GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Policy violations: TikTok deletes over 3.6 million Nigerian videos

TikTok has removed more than 3.6 million videos from its platform in Nigeria between January and March 2025 for breaching its Community Guidelines, representing a 50 per cent increase from the previous quarter.

This was disclosed in the platform’s Q1 2025 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, which highlights TikTok’s commitment to keeping its online community safe, respectful, and trustworthy.

According to the report on Tuesday, TikTok achieved a proactive detection rate of 98.4 per cent, meaning most of the videos were removed before users reported them. About 92.1 per cent of the videos were taken down within 24 hours of being uploaded.

The platform said the removals represented a small fraction of the overall content posted by the Nigerian community during the period, stressing that the majority of content shared remained positive, educational, and entertaining.

As part of its regional enforcement actions, TikTok also removed 129 accounts in West Africa linked to covert operations in March 2025.

TikTok said it had intensified efforts to monitor LIVE broadcasts to ensure compliance with its rules. In the first quarter of 2025, the platform banned 42,196 LIVE rooms and interrupted 48,156 streams in Nigeria found to have violated its guidelines.

“LIVE content enforcement remains a priority as we continue to protect the integrity of real-time interactions on the platform,” the report stated.

Globally, TikTok removed over 211 million videos in Q1 2025, up from 153 million in the previous quarter. Of these, 184 million were removed through automation, with a global proactive detection rate of 99 per cent.

Despite the large-scale removals, TikTok said that harmful content accounted for less than one per cent of total uploads, underscoring its ongoing efforts to prioritise safety and well-being.

In June, TikTok Africa held the ‘My Kind of TikTok Digital Well-being Summit,’ bringing together experts, NGOs, creators, media, and industry leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa to discuss ways of improving digital well-being on and beyond the platform.

As part of new initiatives, TikTok announced the expansion of its in-app helpline to Nigeria, in partnership with Cece Yara, a child-focused non-profit organisation that supports youth safety. The helpline will provide expert assistance to young users dealing with issues like suicide, self-harm, hate, and harassment.

TikTok also named Dr. Olawale Ogunlana, popularly known as Doctor Wales, as its Digital Well-being Ambassador for Nigeria, joining a group of healthcare professionals in the WHO Fides Network.

Alongside these efforts, TikTok continues to encourage users to report harmful content and participate in its ongoing #SaferTogether campaign, aimed at fostering a respectful and secure online environment.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Mourns the Passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Mourns the Passing of the Awujale of Ijebulan

The Group Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, has paid glowing tribute to the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. He described his passing as the end of an era and the ascent of a legend into the realms of the immortals.

In a solemn and emotionally resonant message, he extolled the virtues of the late monarch, whom he described as a towering symbol of identity, unity, and pride for the Ijebu people and the Yoruba nation.

Oba Adetona, who died at the age of 91, reigned for an extraordinary 65 years, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Nigerian history. His reign, according to Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, was not only notable for its longevity but for its profound impact on the cultural, social, and economic transformation of Ijebuland.

“His Royal Majesty reigned not merely by the sceptre, but by the rare power of vision, intellect, and integrity,” Aare Adetola stated. “He embodied royalty in its purest form, not as a relic of the past, but as a living force that shaped the present and laid the foundations of the future.”

Reflecting on the monarch’s legacy, the real estate mogul highlighted Oba Adetona’s role as a custodian of heritage, a voice of wisdom during national turbulence, and a bridge across generations. “He was not just a king, but a colossus, a living oracle whose words stirred minds and moved mountains,” he added.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking further acknowledged the transformation of Ijebuland under the late monarch’s watch, noting that the ancient kingdom became a beacon of cultural pride, economic vibrancy, and progressive unity. “To be Ijebu was to be proud. To serve Ijebu was to be honourable. To be under his reign was to witness greatness firsthand,” he said.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking expressed deep condolences to the royal family and the people of Ijebuland, urging them to lift their chins in pride, having been ruled by a legend. “Now, the lion sleeps, but his roar shall echo in eternity”, he added.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the king’s soul and for his enduring legacy to continue inspiring generations to come.

The passing of HRM Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona marks the close of a remarkable chapter in Yoruba history, but as Aare Adetola Emmanuelking reminds the world, the light of the monarch’s legacy will forever illuminate the path ahead.

Osun court jails six for electoral offences, firearms possession

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has sentenced six people arrested during the 2023 general election in the state to two-year jail terms for offences bordering on conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms.

The defendants, dragged before the court by the Federal Government represented by its counsel, Fatima Adesina, were arraigned on 3 counts of conspiracy to be in possession of firearms, unlawful possession of firearms, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The offences committed were said to be contrary to and punishable under Sections 121 & 126 (1)(F); 126 (1) (f) and 125 (1) (i), respectively of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Justice M. Awe, in his judgement, Certified True Copy dated July 11, 2025, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, found Yinusa Rahmon, Moshood Hamzat, Awotunde Gbenga, Adebayo Mutiu, Femi Taiwo and Najeem Omotuntun guilty of offences bordering on conspiracy and possession of firearms.

They were, however, discharged on count three, for engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Going over the history of the case, Justice Awe said the 6 defendants, under cross-examination, admitted that they were arrested in the premises of a hotel on March 18, 2023, while the House of Assembly election was going on in Ila Orangun, Osun State, by men of the Department of State Service.

The Judge also held that the prosecution witnesses during the trial told the court that the defendants were arrested in possession of firearms that included: 2 locally made barrel guns, 2 cutlasses, one battle axe, one Fulani sword, and six cartridges on the day of the House of Assembly election in Ila Orangun.

Justice Awe, however, held that the prosecution could not prove that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace in any public place.

“In the circumstances, the prosecution has failed to prove the offence alleged in count 3 of the charge. Each of the defendants is accordingly discharged and acquitted on same,” the Judge said.

He continued, “In the circumstance, each of the defendants, having been found guilty and convicted on counts l & 2 of the charge, are accordingly sentenced as follows: On Count l of the charge, 1st defendant is sentenced to l year imprisonment with hard labour or

to a fine ofN100, 000:00 in lieu.

“The 2nd defendant is sentenced to one-year imprisonment (IHL) or N100,000:00 fine in lieu: The 3rd Defendant to 1-year imprisonment (IHL) or N100,000:00 fine in lieu: 4th defendant is sentenced to l year imprisonment (IHL)or N100,000:00 fine in lieu:

5th defendant is sentenced to l year imprisonment (IHL) or a fine of N100,000:00 in lieu: 6th defendant is sentenced l year imprisonment (IHL)or a fine of N100, 000:00 in lieu:

“On Count 2 of the charge, each of the defendants is sentenced as follows: The 1st defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL) or a fine N200,000:00 in lieu: The 2nd defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL) or N200,000 fine in lieu: The 3rd defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL)or a fine of N200,000:00 in lieu: The 4th defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL) or to a fine of N200,000:00 in lieu: The 5th defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL)or to a fine of N200,000:00 in lieu:

“The 6th defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL) or to a fine of N200,000:00 in lieu: The terms of imprisonment are concurrent, while the fine is cumulative.”

Disregard unauthorised skill acquisition training, NDDC warns public

The Niger Delta Development Commission has alerted members of the public to a fake skills acquisition training purportedly sponsored by the commission.

The commission urged the public to disregard such claims by a group that is accusing the NDDC of not keeping to its promise to pay trainees for the said training.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the NDDC stated that it had never engaged anyone or group to organise such training and urged the public, especially youths, to be cautious to avoid falling prey to swindlers.

The statement was signed by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, and sent to newsmen.

The commission said its skills programmes are well-advertised and open to scrutiny.

It reads, “The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission has been drawn to a report circulating in the media, claiming that the NDDC has failed to fulfil its promise to pay trainees for a purported skill acquisition programme.

“The supposed skill acquisition programme, said to have been organised by a religious group, Victorious Prayer Network, allegedly took place in Bayelsa and Rivers states.

“The self-appointed organisers claimed that the NDDC promised to sponsor over 2,000 trainees and give them starter packs. They accused the NDDC of reneging on that promise.

“We wish to clarify that the NDDC approved no such training programme, and whatever training was organised under suspicious circumstances did not have the blessings and approval of the Commission.”

The statement continued that the individuals behind these allegations against the NDDC were never engaged by the Commission to carry out skills training.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the NDDC is not behind this particular skill acquisition training. Our programmes are usually well-advertised and open to scrutiny.

“We recently launched a comprehensive technical skills acquisition programme to equip participants with practical, in-demand skills in Port Harcourt.

“Members of the public, especially our youths, are advised to be cautious and circumspect in dealing with some questionable persons claiming to be acting on behalf of the NDDC.

“It is disturbing that some mischievous individuals are trying to take advantage of our youths who are genuinely eager to be gainfully engaged in legitimate activities,” the statement added.

The NDDC assured our stakeholders of its commitment to transparency and fairness in all its activities, including youth empowerment and skill acquisition programmes.

“In light of this unfortunate development, we urge our youth to be wary of desperate people seeking undeserved financial gains.

“All inquiries about our youth empowerment programmes should be channelled through our official communication platforms. We also encourage beneficiaries of our programmes to verify facts on the NDDC’s official website and our social media handles,” the statement said.

Osinbajo, Atiku, Amaechi, others arrive Kastina for Buhari’s burial

Dignitaries, former government officials, and political heavyweights on Tuesday began arriving in Katsina State, for the final burial rites of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

A heavy security presence was observed in and around the town, with personnel of the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Army stationed at strategic locations.

Traffic diversions and crowd control measures were also in place to ensure smooth movement as thousands of mourners thronged Daura to pay their last respects.

Among the early arrivals were former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar; former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

Also present were former Governors Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), and Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), who also served as a one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Others in attendance include billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote; former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami; and former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen.

More dignitaries including the President Bola Tinubu, religious leaders, and traditional rulers are expected in the coming hours as the funeral proceedings continue.

Buhari was firm but fair – Ex-Naval chief

A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.), has mourned the passing of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader who was firm yet fair.

Gambo, who served under Buhari from 2021 to 2023, in a statement on Tuesday, stated that the former president embodied discipline, integrity, and a deep commitment to national service.

According to him, Buhari as a soldier, stood tall with courage, unwavering discipline and an incorruptible spirit.

Gambo added that as a statesman and former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he embodied the highest ideals of public service, personal sacrifice and national commitment.

While he recounted how Buhari appointed him as naval chief in January 2021, Gambo stated that the decision was one of the greatest privileges of his life.

“His journey through Nigeria’s turbulent political and security landscape remains a testament to his resilience, fortitude and selfless patriotism.

“I recall with immense gratitude and humility his entrusting me with the honour of serving our nation as Chief of the Naval Staff, in January 2021.

“That appointment, which lasted until the end of his tenure in 2023, remains one of the greatest privileges of my life.

“I have very fond memories of hosting him at the Navy’s Presidential Fleet Review in Lagos, a week before he left office.

“It was his last major military assignment as President and Commander-in-Chief, and an opportunity to commemorate the transformation of the Nigerian Navy under his leadership.

“In him, I found not only a Commander-in-Chief, but a father figure who was firm yet fair, deeply principled and constantly invested in the well-being and professional growth of those under his leadership,” the statement read in part.

Gambo hailed the late president’s efforts in reforming the military, especially in improving personnel welfare, modernising military hardware, and giving the service chiefs operational autonomy.

He further acknowledged his impact on his life and the lives of countless others in the military and civilian spheres, stating that it would remain indelible.

The retired admiral also praised Buhari’s austere lifestyle, anti-corruption stance, and compassion for the less privileged, describing him as “a man of honesty, simplicity, and unshakable patriotism.”

He recalled how his mother, a longtime admirer of the former president, was elated when he was appointed naval chief and later had the chance to visit Buhari after he left office.

“Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every institution he strengthened, every reform he championed, and every life he touched.

“His legacy is a light that will never fade, Insha Allah,” Gambo concluded.

No written pact for Buhari to hand over power to me, Bakare clarifies

The founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has revealed that there was no formal written agreement for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over power to him.

Bakare had a history with Buhari, serving as his running mate in the 2011 presidential election under the Congress for Progressive Change, an election they lost.

File Photo: Pastor Tunde Bakare, during a visit to the late ex-President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)

Buhari later went on to become president from 2015 to 2023, following an earlier stint as military head of state from 1983 to 1985.

Despite their political past, Bakare had publicly hinted at succeeding Buhari.

In 2019, he suggested he would be Nigeria’s 16th president, following Buhari whom he referred to as the 15th.

At the time, the preacher and lawyer also mentioned he was cultivating a global political network for his future aspirations.

Bakare’s political ambitions weren’t new; he had stated in January 2018 that he wasn’t done with politics. However, his bid for the presidency in 2022 was unsuccessful as he lost the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Bakare said Buhari gave every presidential aspirant in the APC a fair opportunity to contest for the party’s ticket.

He said, “There was no written pact between us. He is late. I will never say anything unfair about him.

“He did his best. One night before the primary, he invited all the presidential aspirants. We sat with him in the conference hall of the villa.

“He said, ‘I have allowed the governors to choose who will succeed them or to go for a second term if they are going for a second term. I am asking you today to allow me to also freely choose the person I desire to succeed me.’”

Bakare said the move was accepted by other aspirants present at the meeting, including Yemi Osinbajo, former vice-president; Mohammed Badaru, governor of Jigawa; and Ogbonnaya Onu, former minister of science and technology.

Buhari died on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London clinic.

His death has continued to attract tributes from across the country and worldwide.

Enugu adopts new strategy to streamline health sector budgeting

The Enugu State Government has embarked on developing Annual Operational Plans that would be integrated into the state’s 2026 health sector budget.

This initiative is part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at transforming Nigeria’s health system by improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding health insurance coverage.

Speaking at a Four-day training workshop on NHSRII Leadership and Health Systems Strengthening for Managers, which began on Monday in Enugu, the State Commissioner for Health, Emmanuel Obi, said the NHSRII is a sector-wide programme that seeks to bring together every single player in the health sector under one coordinating umbrella to monitor the sector indices across the board.

The training is themed, “Towards Rational, Realistic, Pragmatic and Comprehensive Plan that informs Health Budget for the People of Enugu State”.

According to Obi, “Through the State-Wide Approach (SWAp) reform, the Federal Ministry of Health is trying to bring together every single player in the health sector under one coordinating umbrella to monitor the sector indices across board.”

He explained that the SWAp approach will give the country’s health sector one plan, monitoring and evaluation, and a coordinated network.

“This workshop is the beginning of the step down of a capacity building for master trainers who are involved in the entire health sector of Enugu State towards producing a one-sector annual operational plan that will be integrated into the 2026 health sector budget for Enugu State,” Obi added.

The participants in the training are made up of senior and programme managers, officials of different agencies, and health sector stakeholders in Enugu State.

Obi expects a high level of seriousness from the participants, as they work towards producing a comprehensive plan that will inform the state’s health budget.

Francisca Ewoh, SWAp Desk Officer, Enugu State, explained that the essence of SWAp programme is to ensure coordination and uniformity in the health system in Nigeria.

“What is happening in the health sector, unlike before, is no longer business as usual, whereby the partners come in with their own activities. SWAp wants to ensure that states prioritise activities based on evidence-based,” she said.

The Head of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Enugu State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ann Oguejioffor, said the training would streamline the state’s planning process towards the 2026 health sector budget.

“With the SWAp programme, the state is going to have one plan in the sense that what the partners are offering should not duplicate with what the state government is doing,” she added.

The development of Annual Operational Plans is expected to improve the state’s health sector by ensuring that all stakeholders work together towards a common goal.

It was learnt that the plan will also help to avoid fragmentation and duplication in the health system, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively.

Late Awujale was an exemplary monarch – Afenifere 15th July 2025

The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on Tuesday, described the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as an exemplary monarch who made a significant positive impact during his 62-year reign.

He stated this in his tribute to the highly revered monarch, who joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 91.

The National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, quoted Afenifere leader as saying that the late monarch was one of the Obas in Yorubaland who exalt the position of royalty.

Fasoranti disclosed that right from the time the late monarch started his public service in the defunct Western Region, his conduct on his return from the United Kingdom where he studied Accountancy and all through his years on the throne, the late Awujale led a life that is worthy of emulation in terms of integrity, focus and dedication to serving the people.

“The then Prince Adetona was crowned as Awujale on April 5, 1960.

“He became a member of the Western Region House of Chiefs immediately thereafter.

“Records have it that he conducted himself well just as he did when he headed various bodies, including the Traditional Rulers Council in Ogun State.”

The Afenifere leader recalled the patriotic role played by the monarch, particularly in the imbroglio brought about by the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election.

“His reign was characterised by wisdom, dexterity, an enlightened and admirable leadership style, commitment to the Yoruba cause and the national interests,” he added.

Also commending the late Oba’s dedication to the culture and tradition of Yorubaland, the statement recalled that his reign brought Ojude-Oba celebration not only to the limelight but made it a cynosure of everyone, including the international community.

He, therefore, commiserated with the Ogun State Government, the people of Ijebuland, Yorubaland, and the royalty in Nigeria, of which late Adetona was a distinguished member and prayed for his soul to rest in perfect peace.

US citizen who spied on Ukraine gets Russian passport

An American who spied on Ukrainian troops to help Moscow’s military offensive in the country has been granted Russian citizenship, Moscow-installed authorities said Tuesday.

Daniel Martindale spent two years in Ukraine after Russia launched its offensive, transmitting coordinates of military facilities to Russia’s secret services, according to reports in Russian state media.

“By decree of our President Vladimir Putin, a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation was awarded to Daniel Martindale,” Denis Pushilin, the head of the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine’s Donetsk region said on Telegram.

Pushilin said that Martindale had “long since proven with his loyalty and actions that he is one of us.”

“He spent more than two years in the territory under enemy control. And not only did he survive — he helped. He supported our guys, passed on important information to our special services, risked his life,” he added.

Martindale received his passport from interior ministry officials at a ceremony in Moscow, according to state media and a video published by Pushilin.

Martindale thanked Russia for “accepting me”, and said becoming a Russian citizen was a “dream”.

“Russia is not only my home, but my family,” he said in Russian on the video.

After two years spying on Ukraine, he was extracted in “a complex evacuation operation” after Moscow started to fear his life was in danger if he stayed any longer, Pushilin said.

In November 2024, state media reported Russian security forces had taken him to Russia and Martindale lodged his application for Russian citizenship.

A Telegram account purporting to be his posted that same month: “Hello, I’m Daniel Martindale, the guy that Russian soldiers risked their lives to evacuate from the village where I had lived for two years.”

AFP