Entertainment
Nigeria-born Professor Elected President Of An International Organization
The largest African archaeological association in the world, the Society of Africanist Archaeologists, has elected Professor Akinwumi Ogundiran as its 18th president. Professor Ogundiran, an eminent archaeologist and historian, will be the first Nigerian to lead the 51-year-old organization.
Professor Akinwumi Ogundiran
Archaeologists are professionals who use ancient objects to write history and study past cultures.
The Society of Africanist Archaeologists is an organization of more than 1,500 members from all over the world. It is dedicated to the study of Africa’s deep history and archaeology. Its members are known for making major archaeological discoveries all over Africa. In a statement released by the Nominations and Elections Committee of the organization, Professor Ogundiran received the majority votes in a pool of three candidates who vied for the presidency position.
Dr. Kolawole Adekola of the University of Ibadan and a member of the elections committee noted that the election of Professor Ogundiran to lead a renowned international organization at this time demonstrates the impacts of Nigerian archaeologists in the world and the role that Professor Ogundiran has played in advancing the study of Nigerian history and archaeology globally.
Professor Akin Ogundiran has thanked the world organization for their confidence in him. He promised to work hard to advance the mission of the organization. “I will use my tenure as president of the Society of Africanist Archaeologists to “prioritize working with African and other international partners on initiatives to preserve African archaeological heritage sites and integrate these concerns into policy-making processes. I will also use my position to facilitate collaboration among Africans and their counterparts in Europe, America, Asia, and other continents.”
Professor Ogundiran is a native of Ibadan. He attended Okusehinde Primary School, Aremo, in Ibadan, and African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta. He earned his B.A. (First Class Honors) from Obafemi Awolowo University, M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan, and Ph.D. from Boston University in the United States.
The eminent scholar is widely known for his groundbreaking research on Yoruba history and the African Diaspora, leading to the publication of six books and more than 60 other publications. His recent book, The Yoruba: A New History, won two awards, the Vinson Sutlive Prize & Isaac Delano Prize.
Professor Ogundiran is a highly decorated scholar. He is the Editor-in-Chief of African Archaeological Review, the leading journal in African archaeology. He is also a seasoned administrator who served as the Department of Africana Studies Chair for more than 10 years at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States. Until recently, he held one of the university’s three Chancellor Professorship titles. He is scheduled to take up an endowed professor chair at Northwestern University in September.
He is also a Senior Research Fellow at the prestigious Dumbarton Oaks, a major research center in Washington DC, United States, and a Visiting Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at his alma mater, the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
The ancient town of Ilesa came alive on Saturday as eminent personalities from across Nigeria converged on the Ijesa Sports Club premises to witness the historic investiture of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins as the 18th President of the Ijesa Sports Club for the 2026–2028 tenure.
The colourful ceremony attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, political office holders, business leaders, professionals, club members, friends, and well-wishers, all of whom turned out in large numbers to celebrate the new president and usher in a new chapter in the club’s illustrious history.
The event, which formed part of the club’s annual investiture ceremony, also featured the induction of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, as the Grand Patron of the club.
New patrons and members were equally invested, while deserving individuals received awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to society. A fundraising session was also held to support the club’s developmental projects.
Delivering the welcome address, Chairman of the 2026 Investiture Planning Committee, Hon. Kenneth Opebiyi, described the occasion as a historic and epoch making event in the annals of the Ijesa Sports Club, established in 1977.
He warmly welcomed the royal father, distinguished guests, patrons, trustees, award recipients, community leaders, and members, expressing appreciation for their overwhelming support and presence, which added prestige and grandeur to the ceremony.
Hon. Opebiyi noted that beyond the investiture of a new president, the event celebrated excellence, visionary leadership, selfless service, and commitment to community development.
He urged guests and stakeholders to support the transformation agenda of the new administration under the leadership of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins.
According to him, the administration has outlined ambitious plans, including the construction of a standard lawn tennis court and the upgrading of existing sporting and recreational facilities to modern standards, calling on members and philanthropists to partner with the club in achieving these developmental goals.
He also commended members of the Investiture Planning Committee, the Executive Committee, Trustees, Patrons, and the entire membership of the club for their dedication and teamwork, which ensured the successful organisation of the event.
The investiture ceremony concluded on a high note with goodwill messages, networking, entertainment, and renewed optimism that the administration of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins will strengthen the legacy of the Ijesa Sports Club and further promote unity, sports development, and community advancement across Ijesaland.
*© Surrealistic Media Group*
Renowned Juju music virtuoso and master guitarist, Ambassador Seun Marcus, popularly known as The Guitar Craftsman, has continued to reinforce his place as one of the leading ambassadors of contemporary Juju music following his recent visit to Nigeria, where he embarked on an extensive media tour and delivered memorable live performances.
The Edo State-born musician, who is based in Maryland, United States, made notable appearances on veteran broadcast journalist Sean Polotee’s award-winning radio programmes, Deflower Your Mind and Máágbọ̀n on Miliki FM.
During the engaging sessions, Ambassador Seun Marcus took listeners through his inspiring musical journey, highlighting decades of dedication to the Juju music genre and his commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.
One of the major highlights of his Nigerian visit was his electrifying performance at Ileya Fiesta, a music and cultural event packaged by Surrealistic Media Group.
The event saw him thrill fans and music lovers alongside celebrated Juju maestros Aṣíwájú Dele Taiwo and Champion Kunle Opio, with the trio amongst others delivering captivating performances that left the audience yearning for more.
Speaking during his radio interviews, Ambassador Seun Marcus reflected on his longstanding relationship and memorable experiences with legendary music icons, including Rare Admiral Dele Abiodun (Adawa Super), King Sunny Ade, Sir Victor Olaiya, Segun Adewale,
I.K. Dairo,
Folly Peperempe and Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, among other distinguished figures whose influence has shaped his remarkable career.
Widely regarded as a music encyclopedia and passionate custodian of authentic African sounds, the ace guitarist disclosed that he is currently working on a fresh collection of songs carefully crafted to blend the timeless appeal of Juju music with today’s evolving musical trends.
According to him, the forthcoming releases are expected to resonate with both longtime lovers of Juju music and a new generation of listeners across the globe.
As the leader of The Peak Stars International, Ambassador Seun Marcus has distinguished himself through a unique musical style that fuses traditional African rhythms with elements of jazz, blues and rock, creating an exciting and refreshing Juju sound that continues to earn admiration both at home and abroad.
Among his notable singles are “Kama Seru Ẹgbẹ́,” “Odale Sha Láiyé,” and “Oromi Tí Dayo,” all of which are currently available for streaming and download across major digital and social media platforms.
Music enthusiasts can also enjoy some of his performances via
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/MAEq-I8ad8Q?si=mQBfNX1R21aMsG5c
https://youtu.be/tv1SawE2pRA?si=cyKyphppwArAefOh
For bookings, concerts, festivals, private events and other performance engagements, contact:
Ambassador Seun Marcus (The Guitar Craftsman)
7016 Palamar Turn, Lanham, MD 20706, USA
Phone: +1 240 291 3044
Email:
*© Surrealistic Media Group*
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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