The Naira ended the trading week on a positive note, recording a bullish close on Friday at the official foreign exchange market.
It appreciated N1,598.72 against the U.S. Dollar, reflecting a modest gain that suggests continued efforts to stabilise the local currency.
According to figures published on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official website, the Naira strengthened by N0.60k against the Dollar on Friday.
This upward movement represents a 0.03 per cent appreciation compared to the N1,599.32 exchange rate recorded at the close of trading on Thursday.
The local currency had shown some resilience earlier in the week, posting gains on both Tuesday and Wednesday trading sessions.
On Tuesday, the Naira appreciated by 0.02 per cent, followed by a stronger gain of 0.21 per cent on Wednesday.
These improvements were seen as positive indicators of growing investor confidence and increased supply in the foreign exchange market.
However, Thursday’s trading session saw a minor setback, with the Naira slipping by N2.62 against the Dollar.
This loss equated to a 0.16 per cent depreciation, dampening the midweek rally seen in previous sessions.
Market analysts attributed Thursday’s dip to a brief increase in Dollar demand from importers and other market participants.
Despite this, the week still closed on a positive note, with the Naira showing signs of gradual recovery and increased market stability.
Analysts continue to monitor the Central Bank’s policies, especially interventions aimed at improving Dollar liquidity and managing demand pressures.
The Naira’s performance in the coming weeks will likely depend on consistent supply inflows and investor sentiment across the broader economic landscape.
The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has stated that the presidential system of government being practised in Nigeria is unsuitable for the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Cole stated Nigeria must reconsider its current system of government and embrace one that is most suitable for its people.
He explained that part of the reason the presidential system cannot work in Nigeria is that it can be exploited by a few people, adding that it has not built institutions that can hold people to account.
Cole noted that every successful country has developed a system of government tailored to its unique context, citing Arab nations and China as examples of countries that rejected Western political models.
He said, “This American system that we call the Presidential system in Nigeria, we need to go and readdress it. We cannot import the parliamentary system of the UK, and it will not work here; we cannot import a presidential system, and it will not work here.
“Every African in their country are satisfied with the political system and democracy they have, but they will tell you no. Why? Because it is contrary to who we are, absolutely contrary.”
Cole emphasised that Nigeria’s system of government should be rooted in its own culture, noting that the country had an indigenous political structure before colonisation and should consider returning to it.
He said Nigeria is building institutions that are modelled after the British system, which he noted cannot be accommodated by the Nigerian culture.
“Let us build an African, Nigerian-focused political system, and we will have it. We had a political system before the Europeans came, and we had a political system even when the slave trade was going on. So, what are we running away from? We know what to do,” he said.
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old woman identified as Gift for allegedly biting off the tip of her lover’s penis during a domestic dispute in the Mile 3 area of Diobu, Port Harcourt.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, sent shockwaves through the densely populated Bishop Okoye Street when news of the act emerged.
According to sources, the altercation began when Gift’s lover, identified only as Sunday, requested to have sex.
Gift reportedly refused, accusing him of using sex-enhancing drugs that made their encounters excessively prolonged.
A resident who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said, “Mr. Sunday became angry and allegedly descended on his female partner for her refusal.
“In the process, Gift managed to get hold of the man’s manhood with her mouth and chop off the cap of the penis.”
The man’s screams reportedly drew the attention of neighbours, some of whom attempted to mob the woman before police intervened.
“The cap of the man’s penis was completely bitten off by the woman,” the source added.
Gift was rescued by officers from the Nkpolu Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, and taken into custody.
The victim, Sunday, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the city for urgent medical attention.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident on Friday.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident. The woman (suspect) aged 43 years has been arrested and investigation is ongoing,” Iringe-Koko said.
The Rector of Kogi State Polytheistic, Professor Salisu Ogbo has described it as a “rare course and uncommon decision of the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede to accept responsibility surrounding the 2025 UTME result glitch which affected over 300,000 candidates that participated in the exercise.
In a letter written to the registrar sighted by our correspondent on Friday in Lokoja, Professor Ogbo said Oloyede has demonstrated rare courage by admitting the error.
“As an institution, we are not celebrating the glitch and the associated issues, but your sincerity of purpose, strength of character and proven integrity for not trading the blame even with the obvious opportunities and the traceable link to the error.
“I wish to appreciate you most sincerely for not disappointing your mentees, which I am privileged to be one, in your handling of the affairs of JAMB and the overall conduct of UTME over the years. As someone whose style of leadership I have always admired, I wish to urge you to see the current challenges as a natural part of human fallibility.” the letter read in part.
He said that as a budding administrator, he has learnt significant lessons from the present circumstances most importantly, Oloyede’s depth of leadership courage, selflessness, team spirit and rare ability to openly accept responsibility without bulk-passing.
“As we appreciate the Board for taking the necessary corrective measures by giving the affected candidates that deserved opportunities to retake the examination, we are also confident that, the Board under your leadership will do all it can to avoid future occurrence.
“We pray for God’s guidance and protection now and always.
“Please, accept my warmest regards now and always, sir”, the rector added.
The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, on Friday, swore in Mike Jen, as the new Commissioner for Tertiary Education, describing the appointment as a strategic step towards repositioning higher education in the state.
Jen, who until his appointment was a member of the Taraba State House of Assembly representing Karim Lamido II constituency, voluntarily resigned his legislative seat to join the State Executive Council.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Jalingo, Kefas said the appointment was borne out of a deep desire to solve the lingering challenges facing the tertiary education sector.
“I have been cracking my brain on how to solve the problem of tertiary education in Taraba, and my X-ray machine located Hon. Mike Dio Jen,” the governor said.
He commended Dio Jen’s passion for service and his willingness to sacrifice his legislative position for the greater good of the state.
“Governance is not easy. It requires getting the right people in the right places to get things done, especially in a state like Taraba.
“I congratulate the commissioner, his family, and constituents, and I call on all stakeholders to support him to succeed,” Kefas added.
In his acceptance speech, Jen thanked the governor for finding him worthy of the appointment and promised to give his best to improve the standard of tertiary education in the state.
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment. I thank His Excellency for the trust and confidence reposed in me. I pledge to work with all stakeholders to address the challenges facing our tertiary institutions in the state,” he said.
Dio Jen noted that Governor Kefas’ ongoing investment in education would yield long-term results, even if not immediately visible.
“The investment in education which the governor is doing may not be seen by many in the immediate term, but he is placing Taraba on the global map,” he added.
Our correspondent reports that the Governor also presented staff of office to the third-class Chief of Sansani, HRH Alhaji Bello Nuhu Mohammed following his selection by the kingmakers.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and key figures around the club have reacted following the Blues’ 1-0 win over Manchester United, a result that not only bolstered their top-four hopes but also added further intensity to the Premier League title race.
Despite the win, Maresca, in his post-match reaction on Friday, called for patience and perspective from the media and supporters, highlighting that the current team is still in a transitional phase.
“The problem is that the press thinks it is the same Chelsea from years ago. It is not the same.
“It is about building something important. People have to trust us — we are going in the right direction,” Maresca said.
Club captain Reece James, who played a vital role in the team’s defensive solidity and gave the match-winning assist, echoed the ambition driving Chelsea’s end-of-season push.
“The Champions League is where Chelsea belongs, competing in the big competitions,” James declared.
Chelsea currently sit fourth on the table with 66 points after 37 matches — level with Aston Villa and Newcastle United but ahead on goal difference.
With the race for Champions League qualification tightening, the Blues’ latest result and internal belief could prove decisive in the season’s final stretch.
Meanwhile, speaking after the loss, Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim praised forward Rasmus Højlund’s efforts, while also noting the room for improvement in his game.
“I’m happy with Højlund. All the team has to improve. But the way he runs, he fights for every ball,” the Portuguese tactician said.
While Højlund’s overall impact on the game drew mixed reactions, Amorim acknowledged the young striker’s growing influence.
“He loses a lot of duels, wins some duels. He needs to improve the connection, but he’s improving. He just needs to continue to work hard,” he added.
The manager also hinted that individual performances in the Manchester United clash have given him clarity ahead of Man Utd’s next major – the Europa League Final.
“This performance has helped me a lot to choose the starting 11 for the final,” Amorim revealed, suggesting that selections for crucial matches will be shaped by recent displays.
The Lagos State Police Command has debunked speculations surrounding a viral video showing 89 young men arriving in Lagos and gathering in Ibeju-Lekki.
The Command confirmed that the individuals are legitimate workers recruited from Katsina State for employment at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki.
In a statement posted on X on Friday issued by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Police Public Relations Officer, the Command stated: “Upon receipt of the information on May 14, 2025, officers from the Command immediately deployed to the location to ascertain the facts.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the young men in question, 89 in number, had arrived from Katsina State and were recruited to work as labourers at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki.”
The contractor responsible for their recruitment and the refinery’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) both confirmed the arrangement, noting that the men had been cleared to reside and work within the facility.
“The contractor working with the refinery appeared before the police and confirmed that he had personally sourced and brought the labourers from Katsina for legitimate employment purposes,” the statement added.
Thorough Checks Conducted
The Police Command assured the public that all necessary checks were conducted on the group.
“The individuals were thoroughly searched, and no incriminating items were found in their possession.
“Furthermore, each person properly identified themselves and presented their National Identification Numbers (NINs), which were duly verified,” Hundeyin said.
Public Urged to Stay Calm
Addressing the public’s concerns, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, called for calm and discouraged the spread of unverified information.
“The Command remains committed to maintaining law and order across Lagos State and will continue to respond promptly to all matters relating to public safety,” the Commissioner stated.
The police advised residents to avoid spreading alarmist content, emphasising the importance of verifying information before sharing.
The Ogun Police Command has assured residents and visitors of maximum security in the state ahead of the forthcoming “22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games Ogun 2024.”
PUNCH Online had reported that the multi-sports event will run from Friday, May 16 to May 30, with the opening ceremony scheduled for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex on Sunday, May 18.
It was gathered that the events will be held across different venues, including the state capital, Abeokuta, Ikenne, Ijebu-Ode, and Sagamu.
In a statement released on Friday by Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesman, she disclosed that there will be deployment of operatives and tactical teams to ensure a peaceful experience for every expected attendee.
“The Command is committed to providing a safe environment for visitors and residents alike, as a robust security architecture has been put in place across the state.
“The deployment of conventional police, tactical teams, and assets aims to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators who will grace the occasion,” she said.
The PPRO also urged citizens to contact the police command for any emergency, as they are dedicated to safeguarding the state.
“For emergency assistance, please contact the command through the following numbers: 09159578888, 09062837609, 09120141706, 09151027369, 07084972994
“Command Social Media Platform; X: @OgunPoliceNG, Instagram: Ogunpolice_ng, Facebook: Ogun Command…,” Odutola added.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo in the statement also reiterated the command’s commitment to always prioritise the security of the good people of Ogun State and also assure a hitch-free festival.
A former Chadian Prime Minister and opposition leader, Succes Masra, was arrested early Friday on allegations of inciting hatred following deadly clashes in the southwestern Logone-Occidental region.
Masra, who served briefly as prime minister from January to May last year, was reportedly taken from his home in the early hours, with his party, The Transformers, claiming he was abducted.
A video circulated online appeared to show Masra being escorted by armed men in military uniform, though its authenticity has not been independently verified.
Public Prosecutor Oumar Kedelaye confirmed Masra’s arrest, linking it to Wednesday’s violence in the region, which left 42 people dead, most of them women and children.
He stated that judicial police investigations had uncovered messages inciting civilians to arm themselves, allegedly tied to Masra, although no specific details or direct attribution were provided.
“The investigations carried out by the judicial police revealed the involvement” of Masra, Kedelaye told reporters.
“Messages were disseminated, particularly on social media, calling on the population to arm themselves against other citizens,” the prosecutor said.
The violence is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between Fulani nomadic herders and Ngambaye farmers over land use.
Ethnic and regional tensions continue to plague parts of Chad, with longstanding grievances among southern communities over marginalisation by the central government.
Masra, an ethnic Ngambaye from the Christian-majority south, challenged President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno in last year’s presidential election, securing 18.5 percent of the vote to Deby’s 61.3 percent. He rejected the outcome, declaring himself the rightful winner.
A former economist educated in France and Cameroon, Masra has been a vocal critic of the Deby administration. Though appointed prime minister as part of a reconciliation initiative, he resigned five months later, and his party boycotted subsequent parliamentary elections, which solidified Deby’s hold on power.
Masra previously fled the country after a violent crackdown on protests against the extension of the political transition in October 2022. Known as “Black Thursday,” the incident reportedly left up to 300 people dead, according to international observers.
Masra later returned from exile under a reconciliation agreement but faced backlash for engaging with the ruling junta.
The Kwara State Government has unveiled a 70-meter flagpole, describing it as the tallest in the West African region to make a bold declaration of identity and pride.
The State Commissioner for Works, Abdulquawiy Olododo, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the erected towering structure with the Nigerian flag attached to it stands as both a cultural lighthouse and an economic catalyst, symbolising the dynamic spirit of the Kwara people.
According to Olododo, Kwara State’s tallest flagpole transcends its role as a physical monument, It represents a blend of cultural pride and economic growth, inviting Kwarans to celebrate their heritage and seize new opportunities for a unified and prosperous future.
“Flagpoles have long been pivotal symbols of national pride and identity.
“Kwara’s newest landmark goes beyond mere symbolism; it acts as a cultural yardstick, reflecting the rich heritage, traditions, and values of the Kwara people; a community known for its harmonious blend of ethnic diversity and shared values.
“The monument also aligns with the emerging status of Kwara State as a destination for technology innovation, creative economy, hospitality and tourism, trade and agribusiness, shedding the age-long appelation as a civil service state where the whole economy revolved just around payment of salary.
“The flag that flies high represents not only the sovereignty of Nigeria but also the collective spirit and unity of the diverse groups that call Kwara home,” the commissioner said.
Olododo stated that Kwara’s flagpole embodies the state’s blend of tradition and modernity, promoting social cohesion and celebrating diversity.
He said it serves as a symbol of growth, attracting tourism and investment, boosting local businesses, and stimulating economic development. He explained that the flagpole represents Kwara’s promise of a brighter future, driven by strategic investments and innovation.
The Commissioner further encouraged residents to reflect on their role in Kwara’s growth, emphasising the need for sustainable development that balances cultural heritage with modern progress.
The Kwara Government has unveiled a 70-meter flagpole in its state, describing it as the tallest in the West Africa region to make a bold declaration of identity and pride.
The Kwara Commissioner for Works, Abdulquawiy Olododo, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the erected towering structure with the Nigerian flag attached to it stands as both a cultural lighthouse and an economic catalyst, symbolising the dynamic spirit of the Kwara people.
According to Olododo, Kwara State’s tallest flagpole transcends its role as a physical monument, It represents a blend of cultural pride and economic growth, inviting Kwarans to celebrate their heritage and seize new opportunities for a unified and prosperous future.
“Flagpoles have long been pivotal symbols of national pride and identity.
“Kwara’s newest landmark goes beyond mere symbolism; it acts as a cultural yardstick, reflecting the rich heritage, traditions, and values of the Kwara people; a community known for its harmonious blend of ethnic diversity and shared values.
“The monument also aligns with the emerging status of Kwara State as a destination for technology innovation, creative economy, hospitality and tourism, trade and agribusiness, shedding the age-long appelation as a civil service state where the whole economy revolved just around payment of salary.
“The flag that flies high represents not only the sovereignty of Nigeria but also the collective spirit and unity of the diverse groups that call Kwara home,” the commissioner said.
Olododo stated that Kwara’s flagpole embodies the state’s blend of tradition and modernity, promoting social cohesion and celebrating diversity.
He said it serves as a symbol of growth, attracting tourism and investment, boosting local businesses, and stimulating economic development. He explained that the flagpole represents Kwara’s promise of a brighter future, driven by strategic investments and innovation.
The Commissioner further encouraged residents to reflect on their role in Kwara’s growth, emphasising the need for sustainable development that balances cultural heritage with modern progress.
