Welcome

Blog

  • Peter Obi Laments Fresh School Abductions, Says Nigeria Has “Little But Shame” on Children’s Day

    Former Anambra State Governor and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the continued abduction of schoolchildren across Nigeria, describing the situation as a painful stain on the country’s image.

    In a statement shared on his social media page to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Obi said it was heartbreaking that while many nations were celebrating and protecting their children, several Nigerian children remained in captivity.

    “A Nation That Cannot Protect Its Children”

    According to Obi, the continued circulation of photos and videos of abducted children online reflects the country’s failure to guarantee safety for its youngest citizens.

    “A nation that cannot protect its children from criminals has little but shame to present to the global community,” he wrote.

    The former governor lamented that some children have remained missing for weeks, months and even years, while families continue to live in fear and uncertainty.

    He stressed that the situation has turned what should have been a joyful Children’s Day celebration into a period of mourning and anxiety for many Nigerian families.

    Fresh Outrage Over Oyo School Attack

    Obi’s comments come amid outrage over the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen reportedly abducted dozens of pupils and teachers.

    Reports indicate that the attackers invaded schools in the area and forcefully took away students, while one teacher was reportedly killed during the incident.

    The attack triggered widespread reactions across the country, with many Nigerians demanding stronger action from security agencies and the Federal Government.

    Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed intensified rescue efforts, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also condemned the attack and ordered security agencies to act swiftly.

    Growing Concern Over Insecurity

    School abductions have remained a major security concern in Nigeria over the past decade, particularly in northern and some southwestern communities.

    Several schools across affected regions have reportedly tightened security measures or suspended activities due to fears of further attacks.

    Obi said the continued attacks on children and educational institutions raise serious concerns about the country’s future and the safety of vulnerable communities.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Obi’s Statement

    While many Nigerians praised Obi for speaking out and drawing attention to the plight of abducted children, others argued that insecurity has remained a long-standing national challenge beyond any single administration.

    On social media, many users described the situation as unacceptable, insisting that children should never become targets of violence or criminal activities.

    The latest incident has again renewed calls for improved security, intelligence gathering, and better protection for schools across the country.

  • FG, World Bank Cancel $717.7m Power Sector Loan Amid Deepening Electricity Crisis

    The Federal Government and the World Bank have jointly cancelled a $717.7 million loan facility meant to support reforms in Nigeria’s struggling electricity sector, amid worsening tariff deficits, rising operational costs and persistent instability across the power industry.

    The cancelled amount formed part of the $1.52 billion Power Sector Recovery Performance-Based Operation introduced to improve electricity supply, strengthen the financial health of the sector and reduce pressure on public funds.

    Programme Cut Short

    According to documents released by the World Bank, the programme has now been formally restructured, with the entire undisbursed balance withdrawn.

    “The restructuring will result in the cancellation of the entire undisbursed balance in the amount of $717.7m equivalent, and no further disbursements will be made under the Program following approval of this restructuring,” the bank stated.

    The facility was initially approved in two phases.

    The first phase, valued at about $752.5 million, was approved in June 2020, while an additional $763.5 million package was introduced in June 2023 to deepen reforms and tackle unresolved weaknesses in the electricity sector.

    World Bank Lists Sector Failures

    The World Bank said Nigeria’s power sector continues to suffer from deep-rooted structural problems despite years of reforms and financial interventions.

    According to the report, weak distribution systems, transmission bottlenecks, underutilised generation capacity and poor financial sustainability remain major setbacks.

    The institution also pointed to high technical and commercial losses, alongside poor cost recovery, as key reasons behind the widening financial crisis in the sector.

    “These constraints have created recurrent financing gaps, most notably in the form of tariff shortfalls, which generate liquidity pressures across the value chain and weaken the operational and financial performance of sector institutions,” the report stated.

    Naira Devaluation Worsened Situation

    The World Bank further linked the worsening crisis to the liberalisation of Nigeria’s foreign exchange market in June 2023, which triggered a sharp depreciation of the naira.

    According to the bank, the falling value of the naira significantly increased the cost of natural gas used for electricity generation since gas payments are denominated in dollars.

    “The liberalisation of the foreign exchange market in June 2023 led to a significant depreciation of the local currency Naira, which resulted in a big increase in prices of natural gas used to produce above 70 per cent of electricity injected in the national power system,” the report added.

    The bank noted that electricity tariffs remained largely unchanged for most consumers despite the rising cost of generation, except for Band A customers whose tariffs were adjusted in April 2024.

    As a result, annual tariff shortfalls reportedly jumped from N140 billion in 2022 to about N1.9 trillion in 2024 and 2025.

    Low Disbursement, Reform Delays

    Although the original programme reportedly achieved some milestones, the additional financing package struggled to meet critical reform conditions.

    The World Bank disclosed that only about nine per cent of the additional financing had been disbursed before the cancellation.

    “Of the AF combination of a loan and a credit totalling $763.5m equivalent, only 9 per cent, corresponding to prior results of the PforR, have been disbursed,” the bank said.

    The institution blamed implementation delays, poor verification processes and the absence of a sustainable financing framework for the poor performance of the programme.

    It also stated that recent financing plans failed to identify enough funding sources to cover the growing tariff deficits.

    “Recent financing plans have not fully identified sufficient sources of funding to cover tariff shortfalls, nor established a credible trajectory for their reduction,” the report stated.

    FG Warns Over Delayed Loan Approvals

    Meanwhile, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, recently warned that Nigeria may reject future World Bank loans if approval and disbursement delays persist.

    Speaking during a meeting with a World Bank delegation in Abuja, Ogunjimi stressed that Nigeria expects timely processing of loan facilities since the funds are not grants.

    “If approvals take more than six months, the Nigerian Government may no longer honour such arrangements,” he said.

    Despite the latest cancellation, Nigeria remains the third-largest borrower from the International Development Association, behind Bangladesh and Pakistan.

  • Presidency Demands Legal Action Against VeryDarkMan Over Alleged AI-Generated Tinubu Audio

    The Presidency has called for legal action against social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over an alleged AI-generated audio clip falsely linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The controversy followed the circulation of a manipulated video online containing a fake audio allegedly mimicking the President’s voice.

    Presidency Reacts To Viral AI Audio

    Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condemned the incident in a post shared on X.

    According to him, the circulation of the clip amounted to a serious abuse of social media platforms.

    “This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu,” Onanuga wrote.

    The presidential aide accused the activist of spreading false content capable of misleading members of the public.

    How The Controversy Started

    Reports indicated that the manipulated clip originated from an earlier Instagram video shared by VDM on May 25, 2026.

    In the original video, the activist reportedly reacted to comments about his necklace while also playing an old campaign clip of President Tinubu discussing electricity issues.

    However, an unidentified individual later edited the footage and inserted an AI-generated voice designed to sound like the President.

    The doctored version falsely suggested that Tinubu made controversial political comments regarding the 2027 election, insecurity and opposition figures.

    Fact-Checkers Debunk Viral Audio

    Several media organisations and fact-checking platforms reportedly confirmed that the viral audio was manipulated using artificial intelligence tools.

    The reports stated that the controversial statements were absent from VDM’s original upload.

    The fake audio allegedly contained claims about Tinubu remaining in office beyond opposition efforts, references to insecurity in parts of the country and comments involving former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

    VDM’s Lawyers Deny Involvement

    VDM’s legal representatives, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, denied allegations linking their client to the fabricated audio.

    The legal team accused the Presidency of allegedly reacting without proper verification and maintained that the activist neither created nor distributed the manipulated version.

    The controversy has since triggered debates online about misinformation, political propaganda and the growing use of AI-generated deepfakes in Nigeria’s digital space ahead of the 2027 elections.

    As of Wednesday, no official criminal charge had been publicly filed against the activist.

  • Chiwetalu Agu Advises Nigerians Against Using Personal Failures To Discourage Others

    Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has shared a motivational message urging Nigerians not to discourage others from pursuing their dreams because of personal disappointments or failures.

    The actor made the remarks in a video circulating online, where he spoke about life, perseverance and the dangers of projecting personal setbacks onto other people.

    ‘Failure Is Personal, Not Universal’

    According to Agu, the fact that something failed for one person does not mean it will fail for everyone else.

    “Don’t discourage anybody just because you had a bad experience. Just because it didn’t work for you doesn’t mean it won’t work for another person. Failure is personal, not universal,” he said.

    The actor explained that different people have different destinies, journeys and outcomes in life.

    Speaks On Marriage, Business And Religion

    Chiwetalu Agu also referenced marriage, business and religion while advising people not to use their own negative experiences to limit others.

    He stated that one failed marriage or unsuccessful business venture should not become a reason to discourage another person from trying.

    The veteran actor further noted that grace differs from one person to another.

    “What destroyed one person may build another. Never use your pain to kill another person’s dream,” he added.

    Calls For More Encouragement

    Agu said many people unconsciously transfer their fears, disappointments and frustrations to others instead of allowing them to learn through personal experiences.

    He encouraged Nigerians to support and motivate one another rather than spread negativity based on individual setbacks.

    The video has generated positive reactions online, with many social media users agreeing with the actor’s message on resilience, individuality and perseverance.

  • Outrage as SS3 Students Clash With Teachers in Viral School Fight Video

    A viral video showing senior secondary school students physically confronting teachers and school staff has triggered outrage and widespread reactions across social media.

    The 48-second clip, which surfaced online on Tuesday, captured chaotic scenes involving students believed to be SS3 candidates wrestling and exchanging blows with adults reportedly identified as teachers and school officials.

    Chaos Erupts Outside School Premises

    In the video, several young men dressed in casual clothes were seen pushing, dragging and struggling with older individuals outside a school compound, while other students watched from nearby classrooms and verandahs.

    Some of the adults involved in the confrontation also appeared to be holding canes during the incident.

    Although the exact location of the school has not been officially confirmed, reports circulating online claimed the confrontation escalated outside the school premises before turning violent.

    As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released by the school management or any state ministry of education regarding the incident.

    Social Media Reactions Divided

    The viral footage has generated divided reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the students’ actions and describing the incident as a breakdown of discipline and respect for authority.

    Others, however, argued that harsh disciplinary methods and corporal punishment may have contributed to the confrontation.

    The incident has reignited debates surrounding the continued use of physical punishment in Nigerian secondary schools despite repeated advocacy for alternative disciplinary approaches.

    Growing Concerns Over Discipline in Schools

    Observers say the incident reflects deeper tensions within Nigeria’s education system, where traditional disciplinary methods increasingly clash with changing attitudes among younger students.

    Senior secondary school students, especially those preparing for major examinations such as WAEC and NECO, are often exposed to intense academic pressure, which sometimes contributes to conflicts within schools.

    The video was widely circulated by several entertainment and gossip platforms, further drawing attention to concerns about student behaviour, teacher conduct and safety within Nigerian schools.

    No injuries or arrests have been officially confirmed, while many Nigerians have called for a proper investigation into the incident to determine what led to the breakdown of order.

  • IGP Disu Orders Massive Security Deployment Nationwide Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir

    The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered enhanced security deployments across Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    The police boss also extended Eid greetings to Muslim faithful across the country while assuring Nigerians of improved security during the festive period.

    Police Strengthen Nationwide Security

    In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders nationwide to intensify security operations across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force has activated several operational measures aimed at ensuring peaceful and hitch-free celebrations.

    The measures include the deployment of tactical teams, intelligence operatives and conventional police officers to Eid prayer grounds, highways, recreational centres, motor parks and other public places.

    The police also announced intensified visibility policing, stop-and-search operations, coordinated patrols and intelligence-led surveillance activities.

    IGP Urges Nigerians To Remain Vigilant

    Disu urged Nigerians to remain security conscious throughout the celebration and immediately report suspicious movements or activities.

    The police specifically warned citizens to pay attention to unattended bags, unusual gatherings, suspicious individuals around public places and any movement suggesting possible criminal activities.

    “Do not ignore suspicious activity. Do not assume someone else has already reported it. Your call is confidential and could prevent a tragedy,” the statement read.

    The Force added that swift response protocols had already been activated nationwide to tackle any emerging threat during the Sallah celebration.

    Emergency Numbers Released

    The Nigeria Police Force also released emergency contact lines for members of the public to report security threats during the holiday period.

    The emergency numbers include 08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785 and 09133333786.

    The IGP wished Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration while reaffirming the police force’s commitment to public safety and national security.

  • NIBSS Drags Banks To Court Over ₦13.6bn Transfer Glitch Affecting 176 Accounts

    Nigeria’s digital payment system has come under fresh scrutiny after the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) approached the Federal High Court in Lagos over a ₦13.66 billion transfer error linked to a technical glitch on its payment platform.

    The incident, which reportedly occurred on September 6, 2024, affected 176 customer accounts across 19 commercial banks and microfinance institutions.

    How The ₦13.6bn Glitch Happened

    According to court filings, the issue originated from a fault on the Nigeria Instant Payment (NIP) platform, which powers instant interbank transfers across the country.

    The glitch reportedly triggered what industry operators describe as “dry posting,” where accounts received credit alerts without the corresponding debit transactions being completed.

    NIBSS said the funds were mistakenly credited into customer accounts that were never meant to receive the money.

    The settlement company reportedly informed affected financial institutions immediately after detecting the problem and requested restrictions on the impacted accounts.

    However, the banks allegedly refused to freeze the accounts without a valid court order.

    NIBSS Seeks Recovery After Nearly Two Years

    Almost 20 months after the incident, NIBSS is now asking the court to approve account freezes, Post No Debit restrictions, BVN-linked liens and the reversal of traceable funds.

    The organisation is also seeking legal backing to recover whatever remains of the ₦13.66 billion mistakenly transferred.

    The development has raised concerns over how much of the money may still be recoverable after such a long delay.

    Fresh Questions Over Nigeria’s Banking Infrastructure

    The case has reignited conversations about the stability of Nigeria’s financial technology and banking infrastructure as digital transactions continue to rise rapidly.

    Electronic transactions in Nigeria reportedly surpassed ₦1.07 quadrillion in 2024, with the NIP platform processing trillions of naira monthly.

    As the central switch for most bank transfers, fintech payouts and PoS payments, NIBSS plays a major role in Nigeria’s digital economy.

    Industry observers say even minor technical failures within such a system can lead to billions of naira moving wrongly within seconds.

    Series Of Banking Glitches Raise Concerns

    The latest controversy adds to a growing list of major banking and fintech system failures recorded in recent years.

    In 2023, a NIBSS-related issue reportedly contributed to a ₦21 billion payment incident involving Flutterwave.

    Several banks, including Wema Bank, Keystone Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank, have also experienced unauthorised transfer glitches involving billions of naira.

    Analysts say many of the failures are linked to rushed upgrades, weak third-party integrations and infrastructure struggling to cope with Nigeria’s expanding digital payment ecosystem.

    The NIBSS lawsuit is expected to further test confidence in Nigeria’s banking technology systems as regulators and financial institutions face increasing pressure to strengthen payment security and system reliability.

  • Spyro Questions Silence of Pastors, Imams Over Rising Insecurity in Nigeria

    Nigerian singer Spyro has criticised religious institutions and prominent clerics over what he described as their silence amid worsening insecurity and hardship across the country.

    The artiste shared the emotional message in a video posted online, where he questioned why many churches and mosques continue with normal activities while Nigerians battle fear, violence and uncertainty.

    Spyro Questions Religious Leaders

    According to the singer, religious gatherings should currently focus on addressing the country’s crisis and advocating for citizens rather than holding regular crusades and sermons.

    “Why am I going to church where another message asides what’s happening in the country is being preached,” he said.

    “Any church that is preaching any message different from what is happening in this country and not speaking for the people and speaking to the government, you’re wrong.”

    Spyro also extended the criticism to Muslim leaders.

    “Any mosque speaking about anything different from what is happening in this country, you’re wrong,” he added.

    Calls Out Popular Clerics

    The singer specifically mentioned respected Christian leaders including Enoch Adeboye, David Oyedepo, William Kumuyi and Jerry Eze, asking why they had not publicly spoken more strongly about the insecurity situation.

    He also questioned the silence of influential Muslim clerics and scholars across the country.

    “Where are all the notable men of God in all of this? And for the Muslims, where are your sheikhs? Where are the Alfas?” he asked.

    ‘The Country Is On The Verge Of Collapse’

    Spyro further argued that schools and regular activities should not continue normally while many Nigerians live in fear.

    “Schools are even still opening up, why? This calls for a state of emergency. What is our limit? When are we going to say enough is enough,” he stated.

    The singer concluded by warning that the country was facing a serious crisis that required urgent attention and national unity.

    “Now is not the time to sit around holding crusades and services. The country is on the verge of collapse,” he said.

    The video has since generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians supporting his position while others defended religious leaders, saying many clerics continue to pray and speak privately on national issues.

  • Tinubu Tells Nigerians ‘Dark Tunnel Is Over’ in 2026 Eid-el-Kabir Message

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is gradually overcoming its economic and security challenges, declaring that “the walk through the dark tunnel is over” in his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message.

    The President made the remarks in a statement released on Tuesday to commemorate the Muslim festival of sacrifice.

    Tinubu Speaks On Sacrifice And National Renewal

    Tinubu congratulated Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, describing the occasion as a reminder of faith, obedience, sacrifice and compassion.

    According to him, Nigeria is currently undergoing a difficult but necessary period of reconstruction and renewal through ongoing reforms introduced by his administration.

    “As a nation, we are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal. The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations,” he said.

    The President added that the sacrifices made by Nigerians over the past three years were beginning to produce positive economic outcomes.

    “Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth,” he stated.

    ‘The Light Is Here’

    Tinubu further expressed confidence that the reforms pursued by his administration would continue to improve security and create more opportunities for citizens.

    “The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” the President declared.

    He also acknowledged ongoing insecurity challenges in some parts of the country despite efforts by security agencies.

    “I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities. I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” he said.

    Calls For Prayer, Unity And Compassion

    The President urged Nigerians to use the Eid celebration to pray for peace, national unity and wisdom for leaders.

    He also encouraged citizens to support the less privileged and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood across religious and ethnic lines.

    Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in security, infrastructure, agriculture and human capital development.

    He concluded by wishing Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

  • Kunle Remi Laments Rising Insecurity, Says Nigerians Must Not Become Numb To Suffering

    Popular Nollywood actor Kunle Remi has expressed concern over the worsening insecurity across Nigeria, urging citizens not to become emotionally desensitised to the pain and suffering affecting many families.

    The actor shared the emotional message online while reflecting on the growing number of displaced children, parents and communities affected by violence.

    Kunle Remi Speaks On Human Suffering

    According to the movie star, many children are currently forced to sleep in forests under difficult and frightening conditions due to insecurity.

    He also spoke about mothers struggling helplessly to protect their children while families continue to live in fear.

    “As you go to bed tonight, remember there are children sleeping in forests… imagine the cold, the bugs, the fear, the discomfort,” he wrote.

    “Remember there is a mother holding her baby, helpless. Parents praying for safety. Schools living in fear.”

    Questions Ongoing Political Campaigns

    Kunle Remi also questioned why political campaigns and election activities continue normally despite the tragedies happening in different parts of the country.

    The actor criticised what he described as society’s tendency to quickly move on from painful incidents without sustained empathy for victims.

    “And somehow, in the middle of all this… election campaigns and preparations still continue. Bloggers are posting election like everything is normal,” he added.

    ‘May We Never Stop Feeling Compassion’

    The actor concluded by warning Nigerians against becoming emotionally numb to violence and suffering.

    “May we never become so used to tragedy that we stop feeling it,” he stated.

    His comments have since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians agreeing that insecurity and humanitarian suffering deserve more attention and empathy from both leaders and citizens.