The National Youth Service Corps has advised members of the 2024 Batch B Stream I, who have just concluded their service year, to focus on wealth creation.
NYSC Coordinator in Rivers State, Mr Moses Oleghe, gave the charge on Tuesday during the passing-out ceremony of corps members held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
He reminded the corps members of the core values instilled in them throughout their service year and encouraged them to become agents of positive change in society.
Oleghe discouraged the pursuit of white-collar jobs as the sole path to success, urging the corps members to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
“Creativity, hard work, discipline, focus, determination, and dedication are the ingredients needed to achieve your aspirations.
“Rather than wait for white-collar jobs, outgoing corps members should channel their energy into establishing businesses and creating wealth with their own hands,” he advised.
Presenting service statistics, Oleghe disclosed that a total of 2,302 corps members had successfully completed their service year in Rivers.
He noted that regrettably, two corps members died during active service, while 17, comprising seven males and 10 females, had their service extended.
Additionally, the NYSC coordinator reported that two corps members were granted pardon, while 23 others – 13 males and 10 females – absconded from service.
The Take It Back Movement has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on June 12 to draw attention to the country’s worsening insecurity, shrinking civic space, and growing economic hardship.
In a statement on Monday by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the movement condemned the rising wave of insecurity in the Middle Belt and northern parts of the country, pointing to continued attacks in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and other states.
According to Sanyaolu, communities have been wiped out while thousands remain displaced, with the government either turning a blind eye or denying the scale of the carnage.
“In Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and across the Middle Belt, mass killings continue with terrifying frequency.
“Whole communities are decimated. Lives are snuffed out without consequences. Internally displaced persons multiply, while perpetrators roam free.
“The bloodletting has become a routine, and the state remains complicit, through its inaction, negligence, or outright denial. This is not a democracy. This is organised cruelty,” the statement partly read.
Sanyaolu also criticised the Federal Government’s alleged crackdown on dissent, citing arrests of protesters, detention of activists, and the targeting of journalists and social media users under the Cybercrime Act.
He described these actions as part of a broader campaign to silence opposition and stifle democratic expression.
Sanyaolu said, “Across the federation, the signs of democratic collapse are unmistakable. Democracy which was won through struggle, sweat, and blood has been dismantled by the very forces that once promised change. Nigeria stands today not as a democratic nation, but as a country at war with its own people.
“Freedom of speech is under attack. The state has turned on its citizens with an unrelenting campaign of intimidation and censorship. Journalists are harassed. Activists are detained. Citizens are arrested for social media posts.
“Through weaponisation of the Cybercrime Act, government agents now stalk the digital footprints of dissenters, silencing legitimate criticism and criminalising free expression.”
Rejecting official celebrations of Democracy Day, he urged Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful protest, calling on workers, students, civil society groups, artisans, and members of the diaspora to join the action.
“This June 12, we march not just for ourselves, but for the slain in Benue, the displaced in Plateau, the silenced in detention, and the starving masses abandoned by a corrupt elite,” the statement concluded.
Turkey has expressed sympathy to Nigeria following the devastating floods that hit Mokwa and surrounding communities in Niger State.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed condolences to the Nigerian government and the families of those affected by the disaster.
The statement expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the flooding in the Mokwa region.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and destruction caused by the devastating floods in the Mokwa region of Niger State, Nigeria.
“We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria,” the statement read.
In response to the disaster, President Bola Tinubu on Saturday dispatched a high-level delegation to Niger State to assess the situation and support relief efforts.
According to figures released by the Niger State Government, at least 151 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 3,000 residents have been displaced.
The floods have also destroyed over 260 homes, township roads, and major bridges in Mokwa and Raba, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the area.
Flash floods and landslides after torrential monsoon rain over the last two days killed at least 30 people in India’s northeast, officials said on Sunday.State disaster management officials said eight people died in Assam, and nine in Arunachal Pradesh, many of them in landslides as earth loosened by the water slumped into the valley below.
Another five people died in a landslide in the neighbouring state of Mizoram, state authorities said.
The officials said that six people lost their lives in Meghalaya, and at least two others were killed in the states of Nagaland and Tripura.
A red alert warning was issued for several districts in the region after the non-stop downpour over the last three days.
Rivers swollen by the lashing rain — including the mighty Brahmaputra, which rises in the Himalayas and flows through India’s northeast towards its delta in Bangladesh — broke their banks across the region.
The Indian army said that it had saved hundreds in a massive rescue operation across Manipur state.
“People have been shifted to safer places”, the army said on Saturday. “Food, water, and essential medicines were provided.”
Conrad K Sangma, the chief minister of Meghalaya state, has ordered officials to remain on high alert “especially in landslide-prone and low-lying areas”, he said in a statement.
Scores of people die each year during the rainy season due to flash floods and landslides across India, a country of 1.4 billion people.
India’s annual monsoon season, from June to September, offers respite from the intense summer heat and is crucial for replenishing water supplies, but it also brings widespread death and destruction.
South Asia is experiencing increased temperatures and has witnessed shifting weather patterns in recent years, but scientists remain unclear about how a warming planet is specifically affecting monsoons.
Last month, India’s financial capital, Mumbai, was swamped by monsoon rain that began two weeks earlier than usual, the earliest for nearly a quarter of a century, according to weather forecasters.
A member of the All Progressives Congress, Kassim Afegbua, has declared that Nigeria’s challenges stem from an “attitudinal deficit” among its citizens, rather than a fundamental failure of the nation itself.
He disclosed this while criticising the opposition, accusing them of grandstanding without offering tangible alternative solutions to national issues.
Speaking on the Arise TV Morning Show on Saturday, Afegbua did not mince words when discussing the current political landscape.
He expressed little surprise at the opposition’s perceived lack of constructive engagement, stating that “typical of Nigerian opposition, they know how to grandstand, but address the critical issue based on alternative viewpoints, it becomes a problem for them.
“Still searching for their alternative policy formation, in terms of even suggestions or ideas that can help deepen the conversation around governance in this country.”
Afegbua also took the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu for his “bold decision” to immediately remove the fuel subsidy upon assuming office.
He drew a sharp contrast with opposition figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who, he claimed, campaigned on the promise of subsidy removal but “never meant it.”
According to Afegbua, Tinubu’s swift action to confront the subsidy issue head-on was a strategic move to tackle difficult decisions upfront.
He argued that any delay would have allowed “economic predators and buccaneers who were feasting on the subsidy” to derail the entire process.
The APC chieftain then challenged politicians and aspiring leaders to diligently scrutinise how increased allocations are being utilised by state governments following the subsidy removal.
“I want a position, you know, politicians and those who are prepared to think that they want to come and preside over the country, to be interrogating the resources that are coming to the states, because we now have more allocation being given to the state,” Afegbua stated.
He emphasised the need for transparency and collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to ensure these funds translate into improved lives for ordinary citizens.
Highlighting the broader societal responsibility, Afegbua dismissed the notion of national failure, instead pointing to a deeper internal issue.
“You know, the problem that somebody was discussing with me today and said Nigeria has failed. I said, No, it is not the country that has failed. It is Nigerians who are in the country, because there is, see, we need a serious attitudinal reorientation of minds amongst us.”
He urged the opposition and other stakeholders to engage in “constructive criticism, constructive engagement, and collective bargaining” rather than blanket condemnation, asserting that such positive contributions would “add value to what the government is doing.”
Afegbua also pointed to the emergence of CNG and electric vehicles, as well as deepening infrastructure in road and rail transportation, as positive outcomes of the subsidy removal, envisioning a better future for Nigerians as these initiatives materialise.
The Olu of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, has passed away.
The 86-year-old monarch reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday, 31st May 2025.
The 19th ruler of Epe will be laid to rest today in accordance with Islamic rites.
Confirming the death to PUNCH Online on Saturday, High Chief Odedeogboro Balogun of Epe Kingdom, Musiliu Adeniyi said the king’s passing was true and he will be buried today.
“The news is true. It was this morning.
“He will be buried 4’O clock today,” Adeniyi said
Prior to his ascension to the throne, Oba Adewale served as Otun-Balogun, the third-highest chieftaincy title in the land, before being promoted to Balogun and subsequently crowned king.
A retired Director of Administration in the Ministry of Education, he also once served as Executive Secretary at the Ministry of Lands.
France will ban smoking in outdoor areas where children are likely to be present, starting July 1, 2025. This includes beaches, parks, bus stops, school entrances, and sports venues.
Health and Family Minister, Catherine Vautrin, made this known on Thursday, May 29.
“Tobacco must disappear where there are children.
“The freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts,” Vautrin told Ouest-France newspaper.
The rule will also stop students from smoking in front of schools. Anyone who breaks the rule may be fined up to €135 ($154).
However, the ban does not apply to France’s famous outdoor cafe terraces or to electronic cigarettes.
France already bans smoking in many public places like workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds.
Anti-smoking groups have long called for wider restrictions.
According to the World Health Organisation, about 35 per cent of France’s population smokes—more than the average in Europe (25 per cent) and around the world (21 per cent).
2023 Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, and the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday disagreed over Nigeria’s democratic model with both men expressing variant views on the progress of democracy in Nigeria since 1999.
Sowore, while speaking during a panel session of a book launch written by Senator Abdul Oroh’s “Demonstration of Craze: Struggles and Transition to Democracy in Nigeria”, stated that the country’s transition to democracy in 1999 was hijacked by those he referred to as charlatans, adding that pro-democracy activists at the time of transition to a democratic government “made a mistake”, by allowing only a set of persons to acquire power for themselves.
“There was a mistake we must admit to that we made when democracy came about in 1999. In all fairness, we shouldn’t have allowed charlatans to hijack the democratic process; we did.
“And we are guilty of where we are today. In the US, they refer to democracy as government of the people, by the people and for the people.
“Abdul’s book title refers to democracy as ‘demonstration of craze’.
“But I have always referred to Nigerian democracy as ‘morontocracy’, a democracy that was hijacked by morons, and that is the result you can get,” Sowore said.
The two-time Presidential Candidate of the AAC argued that the government of the day still persecuted civil rights activists because there was no structure put in place to guarantee the fundamental human rights and well-being of citizens in the country, stating that countries like South Africa had a democracy that ensured that those who fought against the apartheid were rewarded.
Addressing the forthcoming elections in 2027, Sowore stated that what the country had during the 2023 general elections was a selection, adding that the country might witness another selective process in 2027.
He further alleged that the biggest culprits during the elections were the security agents who helped political office holders to rig elections, and not just the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“I have been introduced here as a Presidential Candidate; it is true that I ran for election twice in this country.
“Although I ran for election, I only saw on the day of the election a selection. And if we are not careful, which I’m sure you all know, the day will pass, and a set of people will have also selected themselves in power. And nothing will change in our lives.
“And I can say this because I know what we now have in terms of our electoral politics, that whoever you see in INEC today is most likely an APC card-carrying member.
“And for those of you who think INEC is the problem, you are making a mistake. The biggest people who rig elections in Nigeria, who fix selection, are in the military, the security services. I was in the DSS when the Kogi election happened in 2019.
“They emptied the place; the only people that were left at the DSS were the guys who were guarding myself, and the guys at the gate.
“Every other person went to Kogi State to rig the election for Yahaya Bello. That is what will continue to happen in this country,” he said.
In response, Oshiomhole during his goodwill message, faulted Sowore’s cynicism and dismissal of the democratic process, arguing that many activists at the time shunned the call to be part of the fight to entrench a better model of democracy.
He urged leaders not to discourage citizens from believing in a better future, adding that the gaps in the democratic system should rather serve as an “incentive for us not to give up on ourselves.”
The senator said, ”In the course of talking, he (Sowore) said we made a mistake in not contesting in 1999. It is this same cynicism, doubt, dismissal, sweeping generalisation, that misled those, or some of those, who struggled for democracy, to say nothing good can come out of the military, they don’t mean it, there would be no election, a rat cannot give birth to a rabbit.
“There were all kinds of stories. How can the military midwife real democracy? No, it is not possible. Because it’s always better to dismiss everything to get louder applause.
“Then the bad guys decided, since you guys who fight keep dismissing those who were in charge of the system you want to change, we will go in there.
“They went in and they captured power, and they changed the culture of power, they changed the rules of the game.
“And I can speak with authority when I say that when you dismiss in a very sweeping manner that the country is hopeless, the system is impossible, so we should begin to cry? “
Oshiomhole urged leaders not to discourage hope, saying that while the past and present aren’t ideal, the gap between where we are and where we want to be should inspire us to keep striving.
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting financial literacy and savings culture among secondary school students in Sokoto State.
This pledge was made on Thursday by the NDIC Zonal Controller in Sokoto, Bello Usman-Kaoje, during a financial literacy training programme held at Government Day Secondary School, Kalambaina.
They brought together students from various secondary schools across the state.
Usman-Kaoje explained that the initiative is part of NDIC’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at instilling financial discipline, prudent spending, and effective money management in young Nigerians.
“This programme is organised in commemoration of the 2025 Financial Literacy Day, with the theme: ‘Think Before You Follow – Spend Money Wisely Tomorrow’,” he stated.
He noted that the NDIC has consistently engaged in mentoring students on the importance of saving and financial planning to equip them with the tools needed for responsible financial decision-making.
“The goal is to nurture a generation that understands the value of saving, budgeting, and investing, thereby contributing to the growth of the national economy,” Usman-Kaoje added.
He also warned students about the rising cases of financial fraud, particularly through online platforms and Point-of-Sale operators, urging them to be cautious and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes motivated by greed or the lure of quick gains.
Also, speaking at the event, Mr. Abubakar Usman of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sokoto Branch, emphasised the role of regulated financial institutions, including commercial and microfinance banks, in safeguarding customer deposits and promoting secure financial transactions.
In a related presentation, Deputy Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Sokoto State Command, Aliyu Omama, cautioned students against drug abuse and its financial and social consequences.
Hajiya Mansura Abdulsalam, who spoke on behalf of the school principals, described the training as timely and impactful.
Abdulsalam encouraged students to apply the knowledge gained and cultivate healthy financial habits.
The event featured lectures, interactive sessions, and discussions on financial planning, fraud awareness, and the significance of long-term savings.
A Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab, from Plateau State, has returned $5,000 (about ₦8.2 million) she found at Masjidul Haram in Makkah to its rightful owner, a Russian pilgrim.
The Plateau State Pilgrims Board, led by Daiyabu Dauda, and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, praised her honesty and integrity.
“She demonstrated exceptional integrity and honesty by returning $5,000 she found in Masjidul Haram to its rightful owner. That’s a remarkable act of kindness,” Dauda said in a statement.
Meanwhile, NAHCON says it is in talks with Saudi authorities to reopen visa processing for intending pilgrims.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday, by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information, Fatima Usara.
Usara said the commission said it remains hopeful.
“There is optimism for a positive outcome, and when that is realised, the commission will immediately transport the registered pilgrims for the Hajj in another special arrangement,” Usara said.
She added that some staff have been placed on standby in case the visa window is reopened.
