituency continues to shine brightly.