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PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS HIS VICE, SHETTIMA TO ACCOMPANY BUHARI'S BODY BACK TO NIGERIA   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to travel to London and accompany the body of late president Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria. He also directed that national flags be flown at half-staff “as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

  BREAKING: Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London Hospital Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has passed away. He was 83. The late president died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in London after battling an undisclosed illness for several weeks. His spokesperson, Garba Shehu, confirmed the news in a statement released on X (formerly Twitter). “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin,” Shehu wrote. Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s head of state from 2015 to 2023, was also a former military ruler from 1983 to 1985. His legacy includes a focus on anti-corruption, national security, and infrastructure development, though his presidency was also marked by economic challenges and health-related controversies.

  Ifeoma Ofili Exposes Deep-Rooted Corruption in Nigeria’s Legislature senior official in Nigeria’s National Assembly, Ifeoma Ofili, has made explosive allegations of entrenched corruption among federal lawmakers, accusing them of bribery, report manipulation, and diverting staff allowances. Ofili, a director in the House of Representatives and former Clerk of the House Committee on Local Content, spoke during a retreat organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) on June 27 in Abuja. A video of her remarks has since gone viral, generating public outrage and drawing attention to long-suspected legislative malpractice. In the viral clip, Ofili accused lawmakers of receiving bribes from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during oversight visits. She highlighted the unethical practice of lawmakers allowing the same agencies they are supposed to scrutinize to sponsor their travel, accommodation, and even dictate the content of oversight ...

  Anglican Church Bans Politicians from Podium, Reaffirms Non-Partisan Stance The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued new guidelines barring politicians and government officials from speaking from the pulpit during church services and programmes. The move is aimed at preserving the sanctity of worship and preventing the intrusion of partisan politics into spiritual gatherings. In a memo signed by the Primate, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, and released on Saturday, the church said the decision was reached during a recent episcopal consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State. The guidelines were distributed to all parishes nationwide. According to the memo, the church is increasingly concerned about the use of religious platforms for political messaging, which threatens to compromise its neutrality and core spiritual values. As such, visiting dignitaries will no longer be allowed to use the church’s lectern, a space consecrated for reading the word of God, furthe...

RUGIPO UNDERGOES TRANSFORMATION UNDER PASTOR SIMON ADEGUN'S LEADERSHIP  This article aims not to eulogize a personality but to document the transformative progress recorded at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO)  under the leadership of its Acting Rector, Pastor S.O. Adegun , over the past 20 months. His tenure has served as a practical demonstration of how strategic leadership and collective institutional commitment can revitalize a struggling academic institution—even amidst financial and administrative constraints.  Institutional Stability and Workplace Environment From the onset of his administration, Pastor Adegun fostered a culture of peace, stability, and professional freedom . What was once a work environment marked by fear and hesitation has been replaced by openness, dialogue, and team spirit. This cultural reset has directly translated into improved staff performance and departmental efficiency.  Restoration of Salary Payments and Staff Welfare One...

Ayedatiwa Hosts Deji's 10th Coronation Anniversary Committee, Assures of Support. Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the Deji of Akure’s 10th Coronation Anniversary, Mr. Femi Meshe, has paid a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.  The visit was part of final preparations for the celebration of Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi’s decade on the throne. During the visit, Mr. Meshe officially presented an invitation card to the Governor as Special Guest of Honour and thanked him for his support for the Akure monarchy and its people. He recalled the Governor’s earlier commitments and appreciated his promises towards the success of the upcoming celebration. Mr. Meshe also used the opportunity to remind the Governor of his role as Chief Host of the event, which will attract dignitaries from across and beyond the state. He emphasized the importance of the state’s continued support in making the celebration...

    POLICE RESCUE WOMAN FROM JUMPING INTO THE LAGOON    Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command on Friday rescued an elderly woman who attempted to jump into the lagoon from the Carter Bridge. According to a statement shared on the squad’s official X handle, the incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. during a routine patrol when officers spotted the woman in distress and swiftly intervened to prevent the suicide. The woman was immediately taken to the RRS headquarters, where the Commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, listened attentively to her story and ensured she received the necessary support. In a compassionate gesture, CSP Jejeloye facilitated a private family meeting involving the woman, her husband, and their 30-year-old son to help them address and resolve their differences. After the family discussion, the commander counselled the woman extensively and offered her a cash gift to support her recovery and reintegration.

I circulated fake news to divert Nigerians attention from President Buhari’s health crisis: Garba Shehu Ex-President Buhari (L) with Garba Shehu Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu has confessed to deliberately spreading fake news in 2017 about rats damaging President Muhammadu Buhari’s office. The narrative, which gained widespread attention at the time, was intended to deflect scrutiny over the president’s prolonged absence and lingering health concerns. In his newly released memoir,  According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience , Shehu revealed the origins of the misleading claim. In Chapter 10, titled  “Rats, Spin and All That,”  he recounts overhearing a casual conversation in the Chief of Staff’s office about minor cable damage possibly caused by rodents. Seizing on this speculation, he told reporters thŕat rats had damaged the office, necessitating renovations and forcing the president to work from home. Shehu openly ad...

New Dawn at OSRC: The Transformative Leadership of Sir Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson By Sunday Ajibola   I am often stirred into deep reflection and excitement whenever I encounter or hear about uncommon individuals—those rare people who deliberately set out to make a difference. These are the changemakers who defy convention and rewrite the narrative through sheer will and action. Sadly, such individuals have become increasingly scarce in today’s Nigeria, especially in Ondo State. It bears repeating: it is men and women of integrity, discipline, selflessness, and vision who truly transform communities, states, and nations. Yet, in government circles, the prevailing mindset often remains tragically self-serving—"It’s my turn to accumulate wealth now that I’m in office"—leaving society to deteriorate while pretending to progress. Amid this discouraging trend, heartwarming news is emerging from my alma mater in journalism—OSRC. Encouraging developments are unfolding there, thanks t...

  Russia Increasrs Scholarships for Nigerian Students, Seeks Deeper Cultural Ties Russia has proposed increasing its annual scholarship quota for Nigerian students from 220, pending further discussions with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education. This offer was made during a meeting held on Thursday in Abuja between the Russian Embassy and Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy. The engagement focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, especially in youth development through the creative industries, cultural exchange, and broader economic collaboration. Speaking at the meeting, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa stressed the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population—70 per cent of whom are under 30—by using culture and creativity to tackle global challenges such as youth unemployment, economic hardship, climate change, education, and mental health. She emphasised the role of the creative and cultural sectors in creating sustainable opportunities fo...

  Nigeria Rejects U.S. Pressure to Accept Venezuelan Deportees, Says Foreign Minister The United States is pressuring Nigeria and other African nations to accept deported Venezuelan convicts and illegal immigrants, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has revealed. Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Mr Tuggar said Nigeria is firmly resisting Washington’s efforts to offload ex-convicts and undocumented Venezuelans, some of whom are being deported directly from American prisons. “The U.S. is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the U.S., some straight out of prisons,” Mr Tuggar said. “It will be difficult for Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners. We already have enough problems of our own.” The minister dismissed speculations that the U.S. government’s recent revision of its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians — from five-year multiple-entry visas to three-month single-entry visas — was retaliation...

   Shettima Condemnns Tinubu’s Removal of Rivers Governor, Fubara ...says President has no such powers. Vice-President Kashim Shettima has raised concerns over the legality of removing an elected governor without constitutional backing, in what appeared to be a veiled criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s controversial ouster of Rivers State Governor Simi Fubara in March 2025. Although the National Assembly later ratified the decision, reports alleged that lawmakers were bribed by the president’s allies. Since then, a retired military general has been acting in Fubara’s place. Speaking at a book launch in Abuja on Thursday, Shettima referenced his experience as former governor of Borno State to warn against presidential overreach. He recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan once considered removing him, only to be advised against it by then-Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Attorney-General Mohammed Adoke. “You do not have the power to remove a sitting governor,” Shettima quote...

  No Pupil Will Be Denied Education Over Debts In Akoko North West Constituency 11 — Lawmaker  Felix Afe Assures ....commends Governor's Strides In Improvement of Education Sector. A member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Barrister Felix Afe , has assured that no primary school pupil in his constituency will be denied access to education due to an inability to pay fees or other debts. Barrister Afe, who represents Akoko North West Constituency II , gave the assurance on Wednesday during a working tour of several primary schools in his constituency. According to him, the visit served a dual purpose: to assess the performance of newly recruited teachers and to continue his commitment to supporting indigent pupils. "Let me appreciate Mr. Governor, Dr. Lucky Ayedatiwa for his efforts at developing the educatuon sector, particular the recent employment of thousands of teachers. I came here to see how the new teachers are performing at their duty posts — whether they are d...

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...