Welcome

Blog

  • Blessing CEO Apologises Over Cancer Claim Controversy, Offers Refunds to Donors

    Nigerian influencer Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has issued a public apology following backlash over her claim of battling stage four cancer, a situation that has triggered intense online scrutiny and debate.

    How the controversy started

    The issue gained attention after Blessing shared a medical report online while soliciting financial support for her treatment.

    However, the document was later disputed by Xinus Medical Diagnostics, which alleged it was altered and originally issued to another patient. The claim escalated further after the individual linked to the report publicly reacted, leading to petitions and calls for investigation, including from the Nigerian Cancer Society.

    Blessing CEO breaks silence

    In a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday, Blessing apologised for the confusion and emotional reactions the matter has generated, while maintaining that her health condition is genuine.

    “I am sorry for the unnecessary drama, embarrassment, and controversy surrounding my health issues,” she wrote.

    She added that she intends to be more transparent moving forward, promising to release detailed medical records.

    “I will start by officially uploading my scan results and biopsy details and keep you all informed every step of the way,” she said.

    Refund offer to supporters

    The influencer also addressed Nigerians who contributed financially to her treatment, expressing gratitude for their support.

    “To well-meaning Nigerians who contributed towards my health, I am deeply grateful,” she said.

    She further stated that anyone uncomfortable with the controversy could request a refund.

    “Kindly send a WhatsApp message or DM with your receipt and account details, and you will be refunded,” she added.

    Medical updates shared

    In follow-up posts, Blessing shared images from medical scans and showed her hand, explaining that repeated procedures had affected her veins.

    “My hands have been through a lot due to repeated punctures,” she wrote.

    Public reactions continue

    The development has continued to spark mixed reactions online, with many users demanding clearer medical evidence while others focus on accountability in online fundraising and influencer-led donations.

    The controversy has also reignited conversations around trust, transparency, and the growing trend of health-related crowdfunding in Nigeria, making it one of the trending issues in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • FAAC Shares N2.036trn March Revenue Amid Mixed Oil, Tax Returns

    The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared N2.036 trillion among the three tiers of government for March 2026, reflecting a mix of rising tax revenues and declining oil-related earnings.

    How the funds were shared

    The allocation was finalised in Abuja during FAAC’s monthly meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.

    According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, the federal government received N789.159 billion, states got N657.596 billion, while local government councils were allocated N468.826 billion.

    Oil-producing states also received N120.759 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue.

    Breakdown of revenue sources

    The distributable sum of N2.036 trillion was drawn from a gross revenue of N2.364 trillion.

    This included N1.320 trillion from statutory revenue, N515.391 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), and an augmentation of N200 billion.

    From statutory revenue alone, the federal government received N632.260 billion, states got N320.691 billion, while local governments received N247.239 billion.

    VAT distribution details

    Out of the N515.391 billion VAT pool, the federal government received N51.539 billion, states were allocated N283.465 billion, and local governments got N180.387 billion.

    Revenue performance shows mixed trends

    The communiqué revealed that gross statutory revenue rose to N1.699 trillion in March, an increase of N137.914 billion compared to February’s N1.561 trillion.

    However, VAT revenue dipped slightly to N664.425 billion, down by N4.025 billion from the previous month.

    From the total revenue, N81.084 billion was deducted as cost of collection, while N246.872 billion was set aside for transfers, refunds, and savings.

    Taxes rise, oil earnings fall

    In terms of performance, Companies Income Tax (CIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Stamp Duties, and Excise Duties recorded notable increases.

    On the other hand, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Hydrocarbon Tax, Oil and Gas Royalties, Import Duty, and Common External Tariff (CET) declined. VAT collections also recorded a slight drop.

    The latest FAAC allocation highlights ongoing shifts in Nigeria’s revenue structure, with stronger tax contributions offsetting weaker oil inflows, a trend that continues to shape latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • INEC Chair Amupitan Speaks on ‘Divine Conviction’ After Appointment Amid Neutrality Concerns

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said he only accepted the role after receiving what he described as a “clear divine conviction,” even as questions over his neutrality continue to trail his leadership.

    ‘I would have declined’

    Amupitan spoke in Abuja during an end-of-tenure service organised by the Nigerian Baptist Convention for its outgoing president, Israel Akanji, and his wife, Victoria.

    According to him, the decision to lead Nigeria’s electoral body was not taken lightly.

    “If I did not have the conviction for this job, I would not accept it,” he said.

    He added that he drew strength from what he described as a direct assurance from God before taking up the position.

    “The Lord said, ‘Fear not; do not be dismayed. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you.’ I heard this clearly before I accepted this job,” Amupitan stated.

    Faith amid pressure

    The INEC chairman said that conviction has remained central to his leadership, especially given the complexity of managing elections in Nigeria.

    “No matter the storm, no matter the difficulty, God is able to calm every storm. That is what God has been doing,” he said.

    He also urged Nigerians to pray for the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general election, expressing confidence that the polls could set a new standard.

    “Continue to pray for Nigeria… that the 2027 election will be the best ever,” he said, adding that success would require divine support.

    Controversy over neutrality

    Amupitan’s remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing scrutiny over his perceived political neutrality.

    He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2025 to succeed former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu.

    Since then, resurfaced social media posts allegedly linked to him have sparked allegations of sympathy for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.

    The claims have triggered calls from opposition figures and civil society groups for his resignation.

    Denial and pushback

    Amupitan has denied operating the account linked to the posts and insisted he remains politically neutral.

    INEC has also dismissed the allegations, describing them as attempts to discredit its leadership.

    Despite the denials, the controversy has continued to shape public discourse around electoral credibility, voter confidence, and the integrity of the commission ahead of 2027.

    The development remains a key talking point in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as attention shifts to preparations for the next general election.

     

  • DSS Arraigns El-Rufai Over Alleged Wiretapping of Ribadu’s Phone, Files Fresh Charges

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai before a federal high court in Abuja over allegations of illegally accessing the phone conversation of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

    Fresh charges filed in court

    At Thursday’s proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that the charge had been amended from three to five counts.

    Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, subsequently struck out the earlier charges and allowed the amended five-count charge to stand.

    El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, pleaded not guilty to all counts.

    What led to the case

    The charges are linked to remarks made by el-Rufai in February during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

    He had claimed that individuals aligned with him listened to Ribadu’s phone conversation, alleging that the NSA directed security operatives to arrest him.

    “He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways,” el-Rufai said at the time.

    He further alleged that Ribadu’s phone was tapped and that the information was passed to him.

    Mixed reactions trail allegations

    The comments triggered widespread reactions across Nigeria, with some Nigerians and political stakeholders calling for his arrest over the alleged wiretapping.

    Others, however, argued that the former governor should not be singled out, accusing the government of similar actions against citizens.

    Political tension in the background

    El-Rufai, once a strong ally of President Bola Tinubu, has in recent months been openly critical of the administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His arraignment has been described by opposition figures as politically motivated, though the federal government has denied any witch-hunt.

    The case is expected to continue in court as attention builds around one of the most talked-about developments in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

  • Peller Sparks Backlash After Mocking Roby Ekpo’s Emotional Breakdown Over Failed Marriage

    Popular Nigerian TikToker Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja, known as Peller, has come under fire after publicly mocking media personality Roby Ekpo over his emotional reaction to the collapse of his marriage, a moment that has stirred widespread debate online.

    Podcast moment that triggered it

    The controversy follows Ekpo’s appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he broke down while discussing the end of his 11-year relationship with estranged wife, Mayowa Lambe.

    During the interview, Ekpo alleged infidelity, deception, and financial struggles. He also claimed that Lambe secretly remarried in the United States, a revelation that appeared to deepen his emotional response.

    Peller’s reaction goes viral

    In a video now circulating online, Peller repeatedly played a clip from the podcast and questioned why Ekpo would cry publicly over a failed relationship.

    “How can you be crying over a woman in 2026?” he said, expressing disbelief.

    The streamer went further, boasting about his own emotional strength and claiming he had faced tougher relationship experiences without breaking down.

    He added that if he shared his own story, Ekpo might “cry on his behalf,” insisting he would never cry over love again because it reflects weakness.

    Social media erupts

    Peller’s comments quickly sparked mixed reactions, with many Nigerians criticising his remarks as insensitive and disrespectful.

    A user, @stylishnene, wrote, “This is what Nigerians allow. A child speaks about a 50 plus old in such a manner… Why? He is rich.”

    Another, @toseendayo, said, “Peller wey nearly kpai when Jarvis leave am dey call Roby weak man? Pot calling kettle black.”

    @popsynightmare2 added, “U literally destroyed your GLE and intended to spoil your life because of Jarvis.”

    Others also pointed to past reports involving Peller’s own emotional reactions to relationship issues, questioning the consistency of his stance.

    Wider conversation on emotions and masculinity

    The incident has since reignited conversations around emotional expression, especially among men, and how public figures respond to vulnerable moments shared online.

    As reactions continue to pour in, the clash between both personalities remains one of the trending discussions across social platforms.

    This story continues to gain traction in latest Nigerian news and reflects the tone of breaking news Nigeria today as social media debates intensify.

  • LP Chair Nenadi Usman Says It’s “Too Late” for Peter Obi to Return for 2027 Ticket

    Labour Party Chairman Nenadi Usman has said it would be too late for the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return and contest under its platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

    “It will be too late” — Usman explains

    Speaking on Prime Time on Arise Television, Usman said party procedures and electoral guidelines would prevent any late return.

    “Well, it will be too late, actually for him to come back… once we close the register 21 days before primaries and submit the e-register to INEC, you can’t come from behind the door,” she said.

    She stressed that the timeline makes it impossible for new entrants to be registered and cleared to contest once the process is closed.

    Acknowledges Obi’s impact on party

    Despite her position, Usman admitted that Obi played a major role in building the Labour Party’s current profile.

    “Even me, he convinced me to come with him… many people that are in Labour Party today were convinced by Peter because we believed in equity and fairness,” she said.

    She added that no current party member commands the same level of political momentum Obi brought during the 2023 election.

    Explains defection from PDP

    Usman also spoke on her decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, linking it to disagreements over zoning.

    “We believed that PDP should have zoned the seat to the south… though I’m a Northerner, I felt it was not fair,” she said.

    Her stance, she noted, led to her move to the Labour Party alongside others who shared similar concerns.

    Focus on party ideology and leadership

    Looking ahead, the LP chairman said the party would return to its core principles of social justice and equal opportunity.

    She pointed to Abia State Governor Alex Otti as a leading example of the party’s ideals in practice.

    “He is what I would say is the ambassador of the Labour Party… and he’s doing very well,” she said.

    Call for political participation

    Usman also urged Nigerians, particularly activists and unionists, to participate more actively in politics.

    “If you think you’re an activist… come contest elections, because you cannot change from outside,” she said.

    The comments have added to ongoing discussions around party alignments and preparations for the next election cycle in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

  • Troops Kill 24 Terrorists, Repel Midnight Attack on Kukareta in Borno

    Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, have neutralised 24 terrorists after repelling a coordinated midnight attack on Kukareta community in Borno State.

    Midnight attack repelled after fierce gun battle

    Security sources said the attack began around midnight and lasted until about 3:00 a.m. on Thursday before troops overpowered the insurgents.

    The troops engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing them to retreat.

    At least 24 terrorists were confirmed killed during the operation.

    Weapons recovered from insurgents

    Following the encounter, troops recovered a cache of weapons, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, and two PKT anti-aircraft guns.

    Other items recovered include three Rocket Propelled Grenade tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, and 18 AK-47 magazines.

    A large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition used for anti-aircraft weapons was also recovered at the scene.

    Casualties recorded among troops

    Two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and are currently receiving medical treatment.

    Military sources described the operation as a significant success in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East.

    Rising attacks across the region

    The development comes amid increased attacks by terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, targeting military formations in recent weeks.

    Some of the attacks have resulted in casualties among security personnel, including senior officers.

    Security analysts say the renewed assaults may be aimed at weakening military operations and looting weapons from bases.

    Ongoing operations intensify

    The latest operation adds to recent military actions in Borno, including airstrikes in parts of the Sambisa Forest targeting terrorist hideouts.

    Troops continue to intensify efforts to contain insurgency activities across the region.

    The incident is part of ongoing security developments featured in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • Yul Edochie Links Peter Obi’s Political Setbacks to APGA Oath, Sparks Debate

    Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has stirred fresh controversy after claiming that Peter Obi’s recent political struggles are linked to an alleged oath he took while in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Yul makes fresh claim about Obi

    In a post shared via his X handle, Edochie alleged that Obi’s presidential ambition remains tied to APGA, insisting that leaving the party has affected his political progress.

    “Peter Obi’s Presidential ambition is tied to APGA. The party he swore he would never leave,” he wrote.

    He further claimed that Obi made a vow before party stakeholders that he would not leave the party and would struggle politically if he did.

    “Oaths are powerful” — Edochie insists

    Edochie argued that the alleged oath is responsible for Obi’s inability to secure electoral victory despite strong public support.

    “He said if he leaves APGA, he may never achieve anything politically… That’s why he hasn’t achieved anything politically since then,” he stated.

    He added that the former Anambra governor still has a chance at the presidency in 2031 but only if he returns to APGA.

    Political history and party switches

    Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, secured over six million votes, finishing third in the race.

    He has since moved politically and is now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is seeking the presidential ticket alongside other top contenders.

    Reactions trail controversial statement

    Edochie’s comments have triggered mixed reactions online, with supporters and critics debating the role of political decisions, party structures, and personal beliefs in electoral outcomes.

    The statement has further fueled ongoing discussions around Nigeria’s evolving political landscape and future elections.

    The development is trending across latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as conversations around the next election cycle continue.

     

  • Tinubu Moves to Waive Airlines’ Debts, Slash Ticket Charges Amid Jet A1 Crisis

    President Bola Tinubu has approved plans to waive debts owed by domestic airlines and reduce multiple charges on flight tickets, as part of urgent measures to ease pressure from the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel.

    Keyamo reveals presidency’s intervention

    Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development on Wednesday after a meeting with airline operators and oil marketers in Abuja.

    “I had the privilege of meeting Mr. President… The first request that he will consider and grant is a generous discount on the debts the airlines are owing aviation agencies,” Keyamo said.

    He noted that the decision affects debts owed to agencies such as NAMA, FAAN, and NCAA, with the final percentage of relief to be determined by the president.

    Fresh plan to cut ticket charges

    Keyamo also revealed that Tinubu has directed the formation of a committee to review and remove multiple levies, taxes, and fees on domestic air tickets.

    “He wants to set up a committee to address the issue of levies, taxes, and fees on domestic tickets once and for all,” the minister said.

    The committee is expected to submit recommendations within a short timeframe, with the aim of reducing costs for air travellers.

    Airlines push for full waiver

    Reacting to the proposal, Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema urged the president to go further by approving a total waiver of all airline debts.

    He also called for a temporary suspension of payments by operators until global fuel supply stabilises.

    Onyema commended Tinubu’s responsiveness, citing the recent removal of the 4 per cent Free on Board charge as a positive step.

    Funding concerns raised

    The airline boss further highlighted the high cost of financing in Nigeria, noting that operators access loans at rates between 30 and 35 per cent, compared to about 3 per cent globally.

    “In Nigeria, we acquire at 30 to 35 per cent. This is killing,” Onyema said, urging the government to strengthen the Bank of Industry to support airlines with lower-interest funding.

    Relief expected for aviation sector

    The proposed measures are expected to provide temporary relief for airline operators and passengers amid the ongoing fuel crisis affecting flight operations across the country.

    The development is already gaining attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as stakeholders await implementation details.

  • Adebayo Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister to Pursue Oyo Governorship Bid

    Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, with his exit set to take effect on April 30, 2026.

    Resignation letter to Tinubu

    In a letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said his decision was taken with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

    “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power… This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026,” he stated.

    The letter was routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to allow for a smooth transition.

    Focus shifts to Oyo ambition

    Adelabu said his resignation would enable him concentrate fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

    “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” he wrote.

    He added that the move aligns with provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars political appointees from contesting elections while in office.

    Gratitude and reflections on service

    The former minister thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

    “It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector,” he said.

    Adelabu also referenced his earlier resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2018 to pursue the same political ambition.

    Political implications ahead of election cycle

    His resignation signals a major shift in Oyo State politics as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather pace.

    Adelabu is expected to join the race for the governorship seat, setting the stage for intensified political activities in the state.

    The development is already drawing attention across latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as stakeholders begin to position for the contest.