Dr Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State governor, has urged Nigerians to mark this year’s Valentine’s Day by celebrating love and extending acts of kindness to others.

Soludo called on citizens to demonstrate kindness through both words and actions, emphasising that genuine affection should define the occasion.

The Anambra First Lady, who is also founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, said there is nothing more evocative than the gift of true love.

In a statement released on Saturday to commemorate the celebration, she stressed that even a single act of love can create a lasting impact.

Valentine’s Day, originally observed as a Christian feast honouring Saint Valentine, has evolved into a global cultural and commercial celebration of romance, commitment, and love.

Speaking further, Soludo encouraged Nigerians to embrace love with “an open and gracious heart,” free from hate and unkindness.

She said, “There’s nothing more evocative than the gift of true love. To love is to carry an open and gracious heart, free from hate, unkindness, and inhumanity.

Give today not because it’s Valentine’s Day, but because one little act of love can make a memorable impact.

Let your words and actions today carry significant kindness and genuine affection.

Celebrate this special occasion with the people you love, and remember to extend a hand of kindness to everyone around you. Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you all.”

MTN Nigeria has surprised a newlywed couple in Enugu, Mr. Uchechukwu and Mrs. Dorin Anugwo, with a cash gift of N2 million under its nationwide YelloTide festive campaign.

The surprise, tagged the “Yello Wedding”, took place on Saturday at the Community Primary School, Ugwuaji, in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that MTN launched the YelloTide campaign in November as a three-phase initiative designed to spread joy, kindness and human connection across Nigeria during the 2025 festive season.

The campaign features community engagements, surprise giveaways and shared social experiences aimed at creating memorable moments for Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, said the gesture reflected the company’s core value of connection.

“At MTN, we impact lives, support people and create meaningful connections. What we have done today is to recognise and celebrate the connection between this couple, which is essentially what we do,” Okigbo said.

He explained that the couple was selected randomly and had no prior knowledge of the surprise.

Responding, Mr. Anugwo, an Assistant Superintendent with the Federal Fire Service in Enugu, said he and his wife, Dorin, were overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture.

Describing the gift as “divine,” Anugwo thanked MTN Nigeria, saying he never imagined such a blessing after receiving the MTN message.

“My wife and I are truly impressed and grateful for what MTN has done,” he said. (NAN).

Actress Regina Daniels has again told her estranged husband Senator Ned Nwoko to leave her alone, noting that their union did not have legal backing.

The movie star admitted in a statement released on Instagram in the early hours of Sunday that she was on drugs but that the cause of their discord was his alleged constant plan to isolate her from her loved ones.

“Fine, I did drugs. So what? Is that even the issue between us? The moment we had a fight, you rushed to the public shouting ‘drugs, drugs, drugs,’ because you knew it would make a perfect story for the media, something dramatic enough to distract everyone from the real issue!” She wrote.

“You want to find a reason to arrest everyone around me so that I will have no one left beside me, no friend, no support, no safe place to turn to. Then when I’m completely isolated and broken, I will be forced to come back to you because I will have nowhere else to go.”

She claimed the lawmaker seized her phones for weeks so she would not communicate with her family. According to her, she was also isolated in a room and declared “mentally unstable” whenever she wanted out of the union.

“Every problem we have had started when I no longer wanted you, whether sober or even high,” she wrote, urging the legislator to “tell people the truth”.

“And for the record,” she added, “I would have filed for divorce long ago if there was ever a legal marriage between us. We were never married in any court of law, and no documents were signed. Leave me alone, Ned. Marriage is not by force. Love is not by force. Stop trying to control what no longer belongs to you!”

This comes days after Regina broke down in tears in a video, expressing frustration and despair over ongoing family struggles.

Following a petition filed by Nwoko, the police on November 6 charged the actress’s brother Samuel Ojeogwu in court for offences bordering on criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, assault, criminal intimidation and theft. The court remanded him until he meets the bail conditions.

On October 18, a viral video showed Regina in tears, surrounded by aides and relatives, saying: “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing. But in my house, I am a queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Nwoko denied the allegations shortly after, claiming his wife’s outburst stemmed from “drug and alcohol abuse” and insisting she needed rehabilitation.

Vanguard

…examining the quiet strength of a woman who builds others

By lFEANYI NDUKWE (SAINT), ONITSHA

From the roots of the Nri clan came the birth cry of an Amazon over four decades ago. That marked the beginning of a bearer of light into the community. We are honoured to detail in small quantity of a great Amazon in the person of Iyom Chief Mrs Joy Egolum.

In an age where power often shouts and pride seeks applause, Iyom Chief (Mrs.) Joy O. Egolum stands as a gentle storm. She is calm, firm, and deeply influential. Her story is not one of noise or self-display, but of substance. A woman whose footprints echo through service, family devotion, philanthropy, and an unyielding sense of purpose.

Interestingly she was born with an instinct for leadership and a heart tuned to humanity, Iyom Joy Egolum rose steadily through life’s ladder. She didn’t rise by chance, but by choice, discipline, and grace.

She mastered the delicate balance between ambition and humility, between public service and private integrity.

As the South East Corporate Affairs Manager, NB PLC, her career marked by diligence and distinction, reflects a woman who understands that leadership is not about titles, but about transforming lives and lifting others to their rightful heights.

What defines Iyom Chief (Mrs.) Egolum most profoundly is her philanthropy (quiet, consistent, and far-reaching). Her gestures go beyond charity; they are expressions of empathy. She has supported widows with dignity, empowered women through skill acquisitions, offered scholarships to indigent students, and extended a motherly hand to orphans and the less privileged. For her, giving is not an act of showmanship but a duty born out of compassion. No wonder the Enugu state government through the office of the First Lady gave her recognition awards.

Her philanthropic spirit has become a beacon for many, particularly women who have found in her A ROLE MODEL of what strength in femininity truly means. In a society that often undervalues women’s contributions, Iyom Joy Egolum stands as a testament that being female is not a limitation but a DIVINE CALL TO NURTURE, influence, and lead.

Behind every great achievement of hers lies a foundation built on love and family. Iyom is a devoted wife, mother, and matriarch, she embodies the saying that “charity begins at home.”

Her home radiates the same warmth she extends to her community, a sanctuary of discipline, love, and understanding to her children and those she mentors, she is both a teacher and a friend; to her husband, a true partner and confidant.

Her ability to harmonize family responsibilities with professional excellence is a quiet victory; one that many women admire and draw strength from. In her, we see a reflection of resilience and grace, a woman who bends under pressure but never breaks.

Iyom Joy Odogwu Egolum’s life hasn’t been without trials. Like gold refined in fire, she has faced storms; social expectations, professional challenges, and the unique pressures that come with being a woman in leadership.

Yet, she turned every challenge into a steppingstone. Her story is one of endurance rewarded with purpose. Every setback only refined her wisdom, deepened her empathy, and strengthened her resolve to serve.

From her early days in service where she distinguished herself as a woman of integrity and administrative excellence to her later years of community leadership and philanthropy.

Iyom Egolum’s journey reads like a testament of faith, courage, and vision. She has held positions of trust and honor, always leaving trails of fairness, foresight, and compassion.

Today, her legacy shines brightly especially in the lives she has touched which includes schools in Nri and Enugu states, churches, community associations, and women’s groups all bear testimony to her generosity and moral strength. She is a woman who gives without counting, leads without dominating, and inspires without demanding praise.

Her story challenges every woman and indeed every person to see life not as a competition, but as a calling. To lift others as we climb, to be firm yet kind, and to live in a way that our names become blessings on the lips of others.

Her relationship and love for her father, late High Chief Odogwu remains a resounding drum of moral and spiritual guidance.

Quoting her, “Leadership is not about position. It is about compassion, patience, and vision, “— Iyom Chief (Mrs.) Joy Odogwu Egolum

Today, we celebrate God’s Faithfulness on you, keep shining bright as the stars.

Nigerian artists submissions for the 2026 Grammy Awards have been revealed.

Grammy monitoring platform, The Grammy Guru recently released songs and projects submitted by some Nigerian artists for consideration for nomination for the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Wizkid is the Nigerian artist with the most submissions. He submitted ‘Morayo’ for Album of the Year and Best Global Album categories.

The Starboy boss also submitted ‘Piece of My Heart’ for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best African Music Performance categories.

He submitted ‘Kese (Dance)’, which was directed by him, for Best Music Video. His collaborative hit with Olamide and Darkoo ‘Billionaires Club’ was also submitted for the Best African Music Performance category.

Burna Boy submitted his album ‘No Sign of Weakness’ for nomination in both the Album of the Year and Best Global Album categories.

He submitted his song ‘Love’ for Best African Music Performance, while his collaborative hit with French star Joé Dwèt Filé, ‘Kampé III’ was submitted for Best Global Music Performance.

Ayra Starr submitted ‘Hot Body’ for Record of the Year and Song of the Year categories.

She also submitted her collaborative hit with Wizkid ‘Gimme Dat’ for both Best African Music Performance and Best Music Video categories.

The Recording Academy will vote for the songs and projects to be nominated in each category. The nominees will be announced in November 2025.

Nigerian singer, Davido recently joined the Recording Academy as a voting member.

By Ekelaka Magnus

The ancient traditions of Ihembosi was brought to life at the 2025 Iwaji (new yam festival) of Ihembosi in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The festival which brought home some of the illustrust sons and daughters of Ihembosi as well attracted dignitaries from all spheres of life including government officials both from local and state all came to be part in the history making.

Chief Udezue Malachy (Ezeamuounobi), the president general of Ihembosi progressive union not only celebrated with his people but also offered rare insights into the spiritual significance of the event and the cultural beliefs that underpin it.

According to him,”Iwaji is celebrated all over Igboland to thank God for life, good harvest, and blessings.

The Paramount ruler or the Igwe first sets the pace, and afterward, families and villages hold theirs. It is not compulsory for those abroad to return, but many came home this year out of love for Ihembosi,” he said

Going deeper into cultural philosophy, Chief Udezue traced the origins of Iwaji to the ancient Alomuo festival, which according to him is a period for remembering and communing with the ancestors. He asserted.

Moving forward, the Mayor of Ekwusigo Local government area, Hon. Chimezie Obi felicitated with the people of Ihembosi community on the occasion of the New yam festival, he prayed God to grant them long life and good health,

According to him, he underscores the significance of this year’s new yam festival to be of great importance to the Ihembosi community, he likens it to be one of the festival celebrated globally, according to him, he says that the Festival is more than just a celebration— “it is a celebration of life, hard work, “It reminds us of the values that binds us together as a people, community resilience, respect for elders, and reverence for the land that sustains us, is a period of unity and brotherliness in Ihembosi.

In his good will message, the mayor urged those in diaspora to always make out time to come home during new yam Festival to see and Foster development in the community, he prayed that this year’s festival brings abundance, peace, and prosperity, May our youths continue to shine. And may our land continue to flourish.

On his part, a chieftain of the community and an elder statesman in Ihembosi known as Anya Ihembosi while on an interactive session with journalists noted that this year festival was colourful and memorable, with cultural dances from various troupes, masquerade displays, exhibition of the biggest yam tubers harvested this year.

Anya Ihembosi however opined that It was a day of joy, gratitude, and renewed hope for a brighter future for Ihembosi community.

The festival, marked with pomp, pageantry, and displays of rich cultural heritage, once again reinforced the enduring place of tradition in the identity of the Ihembosi people, reminding all present that while modern influences may shape lifestyles, certain customs such as observance of the new yam festival remains untouchable symbols of collective identity.

Veteran music producer and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has opened up about the personal cost of his rise to the top of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Speaking on the Echo Podcast, the 42-year-old revealed that while he has no regrets about his career journey, one area of his life he may have unconsciously sacrificed is marriage.

When asked what he had to let go in pursuit of success, Don Jazzy admitted he never imagined reaching his 40s unmarried.

“I never thought I’d be in my 40s and not married. Maybe that’s the one I lost along the way. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, I’m totally fine,” he said.

The hitmaker, who has played a key role in shaping the careers of stars like Tiwa Savage, Rema and Ayra Starr, added that his career would still revolve around music even if he was not a record label executive.

Despite the trade-offs, Don Jazzy stressed that he feels deeply fulfilled with what he has achieved in the music scene.

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Saint), Awka

Something magical happened in Dunukofia this last week in the palatial country home of High Chief Chikezie Vincent Udobi.

Drums echoed. Masquerades danced. Kings and captains gathered but at the heart of it all stood one man; High Chief Chikezie Vincent Udobi, popularly known as Onwa Dunukofia hosting the 2025 New Yam Festival in a way that captivated both the young and old.

But this wasn’t just a festival. It was a living, breathing expression of Igbo heritage, community spirit, and personal legacy.

The compound came alive with cultural energy; Traditional music, dancers, masquerades full of mystery, gift presentations, and drum beats that told ancient stories.

When journalists asked Chief Udobi about the essence of the celebration, he responded with grace and boldness:

“This festival is more than yam. It is about unity, culture, and God’s blessings. As a true Igbo son, I take pride in preserving our heritage. This is our way of giving thanks and staying connected to our roots.”

It wasn’t just a local affair.
The event drew in some of Anambra’s most respected figures, a blend of tradition, politics, and entrepreneurship.

Some key guests included; Great Pillars of Anambra Brothers (Aku n’ulo), Ebubechukwu na Umunnachi, Johnbosco Onunkwo (Owan Umuchu), Dan Dove, APC stakeholder, traditional rulers, youth leaders, business moguls, and cultural enthusiasts

It felt like an Anambra homecoming, powerfully symbolic of solidarity among Ndi Igbo.

Onwa Dunukofia, a man of few words but impactful actions, Chief Chikezie Vincent Udobi is known not just for his title, but for what he represents.

The New Yam Festival is one of the most sacred traditions in Igbo culture.
Meanwhile, year after year, Onwa Dunukofia ensures it’s not just celebrated, but elevated.

This year’s event was bolder, richer, and more inclusive showcasing a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation.