Beauty Queen β€œBeauty Tukura” indeed looks good in just about anything. But when it comes to posing for a photoshoot, the reality star proves time and again that you can be comfortable, fun, or even tell a beautiful story without uttering words.

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Nigerian Government Secures London Heathrow Airport Slot for Air Peace

In a major milestone for Nigerian aviation, the Federal Government has officially secured a coveted landing slot at London’s Heathrow Airport for Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace. The announcement was made by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, signaling a strategic win in the nation’s push for stronger international aviation presence.

Keyamo revealed the development via his official social media platform, stating that this was part of ongoing efforts to ensure Nigerian airlines enjoy reciprocity and fair access under the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA). He emphasized that the deal with Heathrow marks a significant breakthrough, especially considering the tough competition and tight slot allocations at the UK’s busiest airport.

β€œThis is not just a victory for Air Peace; it is a victory for Nigeria. Our aim has always been to protect Nigerian carriers and ensure they operate on a level playing field with foreign airlines. Securing a Heathrow slot for Air Peace demonstrates the commitment of this administration to putting Nigeria first,” Keyamo stated.

Air Peace, which currently operates flights to Gatwick Airport, has long been eyeing Heathrow β€” widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and profitable international hubs. The move to Heathrow is expected to bolster the airline’s passenger numbers, enhance connectivity, and provide more competitive options for Nigerians traveling to the United Kingdom.

The new slot is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation ties with the UK, offering greater flexibility and prestige for Air Peace, and expanding its footprint on global routes.

Industry stakeholders have lauded the development as a boost for indigenous airlines and a step toward repositioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global aviation industry.

The exact commencement date for Air Peace’s operations at Heathrow will be announced in due course, pending final regulatory and operational clearances.

Toyin Abraham’s β€œIyalode” to Hit Canadian Cinemas Starting June 27, 2025

Nollywood powerhouse Toyin Abraham is taking her cinematic brilliance to the international stage once again, as her highly anticipated film β€œIyalode” is set to hit Canadian cinemas from June 27, 2025.

Known for her record-breaking box office successes, Toyin Abraham brings to life yet another compelling narrative rooted in culture, strength, and identity. β€œIyalode” has already sparked excitement among fans and industry watchers, and its international rollout marks a new chapter in the global recognition of Nollywood storytelling.

The Canadian release will allow diaspora audiences and international film lovers to experience the rich blend of drama, tradition, and modern-day themes that Toyin is celebrated for. The film is expected to premiere in key cities including Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, and Vancouver, in partnership with top African film distributors.

Laycon Joins Cast of Funke Akindele’s β€œAiyetoro Town” Season 2

In an exciting development for fans, Bigβ€―Brother Naija winner and rapper Laycon has been officially confirmed as part of the star-studded cast for Season 2 of Funke Akindele’s beloved comedy series, β€œAiyetoro Town.” The series makes a triumphant return after a five‑year hiatus, premiering on Juneβ€―22, 2025, via FAANtv’s YouTube channel .

Season 1 of Aiyetoro Town quickly became a fan favorite for its engaging blend of humor, drama, and life lessons set in a rural Nigerian community Now, with Laycon joining established stars like Afeez Aiyetoro, Deyemi Okanlawon, and others, anticipation is higher than ever

Sources close to the production have hinted that Laycon’s role will bring fresh energy and a new perspective to the storyline, underscoring Funke Akindele’s commitment to blending emerging and experienced talent in her projects

The official trailer, released earlier this week, already sparked excitement among fans, announcing Laycon’s presence and setting the tone for the series launch youtube.com

Faith Kipyegon Set to Chase History on June 26 with Sub-4 Minute Mile Attempt in Paris

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Kenya’s middle-distance legend, Faith Kipyegon, is preparing to etch her name even deeper into the history books as she takes on an audacious challenge β€” to become the first woman in history to run a mile in under 4 minutes.

The historic attempt is scheduled for June 26, 2025, at Stade CharlΓ©ty in Paris, under a special event tagged β€œBreaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile”, organized and supported by Nike. The project mirrors the famed Breaking2 initiative that aimed to break the two-hour marathon barrier, and now, it’s Kipyegon’s turn to redefine what is possible in women’s athletics.

Faith Kipyegon is no stranger to breaking records. With three Olympic gold medals, multiple World Championship titles, and world records in the 1500m, mile, and 5000m, she is widely regarded as the greatest female middle-distance runner of all time. Her current mile record stands at 4:07.64, meaning she needs to slash over seven seconds off that time to dip under the four-minute mark β€” a feat long considered physiologically impossible for female athletes.

But Kipyegon believes otherwise.

β€œI think breaking four will really cement my legacy,” she said in a recent interview. β€œEverything we do, we have to dream big and just believe.”

POLICE CAPTURE MOST VICIOUS HIRED K**1LLER IN LAGOS HISTORY, WASIU AKINWANDE a k.a. OLORI ESHO-

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The Lagos State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in its relentless fight against crime of violence and other criminalities in Lagos State.

According to a statement from the command;

β€œOn Friday, June 20, 2025, Tactical Squad operatives of the Command successfully in a well-coordinated special operation code-named Silence, Speed and Surprise trailed and arrested Wasiu Akinwande aka Olori Eso, a 44-year-old notorious hired killer and head of killers gang and cultist kingpin who along with his multiple gangs and hoodlums have been terrorizing Mushin area of Lagos State and its environs.

This serial killer suspect is the most wanted suspect in Lagos history in recent time. His arrest marks a huge success in the ongoing fight against violent crimes that are threats to security and safety of residents in Mushin and some other parts of Lagos State.

Wasiu Akinwande was arrested in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State after several attempts by the Police Tactical Squad. For over a decade now from 2009 until 2024, Wasiu Akinwande and his gangs have terrorized the people and communities, particularly in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

He was responsible for organizing and executing series of armed robberies, cold blooded murders, kidnappings and cult-related killings. His reign of terror instilled fear and apprehension in residents and posed a dangerous threat to law and order.

Akinwande’s criminal activities have left trauma, horror, agony and pains in the families of victims of his numerous high-profile crimes under investigation by the Lagos State Police Command. Despite his escapes from one state of the country to another over the years, the Lagos State Police Command remained resolute in its pursuit of Justice.

The operatives of the Command raided his house in Mushin, and recovered cache of weapons and incriminating items he freely admitted he was using for his killing operations with his gang. The firearms recovered include: Two (2) AK-47 rifles, One (1) K2 Assault rifle, One (1) Red Ryder rifle , Three (3) pump action rifl

Farooq Oreagba: The King of Steeze Who Rode Tradition into the Global Spotlight

In this edition of Ranks Africa Spotlight, we proudly celebrate Farooq Oreagba β€” a man whose presence has redefined cultural relevance in modern Africa. More than just the face of Ojude Oba’s global breakout, Farooq embodies heritage in motion β€” a walking statement of tradition, elegance, and intentional storytelling. From his unforgettable entrance in 2024 to his consistent advocacy for Yoruba culture, Farooq has turned every moment into a movement, making him not just a style icon, but a cultural force shaping the narrative of African identity with pride and purpose.

In 2024, Ojude Oba wasn’t just trending β€” it was transcending. And at the center of that global wave was one unforgettable image: a man on horseback in a green and lemon aso-oke agbada, cigar in hand, gold chain swinging, tattooed arms unapologetically visible, exuding quiet confidence and he was swiftly named Honorary Cultural Ambassador by the NCAC.

Cover: Farooq Oreagba Picture Credit: Olaotan Atilade

Social media crowned him: β€œMr. Steeze.”
But those who knew the culture understood β€” this wasn’t a moment. It was a movement.

Years of Legacy, One Viral Spark

Farooq Oreagba had been building legacy for decades β€” long before the camera captured him. A high-level executive in Nigeria’s capital markets, cancer survivor, cultural advocate, and proud Yoruba son β€” he had already lived several lives before becoming a social media phenomenon.

The beauty of 2024 was that the world finally caught up.
But here’s what made it extraordinary: he didn’t let the fame define him β€” he used it to define the culture.

He immediately pivoted from trending to teaching β€” consistently using his platform to promote the significance, history, and pride of Ojude Oba. What others used for vanity, he used for visibility. He brought eyeballs, attention, and respect to a tradition that had always deserved it.

Ojude Oba 2025: Anticipation, Arrival, and Aura

Fast forward to 2025. The internet waited β€” again. Some men attend festivals. Some men wear agbada.
But only a few β€” like Farooq Oreagba β€” ride into cultural history with such quiet power that the world cannot look away.

Where is Mr. Steeze? Has he arrived? What is he wearing? What color this year?

It wasn’t just hype. It was hope. Hope that the man who carried culture with class would appear and remind us β€” again β€” what it means to move with pride and purpose.

And when the photos dropped?
He didn’t just come correct β€” he overwhelmed the entire timeline.

In brown-toned regalia, deeper earth hues, softer fabric, yet bolder energy β€” Farooq Oreagba proved that the sequel can be stronger than the original. He didn’t need to overdo it. He is the standard.

Farooq Oreagba  Picture Credit: Pooja Media

The Man Who Preaches the Gospel of Culture

While most festival attendees show up on the day, Farooq starts months ahead.

His content isn’t just dress rehearsals β€” it’s education.
His captions aren’t for likes β€” they’re for legacy.
His platforms aren’t just for style β€” they’re for storytelling.

He spoke about the meaning of Ojude Oba. He elevated designers. He celebrated Ijebu history. He acknowledged ancestors. And by the time the festival came, the world wasn’t just watching β€” they were learning.

More Than a Viral Moment β€” A Cultural Movement

Farooq Oreagba didn’t just β€œgo viral.”
He went historic.

And through it all, he remained grounded. He never traded dignity for clicks. He never sold culture for clout. Instead, he built a bridge β€” one where younger generations could walk across in Gucci loafers and agbada and still hear the drums of their forefathers.

He reminded us that style without substance fades. But heritage in motion becomes legacy.

Farooq Oreagba

Why Farooq Oreagba Matters

  • He embodies modern tradition β€” blending tattoos with turban, cigar with coral beads, finance with folklore.
  • He promotes before the parade β€” using his platform to shine light long before the spotlight.
  • He redefined what it means to be culturally relevant β€” proving that relevance is earned, not worn.
  • He amplified Ojude Oba β€” making it not just a festival, but a global cultural brand.

    Farooq Oreagba

The Legacy Lives On

In a world obsessed with virality, Farooq Oreagba gave us something more valuable: visibility with value.

He showed us that you can be regal without being arrogant, traditional without being outdated, and powerful without being loud.

As Ojude Oba continues to rise in global visibility, one thing is certain:
We will always look out for the man who rides not just a horse β€” but rides culture with him.

And when we see him, we don’t just see agbada.
We see art.
We see authenticity.
We see Africa β€” bold, proud, rooted.

Popular TV Couple Mr. and Mrs. Kogberegbe, Honor Olalekan Fabilola for His Efforts to Preserve Yoruba Heritage

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Popular TV Couple and Creative Directors of Dallas International Yoruba Movie Awards (DIYMA), Mr. and Mrs. Kogberegbe, Honor Olalekan Fabilola for His Efforts to Preserve Yoruba Heritage

Olalekan Fabilola, the TV host of β€œMasoyinbo,” a Yoruba cultural game show, has been presented with an honorary award by the dynamic TV couple, Mr. and Mrs. Kogberegbe.

Fabilola received the recognition for his consistent efforts in preserving and promoting the Yoruba language and culture through his engaging and educational show.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Kogberegbe, known for their popular TV drama series and their roles as Creative Directors of the Dallas International Yoruba Movie Awards (DIYMA), bestowed the award upon Fabilola as a surprise award after they were guest on the Masoyinbo show.

 

The duo commended Fabilola’s dedication to showcasing the richness of Yoruba heritage and fostering a deeper appreciation for the language among audiences worldwide.

β€œWe are thrilled to present this honorary award to Olalekan Fabilola, a true champion of Yoruba culture and an inspiration to many,” said Mr. Kogberegbe.

 

β€œThrough β€˜Masoyinbo,’ he has created a platform that not only entertains but also educates viewers on the beauty and significance of our Yoruba traditions.”

 

Mrs. Kogberegbe added, β€œThis recognition is well-deserved, as Fabilola’s work aligns with our shared mission to preserve and elevate Yoruba arts and culture through platforms such as DIYMA. We hope this award encourages him to continue his remarkable efforts and inspire others to take pride in their heritage.”

 

Olalekan Fabilola expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, β€œI am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award from Mr. and Mrs. Kogberegbe, who have made significant contributions to the Yoruba entertainment industry. Their support is a testament to the importance of preserving our cultural identity and ensuring it thrives for future generations.”

 

The presentation of this honorary award signifies the collective dedication of these influential figures in promoting and safeguarding the vibrant Yoruba culture, language, and traditions for audiences both locally and globally.

 

About Dallas International Yoruba Movie Awards (DIYMA):

DIYMA is an annual awards ceremony that celebrates and recognizes outstanding talents in the Yoruba film industry across the globe. The event aims to promote and preserve Yoruba culture, language, and traditions through the art of filmmaking.

For more information on DIYMA, please visit their website at diyma.org or contact info@diyma.org.

Credit:: Adenike Fagbemi

Exclusive Interview: Princess Adesile β€” Where Royalty Meets Relevance

In this special edition of the Ranks Africa Spotlight Series, we sat down with one of the most celebrated figures of Ojude Oba 2024 and 2025β€”the radiant Princess Adesile.

Known not only for her regal presence at the festival but also for her powerful voice in business and culture, Princess Adesile continues to shape the narrative of tradition in modern times. As the founder of Desile Lagos and a fierce advocate for heritage-led innovation, she represents the perfect harmony between elegance, purpose, and enterprise.

In this exclusive interview, she opens up about what Ojude Oba means to her, the deeper inspiration behind her iconic appearances, how she built a brand that spans continents, and her vision for a future where Yoruba culture isn’t just preservedβ€”but globally revered.

Prepare to be inspired by a woman who doesn’t just wear royaltyβ€”she redefines it.

  1. Ojude Oba has become synonymous with elegance and cultural pride β€” what does the festival mean to you personally?

For me, Ojude Oba is more than a festival, it’s a living, breathing expression of who we are as Ijebu people. It’s our history, and our pride. Personally, it’s a sacred time to honour my roots, my royal lineage, and the strength of those who came before me. It reminds me that heritage isn’t just something we inherit, it’s something we carry and evolve with purpose.

  1. You’ve been celebrated as one of the iconic faces of Ojude Oba two years in a row. How do you prepare for the festival, and what inspires your stunning presence?

First, I’m truly humbled by the recognition; it’s not something I take lightly. My preparation goes beyond fashion; it’s really intentional. Every element of my appearance, from my outfit to riding into the pavilion. I’m inspired by the idea that when I ride, I carry not just my family’s name but the aspirations of countless young women watching, believing they can do this too.

  1. Beyond culture, you are a businesswoman with enterprises both in Nigeria and abroad. Can you share a bit about your business journey and what drives your success?

Absolutely. My journey in business has been defined by boldness, learning, and service. I’ve built a fashion brand called Desile Lagos  and I also have over ventures that bridge tradition and innovation. What drives me is impact. Whether I’m mentoring young entrepreneurs or collaborating on global partnerships, I’m always asking: how does this serve others? That clarity keeps me grounded and resilient.

  1. How do you balance cultural advocacy with entrepreneurship β€” and what advice would you give young women looking to walk a similar path?

It starts with authenticity. I don’t see culture and entrepreneurship as separate worlds; for me, they’re intertwined. Culture gives my business its soul, and entrepreneurship gives my culture a global voice. My advice to young women is: be audacious about your identity. You don’t need to choose between tradition and ambition. Wear both. Lead with excellence. And remember, legacy is not about being perfect, it’s about being purposeful.

  1. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Ojude Oba and the visibility of Yoruba culture on the global stage?

I want the world to experience Yoruba culture not as a relic, but as a renaissance; dynamic, regal, and globally relevant. My hope is for Ojude Oba to become an international cultural summit, attracting scholars, creatives, and leaders from all over the world. I also hope to see more women riding, more young people owning their heritage, and more platforms that spotlight our voices. The world is watching, and it’s time we take up space; boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically.

Princess Adesile β€” Royalty in Motion, Culture in Action

Princess Adesile’s grace isn’t just cultivatedβ€”it’s inherited. She was born into royalty, a descendant of not one, but two distinguished royal houses in Ijebuland, making her a true β€œdouble princess” by heritage.

Her father, Prince Abdul Gafar Adebayo Ajigboteso, carries the lineage of both the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, with ancestral roots tracing back to Oba Ademuyewo Fidipote, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland in the 1800s. Her family’s history echoes through royal compounds and traditional palacesβ€”from the Gbegande Ruling House of Ososa to the Sekoro-Rubakoye Royal Family.

This legacy of nobility is further enriched by her grandparents, Prince Tijani Adefoluso Ajigboteso and Princess Rukayat Abebi Olowoporoku, whose lives exemplified leadership, elegance, and cultural pride.

Princess Adesile @ 2024 Ojude Oba

More than just titles, Princess Adesile carries forward generations of tradition, dignity, and serviceβ€”with a modern voice that continues to honor and elevate her roots.

In a world where tradition often waits to be discovered, Princess Adesile is already living it out loud. A true cultural custodian, fashion entrepreneur, and one of the most captivating faces of Ojude Oba 2024 and 2025, she is the definition of elegance with purpose.

Princess Adesile @ 2025 Ojude Oba

She didn’t just show up for the festivalβ€”she made the festival show up for the world.

More Than a Festivalβ€”A Legacy in Motion

β€œOjude Oba is more than a festival,” Princess Adesile tells Ranks Africa in her exclusive interview (read here). β€œIt’s a living, breathing expression of who we are as Ijebu people.” And she lives by those words. From the very start of 2025, long before the official festival day, Princess Adesile infused Ojude Oba into her lifestyleβ€”with curated fashion shoots, cultural imagery, and online storytelling. Even on her birthday, she brought the tradition to life, donning regal attire and riding a horse with prideβ€”blurring the line between celebration and cultural advocacy.

Princess Adesile 2025 Birthday Photoshoot

When Ojude Oba 2025 finally arrived, she wasn’t just participatingβ€”she was leading. Online and offline, her presence became symbolic of the modern yet rooted Ijebu identity. She didn’t wait for Ojude Oba. She carried Ojude Oba.

Princess Adesile @ 2025 Ojude Oba

Beyond the Festival: Building Legacy in Business

But Princess Adesile is not only a cultural iconβ€”she’s a powerhouse entrepreneur. As the founder of Desile Lagos, her fashion brand boldly blends heritage and contemporary luxury. From Nigeria to international markets, she is using business as a platform to give culture a global voice.

β€œI’ve built a fashion brand, but I also have ventures that bridge tradition and innovation,” she shares. β€œWhat drives me is impact… how does this serve others?”

Whether she’s mentoring young entrepreneurs or collaborating globally, she’s proving that women can lead with identity, purpose, and power.

In 2023, UNESCO described Ojude Oba as a cultural heritage worthy of global recognition, and Princess Adesile is one of the key figures bringing that dream closer. Through her consistent digital promotion, international appeal, and rooted storytelling, she has helped position Ojude Oba as more than a Yoruba celebrationβ€”it is now a cultural event with global interest.

She envisions the future of Ojude Oba as an international cultural summit, attracting creatives, leaders, and scholars from around the world.

β€œI want the world to experience Yoruba culture not as a relic, but as a renaissance,” she says. β€œThe world is watchingβ€”it’s time we take up space boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically.”

Princess Adesile’s signature? Grace with substance. Beauty with meaning. Fashion with soul.
Every look she dons, every caption she shares, every platform she touches is used with intentβ€”to honor history while shaping the future.

She is not just riding into Ojude Obaβ€”she is leading it into the future.

In Princess Adesile, we see the best of both worlds: heritage and hustle, tradition and transformation. She is not only one of the faces of Ojude Oba 2024 and 2025β€”she is one of the forces redefining what culture can look like in this generation.

And at Ranks Africa, we are proud to spotlight her journey.

WE HID IN THE SUN, BUT PROSPER LIGHT IS READY FOR THE WORLD TO SEE

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The Rise of a Storyteller Using Cinema to Champion Visibility, Depth, and Unapologetic Representation

On June 13, as the world marks International Albinism Awareness Day, a quiet revolution will unfold on screen.

Three films.

One voice at the center.

A rising storyteller who has never stopped choosing truth.

Prosper Light is the face and force behind a compelling new chapter in African cinemaβ€”one where representation is not just present but powerful, authentic, and creatively excellent.

We Hid in the Sun – Trailer Drops June 13

The day begins with the official trailer release of We Hid in the Sun, a deeply moving film written by FΓ© Doyin and directed by Yusuf Zay. The full film isn’t out yetβ€”but the trailer offers a gripping first look at the world inside this groundbreaking project centered on albinism awareness.

In it, Prosper Light delivers a stirring performance that’s already drawing attentionβ€”culminating in the film’s official selection for the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF).

The Sun’s Glory – World Premiere

On the same day, Prosper Light steps behind the camera with the world premiere of his own short film, The Sun’s Glory. Written and directed by him, the story is a striking cinematic reflection of light, identity, and inner triumph.

It’s more than a filmβ€”it’s an act of reclamation. A declaration that stories about people with albinism can be layered, emotional, and bold.

β€œFor me, it’s about telling the stories that matter. I didn’t want pityβ€”I wanted truth. The Sun’s Glory is about being seen, and being enough.”

The Albino Story – Screening at the Premiere

Rounding out the event is a screening of The Albino Story, a film by Tosin Jones, where Prosper plays the lead role in another unforgettable portrayal.

Though all three films highlight themes around albinism, each character Prosper embodies is distinctβ€”showcasing his range, spontaneity, and emotional depth as an actor.

From Stereotype to Spotlight

Actors with albinism are often confined to stereotypes or used as symbols. But Prosper Light is shifting that narrativeβ€”not only through his roles but by being intentional about the entire creative process.

Across these three projects, he shows what’s possible when performers with albinism are given room to lead, explore, and shine without constraint.

β€œYes, these films highlight albinism,” he says. β€œBut what they really do is show that we can tell any story. I’m not limited to a boxβ€”and I hope this shows that no one has to be.”

The Face of a Movement Going Global

This is not just a momentβ€”it’s the emergence of a storyteller who’s changing what global cinema can look like.

Prosper Light is becoming a symbol for something bigger: the kind of creative, intentional, world-class representation that transforms how stories are toldβ€”and who gets to tell them.

On June 13, the world will witness trailers, premieres, and screenings.

But more importantly, it will witness a young filmmaker who once hid in the sunβ€”

and is now, finally, ready for the world to see.