Entertainment
“Mohbad achieved success in his NECO exams in one attempt, so it’s puzzling to me why he decided to join Naira Marley,” says former principal.
Abidemi Faboye, the founder and head of Abifab College in Ikorodu, Lagos, where the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, attended, shares his memories of the artist.
**How would you describe Mohbad?**
I first encountered Mohbad when he joined our school in 2013. His older sister, Blessing, had also graduated from our school in 2013. He came from a public school and was initially a reserved and slender boy. It was only in the years following his secondary education that he gained weight.
**How old was he when he enrolled in your school?**
He was 17 years old when he joined our school and appeared more mature than some of his peers. In 2015, he successfully passed the National Examination Council senior secondary certificate exam in one sitting. He spent two years at our school, and during this time, we witnessed a transformation in his life. He always affectionately referred to me as “daddy,” though I preferred to be addressed as ‘Abifab’ or ‘Mr. Abifab.’ Whenever he called me ‘daddy,’ I encouraged him to use my preferred name, ‘Abifab,’ but he would simply laugh it off.
**What kind of student was he?**
Mohbad was placed in the commercial class, and his academic performance was commendable. While I wouldn’t label him an outstanding student, he consistently achieved above-average results. He was an easygoing individual who only occasionally engaged in recreational activities and never caused any trouble.
**Did you know he was a member of the Marlian group?**
I was genuinely surprised when I learned that he had become a member of the Marlian group. I had doubts about whether he could adapt to such a group. Although he displayed maturity, I believed he might have been influenced by other individuals who joined the record label. I prayed for his well-being because our communication became less frequent after he left school.
**Did he show any signs of his musical talent while in school?**
His transformation into an artist was a surprise to many of us, including his teachers. When we first heard about “Imole,” it took us by surprise. I wasn’t familiar with afrobeats music until my daughter informed me that “Uncle Promise” was now Mohbad. I reached out to him through Messenger, and he shared his contact. His father worked as a carpenter, and during his school days, he often assisted his father and learned carpentry skills from him. I observed that he didn’t linger at school for long after classes, likely because his home was quite distant. He actively participated in the school’s music club and would often lead with songs during quiz competitions.
As he gained fame, I occasionally called him, but he was busy in the studio rehearsing. He mentioned that when inspiration struck, he would jot down lyrics and later develop them. I was delighted to have one of my students become a musician instead of the more traditional careers like becoming a doctor or pilot. He truly shone as a light in afrobeats music.
He was a promising star. His passing left us with a great sense of loss. People began to inquire about how I managed him when they learned that he had attended our school. I now receive condolences as if I were his biological father. Both his seniors and juniors from various places, including the United Kingdom, reach out to express their condolences.
**What advice do you have for parents on helping their children achieve greatness?**
Parents should avoid imposing their preferred courses or careers on their children. Forcing children to pursue greatness in a particular way may not be the best approach. Instead, parents should provide encouragement and engage in meaningful conversations with their children.
In today’s busy world, many parents lack the time to connect with their children. If Promise had a background similar to that of David Adeleke (Davido), he might still be alive today. Mohbad’s untimely death could have been prevented, but we trust that God knows best.
Parents should encourage their children, support them financially, and offer guidance. Even as parents grow older, they should continue to communicate with their children because their knowledge and experiences can be invaluable. It’s important to remain actively involved in your children’s lives, regardless of their chosen career paths. Everything possible should be done to prevent tragedies like Mohbad’s passing.
Communication between parents and children is crucial. Mohbad’s death might have been avoided if he had reached out to the right people when he faced difficulties with his record label. Parents should be supportive, provide financial assistance, and advise their children. While giving children some freedom is beneficial, it should not be absolute. Total freedom can lead to misbehavior, so parents should maintain a level of involvement and connection with their children.
Entertainment
Mercy Johnson-Okojie and Daughter Purity Drive Girls Tag: A New Era in Period Care for Nigerian Families
Nigeria’s menstrual health landscape is set for a major transformation with the introduction of Girls Tag, the country’s first all-in-one period care kit. At the forefront of this groundbreaking launch are actress and philanthropist Mercy Johnson-Okojie and her daughter Purity Okojie, who have been unveiled as co-brand ambassadors. Their involvement underscores the brand’s mission to combine authenticity, family values, and empowerment in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing young girls today.
For years, inadequate access to menstrual education and hygiene products has left many Nigerian girls unprepared for their first period. Girls Tag was created to bridge this gap, offering a complete solution that blends practical care with educational support. By doing so, it aims to normalize conversations around puberty and ensure that families have the tools to guide their daughters with confidence.
Mercy Johnson-Okojie explained why the initiative resonates deeply with her: “As a mother, I want my daughter to step into womanhood without fear or embarrassment. Girls Tag is doing exactly that—helping families replace shame with pride and confusion with confidence.”
A key highlight of the Girls Tag kit is Mercy’s newly authored book, “Youberty”, a puberty guide for boys and girls aged 10–13. The book, included in every pack, provides relatable advice and reassurance, ensuring that children feel understood and prepared as they navigate adolescence. This educational component sets Girls Tag apart, making it not just a product but a holistic support system.
The kit itself is carefully curated to meet the diverse needs of young girls. It includes premium sanitary pads in multiple sizes, overnight period pants for maximum absorbency, panty liners, disposable bags for safe disposal, and a stylish, discreet carrying pouch. Together, these items provide comfort, dignity, and ease, ensuring that girls can manage their periods confidently both at home and in school.
Eddie Madaki and Oche Ejiga of iBlend Services, the regional agency for Girls Tag, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “Mercy and Purity’s voices are genuine. Their journey together mirrors the experiences of countless Nigerian families, making them the perfect ambassadors for Girls Tag. This collaboration positions the brand perfectly for the Nigerian audience.”
Girls Tag is scheduled to be available nationwide in Q2 2026, through retail outlets, pharmacies, and malls, as well as direct sales via the official website and social media handle @girlstag.ng. The brand’s distribution strategy ensures accessibility, making it possible for families across Nigeria to benefit from this innovative solution.
With Mercy Johnson-Okojie and Purity leading the charge, Girls Tag is more than a product launch—it is a business innovation with social impact. It represents a cultural shift toward normalizing menstrual health, empowering families, and ensuring that every girl grows up with pride, knowledge, and confidence.
Show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu made the announcement during the grand finale on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
She walked away with the ₦150 million grand prize, courtesy of the show’s sponsors
The top five finalists are Koyin, Dede, Imisi, Sultana, and Kola.
Earlier, Kaybobo, Isabella, Mensan, and Jason Jae were evicted from the show.
The BBNaija season 10, which began with 29 housemates, ended in spectacular fashion as Imisi triumphed over Dede, who finished as runner-up.
Recall that Imisi revealed that she has no fixed plan for the grand prize if she emerges as the winner, stressing she would first seek professional financial guidance before deciding how to spend the money.
During her final diary session with Big Brother on Sunday, the housemate appeared both excited and reflective as she spoke about her journey, the lessons she had learned, and her hopes for life after the show.
She said, “Honestly, right now I don’t have a set plan for the money.
“I need to seek financial advice first because I’ve never had such a large amount before. I Want to Avoid Costly Financial Mistakes”
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed frustration over motorists’ lack of cooperation in easing the gridlock on the Abuja-Lokoja highway.
Kogi State Sector Commander, Kumar Tsukwam, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that officials had been battling since Sunday to clear the traffic, which stretched from Ogbobo/Ozi to the Murtala Mohammed Bridge in Koton-Karfe.
He attributed the gridlock to ongoing road construction, broken-down vehicles on the single lane, and motorists’ impatience.
“Some drivers blocked opposing lanes, worsening the situation. We are doing our best to restore free movement for travellers,” Tsukwam said.
Motorists and commuters lamented the hardship caused by the standstill. Mohammed Yusuf, a driver, said he spent nine hours travelling from Abuja to Lokoja on Sunday.
“I left Abuja before 3 p.m. but didn’t reach Lokoja until midnight. The fuel wasted on the road is unbearable, especially with current prices,” he said.
Another traveller, Christopher Adamu, recounted spending the entire night in traffic after leaving Abuja in the evening. He urged authorities to take urgent measures to address the situation.
NAN reports that a construction company is currently working on the right lane of the highway between Koton-Karfe and Abaji, forcing traffic onto a single lane and worsening congestion.
Do you want me to make this more hard-news (short, direct, fact-heavy) or human-interest focused (emphasizing the commuters’ suffering and quotes)?
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