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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Oyo School Abduction: Kidnapped Principal, Nursing Mother Plead For Help In Viral Video

    Terrorists who abducted students and staff of Community High School, Esinele in Oyo State have released a video showing the school principal and another victim appealing for urgent rescue.

    The victims were reportedly kidnapped during an attack on the school on Friday morning, an incident that has sparked fresh concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the South-West.

    Principal Pleads For Government Intervention

    In the video, the principal of the school, Mrs Alamu, confirmed that students and staff were taken during the attack, urging authorities to act swiftly to secure their release.

    She appealed directly to the Federal Government, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene.

    According to her, the abducted victims are in distress and need urgent help to return safely to their families.

    Nursing Mother Breaks Down In Tears

    In a separate clip, a nursing mother identified as Aiyedaunsi Temitope also appealed for assistance, describing the ordeal as traumatic.

    She said she previously worked at First Baptist Church in Ogbomosho before the attack and pleaded for negotiations to secure their release.

    “They are all crying… please help us so we will not lose our lives,” she said tearfully in the video.

    Growing Security Concerns

    The incident adds to growing fears over repeated school attacks and kidnappings in different parts of the country, with residents calling for stronger security presence around vulnerable communities.

    Authorities are yet to issue an official update on rescue efforts or the number of victims affected.

  • Cubana Chief Priest Speaks After APC Primary Loss, Declares Loyalty To Tinubu

    Celebrity barman and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has broken his silence following his loss in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives seat in Imo State.

    In a lengthy Instagram post, the nightlife entrepreneur addressed criticisms and online reactions trailing his failed bid, insisting that his political ambition was personal and not backed by any financial obligation to anyone.

    “I am not indebted to anybody” — Cubana Chief Priest

    He stated that his decision to contest was driven by personal conviction and a desire to serve his constituency.

    “One disturbing dimension of the entire development is that some persons who should ordinarily know better have unfortunately joined in the unnecessary cruise and misinformation,” he wrote.

    “For the records, I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. The aspiration was entirely mine, driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve,” he added.

    ‘No regret’ over political ambition

    Cubana Chief Priest maintained that he has no regrets about his participation in the primary election, noting that his movement helped raise political awareness in the constituency ahead of the polls.

    He added that democratic participation and engagement were more important than the outcome of the contest.

    “I have absolutely no regret whatsoever in raising the political stakes and consciousness in our constituency leading to the primaries,” he said.

    Reaffirms loyalty to Tinubu

    The celebrity businessman also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he remains committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Renewed Hope agenda.

    He insisted that his focus will now shift to political mobilisation and support for the ruling party ahead of future elections.

    Cubana Chief Priest’s reaction comes amid widespread online commentary following reports that he lost the primary election by a wide margin.

  • WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak Global Health Emergency As Cases Spread To Congo And Uganda

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern,” following a sharp rise in confirmed cases and suspected deaths across affected regions.

    The outbreak, first detected in Ituri Province in northeastern Congo, has now been confirmed in both Kinshasa and Kampala, raising global concern over wider transmission.

    Cases Spread Across Borders

    According to WHO data, at least 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths have been recorded in Ituri Province, although only a small number have been confirmed through laboratory testing.

    The organisation said eight cases have so far been scientifically confirmed, while broader assessments suggest the outbreak could be more widespread than currently documented.

    Emergency Declaration Raises Global Alarm

    The WHO’s emergency declaration signals a coordinated international response to contain the outbreak, improve surveillance, and accelerate access to vaccines, treatments and health resources.

    The agency warned that significant uncertainties remain about the true scale and geographic spread of the virus.

    “There are significant uncertainties about the true number of infected people and the geographic spread associated with this event,” the WHO said.

    Urban Spread Raises Concern

    Health officials confirmed that cases have now been detected in Kampala and Kinshasa, both major capital cities, increasing fears of rapid transmission due to high population density and cross-border movement.

    One of the confirmed cases in Uganda reportedly resulted in death, while others were linked to travellers moving from Congo’s affected regions.

    Response And Challenges

    The outbreak has been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no licensed vaccine or treatment currently exists.

    WHO said ongoing humanitarian challenges, population movement, and weak health systems in affected areas could complicate containment efforts.

    Public health experts have also raised concerns that early detection may have come late in the outbreak cycle, making response efforts more difficult.

    As the situation develops, global health authorities are expected to intensify monitoring, contact tracing and emergency response operations across Central and East Africa.

  • ISWAP Suffers Heavy Losses As Bomb Blast Kills Six Fighters In Borno

    No fewer than six suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) they were assembling exploded in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The incident reportedly occurred around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday in Jubilaram village.

    The information was contained in a report by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, which quoted security sources familiar with the development.

    IED Explosion Hits Bomb-Making Cell

    According to the sources, the group was led by a suspected bomb expert identified as Abu Umar, who also died in the explosion alongside five other militants.

    Three additional members of the group reportedly sustained serious injuries in the blast.

    The affected cell was said to be part of ISWAP’s IED-making network operating within the Marte–Kerenoa–Wulgo axis, a known corridor for insurgent movement in the Lake Chad Basin.

    Operational Impact On Insurgents

    The explosion reportedly destroyed the site and left several casualties, disrupting ongoing bomb-making activities in the area.

    Security analysts quoted in the report said the deaths of Abu Umar and other operatives could deal a setback to ISWAP’s improvised explosive device operations in the region.

    The affected hub, located between Arinna Maimasallaci and Arinna Ciki, was described as a key manufacturing point for explosive devices used in attacks across parts of Borno State.

    Possible Follow-Up Military Action

    Military sources also suggested that the incident may trigger further air and ground operations aimed at exploiting the disruption and targeting remaining insurgent cells in the Marte axis.

    Authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the Lake Chad region, where security forces continue to pressure ISWAP and other extremist groups.

  • FG Unveils New Education Policy For Out-Of-School Children, Adults

    The Federal Government has unveiled a new National Policy on Alternative Learning Pathways aimed at expanding access to education for out-of-school children, youths and adults across Nigeria.

    The development was disclosed in Abuja by John Edeh, Director of Literacy and Development at the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC).

    FG Targets Out-Of-School Crisis

    According to Edeh, the policy was recently unveiled by Tunji Alausa as part of efforts to address long-standing gaps within Nigeria’s non-formal education system.

    He explained that the initiative is designed to improve certification processes and create flexible learning pathways that would allow beneficiaries to transition into higher education or vocational opportunities.

    “The whole vision is to address the large number of out-of-school youth and children significantly,” he said.

    Faster Learning Structure Introduced

    Edeh noted that the policy would compress learning duration for beneficiaries who missed formal education.

    According to him, individuals can now complete equivalent educational programmes within three to four years instead of spending more than a decade in the conventional school system.

    He added that the programme is expected to help mainstream learners into formal educational structures more easily.

    FG Links Education To Security

    The NMEC official further stated that the policy would not only provide access to education but also help tackle unemployment, insecurity, banditry and other social problems linked to illiteracy.

    “It will also ensure that the people are not only provided with education, but also empower them to reduce unemployment, insecurity, banditry and all forms of vices in the country,” he said.

    Edeh disclosed that the policy is already operational and urged stakeholders in the literacy and non-formal education sector to ensure strict compliance with its provisions.

  • Fekomi Calls Out Nigerian Influencers Over ‘Crazy’ Promotion Fees, Unfulfilled Deals

    Nigerian entrepreneur and sex therapist Adefemi Komiyo Lawrence, popularly known as Fekomi, has explained why he stopped using Nigerian influencers to promote his products.

    Fekomi, the CEO of Fekomi Global Nigeria Limited and operator of Fekomi Herbals, criticised what he described as excessive pricing and poor delivery within the Nigerian influencer marketing industry.

    ‘₦20 Million For One Video?’

    Speaking in a recent statement, the businessman expressed frustration over the amount some influencers allegedly charge for promotional content.

    “Imagine wanting to patronize Sydney Talker and he tells you to pay ₦20 million for just one video. Are you shooting Netflix standard movie for me?” he said.

    Fekomi also alleged that Shank Comics requested ₦12 million for promotional services.

    Claims Of Unfulfilled Contracts

    The entrepreneur further accused influencer Ola of Lagos of failing to complete an agreement despite receiving payment.

    “I paid Ola of Lagos since last year till now and he still hasn’t fulfilled his contract; he’s still owing me six videos,” he alleged.

    He also claimed that streamer and comedian Carter Efe was still owing him three promotional videos.

    According to him, influencer marketing no longer delivers the level of value it once did for businesses.

    ‘Followers Don’t Always Convert’

    Fekomi argued that a large percentage of influencer followers do not translate into actual sales.

    “It is not like I no get money again, money dey wella, but they are not signable again because una no dey deliver like before,” he said in Pidgin English.

    He added that he mainly used influencers for visibility purposes rather than direct conversions.

    Debate Sparks Online Reactions

    The comments have since triggered debate online, with Nigerians divided over whether influencers are overcharging brands or simply pricing themselves based on their popularity and reach.

    Some social media users defended influencers, arguing that building large audiences takes years of consistency and hard work.

    Others agreed with Fekomi, insisting that businesses should focus more on measurable returns and accountability instead of hype and online visibility.

    The controversy has once again reignited discussions about the value of influencer marketing in Nigeria and whether brands should shift more attention toward digital advertising and performance-based campaigns.

  • Verydarkman Denies Claims He Was Banned From Entering China

    Social media commentator Verydarkman has dismissed viral claims alleging that he was banned from entering China following his fallout with content creator Ross Boss.

    In a video shared online, the controversial commentator described the reports as false and insisted that no restriction had been placed on his movement.

    ‘I Go Anywhere I Want’

    Reacting to the rumours, Verydarkman said he remains a businessman who is free to travel wherever he chooses.

    “I’m a businessman, I go anywhere I want to go. They said I can’t enter China again, some even went and forged embassy documents to make their lie believable say Chinese government don ban me,” he said.

    He further questioned the logic behind the allegations, noting that he has consistently promoted China and Chinese products through his content and business activities.

    “Me that promotes China and everything they do,” he added.

    Fallout With Ross Boss

    The comments come months after online drama involving Verydarkman and fellow content creator Ross Boss.

    The dispute reportedly started after Verydarkman accused Ross Boss of fraudulent activities, leading to exchanges and reactions across social media platforms.

    Since then, several rumours and allegations linked to both personalities have continued to circulate online.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    Following Verydarkman’s latest video, social media users shared mixed reactions, with some supporting his explanation while others continued debating the controversy surrounding the claims.

    The commentator remains one of Nigeria’s most talked-about online personalities due to his outspoken views and involvement in viral internet disputes.

  • Hellen Ati Mocks Cubana Chief Priest Over APC Primary Election Defeat

    Social media personality Hellen Ati has reacted to reports that celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives seat in Imo State.

    In a viral video circulating online, Hellen Ati was seen dancing and celebrating while mocking the nightlife promoter over the reported outcome of the primary election.

    ‘Let Him Go And Cry’

    Reacting in the video, Hellen Ati expressed happiness over the defeat and taunted Cubana Chief Priest with remarks that quickly generated reactions online.

    “What God cannot do does not exist. I’m happy because he lost his primary election, let him go and cry,” she said while dancing.

    The video has since sparked conversations across social media platforms, with users sharing mixed reactions to her comments.

    Cubana Lost APC Ticket

    Cubana Chief Priest had contested for the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    However, he lost the primary election to Canice Moore Nwachukwu, the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency.

    Nwachukwu is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives.

    Social Media Reactions Continue

    The APC primary outcome has continued to dominate conversations online, with supporters and critics of Cubana Chief Priest reacting differently to the development.

    The businessman had attracted significant attention after declaring interest in politics and publicly aligning with key APC figures ahead of the primary election.

  • Seyi Tinubu Consoles Cubana Chief Priest After APC Primary Defeat

    Seyi Tinubu has publicly shown support for celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Imo State.

    Seyi shared the message through the Insta-Stories section of his official Instagram page shortly after reports confirmed Cubana Chief Priest lost the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency.

    ‘Keep Your Head Up’

    In the message, Seyi Tinubu encouraged the nightlife promoter not to be discouraged by the political setback, stating that defeat could sometimes open the door to future victories.

    “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war. Keep your head up Cubana Chief Priest. We know what you are capable of achieving,” he wrote.

    Cubana Chief Priest later reposted the message on his Instagram story, confirming the development and acknowledging the support.

    APC Primary Loss In Imo

    Cubana Chief Priest had contested for the APC House of Representatives ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    However, he lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Moore Nwachukwu, who currently represents the constituency and is serving a second term.

    The outcome generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the role of celebrity influence in grassroots politics.

  • Tinubu Welcomes Airbus Plan For Aircraft Maintenance Hub In Nigeria, Pushes For Faster Helicopter Delivery

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a proposal by global aircraft manufacturer Airbus to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria as part of efforts to position the country as a regional aviation hub.

    Tinubu also stressed Nigeria’s urgent need for modern military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to support security operations and tackle terrorism across the country.

    Tinubu Meets Airbus Delegation In Rwanda

    The President spoke during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Thierry Cloutet, Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

    According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said his administration was committed to deepening relations with Airbus, particularly in military aviation and aerospace development.

    President Demands Faster Delivery Of Apache Helicopters

    During the meeting, Tinubu called for the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria for ongoing counterterrorism operations.

    “Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” the President said.

    The discussion also covered Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 aircraft platform and broader defence aviation cooperation between both parties.

    Plans For Aviation Financing, Leasing Company

    Tinubu and the Airbus delegation also discussed aircraft leasing and financing models aimed at improving access to aircraft for domestic airlines and reducing financing challenges within the aviation sector.

    The President raised the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation value chain and improve financing access for local operators.

    Airbus Proposes ‘360-Degree Engagement’

    Thierry Cloutet commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s aviation sector.

    He also proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” model with Nigeria covering commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, sustainability initiatives, maintenance infrastructure, operational hubs and human capital development.

    The proposed partnership is also expected to include collaboration in satellite and Earth observation technology.