…Warns, ‘Don’t sell your family land or your property or resign from your job in Nigeria. Plan very well and make sure you secure a verified job in the United States before coming over so as not to suffer.

‘Music is spiritual and comes to me in the form of feelings; I can’t live without song; Music is my life’

The last album, titled ‘Undying Dreams’, is still trending on Echo Vibe FM, Dallas, Texas, other Diaspora radio/television stations in Nigeria, the UK, and South Africa

A graduate of marketing, I earlier worked in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria, and recall memories of working in warehouses in the United States.

PLUS, how he migrated Overseas, plans to return to Nigeria in a big way

A Nigerian-born Certified Information Technology Analyst in Texas, United States, Olalekan Olaleye, famously known as ‘ENUOPE’, is making waves as the protégé of Nigeria’s Juju music legend, King Sunny Ade, in North America. His style of music and stage performances made music fans call him ‘The Prince of Nigeria’s Juju Music.

This naturalised American, who is a familiar face in most homes in North America, is seen as an intelligent entertainer, and his gigs’ schedules are lined up on his iPad and iPhone diary. This man, whose stage name means ‘a grateful heart unto Go,d’, works round the clock, while his regular shows in Dallas, Fort Worth, attract a huge crowd of Africans, Black communities, and even among the Latino populace. And when it is time for him to unwind, this graduate of Marketing, who has successfully worked in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, does not hold back time to rest.

On how his adventure into music was from childhood, ENUOPE explained he started music at the young age of 5years as an active choir member, his words: “I started doing music at a very young age of 5 and was an active choir member at my church, Seventh-day Adventist church, Ikolaba, Ibadan, Oyo State. Music was just a fun thing for me, and I developed so much passion for it, being a kid from a music-loving family. In 1999, I started a band called ‘The Charriot’ with some of my music-loving friends.”

Regarding the impact of Nigerian legendary musicians on his art, this outspoken musician narrated how every icon in Africa’s most populous black nation impacted him, “I have so many icons that have inspired me. I can never forget the likes of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Chief Orlando Owoh, Ebenezer Obey, Oliver de Coque, Evi Edna Ogholi, Junior and pretty, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube and many more…King Sunny Ade’s music mostly impacted my career. I am just a fan of good music, and as a young kid, I loved analysing music and using music to motivate my inner self.”

Several musicians derive their inspirations in various ways: some will easily claim that their immediate environment or dreams are vehicles through which they get inspired. EUROPE believes music is an inspiration, “Music itself is an inspiration on its own. I was gonna say music is a spirit cuz it’s spiritual. I mean, unseen spirit works with songs, but can be in the form of feelings.

Yeah, I get a lot of inspiration writing music from anywhere, any situation or state of mind. As for me, music is just me and has always been part of my life. I can categorically say I eat, sleep, dream and drink music all the time… It’s just a fun thing for me…. Music keeps me going.”

On the remarkable success of ENUOPE’S sold-out album titled ‘UNDYING DREAM’ released last year, “I released an album last year titled “UNDYING DREAM” which is still playing on Nigerian airwaves and TVs. The hot album is playing on a lot of Diaspora radio stations like Echo Vibe FM in Dallas, Texas, and clubs both in the USA, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and South Africa. I am also working on some singles and in the process of dropping some of them before the year runs out.”

On the significance of how he got the stage name ‘ENUOPE’, he went philosophically. “ENUOPE is not just a name I coined out for myself. The name is very special and very spiritual to me. The name means a lot to me. ‘Enuope’ means ‘My mouth is full of gratitude’. I am so grateful to Almighty God for always giving me the life to see the light of every day.”

When confronted on why American fans regularly call him ‘Prince of Nigerian Juju Music’ during and after his shows, he went down memory lane by saying, “I got that moniker from one of my good friends that caught me at a club performing my music with a live band, and it was a ‘WOW’ moment. The entire club lit up. But to tell you the truth, I have been getting a lot of calls to keep doing it every now and then with the live band. To set the record straight, ht I am not the King, Prince or president of juju music. I am just a talented artistEUROPEOPE brands himself as a musician who “lives, eats, drinks and sings music all day long.. Like I was saying earlier, that music lives in me and I in music. Let me confess that music is my hobby.

As a graduate of Marketing, he revealed that while he worked in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria before relocating to the United States, at no time did he allow anything to come between him and his natural passion for music. “I studied Marketing in college, and after graduation, I worked in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. I never let anything come between my first love (music) and me. And I was still performing with my band all over Ibadan and Lagos in the late 90’s till early 2000’s”.

It takes some immigrants almost a lifetime or a long time to adjust to changes in weather, environment and other challenges Overseas. So how did ENUOPE triumph after his migration to the United States from Lagos State? “Life is full of ups and downs. There is nothing in this life that is guaranteed or permanent except the grace of our Father {GOD}. He brought me here and has been taking care of me since then. I cannot fight his battle for him. I am good. I will still go to Nigeria. It’s like I never left. I never left Nigeria, I still go back and forth”, he did not hide his feelings.

Regarding his urgent message for other Nigerians back home who throng the American Embassy daily in search of visas or sell their family’s landed properties or resign from their well-paying, good jobs, wanting to come to the United States, he adds: “My advice for them is to follow their instinct and be very honest with themselves before making such a decision. Again, please do not sell your family land or your property or resign from your job. Plan very well and make sure you secure a job in the United States before coming over.”

The Integrity Youth Alliance has called on African Action Congress (AAC) Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and his associates to comply with the restraining order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja, barring any protest or demonstration around Aso Rock Villa and other sensitive national locations.

The order, granted by Honourable Justice M. G. Umar, prohibits protests around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. The directive remains in force pending the determination of a motion on notice before the court.

According to the Alliance, the ruling followed a suit filed to forestall potential disruption of public peace and national security in connection with the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest slated for Monday, October 20, 2025.

“IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Respondents are hereby restrained in the interim from protesting in the following Areas: Aso Rock Villa, or anywhere close to the Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari way pending the hearing of the motion on notice.
2. The Court hereby abridged the time within which the Respondents will respond to the application on notice to cause this ex parte Order to be set aside on Monday, the 20th of October, 2025, at 9.00 am.
3. The Order of this Court, together with the Motion on Notice, be served on the Respondents today, Friday, the 17th day of October, 2025.
4. Case adjourned to 20th October, 2025, for hearing of the Motion on Notice.
ISSUED AT ABUJA under the Hand of the Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice M. G. Umar, and the Seal of the Court, this 17th day of October, 2025.
ORDER ON FRN v. OMOYELE SOWORE & 4 ORS. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025

The group dismissed Sowore’s claim that no court had stopped the protest, insisting that “a valid and subsisting order” from the Federal High Court is in effect. The Alliance warned that any defiance of the order would amount to contempt of court and could attract serious legal consequences.

“No individual or group is above the law,” said Comrade Kelvin Adegbenga, National Coordinator of the Integrity Youth Alliance. “The Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, but that right does not extend to disobedience of lawful court orders or actions capable of threatening public peace.”

The Alliance further emphasised that the case involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is already before a competent court, and any attempt to use protests to pressure or intimidate the judiciary is both reckless and counterproductive.

The statement concluded with a warning that Sowore would be held personally accountable for any breakdown of law and order arising from attempts to defy the court’s directive.

The Integrity Youth Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional order, and the sanctity of the judiciary as the bedrock of Nigeria’s democracy.

Attached is the court order:

The South South Governors Forum (SSGF) has felicitated with the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, on his 66th birthday.

In a statement on Saturday, the SSGF Chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, described Governor Otu as a visionary leader, committed to rewriting the developmental narrative of his state and the region.

According to a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman, South South Governors Forum, Daniel Alabrah, since assuming office two and a half years ago, Otu has breathed fresh dynamism into governance of the state through people-centric policies and projects.

Governor Otu’s servant-leadership style has given Cross River a new lease of life and inspired many even beyond the state.

While praising our colleague for his patriotism, the forum notes that Otu is a humble, compassionate and committed democrat that has prioritised the wellbeing of the people and the development of his state.

We pray for greater grace, wisdom and divine guidance of the Almighty, and urge Otu to remain steadfast while sustaining his vision for Cross River’s economic growth and advancement.

We assure the people of the South South region that the forum will continue to work together to sustain the tempo of collective regional development that their governors have committed themselves to.

The Ijaw Youths Network has commended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for his unflinching commitment to the peace and development of the Niger Delta.

The youth group commended the PAP for the recent award of over 3,000 scholarships to students from the Niger Delta region.

The IYN, in a statement on Saturday by its National Coordinator, Frank Ebikabo and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, said that Otuaro has not departed from his avowed commitment to bridging the human capital development gap in the Niger Delta.

The group also commended the PAP boss for the recent deployment of 161 beneficiaries from impacted communities for targeted programmes in universities in the United Kingdom.

They urged Otuaro to remain focused and dedicated to the cause of the region and ignore all attempts by mischief makers to distract him.

According to the group, the deliberate steps being taken by Otuaro to spread educational opportunities in the communities of the Niger Delta remain one of the most effective ways of entrenching lasting peace and development in the region.

Ebikabo and Ebiaridor said that the Niger Delta and indeed the entire country would feel the positive impacts of Otuaro’s visionary input to education in years to come.

The youth leaders also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic supervision of the Presidential Amnesty Office and contributions to entrenched peace in the Niger Delta.

The IYN called on youths of the Niger Delta to prioritise the interest of the region in making a political choice in 2027, even as they urged them to back Otuaro’s call to support President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

They recalled the efforts by Otuaro in previous scholarship deployments and vocational training, stressing that the president has been very supportive of the PAP initiatives.

The group said, “We have noted with keen interest the recent deployment of a huge number of Niger Delta indigenes for scholarship programmes within and outside the country.

“The record we have shows that over 3000 young people are benefiting from these unprecedented efforts of the PAP under Otuaro’s leadership within the country, and 161 in the UK universities for the 2025/2026 academic year.

“We at the IYN commend the PAP boss for his laudable efforts. We know his antecedents, and we are not surprised that he has made this level of unprecedented impact within a short time.

“We urge him to remain focused on the job and ignore detractors spreading falsehoods about the programme and its leaders.

“We also call on our colleagues in the Niger Delta to give the requisite support to Otuaro and the Tinubu administration, which has given priority to issues affecting our people.”

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has underscored the importance of renewable energy and digital innovation in driving inclusive growth and transforming rural communities across Nigeria.

Speaking as a panellist at the Civil Society Policy Forum during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C., Inuwa described renewable energy as a “fundamental enabler” of digital inclusion and economic empowerment.

“Renewable energy is not the destination; it is a catalyst. When there is power, connectivity follows, and that connectivity triggers true transformation,” he said.

The NITDA boss highlighted how clean energy and technology can transform livelihoods, citing examples of AI-powered farming tools, online platforms for women entrepreneurs, and digital jobs that enable rural youth to earn globally while working locally.

“A farmer equipped with a simple app can double his income, send his child to school, and employ others. A young person with internet access doesn’t need to migrate to Abuja or Lagos—he can work from his village and earn in dollars,” Inuwa explained.

Linking these initiatives to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s *Renewed Hope Agenda*, Inuwa said Nigeria’s digital economy strategy—anchored by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy—rests on five pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, and trade. NITDA, he added, builds on this framework through eight strategic pillars, including digital literacy, research, cybersecurity, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

He disclosed that NITDA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, is integrating digital literacy into the national school curriculum from kindergarten to tertiary levels. In addition, digital competency has become a prerequisite for employment and promotion within the civil service.

Through these initiatives, the agency aims to train 50 million Nigerians by 2027 to build a digitally skilled workforce capable of driving national transformation.

“Our vision is clear, our journey is set, and our resolve is stronger than ever. We invite everyone to join us in building a digitally empowered and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking at the session, Fowzia Hassan, Senior Operations Officer for Infrastructure at the World Bank Group, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to expanding energy access across Africa through its *Mission 300 (M300)* initiative, which targets 300 million new connections by 2030.

“Access to energy has always been central to the Bank’s development agenda, but with M300, we’ve set a clear target, a deadline, and the resources to make it happen,” Hassan stated.

She explained that the initiative unites efforts by the World Bank, IFC, and MIGA to strengthen regulations, attract private investment, and deploy innovative financing models—including blended finance and risk-sharing facilities—to reach underserved communities.

Highlighting the gender dimension of energy access, Hassan noted that women constitute 32 percent of Africa’s renewable energy workforce, primarily in non-technical roles, and called for more policies to promote women’s participation in technical and leadership positions.

“Women are vital consumers, producers, and decision-makers in energy. Yet they face barriers ranging from finance to education and workplace inclusion,” she emphasised.

Hassan further mentioned World Bank–supported initiatives such as partnerships with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on National Energy Compacts, Nigeria’s DAIRS programme—which aims to mobilise over $1 billion for mini-grids and solar systems—and the *Women in Energy Network Africa (WEN-Africa)*, which has facilitated jobs for 57 women and aims to create 4,000 energy sector jobs for women within three years.

“Creating a clean, inclusive, and just energy transition is not just about connecting homes—it’s about empowering people, especially women and youth, to drive Africa’s prosperity,” she concluded.

Nigeria is positioning itself as Africa’s leading hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation and development, according to the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

Speaking during a Fireside Chat at the AI Stage of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) 2025 in Dubai, Inuwa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging AI for national development, innovation, and global competitiveness.

He said Nigeria’s AI journey is deliberate and strategic, anchored on responsible, ethical, and inclusive innovation. “Our vision is clear on how we can harness the transformative power of AI through responsible, ethical, and inclusive innovation to foster sustainable development through collaboration,” Inuwa stated.

The NITDA boss explained that the country’s AI strategy is guided by five core principles — responsibility, ethics, inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration. “These are not just words; they are our compass. Everything we are doing in AI must reflect these values. We are not just building systems; we are shaping a future that works for everyone,” he added.

Inuwa said the National AI Strategy is structured around three key objectives and five strategic pillars designed to build foundational infrastructure, strengthen the ecosystem, accelerate adoption across sectors, promote ethical AI practices, and ensure effective governance.

He highlighted AI’s growing impact across agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance, noting that the technology is already transforming key sectors. “In agriculture, we are helping farmers make informed decisions using real-time data. In healthcare, AI enables faster diagnosis and access to care in rural areas. In education, we are embedding AI literacy into learning so our young people are not left behind. And in finance, AI tools are detecting fraud, improving credit access, and driving financial inclusion,” he said.

The NITDA DG also revealed that government is exploring AI applications to enhance public services. “We envision a future where citizens can obtain passports or business permits in minutes rather than weeks. AI can make that a reality and rebuild trust between government and citizens by making public services smarter, faster, and more transparent,” he noted.

Inuwa disclosed that about 70% of Nigeria’s online population already uses generative AI tools — higher than the global average of 48%. He attributed this to Nigeria’s youthful population and ongoing digital talent initiatives, including the **Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL)** programme targeting 95% national literacy by 2030, and the **3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT)** initiative — one of the world’s largest digital upskilling projects.

He also announced plans to develop Nigeria’s indigenous Large Language Model (LLM), known as **M-ATLAS**, designed to reflect the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity. “Nigeria has over 500 languages and countless dialects. Foreign AI models can’t capture our nuances. M-ATLAS will understand our culture, expressions, and local context,” he explained.

Drawing parallels to Africa’s rapid mobile technology adoption, Inuwa expressed optimism that the continent could exceed that success in AI. “The difference this time is that we are building from within, shaping the rules, not catching up with them,” he said.

“AI is not about machines replacing humans; it is about amplifying human potential. Our mission is to use AI responsibly to drive prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development. If we get it right, AI can deliver tenfold or even hundredfold improvements in productivity and innovation,” he concluded.