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A yet-to-be-identified man has reportedly fallen from one of the top floors of the 26-storey Cocoa House building in Ibadan, Oyo State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident, which threw the entire business community into panic, occurred in the early hours of Monday.
One of the eyewitnesses who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity said, “When the incident happened, I initially thought it was a large bird falling from the sky.
“It was only when the person landed that I realised it was a human being.
“I had my phone with me but I couldn’t even record anything because I was completely shocked.”
Another eyewitness said, “The victim first hit a roof beside the security post of the building before landing on the ground. It was a terrifying sight.”
As of press time, the circumstances behind the unfortunate incident were still sketchy as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, a statement released by the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, the firm managing Cocoa House, on Tuesday, in Ibadan, the state capital, confirmed the incident.
The Head of Branding and Communication of the company, Victor Ayetoro, who authorised the statement, said, “The individual involved was swiftly attended to by the emergency response team and taken to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for urgent medical attention.
“The company expressed deep concerns over the development and assured the public of its full cooperation with authorities investigating the cause of the fall,” he added
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has described his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria as one of the most defining choices of his football career, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year, said choosing to represent Nigeria changed everything for him, both personally and professionally.
“Without doubt, it changed my career and my life,” Lookman said in an interview with ARISE TV.
“People know that. This is my home. This is my place. I enjoy it here. I am the son of the soil.”
Born in London, Lookman played for England at youth level before pledging his international future to Nigeria.
That decision has coincided with a dramatic rise in his profile, culminating in a historic Europa League final hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen which helped Atalanta win their first-ever European title.
Now regarded as one of Europe’s most in-form attackers, the 27-year-old credited his success to discipline, consistency, and relentless hard work.
“I think it was just self-belief and working hard every day, when you work hard every single day, you gain confidence and grow in what you do. You know that eventually, your hard work will pay off,” he said.
Lookman said that mindset was crucial during the tougher moments in his career, including when he missed a crucial penalty during a loan spell at Fulham.
“Every day, I try to improve myself, both on and off the pitch. That consistency and mindset have really helped me,” he added.
Winning the African Footballer of the Year award, he said, was a deeply personal moment. “It’s amazing. Honestly, I won’t lie to you, it’s a privilege to have it,” he said.
I take it with real pride. I’ve seen the great players who have received this award, some of the biggest names in football. For me to be among them is a blessing.”
Lookman recently returned to Lagos to present the CAF award to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing it as a meaningful homecoming.
Sanwo-Olu hailed him as a symbol of the “Greater Lagos Rising” spirit and a shining example for millions of Nigerian youths.
He also visited Phase 2, a community where he spent much of his childhood with his grandmother and father.
“It was really important for me to bring this award back home. I’ve been cradling it all day. Bringing it back to Lagos means everything. That’s where I brought it back to, and today, I had the honour of presenting it to the President. That meant a lot.”
When asked if he would feel fulfilled if he retired today, Lookman gave a firm response.
“Definitely not. Retirement is nowhere in my thoughts. Not even close. There’s still a long journey ahead. So much more to achieve,” he said.
“This is just another chapter of that journey. There’s a long road still to go.”
His exploits have attracted the attention of top Premier League clubs, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United reportedly preparing bids.
Atalanta have placed a €50 million price tag on him as one of their star player, whose current form and maturity make him one of the most valuable forwards in European football
The Federal Government yesterday raised alarm that 30 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, are currently at risk of flooding, reminiscent of last Thursday’s flood in which over 200 persons lost their lives in Mokwa, Niger State.
Several houses were also washed away, rendering thousands homeless, even as over 500 persons have been declared missing.
The high flood risk states include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, and Edo.
Others are Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, who raised the alarm at a briefing in Abuja, also said the flood in Mokwa was not caused by any release of water from Kainji and Jebba dams, but by heavy rainfall, heightened by the effects of climate change.
He said the high casualty figure was caused by lack of adherence by people in the state to flood warnings.
While asking states to put measures in place to stave massive flooding that could destroy lives and properties, the minister said: “The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation extends its heartfelt sympathy and solidarity to the government and the good people of Niger State, especially the affected communities in Mokwa, who have experienced losses, deaths and displacements as a result of this natural disaster.
“I like to emphasise that the flood was not caused by water releases from either the Kainji or Jebba dams and that both dams are intact and safe.
“We commend the immediate response efforts of Niger State government, local authorities, and first responders who have been working tirelessly to provide relief and support to the victims.
“The flood in Mokwa town was primarily caused by heavy rainfall due to extreme weather conditions, occasioned by climate change, an emerging global phenomenon, which overwhelmed local drainage systems.
“Additionally, unregulated building and construction activities blocked an ephemeral tributary of River Dingi, a regressive river, a tributary of River Niger, which remains dry almost all year round with flows solely dependent on surface runoff by rainfall.
“The absence of efficient alternative pathways to redirect the excess water further worsened the flood’s impact on the communities.
“Nigerians will recall that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, AFO, on April 10, 2025, predicted flooding in 19 LGAs of Niger State, including Mokwa LGA.”
2025 Annual Flood Outlook
He also referred to the report of 2025 AFO, which indicated that 1,249 communities in 176 local government areas in 33 states and FCT fall within the high flood risk areas, while 2,187 communities in 293 local government areas in 31 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, fall within the moderate flood risk areas.
The high flood risk states, according to NIHSA, are Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara.
Speaking further, the minister said: “Let me take this opportunity to re-echo the key warnings and recommendations from the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, AFO.
“We had urged and we are still urging states and local governments to act on these early warnings by strengthening drainage infrastructure; relocating vulnerable communities from flood plains; engaging in sustained public awareness campaigns; and enforcing land-use regulations to prevent encroachment into flood-prone areas.
“The AFO provides a comprehensive overview of the flood risks beyond the LGAs to actual communities, the potential flood-prone areas, expected flood levels and recommended adaptation and mitigation measures to minimise flood impact and also highlight how communities can adopt innovative approaches to reduce vulnerability.
“Stakeholders are, therefore, advised to visit the website/dashboard at (https://nihsa.gov.ng/flood-forecast-dashboard) for detailed information to take proactive measures in adaptation and mitigating flood impacts in their domain.
“This flood event, like many others in recent times, is a stark reminder of the increasing impacts of climate change on our environment and water systems.
“Extreme weather events, including intense rainfall and river flooding, are becoming more frequent and severe across the country and globally. These events not only disrupt livelihoods but also challenge the resilience of our infrastructure and environment.
“As a ministry, we remain committed to our mandate of managing the nation’s water resources in a sustainable and climate-resilient manner.
“We call on all stakeholders, government agencies, private sector, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to work together in building safer, more resilient communities.
“Technical personnel from the ministry; Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, UNRBDA; and National Water Resources Institute, NWRI, are on ground in Mokwa taking assessments of the cause of the flood in order to come up with an appropriate report.’’
As at yesterday, some states listed by the federal government had started taking measures to prevent the Mokwa experience in their domains.
Delta takes pre-emptive steps to counter flooding
Reacting to the alert, Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, said the state government is taking proactive steps to consolidate on steps taken last year.
He said: “We are consolidating on what we did last year. We are preparing to do massive de-siltation and open up the waterways across the three senatorial districts. We are working towards that seriously.
“We have an existing flood management committee; we are very proactive when it comes to flood management in Delta State. IDP camps will be established in Kwale, Bomadi, Patani, Otu-Jeremi, Ozoro and Asaba.’’
He claimed that when it came to matters affecting the people, the state government is very business-oriented, saying “we have started advocacy and orientation, telling the people, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to take charge of their environment; be aware that when we have sea level rise and when the rains are coming, they should move.
“Those farming in the flood plains should harvest their crops when the signs are coming, and those who are fishing should harvest their fish. Those living close to drains should stop the habit of turning the drains into dump sites.’’
Bayelsa can’t eliminate flooding, but…
In Bayelsa State, where flooding is perennial due to the location of the state as a receptacle of the nation’s water bodies, flooding can be described as a way of life.
However, the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control has begun opening and clearing canals to prevent flooding in the state.
Speaking on the state’s preparedness to mitigate the predicted flooding, Director-General of the agency, Surv Wilson Omuso, said government had instituted systematic cleaning of drainages and is committed to reducing the impact of floods.
His words: “We cannot eliminate flooding due to our geographic location, but we can minimise its damage through preparedness and coordinated response.”
He said the flood control agency, in collaboration with the ministries of works and environment, is already operational and addressing high-risk zones.
Also speaking, the Technical Assistant to Bayelsa State Governor on Environment, Morris Alagoa, said: “Let me first remind us again that Bayelsa State is very unique geographically as it has the most Delta features of the Niger Delta, with a greater number of the water bodies emptying into the Atlantic Ocean and having the longest stretch on the Atlantic coastline, covering three local government areas (Brass, Southern Ijaw, and Ekeremor).
“Also, the state is below sea level and more riverine. With these geographical and geological features, Bayelsa State shouldn’t ordinarily wait for any predictions from NIMET, especially when we consider what has become a global singsong — the climate change phenomenon.
“From the above premise, even though the state is not where we should be, as Bayelsa is supposed to be leading when it comes to such, some concrete steps are being taken by the Sen. Douye Diri administration to tackle flood and erosion-related matters.
“You will recall that, owing to the significance given to the challenges posed by floods in recent times (since 2012), the state government established a Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control in 2023.
“That agency, which is mostly made up of professionals, has been doing quite a lot to ensure thoroughfare on our natural canals within the state capital and environs. Even as I respond to you now, they are busy in the field clearing water channels and canals.
“In addition, the agency conducts additional investigations in response to complaints from stakeholders and communities. Since last weekend, and even this morning and afternoon, I have been in contact with the agency’s leadership regarding the unusual rise in water levels on Epie Creek.
“This came after distress calls from victims whose surroundings, particularly farms, were inundated in May, forcing them to quickly harvest immature crops. These farmers along Epie Creek’s banks had anticipated harvesting their crops in August or September, but they are currently losing money as a result of the unforeseen amount of water upstream.’’
NEMA ready for floods in Rivers — Ebhodaghe
In Rivers State, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, also yesterday expressed its readiness to tackle flood emergencies in Rivers State, dousing tension raised by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, which listed Rivers as one of the flashpoints for floods.
Speaking on NEMA’s state of preparedness, the head of operations in Rivers/Bayelsa states, Eric Ebhodaghe, said the agency had been giving information from NiMET to all the stakeholders in the state to continue to be on red alert as flood was expected.
He noted that adequate action plans had been stepped up to mitigate impending floods in the state, adding that an intensive campaign to keep residents, especially those at the identified flashpoints, in a state of readiness for the flood had been embarked on.
“We have interacted with critical stakeholders like local government officials, relevant state government agencies, security agencies, such as NSCDC, the Army, and the Red Cross, among others. The essence of such interaction is to help us evacuate victims in record time when necessary,’’ he said.
Ebhodaghe also said the agency had since procured items, such as medication, foodstuffs and other necessities that would be needed to assist potential victims of the flood, adding that NEMA had identified safe grounds for relocation of flood victims.
He said, “we have trained volunteers across the state to help handle critical situations; we have also embarked on management of waste that blocks the water channels.
“The government has also been informed to de-silt every canal in the state, so waterways are not disrupted.”
Borno govt on sensitisation campaigns
In Borno, the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, have embarked on aggressive sensitisation campaign, especially in view of what the state suffered in last year’s flooding.
Speaking on the level of preparedness of the state, in reaction to FG’s alarm, the Executive Secretary of Borno Geographic Information System, BOGIS, Engineer Adam Bababe, said he had already inaugurated a 13-man committee, saddled with the responsibility of demarcating boundaries and controlling developments along river banks and buffer zones or waterways in Maiduguri, and it’s environs with immediate effect.
Chairman of the committee is Liman Gana Mustapha, while Modu Choromi would serve as secretary.
Other members of the committee include a police officer, ASP Abba Bukar, legal adviser of the agency, among others.
He warned people to stop developing structures along waterways and buffer zones, saying 99.9% of structures/properties hitherto developed were in 2020 marked illegal since they had no government titles and approvals.
Bababe warned that the state government will not pay compensation for any demolished property along waterways or buffer zones that had no legal title or approval by relevant authorities, adding that over 1,300 illegal structures or property had been marked for demolition.
We’re prepared— Ondo govt
In Ondo State, Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan said: “ In the last three months, there has been continuous channelisation ongoing across Ondo State, especially in such areas as Akure, Ondo and Idanre.
“Ondo State is well prepared to handle any case of flooding in any part of the state. The government has embarked on massive dredging of waterways across the state for easy passage of water.
We’ve de-silted 988.3km of rivers/streams, and drainage channels— Ogun govt
Reacting to the flood alert, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said: “In continuation of the efforts of government to minimise occurrence of flood in the state, residents of Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Owode, Abeokuta, Onihale in Ifo, Sagamu, Iperu and Ilishan are advised to be wary of flash floods expected this year.
“Those living on flood plains of Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Owa and Yemule River banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ifaara, Ebute-Oni, Ayede-Ayila, Makun, Iwopin and Igele in Ogun Waterside, Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East, Sokori, Arakanga and Onikoko River all in Abeokuta, Eruwuru, Eri, Ibu, Majopa, Odan and Sensen in Sagamu, and Ijamido, Ilo, Erukomu, Isakale, in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area among others are advised to relocate to safer grounds before the coastal flood between September and November.
“To mitigate the impact of two seasons of flood in the state, the state government has, in the last five years, de-silted 988.3km of rivers/streams, and drainage channels; constructed 698m in length of concrete drainages and culverts of various cross-sections. Also, motorists, bike riders and other road users are advised not to enter or cross flooded roads during rainfall.
“Community Development Associations, CDAs, are enjoined to educate their residents not to dump refuse on drainage channels and rivers/streams, build on run-off routes or engage in other environmentally hazardous activities as the state government will not shy from applying maximum consequences for such inordinate behaviour.’’
We have taken measures to forestall flooding — Osun govt
In Osun State, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr Mayowa Adejoorin, said the state government has embarked on massive dredging of waterways to create wider areas for easy passage of water across the state since last October.
“We also ensured evacuation of all debris and wastes illegally dumped across water ways desilting box culverts and line drainages to allow easy passage of water
“We have also embarked on massive campaigns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse and introduction of penalties against anyone found culpable in the act.”
Oyo fully prepared for flooding
In Oyo State, the Commissioner for Environment, Seun Ashamu, said: “l want to reassure our residents that we are fully prepared for the upcoming rainy season. We are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
“We are launching awareness campaigns to educate everyone about the risks of flooding and the necessary safety precautions.
“Our emergency response plans are ready, and we are working closely with NEMA to activate early warning systems that will keep our citizens informed.
“Community engagement is vital, and we are ensuring that everyone knows evacuation routes and safety protocols. We are also prioritising the maintenance of our drainage systems to improve water flow and reduce flood risks.
“By collaborating with local authorities and community leaders, we aim for a coordinated response to any challenges that may arise. Continuous monitoring of weather patterns will help us respond swiftly to any changes. The state government remains committed to protecting our residents and minimising the impact of flooding.’’
Zamfara prepared, says ZEMA boss
In Zamfara State, the state Emergency Management Agency, ZEMA, said the state government has taken precautionary measures to avert flooding and it’s impact on vulnerable communities across the state.
Executive Secretary of the agency Amb. Ahmed Bala, who spoke with Vanguard yesterday: “ZEMA has ramped up mitigation efforts in the flood-prone areas, especially the local government areas of Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka, Talata-Mafara, and all other areas that usually experience flood in the past,”
He said ZEMA has embarked on vigorous enlightenment campaigns on clearance of major drainages to ensure water flowed freely during the peak of the raining season.
“Infact, we have since been working closely with all the relevant agencies, the ministry of environment, community leaders as well as the local authorities to educate residents against dumping refuse on drainage channels. We have also been evacuating all blockages that might cause flooding,” Amb. Bala said.
He called on residents of the state, particularly those in flood-prone areas to support the effort of the state government by maintaining clean environment.
We’re prepared— CrSG
In Cross Rivers State, the state Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, said it was ready to tackle any incident of flood in any local government, noting it had already informed affected areas on the need to be at alert.
Director General of SEMA in the state, Gill Antigha, said the agency would also be holding a stakeholders meeting on Friday to address issues ahead of time, especially sensitisation and simulation, using flood sites in Calabar metropolis.
“Tradiomal rulers, community leaders, youth leaders, emergency management agencies / responders, such as Red Cross, Road Safety, among others, have been invited.
“We already have jingles on radio and television advising residents of affected areas and LGAs to take precautions and be proactive by leaving such environments, especially along revirine areas or move to uplands or higher grounds.
“We are fully prepared for the flood as we are not going to be reactionary but very proactive in tackling flood.
“Those stakeholders we are inviting will take the message to their domain, and we are also going to go round the 18LGAs to sensitise the people on the dangers of flood and the need to be alert,” he said.
No cause for alarm in Lagos — Commissioner
he Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has assured residents of adequate preparation for the rains.
Wahab, however, urged residents of low-lying wetland areas to move upland to avoid needless loss of lives and property, when the need arises.
He said: “It should be noted that the state has put in place its own network of weather stations as well as river gauge stations to monitor the weather and river levels in our state as well as increase preparedness for weather and flood related issues.
“The Ministry is collaborating with NiMet in the annual SCP which has been valuable as a vital weather and early warning tool for farmers, planners, decision makers and operators of various sectors and businesses that are likely to be impacted by the annual rainfall.
“Let me assure you that our State will continue to reap the benefits of careful and rigorous planning, as our flood control measures are being stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall.”
[Vanguard]
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives have arrested a 63-year-old suspect for alleged impersonation and extortion under false pretences to influence investigation into a $4.5 billion Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) fraud.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson of the EFCC, said the suspect, Ernesto Chukwukamma, was arrested for allegedly posing as a journalist affiliated with the commission.
Oyewale said Chukwukamma deceived a petitioner to part with N2 million, with a promise to help suppress a report implicating him in the alleged PTF fraud.
The suspect reportedly told the petitioner that members of a supposed correspondents’ chapel attached to the EFCC were in possession of a damaging report alleging that the petitioner stole $4.5 billion during the winding down of the PTF.
He allegedly threatened the petitioner and demanded money to halt further investigations.
The EFCC spokesperson said Chukwukamma was taken into custody while attempting to withdraw the N2 million allegedly collected from the petitioner.
Oyewale said the suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
[TheCable]
The Police Command in Niger, says it has detained for prosecution a dismissed soldier for alleged impersonation, fraudulent act.
This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun on Tuesday in Minna.
According to him, on May 27, at about 2:30pm, a case of criminal breach of trust, fraud and theft was referred for Police investigation from a magistrate court to Tudun-Wada Police Division.
He said the matter was reported by three victims.
He said that on May 12, at about 10am, a suspected soldier went to a Point of sales (PoS) shop around Musa Bello Primary School, Bida and allegedly deceitfully collected N120,000 from the operator and escaped.
“Similarly, on May 23, at about 9.30am, the same suspect dressed in military camouflage went to a PoS attendant at Kataeregi, and collected N300,000 and equally escaped.
“While on May 29, at about 4pm, the same situation occurred at a PoS shop along Mandela road and N500,000 was taken from the victim.
“However, in the course of the investigation, Police detectives with the aid of technical intelligence arrested the suspect who resides Michael Musa of Mandela Road, Minna in connection with the case.
“During interrogation, the suspect who was arrested in military uniform confessed to these incidents.
“He claimed he was a dismissed soldier in 2022 in Benin, Edo,” he added.
“Meanwhile, the case is under investigation, and more victims have been coming forward to lay similar complaints.
NAN
The West African Examinations Council , Nigeria, has debunked claims that the English Language paper written during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, 2025, has been cancelled.
A viral press release, dated Friday, May 30, 2025, and circulated widely on social media platforms, falsely claimed that the May 28 English Language examination had been cancelled and that a new date would be announced.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, WAEC described the release as fake and the work of “mischief-makers.”
“The management of the West African Examinations Council would like to state that the press release being circulated did not emanate from the council.
“The said examination has not been cancelled,” the statement signed by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, read.
Although the origin of the false document is still unknown, WAEC emphasised that its communication with the public is strictly through verified channels.
The statement added, “The council is certain that the false claim is being peddled by mischief-makers who are bent on bringing the council to disrepute, to cause confusion and panic for candidates who sat the examination.”
WAEC further urged the general public, including candidates, parents, and schools, to disregard such unverified information and rely solely on official communication.
“All pieces of information from the council are disseminated via our official and verified social media handles, as well as accredited media platforms across the country.
“In the same vein, all press releases are issued and signed by the Public Affairs Department of the Council on behalf of the Head of National Office,” it stated.
Reassuring stakeholders, the council thanked the public for their continued trust over the past 73 years, adding that it remains committed to improving service delivery to Nigerian students.
“Once again, we thank all stakeholders for the confidence reposed in us… and we promise to always seek innovative ways to render quality services to the Nigerian child,” WAEC said.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that the examination was conducted late at night, far beyond the scheduled time, on May 28, 2025.
This, according to multiple reports, may have fuelled speculation that the exam had been cancelled.
The examination body, however, blamed the delay in the conduct of the paper on heightened efforts to curb examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of question papers.
In an exclusive report, Sunday PUNCH gathered that some officials of the exam body might be connected to the leakage, particularly the circulation of the English Language paper to the public four days before the examination.
PayPal Holdings Inc. is set to launch a new credit card as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in physical retail locations.
The card, issued by Synchrony Financial, will expand PayPal’s lineup of financial products, which already includes a long-standing debit card and a 3% cash-back credit card.
The California-based company said the new credit card will feature a six-month promotional offer of no-interest financing on eligible travel purchases, such as flights and hotel bookings.
This initiative is aimed at boosting PayPal’s visibility and usage in in-person transactions, complementing its strong online presence.
“PayPal Credit is one of our most popular products,” said Scott Young, global head of consumer financial services at PayPal.
He added that the new card will offer customers “more choice and flexibility wherever they shop.”
PayPal is set to distribute its new physical credit card to U.S. customers in the coming weeks, according to a company statement.
Issued by Synchrony Financial, the card will feature a six-month no-interest financing offer on eligible travel purchases and will expand PayPal’s existing lineup of financial products.
This launch is part of a broader wave of activity from the San Jose-based company.
In recent months, PayPal has made strategic investments in stablecoin technology, formed alliances with competitors to expand its market presence, and introduced an advertising business, signalling its intent to diversify and strengthen its position in the financial services landscape.
Nollywood actress Abiola Adebayo has confirmed her separation from her husband, Oluwaseyi Akinrinde, revealing that the couple parted ways over a year ago and are now committed to co-parenting their son.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the actress extended warm birthday wishes to her ex-husband, publicly acknowledging their separation, which took place in April 2024.
She wrote, “Happy birthday to my ex-husband and my baby daddy. I pray that grace will abound unto you, I pray you find peace in all your ways. May God continue to light your path and bless you beyond your expectations, in Jesus’ name.”
“Yes, you heard me right!” she added, marking her first public disclosure of the breakup. “My husband and I have been separated since April last year, but we have decided to maturely and peacefully co-parent our dear son, who means everything to us.”
Addressing her followers, she continued, “To everyone that feels disappointed, I’m sincerely sorry. I wished it worked, but it’s better to stay alive to tell the story. Please keep us in your prayers.”
Adebayo also shared the emotional toll the past year has taken on her, admitting that despite maintaining a strong public image, she has endured many nights of quiet sorrow.
“While I go about making other people happy during the day, my pillow is drenched with my own tears almost every night for the past 14 months,” she wrote. “But I gain strength from Christ, who loves me eternally and gave Himself for me.
“Let’s learn to be kind to people; you have no idea what others are going through until they say it. Say unto the righteous, all is well.”
Fans, colleagues, and well-wishers flooded her comment section with supportive messages, praising her courage and maturity in navigating this deeply personal chapter of her life.
Nollywood actress Regina Chukwu wrote, “Biola… it’s well.”
Other comments included heartfelt expressions of sympathy and encouragement, reflecting the public’s admiration for her strength.
In 2023, PUNCH reported that Adebayo explained why she and her husband had a brief courtship before marrying in April 2021. On her YouTube channel, she said, “I realised that we had a lot in common. We did not court for long. We got married in less than six months after we started dating because I knew what I wanted.”
The couple welcomed their first child, a boy, in April 2023 via a surrogate mother.
The Presidency on Tuesday refuted criticisms by a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which claimed that the administration’s policies have resulted in economic hardship, democratic decline, and social regression.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the group’s assessment as “deceitful,” “prejudiced,” and “not grounded in facts.”
The statement is titled ‘Response To Afenifere Faction’s Deceitful Statement On President Bola Tinubu’s Mid-term’.
Dare maintained that the Tinubu-led administration has made notable progress in stabilising the economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and implementing far-reaching reforms under its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems,” Dare stated.
The Presidency’s reaction comes days after the factional Afenifere, in a widely circulated statement, accused the Tinubu administration of worsening human development indices, mismanaging the economy, and eroding democratic freedoms.
The group had labelled the President’s key reforms—such as fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation—as “unforced errors” that have deepened poverty and unrest.
But in Tinubu’s defence, Dare argued that these policies were necessary to stop the bleeding of public finances and build a sustainable future.
According to him, the removal of the fuel subsidy saved the government over $10bn in 2023, while exchange rate unification boosted foreign reserves and helped Nigeria record an N18.86tn trade surplus.
He also cited improvements in inflation control, foreign direct investment commitments, and debt service-to-revenue ratios as evidence that the economy is stabilising.
On the social front, the Presidency listed several interventions including the cash transfer programme reaching 5.7 million households, NELFUND student loans, and a raised NYSC allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.
Other highlighted achievements include the disbursement of palliatives to states, the rollout of CNG buses, the revitalisation of over 1,000 primary health centres, and the training of 150,000 youths under the 3 Million Technical Talent programme.
Addressing Afenifere’s claim that corruption is festering under Tinubu, Dare pointed to the suspension of a cabinet minister over mismanagement, the EFCC’s 4,111 convictions in 2024, and the forfeiture of high-value assets, including a 725-unit estate handed over to the Ministry of Housing in May.
On democratic governance, the Presidency dismissed claims of creeping authoritarianism, noting that the judiciary has upheld opposition victories and that recent electoral appointments have not been proven partisan.
“What is excused backstage will not be excused under the spotlight,” said Dare, quoting a widely shared maxim.
The Presidency concluded with a call for collective responsibility in nation-building and an appeal to political actors to work with the administration to fight disinformation, stabilise the economy, and deliver lasting change.
“Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway,” the statement concluded.
The National Youth Service Corps has advised members of the 2024 Batch B Stream I, who have just concluded their service year, to focus on wealth creation.
NYSC Coordinator in Rivers State, Mr Moses Oleghe, gave the charge on Tuesday during the passing-out ceremony of corps members held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
He reminded the corps members of the core values instilled in them throughout their service year and encouraged them to become agents of positive change in society.
Oleghe discouraged the pursuit of white-collar jobs as the sole path to success, urging the corps members to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
“Creativity, hard work, discipline, focus, determination, and dedication are the ingredients needed to achieve your aspirations.
“Rather than wait for white-collar jobs, outgoing corps members should channel their energy into establishing businesses and creating wealth with their own hands,” he advised.
Presenting service statistics, Oleghe disclosed that a total of 2,302 corps members had successfully completed their service year in Rivers.
He noted that regrettably, two corps members died during active service, while 17, comprising seven males and 10 females, had their service extended.
Additionally, the NYSC coordinator reported that two corps members were granted pardon, while 23 others – 13 males and 10 females – absconded from service.
NAN
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Mark Zuckerberg’s fortune surged by $8 billion on Monday, June 2, 2025, after shares of Meta Platforms Inc. jumped nearly 4%, driven by investor optimism surrounding the company’s growing focus on artificial intelligence.
Meta’s stock climbed $23.41 to close at $670.90, significantly outperforming the broader S&P 500 index, which rose by just 0.4%. The rally pushed Zuckerberg’s real-time net worth to $231.6 billion, according to Forbes, making him the second-richest person in the world as of Tuesday morning.
The stock surge followed a Wall Street Journal report indicating that Meta is preparing to launch a comprehensive suite of AI tools tailored for advertisers. According to sources cited in the article, these tools would enable businesses to generate complete ad campaigns, including creative content and targeted audience strategies, entirely through AI. The rollout is expected as early as 2026, though Meta has not yet confirmed the plans.
Currently, Meta uses AI in limited advertising applications, but the reported expansion signals a major leap in the company’s efforts to modernise its ad-driven revenue model. With most of Meta’s income coming from digital advertising, the new tools could give it an edge in the competitive landscape dominated by platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Investor excitement around AI has been a key driver of tech stocks over the past year. Meta’s pivot toward AI places it alongside tech giants like Alphabet and Microsoft, which are aggressively integrating generative AI into their ecosystems.
Zuckerberg, 40, co-founded Facebook in 2004 while studying at Harvard. The company went public in 2012 and rebranded as Meta in 2021 to reflect its ambitious bet on the metaverse—a virtual reality-powered space that has yet to yield significant commercial success. In recent months, however, Meta appears to have shifted its attention toward AI, which investors see as a more immediate and practical growth engine.
The strategic timing of this shift comes amid slowing digital ad growth and increasing privacy restrictions that have weakened traditional ad tracking. AI-powered content generation, microtargeting, and automation promise to restore some of that lost precision.
Zuckerberg owns roughly 13% of Meta’s shares and retains controlling voting power through a dual-class share structure. In 2015, he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, pledged to donate 99% of their Meta shares over their lifetime via the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny and criticism regarding content moderation and data privacy, Meta remains a dominant player in global social media, with Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp serving billions of users worldwide.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated deposit money banks (DMBs) to cease deducting unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) charges directly from customers’ bank accounts, with the fees now to be deducted from users’ mobile airtime.
The new directive, which took effect on June 3, 2025, was communicated to customers by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) in an email on Tuesday, June 3. The change aligns with the NCC’s End-User Billing (EUB) model, which shifts responsibility for USSD transaction charges from banks to mobile network operators (MNOs).
“In line with the directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), please be informed that effective June 3, 2025, charges for USSD banking services will no longer be deducted from your bank account,” the statement from UBA read.
“Going forward, these charges will be deducted directly from your mobile airtime balance in accordance with the NCC’s End-User Billing (EUB) model.”
Under this structure, each USSD session will attract a fee of ₦6.98 per 120 seconds, billed by the mobile network operator. Customers will receive a prompt at the beginning of each session requesting their consent, and charges will only apply if they confirm and if the bank is able to process the request.
The bank noted that customers who do not wish to continue using the USSD platform under the new model may opt to discontinue its use, while other digital and internet banking options remain available.
This move by the NCC appears to be part of ongoing efforts to resolve the long-standing USSD debt crisis between mobile operators and commercial banks. In December 2024, the NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had jointly urged both parties to settle a ₦250 billion debt related to USSD services.
Tensions had escalated in early 2025, with telecom companies threatening to suspend USSD services due to non-payment. The NCC responded in January by ordering the disconnection of USSD codes assigned to nine banks over unpaid debts. Subsequently, MTN Nigeria confirmed in February that it received ₦32 billion out of the ₦72 billion owed by banks.
The latest directive signals the regulator’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable framework for USSD service delivery, while promoting transparency and reducing disputes between financial institutions and telecom providers
Senator Shehu Sani has strongly criticised the ex-governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over their recent comments blaming President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the country’s worsening poverty and hunger.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna, Sani accused both men of hypocrisy, calling them key contributors to the very problems they now condemn. He described them as architects of banditry and hunger, who failed to address the same issues during their years in government.
“Both El-Rufai and Amaechi have no moral ground to criticise the current administration, as they failed to address the same challenges during their time in power,” he said.
“El-Rufai and Amaechi should bow their heads in shame. They are the architects of the banditry, poverty, and hunger they now pretend to lament. During their tenure, they did nothing to solve these issues, and now they cry foul simply because they have been left out of the current government.”
His comments followed El-Rufai’s remarks at Amaechi’s 60th birthday lecture in Abuja, where the former governor described Nigeria as being controlled by “urban bandits” and warned that the country is facing one of its worst crises since 1914. El-Rufai also urged Nigerians to elect competent and visionary leaders in future elections.
Sani, however, dismissed the criticism as politically motivated and rooted in bitterness over exclusion from Tinubu’s cabinet.
He maintained that there was nothing wrong with criticising the government, “but when such criticism stems from personal disappointment over missed appointments rather than genuine concern for the people, it becomes dangerous.”
The former Kaduna Central Senator accused several key figures from the Muhammadu Buhari administration, including El-Rufai and Amaechi, of trying to undermine the current government after losing influence.
“These individuals controlled the affairs of the country for eight years. They had the power, the resources, and the influence to transform the North into a socio-economic model for the rest of the country. Instead, they left it in a worse condition,” he said.
Sani acknowledged ongoing security challenges in parts of the north, such as Katsina and Zamfara, but credited the current administration with making some progress.
“Today, people can travel the Birnin Gwari road, which was once a death trap due to incessant bandit attacks. The southern part of Kaduna, once abandoned, is now relatively peaceful thanks to the efforts of the current Chief of Defence (Staff),” he noted.
While urging President Tinubu to do more to address the region’s challenges, he also called for openness to constructive criticism but warned against politically motivated attacks disguised as concern for the people.
The Federal Government has began payment of N44,000 minimum wage arrears.
The arrears will be paid to former members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, according to a report by NAN.
The commencement of the payment fulfills an earlier promise tied to the recent upward review of corps members’ monthly allowance from N33, 000 to N77, 000.
The payment applies to those who completed their service before the new allowance took effect earlier this year.
Former corps members have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm receipt of the payment, expressing their gratitude and relief.
One user, @Kingpin_black1, posted: ”Thank you NYSC. Thank you President Tinubu. Nigeria will be great again.”
Another user @pharmacist_shezzy shared: ”44k don land. NYSC no carry last. God bless Nigeria ”
Similarly, @ifeoluwa_X wrote: ”Just got my alert. I almost deleted my NYSC account. Thank you FG.”
The payment, widely seen as a fulfillment of the government’s earlier pledge, has sparked excitement online, with many praising the move as a sign of renewed trust and accountability.