Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-Born Tems Joins John Legend, Jennifer Hudson for Obama Presidential Center Opening in Chicago
Nigerian singer to perform alongside global stars as Obama Foundation opens new centre, with ceremony livestreamed worldwide
Nigerian singer to perform alongside global stars as Obama Foundation opens new centre, with ceremony livestreamed worldwide
Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has been confirmed as a performer at the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, United States, on Tuesday, 18 June. The announcement places the Lagos-born artiste as the only Nigerian and one of a select group of international acts featured in the high-profile event.
According to the Obama Foundation, Tems will share the stage with world-renowned musicians including Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Common, The Roots, Eddie Vedder, Marc Anthony and U2’s The Edge. Young American actress Marsai Martin is also slated to participate in the ceremony. The opening event will be livestreamed globally from the Centre’s John Lewis Plaza.
Tems’ inclusion marks another significant milestone in her rapidly expanding international profile. Over the past four years, she has distinguished herself among Nigerian artistes making waves on the global scene. In 2022, Tems became the first African woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart when her collaboration ‘Wait For U’ with Future and Drake reached number one. She also performed at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar that same year.
The Chief Executive Officer of Obama Foundation, Valerie Jarrett, described the opening as a once-in-a-generation celebration of democracy and culture. “This Grand Opening ceremony will be unlike any other, filled with music, performances and hope,” Jarrett said during the announcement. Former First Lady Michelle Obama noted that establishing the centre on Chicago’s South Side represents a full circle moment for her community, transforming previously underutilised land into a hub for history and leadership. The centre will open to members of the public from Wednesday, 19 June with further activities scheduled through Juneteenth weekend.
Since her breakout success internationally, Tems has won a Grammy Award and received an Oscar nomination for her contribution to ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ soundtrack. She was also listed among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people globally. Her selection for this event alongside legends who have shaped popular music further solidifies her position as one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports.
As Nigerians continue to gain recognition on world stages across entertainment and other sectors, Tems’ performance at such a symbolic event underscores both her talent and Nigeria’s growing impact on global pop culture.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/tems-obama-presidential-center-opening-performers-2026061714253434250
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.
According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.
In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.
The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.
According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.
The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.
As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.
According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.
The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.
While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.
With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.
Nwabali Returns as Okoye Left Out — Iheanacho Leads New-Look Super Eagles Against Russia
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
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