Our Reporters, Author at Trendbrio.com

EPL: Ola Aina May Return Against Everton

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

Ola Aina would be back for Everton although that feels like a bit of a long shot, some reports had claimed. The 27-year-old was struck down with a calf problem against United and it’s not clear how long he will be out for. Now, a photograph has been shared on the player’s official Snapchat and it would seem that he’s still not walking without the aid of crutches. That does feel like a blow for Forest as the team will undoubtedly view the home games as winable and crucial in the quest for Champions League football. The Nigerian international has been one of the most consistent players this season and would be in the running for Player of the Year. Aina is very important to the way in which Espirito Santo wants his teams to play and the hope will be that he can be back on the pitch in no time.

The Return of the Alaafin: A Personal Reflection by Tunde Kilani

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

Telling the story of The Return of the Alaafin, which reached its grand climax on Saturday, April 5, 2025, gave me the honour of witnessing and documenting one of the most important historical and cultural events of this decade. This moment is deeply personal. In 1971, I stood as a young trainee cameraman with Western Nigerian Television (WNTV/WNBS), recording the coronation of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. Over 50 years later, I returned to Oyo as a filmmaker—with my dear colleague, Rahman Oladigbolu—to chronicle the coronation of his successor, Ikú Baba Yeye, Ọba Hakeem Abimbola Owoade. Full credit must go to the Oyo State Government and the Local Organising Committee for achieving the almost impossible: receiving and entertaining over a thousand guests from across Nigeria and the world, with grace, cultural splendour, and precision. The magnitude and complexity of the coronation could only be fully appreciated as we captured it for our documentary, The Return of the Alaafin, currently in production. Across Oyo, receptions and after-parties sprung up like joyous fires to honour the new reign—but nothing compared to the unforgettable cultural showcase hosted by Nigerian Breweries for their flagship brand, GOLDBERG. Known for promoting Yoruba heritage under their iconic ỌMỌLÚWÀBÍ platform, Goldberg delivered an evening of pure magic. It was beautiful, relaxing, and deeply enjoyable—sitting under the soft glow of a Yoruba sunset that melted into a starry night, surrounded by vibrant lighting, clear sound, a charismatic MC, and a set design that rivalled any world-class stage. The musical lineup featured two titans of Yoruba music: Saheed Osupa (Fuji) and Musiliu Haruna Isola (Apala), who thrilled hundreds of spirited guests dancing into the new reign of Alaafin Ọba lHakeen Abimbola Owoade. It all came together for me when I heard that Òróró himself was in town! That wasn’t coincidence—it was divine alignment. As if that wasn’t enough, I was invited on stage to pick the winning raffle tickets—a moment that brought smiles and warm applause. I felt proud to be part of it all, and I now see the incredible potential of building this vibrant celebration into our documentary. Supported by Goldberg, this film can become more than a chronicle—it can be a timeless celebration of Yoruba resilience, royal heritage, and artistic excellence. Ire ni o.—TK

Rice Cook Real Madrid With Stunning Freekicks To Double Fires Arsenal to 3-0 Win Over

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

Arsenal claimed a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium. Declan Rice was the star of the match, scoring two brilliant freekicks. His first came in the 58th minute, followed by another in the 70th, both of which left Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance. Leandro Trossard assisted on the third goal, with Mikel Merino finishing in the 75th minute to seal the win for Arsenal. Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League holders, struggled to break down Arsenal’s defense and were left frustrated throughout the match. The result puts the Gunners in a strong position going into the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged that while the team had a decent first half, their defensive frailties were exposed after Arsenal’s opening goal. Ancelotti took responsibility for the defeat, stating that improvements would be needed in defensive play if his side hopes to turn the tie around in the second leg. The match also saw Real Madrid’s midfielder Eduardo Camavinga receive a red card in injury time, which will add to their difficulties in the second leg. The stage is set for a thrilling return encounter in Madrid, with Arsenal holding a significant advantage.

Real Time Intelligence Sharing Is Paramount –Gaidam

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has stressed the importance of establishing a seamless and secure mechanism for real-time intelligence sharing to enhance proactive responses to security threats. Speaking at an Interagency Security Seminar organized by the Army War College Nigeria, Gaidam emphasized that optimizing multi-agency efforts for effective threat response requires addressing critical gaps in the country’s security framework. He highlighted the need for cross-agency training and scenario-based drills to foster operational interoperability and mutual trust among agencies, leveraging modern technologies like artificial intelligence and digital forensics to improve operational effectiveness. Gaidam outlined the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, ranging from insurgency and terrorism in the North-East, banditry and farmer-herder conflicts in the North-West and North-Central regions, to separatist movements in the South-East and organized crime in the South-South and South-West. He emphasized that these threats require a comprehensive approach involving the entire government and society. According to him, economic disparities, governance issues, and the increasing use of technology by criminal enterprises further exacerbate the situation. The Minister pointed out that traditional security approaches, which focus solely on military or law enforcement responses, are no longer sufficient. An integrated approach is necessary, one that brings together military forces, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and civil society. He stressed that multi-agency collaboration is not optional but essential to effective security management. Gaidam called for improved synergies between the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, NSCDC, NIS, and NCS. Gaidam also underscored the crucial role of the civilian population in security management. He advocated for strengthening police-community relations and promoting community policing initiatives, which will enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities and improve preventive security measures. The seminar’s guest lecturer, Major General Babagana Mohammed Monguno (Rtd), also reinforced the importance of military operations in restoring peace and stability. Despite the successes of ongoing military operations, he stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to effectively mitigate contemporary security threats across the country.

National Police Day: Nigerian Government Celebrates Maiden Police Day With Grand Ceremony In Abuja

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

The Nigerian Government marked its first-ever National Police Day with a grand ceremony in Abuja, celebrating the dedication and sacrifices of the nation’s police force. The event, held to honor the contributions of law enforcement officers, was attended by key government officials, security personnel, and citizens. During the ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged the tireless work of the Nigerian Police Force in maintaining peace and security across the country. He commended the officers for their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, despite the many challenges they face in their line of duty. National Police Day aims to recognize and appreciate the hard work of the police force, as well as boost morale and inspire further dedication among officers. The day’s activities included awards and recognitions for outstanding police officers, showcasing the government’s support for their efforts. The event underscored the importance of law enforcement in ensuring national stability, with calls for continued reforms to strengthen the police force. The government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the welfare, training, and capacity of police officers to better serve the Nigerian people.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS THE PASSING OF BUSINESS ICON PASCAL DOZIE

President Tinubu Mourns The Passing Of Business ICON Pascal Ddozie

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of renowned business icon, Pascal Dozie. In a statement, the president described Dozie as a trailblazer in the Nigerian business landscape whose contributions to the economy and society will be greatly missed. Dozie, a prominent entrepreneur and founder of the financial technology company, was known for his pioneering work in various industries. His leadership and vision played a key role in shaping the country’s business sector, making him a respected figure both locally and internationally. In his tribute, President Tinubu highlighted Dozie’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and creating opportunities for future generations of Nigerians. His legacy, the president noted, would continue to inspire and guide entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond. The passing of Pascal Dozie marks the loss of a significant figure in Nigeria’s business community. President Tinubu extended his condolences to Dozie’s family, friends, and the many lives he touched through his remarkable work.

2025 WORLD HEALTH DAY: FG PLEDGES TO REDUCE MATERNAL & INFANT MORTALITY • To Train 120,000 Health Workers

2025 World Health Day: FG Pledge To Reduce Material & Infant Mortality To Train 120,000 Health Workers

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates in the country. In a statement made during a Radio Nigeria Network news program, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako emphasized the critical importance of retraining frontline health workers to address these pressing health concerns. He highlighted that this year’s World Health Day theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” aligns with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to improve healthcare outcomes in the nation. Dr. Salako further explained that the government is prioritizing efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths. As part of this commitment, the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative was introduced to help achieve universal health coverage, thereby saving lives and alleviating both physical and financial burdens on families. He underscored that the initiative is crucial to ensuring healthier futures for mothers and children across Nigeria. One of the key strategies in this effort is the ongoing training and retraining of healthcare professionals. The government has set a target to train at least 120,000 frontline health workers, with nearly half of them already having received training. Dr. Salako stressed that improving the skill set of healthcare providers is essential to reducing maternal mortality by at least 20% and infant mortality by 15% by 2027. He also emphasized the importance of continued professional development for practitioners, with annual evidence of skill advancement required in addition to license renewals. To ensure equitable access to maternal and newborn care, Dr. Salako revealed that the government is actively working on expanding primary healthcare centers across the country. Additionally, initiatives like the Maternal & Neo-Natal Mortality Reduction Innovation (MAMI) are being developed to specifically target local governments with high maternal mortality rates. These efforts, he noted, are designed to bring essential healthcare services closer to communities at the grassroots level, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the care they need.

Steeze, Style as Egba Celebrates Heritage and Culture at the 2025 Lisabi Festival

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

The 2025 Lisabi Festival has once again brought the rich heritage and culture of the Egba people to the forefront, showcasing a blend of tradition, style, and steeze. Held in the heart of Abeokuta, Ogun State, this year’s festival was an electrifying celebration of Egba identity, history, and pride. The festival, named after the legendary Lisabi, a revered warrior in Egba folklore, featured a series of cultural performances, traditional dances, music, and colorful exhibitions. Visitors were treated to an array of stunning displays, from the vibrant attires of attendees to the dynamic performances that spanned generations of Egba tradition. A key highlight of the festival was the fusion of modern fashion with traditional elements, as attendees embraced the essence of “steeze”—a term representing effortless style. Young and old alike showcased their creativity through their clothing choices, blending indigenous fabrics like aso-oke with contemporary cuts, reflecting both the pride in their heritage and the influence of global fashion trends. The event also served as a platform for cultural discussions, with leaders and dignitaries addressing the importance of preserving the Egba culture while embracing modernization. There were speeches from local cultural custodians and community leaders who stressed the significance of passing down traditions to younger generations and ensuring that the Egba heritage remains strong in a rapidly changing world. Cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond gathered to participate in this annual festival, which has now become a major event for celebrating the diverse cultures of the Yoruba people. The Lisabi Festival continues to be a vibrant testament to the strength, beauty, and resilience of the Egba people, who are proud of their past and optimistic about their future. As the 2025 Lisabi Festival wraps up, it’s clear that the Egba people continue to honor their roots with pride, style, and a keen sense of modern identity.