Nigerian rapper and YBNL record label boss, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Badoo, has urged Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage, insisting that African traditions should not be demonised or treated as something to be ashamed of.

The music star made the remarks while expressing pride in his Yoruba roots and calling for greater appreciation of Nigerian culture, traditions and indigenous practices.

Speaking at an event on Tuesday, November 3, at The Pod by Nile Luxury Cinemas, Olamide said African cultural practices should not automatically be associated with evil or superstition.

“Our culture and tradition are not diabolical, and they are not to be demonised. We’re proud of who we are, where we’re coming from and everything about our heritage, tradition and culture,” he said.

Switching to Yoruba, the rapper used black soap, locally known as ose dudu, to illustrate his point about cultural identity and acceptance.

“I’m a Yoruba boy,” he said. “If you give me black soap, I’ll gladly collect it and use it.”

Dressed in a colourful adire outfit, Olamide spoke about the need for Africans to appreciate their cultural backgrounds rather than allow negative perceptions to shape how they view their traditions.

A video of his remarks was shared on Sotayo’s Instagram page on Wednesday, drawing attention to his comments on the relationship between African identity, traditional practices and spirituality.

Olamide has consistently incorporated Yoruba language, expressions and indigenous sounds into his music, blending traditional storytelling with contemporary hip-hop and Afrobeats.

Through his music and influence in the Nigerian entertainment industry, the rapper has contributed to the visibility of indigenous-language music among younger audiences.

Other Nigerian entertainers associated with his YBNL music label, including Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh and Asake, have also incorporated indigenous languages, traditional sounds and cultural expressions into their musical styles.

His remarks have further highlighted broader conversations about how African traditions are perceived, particularly where indigenous cultural practices are sometimes viewed through the lens of superstition or spirituality.

Black soap, known among the Yoruba as ose dudu, is a traditional skincare product commonly made from ingredients such as plantain skins, cocoa pods and palm kernel oil.

Although widely used for skincare, the product is also associated with certain traditional beliefs and practices in some communities.

Olamide’s comments underscore the importance of cultural identity and the need to appreciate indigenous heritage without automatically attaching negative meanings to traditional African practices.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection, pollution control and sustainable environmental management as it marks 30 years of promoting a cleaner, safer and healthier environment across the state.

The agency said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on its achievements over the past three decades and strengthen efforts to address emerging environmental challenges associated with Lagos State’s rapid urbanisation and growing population.

In a post shared on its X handle on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Tajudeen-Gaji, stated this during a press conference organised to commemorate the agency’s 30th anniversary.

Tajudeen-Gaji commended LASEPA for its contributions to combating environmental pollution, particularly noise and air pollution, noting that the agency had played a significant role in improving environmental standards across Lagos State.

The agency’s anniversary comes as Lagos continues to face environmental challenges associated with rapid urbanisation, industrial activities, waste generation, air pollution and noise pollution, making effective environmental regulation and public participation increasingly important.

Tochi Wigwe, the eldest surviving daughter of late former Access Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, has held her traditional wedding ceremony with her partner, Wilson Aikhomu, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The private ceremony, attended by family members and close friends, featured traditional marriage rites, including the payment of the bride price, signing of family documents and the formal handing over of the bride to her husband’s family.

Videos and photographs from the ceremony surfaced on social media on Thursday, attracting congratulatory messages and goodwill wishes from friends, associates and well-wishers.

Tochi, who studied at New York University and obtained a master’s degree from Imperial College London, previously worked as an analyst at Access Bank. She also gained professional experience through an internship at Coronation Merchant Bank.

She currently serves as a director at the HOW Foundation, an organisation established in memory of her late father.

Her husband, Wilson Aikhomu, is a Lagos-based investment professional and the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Zoya Admiralty.

The crash also claimed the lives of former Nigerian Exchange Group Chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members.

Wigwe, who was 57 at the time of his death, was widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s prominent banking executives.

He served as Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings and played a significant role in the growth and expansion of Access Bank into one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions.

His death attracted widespread tributes from Nigeria’s banking, business and political communities.