Showbiz
God Forced Me to Remarry Months After My Wife’s Death–Apostle Madubuko

By Dipo Olowookere
When General Overseer of Revival Assembly Church in Lagos, Apostle Anselm Madubuko, decided to remarry some months after the death of his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Connie Madubuko, in 2012, many people castigated him.
However, in an interview with The Punch, the cleric claimed God forced him to remarry very fast.
According to the man of God, he never had the intention of taking another wife.
Apostle Madubuko also said when he remarried, many single ladies and married woman pestering him for marriage left his church.
He also talked about other issues, including fatherhood.
How would you describe fatherhood?
I believe fatherhood is an assignment given by God to some people on earth. When one begins to understand that fatherhood is a godly assignment, then such person takes it seriously.
Personally, there is nothing like being a father because it keeps reminding me of my Heavenly father. It is not an easy assignment, but I see it as a privilege to be a father.
What has been your biggest challenge as a father?
The biggest challenge any good father faces is when your kids are not living up to your expectations. Everyone, including God, has expectations from people. God expects us that at a certain age, we should be able to do certain things. I believe that when we are not doing all those things, He is not happy.
How many children are you blessed with?
I have three kids, but spiritually, I have many kids. My first child is a boy, followed by two girls. I have two grandchildren.I have always prayed to God to give me good kids. I didn’t care about the sex. This is a thing people should know about. For me, the important thing is for the kids to be taken care of because they are God’s gifts.
Were you scared when you wanted to start a family?
I got married quite early at 26. I was 28 when I had my first kid. At that point, I wanted to get married. I was not bothered about anything because I knew God was in charge. I have learnt in life never to worry about things I cannot control.
Why did you marry at 26?
I cannot really say. I had completed university education and I became born again. If I was not saved by God, I am not sure I would have married when I did. When I gave my life to Christ at 25, everything about me changed completely and I had nothing else to do but to get married.
How did you meet your wife?
My late wife was working in a computer firm in Ikoyi, Lagos. We ran into each other on a particular day and we became good friends. After I got saved, she became my first convert to Christ.
Did your wife play hard to get when you showed interest in her?
Those days, women were not a problem for me and I had a very good relationship with women.
Were you in the labour room with your wife during the birth of any of your children?
I always didn’t want to experience it and I tried to avoid it. I couldn’t even follow my wife to the hospital to get an injection; I couldn’t imagine seeing her go through pains. I made sure I was not around whenever she wanted to give birth.
How did you feel while carrying your first child?
It was a mixed feeling. I was thankful to God for the child but I also knew more responsibilities had come too. When she gave birth to our first child, I was in Lagos but not in the hospital.
How do you reward your children anytime they make you happy?
It depends on what is happening at that moment. When my kids were in the university, I made sure they were comfortable and promised to get them a car or other things once they did well. I tried to keep to my own part of the bargain.How did you punish them for wrongdoing when they were young?
I did not punish them but their mother did. She was the person who trained them and she was strong enough for them. Most cases, she would have dealt with them before telling me what they did wrong. I didn’t always punish them because I felt children should not be punished twice for a crime. Though there were a few cases I talked to them, I cannot remember using the cane on any of my children. I do not say it is good or bad to discipline children, but I didn’t do it.
How do you manage your roles as a pastor and father?
I have not done it well. I ended up leaving my kids with their mother while they were growing up. I was always travelling to one place or the other. Growing up, they knew their mother more than their father. That is my regret. I was busy working for God. Given another chance, I would wish to balance things in a way that my children would not suffer my absence. I have tried my best to correct my mistakes as they grew older and they aren’t doing badly now.
What did you learn from your father which is now useful in training your children?
My father taught my siblings and me how to be satisfied in life. That is why we are not greedy people in my family. Growing up, we were happy with whatever God gave us. We didn’t covet others’ blessing. I have inculcated this in my kids. I always tell them to be thankful to God and never to get too anxious about the next day, as God has promised to take care of tomorrow once they work hard.
How would you describe your father?
He was a nice and quiet man. He didn’t drink, smoke or party.
When was your happiest moment as a father?
That would be when my first daughter gave birth in the United States of America three years ago. I couldn’t explain the excitement and I cannot forget that day.
What event do you consider as the low moment of your life?
I have had many low moments in my life. I felt terrible when I lost my father and mother. My father died at 70. I didn’t expect him to die when he died. For me, I consider anyone who dies at 70 a young person. Ninety is the best age to die.My father was there for me all my life; he sacrificed a lot for his kids. But before he died, I was not in a position to do much for him. However, my mother lived above 90. She had a good life.
Why didn’t you take your wife’s death as the low point of your life?
As stated before, I have many low points. But when my father died, I felt worst than my wife’s death. I cannot explain why it appeared so.
When did your wife die?
She died in 2012. I didn’t expect her to die when she did and I was not in the country. I left Nigeria on a Wednesday night and we still spoke when I got to the airport. The next thing I heard on Friday was that she had passed on.
What caused her death?
She was not sick; it was a sudden death. If she had been ill, I wouldn’t have left her. As a strong woman that she was, she didn’t show signs of weakness as well. Our family doctor of over 25 years did his best but told me there was no life in her any longer.I was more confused than annoyed when I heard the news of my wife’s death. I was too shocked to feel anything. She was in her 50s when she died; we were age mates. The only time I felt bad was the day of her burial as it dawned on me that she was really dead. But before then, I kept thinking she would wake up because she was really a strong woman. I couldn’t go to the mortuary to see her, but I had to see her during the lying-in-state.
How did you comfort your children during the period?
My children are strong kids. They had all finished their university education in Canada when their mother died. We are a free and happy family. Whenever we are together, they don’t relate to me as their father.
How did your children react to your decision to remarry?
My children were happy when I told them I wanted to remarry. They knew I would be in the hands of a good woman. When my wife died, they didn’t want me to be left alone; they were always checking on me. In a way, I was disturbing them because they couldn’t live a day without worrying about me.But it was God who told me to remarry even though I did not take another wife. I even said it on the pulpit that I would not remarry. But God, who saw things I didn’t see, told me I must marry and marry fast. Now, I know why He said it and I thanked God I followed His direction.
Were you not worried that people could condemn you for remarrying a year after your wife’s death?
Of course, my decision to remarry generated a lot of attention from the public but I don’t care about such a thing. When my heart doesn’t condemn me, I don’t care. I don’t need to impress everyone. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone because I owe only God my life. Those close to me knew I was led by God.When my wife passed on, every woman wanted to marry me. I was getting text messages from different women, who were telling me that God told them I was their husband. I got messages from members of my church and other women. If I had stayed unmarried for two years, I cannot imagine what would have happened to me. When I finally remarried, many single women and even married ones left the church. This is not a joke; it happened. I thank God I didn’t promise anyone marriage or was dating anyone; I didn’t owe anyone anything. Also, I didn’t need to marry anyone recommended to me.
Why did you settle for a Kenyan when you had many options?
I knew the lady many years ago when I went to preach in Mombasa, Kenya. Then, my first wife was still alive and I told my friend that I liked the way she sang and carried herself. They spoke well about her and told me her father was a bishop. Later, I invited her team to Nigeria to sing in my church and people loved them. At that point, there was nothing between us.But many people believed we were having a secret affair even when my wife was alive, but I didn’t go out with her or touch her until we married. I also admired the fact that she did not trouble me for marriage like many others.
How did she react when you told her about your marriage plans?
When I told her I wanted to marry her, she felt it was strange. I was yet to know her well too. She told me I was too old for her. She said I was more like a mentor. It was God who convinced her and her family. How many fathers would allow their daughters to go to Nigeria for marriage? They read many negative things about us daily. Also, she was a single and young lady while I was a widower with three kids. There are many things that didn’t make sense naturally. But her father is a man of God and God touched him. I thank God it was her because I couldn’t have chosen anyone better.
What comes to mind when you read negative things about you?
I don’t bother myself about what people say about me because it is part of life. It was reported that I was having an affair with an artiste’s wife but he is my son and still worships in my church. Nothing can break me; gossips mean nothing to me. They are people who do not like me for reasons best known to them and they will always look for opportunities to tarnish my image.
How do you advise children without fathers?
God has plans for everyone. If you don’t have a father, kindly take God as your father and look for a mentor. When your biological father dies, you should pray to God to give you a good father that will love and guide you. When you have good parents, it is hard for you to join cultism or pick up other vices. These things are devil’s ways to destroy destinies. If you look around now, most kids are into one bad society or the other. If your parents are not godly, it is dangerous.
Showbiz
Popular Artist Terry Apala in Ikoyi Prison for Naira Abuse

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A popular music act, Mr Terry Alexander Ejeh, otherwise known as Terry Apala, has been remanded in a correctional centre in Lagos for alleged mutilation of the Naira notes in January 2025.
He was arraigned on Friday, April 25, 2025, by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) on a single-count charge bordering on mutilating the Naira notes.
The musician was accused of committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
“That you, Terry Alexander Ejeh, on January 5, 2025, at La Madison Place, Oniru, within the jurisdiction of this court, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by marching on the same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007,” the count read to Terry Apala today at a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, read.
However, he pleaded not guilty to the offence when it was read to him, which prompted the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, to ask for a trial date, urging the court to remand him in a correctional centre.
The defence counsel, Mr Felix Nwabuda, informed the court of a bail application dated April 23, 2025, and prayed the court for a short date for the hearing of the application.
“Whilst praying the court for a short date for the hearing of the bail application, I will be craving the indulgence of the court to release the defendant to the defence.
“We undertake to produce him in court. He will not evade hearing. He came in from the United Kingdom on April 23, 2025; and on the invitation of the EFCC, he came on his own,” he stated
But the prosecution counsel opposed the application, saying, “The application is alien and unheard of.”
“I urge the court to afford us the opportunity to look at the application and respond properly so that the court can make a well -informed ruling,” he said.
In a short ruling, Justice Akintayo Aluko refused the application of the defence, ordering the remand of the defendant in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the determination of the bail application. The matter was, thereafter, adjourned till May 5, 2025.
Showbiz
Spotify’s AI Playlist Now Available in Nigeria

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Global streaming platform, Spotify, has announced the availability of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) playlist in Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, it said the AI Playlist in beta is for its premium users in more than 40 markets, including Nigeria.
This feature can be found via the search tab of Spotify by simply typing AI Playlist and selecting one of the suggestions.
With AI Playlist, Spotify will curate a personalized playlist made just for users based on the tracks, artists, genres and more. This is easy to revise and refine as users only have to ask for what they want – like “more upbeat,” “more new releases,” or “happier songs.”
The most successful playlists are generated through “genre”, “mood” or “artist” prompts. But animals, activities, movie characters, colours – and even emojis – are all fair game too.
Some fun prompts the platform suggests users to try out include Afrobeat tracks for the dance floor, Trending K-Pop hits I need to know, Reggaeton for hanging out at the beach, Songs to hype me up for a football match, and Latin songs from my top genre, among others.
Since launching last year, premium users have created millions of playlists with the goal of finding music that fits any mood or moment in an instant.
Now, Spotify is making it even easier for users around the globe to create the perfect playlist and find their next favorite artist.
The company has promised that this feature would expand to markets across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
Showbiz
Lights, Camera, Talent! Nigerian Idol Season 10 Starts with a Bang

The wait is over – Nigerian Idol Season 10 is finally here, and the premiere delivered all the excitement and talent fans of the show hoped for.
Back on the judges’ panel are Omawumi and Ric Hassani. Last season, we saw them strike a balance between fun and honest feedback, and this year, they’re stepping it up.
Ric shared that he’s watching out for contestants with soul, skill, and voices that are just genuinely enjoyable to hear. Omawumi is looking for something more instinctive, a spark of originality, showmanship, and a voice that immediately makes people sit up.
Then there is Iyanya, the newest judge at the table. As a product of a reality music show himself, he knows the pressure these contestants are under. For him, it’s all about raw talent, star quality, and people who are ready to command the stage.
From the first auditions, you could tell the competition this season is going to be tough. There were strong voices, bold performances, and yes, a few funny and unexpected moments that reminded everyone why the audition stage is a fan favourite.
One standout moment was the return of Mikky, the very first contestant to ever receive a Platinum Ticket in the history of Nigerian Idol. He came back this season stronger and more confident and delivered a performance that had the judges impressed again. It earned him another Platinum Ticket, proving that when talent meets growth, it’s a winning combo.
So far, the scorecard reads: 17 yeses, 9 no’s, and 1 Platinum Ticket gone, with two still up for grabs.
Season 10 is shaping up to be one worth watching. If this first episode is anything to go by, we’re in for a season full of standout moments and new stars in the making.
Catch all-new episodes every Sunday at 7 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv ch. 151, GOtv ch. 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv ch. 154, GOtv ch. 2). For non-stop Idol content from auditions to backstage moments, tune in to the 24/7 Idol Extra channel on DStv channel. 198 and GOtv channel. 49.
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