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Will Smith Resigns From Oscars Academy Over Chris Rock Slap

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4 years ago

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Will Smith Resigns From Oscars Academy Over Chris Rock Slap

Actor Will Smith has withdrew from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, five days after assaulting comedian Chris Rock during a live global broadcast.

The actor described his acts as “shocking, hurtful, and unacceptable,” as they overshadowed Hollywood’s glitziest night of the year.

“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home,” Smith said.

“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”

Read Also >> Will Smith Saga: Nigerian Comedians And Artists Share Their Thoughts On Snide Jokes

There have been conflicting reports in recent days over whether Smith was asked to leave the ceremony, with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences saying he refused to go.

The group said this week it was starting disciplinary action against Smith — only the fifth Black man to win the movie world’s highest individual award for a man — and warned he could face a rare expulsion.

But on Friday, Smith pre-empted that punishment.

“I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.

“I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”

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President Tinubu nominates Taxman Taiwo Oyedele as minister of state for finance

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7 days ago

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March 5, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated the arrowhead of the nations new tax reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele as the next minister of state for finance, replacing Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite.
Uzoka-Anite will now move to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, as the Minister of State, her third portfolio in the administration.

President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele during his nomination on Wednesday.

President Tinubu has today conveyed the nomination of Oyedele to the Senate for confirmation in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Until President Tinubu nominated him as a minister, Oyedele from Ikaram, Akoko, Ondo State, was the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system.
Oyedele, 50, is an economist, accountant and public policy expert.
He attended Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in accountancy and finance. He attended Oxford Brookes University and earned a BSc in applied accounting.
He also completed executive education programmes at the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Oyedele spent 22 years of his working career at PwC, joining in 2001 and rising to become the Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader.
Oyedele is also a professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and a visiting scholar at the Lagos Business School.
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Nigeria deploys 5 man delegation to the US for Rev Jesse Jackson’s Burial

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7 days ago

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March 5, 2026

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Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a five-person delegation to represent him and the country at the final burial rites of Rev. Jesse Jackson, the American civil rights leader, activist and former presidential candidate.
Jackson passed away at age 84 on February 17, 2026, in Chicago.
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is the leader of the delegation.
Other members are the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Special Presidential Envoy for Global and Pan-African Affairs, Brian Browne; and the Senior Special Assistant, Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.
The delegation will deliver President Tinubu’s message of condolences to the Jackson family.
In an earlier tribute, President Tinubu described Reverend Jackson as a great friend of Nigeria and Africa.
“He was a moral voice and a formidable resistance to apartheid in South Africa. He played a leading role in the campaign for the release from prison of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders. He won critical support for sanctions against the then apartheid government”, President Tinubu wrote.
The burial programme for the civil rights leader began on February 26, with a lying-in-state at Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago. Services in South Carolina and Washington, D.C., and a lying-in-state at the South Carolina Statehouse were scheduled for March 1-5.
On March 6, a “People’s Celebration” will take place at House of Hope in Chicago, followed by a private homegoing on March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
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‘Gospel Music Has Power To Transform Nigeria’, Pastor Declares

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3 weeks ago

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February 19, 2026

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The Senior Pastor of Freedom Life International Christian Center, Richard Tochukwu, has declared that gospel music possesses the spiritual capacity to transform Nigeria, describing it as a divine instrument capable of restoring hope and unity in the nation.

Speaking during an interaction with journalists, the cleric said music inspired by God’s Word can positively influence Nigeria’s spiritual and socio-political landscape by promoting peace, comfort and moral revival.

According to him, gospel music goes beyond entertainment and should be seen as a ministry tool for national healing.

ALSO READ: How Pastor Jerry Eze’s NSPPD Became The World’s Third Most-Watched YouTube Channel

“Gospel music is not just sound; it carries power. When songs are inspired by Scripture, they can heal hearts, restore faith and redirect a nation toward righteousness,” he said.

Pastor Tochukwu made the remarks while discussing his latest worship single, “I Want To Pray,” a spiritually reflective song produced by Audio5.

He explained that the track was created to encourage believers to remain steadfast in prayer and maintain consistent fellowship with God.

The song draws inspiration from Luke 18:1, which urges believers to pray always and not lose heart.

A spiritual son of Paul Enenche, Pastor Tochukwu revealed that most of his songs are birthed from deep study of Scripture.

“Sometimes while studying or preaching from a passage, a melody begins to flow. The lyrics are drawn directly from the Word. Our songs are intentional; they carry the same message we preach,” he explained.

Reflecting on his journey, he recounted beginning as a drummer who also sang before discovering what he described as a divine instruction to minister through music.

“I realised that you don’t minister only through preaching. God made me understand that songs are another channel through which His Word can reach people. Every release is backed by Scripture,” he added.

Pastor Tochukwu currently serves in Lagos, combining pastoral leadership with music ministry.

The audio and video for “I Want To Pray” are now available on major digital streaming platforms.

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