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Celebrity

The Nigerian gospel music industry is in mourning following the death of prominent evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, who passed away on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital. Her death followed a prolonged illness that had generated significant concern among her followers and colleagues in the ministry. The news was officially confirmed via social media by fellow gospel artist Ayo Melody, who issued a statement on behalf of the family, saying, “With great sadness, we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye OMIJE OJUMI… May God grant her eternal rest.” ​The announcement has sparked a wave of tributes across social media platforms from fans and prominent figures within the gospel circle. Singer Esther Igbekele expressed profound shock and sadness, highlighting the significant impact Akinnaanu made during her years in the ministry. The emotional toll of her passing was echoed by listeners who had been following her health journey, with one fan on X stating, “The agony and pain of unanswered prayers. Rest easy Big Sis, Bunmi Akinaanu.” Many others recalled her transition from a career in banking to full-time gospel music, noting that her signature hit, “Omije Ojumi,” had become a foundational worship song in churches across the country. One user reflected on her legacy, sharing, “Bunmi Akinaanu’s death unlocked some childhood core memories in me… We believed God would heal her.” ​Despite the initial organization of funeral rites—which were to include a service of songs, a candlelight procession, and a private interment in Lagos—all arrangements have been abruptly halted. The burial planning committee and the family issued a notice declaring that all previously published plans were “totally cancelled.” Committee member Lanre Alewilese addressed the public regarding the suspension, explaining that the decision was necessitated by “issues arising from and within her family” and apologized for the sudden change. ​The committee clarified that the cancellation was a collective decision aimed at resolving internal family matters before proceeding. While the original programs remain on hold, the family has assured the public that updates will be provided once a conclusion is reached. As of now, no new dates for the burial or associated funeral rites have been announced, even as tributes and testimonies to Akinnaanu’s influence continue to circulate within the global Christian community.

Manny Ita The Nigerian gospel music industry is in mourning following the death of prominent evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije…

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Real Estate

The real estate market in the Lekki-Epe corridor has officially transitioned into a “Golden Growth Phase,” with the Ogba-Idunnu and Lekki Aviation Town axes emerging as the primary beneficiaries of the proposed Lekki International Airport. As of January 2026, real estate analysts and major developers, including Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Ltd, have confirmed that this sub-market is outperforming traditional investment zones due to its strategic proximity to a suite of mega-infrastructure projects. Analysts project that capital appreciation for properties in these specific zones will reach 35% this year, driven by an “infrastructure-led growth” model where value spikes are triggered by government approvals and visible construction progress. ​Lekki Aviation Town, positioned directly opposite the 3,500-hectare site of the proposed international airport, is currently being marketed as a “buy-and-build” opportunity rather than a speculative venture. Residential plots of 500sqm in the area are now averaging between N37.5 million and N60 million, while 1,000sqm commercial plots are commanding prices as high as N150 million. Development in the sector is accelerating with the construction of a 2.5km internal road network and the ongoing substructure for the “Asake Cottage” units. ​The rapid appreciation is linked to what experts describe as a “multiplier effect” caused by a cluster of catalysts, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Dangote Refinery, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Industry experts are comparing the current state of Ibeju-Lekki and Epe to the early development of Lekki Phase 1, predicting that these regions will become the new economic heart of Lagos. This “Shenzhen Effect” has spurred a massive influx of capital, with developers focusing on the Ogba-Idunnu axis to cater to thousands of high-middle-income professionals migrating to work in the nearby industrial hubs. ​While prime districts like Ikoyi and Victoria Island continue to see stable, moderate appreciation of 5% to 10%, the current “Mainland Renaissance” in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki is capturing the bulk of diaspora and early-stage investment capital. Developers note that the Ogba-Idunnu area has specifically emerged as a preferred residential expansion zone, offering a 15-to-25-minute commute to the new airport while remaining insulated from the direct industrial noise of the Free Trade Zone.

Manny Ita ​The real estate market in the Lekki-Epe corridor has officially transitioned into a…