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  • Bovi Questions Nigerian Parenting Style, Says ‘We Criminalize Dating Then Expect Successful Marriages’

    Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma has stirred reactions online after criticising the way many Nigerian parents discourage dating while expecting their children to later settle easily into marriage.

    The comedian made the remarks during a recent conversation on relationships, parenting and societal expectations.

    Bovi Speaks On Dating Culture

    According to Bovi, many parents prevent young people from having harmless relationship experiences while growing up, only to later pressure them about marriage.

    “Most parents, you no wan hear your pikin get boyfriend but when they reach a certain age, you’ll be asking them bring husband. Why have you not brought husband? Where dey wan see husband from?” he said.

    The actor added that many young people were denied opportunities to socialise naturally, including going to the cinema, taking walks or exchanging innocent love letters.

    “You didn’t go to cinema to see movie with the babe harmlessly. You didn’t stroll or take walks, or write letters because if they see love letter that time we were in secondary school it will be like the whole world was stopping,” he added.

    ‘We Criminalize Dating’

    Bovi further argued that society’s attitude toward dating could be contributing to failed marriages and relationship struggles in adulthood.

    “We criminalize the dating culture in Nigeria and now we’re wondering why marriages are breaking,” he stated.

    His comments quickly gained attention online, with many Nigerians debating the balance between strict parenting and emotional development.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    While some social media users agreed with the comedian’s position and praised him for addressing a sensitive issue, others defended strict parenting, insisting it helps protect children from distractions and harmful influences.

    The discussion also revived broader conversations around emotional maturity, healthy relationships and marriage expectations among young Nigerians.

    Similar debates have continued to trend in recent years as public figures and relationship experts call for healthier conversations around dating and family life in Nigeria.

  • Ned Nwoko Cries Out After APC Primary Defeat in Delta North, Alleges Broken ‘Automatic Ticket’ Promise

    Senator Ned Nwoko has expressed disappointment following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North senatorial primary, alleging that he was earlier promised an automatic ticket before joining the party.

    The primary election was won by former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who polled 113,309 votes. Nwoko reportedly scored 2,612 votes, while Maryam Ali polled 40 votes.

    Nwoko Rejects Result, Alleges Irregularities

    Reacting to the outcome, Nwoko dismissed the result, insisting that the process was flawed and did not reflect internal agreements he believed were in place before he joined the APC.

    He claimed there were assurances of a power-sharing arrangement within the party structure, including the dissolution of the state executive and strategic nominations to accommodate new entrants.

    According to him, those agreements were not honoured.

    ‘I Was Promised Automatic Ticket’ — Nwoko

    Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, the senator alleged that he was promised an automatic ticket prior to joining the APC.

    “I certainly was told before I came into the party that there would be automatic ticket for me,” he said.

    He added that he would not have left his previous political platform without assurances of a secured political position.

    Nwoko also alleged that the party leadership later required him to participate in a competitive primary, contrary to earlier expectations.

    Claims of Victory in Wards

    Despite the official results, the senator maintained that he had evidence of strong performance across multiple wards.

    “We won in 98 wards,” he claimed, insisting that discrepancies existed in the collation process.

    He further argued that the result announced in favour of Okowa did not reflect the true outcome of the exercise.

    Political Tensions Deepen in Delta APC

    The development highlights growing tensions within the APC in Delta State as key political figures continue to dispute the conduct and outcome of internal primaries ahead of future elections.

  • Borno Govt Shuts School, Relocates Students After Terrorists Abduct 42 Children

    The Borno State Government has ordered the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 42 students and children by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

    The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, during a visit to the affected community on Monday.

    School Relocated Over Security Concerns

    According to a statement issued by Governor Babagana Zulum’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, the school has now been relocated to Government Secondary School, Uba, under the state’s Safe Schools Initiative.

    The government said the relocation became necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff amid worsening security threats in the area.

    “As part of immediate safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, the commissioner directed the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba,” the statement said.

    The state government added that students would continue their education in safer and more secure conditions.

    Government Meets Parents, Community Leaders

    Before arriving in Mussa, the delegation reportedly paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace.

    In Mussa, officials were received by the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted children.

    During an interactive session with parents, Wakilbe conveyed the sympathy of the Borno State Government and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted students safely.

    Details Of The Abduction

    The abduction occurred on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School.

    Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed that the abducted victims included four students from the secondary school section, 28 pupils from the primary school and 10 children taken from nearby homes.

    The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity and repeated attacks on schools in parts of northern Nigeria.

  • Court Clears Goodluck Jonathan To Contest 2027 Presidential Election

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.

    The judgment followed a suit filed by Johnmary Jideobi, who sought an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself as a presidential candidate in the next general election.

    Court Rejects Suit Against Jonathan

    The plaintiff had asked the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting, processing or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate for 2027.

    Jideobi also requested the court to determine whether Jonathan remained eligible to seek the office of president again under Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

    However, delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the former president could lawfully participate in the election.

    The ruling effectively clears the way for Jonathan to seek the presidency again if he decides to contest.

    PDP Faction Offers Jonathan Waiver

    The development comes days after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki reportedly offered Jonathan a waiver as the party’s sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

    The move had intensified political discussions over a possible return of the former president to active electoral politics.

    Jonathan’s Political History

    Goodluck Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015 after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua before winning the 2011 presidential election.

    He later lost the 2015 presidential election to former President Muhammadu Buhari, becoming the first sitting Nigerian president to lose a re-election bid.

    Since leaving office, Jonathan has remained active in diplomatic and peacebuilding efforts across Africa, while repeatedly facing calls from political supporters to return to the presidential race.

     

  • Presidency Defends Nigeria’s Rising Debt, Says Country Can Still Borrow More

    The Presidency has defended Nigeria’s growing debt profile, insisting that the country still has the capacity to borrow more despite mounting public concerns over rising local and foreign loans.

    Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga made the remarks in a post on X while reacting to criticism surrounding the Tinubu administration’s borrowing strategy.

    Onanuga Dismisses Loan Concerns

    According to Onanuga, many Nigerians criticising the country’s debt situation do not fully understand economics and public finance.

    “Nigeria has not over borrowed compared to countries like Egypt, South Africa and West African country of Senegal,” he wrote.

    “Nigeria is credit worthy and can still take more loans to finance infrastructure. The unwarranted alarm against loans is symptomatic of economic and financial ignorance.”

    Debt-To-GDP Comparison

    The presidential aide referenced a post by another X user, Akinwumi, comparing Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio with those of Egypt and South Africa.

    According to the comparison, Egypt’s debt stands at over $400 billion with a GDP of about $390 billion, placing its debt-to-GDP ratio above 100 percent.

    South Africa was also said to have debt estimated at around $580 billion with a GDP of roughly $420 billion, resulting in a debt-to-GDP ratio of about 135 percent.

    Nigeria’s total public debt, however, was estimated at about $110 billion with a GDP of around $340 billion, translating to approximately 35 percent debt-to-GDP ratio.

    “Yet some people keep shouting that Nigeria is the ‘loan capital of the world,’” the post stated.

    Tinubu Government Continues Borrowing

    The comments come amid increasing public concern over the Federal Government’s borrowing pattern under President Bola Tinubu.

    Since assuming office in May 2023, the administration has secured and proposed several local and foreign loans aimed at funding infrastructure projects, stabilising the economy and addressing budget deficits.

    The government recently sought fresh multibillion-dollar loans from international institutions including the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

    Domestic borrowing through treasury bills and bonds has also increased significantly.

    Critics Raise Economic Concerns

    While the Federal Government insists the loans are necessary for sectors such as transportation, agriculture, power and social intervention programmes, critics have continued to warn about rising debt servicing costs.

    Concerns have also been raised over inflation, worsening economic hardship and the continued weakening of the naira.

  • High Food Prices, Costly Rams Force Nigerians Into Modest 2026 Sallah Celebration

    As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, many families are scaling down spending as rising food prices, expensive livestock and increasing transportation costs continue to worsen economic hardship.

    Across several major cities, market surveys showed that inflation, insecurity, fuel costs and expensive animal feed have significantly pushed up the prices of rams, goats, rice, tomatoes, pepper and other staple items associated with the Sallah celebration.

    Ram Prices Rise Sharply

    Livestock traders said many customers now visit markets only to check prices without making purchases.

    At Orange Market, trader Musa Ibrahim said the situation has become difficult for buyers.

    According to another trader, Lawal Adamu, rising transportation expenses and insecurity along highways contributed heavily to the increase in livestock prices.

    A roadside livestock seller in Nyanya, identified as Abdullahi, revealed that rams previously sold for around ₦700,000 now cost close to ₦1 million.

    At Zuba Market, the cheapest ram available after bargaining reportedly sold for about ₦275,000, while fully grown male goats sold for around ₦120,000.

    Food Prices Also Surge

    Food traders in Lagos also complained about sharp increases in the prices of tomatoes, pepper, onions, rice and cooking oil.

    A trader at Iyana Oba Market, identified simply as Ashiru, said a basket of tomatoes now sells for about ₦80,000 compared to ₦52,000 or ₦53,000 previously.

    He added that a basket of pepper increased from about ₦15,000 to ₦45,000, while a bag of onions rose from ₦56,000 to ₦90,000.

    Another trader, Mrs Ruth Lawal, explained that a bag of rice that previously sold for ₦52,000 now costs about ₦65,000.

    She also said 25 litres of groundnut oil increased from ₦50,800 to ₦61,200.

    Families Scale Down Celebration Plans

    Some residents admitted they may not be able to afford the traditional Eid sacrifice this year.

    A civil servant, Ibrahim Sani, said some families are now considering joint contributions to buy a ram.

    “People still want to perform the sacrifice because it is spiritually important, but the prices are becoming too high for average earners,” he said.

    Another resident, Taiwo Jimoh, said his family would celebrate with whatever they could afford.

    “We are going to celebrate the festival with whatever we have. I told my children they have to wear what they already have at home,” he said.

    Jimoh urged Nigerians to avoid unnecessary pressure during the festive period and focus on gratitude.

    Calls For Moderate Celebration

    A Lagos-based Brand and Communications Strategist, Abiodun Yakubu, noted that Islamic teachings encourage moderation and celebrations within one’s financial capacity.

    “The focus should now be on gratitude, prayer and togetherness rather than luxury,” he said.

    According to the latest Consumer Price Index released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.69 percent in April 2026 from 15.38 percent recorded in March.

    Although Eid-el-Kabir celebrations are expected to hold nationwide on May 27 and 28, many Nigerians say this year’s Sallah may be more about survival than elaborate festivities.

  • Ex-IGP Mohammed Adamu Dumps APC After Losing Nasarawa Governorship Primary

    Former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his defeat in the party’s Nasarawa State governorship primary election.

    Adamu announced his resignation on Monday in a letter submitted to APC executives in Makama Ward, Lafia.

    Adamu Blames APC Primary Process

    The former police boss said recent developments within the ruling party, especially the conduct of the governorship primary election in Nasarawa State, forced him to leave the APC.

    Adamu lost the APC governorship ticket to Senator Aliyu Wadada.

    According to him, the events surrounding the primary election weakened his confidence in the party’s leadership and internal processes.

    “This decision was not taken lightly however, recent developments within the party especially the conduct of the governorship primary election processes in Nasarawa State have made it difficult for me to continue with my political activities under the platform of the party,” he stated.

    Claims Lack of Internal Democracy

    Adamu accused the APC of failing to uphold fairness, transparency, justice, and equal opportunity for aspirants and party members.

    He maintained that democratic principles should guide political parties, especially parties seeking to govern.

    “I strongly think that internal democracy, fairness, openness, and equal chance for aspirants and members should govern the business of any democratic political organization,” he said.

    “Unfortunately the events surrounding the primary election did not reflect this principle and have led to a loss of confidence in the party’s leadership and the processes in the state.”

    Hints At Next Political Move

    The former IGP disclosed that his decision followed consultations with supporters, political associates, and family members.

    He also hinted at pursuing his political ambition on another platform.

    Despite his exit, Adamu appreciated APC members at ward, local government, and state levels for the support and relationships built during his time in the party.

    His resignation adds to the growing political tension and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • ASUU Threatens Fresh Strike Over Delayed Implementation of 2025 FG Agreement

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened fresh industrial action over the Federal Government’s alleged delay in fully implementing key provisions of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement.

    The warning comes amid growing tension between the union and government over salary arrears, allowances, and funding concerns affecting public universities across Nigeria.

    ASUU Raises Alarm Over Implementation

    According to the union, several aspects of the agreement signed in December 2025 and unveiled in January 2026 have not been fully implemented.

    These include salary adjustments, earned academic allowances, responsibility allowances, and improved funding for universities.

    ASUU also faulted the non-inauguration of the full Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC), which was meant to oversee compliance with the agreement.

    Key Grievances

    The union highlighted delays in payment of salary components in some institutions, with reports of outstanding arrears running into months in certain zones.

    It also expressed concern over disparities in implementation between federal and state universities, describing the situation as inconsistent and unfair.

    Zonal coordinators across regions including Abuja, Akure, Kano, Sokoto, Benin, Lagos, and Jos have reportedly voiced frustration over what they described as slow government response.

    Government Response

    The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has reportedly dismissed some of ASUU’s claims, insisting that progress is being made and that efforts are ongoing to prevent another prolonged strike in the university system.

    However, ASUU maintains that the situation on the ground does not reflect government assurances, insisting that commitments made in the agreement are yet to be fully honoured.

    Students and Public Reaction

    The development has triggered mixed reactions online, with many students expressing concern over possible disruptions to the academic calendar.

    Some Nigerians have criticised both parties, citing the recurring nature of ASUU disputes and the long history of strikes affecting university education.

    Possible Strike Looms

    While no strike has been declared yet, ASUU warned that continued delays could force it into nationwide industrial action if urgent steps are not taken.

    The situation adds to ongoing concerns about funding, welfare, and stability in Nigeria’s public university system.

  • Peter Obi Urges Nigerians to Demand Better Governance, Cites Power Gap With South Africa

    Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to take a more active role in demanding accountability and improved governance, especially in tackling the country’s persistent electricity crisis.

    Obi made the call on Monday night while speaking at the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) aspirants dinner held in Abuja.

    Obi Highlights Power Generation Gap

    During his remarks, the former Anambra State governor drew a comparison between Nigeria’s electricity output and that of South Africa, describing the gap as a reflection of long-standing governance failures.

    “Nigeria produces just about 4,000 megawatts while South Africa generates over 40,000 megawatts,” Obi reportedly said at the event.

    He stressed that despite Nigeria’s population size and resource base, successive administrations have failed to deliver stable electricity supply.

    Call for Long-Term National Thinking

    Obi also urged Nigerians to adopt a long-term perspective in national development, insisting that leaders must prioritise the future of younger generations.

    He said the country must focus on building systems that will benefit “our children,” rather than short-term political gains.

    The event reportedly had in attendance notable figures including singer 2Baba Idibia and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who interacted with guests at the dinner.

    Reactions and Political Undertones

    Supporters at the event praised Obi’s consistent advocacy for good governance since the 2023 general elections, describing him as a strong voice for transparency and reform.

    However, some critics dismissed the gathering and questioned its political relevance, arguing that it lacked clear structure and substance.

    Despite differing opinions, Obi’s message continued to resonate with Nigerians concerned about infrastructure challenges and economic hardship.

    Obi has remained active in public discourse since the last election, frequently speaking on governance, economic reforms, and national development priorities.

  • Jim Iyke Death Rumour Triggers Panic Online After TV Series Mix-Up

    A wave of panic swept across social media on Monday evening after false reports claiming Nollywood actor Jim Iyke had died began circulating online.

    The rumour, which quickly gained attention across multiple platforms, later turned out to be a misunderstanding linked to scenes from a Nigerian television series.

    How The Rumour Started

    The confusion reportedly began after social media posts shared by users identified as Peace Ighodaro and Oba Deleke started trending online.

    The posts gathered thousands of reactions within a short period, with many fans believing the veteran Nollywood actor had passed away.

    Several social media users immediately began posting condolence messages and emotional tributes before the situation was clarified.

    TV Series Mix-Up Causes Confusion

    It was later discovered that the reports originated from fictional scenes in a television series where characters named “Jim” and “Iyke” died.

    The similarity in names reportedly caused confusion online, while social media algorithms further pushed the posts to larger audiences, turning the misunderstanding into a viral death scare.

    Jim Iyke is alive and healthy.

    The actor recently appeared in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, where he spoke openly about personal struggles, fatherhood, and emotional healing.

    His social media pages also remained active, with recent posts showing family moments and personal activities.

    Fans React With Relief

    After the clarification emerged, many fans expressed relief online.

    Some admitted they were deeply shocked by the reports, while others criticised social media users for spreading unverified information.

    One fan wrote that they “nearly fainted” after seeing the rumour, while another jokingly advised content creators to “explain names properly next time.”

    The incident once again highlighted the speed at which misinformation spreads online, especially involving popular Nollywood celebrities.

    Despite the confusion, many fans used the moment to celebrate Jim Iyke’s impact on the Nigerian movie industry and his long-standing contribution to entertainment.