In a rare and heartwarming celebration of life, love, and legacy, the Iyoha family recently hosted a grand double celebration in Benin City, Nigeria, honoring two extraordinary milestones — the 75th birthday of their beloved matriarch, Mrs. Ivie Iyoha, and the 50th birthday of her son, Mr. Felix Iyoha Jr.

The event, held in the historic and culturally rich city of Benin, drew family members, friends, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and around the world. It was more than a party; it was a reunion of generations, a joyful reflection on family values, and a testament to the strength of the Iyoha name.

Mrs. Ivie, radiant and full of grace, was celebrated not just for her years, but for her enduring spirit and the lives she has touched. Her son, Felix Jr., shared the spotlight with humility and gratitude, marking his 50th year surrounded by the love and laughter of those dearest to him.

The evening was filled with music, dancing, and heartfelt tributes — a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity that reflected both the family’s deep cultural roots and their global connections. It was a celebration that reminded everyone present that while time passes, love and legacy endure.

As the Iyoha family looks forward to the years ahead, their double celebration stands as a shining example of what it means to honor the past while embracing the future — together, in joy, and in gratitude.

The couple, who sealed their love in lavish weddings across Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland in 2025, had already captured the public’s imagination with their fairy-tale romance. From a glamorous Yoruba traditional wedding in Dubai to a dreamy church ceremony in Iceland, their union was a cultural-meets-global spectacle. But it was Temi’s public adoption of her husband’s name that reignited a long-standing cultural debate.

On X (Twitter), feminists, traditionalists, and casual onlookers all had something to say. Some praised her as a “true feminine wife” embracing her husband fully, while others criticized the move as a relic of colonial and patriarchal influence.

One feminist voice argued, “You can absolutely keep your name after marriage and nothing changes. A name doesn’t hold a marriage together; character and loyalty do.” Meanwhile, others clapped back, insisting Temi made the right call: “Congratulations to her, that’s how feminine women move. Men deserve wives who take their surname proudly.”

Of course, the class commentary couldn’t be ignored. Some mocked women from less wealthy backgrounds who refuse to change their names, with one user quipping, “Poor man’s daughter go say she must keep her papa name o.” Another fired shots at critics, writing, “Most of you aren’t even proud of your fathers’ names — let her be proud of her husband’s.”

Even Temi’s billionaire father, Femi Otedola, added his voice at the wedding, giving advice that sparked more conversation: “You have to succumb to your husband; he’s your boss. Temi, I wish you the best. You found a great guy.” For some, it was a heartfelt blessing. For others, it sounded like old-school patriarchy.

But at the center of it all, Temi stood firm, glowing in love and unbothered by the noise. By proudly swapping “Otedola” for “Ajibade,” she’s made her choice — one that symbolizes not just marriage, but also her personal definition of identity and partnership.

And whether Nigerians see it as submission, unity, or pure romance, one thing is certain: it’s Mrs. Ajibade now!

For the first time ever, the tournament will feature 48 teams and will be hosted across three nations, the United States, Mexico, and Canada—marking an unprecedented joint hosting on North American soil. The trio earned automatic qualification as hosts, guaranteeing that fans across the continent will witness history firsthand.

Asia Leads the Way

Asia delivered some of the earliest qualifiers. Japan was the first to confirm its place on March 20, 2025, followed by Iran just five days later. New Zealand also claimed Oceania’s guaranteed slot with a dominant 3–0 win over New Caledonia.

By mid-2025, Asia’s representation grew even stronger, with Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan also sealing qualification.

South American Giants Dominate

In South America, it’s business as usual as the heavyweights marched into the World Cup. Argentina secured their ticket following a crucial draw between Uruguay and Bolivia in March 2025. Soon after, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia all joined the party between June and early September, ensuring that CONMEBOL will once again bring firepower to the global stage.

Oceania and Africa Make Their Mark

From Oceania, New Zealand proudly fly their flag as the region’s representative. Meanwhile, Morocco became the first African team to qualify, adding extra excitement to CAF’s ongoing qualifiers as more teams battle for a spot.

The Current 17 Qualified Nations

• United States (Host)
• Mexico (Host)
• Canada (Host)
• Japan (Qualified – March 20, 2025)
• Iran (Qualified – March 25, 2025)
• New Zealand (Qualified – March 24, 2025)
• Jordan (Qualified from Asia)
• South Korea (Qualified from Asia)
• Uzbekistan (Qualified from Asia)
• Australia (Qualified – June 5, 2025)
• Argentina (Qualified – Early September 2025)
• Brazil (Qualified – June 10, 2025)
• Ecuador (Qualified – June 10, 2025)
• Uruguay (Qualified – Early September 2025)
• Paraguay (Qualified – Early September 2025)
• Colombia (Qualified – Early September 2025)
• Morocco (First from Africa)

With Europe’s qualifiers still underway and several high-stakes CAF and AFC matches ahead, football fans worldwide are bracing for more drama, heartbreak, and jubilation.

One thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a festival of cultures, rivalries, and unforgettable moments — and this is just the beginning.

The specially made pot for this massive cooking project can hold 22,619 litres. Baci aims to fill it up to 75-80% capacity, which will require about 5,278 kilograms of basmati rice. Although this weight equates to 264 bags of rice, she decided to use 250 bags for the attempt.

She also shared the quantities of condiments needed, including 1,583 kilograms of tomato paste. To maintain authentic flavor, the tomato base will be distributed equally among tomato paste, pepper chicken paste, and jollof paste. Baci explained that while one kilogram of rice generally requires 0.20 to 0.35 kilograms of paste, she will use 0.30 kilograms per kilogram of rice to bring out the signature taste of Nigerian jollof rice.

Vanguard’s market checks show that the price of 1kg of LPG currently ranges between N950 and N1,020, varying by location.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) July 2025 LPG Price Watch report reveals that the average refill price for a 12.5kg cylinder decreased by 1.91% month-on-month to N20,609.48 in July from N21,010.56 in June. According to the report, Adamawa state recorded the highest average price at N22,528.39, followed by Rivers (N22,512.49) and Taraba (N22,363.57). The lowest prices were found in Yobe (N19,030.00), Niger (N19,154.99), and Nasarawa (N20,000.62) states.

The domestic currency has enjoyed a solid start to September, appreciating from ₦1,526.09/$ at the beginning of the month to last Thursday’s close. The last time the naira traded below the ₦1,515/$ mark was on March 6, when it settled at ₦1,512.30/$.

At the parallel market, the naira also gained ground, strengthening slightly to ₦1,538/$, representing a 0.02 per cent appreciation.

Liquidity and Dollar Inflows Boost Confidence

Market analysts attribute the naira’s performance to improved liquidity and sustained dollar inflows, bolstered by CBN interventions estimated at around $15bn.

In its weekly review, AIICO Capital reported that the FX market opened the week on a calm note, with balanced flows keeping rates stable around ₦1,527–₦1,533/$. By mid-week, offshore supply and opportunistic buying lifted sentiment, with the NAFEX fixing improving to ₦1,528.13/$. The naira eventually sustained gains, trading between ₦1,508/$ and ₦1,529/$ before closing at ₦1,514.87/$.

Similarly, Cowry Asset Management projected relative stability in the coming week, citing dollar inflows and a modest build-up in external reserves as key supports. However, it warned that speculative demand and global oil price volatility could limit further appreciation.

Reserves Edge Higher

Nigeria’s external reserves rose 0.10 per cent week-on-week, climbing from $41.27bn to $41.31bn. Analysts noted that the uptick provides an important buffer against external shocks, such as fluctuating oil prices and currency pressures, while giving the CBN greater capacity to intervene when necessary.

Outlook: Stable but Cautious

Overall, experts expect the naira to remain stable in the near term, supported by steady foreign inflows and improved FX liquidity. However, global oil market dynamics — particularly the outcome of the upcoming OPEC+ meeting — will remain a key factor influencing Nigeria’s external earnings and, by extension, FX market performance.