First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, has reassured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was doing all it could to improve the country and make life better for the citizens.

She spoke at the Iftar (breaking of fast) with former First Ladies of Nigeria, female National Assembly Members, wives of National Assembly members, and others, at the State House in Abuja, on Thursday.

Senator (Mrs) Tinubu, in a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, admonished everyone to take one person at a time and lend a helping hand to such, as this will go a long way in ameliorating the hardship of others.

The First Lady, who noted that Ramadan and Lent season coincided this year, said it was something that God had ordained before time.

“It is the time of sober reflection for our Muslim brothers and sisters and even the Christian brothers and sisters, they are having the Lent. God had ordained it to be so even at this time in a nation,” she stated.

The First Lady urged the Muslim ummah to continue in the virtues, which they exhibited during the Ramadan, and they should always pray for God‘s mercy.

Earlier, the wife of the Vice President, in her welcome remarks, thanked the First Lady for the Iftar.

She urged everyone to remember President Bola Tinubu and indeed the nation in prayers at all times.

The vice chancellor of Azman University, Kano, Professor Fatima Mukhtar, gave the lecture on the spiritual significance and teachings of Ramadan.

Special prayers were also offered for the nation, the president and the entire citizens

Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, has opposed the move to immortalise Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Speaking on Thursday during a senate debate on a motion sponsored by Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia south, Oshiomhole argued that Nwosu did not deserve such recognition.

Nwosu, who chaired NEC from 1989 to 1993, died in October 2024 at the age of 83. He is set to be buried on Saturday in his home state, Anambra.

Oshiomhole accused Nwosu and the then military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, of deceiving Nigerians who turned out to vote in the June 12, 1993 presidential election, only for the process to be annulled.

“Professor Nwosu and President Babangida fooled the 18 million Nigerians who voted. If he was afraid of the gun because we were under a dictatorship, some people might say, ‘Well, there were Nigerians who protested under the gun without minding the consequences,’” Oshiomhole said.

“After the end of Babangida’s tenure, the death of Abiola, and the birth of the new democracy that produced President Obasanjo, I would have expected Nwosu to say — either on his birthday or on a special occasion — ‘I couldn’t declare these numbers then, but now, on my record, Abiola won this election. I just wasn’t able to announce it.’

“He died without confession; he cannot be rewarded.”

Oshiomhole also said some of the contents of the motion brought to the senate by Abaribe were “manipulative”.

The former governor of Edo state attributed the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election to Nwosu’s “failure” to officially declare the results, adding that the decision ultimately derailed the democratic process.

“We cannot distort history in this senate. If Professor Nwosu had the courage to announce the winner, and dare the consequences, it would have been different. When it matters most, his courage failed him,” Oshiomhole added.

The house of representatives is considering conferring citizenship rights on foreigners married to Nigerian women.

The bill, which is sponsored by Akin Alabi, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Egbeda federal constituency of Oyo state, passed a second reading during plenary on Thursday.

The bill seeks to amend section 26 of the 1999 constitution, which addresses citizenship by registration.

Currently, section 26(1) states that a “person to whom the provisions of this section apply may be registered” as a citizen of Nigeria, if the president is satisfied that:

(a) they are of good character;

(b) they have demonstrated a clear intention to reside in Nigeria; and

(c) they have taken the oath of allegiance prescribed in the seventh schedule of the constitution.

Section 26 (2) (a) stipulates that the provisions of this section shall apply to any woman who is or has been married to a citizen of Nigeria.

Section 26(2)(b) extends eligibility to any person of full age and capacity born outside Nigeria, provided that at least one of their grandparents was a Nigerian citizen.

The proposed amendment seeks to replace the word “woman” in section 26(2)(a) with “person”, thereby making the provision gender-neutral.

SPECIFIC SEATS FOR WOMEN

A bill seeking to create “specific seats” for women in the national and state houses of assembly also passed second reading.

The bill is sponsored by Kafilat Ogbara, a lawmaker from Lagos state.

Similarly, a bill to ensure the inclusion of youths and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in political appointments scaled second reading.

Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Imo, is the bill’s sponsor

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says Kano state is already secured for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Akpabio spoke on Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit to Basheer Lado, the special adviser to the president on senate matters.

He said with Lado, Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, and Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the APC, “Kano is firmly secured for the ruling party” ahead of the 2027 polls.

He said in the past eight months since Basheer Lado assumed office, there have been no leaks of presidential communications to the upper chamber.

The senate president described Lado’s performance as unprecedented, noting that he has significantly improved communication between the senate and Tinubu.

“Let me put on record that since Senator Lado’s assumption of office as special adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on national assembly (senate matters), we have not had a single leakage of private communication between the presidency and the senate,” Akpabio said.

“We have not had a single incidence of leakage. Because in government, that’s what we call the right to know. The right to know.

“And then, of course, where government business is done, on pages of newspapers and social media through leakages of information, it negatively rubs off on national security.

“So, I want to thank you for upholding the tenets of what the government should be, what separation of powers is all about.

“Your performance in office generally within the last eight months is unprecedented by transforming the office itself and making the synergy between the executive and legislature more robust and rewarding for the good of all.

“You are, no doubt, a man of colour, a man of excellence, a man of style who stepped into an office and transformed it for better result delivery.

“Ahead of 2027, with the deputy president of the senate, the national chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and your strategic self, Kano is already in the kitty of APC.”

Lado, in his welcome speech, said that in Akpabio, Tinubu has found not only a dependable ally but a statesman who understands the delicate art of governance and the importance of cooperation over confrontation.

“Mr. Senate President, your presence here is not only symbolic of the harmony between the executive and the legislature; it is a testament to the power of unity, the strength of shared vision, and the boundless possibilities when leadership is anchored on service,” he said.

“Your Excellency, permit me to especially commend your steadfast and visible support for our president, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“In you, Mr. President has found not only a dependable ally but a statesman who understands the delicate art of governance and the importance of cooperation over confrontation.

“You have not merely walked alongside the president; you have championed his renewed hope agenda with conviction, defending it with clarity, articulating it with passion, and advancing it through legislative action.”

The National Coalition for Asiwaju Mandate (NCAM) has asked Nigerians to reject any coalition “solely focused on grabbing power”.

On March 20, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said he and other opposition politicians will form a coalition to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Atiku spoke at an event where Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna; Emeka Ihedioha, former governor of Imo; Salihu Lukman, a former member of the APC national working committee (NWC); Babachir Lawal, ex-secretary to the government of the federation (SGF); among others, opposition leaders, were in attendance.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Isaac Ikpa, NCAM national president, said any coalition intended to seize power for selfish ambition rather than for the interest of the country, will fail.

“We want Nigerians to understand that this so-called coalition is nothing more than a gathering of politicians seeking relevance,” Ikpa said.

“We, the National Coalition for Asiwaju Mandate (NCAM), stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his renewed hope agenda.”

He asked Nigerians to reject “this desperate attempt by politicians to cling to power”.

“The future of our nation is at stake, and we must stand firm in our commitment to protect good governance, transformative leadership, and the progress of Nigeria,” he added. 

He urged Nigerians to assess the track record of the coalition members and consider whether their leadership had previously contributed positively to the country.

Ikpa called on Nigerians to remain focused on governance and national development rather than political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections

Davido, the award-winning Nigerian singer, says the transition from a long-term relationship to marriage is “no joke”.

In a recent interview on the Bootleg Kev podcast, the Afrobeats star revealed that he and Chioma Adeleke, his wife, had been together for years before officially tying the knot.

Davido disclosed that they cohabited for eight years, adding that it helped smooth their transition into married life.

“I think I’m one of the lucky ones because me and my partner have been together for a long time prior to getting married. We’ve been living together,” he said.

“I was in my third year in college. That was where we met. I was lucky enough for us to move in together early, like eight years before we even got married.

“Getting married is no joke. The transition from being good friends and living together. And throughout the time we were living together, I was touring and really on the road.

“She always understood what I did for work, and she knows I’m at my happiest when I work. She knows I love music as she loves being in the kitchen. So the transition to marriage wasn’t too crazy for me.”

Davido met Chioma while studying music at Babcock University. Their relationship came to light after he dedicated a song titled ‘Assurance’ to her in 2018.

The singer announced their engagement in September 2019. But their union temporarily hit the rocks in 2021 amid allegations that the singer was in another relationship.

The couple lost Ifeanyi, their first child together, on October 30, 2022.

However, in March 2023, the singer disclosed that he and Chioma had officially married.

The lovebirds welcomed twins in the United States in October 2023.

Davido and Chioma tied the knot traditionally in June 2024. In November 2024, Davido disclosed that Chioma had been his girlfriend for 12 years

The Borno police command says its operatives have arrested three suspects for stealing sewing machine heads at the Dala Lawati Skills Acquisition Centre.

A statement on Thursday by Nahum Daso, police spokesperson in Borno, said Kaka Mustapha, a security guard at the centre, conspired with two other suspects, Bukar Mustapha and Ibrahim Mohammed, to perpetrate the act.

“On the 22/03/2025, at about 1400HRS, One Kaka Modu Mustapha 34yrs, a security guard at Dala Lawati Skills Acquisition Center, conspired with (2) Bukar Mustapha, 16yrs, and (3) Ibrahim Mohammed, 17yrs, and stole 19 sewing machine heads from the center,” the statement reads.

“Upon receiving the complaint, the divisional police officer, Bulumkutu division and team promptly launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of the three suspects and recovery of 6 out of the 19 sewing machines stolen.

“The case is still under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining stolen items.

“The command reiterates its commitment of ensuring safety and security for all and calls on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities within their domain.”

2023 Election: Official List Of House Of Representatives As Confirmed By INEC

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed for second reading a bill that seeks to bar individuals above the age of 60 from contesting for the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.

Sponsored by Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution to revise the eligibility criteria for these key political positions.

The proposed legislation sets an age limit of 60 years for candidates seeking to contest for the presidency or governorship.

The bill stipulates that both presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting for office.

In addition to the age requirement, the bill also mandates that candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study.

The amendments specifically target Section 131 of the Constitution, which governs presidential eligibility, and Section 177, which deals with the eligibility criteria for gubernatorial candidates.

Alongside the age limit bill, several other significant bills were also passed for second reading by the House. These bills include:

Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill: Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university, aimed at enhancing educational standards in the region.

Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area: This bill proposes the creation of an additional local government area in Imo State to enhance administrative efficiency and spur developmental efforts.

Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments: Also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill aims to promote inclusivity in governance by ensuring reserved positions for young people and persons with disabilities in political appointments.

Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List: This bill, sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, seeks to grant both federal and state governments the authority to regulate trade and commerce, fostering greater economic activity and cooperation nationwide.

Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill proposes the creation of reserved seats for women in both the National Assembly and state legislative bodies to promote gender equality in governance.

Two important judicial reform bills were also introduced:

Timelines for Justice Administration Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu): Seeks to expedite judicial processes and reduce delays in the legal system.

Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Bello Kaoje): Proposes increasing the number of justices in these courts to improve efficiency in the judicial system.

Creation of New States: The House also discussed bills proposing the creation of new states, including the Wan State in the North Central region and the Gobir State in the Northwest.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a second reading of a bill to upgrade the Lagos State 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs ).

The bill, was sponsored by James Faleke, Babajimi Benson, Enitan Badru, and 19 other lawmakers.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Accommodate the Thirty-Seven (37) Development Area Councils of Lagos State as Full-Fledged Local Government Areas, Increasing the Total Number of Local Government Areas in the Federation to Eight Hundred and Eleven (811), and for Related Matters (HB. 1498),”

Once fully enacted, Nigeria’s total number of LGAs will rise from 774 to 811, with Lagos overtaking Kano and Katsina, which currently have 44 and 34 LGAs, respectively.

Proponents of the bill argue that granting full LGA status to the LCDAs would bring governance closer to the people. The 37 LCDAs were created by President Bola Tinubu in 2003 when he was governor of Lagos State.

However, it’s worth noting that the Lagos State House of Assembly has been working on a bill to replace the 37 LCDAs with newly designated administrative areas

Nigerian lawmaker and polygamist, Ned Nwoko has addressed rumours that his marriage to Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels has hit the rocks.

Recall that there have being insinuations that the duo might no longer be together, after Daniels returned to Instagram after a break and removed her husband name ‘Nwoko’ from her bio.

Despite the rumours, Daniels refused to speak on the matter. However, taking to Instagram to celebrate their 6th wedding anniversary, Nwoko announced that not only are they still together, but also expecting their third child.

He wrote, “Rumours Can’t Shake Royalty

“Ah, the gossips, hungry and sly,

“Spinning their tales, their desperate cry.

“His arrest is coming!” but who is he?

“Even they don’t know, it’s comedy!

“And Regina left? Oh, what a tale,

“When she’s right here, steady as hail.

“Wrapped in love, in laughter’s glow,

“Rocking our babies, watching them grow.

“Their lies will fade, their voices dim,

“Yet here we stand unmoved, untrimmed.

“For love like ours, built on steel,

“Doesn’t break, doesn’t kneel.

“Let’s Set the Record Straight

“Still standing, still thriving, unshaken, supreme.

“Two beautiful sons, love’s sweetest dream.

“No rumoured child outside, That ship never sailed,

“Let them retire that story, tired and stale.

“A divorcee? A non-virgin? Not mine to marry

“My standards stand, untouched, unfazed.

“Some may cry, some may curse,

“But my love, my life, my rules come first.

“Justice Is Serve

“With a Smile

“To the faceless gossip, the shadow behind a keypad,

“Your fifteen minutes are on rewind.

“A bounty stands on your trail, ten million strong,

“Tick-tock, tick-tock you won’t run for long.

“Enjoy your fame, your fleeting day,

“Truth will rise, as lies decay.

“My name is mine, my path is clear,

“Forward, onward, year by year.

“And Here’s the Cherry on Top…

“Just when they thought they had their say,

“Baby number three is on the way!

“A new heartbeat, a love so grand,

“Another blessing in my hand.

“Let them talk, let them guess,

“While we live, while we bless.

“For at the end, when curtains close,

“It’s us, my love, that victory knows.

“Because love, true

“love, does not sway,

“It roars, it reigns, come what may.”