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United States of America billionaire and lead of the Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, has come hard on US federal judge who temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s order ending all federal funding or support for healthcare that aids gender transitions for people younger than 19.
Musk made his stand known via a statement on X on Thursday in reaction to the judgement.
DAILY POST reports that US District Judge, Brendan Hurson in Greenbelt, Maryland, issued a temporary restraining order in response to a lawsuit by families of transgender teens and LGBT advocacy groups.
The judgement became a blow to Trump’s order restricting healthcare for youths transiting to LGBTQ.
Reacting, Musk wrote on X, “If ANY judge ANYWHERE can stop EVERY presidential action EVERYWHERE, we do NOT live in a democracy.”
Recall that on January 28, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order, noting that “the policy of the United States is that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.”
As a follow-up, the order directed the US Department of Health and Human Services to “take all appropriate actions to end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.”
[DailyPost]
Rose Idibia, the mother of veteran singer Innocent, popularly known as 2face, has raised the alarm that Nigerians should help her beg Edo State lawmaker, Natasha Osawuru, to leave her son.
She made the appeal in a video that went viral on Thursday evening.
According to Mrs Idibia, 2face is presently not in his right frame of mind due to the divorce proceedings with his estranged wife, Annie.
“Good evening, Nigerians. My name is Mrs Rose Idibia, the mother of 2face. This message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo State. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son.
“My son is going through a divorce process, and he is clearly not in his right senses now. I know my son well. That is not him.
“Please Natasha, the beads you put on his hand and on his neck, remove them and free him,” she said.
The PUNCH reports a viral video on Thursday that captured the moment 2face proposed to Osawaru.
In the video, the singer and the lawmaker were seen dancing together to the admiration of some of their friends.
2face later proceeded to present Osawaru with a ring, after which they were locked in a long embrace.
This comes just a day after the musician publicly confirmed his romantic relationship with Osawaru, setting social media abuzz.
The revelation follows his recent separation from his wife, Annie Idibia, with the singer expressing his intention to take things further with Osawaru.
Speculations about their relationship had been growing after 2face was seen at the Edo State Assembly and a video surfaced showing the two together at a Lagos club.
Addressing the rumours, the African Queen crooner took to Instagram on Tuesday to set the record straight.
In the video, he said in part, “Allegedly, I have seen so many things, so many people coming up with their own false narratives and malicious nonsense after I posted that stuff that I posted. Yes, I posted what I posted.
“Hon. Natasha has been dragged, she has been called all sorts of names, she has been labelled as a home breaker.
“She is a young, brilliant, amazing woman, and she had nothing to do with what is happening between me and Annie in our marriage. Yes I love her, she is amazing, she is cool, I want to marry her.”
[Punch]
Nigerian media personality Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, popularly known as Nedu Wazobia, has announced his departure from The Honest Bunch podcast.
His exit follows controversy surrounding a recent episode featuring comedian and reality TV star Deeone, who alleged that social media critic VeryDarkMan (VDM) was attracted to men.
In response, VDM accused Nedu of persistently requesting his appearance on the podcast since 2024 and allegedly offering to buy him a car as an incentive. He further claimed that Nedu had reached out multiple times, suggesting this was the reason behind the allegations made against him by Deeone.
VDM also warned Nedu against further communication through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, threatening to expose alleged dealings involving female celebrities if the matter persisted.
In a statement released on Instagram on Friday, Nedu said his decision to step down was influenced by growing scrutiny and accusations, which he described as baseless.
“The past week has brought a lot into perspective for me. Hosting The Honest Bunch Podcast has been an incredible journey—one built on open conversations, bold perspectives, and the willingness to tackle difficult topics. But with that responsibility has come an overwhelming level of scrutiny, antagonism, and unfounded accusations that have now begun to take a personal toll,” he stated.
Nedu added that his exit was necessary for his well-being, family, and the integrity of the podcast, expressing hope that the decision would bring an end to the controversy.
“In light of recent events, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the podcast. This is not a decision I take lightly, but one I believe is necessary—for my peace of mind, for my family, and for the integrity of the show itself. I have always been committed to honest conversations, but when those conversations lead to relentless attacks and misrepresentation, it becomes clear that stepping back is the best path forward.”
“I sincerely hope this decision brings an end to the negativity surrounding my name and allows The Honest Bunch Podcast to continue thriving. I remain committed to fostering dialogue in ways that encourage meaningful engagement and growth, and I look forward to new opportunities that align with that vision.”
“I wish the show continued success and thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey,” the statement concluded.
[Vanguard]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has clarified the newly reviewed N100 charge on withdrawals at another bank’s ATM (Not-On-Us Transactions), stating that the fee applies whether or not the withdrawal amount is up to N20,000.
In a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document on the review of ATM transaction fees seen by Nairametrics, the CBN explained that the reason for applying the fee for every N20,000 withdrawal is to prevent customers from being compelled to break their withdrawals into smaller amounts.
“Yes, the fee of N100 will apply if you withdraw less than N20,000 from another bank (a bank other than the one that issued your payment card). The reason for applying the fee for every N20,000 withdrawal is to prevent customers from being compelled to break their withdrawals to less than N20,000 per transaction.
“In other words, ATM transactions will incur a base fee of N100 per transaction. It is also important to note that a tiered fee structure will apply for transactions exceeding N20,000, with an additional N100 charged for each subsequent withdrawal of N20,000 or portion thereof,” the document explains.
Sanctions await offenders
The CBN emphasized that banks are required to allow customers to withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction. “Any bank that compels a customer with sufficient funds in her account to withdraw less than N20,000 per transaction against the customer’s desire for a higher sum would be contravening this regulation’s spirit and sanctioned appropriately,” the CBN warned.
- The apex bank also encouraged consumers who are denied the right to withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction to file a complaint with the CBN via cpd@cbn.gov.ng.
- The CBN also provided an explanation of the difference between on-site and off-site ATMs: on-site ATMs are located within or directly affiliated with a bank branch, while off-site ATMs are found in locations such as shopping malls, fuel stations, or other public areas.
- The CBN noted that banks and other financial institutions are not allowed to charge more than the N500 per N20,000 surcharge for an off-site ATM withdrawal prescribed in the earlier circular. These fees will be displayed at the point of withdrawal, allowing customers to make informed decisions before proceeding with the transaction.
For withdrawals outside Nigeria, the CBN stated that banks will apply a cost recovery fee, meaning the exact charge imposed by the international ATM acquirer will be passed on to the customer.
What you should know
Nairametrics reported on Wednesday that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a major revision to its Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees, effectively eliminating the three free monthly withdrawals previously granted to customers using other banks’ ATMs.
- This directive, outlined in a circular dated February 10, 2025, applies to all banks and financial institutions operating in Nigeria and is set to take effect from March 1, 2025.
- The circular was signed by John S. Onojah, Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, and released on the apex bank’s website on Tuesday.
According to the circular, the CBN has reviewed the ATM transaction fees stipulated under Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (2020).
[Nairametrics]
[p
Tinubu: Presidency Faults Publication On Fela Durotoye’s Rejection Of ₦5 Billion Fraudulent Government Deal
Admin
The Presidency has frowned at a publication linking the fraudulent government deal statement of renowned leadership coach and former presidential candidate of the defunct Alliance for New Nigeria, Fela Durotoye, to President Bola Tinubu‘s government.
Naija News reports that Durotoye while speaking on Tuesday at the biannual conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Abuja, shared how he rejected an opportunity to siphon ₦5 billion in a fraudulent government deal despite immense pressure from an official who claimed to be a pastor.
According to a Church Times Nigeria report on Wednesday, he revealed that an official approached him with a lucrative training contract, assuring him that he had already been selected for the job.
The programme involved training people across all 774 local government areas of Nigeria within eight weeks, and Durotoye was told he fit the criteria perfectly.
He prepared an invoice upon request, ensuring that costs were strictly based on actual expenses. His team calculated a fair price of ₦1.3 billion for the training.
However, three days later, a call from the presidency changed everything.
Sharing a video of the interview via his X handle on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Durotoye never accused anyone in Tinubu’s administration, as referenced by Daily Trust.
He wrote, “Daily Trust was caught lying again. I listened to Durotoye’s video. He never accused anyone in Tinubu’s administration. But the untrustworthy newspaper will always slant news and its headlines to tarnish the reputation of the Tinubu administration.”
[NaijaNews]
Just last week, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, announced that it has secured necessary approvals for an upward review in its tariffs which was last reviewed in the year 1993.
The Managing Director took out time to explain the gains which the new tariff regime would bring to the nation’s port system.
The 15% increase which is to cut across all NPA Rates and Dues is premised on the urgent need to address the undesirable reality of aged and weak infrastructure, obsolete equipment and slow Port capacity expansion which has continued to diminish the performance and indeed competitiveness of Nigerian Ports.
The NPA boss explained that the Authority’s management was actually compelled by the exigency of bringing Nigerian Ports up to speed with those of its peers in terms of infrastructure and equipment.
It would be recalled that the Authority has been battling with aged port facilities and how to rehabilitate the existing ones to sustain operations at the nation’s seaports.
From its collapsing quay walls, the Authority feels that there is an urgent need to focus more on rehabilitating the quay walls of the port.
When Dantsoho became the MD of NPA, he undertook a holistic review of the decaying parts of the ports.
Right from the beginning, Dantsoho did not hide his desire to make the nation’s seaports work.
If anything should happen as a result of its inability to rehabilitate the quay, the impact of its collapse will affect its adjourning communities such as Snake Island, Niger Dock, and Takwa Bay.
Globally, Port Authorities depend on revenue from operations to stay alive to their responsibilities which include construction and maintenance of Port infrastructure, dredging of channels, provision of aids for safe navigation, provision of modern marine crafts for efficient harbour services, automation and digitization of port transactions, port security, energy efficiency and training and retraining of its employees.
The global index of Port rating and competitiveness which the international trade community relies on for its choice of countries to do business with, derives its data from how well the aforementioned responsibilities are addressed.
Coming at this period of global economic upheaval and scramble for markets, the belated Tariff review, according to the authority, is borne out of necessity.
Maritime experts strongly believe that tariff hike constitutes a critical success factor in Nigeria’s quest to win back cargo handling business and its accompanying benefits including job opportunities it had lost to its maritime neighbors.
Contrary to the popular but erroneous notion that attributes high Port costs to NPA relative to its peers, verifiable data shows NPA Tariffs are amongst the lowest in the region.
The high incidence of un-receipted costs due to unduly high human interface, bureaucratic bottlenecks, functional overlaps resulting from absence of a Port Community System (PCS) and its corollary, the National Single Window (NSW) are responsible for this contrived falsehood.
Highlighting some of the quick wins of the tariff review, Dantsoho states that although it is long overdue, it will become a quick win benefits for stakeholders.
“Some of the immediate boost it will give to the Authority is that it would fast track the commencement of actual works on its concluded Port reconstruction and modernization plans.
“Secondly, the Tariff review provides the necessary guarantees to fund the acquisition and urgent deployment of the Information Communications Technology (ICT) backbone of the PCS which is the precursor to the implementation of the NSW.
“Furthermore, the increased revenue generation arising from the review buoys the Authority’s capacity for critical maintenance works to open up the Eastern Ports for increased vessel and cargo traffic such as the reconstruction of collapsed Escravos Breakwaters and challenged aspects of Rivers, Onne and Calabar Ports respectively,” he added.
Speaking at the meeting, Joshua Asanga, a stakeholder agreed with the increase, adding that the value of NPA present tariff has since been suppressed by Inflation which is at about 35% .
Asanga listed port management liabilities like wages, fuel and other areas of expenditure as having adjusted upwards without a commensurate rise in NPA charges for over thirty years.
He added that NPA needs funds for improved port infrastructure, robust ICT for Port Community System, procurement of tug boats and other operational platforms to achieve efficiency
Another stakeholder, Demian Ukagu, who spoke at the event spoke on the need to apply more NPA funding to outer port facilities and jetties like the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal and development of other critical port facilities across the country.
He added that NPA rates should be able to cover these cost that would guarantee minimum return on investment and promote sustainable trade.
The meeting agreed that existing tariffs were set devoid of capital cost, labour cost, consumables and overhead expenditures needed to run the ports.
They feared that keeping the ports on the old tariff would promote consequences like poor service, inadequate infrastructure, poor remuneration, obsolete critical port facilities, equipment and infrastructure.
[DailyTrust]
The Managing Director of TVC Entertainment Channel and host of the ‘Your View’ program, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, has shared her thoughts on the ongoing divorce drama between singer 2Face and his wife, Annie.
DAILY POST reports that 2Face, in a viral video, confirmed his relationship with his new lover, Natasha Osawaru. He further announced his plan to marry her.
The development came two weeks after announcing his separation from his wife, Annie.
Reacting to the controversy sparked by the news, Morayo, during the ‘Your View’ program on Wednesday, opined that the singer should not go scot-free for the damage caused by his divorce decision.
While questioning the point at which he fell out of love with Annie, Morayo said, “I think he should not go scot-free for what he has done. I think he has probably damaged this woman (Annie).
“Maybe it is societal pressure that has caused him to stay with this young woman. Maybe, for whatever reason, he needs to tell us because society was there when they were getting married. At what point did you say you are no longer with Annie?” she asked.
[DailyPost]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Bishop Francis Wale Oke on his re-election as the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Bishop Oke, a revered religious leader, author, and founder of Sword of the Spirit Ministries International, was re-elected during the PFN’s 18th Biennial National Conference in Abuja.
He also serves as the Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), reinforcing his commitment to education and spiritual leadership.
In his congratulatory message, made public in a statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Bishop Oke’s dedication to fostering religious harmony and national renewal, particularly through his ‘Nigeria Turning Point Prayer Movement.’
The President commended the clergyman’s unwavering commitment to faith, peace, and moral integrity, describing him as a leader of “fine character, principle, and faith.”
Encouraging Bishop Oke to continue preaching the gospel of love, kindness, and peace, President Tinubu expressed his prayers for divine strength and fresh anointing as the bishop embarks on another term of spiritual leadership.
[TheNation]
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, passed the ₦54.99 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The ₦54.99 trillion budget is structured to address key national financial commitments.
Statutory transfers account for ₦3.645 trillion, ensuring funding for constitutionally mandated entities.
A significant portion, ₦14.317 trillion, is allocated to debt servicing, reflecting Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal obligations.
Recurrent expenditure, covering salaries, overheads, and government operations, takes up ₦13.64 trillion, while the highest allocation, ₦23.963 trillion, is earmarked for capital projects under the development fund, aimed at infrastructure growth and economic expansion.
Last week, President Bola Tinubu raised the proposed 2025 budget from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, seeking legislative approval.
More details to follow…
[Punch]
MTN Nigeria has publicly apologized to its customers following widespread backlash over a sudden 200% increase in the price of its 15GB digital bundle plan.
The telecommunications giant admitted the adjustment was an error and assured subscribers of better decision-making in the future.
In a statement posted on its official Instagram handle on Thursday, MTN acknowledged the frustration caused by the price hike.
“You dey vex. We know,” the company stated, recognizing the anger among its users. “We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favourite digital bundle.”
While the company refrained from offering detailed explanations, it accepted responsibility for the pricing change.
“We could share several reasons, and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake,” the statement read.
In a bid to mend its relationship with customers, MTN appealed for forgiveness, particularly during the Valentine’s season, emphasizing its appreciation for loyal subscribers.
“In this love season, don’t stay angry with us. Please forgive and forget. You matter die, and we will never stop showing you how much,” the statement continued.
The company concluded by reaffirming its commitment to customer satisfaction. “Let’s continue our relationship. Thank you for your understanding.”
MTN’s apology comes amid growing concerns over rising data costs and telecom services in Nigeria.
The sudden price hike, which raised the cost of a 15GB weekly data plan from N2,000 to N6,000—a 200% increase—caught many internet subscribers off guard and sparked widespread outrage on social media on Wednesday.
The statement, however, did not mention whether the tariff had been reduced.
[Punch]
More...
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has condemned the Canadian government for its decision to deny visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, and other senior military officials.
The officials were due to attend an event in Canada honouring war veterans, but only a portion of the delegation was granted visas, leading to strong reactions from Nigerian authorities.
Ribadu and Musa spoke on Thursday at the inaugural annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja.
The event, attended by security experts and government officials, focused on national security challenges and international cooperation.
Addressing the visa denial, Ribadu expressed frustration, describing it as disrespectful, while Musa emphasised the need for Nigeria to assert itself on the global stage and not be taken for granted.
Musa recounted the experience, noting that he and his team had been invited to the veterans’ event but faced an unexpected setback when some members of the delegation were denied entry. He described the situation as disappointing but saw it as a reminder for Nigeria to strengthen its independence and resilience.
He stated, “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event to honour our veterans, those who were injured during battles, and we were supposed to be there.
“We were invited with our team. Half of us have gone, and half have been denied. It’s very disappointing.
“It’s a clear reminder that the country must stand on its own, stand strong as a nation, and should no longer be taken for granted.”
Ribadu, in his remarks, reinforced the importance of making Nigeria self-sufficient, citing the incident as further motivation to work towards national progress.
He commended Musa for his leadership in tackling security challenges, stressing the need for continued collaboration among security agencies.
The NSA said, “Thank you for having the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell.
“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful and strong, and I agree with you that it is time to fix our country.
“Yet, this is another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria thrive. I commend you for providing purposeful leadership in the fight against insecurity.”
The visa denial raises questions about Canada’s stance on Nigerian military officials and its broader diplomatic relationship with Nigeria. While the specific reasons for the refusal remain unclear, the incident has highlighted the bureaucratic and political hurdles Nigerian officials face in international engagements.
[Vanguard]
It is that time of the year again — Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love and romance! While a classic dinner date is a popular choice, why stick to the usual when you can make the day even more special?
This year, break away from routine and explore new, exciting ways to celebrate with your partner.
Whether you are in the mood for adventure, relaxation, or a touch of creativity, these unique date ideas will help you create unforgettable memories and make your Valentine’s truly special.
- Beach picnic date
Nigeria has some of the most beautiful beaches, making them the perfect setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day.
So, skip the usual restaurant date and have a romantic picnic at a beach like Elegushi, Tarkwa Bay, or Oniru.
For a budget-friendly yet memorable experience, pack a picnic basket filled with homemade meals, snacks, and refreshing drinks. However, some beaches have restrictions on bringing in outside food, so be sure to confirm the rules beforehand.
You could also bring along your favorite games, a Bluetooth speaker for soft music, and a comfortable mat to lounge on. Enjoy deep conversations, playful moments, and breathtaking sunsets with your partner as the sound of the waves sets the mood.
- Paint and sip date
If you and your partner are artistic, a paint and sip date is a fun and romantic way to celebrate the day.
Rather than the regular dinner, spend the day exploring your creativity while sipping your favourite drinks. Several studios and lounges now offer paint and sip experiences, providing all the necessary materials, from canvases to brushes and paints.
For a more intimate experience, you can recreate this date at home. Set up a cozy painting station, grab some wine or juice, and follow an online tutorial together. It’s not about creating a masterpiece but about sharing laughter, bonding, and making lasting memories.
- Arcade date
Relive your childhood fun by trying out different games in an arcade.
The arcade offer several games, from car racing and basketball hoops to dance machines and VR experiences. The thrill of competing and cheering each other on is a good memory to have.
You can also set friendly wagers — whoever loses buys dessert!
- Staycation date
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday, it’s the perfect excuse to turn a romantic date into a weekend-long getaway without leaving your city or spending too much.
A staycation allows you and your partner to escape the usual routine, relax, reconnect and create new memories in a new environment without the hassle of long-distance travel.
- Spa and wellness date
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to relax and unwind with your partner, and a spa and wellness date offers just that.
Instead of the usual dinner outing, treat yourselves to couples’ spa experience, where you can enjoy variety of sessions including massages, facials, in a calm and intimate setting.
For a budget-friendly option, you can create a Do It Yourselves (DIY) spa night at home with scented candles, essential oils, and relaxing music.
Run a warm bath, give each other massages, and enjoy your favourite drinks.
- Museum date
You can as well explore Nigeria’s history and art by visiting cultural centres and museum for a mix of adventure and culture.
[YheCable]
X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has agreed to settle a lawsuit from President Donald Trump over censorship allegations following the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
Forbes reported the settlement fee as $10 million.
After the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, X, then known as Twitter, permanently suspended his @realDonaldTrump account, while Meta banned him from Facebook and Instagram for two years.
Trump sued the platforms for being unfairly censored.
X is the second major social media platform to mend the legal fracture with Trump.
Last month, Trump signed a settlement agreement to end Meta’s lawsuit.
Meta is reported to pay roughly $25 million – of which $22 million would go toward a fund for Trump’s presidential library.
Since Trump won the election, tech leaders have worked to score points with the US president whom they were previously vocal against during his first term.
At the time, Musk had described Trump as “unfit” to run the United States, however, the tech billionaire now leads a new federal agency –under the US president — dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The world’s richest man also played a significant role in Trump’s campaign leading to him winning the presidential election.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive officer (CEO), did not endorse Trump in the leadup to the election but Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund.
Musk and Zuckerberg were among several tech billionaires present during Trump’s inauguration last month.
[TheCable]
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has approved a one-year moratorium on new applications for polytechnics and monotechnics.
He, however, exempted health institutions due to low enrollment challenges.
This was contained in a statement by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, on Thursday in Kaduna.
Bugaje said the moratorium which takes immediate effect means that all new applications for polytechnics and monotechnics are put on hold for 12 months.
He, however, said institutions currently being assessed will be required to pay specific fees to continue the registration process.
He said, “Polytechnics awaiting ministerial approval will be required to pay an application fee of N4 million and a processing fee of N2 million per programme of study.
“Monotechnics, on the other hand, will pay an application fee of N2 million and a processing fee of N1 million per programme of study.
“Applicants have 30 days to pay these fees, failure to which will result in the termination of the registration process.
“New health institutions, which are exempted from the moratorium, will pay the same fees as Monotechnics for registration.”
According to the NBTE executive secretary, the objective of the move is to ensure that tertiary Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions are properly populated within their approved carrying capacities.
NAN