Year: 2025

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed talks of an opposition merger ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the move as a futile alliance that is doomed to fail.

 

Ganduje made the remarks on Friday while speaking to journalists after leading the APC National Working Committee on a Sallah homage to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.

 

When asked about ongoing discussions among major opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Ganduje was quick to brush aside any notion of a serious threat to the ruling party.

 

He said, “We are not worried at all. This is just history trying to repeat itself. They went on a joint venture, which will not work because from what we have seen, there are just some particles that cannot come together.

 

“It is a game, and we will not reveal our technicalities on how to handle it, but we assure you, we are equal to the task.”

 

The APC chairman touted the party’s political dominance, noting its control of 21 states and declaring it “still the strongest party in West Africa.”

He added that the APC was not only focused on maintaining its hold on power but also expanding its influence ahead of the 2027 polls.

 

“We are eyeing other states that will come into our fold.

 

“Either the governors themselves will come, or we go for election and defeat them to increase our tally. We are comfortable, but we are not resting. We shall continue,” Ganduje added.

 

Ganduje’s comments followed an earlier visit by the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who also met with the former president.

 

Atiku, flanked by a delegation of notable political figures, including former governors Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), and Achike Udenwa (Imo), said the visit was strictly a post-Sallah courtesy call.

 

“There is a plan for the major political parties to come together and form a strong opposition, but it is not part of our visit,” Atiku clarified while addressing reporters.

 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has awarded a cash gift of N10 million to Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the best graduating student of Lagos State University for the 2023/2024 academic session.

 

Nwosu, a graduate of Biochemistry from the Faculty of Science, finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93.

 

The Governor announced the gift on Thursday during LASU’s 28th Convocation Ceremony held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo.

 

The convocation ceremony also saw the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorships on notable individuals, including the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Otunba Olufemi Pedro.

 

Marwa, who once served as military administrator of Lagos State, was honoured with a Doctor of Humane Letters (Infrastructure, Security and National Development) Honoris Causa.

 

Pedro received a Doctor of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship and National Development) Honoris Causa.

 

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of education to societal development.

 

“Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognise its importance in addressing societal needs and human development,” he said.

 

He stressed that academic excellence should be held in the same regard as achievements in entertainment, fashion, or sports.

 

“It’s our responsibility to foster a culture that hungers for knowledge and innovation,” the Governor said.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering students in state-owned tertiary institutions through strategic investments and infrastructure development.

 

“We are committed to providing more significant financial investment towards expanding infrastructure within and around, ensuring the safety and welfare of the staff and students of the University,” he said.

 

The Governor also pointed to the THEMES+ agenda, noting that education is a key priority for his government. He highlighted programmes such as the Job Initiative Lagos, which is designed to enhance the employability of final-year students.

 

“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to improving the welfare of staff and students of this University, providing opportunities for educational advancement to indigenes and residents of our dear Lagos State,” he added.

Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended the state government for its continuous support, describing it as “truly exceptional.”

 

She disclosed that 43 out of the 44 courses offered by the university were accredited during the October–November 2023 accreditation exercise.

 

She also noted that the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education had commenced new postgraduate programmes, which for the first time included international students.

 

In his address, the Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), encouraged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the university.

 

“You are not only representing yourselves but also your families, your university, and your state,” he said, urging them to remain innovative and focused in their pursuit of success.

 

A total of 11,917 students graduated from LASU during the ceremony. This included 971 Diploma holders, 8,711 first-degree graduates, 2,235 Postgraduate students, 302 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,132 Academic Masters, 639 Professional Masters, 125 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) recipients, and 37 holders of Professional Doctoral Degrees.

 

The Ekiti State Police Command has taken into custody an officer accused of stabbing a civilian in Ise-Ekiti over an argument between his girlfriend and the man’s son.

 

This development followed the circulation of a viral video in which the victim’s daughter claimed that the officer—allegedly a chairman’s orderly—attacked her father in their home, following a disagreement between her younger brother and a female classmate.

 

According to her, the girl had reported the argument to her boyfriend which resulted in two police officers confronting the family and claiming they were there to make an arrest.

 

In a press statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abutu Sunday, revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and conduct an investigation.

 

The statement read, “The Ekiti State Police Command has noticed a video circulating on social media where a young girl (name unknown) was complaining that her father was stabbed on his palm by a policeman serving in Ise-Ekiti due to an argument that ensued between her brother and the policeman’s girlfriend.

“The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, upon noticing the complaint, directed the DC CID to take over the case and ensure a thorough investigation is conducted.

 

“Meanwhile, the officer in question has been taken into custody for investigation and other necessary actions.”

 

The command called for calmness, stating that justice would be served.

 

“The command is calling on everyone especially the family members of the victim to be calm, as nothing short of justice will be delivered in this case as soon as possible,” Sunday wrote.

 

The UN condemned on Friday the widespread rape of children in conflict-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where thousands were reportedly subjected to sexual violence in the first two months of 2025.

 

Eastern DR Congo has been wracked by decades of conflict, but tensions have been heightened in recent months by the advance of the M23 armed group which the international community says is backed by Rwanda. Kigali denies the accusations.

 

“The rate of sexual violence against children has never been higher,” warned James Elder of the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF, demanding action.

 

“Early reports show that children make up between 35 to 45 percent of the nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence reported… in just January and February of this year,” he told reporters in Geneva, speaking from Goma.

 

“In short, based on initial data, … during the most intense phase of this year’s conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour.”

 

The conflict has killed thousands, driven vast numbers from their homes and left children even more vulnerable to the rampant sexual violence that has plagued the region for years.

 

“We are not talking about isolated incidents,” Elder said, decrying “a systemic crisis”.

“We are seeing survivors as young as toddlers,” he warned.

 

“It is a weapon of war and a deliberate tactic of terror. And it destroys families and communities.”

 

Elder stressed that the horrifying numbers could “just the tip of the iceberg, hidden beneath layers of fear, stigma, and insecurity”.

 

This, he said, “should shake us to our core. Certainly it should compel urgent and collective action”.

 

Elder called for “additional prevention efforts, survivor-centred services, and safe, accessible ways for survivors to report abuse without fear”.

 

“Survivors must see the world stand with them, not turn away. And perpetrators must face justice.”

Human rights activist and prominent Rivers State commentator, Ann-Kio Briggs, has criticised the ongoing actions of the Federal Government by appointing a sole administrator in Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, (retd.), accusing him of implementing a dangerous and unconstitutional agenda.

 

In an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Briggs warned that the situation in Rivers State was becoming volatile due to the administrator’s continued defiance of court orders and his sweeping reconstitution of state and local government institutions.

 

“If we accept that Vice Admiral Ibas was called out of retirement and sent to Rivers State to keep the peace, then he is very far from doing that. In fact, what he’s doing is pouring petrol on a fire the president may have thought was simmering. He’s set it ablaze,” Briggs said.

 

Since President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State has been operating without commissioners or an active executive cabinet.

 

However, rather than serving as a neutral caretaker, Ibas has taken bold steps by removing elected local government officials, appointing caretaker administrators, and even constituting a new electoral commission to oversee local polls.

 

According to Briggs, these actions violate both the spirit and letter of the law.

 

“He’s not from Rivers State. How does he know who to appoint? On what basis is he removing civil servants and replacing them? That’s unconstitutional,” she said.

 

Briggs further alleged that the sole administrator is acting with open political bias and is effectively advancing the interests of a powerful political figure.

“The people being removed are not Wike’s people. The people he is bringing in are Wike’s people. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure that out. He’s playing a dangerous script,” she stated.

 

She also called on President Tinubu to re-evaluate the basis of the federal government’s intervention in Rivers State.

 

“There was no insecurity in Rivers State. The president has been grossly misinformed—through no fault of his own—but clearly misinformed by those with personal, political, economic, and power interests in Rivers State.”

 

Briggs urged that respected national figures with proven neutrality—like Bishop Matthew Kukah and General Abdulsalami Abubakar —be considered for any peacebuilding roles in Rivers.

 

“We would have more confidence if neutral individuals like them were involved. Frankly, we don’t want Ibas in that role.”

 

As the crisis deepened, the activist warned of the rising anger among Rivers’s people and the possibility of civil unrest.

“There is serious concern. I say this as a daughter of Rivers State. This kind of situation can explode,” she said.

The Federal University Oye Ekiti has dismissed reports insinuating a student – Fejiro Sharon Oteri, who died on April 8 -was not attended to at the Health Centre because it was not operating at night as erroneous.

 

This as the institution sympathised with the parents and relations of the student.

 

The Chief Medical Director of FUOYE’s Directorate of Health Services, Dr Musibau Olawale, spoke in a statement dated April 10 made available in Ado Ekiti on Friday.

 

Olawale stated, “Oteri, a student of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, was rushed into the clinic by her colleagues, having reportedly collapsed during their academic activities. She was immediately attended to as an emergency by the doctor on duty, along with other health care workers, who made efforts to resuscitate her.

 

“The student was actually rushed in with nil respiratory movements/efforts, nil pulse, and nonreactive pupillary reflexes. However, adequate resuscitatory efforts were made, and upon significant progress, the patient was rushed in the university ambulance to one of the tertiary referral centers being used by the university.

 

“The patient was accompanied by medical personnel in the university ambulance around 11:40am. The Director of Health Services followed the matter, alongside some lecturers from the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, including the HOD, who were also witnesses to the medical efforts instituted.

 

“The loss was an unfortunate incident as we know the pains of losing a loved one, moreso, in her prime. We sincerely sympathize with the family and loved ones.”

The CMD, who dismissed reports insinuating the student was not attended to at the Health Centre because it was not operating at night as erroneous, stated, “The said incident did not in any way occur at night, as being alleged.

 

“The deceased student of Plant Science and Biotechnology was brought to the university health centre around 11:30am on April 8, 2025. The student was rushed into the clinic by her colleagues, having reportedly collapsed during their academic activities. Emergency medical services were promptly initiated, including the basic life support system by the doctor and other medical personnel on duty. The students who brought the deceased can attest to this.

 

“There was a history of convulsion secondary to the fall in the laboratory, where the deceased student collapsed. There were also the histories of second convulsion and incontinence of urine, while being carried to the school clinic. These histories were given by the students who brought her to the clinic.

 

“The allegation that there’s usually no medical staff on duty at night at the University Clinic is unfounded. The duty rosters of the doctors, nurses, and other health personnel are there for all who care to have a look at them. The records of students who attended during call duties/night shifts are there for all to see. The admission records are there, too. Our Sickle Cell Warriors and asthma patients, and other emergency cases can attest to this.

 

“It is important to also note that since the employment of doctors in the University Health Centre in 2013, there have been a doctor, a nurse, an ambulance driver, and other health workers on duty. Hence, the allegation of closing the Health Centre by 4pm is rather malicious and unfounded.

 

“Notably, the university clinic operates 24-hour services, including weekends, and is never closed even when students are not in session because of staff. Also, the centre is equipped with necessary equipment and there is 24/7 electricity from a solar inverter device and a dedicated diesel generator,” Olawale said.

The Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has signed six new laws aimed at fostering investment and security in the state.

 

The signing took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, where the governor was joined by key officials, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, the Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme, among others.

 

This was disclosed in a press statement by the governor’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Thursday.

 

Aburime said the newly enacted laws encompass a diverse range of areas that reflect the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of the citizens.

 

The statement read in part, “Governor Chukwuma Soludo has officially signed six new laws aimed at fostering investment, security in the state. The newly enacted laws encompass a diverse range of areas that reflect the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of the citizens.

“Notable among them are the Anambra State Development and Investment Corporation Law, 2025, and the Anambra State Electricity Law, 2025, which are anticipated to bolster the state’s economic landscape and energy infrastructure.

 

“In addition, the governor approved the Anambra State Homeland Security (Amendment) Law, 2025, aimed at enhancing safety protocols, as well as the Anambra State Herbal Practice Law and the Anambra State Indigenous Traditional Medicine Practices Law, both set for 2024 and 2025 respectively, which seek to integrate traditional healthcare practices into the state’s medical framework.

 

“Lastly, the Anambra State Mission Schools of Nursing and Midwifery (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2025, intends to improve nursing and midwifery education standards within the state.

 

“During the signing, Governor Soludo praised the collaborative efforts between the executive and the State House of Assembly, emphasising the positive impact these laws will have on the community.

 

“He expressed hope for continued partnership in future legislative endeavors that support the growth and well-being of the Anambra people. As these new laws take effect, they represent a step forward in Governor Soludo’s vision for a prosperous and secure Anambra State.”

Popular Nigerian rapper, Tochukwu Ojogwu, also known as Odumodu Black, has said his hit song, Declan Rice, experienced a 200% increase in streams as a result of the performance of Arsenal’s midfielder, Declan Rice, in the UEFA Champions League.

 

The musician made this known via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday night.

 

He wrote, “Yesterday, Declan Rice went 200% o’ streams. Make una go use footballer name sing o.”

 

PUNCH Online reports that Rice, the English midfielder, who the song was named after, delivered an incredible performance in a game between Arsenal and Real Madrid on Tuesday, and he was awarded as the ‘Man of the Match’.

As a result of this, the song has experienced a major stream increase.

 

The hit song by Odumodu-Declan Rice was released in 2023 and has been a success, earning awards like Rap Song of the Year at the Headies.

 

The rapper has been on an all-time high since then as the song was also used to unveil the footballer after signing a club deal with Arsenal. The Nigerian musician was also awarded the Leadership Artist of the Year Prize for 2024 not long after releasing a 16-track album.

 

Odumodu has also received 8 nominations for different categories for the 17th Headies award.

 

A South Sudanese woman, Josephine Abyei, has congratulated her husband, Mayen Koor, for marrying a second wife.

 

In a Facebook post on April 7, Josephine expressed her support for her husband’s decision to bring another wife, Arual Cyer Mayardit, into the family.

“Congratulations my husband for bringing us our second wife,” she wrote.

 

Her post has since gathered applauds from many on social media.

 

“You are a real wife material, congratulations guys,’ Joseph Bith commented.

 

Kamilo Kuch wrote, “Congratulations to both of you. Keep it up for supporting and standing behind your husband.”

“Congratulations to Mayen and Arual. Having such a good hearted first wife is a blessing,” Deng Peter commented.

Edo Baba wrote on Facebook, “A good woman who understands that marriageable men are scarce, so she allowed her husband to help depopulate the street.

 

“Polygamy will help to rid the streets of women. Josephine Abyei is a good woman unlike queen of the streets who doesn’t want to be numbered.”

Joan Masika wrote, “Josephine Abyei is a good woman she will go to heaven. She congratulated her husband for marrying a second wife. She’s happy, no drama, no nothing.”

 

Agoth Alisto, however, doubted Josephine’s sincerity saying, “This is not enough The words are too short maybe there’s hidden secrets. She has just congratulated him but inside her maybe she’s not happy.”

 

Chan Baak Deng also wrote, “This woman is not congratulating her husband wholeheartedly and deep down, there is a hidden agenda.”

PUNCH Online reported on Wednesday that a Nigerian woman, Buithat Lawal, took to social media to announce that she is looking for another wife for her husband.

 

She clarified that she does not want a co-wife who will be jealous or cause problems, but someone kind, loving, wise, and with good character.

 

Former United States First Lady, Michelle Obama, has denied rumours that she and former President Barack Obama are headed for divorce.

 

Michelle dispelled the rumours during a chat with Hollywood actress, Sophia Bush, for an episode of her podcast, Work in Progress, which was released on Tuesday.

 

She explained that her decision to skip President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Donald Trump’s inauguration were simply decisions she made for herself.

 

Her absence at both high-profile political events sparked divorce rumours, with Obama admitting last week that he was in a ‘deep deficit’ with his wife.

 

“That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with: disappointing people. I mean, so much so that this year people were, you know, they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.

 

“That this couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?’ she continued.

 

Obama added: ‘That’s what society does to us.’

 

‘We start actually, finally going, “What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?” And if it doesn’t fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.’

The former first lady turned 61 on January 17 and spoke candidly to Bush about questions she’s asking about how she wants to spend the twilight of her life.

 

‘So you know, now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of who do I truly want to be every day,’ she said.

 

Michelle said that looks ‘like whatever I want it to look like.’

 

“And I still find time to, you know, give speeches, to be out there in the world, to work on projects. I still care about girls’ education.

 

“We, you know, the library is opening a year from now.”

 

The former first lady acknowledged that there are ‘certain things I am and am not doing’ with President Obama’s presidential library, which is being constructed on Chicago’s South Side.

“But the interesting thing is that when I say no, for the most part, people are like, I get it, and I’m OK, right?” she added.