Entertainment
My crises nobody knew about – Adekunle Gold speaks out.
The Nigerian artist, Adekunle Gold recently shared a part of his life story that has been a secret all his life. The singer poured out his heart on his Instagram page as he told his fans the battles and challenges he faced before gaining fame. He said he was a sickle cell anaemic patient who lived his life with pains because of the sickness.
He wrote: “It feels liberating to finally be able to share this part of my life with you, to finally be able to speak my truth. When I talk about how I struggled to get to where I am today, I need you to know that my struggle was real. I was born with sickle cell disease. It was life and death, it was physical, mental, financial, you name it and I went through it all. It was tough, painful, and frustrating. I lived with a sickness no one around me understood, I lived with restrictions all my childhood. “I wasn’t able to join some of the most minor child play and liberating activities like going out in the rain. The times when I insisted and rebelled against my parent’s orders and went out in the rain, I would end up having a crisis. The nights were painful and lonely, nights that no one could help me get through. It was just me, God, and my mind. The pains and shivers were unbearable. “They always came in the night, when my family had no means to transport me to a hospital. We simply couldn’t afford the constant hospital bills so I had no choice but to endure the pain. “My mum wanted me to be well, she did her best. She took me to all the churches she could find, I’m grateful for her because she saw a future for me.
“A future where no illness or sickness could hold me back from my purpose. From the life, I was destined to live. “Sickle cell disease took away my freedom, my childhood. I lost friends, a lot of them. Some didn’t understand the restrictions and rules I had to live by, some just didn’t want to deal with my Illness or thought it was a nasty or contagious disease that they could catch. I was a burden for some. Living with sickle cell is far from living a normal life. “One of the most intense crises I had was at the age of 20, I remember laying in my bed in the middle of the night asking for an end to it all. I begged God to take my life away because I couldn’t understand what I did to deserve the pain my body and mind were under. As usual with sickle crisis after some days, the pain subsided and God asked me; “That end you begged me for, do you still want it?” Of course, I said no and that’s when everything changed for me. That’s when I realized that I had been given another opportunity to live my dreams and to show those that mocked me that sickle cell anemia was never going to end me, that it was never going to hold me back from my dreams and aspirations. “My body caves in once in a while, and some symptoms come back but what this disease has taught me is resilience. Sickle cell anemia gave me hope, made me tough, gave me the discipline I needed to be who I am today, and built my character. I mean I went through a whole 5 weeks of back-to-back performances and didn’t fall sick. Grace. “My mind and body were challenged and I’m stronger, more determined, and ready to take on the world. I’m ready for Adekunle Gold Supremacy, I’m ready to live and enjoy the 5 Star life that I deserve, that my body toiled for. “I’m sharing my testimony with you because I hope that you can find strength in my truth. Some ailments hold us back but I’m thankful this hasn’t. I want to encourage you in whatever it is you’re going through, know that there is hope. You are strong and you must not give up. YOU CAN DO THIS! “Victory lies at the end for you just as it did for me. “If you know anyone going through any struggle, physical, health, or mental. Be kind, and show compassion. In fact, be kind to everyone, you just never know what they’re dealing with privately. Be supportive, be gentle, and love endlessly. “If you are a sickler, know that the disease does not define you. Don’t allow it to limit your dreams or cap your potential. Spread your wings and dream big! Hope to see you soaring in the big skies. “All my love.”
It feels good to know that he was able to overcome it all and be the star he is today, which was why he wrote his story in order to encourage other sicklers and people out there to keep pushing and believing, because miracle is real and will get to them too. Congratulations to the star on his success story.
Entertainment
From Bomb Blast to Praise: Maureen J’s Miracle Song
–Lagos bomb blast survivor tells her story through soul-stirring gospel track
From the ashes of one of Nigeria’s most devastating tragedies has emerged a powerful testimony in song. “How Do I Kelee Gi?” — a soul-stirring blend of English and Igbo meaning “How do I thank You?” — is the heartfelt anthem of Maureen Onwuka, popularly known as Maureen J, a survivor of the January 27, 2002 Lagos bomb blast.
The blast, which rocked the Ikeja Cantonment area, left hundreds dead and thousands displaced in an unforgettable moment of national grief.
For Maureen, then a young evangelist, it marked the beginning of an emotional and spiritual journey that would change her life and eventually give birth to a song of thanksgiving.
On the day of the explosion, Maureen had stepped out for routine evangelism when she was caught in the chaos. Fleeing with a panicked crowd, she found herself at the edge of a canal near Ajao Estate. She couldn’t swim. Before she could react, the surging crowd pushed her into the water.
“I found myself stepping on bodies. People who had already drowned. It was like walking on human carpet, and I didn’t even know at first,” she recounts, her voice heavy with emotion. “Some were grabbing at me, trying to come up, but every time someone held my leg, I felt myself going under.”
Maureen screamed out a desperate prayer: “Lord, remember me! I was just out telling people about You! Please show me mercy!” In that moment, a stranger appeared in the water — a man who swam to her, pulled her to safety, and vanished without a trace. “I don’t know who he was. I believe he was an angel,” she says.
She escaped with her life, but the images of that day, especially the lifeless bodies of children, women, and men, remained etched in her memory. In the aftermath, she made a solemn vow to God: to tell the world what He did for her.
That vow found its fullest expression in “How Do I Kelee Gi?” — a song she describes as a sacred offering of gratitude. “Words weren’t enough to carry my story. I had to pour it into music,” Maureen explains. “Mixing English and Igbo was intentional — what God did for me was too great to explain in just one language.”
Though the song was written two to three years after the tragedy and initially recorded with little fanfare, Maureen never stopped sharing her story. Encouraged by those who’ve heard the track and urged her to push it further, she is now relaunching the song with renewed purpose.
“This song is my flagship,” she says. “It’s time to tell the world. I want people to not just hear my voice, but to know the miracle behind it.”
Maureen, who hails from Umukparo, Mbala Isuochi, in Abia State, has always been musically inclined, serving in choirs from her youth. But the 2002 experience gave her voice a new purpose. “After the blast, music became more than a gift — it became a mission,” she says.
Inspired by gospel icons like Mercy Chinwo, Sinach, and Nathaniel Bassey, Maureen hopes to reach hearts and stir worship through her sound. “Their songs move me toward God. That’s what I want mine to do too.”
“How Do I Kelee Gi?” is currently available on Audiomack and CD Baby, with plans for a full official launch slated for August this year.
From tragedy came a testimony. From near-death, a new life’s mission. And through it all, Maureen J stands — a living witness that miracles still happen, and when they do, the only fitting response is to sing.
Entertainment
You’re a priceless gift: Gov Mbah Celebrates Jim Nwobodo at 85
… Nwobodo: Mbah is a Success, reports SANDRA ANI
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, at the weekend, led other who-is-who in the state to celebrate elder statesman and a former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo
Speaking during the 85th birthday anniversary celebration event in honour of Nwobodo at his Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu, country home, Friday evening, Mbah recalled the octogenarian’s outstanding service to Enugu State, old Anambra State, Nigeria, and humanity in various capacities, describing him as an epitome of excellence.
“It will be difficult to find words that amply capture the true essence of what Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo represents. Your life is a living proof that the true value of existence is selfless service.
“Nothing endears one to his people than selfless service. That is what you epitomise. The men and women gathered here today to celebrate you is a reflection of that selfless service that you have provided for the people of Enugu State and Nigeria.
“Today, we celebrate an extraordinary journey. We celebrate 85 years of impactful life.
“As Governor at 39 years, you left bold legacies that are still evident today. As a Minister of Youth and Sport, your record remains unbeatable; and it’s still a heartwarming reference point in this country. As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you were an epitome of courage and patriotism. We are indeed very proud of you.
“You are a priceless gift to humanity and to Enugu State and indeed our dear country. We are so blessed to have you. You have also provided a shoulder on which countless leaders stand on. You are a charismatic, yet unassuming leader; a man of all seasons,” the governor stated.
He wished him many happy returns in sound health and cherished moments so that the new generation of leaders could continue to benefit from his fatherly counsel and wealth of experience.
In his remarks, Nwobodo enjoined leaders to utilise the opportunities God had given to them to work for the people, citing the Mbah example in Enugu State.
“Today, Peter (Mbah) is a success. Whether anybody likes it or not. He is a success because the results speak for him. Whatever he is in Enugu today was God’s design from time. God gave it to him. God inspires all that he is doing in Enugu today.
“Governor Mbah also listens. He really does. I suggested something to him not long ago. He reflected on it and told me that he would do it. Today, he is already doing it. That is how your know a leader that would go far,” the elder statesman said.
While thanking the governor for organising a state event to mark his birthday, Nwobodo said that Mbah had underscored the need to celebrate people while they are alive.
“I did not expect an elaborate celebration as this. But the governor insisted on celebrating me so well. He maintained that it was better to celebrate people when they are alive, to say all the beautiful things to their hearing. So, Governor, I thank you for this show of love and thank all of you, who came out in your numbers to celebrate me,” he added.
Also, at the event were the former governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; members of the Enugu State Executive Council; serving and former federal and state lawmakers, Council Chairmen under the leadership of the Chairman, Enugu State chapter of ALGON, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, as well as the traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, among a host of others.
The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. In commemoration of this, the Love of God in Christ (LOGIC) Church is hosting the first edition of the Jesus + Nothing Worship, an uplifting evening dedicated to expressing the message of the death, burial and resurrection in music.
This event will be held on, Friday, April 18, 2025, by 4PM, at The LOGIC Church headquarters in Lekki, Lagos.
The event offers worshippers an opportunity to connect with the essence of the Gospel in worship.
The Lead Pastor and Apostolic Head of the LOGIC Church, Apostle Flourish Peters, asserts that worship is a significant part of the New Testament believers’ experience in Christ.
“As a Christocentric faith community, this event is a great way to celebrate the gift of Christ, who laid down his life for our redemption. Good Friday is a great time to have a worship celebration like this,” notes Peters.
On the context for the event, he notes, “Nothing speaks to the culture of a people like the music they listen to.
Jesus + Nothing Worship will contribute to shaping and mainstreaming a culture of christocentric worship, where the Gospel of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection is platformed through worship.
With Nigeria’s young demography heavily influenced by the music and the arts, Christocentric music is a powerful tool in pointing this generation to Christ,”
Guest ministers expected include; Ministers Neon Adejo, Greatman Takit, Victor Thompson, Timi Dakolo, Samuel Giveson (SMJ), Noble G, Steve Hills, and Lily Perez. Others include Ministers Joxie, Anderson Qozan, Pastor Victor Paul, EmekaSongz, Flo, Dorcas Moore, Magpsalms, Mera Owili, Gerald Bishung, Phebe Lion, and the vibrant Evolution Children’s Choir.
The Jesus + Nothing Worship is a free event and attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
For more information, visit the official website: https://thelogicchurch.org/en/ and follow on YouTube at @TheLOGICChurch and on Instagram at @thelogicchurch.
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