The recent political developments in Rivers State, particularly the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the center of executive authority — offer a compelling lens for me to evaluate the current state and future of democracy in Nigeria. This episode is more than a regional political drama; it is a stress test for the institutional strength, democratic maturity, and political will of Nigeria’s evolving federal system in my view. Democracy on Trial At the heart of the crisis in Rivers State was a fundamental question: who truly holds power in a democracy — the people through their vote, or political…
Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke
Online fraud, colloquially known in Nigeria as “Yahoo Yahoo”—has, over the years, grown from a fringe issue into a major national concern. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has now sounded the alarm about its cascading consequences, particularly in how the international community treats ordinary Nigerians applying for visas. According to EFCC, the actions of fraudsters are degrading Nigeria’s global image and making visa access more difficult even for law‑abiding citizens. What EFCC Is Saying EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, speaking at an event in Port Harcourt organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, warned…
In today’s digital age, readers are often faced with a choice between traditional hardcopy books and modern e-books. Each format has its unique benefits and drawbacks, making the decision largely dependent on personal preferences and lifestyle. Hardcopy books offer a tactile and sensory experience that digital books cannot replicate. The physical feel of turning pages, the weight of a book in hand, and even the smell of paper contribute to a nostalgic and immersive reading experience. Many readers also report better focus and information retention when reading from paper, as it minimizes distractions. Additionally, hardcopy books require no power source…
As Rivers State prepares for a return to democratic governance following months under emergency rule, Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ibas (rtd), marked the transition with a thanksgiving service held today at the Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt. The event is part of a broader set of activities signaling the handover of power back to elected civilian leadership. Despite growing public speculation, there has been no official confirmation that either former Governor Nyesom Wike or current Governor-elect Siminalayi Fubara deliberately shunned the event. Invitations to the service were extended to a wide range of stakeholders, including permanent secretaries, local government chairmen,…
Following dramatic turn of events, the government of French Prime Minister François Bayrou has officially collapsed following a resounding defeat in a parliamentary confidence vote. What Caused the Collapse? On September 8, 2025, Bayrou’s administration formed in December 2024, lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly by a margin of 364 votes against and just 194 in support, well above the 280-vote threshold required to breath success. At the core of public and parliamentary dissent were Bayrou’s proposed austerity measures, which included cutting two public holidays, freezing welfare benefits, and capping spending as part of a €44 billion deficit-reduction plan.…
In a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash held on September 6, 2025 at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Nigeria edged past Rwanda with a 1-0 victory, reviving their fading hopes of reaching next summer’s tournament in the United States. A Precious Win in Uyo Tolu Arokodare delivered the decisive moment just five minutes after entering the fray, converting a loose ball inside the box to fire Nigeria to victory in the 51st minute. The win moves the Super Eagles into third place in Group C with 10 points from six matches, just one point behind Benin (11) and six…
The fashion world mourns the loss of Giorgio Armani, the visionary designer who transformed the way we dress. He passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by loved ones, his legacy now firmly woven into what I like to call the “fabric of modern style.” Giorgio Armani, Defined by Elegance and Innovation Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, Armani initially pursued medicine before discovering his passion for fashion through window dressing and styling. In 1975, he and partner Sergio Galeotti founded the Giorgio Armani fashion house, planting the seed for an empire. Armani’s sleek, minimalist tailoring, particularly his…
In a sweeping measure aimed at curtailing housing exploitation, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has ordered a complete ban on house and land agents operating within the state, effective January 1, 2026. The directive stems from growing concerns about the surging cost of housing, which is attributed largely to the exploitative fees imposed by intermediaries. In some instances, agents have reportedly charged up to ₦500,000 for properties they don’t even own. “I don’t want to see or hear anything about house or land agents in Ebonyi State from 2026… No agent should collect any money from anyone seeking…
“In a progressive shift for educational equity, several Nigerian states; including Benue, Edo, Imo, and Anambra, have enacted policies to ban single-use textbooks and revive the practice of passing down learning materials. These moves, introduced between August and September 2025, aim to relieve parents of untenable costs and promote sustainable, inclusive education.” States Taking Action: A Growing Movement Several states have already made significant moves toward ending practices that force parents to buy single-use textbooks: Benue State In August 2025, the Benue State Ministry of Education issued a circular abolishing customized or non-transferable textbooks. Instead, schools must revert to the…
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria officially declared Friday, September 5, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate Eid‑ul‑Mawlid, the annual celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Official Statement and Context The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, conveyed through a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, in Abuja. In his message, Dr. Tunji‑Ojo extended warm greetings to Muslims both within Nigeria and across the world. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on the Prophet’s virtues, peace, love, humility,…
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed during a courtesy visit from Katsina State officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja that the establishment of state police is no longer optional, it’s a necessity. Emphasizing that insecurity must be confronted decisively, he declared: “I have to create state police… We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, our livelihood, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.” He also underscored the holistic need for local security forces rooted in their communities’ terrains and cultures. Deploying Technology and Local Forces President Tinubu directed immediate reassessment of…
As of yesterday September 3, 2025, the cost of Compressed Natural Gas – (CNG), a fuel once heavily subsidized by the federal government of Nigeria, has nearly doubled, rising from around ₦230 to ₦450 per standard cubic metre (SCM), for trucks. From Subsidy to Price Shock Meanwhile, private car drivers and commercial transport operators are being charged a slightly lower rate of ₦380/SCM. This comes amid a quiet rollback of subsidy support by the federal government, which has left many stations scrambling to adjust prices. Motorists across the country are now grappling with frustration, long queues, and renewed doubts about…
