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Akinbobola Folajimi whose pregnant wife died after a hospital allegedly refused to treat her without a N500,000 deposit has responded to criticism from a journalist Reuben Abati.

 

Abati, speaking on Arise TV on Tuesday, slammed Folajimi for not saving enough money ahead of his wife’s delivery.

 

“You had nine months to prepare. You impregnated a woman and showed up at the hospital begging for care without a deposit. That’s irresponsible,” Abati said.

 

Abati argued that it was irresponsible of the man to visit the hospital asking for his pregnant wife to be attended to without making any financial commitment.

 

Abati said; ‘‘The whole substance of this conversation is that according to Mr Folajimi, when he got to Al-Salam Convalescent Centre as the hospital is called, he was asked to deposit N500, 000 and the man was saying ‘please admit my wife, I will go and look for the money’.

 

“When you impregnate a woman, you can’t come at nine months and you are saying ‘just treat her, let me go and look for the money.’ There are many people who do that. They put you under pressure.

 

“Mr Folajimi behaved in an irresponsible manner”

Folajimi in a video shared online on Thursday, defended himself, saying he did his best with what he had.

 

He disclosed that he saved about N100,000. Unfortunately, his wife had an emergency and he did not have the N500,000 the hospital demanded, but would have raised it if he was given enough time.

 

‘’With due respect, this is not my first child. When my wife was pregnant, we were taking care of her to the best of my ability and I never came public or to you to ask for you to borrow me money for antenatal or feed my children.

 

“Excuse me Sir, I saved money but I didn’t save up to N500, 000. I saved money for that day but they asked for N500, 000 deposit, not full payment. I didn’t have that. All the money that I could have gathered that day wouldn’t have passed N100, 000,” he said.

 

He questioned the moral judgment placed on him for being unable to produce the sum on the spot.

 

“I don’t know if it is an offence not to have up to N500, 000 when your wife is about to give birth. I don’t know if it is an offence to now live below N500, 000 but you are now saying it is the ‘’highest irresponsibility” because I don’t have N500, 000. So it is even a crime to be poor in Nigeria,” he added.

 

Folajimi added that after his wife’s death, he and others managed to raise the N500,000, money that was then used for her mortuary fees and funeral arrangements.

 

The Federal Government has doubled down on its Naira-for-crude oil initiative, declaring it a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s long-term economic reform strategy — not a temporary fix.

 

In a statement posted Wednesday via the Federal Ministry of Finance’s official channels, the government emphasized that all domestic crude oil and refined petroleum sales will continue to be conducted in Naira, in a bid to strengthen the local currency and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.

“This initiative is not a stopgap solution,” the ministry said, describing it as a strategic national directive aimed at improving local refining capacity, bolstering energy security, and fostering economic sovereignty.

 

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The Nigeria Customs Service has impounded a consignment of illicit drugs valued at N18m from suspected smugglers in Cross River State.

 

The seizure, which occurred at the Mfum Border, was carried out by the Cross River-Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command of the NCS.

 

A total of 659 units of controlled substances were recovered and have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

 

The intercepted drugs include 216 units of Pethidine 100mg, 216 units of Morphine Sulphate, 37 packets of Phenobarbital, 37 units of Sodium Sterop, 108 units of Fentanyl 50mm, 33 units of Midazolam Mylan, and 26 units of Sodium Injectables.

 

At the official handover ceremony held at the NCS Command Headquarters in Calabar on Wednesday, the Area Comptroller, Comptroller Gabriel Ogbonna, commended the vigilance and dedication of his officers, emphasising that the operation was a reflection of growing synergy between Customs and the NDLEA.

He said, “On behalf of the Comptroller General of the NCS, I hereby hand over these items to the NDLEA. This handover is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between our agencies.

 

“Today’s event is not just about the seizure it is a learning point for younger officers in both agencies to understand the importance of collaboration. Together, we leverage each other’s strengths to promote national security and development.”

 

Receiving the items, the Commander of the NDLEA in Cross River State, Rachael Umebuali, applauded the NCS for its continued support and inter-agency cooperation.

 

She noted that such efforts enhance the operational efficiency of both organisations.

 

“We appreciate this gesture and partnership. This collaboration not only strengthens our operational capacity but also ensures our service to Nigerians is effective and impactful,” she said

The National Emergency Management Agency in Lagos, along with other important groups, have received 144 Nigerians returning from Libya at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Cargo Terminal, Ikeja, Lagos.

 

According to a statement from NEMA’s X handle on Wednesday, the group included 89 men, 35 women, 17 children, and three infants.

Officials of NEMA and other agencies receiving 144 returnees from Libya at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Cargo Terminal, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 9. Photo: NEMA

They arrived on a chartered Boeing aircraft from Al Buraq with the registration number 5ADMG.

 

The evacuation was organised by the International Organisation for Migration in cooperation with NEMA, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Department of State Services, Port Health Services, and the Nigeria Police Force.

Officials of NEMA and other agencies receiving 144 returnees from Libya at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Cargo Terminal, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 9. Photo: NEMA

The statement read, “NEMA Lagos Operations Office, in collaboration with other stakeholders, received 144 vulnerable Nigerian returnees from Libya at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Cargo Terminal, Ikeja, Lagos on 8th April, 2025.

“The returnees arrived at 17:15 hours aboard an Al Buraq chartered Boeing flight with registration number 5ADMG.

 

“The group consisted of 89 males, 35 females, 17 children, and 3 infants. They were provided with necessary assistance by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with NEMA, NCFRMI, Nigeria Immigration, DSS, Port Health, and the Nigeria Police Force. Following the mandatory profiling and biometric exercise, the returnees were relocated to the Igando IDPs resettlement center for further reintegration programmes.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria has said that personal remittance inflows rose to $20.93bn in 2024, reflecting an 8.9 per cent increase year-on-year.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the apex bank while announcing a balance of payments surplus of $6.83bn for the 2024 financial year.

 

The statement was signed by the CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali.

 

The figure marks a significant turnaround from deficits of $3.34bn and $3.32bn recorded in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

The CBN said the improvement was due to a mix of macroeconomic reforms, stronger trade performance, and renewed investor confidence.

 

According to the statement, remittance inflows remained resilient throughout the year, with inflows through International Money Transfer Operators increasing by 43.5 per cent to $4.73bn, up from $3.30bn in the previous year.

 

The statement read, “Remittance inflows remained resilient, with personal remittances rising by 8.9 per cent to $20.93bn.

 

“International Money Transfer Operator inflows surged by 43.5 per cent to $4.73bn, up from $3.30bn in 2023, reflecting stronger engagement from the Nigerian diaspora. Official development assistance also rose by 6.2 per cent to $3.37bn.”

 

The current and capital account recorded a surplus of $17.22bn, underpinned by a goods trade surplus of $13.17bn.

Non-oil exports rose by 24.6 per cent to $7.46bn, while gas exports increased by 48.3 per cent to $8.66bn.

 

Meanwhile, petroleum imports fell by 23.2 per cent to $14.06bn, and non-oil imports declined by 12.6 per cent to $25.74bn.

 

On the financial account side, Nigeria posted a net acquisition of financial assets amounting to $12.12bn.

 

Portfolio investment inflows more than doubled, rising by 106.5 per cent to $13.35bn, while resident foreign currency holdings grew by $5.41bn.

 

However, foreign direct investment dropped by 42.3 per cent to $1.08bn.

The country’s external reserves also grew by $6bn to $40.19bn by the end of 2024, strengthening the country’s foreign exchange buffer.

 

In terms of data quality, the CBN reported a marked improvement in reporting accuracy. Net errors and omissions declined by 79.5 per cent to negative $5.10bn in 2024, down from $24.90bn in 2023, which the bank attributed to improved data capture and transparency.

 

Reacting to the figures, the Governor of the CBN was quoted as saying, “The positive turnaround in our external finances is evidence of effective policy implementation and our unwavering commitment to macroeconomic stability. This surplus marks an important step forward for Nigeria’s economy, benefiting investors, businesses, and everyday Nigerians alike.”

 

The bank further attributed the improved external position to policy reforms, including the liberalisation and unification of the foreign exchange market, a disciplined monetary policy stance, and coordinated fiscal and monetary interventions.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Anayo Onyekwere popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, has taken to social media to celebrate his daughter, Valerie, as she marks her 25th birthday.

 

The actor while celebrating his daughter’s birthday stated that before his daughter gets to age 27, he is expecting her to either get married, complete her PhD or leave his house as an adult.

 

Taking to his Instagram page on Tuesday, the actor showered his daughter with blessings, and admiration, while also clearly stating that he expects her to either get married, complete her PhD or leave his house as an adult.

 

He wrote, “My dear daughter, Uloaku( Bank/house of wealth) Congratulations on your 25th birthday.

 

“From little Valerie to a prospective Madam Uloaku. As I told you this morning while praying for you, it should be a day of sober reflections, things to copy, things to paste, and things to delete. What realities there are and the facade of things thereof.”

Kanayo reminisced about how she would often challenge him for being away on movie sets, missing out on time at home. He explained that constant travel is part of the job for successful actors and expressed gratitude for remaining active and in demand in the industry.

 

“Your issue with me has always been” you are always travelling, hardly at home”. Uloaku, Good actors travel, always on the move because they are always HIRED. Thank God I am still very active and relevant. Try and tolerate me.”

 

He wrapped up his message by stating that by 2027, he expects her to either walk down the aisle, pursue a PhD, or move out and live independently.

 

“In all these, please ensure that before 2027, you are either walking down the aisle, going for your PhD, or walking out of my house. Simpliciter. Ka Chukwu Okike Abiama gozierem Uloaku.

A Professor of Rheumatology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Segun Oguntona, has called on the government to include medications for autoimmune diseases under the National Health Insurance Scheme, citing the high cost of treatment.

 

Speaking during the university’s 122nd inaugural lecture titled “Joint Diseases and Internal Organ Complications: Unmasking Immune Tolerance As The Culprit”, on Tuesday, Oguntona highlighted the severe impact of rheumatologic conditions, which can lead to kidney and heart failure, blindness, lung defects, and other complications.

 

He lamented the shortage of specialists in the field, noting that Nigeria currently has only one paediatric rheumatologist trained in the last two years.

 

Describing the financial burden on patients, Oguntona said, “Biologics are the most expensive drugs, and they are the lifesaving medications for patients with autoimmune conditions.

 

“The outcome of most of these diseases is relatively good in the Asian countries compared with what we see in this part of the world because of the free medical treatment they enjoy, as against patients paying out of pocket in a country like Nigeria.

“People with health insurance coverage could not benefit from these biologics due to the fact that health insurance does not cover them because of their cost. One could imagine a dose of a biologic drug costing over half a million, repeat the treatment in two weeks, and the drugs are repeated as often as necessary, again.

 

“How many people could afford this? Autoimmune disease is not a respecter of social strata/class, as it affects the rich, so also it affects the poor.”

 

He urged the government to prioritise rheumatology like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.

 

“Since funding is the main problem denying our patients with autoimmune conditions to receive best medical care, I would suggest that the Government should also look into this field of medicine and accord it the same priority attached to malaria and communicable diseases like tuberculosis and AIDS.

 

“I would also advocate that the National Health Insurance Scheme should cover medications used in these diseases since it is difficult to pay out of pocket for many patients.”

South Korea on Wednesday unveiled a $2 billion emergency support package for its crucial export-focused carmakers, warning US President Donald Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on the sector could be a “significant blow”.

 

“Given that automobiles and auto parts are South Korea’s top exports to the US, the decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on these items is expected to deliver a significant blow to our auto industry,” the government said in a statement announcing the support measures.

 

Last week, Trump announced sweeping and punitive tariffs against the United States’ biggest trading partners, the most severe of which are due to come into force on Wednesday.

 

Goods from South Korea are set to be taxed at 25 percent.

 

Trump also imposed steep tariffs on foreign-made cars sold in the United States, raising concerns over the global economic outlook and leaving Asia’s fourth-largest economy scrambling to respond.

 

After industry consultation, Seoul has decided to introduce “a set of industrial safety net measures centred on the most urgent demands,” it said.

 

The government has also “pledged to take flexible action depending on the level of industry damage going forward.”

 

South Korea’s auto-related exports to the US totalled $42.9 billion last year, according to officials.

 

Under the plan, the government will expand its low-cost financing programme for the auto industry by two trillion won ($1.34 billion USD).

 

Hyundai Motor, South Korea’s largest automaker, will also establish a one trillion won support programme for domestic auto firms in partnership with major financial institutions.

 

Companies affected by the tariffs will be eligible for tax deferrals of up to nine months, the government added.

“The importance of the domestic market is being highlighted as a way to respond to reduced export volumes caused by US tariffs and to maintain the country’s manufacturing base,” the government said in a statement.

 

“To this end, the government will operate an electric vehicle subsidy system linked to manufacturers’ discount amounts from the first half of this year through the end of the year,” it said.

 

Seoul will also “significantly expand the government matching support ratio from the current 20–40 percent to 30–80 percent.”

Trump spoke to South Korea’s acting president on tariffs Tuesday.

 

The tariffs announcement has rocked global stock markets, with investors uncertain over whether they are a negotiating tactic or permanent US position.

 

Trump has insisted he will not back down until he has reduced or even wiped out US trade deficits — while simultaneously signalling that he is ready to negotiate with countries around the world.

 

In 2024, the US trade deficit with South Korea amounted to just over $66 billion in goods.

The Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Prof Ademola Tayo, has reiterated the commitment of the university to producing graduates who are not only socially and academically sound, but are also equipped with hands-on skills to navigate life after school and build a successful career for themselves.

 

Tayo, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed this while kicking off the annual Graduating Class Week for over 3,000 final year students of the university, whose graduation comes up in June.

 

The Vice-Chancellor described the annual programme as a time when experts, professionals, future employers are brought to the school to have an interface with the graduating students, offering them priceless insight out of their very rich experience and building on what the university had taught the students to make a successful venture out of their life after school

 

Tayo said, “This yearly programme is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to prepare the graduating students to meet the outside world’s demands. It is to get you well prepared and to navigate the career opportunities.”

 

He urged the graduating students not to undermine this opportunity, for which people who graduated 40 years ago, like him, never had.

 

The VC said, “After the final examination, back then every student would leave the school without this kind of experience, but in Babcock University, we don’t only train them to be academically and socially sound, we also get them ready to navigate their ways through future careers.”

He noted that one of the alumni who took copious notes from a similar career fair in the past ran away with ideas that she got at the event and is better off today.

 

The VC added, “I therefore want to encourage you not to allow this programme to be just for relaxation alone, find time to gather information as you will be leaving the school shortly. This is a platform to connect with people who have been there and have succeeded.

 

“Ask questions of them and look for ways to collaborate further and make the most of this opportunity, engage with industry experts and learn as much as you can.”

 

Speaking on the essence of the programme, the Director of Alumni and Connectivity of the university, Dr Dangana Jonathan, said that the annual event helps to expose the students to further demands and virtues that will help the students pick their way through their careers outside the university.

 

Dangana explained, “What we do during this annual event is to further reinforce the skills that will have been infused into the students in the last four years, sharpen them and get them more equipped with the hands-on skills that could help them navigate life outside the schools. It is geared towards reducing the quantum of unemployed graduates in the country”.

The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced a 22-year-old hairdresser, Nicky Isabella, to five years in prison for trafficking two young Nigerian women into Ghana under the guise of employment.

 

Isabella, popularly known as Bella, lured the victims to Ghana under the pretext of offering them jobs, but upon arrival, she forced them into prostitution.

 

Isabella, widely known as Bella, deceived the victims, aged 22 and 23, by promising them supermarket jobs in Adjiringanor, Accra. But upon their arrival in May 2024, the narrative took a dark turn: instead of employment, they were forced into prostitution and stripped of their earnings.

 

The case was heard before Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, who delivered the judgment on Friday, April 4, 2025, after a full trial.

 

According to Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on Monday, prosecutors disclosed that Isabella, in collaboration with an accomplice named Nelly (still at large), orchestrated the cross-border trafficking.

 

Upon arrival, Isabella reportedly seized their earnings and forced them to swear an oath on a Bible. As part of the oath ritual, she cut pieces of their pubic hair and threatened to use them in rituals if they disobeyed her instructions.

 

Assistant Superintendent of Police Isaac Babayi, who led the prosecution, described the crime as premeditated, exploitative, and deeply harmful, urging the court to hand down a firm sentence as a deterrent.

 

In her ruling, the trial judge considered several factors, including Isabella’s young age, her status as a first-time offender, and the period she had already spent in custody. However, she also noted Isabella’s lack of remorse and the severity of the offence.

Isabella, who had no legal representation throughout the trial, broke down in tears as the sentence was handed down.

 

Court documents confirmed that Isabella admitted to forcing the women into sex work, taking their money, and using spiritual threats to control them. A search of her residence revealed a notebook tracking the victims’ earnings and a bundle of human hair, believed to be part of the coercive tactics she employed.

 

The two victims have since been rescued and are now receiving psychosocial support.

 

Meanwhile, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation to apprehend Nelly, her co-conspirator

 

Commenting on the case, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Ayariga, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, reiterated the country’s zero tolerance for human trafficking.

 

“Ghana is not a haven for human traffickers. Those who lure vulnerable people into Ghana and force them into prostitution will face the full force of the law,” he stated.DSP Ayariga revealed that the Unit secured nine convictions last year, including a landmark 20-year sentence, and reaffirmed its resolve to continue pursuing traffickers with full force.

“We are not slowing down. We will continue arresting, investigating, and prosecuting offenders. No form of human trafficking or migrant smuggling will be tolerated in Ghana. Justice will prevail,” he said.