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Zamfara State Clears ₦13.9bn Gratuity Debt, Launches Pension Reform Governor Dauda Lawal has announced the payment of over ₦13.9 billion in outstanding gratuities owed to Zamfara State retirees, settling a backlog that spanned from 2011 to 2023. He made this known on Tuesday at the Government House in Gusau during the inauguration of the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee and the presentation of a report by the Joint Committees on Gratuity Payments. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor described the move as a landmark step in restoring dignity to retired workers. According to the statement, a total of ₦13,944,039,204.64 was paid to 8,657 verified beneficiaries from both State and Local Government services. Of this amount, retirees from the State Service received ₦7.96 billion, while those from the Unified Local Government Service were paid ₦5.98 billion. Governor Lawal expressed personal satisfaction over the milestone, describing...

  If God says I’ll marry six men before the right one, so be it” – Bukky Wright Veteran Nollywood actress Bukky Wright has revealed her willingness to give marriage another try—under the right circumstances. In an interview with the BBC posted on Facebook, the 58-year-old star expressed that her desire to remarry remains strong, though ultimately, she will follow what she believes to be God's will. “If God has destined a woman to marry six men before finding the right one, she won’t stop at the fifth,” Wright said. “If it’s ten, she won’t stop at the ninth. I genuinely want to get married again; it’s something I truly desire. However, if God permits it, I will go ahead. If He forbids it, I won’t insist on it.” The actress, who also owns the fashion house B Collections and beauty spa B Wright, emphasized her respect for the institution of marriage. She recalled even praying at the Kaaba for a fulfilling union. “I never discourage women from getting married because I love the insti...

  U.S. Reduces Visa Validity for Nigerians From 5 years to 3 Months The United States Department of State has reduced the validity of non-immigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerian citizens from five years to three months. The change, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria on Tuesday, was described as a reciprocal measure, aligning with the visa treatment American citizens receive from the Nigerian government. The embassy noted that the policy shift is part of efforts by the Trump administration to curb visa overstays by Nigerian travelers. It clarified that any visas issued before the effective date—Tuesday, July 8—remain valid and unaffected by the new directive. Non-immigrant visa categories, such as those issued for business and tourism, account for the majority of U.S. visas granted to Nigerian nationals annually. The previous five-year validity period was introduced in 2022 following complaints that the earlier two-year duration was insufficient. The new three-...

  ASUU Embarks On Nationwide Strike Over Delayed Salaries The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has ordered all its branches across Nigeria to withdraw their services due to the delay in the payment of June 2025 salaries. The directive, which aligns with the union’s “No Pay, No Work” policy, has already taken effect in some universities. ASUU branches at the University of Jos and the University of Abuja have commenced strike action in compliance with the order. ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, confirmed the development in Abuja on Monday, stating that the action is in line with a resolution of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC). He noted that the resolution mandates members to withdraw their services whenever salaries are delayed for more than three days. Professor Piwuna expressed deep frustration over what he described as the government’s nonchalant attitude towards the welfare of university lecturers. According to him, despite the meager nature of t...

  50 RICHEST SELF-MADE WOMEN BILLIONAIRES IN THE WORLD There are now an estimated  658 million female entrepreneurs  worldwide—nearly two-thirds of them at the early stages of business—compared to 772 million men, according to the  Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) . Yet despite this growth, women still lag behind significantly in wealth creation. Of the world's self-made billionaires, only 3.5% are women, controlling just 4% of the $11.2 trillion in total self-made billionaire wealth. “Women’s entrepreneurship is the number one policy solution to health and education deficits,” said Amanda Elam, author of GEM’s  Women’s Entrepreneurship Report . “The types of businesses women run often enhance the quality of life, attracting larger corporations and supporting long-term development.” Recognizing their growing influence,  Forbes  has for the first time published a  global ranking of the 50 richest self-made women . These women, who built fort...

Senator Natasha: I will Resume My Legislative Duties In The Senate Tomorrow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has announced that she will resume her legislative duties in the Senate on Tuesday. Her statement comes in the wake of a Federal High Court ruling that described her six-month suspension as excessive. On March 6, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over what it described as “gross misconduct.” The action followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The report stemmed from an altercation between the Kogi senator and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In response to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality and length of the disciplinary action. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako upheld the Senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members, including the power to impose suspensions. H...

  78 Dead, Dozens Missing in Texas Floods as More Rain Threatens Recovery At least 78 people have died and 41 others remain missing after catastrophic flash floods hit central Texas on Friday, with Kerr County experiencing the worst devastation. Among the dead are 28 children, many of whom were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River. The river rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes before dawn, overwhelming the camp while most were asleep. Ten campers and a counselor are still missing. The search and rescue effort—one of the largest in recent Texas history—is gradually shifting toward recovery. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who toured the area over the weekend, called the situation “horrific” and pledged that authorities would “stop at nothing” to find every missing person. Of the bodies recovered in Kerr County, 18 adults and 10 children have not yet been formally identified. Rescue teams continue to battle treacherous conditions, including mud, ...

  NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rainfall Across Nigeria From Today to Wednesday The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country from Monday through Wednesday. In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected a mix of cloudy skies and early morning thunderstorms on Monday over parts of Taraba and Adamawa States. Later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by rain are expected in Zamfara, Adamawa, Kebbi, Taraba, and Kaduna. For the North-Central region, the agency predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning, followed by isolated thunderstorms and rainfall in the afternoon and evening over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa. In the South, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning, with rain showers likely over coastal states including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa. Later in the day, ...

  AMCON Puts Silverbird Abuja Mall Up for Sale Over N10bn Debt Linked to Ben Murray-Bruce The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has listed the Silverbird Entertainment Centre in Abuja for sale as part of efforts to recover a long-standing debt of over N10 billion linked to former senator Ben Murray-Bruce and companies associated with his family. The sale was announced in a recent public notice and is part of AMCON’s broader strategy to dispose of assets tied to high-profile debtors across the country, including in Lagos, Rivers, Oyo, and Plateau states. The Abuja mall, a prime commercial property located in the Central Area, Cadastral Zone, was among several assets seized in 2016 following a Federal High Court order. The court appointed a receiver, M.A. Banire, to take over the operations of Silverbird Productions Limited, Silverbird Showtime Limited, and Silverbird Galleria Limited on behalf of AMCON. Justice C.M.A. Olatoregun also barred Senator Murray-Bruce and o...

  Nigerian Fighting For Russia Captured By Ukrainian forces  A Nigerian man, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, who was fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing war against Ukraine, has been captured by Ukrainian forces. According to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project, Oluwagbemileke was apprehended by the Freedom of Russia Legion—a unit of Russian fighters supporting Ukraine—in the Zaporizhzhia region. The 29-year-old had been serving with Russian forces for five months before his capture. He reportedly moved to Russia four years ago but was later arrested on drug-related charges. In a bid to avoid imprisonment under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code, he agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence. “Kehinde is one of thousands of mercenaries from third countries recruited by Russia’s Defence Ministry to fight in Ukraine,” the organisation said. “We’ve published data on nearly 7,000 foreign fighters from 14 countries, but that’s just a ...

  Nigerian Pastor Jailed in U.S. for COVID-19 Relief Fraud as Monarch Forfeits Property While Awaiting Sentencing. A United States District Court has sentenced Nigerian pastor, Edward Oluwasanmi, to 27 months in prison for his role in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fund fraud. Oluwasanmi was convicted alongside his associate, Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, who has also forfeited property in the United States and awaits sentencing on August 1. The pair were arrested in early 2024 and faced a 13-count charge, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and engaging in financial transactions with criminally obtained property. They were arraigned before Judge Christopher Boyko of the U.S. District Court in Ohio and later entered a plea deal, admitting guilt to some of the charges. On July 2, Judge Boyko sentenced Oluwasanmi to 27 months' imprisonment on counts one, 11, and 12, with all sentences to run concurrently. He was also fined $15,000 and ordered to...

   Court Orders Senate to Recall Natasha Akpoti, Labels Suspension Excessive A Federal High Court has ordered the Nigerian Senate to immediately recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring her six-month suspension as “excessive.” Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako faulted the legislative basis for the suspension, describing Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act as “overreaching.  More details later.

  Osimhen Rejects Galatasaray, Holds Out for Premier League Dream Amid Interest from Manchester United Nigerian international, Victor Osimhen has reportedly turned down a lucrative offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray, despite their readiness to trigger the €75 million release clause in his Napoli contract. The Nigerian striker, who recently concluded a highly successful loan spell in Istanbul with 37 goals across all competitions, is said to be focused on a move to the Premier League. According to Gazzetta dello Sport , via il Napolista , Osimhen is “dreaming” of playing in England’s top flight, although there remains a gap between his aspirations and current market realities. Napoli, despite his strong form in Turkey, are not planning to reintegrate him into their squad and are awaiting concrete transfer offers. Manchester United have emerged as his most serious Premier League suitor, with The People’s Person reporting that the club remains interested in securing his signatu...

  Reps Debate Free Internet Bill for Public Spaces The House of Representatives has passed the second reading of a bill seeking to provide free internet access in selected public spaces, particularly for underserved rural communities. Sponsored by Abubakar Kusada, the bill titled An Act to Provide Legal Framework for Free Internet Access Programme in Selected Public Places in Nigeria was first introduced on October 3, 2024. Kusada explained that the bill aims to establish a legal foundation for offering internet access in public areas, calling digital connectivity crucial to national growth. He argued that free internet would boost education, job creation, innovation, and civic participation, especially among low-income citizens. “This bill enables collaboration between government and private partners, ensuring secure and accessible infrastructure,” he said. He added that millions remain digitally excluded due to high data costs and lack of infrastructure. Public Wi-Fi, he sa...

     Wike Dismisses Dele Momodu as "That Boy", Denies Knowing Him Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu as a “boy,” claiming he does not even know his name. Wike made the remark on Thursday during a media chat with selected media houses. When asked about Momodu’s recent comments on his political moves, Wike said he could not recall who Momodu was. “There is this boy, they say he is a journalist. What’s his name? He is big,” Wike remarked. When a journalist mentioned Dele Momodu’s name, Wike responded, “Okay, I don’t remember all these names. He was never my friend. He ran for president but didn’t get one vote.” Wike’s comments appear to be a reaction to Momodu’s recent criticism, where the Ovation Magazine publisher said Wike could not defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) without losing his political relevance

SICK EX-PRESIDENT, MUHAMMADU  BUHARI HOSPITALISED IN LONDON Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is currently receiving medical treatment in London, multiple sources have confirmed to the media. Mr. Buhari, who completed his second term in office on May 29, 2023, has reportedly been out of the country since April. Initially, his trip to the United Kingdom was said to be for a routine medical check-up. However, sources close to his family revealed that his condition worsened while abroad. “There are conflicting accounts regarding the onset of his illness,” a source familiar with the situation said. “Some believe he became unwell in Nigeria before being flown out, while others insist his health deteriorated after arriving in London for the check-up.” Mr. Buhari’s longtime spokesperson, Garba Shehu, confirmed the development. “lt is true that the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, is unwell. He has been receiving treatment in the UK,” Mr. Shehu said. Further details abou...

 POLICE INSPECTOR CRUSHED TO DEATH BY TRUCK AT CHECKPOINT   A tragic accident occurred on Sunday afternoon along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Motorway in Ogun State, resulting in the death of a police inspector, Afolabi Adeola. According to information, the fatal crash took place at approximately 12:30 p.m. near the Judiciary Complex checkpoint in Abeokuta, where Inspector Adeola was on official duty. Reports indicate that a truck, reportedly conveying 900 bags of cement, was approaching the checkpoint at high speed when it lost control. Before striking Inspector Adeola, the truck reportedly collided with another vehicle that had halted in compliance with police traffic directives. The force of the impact fatally injured Inspector Adeola, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He was rushed to a hospital in Lagos, where he died on Monday shortly after undergoing an X-ray

  Team Ondo Shines at South West School Sports Competition, Finishes Second with 19 Medals Team Ondo delivered a brilliant performance to emerge first runners-up at the 2025 Basic Education School Sports Competition for South West States, held in Lagos. The contingent clinched a total of 19 medals, comprising seven gold, seven silver, and five bronze, in a contest that brought together top young athletes from across the region. Leading Ondo’s charge was the outstanding Omobobola Ojuotimi, who won gold in the 200m Girls and the 4x100m Mixed Relay. She also claimed silver medals in the 100m Girls and 4x100m Girls events. However, controversy marred what could have been an even more impressive outing. Ondo initially won the Girls 4x100m final, but the gold medal was withdrawn under questionable circumstances following a baton collision between Lagos and Osun at the third exchange zone. Despite Ondo finishing first ahead of Ogun and Oyo, Lagos athletics referees called for a rerun...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, EBENEZER OLUFEMI ADELOLA: THE QUIET FORCE BEHIND THE SCENES.     By Sunday Ajibola      In a world teeming with millions—billions—of people, a few individuals stand out. Not necessarily for fame, flamboyance, or physical distinction, but for the extraordinary way they carry out the ordinary. They’re often difficult to describe or categorize. Call them different—perhaps even odd—and you might not be wrong. These are people who move quietly, yet make things happen. One such person is Ebenezer Olufemi Adelola. At first glance, he appears unassuming. Of average height and fair complexion, nothing in his outward appearance suggests the inner fire and strength he possesses. In a crowd, you might overlook him. But beneath the surface lies a rare combination of vision, resilience, and tireless dedication. His family calls him "Baba Ekun"—meaning “Father of the Tiger”. It's a name not given lightly, and one that encapsulates the essence of wh...

  Happy birthday to Nike Busari: A Quiet Force, A Consistent Flame. By Sunday Ajibola “Character is like smoke; no matter how hard one tries to hide it, it will always rise to the surface.” This timeless proverb underscores a profound truth: one’s character cannot be concealed for long. Regardless of how well one pretends, life will always offer an opportunity for the true self to emerge. Human beings—both men and women—are daily presented with chances to showcase their personal integrity. People may be born into certain ways of life, but consistency of character is not a common trait. It is a rarity, often accompanied by discipline and self-control . And there is something undeniably beautiful about consistency—it earns you respect without effort. As the saying goes, “Let your character speak before your words.” A Household Name with Dignity In Ondo State, one name resonates deeply within the media landscape— Nike Busari . She is a household name, particularly among jou...