‎One of Nollywood’s finest, Halima Abubakar has announced her conversion from Islam to Christianity, dedicating her life to serve Jesus Christ after she was divinely healed from a mysterious ailment that held her down for nine years. 

‎She is set to give an open testimony of her miraculous healing, the untold story behind her ailment, and how God intervened, using the Queen Belemzy Ministries (School of Power) to bring her back on her feet.

‎Abubakar’s official testimony was part of the activities lined up for the Queen Belemzy Ministries programme tagged Holy Ghost Revival, at Merit House, Maitama Abuja last Saturday 4 July 2026.

‎The multiple award-winning actress stated: “I’m a brand new person now. I have given my life to Christ. I want to serve God because He has helped me. I almost died. They almost killed me. This is not about movies; this is about restoration and testimony. Halima Abubakar is back, big and better.”

‎Abubakar reminisced that the first time Apostle Queen Belemzy called her on the phone, “I was somehow rude to her because of my mood then, but she still went ahead to pray with me over the phone. I later felt the impact of her prayers regarding my health, so I started searching for her number via my Whatsapp calls. I eventually got in touch with her, she continued to pray with me and God took control of everything through her.

‎”Right now, I’m ready to serve God because He wants me to serve Him. He has delivered me, so I need to serve Him and preach His gospel to the people,” Abubakar concluded.

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The Yoruba Council Worldwide, Ìgbìmọ̀ Apapo Ọmọ Yorùbá Lágbàáyé, has announced the appointment of Mr. Gboyega Adeoye as its new Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson.  

The appointment was formally conveyed by the President of the Council, His Royal Majesty Sooko (Barr.) Oladotun Hassan, Esq., Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife.

Ogbeni Adeoye, a versatile and veteran journalist with nearly three decades of experience in print, broadcast and digital media, brings to the Council a proven track record in public communications, media strategy, and development advocacy. He is also widely known as a frontline rights activist of no mean repute, with years of advocacy for justice, good governance, and the protection of indigenous rights.

In his new role, Ogbeni Adeoye is fully empowered to speak on behalf of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, issue official press statements, respond to media inquiries, and represent the Council’s position on critical national issues and matters affecting the Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora.

Announcing the appointment, HRM Sooko Oladotun Hassan said the selection of Ogbeni Adeoye was deliberate, based on his capacity, credibility and commitment to cultural advancement.

“Ogbeni Gboyega Adeoye has been carefully selected based on his proven capacity in public communications, development advocacy, and cultural strategy. He shall henceforth serve as the official voice and image of our Council on all matters relating to the media and public discourse,” the President stated.

The Yoruba Council Worldwide is a foremost global institution committed to the cultural, political and socio-economic advancement of the Yoruba people.

With this appointment, all media engagements, public clarifications, live appearances and official statements pertaining to the Yoruba Council Worldwide for and on behalf of the Yoruba indigenous people globally should be directed to the office of the Publicity Secretary.

Adeoye expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Council for the trust reposed in him, pledging to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, truth and cultural dignity in projecting the ideals of the Yoruba nation.

The Council solicits the cooperation of all media houses and editors nationwide as it continues to advance its shared ideals for national development, cultural renaissance and good governance.

Fresh diplomatic tensions have emerged between Ghana and South Africa after the Ghanaian government declined to host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for a planned state visit, citing concerns over the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen and alleged xenophobic attacks against its nationals. 

The decision follows the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, whom Ghana says was killed during demonstrations associated with renewed attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa on June 30, 2026.

Officials in Accra said the postponement of the visit reflects Ghana’s growing concern over the security of its citizens residing in South Africa.

They maintained that ensuring the safety of Ghanaians abroad must take precedence over high-level diplomatic engagements.

President Ramaphosa had been expected in Ghana during the first week of August for a state visit aimed at reinforcing the longstanding relationship between both countries.

The visit was also expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on bilateral cooperation and concerns surrounding attacks on foreign nationals.

However, Ghanaian authorities indicated that the prevailing situation made it difficult to proceed with the visit until issues surrounding the reported killing and the welfare of Ghanaian citizens were adequately addressed.

As part of its response, the Ghanaian government has formally protested to South African authorities over Isak’s death and expressed broader concerns about the safety of Ghanaians living in the country.

According to Ghanaian officials, Isak was shot dead during what they described as “anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks” in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township.

South Africa has rejected that account, insisting that Ghana’s claims are inaccurate.

Authorities in Pretoria said no fatalities were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which attracted thousands of protesters in different parts of the country.

South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, accused Ghanaian authorities of circulating incorrect information capable of damaging South Africa’s reputation.

“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she said in a statement.

“The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable,” she added.

The disagreement has placed renewed attention on the safety of African migrants in South Africa, where previous incidents of violence against foreign nationals have repeatedly drawn concern from governments across the continent.

Although the latest dispute has strained relations, Ghana and South Africa remain two of Africa’s closest diplomatic and economic partners, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, regional integration and continental affairs. Officials from both countries are expected to continue diplomatic engagements as efforts are made to resolve the disagreement and preserve their longstanding bilateral ties.

The Ghanaian government had earlier petitioned the African Union (AU) over the killing of one of its citizens, a 40-year-old fashion designer, Mr. Bashiru Isak, who was allegedly shot dead during anti-immigrant violence in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa.

The Ghanaian government described the incident as a senseless act of xenophobic brutality.