GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Stop ‘reckless’ borrowing now, Atiku tells Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the decision of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to seek new external and domestic loans, describing the move as reckless and a threat to Nigeria’s economic future.

In a statement on Thursday via X, Atiku said the proposed borrowing of $21.54 billion, €2.19 billion, and ¥15 billion — totaling over $24 billion — would dangerously increase the country’s debt profile, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.

“This borrowing spree will raise our total public debt from ₦144.7 trillion to a crushing ₦183 trillion,” Atiku stated, warning that the new loans represent more than 60% of Nigeria’s total foreign exchange reserves.

He noted that Nigeria’s debt burden has already reached alarming levels, with public debt standing at $94 billion (₦144.7 trillion) as of December 31, 2024.

Atiku further said, “Since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, public debt has jumped by 65.6%. Under the APC-led administration since 2015, public debt has ballooned by 1,048%, from ₦12.6 trillion to ₦144.7 trillion.”

He decried the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 50% and a debt-service-to-revenue ratio of over 130%, arguing that the government is spending more on repaying loans than it earns.

“This is not just unsustainable — it is immoral. The Tinubu administration is borrowing money not for development but to service existing loans, fueling a debt spiral that leaves nothing for infrastructure, education, healthcare, or jobs,” he said.

The former Vice President described the pattern of borrowing as a “Ponzi scheme,” warning that “Nigeria is now caught in a vicious cycle that mortgages the future to pay for the past.”

Calling the plan economic sabotage, Atiku urged immediate action to stop what he described as a looming catastrophe.

“We demand that this reckless borrowing plan be halted immediately. We call on lawmakers, civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to take urgent action to stop this looming catastrophe. Nigeria must not be sold into debt slavery,” he added.

Nigerians reaping gains of Tinubu’s reforms -Ododo

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his second year in office.

In a congratulatory message on Thursday, Ododo lauded Tinubu for demonstrating visionary leadership and for inspiring resilience among Nigerians through bold and transformative policies.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ismail Ishaq, on Thursday.

Ododo said, “Today marks two years of visionary leadership under our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Your Renewed Hope Agenda has brought bold reforms, national recalibration, and a new sense of purpose across critical sectors of our economy and governance.”

He described the President’s second year as a season of harvest, emphasising that Nigeria is beginning to experience tangible benefits of the far-reaching economic reforms initiated during the first year of the administration.

“Key policy decisions such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange system, and reforms in the tax and financial sectors were credited for stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu’s second year in office has been about deepening reforms, managing the effects of bold policy initiatives, and translating difficult decisions into real economic gains.

“We are beginning to see signs of macroeconomic stability, increased non-oil revenue, and renewed private sector interest in key sectors such as gas, agriculture, transportation and technology,” he added.

Ododo also pointed to the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the administration’s push for food security and revitalisation of manufacturing as clear evidence of a strategic, long-term transformation agenda.

“We in Kogi State align fully with this national direction, building infrastructure, expanding access to healthcare and education, and creating opportunities for our people.

“The spirit of Renewed Hope is alive in our communities and in the hearts of our citizens,” Ododo said.

He reaffirmed Kogi State’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s agenda by tailoring state policies to attract investment, empower youth and extend the impact of national reforms to the grassroots.

In further support of the clean energy transition, the governor noted that Kogi was actively participating in the CNG revolution by training youths in conversion technology, a move he noted promotes cleaner alternatives, reduces dependency on fossil fuel, and generates sustainable jobs.

He also announced the planned launch of intra-city bus services in the state capital to ease urban transportation as part of the dividends of the renewed hope agenda.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kogi State, I congratulate Mr. President and all Nigerians on this important milestone. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous nation.

“As the president marks this second anniversary in office, we celebrate your resilience, foresight, and unwavering commitment to building a Nigeria that works for all. The journey may be challenging, but your courage and dedication continue to inspire hope and confidence across the nation,” he restated.

WAEC apologises for late-night English exams, cites anti-malpractice measures

The West African Examinations Council has blamed the delay in the conduct of the 2025 English Language paper on Wednesday on heightened efforts to curb examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of question papers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, WAEC acknowledged the disruption experienced by candidates during the English Language Paper 2, which was scheduled for May 28 but held several hours behind schedule in many centres nationwide.

Videos and photos circulated on social media showed students sitting for the examination as late as 10pm, relying on torchlights and lanterns due to power outages, a situation that sparked outrage and renewed concerns about examination planning and student welfare.

WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, said the examination body’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the examination contributed significantly to the delay.

“While maintaining the integrity and security of our examination, we faced considerable challenges primarily due to our major aim of preventing leakage of any paper.

“While we successfully achieved our objective, it inadvertently impacted the timeliness and seamless conduct of the examination.,” Adesina said.

The examination body also pointed to other compounding factors such as logistical challenges, security concerns, and sociocultural dynamics, which disrupted operations in some areas.

To prevent a recurrence, WAEC said it is working with security agencies to streamline the process and improve operational efficiency in subsequent exams.

“Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations.

“In order to forestall future occurrences of this nature, the council is currently collaborating with security agencies,” the statement added.

WAEC apologised to students, schools, and parents for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and thanked all stakeholders for their understanding during what it described as a “challenging period”.

The examination body reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of its exams and promoting academic excellence across the region.

“We recognise the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on the candidates, their schools and parents, and we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused,” Adesina added.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported on the troubling scenes from several WAEC centres across the country, including videos showing students sitting forexams in dark classrooms using flashlights and kerosene lanterns.

One such incidents was recorded in Delta State, where candidates reportedly began their exam late in the evening due to delayed arrival of papers.

The 2025 WASSCE for school candidates commenced on April 24 and is scheduled to end on June 20.

TotalEnergies sells stake in Bonga field to Shell

TotalEnergies has announced that its subsidiary, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, has signed an agreement with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd for the sale of its non-operated 12.5 per cent interest in the OML118 Production Sharing Contract.

In a statement on Thursday, the company disclosed that the deal is valued at $510m.

OML118 PSC is operated by SNEPCo (55 per cent), in partnership with Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (20 per cent), TotalEnergies EP Nigeria (12.5 per cent), and Nigerian Agip Exploration (12.5 per cent).

“TotalEnergies announces that its subsidiary, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, signed an agreement with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd for the sale of its non-operated 12.5 per cent interest in the OML118 Production Sharing Contract for an amount of $510m,” the company disclosed.

Located deep offshore at 120 km south of the Niger Delta in Nigeria, it contains the Bonga field, which started production in 2005, as well as the Bonga North field, the development of which started in 2024.

The statement explained that production from the OML 118 PSC, which is mainly oil, represents approximately 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the Company’s share in 2024.

According to TotalEnergies, the completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.

The President of Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, Nicolas Terraz, said the firm would now focus on assets with low technical costs and emissions.

Terraz stated that it company also intends to lower its cash breakeven.

He added that the company is focusing on its operated gas and offshore oil assets and is currently progressing the development of the Ubeta project, designed to sustain gas supply to Nigeria LNG.

“TotalEnergies continues to actively high-grade its Upstream portfolio, to focus on assets with low technical costs and low emissions, and to lower its cash breakeven.

“The company is focusing on its operated gas and offshore oil assets and is currently progressing the development of the Ubeta project, designed to sustain gas supply to Nigeria LNG,” Terraz stated.

NDLEA arrests would-be pilgrims with cocaine 29th Ma

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), on Wednesday, revealed the arrest of two individuals who attempted to smuggle cocaine while posing as pilgrims en route to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting in Abuja, Marwa disclosed that the suspects had ingested the illicit drug, pretending to be devout Muslims embarking on the holy pilgrimage.

“Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. They swallowed cocaine, pretending to be going to the country to pray,” he said.

The NDLEA boss expressed concern over the disturbing trend of criminal networks exploiting religious sentiments, especially during Hajj, to traffic drugs internationally.

“We have had incidents where people were deceived in the name of Hajj.

Two years ago, three women were duped. Some individuals offered to pay for their tickets, and visas among others. Before they left, they were given a small bag to deliver to a supposed relative in Saudi Arabia. Unknown to them, cocaine had been sewn into the lining of the bag,” he recounted.

Marwa noted that despite funding challenges affecting the full implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the agency remained steadfast in its mission.

“Instead, we stay resolute, drawing strength from our shared vision, commitment, and collective responsibility to overcome this limitation. Encouragingly, certain developments promise to bolster the achievement of our objectives. One such step is the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which is expected to significantly strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity in drug supply reduction. I am pleased to inform this esteemed assembly that the amended Act has been passed by the National Assembly and is currently awaiting presidential assent,” he stated.

Reviewing major programmes implemented across the strategic pillars of the NDCMP in 2023 and 2024, Marwa said the agency made commendable progress on the Fourth National Action Plan, in comparison with previous iterations.

“Under the Supply Reduction pillar, our operational efforts and strategic offensives led to the arrest of 31,334 drug offenders, of whom 6,839 were convicted.

“We also recorded the seizure of 4,333,636.9 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and undertook the destruction of 426.46724 hectares of cannabis farms.

Under the Drug Demand Reduction strategic pillar, we provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 19,033 individuals, “ he added.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, expressed hope that the recent amendment of the NDLEA Act by the National Assembly would bolster Nigeria’s drug control efforts once signed by President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “The Federal Ministry of Justice has worked together with the NDLEA to ensure that our national legal system effectively supports the drug control efforts of the Agency. We are at the final stage of the amendment process for the NDLEA Act, which will significantly enhance the organizational capability of the Agency to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. The ministry is also providing appropriate support in the area of proceeds of crime management, which is essential for dismantling the financial networks of drug traffickers.

NiMet, HEDA partner to boost climate information for small-scale farmers

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Human and Environmental Development Agenda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve access to weather and climate information for smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

This development was announced in a statement released by NiMet’s media team on Wednesday following the signing of a MoU at the agency’s headquarters.

“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has formalised its partnership with the Human and Environmental Development Agenda by signing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding agro-meteorological information delivery to smallholder farmers across Nigeria,” the statement partly reads.

The new agreement builds on a collaborative relationship that began in 2010 and signals a renewed joint commitment to delivering timely, accessible climate data to rural communities.

Present at the signing ceremony were Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, and Miss Tonye Dappa, Legal and Liaison Officer, who both expressed appreciation to NiMet’s Director-General and CEO, Professor Charles Anosike, for his ongoing support and leadership.

NiMet Boss, Anosike highlighted the role of partnerships in connecting climate science with grassroots action.

He also offered NiMet’s studio facilities for the co-creation of climate education content tailored to farmers.

According to the statement, the collaboration aims to expand access to climate information, enhance disaster preparedness, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen national resilience to climate impacts.

“The partnership is expected to improve early warning systems, support climate-smart agriculture, and strengthen national resilience to climate change.

“Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive access to vital weather and climate information,” the statement concluded.

Juma Jux surprises Priscilla Ojo with Range Rover during wedding in Tanzania

Tanzanian music star, Juma Jux, surprised his bride, Priscilla Ojo, with a brand-new Range Rover during the reception of their grand, multi-country wedding finale, themed ‘African Royal Wedding’, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Wednesday.

During the final leg of the ceremony, Juma made a heartwarming announcement, asking guests to follow him outside for what he called a “small gift” for his wife.

“Please, I want everybody to follow me outside, I have a very small gift for my baby. Can you guys follow me outside?

“Baby, it is not big, it is small…” the East African artist said.

As the crowd exited the beautifully decorated hall, they gathered around in anticipation.

Priscilla screamed excitedly upon seeing the surprise, a luxurious Range Rover adorned with red ribbons and filled with red balloons.

She was ushered into the front seat, where Juma joined her, both of them visibly overwhelmed by the moment, surrounded by guests and well-wishers.

As one of Juma’s hit songs, “Shaylaa,” played in the background, Priscilla’s mother, Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo, was seen glowing with pride and joy.

She cheered on the couple, calling out affectionate names like, “Juma Odogwu”, “My Presido,” “Priscilla,” and “Odogwu.”

Priscilla hugged and kissed her husband in appreciation of the lavish gesture, eventually breaking into tears. “Thank you,” she said emotionally.

Watch video below

In another clip, Iyabo Ojo was spotted with reality TV star, Chioma Ikokwu, popularly known as Chioma GoodHair, proudly declaring, “we brag differently,” as they celebrated the memorable moment.

The wedding, dubbed JP2025, had numerous Nigerian celebrities in attendance, including Funke Akindele, Enioluwa, Jaiye Kuti, Chioma Ikokwu, Lola Alao, Michelle Gentry, among other notable personalities.

Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that Juma Jux had announced May 28 as the date for the final wedding celebration with Priscilla Ojo.

He made the announcement via a video on his Instagram story, revealing that the grand finale would be held in his home country.

PDP Crisis: No intimidation will make me deny Wike — Anyanwu

As the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party over the position of National Secretary remains unresolved, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who maintains that he is still the PDP National Secretary, stated that no intimidation will make him disown the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In an interview with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Anyanwu questioned what offenses he could have committed for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to want him removed.

Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been mired in internal conflicts, which intensified in December 2024 when the South East Zonal Caucus and a lower court recognised former National Youth Leader Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary.

While PDP governors, the Board of Trustees, and the National Working Committee accepted the court ruling, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, supported by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, challenged it at the Supreme Court. On March 21, the court nullified Anyanwu’s removal, ruling that internal party matters are beyond the judiciary’s jurisdiction.

Following the ruling, on April 14, PDP governors requested the South East to present a new nominee, resulting in Deputy Secretary Setonji Koshoedo being appointed Acting National Secretary. His nomination was ratified by the NWC during its 600th meeting on April 29.

Despite this, the dispute over the National Secretary position continues to divide the party’s leadership, with many blaming former Rivers State Governor Wike, who on Sunday withdrew from the PDP peace pact.

Anyanwu questioned the urgency behind some PDP governors’ efforts to remove him, especially with less than five months remaining in his term.

He stated, “My question is, what will Governor Makinde say that I did to him? Have I stressed him for any reason? Have I called him funny names? What is my sin? What is my problem with him? Have I done anything against him? What have I done against him? I consider him as my friend.

“When people have a motive, a vision, what would my vision be? Whether you want to be president, whether you want to be governor, what would my position do? My position will end by December. Election is 2027. Primaries are 2026. I will not be there. So what would my position now do?

“His Excellency, the FCT Minister, is my friend and my boss, and I can never, for any intimidation, deny him. Nobody can make me deny my friend because after position, there’s still life.

“This is what I tell my NWC members. We came here as a united family. It would be nice for us to go as a united family. So that we can still meet tomorrow and say we are brothers. We served an organization. Let nobody try to fragment the National Working Committee. We have been here for three years plus. We just have four months to go. Let us do it and go in peace.

“We just have a few months to go. Why would anybody want to break his head? Some people will say Senator Anyanwu, he is pro-Wike. What is pro-Wike? Everybody knows his role in this party. Everybody knows when it mattered most. He was there for the party.”

Anyanwu urged party leaders to handle the situation carefully to protect the future of the PDP.

He continued, “So, I think that our parties should be very careful. They should be very, very careful.

“And you see, I respect our governors. I respect them because I know it’s not easy to be a governor. But that you’re a governor does not mean that you cannot come out and tell your colleagues the truth. They know the truth. Why are they shying away from it? They know the truth.”

I’ll borrow when absolutely necessary – Otti

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said that his administration will only borrow money to run the state when it is absolutely necessary.

The governor made the vow in Umuahia on Wednesday during a lecture series to mark his two years in office.

Otti, while responding to some of the issues raised by the lecturer, Dr Idika Kalu, a one-time Finance Minister, said borrowing was not to be done recklessly, adding that he would only borrow when necessary.

The governor said he had to inculcate financial discipline and responsibility in the system to get the state to a greater level.

He said he had been paying workers and pensioners, having found that it made more economic sense to pay than to keep the money at the bank.

“We shall commit the remaining two years of this term to institutionalising the reforms that have been initiated.

“Collectively, we shall make Abia the hub of transformational ideas; we shall not be tired of listening to new ideas, for that is the path to continuous growth and progress,” Otti stated.

The governor thanked Kalu for accepting the invitation to deliver his administration’s second anniversary lecture.

Otti said the state put the lecture together to “talk to ourselves honestly and evaluate how far we have come, what we have done right, and what we can do better.”

In his lecture, the former Minister of Finance urged the governor to borrow to expand projects that would create value for the state.

The octogenarian maintained that such borrowing was not bad once it was done in the interest of the state.

The lecture was titled, “Two years of transformation; Sustaining the momentum.”

Kalu also urged Otti to use the media in major roles in his development efforts because of its power to cause change.

“The media can help this nation get back to life so don’t give them minor roles but give them key roles,” Kalu said.

Kalu commended Otti for his numerous projects some of which he said he had seen delivered while some are still ongoing.

He urged the government to always abide by the rule of law and to show examples of how things should be done rightly and uprightly.

Kalu harped on the need to punish errant persons who instilled impunity in the society, noting that a society where impunity reigned was not modernised.

NAN

AI won’t replace artists, will boost creativity – Spotify CEO

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of music streaming giant, Spotify, Daniel Ek, has said that Artificial intelligence will drive more people to create music and should not be seen as a threat to the industry.

Speaking at an Open House event at Spotify’s headquarters in Stockholm, Ek addressed growing concerns surrounding the use of AI in music production.

Some worry that machine-generated tracks — even those attributed to entirely fabricated artists — could eventually sideline human musicians.

“I’m mostly optimistic and mostly very excited because we’re just at the beginning of understanding this future of creativity that we’re entering,” Ek told reporters

AI will boost music creativity, not replace artists – Spotify CEO