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Tensions are escalating in the Niger Delta region as ex-militant leaders and their loyalists continue to clash over the multimillion-naira pipeline protection contracts awarded to Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The contracts, which cover key areas in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, have sparked heated debates among former agitators and local leaders.
An ex-militant leader, who spoke to Punch on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the contracts awarded to Tompolo and the Olu of Warri have generated widespread controversy in the region.
The source revealed that prominent figures in the Niger Delta, including Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom, and Victor Ebikabowei (Boyloaf), have expressed opposition to Tompolo’s dominance over the pipeline surveillance contracts.
“The Olu of Warri’s contract extends to parts of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. It is a multi-billion naira contract, and some people are protesting because they believe the contract should have been awarded to an indigene of Rivers State,” the source said.
Amid these tensions, allegations have surfaced accusing workers from Tantita Security Services, Tompolo’s company, of attacking surveillance workers. However, organizations like the Niger Delta Renaissance Network and the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition have stepped in to defend Tompolo and his team.
“These orchestrated character assassinations are not merely unfounded; they threaten to derail the critical efforts of Tompolo and his team,” said Abalagha Adawari, the spokesman for the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition (NDEJC).
Tantita Security Services has also vehemently denied any involvement in attacks on surveillance personnel. Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, the Head of the Press Unit at Tantita, clarified that the company is not involved in any criminal activity.
Bebenimibo said, “Tantita cannot attack any surveillance workers, and we are not involved in any criminal activities. Also, there is no conflict between Tompolo and the Olu of Warri.”
An anonymous official who spoke with Punch from Tantita further explained, “The contract was renewed last year, and I don’t think it makes any sense for anybody to be raising an eyebrow now. In any case, whoever has issues with the contract should take the matter up with the NNPCL. The video you’re referring to is old.”
Regarding the recent killings of Tantita’s security personnel, the official said, “The killing of our security personnel is part of the hazard of the job. I don’t think it has anything to do with any crisis or division.”
Commenting on the ongoing conflict, retired police officer August Onyewadume urged ex-militant leaders to stop resorting to violence, particularly pipeline destruction, as it only harms the nation.
He said, “The Niger Delta has been suffering from environmental degradation and pollution, and all the oil firms there are not doing enough to address the issue.
“Tompolo is an Ijaw man. Let the contract go round. The government should have a roundtable discussion with them (ex-militant leaders) and identify those who can handle the pipeline job so there will be no problem, because others feel they are not being carried along.”
The Lagos state government has launched an investigation into the death of Kemi, a pregnant woman who was allegedly denied treatment over failure to pay N500,000 at a private health facility.
Her husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, made the allegation in a viral video, accusing a clinic of refusing to give medical treatment to his pregnant wife due to his inability to make the upfront payment.
In a statement on Saturday, Akin Abayomi, Lagos state commissioner of health, expressed deep sadness over the death of the pregnant woman.
He said the Lagos state government is conducting a thorough investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has formed a panel to uncover the details and identify any breaches in medical care standards,” the statement reads.
“Initial investigations suggest that multiple parties, including a traditional birth attendant and the private hospital, were involved and are currently being interviewed.”
He said the investigation focuses on verification of the registration status of the individuals and facilities with HEFAMAA, compliance with approved scopes of practice, adherence to emergency medical protocols, and identification of any negligence that contributed to the incident.
He said the report from the panel will soon be released, and those found responsible will face legal consequences.
“The Lagos State Government has reiterated that all healthcare facilities, public or private, must comply with HEFAMAA regulations, including accreditation and regular inspections,” the commissioner said.
“The government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards facilities that operate illegally or fail to provide necessary emergency care, as such failures constitute a breach of medical ethics.
“We also wish to reiterate that no healthcare facility is permitted to deny emergency care to any patient, especially in life-threatening situations. It is a breach of medical ethics and regulatory obligations, and such acts will be met with strict penalties.
“We are also using this opportunity to reiterate the government’s position in enforcing compliance and regulation of nursing homes and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as a holistic strategy to strengthen the healthcare system.
“The public is encouraged to report any healthcare facility that is not registered with HEFAMAA or is practicing beyond its accredited capacity, emphasizing the importance of using government-approved institutions for medical care. To enhance oversight, the government is intensifying monitoring efforts across all health establishments, ensuring they adhere to quality and safety standards.”
‘Unacceptable’ — Tinubu asks security agencies to hunt down perpetrators of Plateau killings
AFOLABI
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau state, describing the attacks as “unacceptable” and vowing that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
On Wednesday, several people were killed during attacks on the Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai communities in Bokkos LGA, as well as the Manguna and Dafo villages in Plateau.
The assaults, reportedly carried out by gunmen, left behind a trail of destruction, with homes razed and many lives lost.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu extended his condolences to the grieving families and the Plateau state government.
He assured Caleb Mutfwang, the state governor, of the federal government’s full support in restoring peace and stability across the troubled region.
“The report of another violent attack in communities in Plateau State by mindless gunmen saddens me,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
“The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable. I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended.”
He said the attacks “should have no place in our country” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting all Nigerian citizens, regardless of location or background.
“This unfortunate incident will never dampen and slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian citizen,” he added.
“Instead, we will work harder to exterminate forces of evil wherever they are lurking in our country.”
He urged residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing vital information to help track down the assailants.
The president also called on citizens to resist the urge to retaliate, appealing for unity and peaceful coexistence.
“No community should have to endure such tragedy,” Tinubu said.
“We all must unite to foster peace and stability. I urge all citizens — regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations — to uphold the shared humanity that binds us all, embrace peace, and reject retaliation.”
The president noted that he has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to collaborate with state authorities in delivering relief materials and medical assistance to victims.
The agency, he said, will also assist the affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
This latest incident adds to a string of violent episodes in Plateau state, which has seen periodic flare-ups of ethno-religious and communal violence over the years.
Sandra Umar, a constituent of Kogi central, says the process for the recall of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will continue when requirements are met.
In March, some members of the Kogi central constituency submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requesting the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, following her six-month suspension from the senate.
They argued that they could not afford not to have a representative in the senate for the suspension period.
INEC had held that the petition seeking to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to meet the constitutional requirements.
The electoral umpire said the petition was signed by 208,132 out of 474,554 registered voters in the constituency. This represents 43.86% against the constitutional requirement of at least 50%+1 persons registered to vote in the constituency.
The electoral body added that the constitution does not limit the number of times a lawmaker can be recalled.
Speaking when she featured on Television Continental (TVC) on Friday, Umar, who is one of the petitioners, said the process was not halted.
“What I know very well is that INEC said it was inadequate doesn’t mean that the process had been put on a halt. We’re believing that once we’re able to meet up with the level of compliance that they need for it to be adequate, the process will definitely take its course,” Umar said.
Umar further said Akpoti-Uduaghan could have avoided getting suspended had she listened to her colleagues in the chamber and apologised.
The petitioner also said the sexual harassment claim by the senator is “a personal thing until verifiable evidence is available”.
“So what we know is that she has been given a suspension for six months, and that is tentative for one year. And that means that we’re going to be out of the dividends of democracy for that period of time,” she said.
Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of RCCG, says God told him the church’s governing council will “one day hold a meeting on the moon”.
Speaking at the April edition of the Holy Ghost Congress convention, the cleric said God’s promises may seem unbelievable, but he believes they will come to pass.
Adeboye, 83, also recalled how God told him that he would own a city despite living in a one-room apartment in Mushin, Lagos.
“I am not doubting God, I know with him all things are possible. But he told me, and I told some of my people, He told me that a day is coming when the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Governing Council wants to hold their meeting, they would hold the meeting on the moon. I know that does not make sense, but then, that is God,” he said.
“Just like he said to me not to ask for a house, I have decided to build a city. He was talking to somebody living in a room in Mushin. When I shared with those people who were with me then they all laughed. They are still laughing because they can see what God is doing.
“When God says we will one day be holding our meetings on the moon, you do not have to believe it, but he has spoken. It is going to come to pass.”
IS THE MOON HABITABLE?
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), “the many missions that have explored the moon have found no evidence to suggest it has its own living things. However, the moon could be the site of future colonization by humans”.
Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra state, has been officially nominated as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the upcoming governorship election.
Soludo, who was returned unopposed, secured over 3,000 votes in the primary held on Saturday at the Ekwueme square, Awka.
Voting took place across the 21 local government areas of the state, where delegates were asked to cast a simple “yes” or “no” vote.
“Total delegates for this election is 3,260; 3,175 were accredited; 3,172 total votes cast, with four invalid votes,” Uche Nwegbo, chairman of the electoral panel, said.
“The governor received 3,168 yes-votes and no no-votes. By the powers conferred on me, I hereby declare Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as the candidate of our party.”
Soludo accepted the nomination and assured party members of continued development in the state.
“I want to say that I am humbled by this historic display of solidarity to be able to raise the flag of our party again, and I want to say that I accept this nomination wholeheartedly,” he said.
“Anambra keeps rising with the progressive leadership that we have had through APGA, and I will continue to appreciate the leadership of the party.
“I appreciate the members of our party and the INEC observers. I do not think that we have ever had this kind of peaceful election where everything was orderly and in one hour everyone was able to cast their votes.
“In 2021, Anambra interviewed all the candidates and employed me, and all through the journey, three years down the line, you have been able to give us support. That is why we have been able to do what we do, which people say is magical. We are doing this without borrowing one Naira, and I know we will continue to do even more, and we continue to ask for your prayers.
“We are only at the introductory stage; Anambra has not seen anything yet. I appreciate the citizens and captains of industries who have been supporting us, and we will keep growing higher and higher.
“I appreciate the support groups, especially all that endorsed us for a second term. They are still coming up with more donations to the campaigns, and I thank those market women who are still eager to donate to our campaign. Many political parties have declared support for us, and never in Anambra State have we ever had a consensus like what we have today.
“When I took oath of office, I promised not to let Anambra down, not to let my supporters down, not to let my family down, and not to let APGA down. We are working 247 to ensure that. Many people have said we do not have any opposition, but I say that we will not only win all 21 local governments but also the 326 wards. Someone said we should even aim for all the polling units in the state. We want to make a statement.”
Soludo said he would retain Onyeka Ibezim, the deputy governor, as his running mate for the November 8 election.
“In 2017, I gave a lecture which I titled ‘If it is not broken, why mend it’, and it became popular. Today, I want to say that I am renominating Dr Onyeka Ibezim as my deputy governorship candidate for the election. If it is not broken, why mend it? I want to say that the battle has only begun,” he added
Meet Mohammed Olatunji, the Youngest Bank CEO in Nigeria honoured with Legit Business Award In the fintech space in Nigeria, a new name is rapidly rising to the top—Dr. Mohammed Olatunji, popularly known as Dr. MO.
Olatunji began leading a financial institution at the age of 27 and, by 35, made history as the youngest person to become both Chairman and CEO of a bank in Nigeria.
His company, Moremonee, launched in 2023, has already disrupted the microfinance sector with groundbreaking innovations and customer-focused solutions.
Recently honoured with the 2025 “Legit Business Names” award, Dr. MO was recognized for the remarkable growth and impact of Moremonee within a short period.
The digital bank has quickly gained a reputation as a trailblazer in providing seamless, tech-driven financial services tailored for modern Nigerians.
“Aspiring entrepreneurs must learn to put their trust in God because there are forces beyond your control. Focus on creating value that positively impacts people’s lives. Take bold steps, and be flexible enough to change your plans when necessary because one road does not always lead to the market. The path to success is rarely a straight line,” Dr. MO advised in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng.
From Humble Beginnings to Fintech Disruptor
A native of Kwara State and graduate of the University of Ilorin, Olatunji’s journey began early.
At just 12, he was already designing graphics. By 18, he had taught himself how to code. After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State, he took a leap of faith and launched Moremonee—a digital-first bank aiming to simplify and democratize access to financial services.
Dr. MO’s credentials include being a Chartered Fellow of Financial Management, a cybersecurity expert, and a member of the Forbes Finance Council. His accolades include the Nelson Mandela Leadership and Integrity Award and the Nigeria Most Respected CEO Award (2021)—all of which speak to his visionary leadership and commitment to ethical entrepreneurship.
Moremonee’s Meteoric Rise
Moremonee has swiftly become the fastest-growing microfinance institution in Nigeria. Its app-based platform offers an array of services: money transfers, savings, bill payments, online shopping, and business tools—each designed to remove the traditional frictions of banking.
The bank’s standout achievements in 2024 have further set it apart:
A strategic alliance with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), AfriGO, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) led to the rollout of one of Nigeria’s first domestic debit cards, enhancing financial independence for millions.
The introduction of FutureBox, a high-interest savings feature designed to alleviate poverty through digital empowerment.
The launch of MoreBiz, which allows entrepreneurs to set up digital shops, list and sell products, and advertise—all from within the Moremonee ecosystem.
A landmark 5-star rating on the Google Play Store—the first Nigerian financial app to achieve this—highlighting its intuitive user interface and reliability.
Approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the 5116# USSD short code, extending financial access to underserved rural areas without internet connectivity.
These innovations have earned Moremonee the “Best Savings Fintech App of the Year” award, reinforcing its reputation as a platform built on accessibility, innovation, and impact.
Looking Ahead: Ambitious Goals for 2025
With 2025 underway, Dr. MO and his team are setting even higher targets. The fintech company plans to deepen customer satisfaction through enhanced service delivery and personalized banking tools. There’s also a strong focus on social impact.
A major initiative on the horizon is “Operation Feed the Nation,” aimed at addressing food insecurity across Nigeria. Moremonee is also ramping up partnerships—with government bodies, corporate organizations, and other banks—to widen financial inclusion and drive community development.
Expansion plans are in full swing, with a goal to take Moremonee’s services beyond Nigeria into other African countries where digital banking is still nascent.
“We’re not just building a financial app—we’re building a financial revolution that works for every Nigerian, no matter their location or income level,” Dr. MO affirms
The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that some individuals came to appeal to him to run for Senate in the year 2022, which defined his political journey with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, many politicians from the state had before now shown more interest in contesting for positions on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, the Edo State Governor, who said a significant wave of defections is expected to impact opposition political parties in the South- South region as the 2027 presidential election approaches, said the party that was rejected by all has now become the party that everybody wants to join.
APC has come to stay as the government at the center is APC, Okpebholo stressed.
Naija News reports that Okpebholo made this assertion during a special reception held in Ewatto, located in the Esan South East local government area of Edo State, following his recent victory at the election petition tribunal.
He said, “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our royal fathers for their support and prayers. I also appreciate Edo people for finding me worthy to cast their votes for me on September 21st governorship election in Edo State.
“It is not easy to run two elections in a year and win the two offices. I give God the glory. I am not the talking type and never interested in politics, but really want to develop Edo State.
“In 2021, we looked for an Esan man that would contest for Senate and we did not find any one who wanted to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as everyone wanted to contest under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
“The drive to contest came in 2022 when some people came to appeal to me to contest for the Senate and our discussion became an eye-opener which led me into contesting for the Senate seat.
“I lost a beloved sister due to bad water which she consumed and I vowed to ensure good water is available across the State.
“I am really going to ensure good water runs in Edo State. Our development will not just be roads, schools, healthcare, providing the people with good drinking water across the State,” the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, quoted Okpebholo saying in a statement made available to Naija News on Saturday, 05 April, 2025.
The Governor, accompanied by his entourage, paid a visit to the residence of the Onojie of Ewatto, His Royal Highness Osagie Sylvanus Ikhumen I.
He was welcomed by several other traditional leaders from Edo Central, who offered prayers for the prosperity of his administration.
Additionally, the Governor toured the Chief Lee Ikpea Medical Center located in Idumuiyase, Ewatto.
During this visit, he was shown around the hospital facility, which is still under construction by the benefactor, Dr. Lemon Ikpea
A former managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), George Moghalu, has secured the ticket of the Labour Party (LP) for the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election in the State.
Moghalu, a former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged LP flag-bearer with a total of 575 votes of the delegates at the primary election held at Finotel Hotel, also in Awka, the state capital this Saturday.
Naija News reports that although Moghalu’s only challenger, John Nwosu had withdrawn from the contest about eight hours before the exercise, he was credited with 19 votes.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has emerged candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the forthcoming governorship election.
Soludo secured the ticket through affirmation by the party’s delegates at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, on Saturday.
Announcing the results, the returning officer for the election, Uche Nwegbo said, “Total delegates for this election is 3,260; 3,175 accredited delegates; 3,172 total votes, while four votes were invalid.
“The total yes-votes garnered by the governor is 3,168, while there were no no-votes.
“So, in line with INEC guidelines and with the powers conferred on me as the chief returning officer for this election, I, Uche Nwegbo, hereby declare the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as returned, as the candidate of our party.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday dismissed his deputy for parliamentary affairs over a costly trip to Antarctica, as the country grapples with hyperinflation amid a biting economic crisis.
A photo shared on social media in recent days showed the now former vice-president, Shahram Dabiri, alongside a woman identified as his wife, posing near the Plancius cruise ship.
The Dutch-flagged vessel has offered luxury expeditions to Antarctica since 2009, with one agency pricing an eight-day trip at 3,885 euros per person.
“In a context where economic pressure on the population remains high… expensive leisure trips by officials, even if paid out of their own pocket, are neither defensible nor justifiable,” the Iranian president wrote in a letter published Saturday by the official IRNA news agency, which noted that Dabiri was dismissed.
Dabiri, a 64-year-old physician by profession and a close confidant of Pezeshkian, had been appointed to the post in August.
The government faced strong criticism after the photo was published, and several of Pezeshkian’s supporters urged him to remove the official.
IRNA, late last month, cited a source in Dabiri’s office as saying that he had made the trip before he held a governmental position.
The controversy is another major blow for Pezeshkian, who was elected last year on a promise to revive the economy and improve the daily lives of his fellow citizens.
In early March, his Economy Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati was dismissed by parliament amid a sharp depreciation of the national currency against the dollar and soaring inflation.
AFP
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Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N144.67tn ($94.23bn) as of December 31, 2024, representing a 48.58 per cent increase compared to N97.34tn ($108.23bn) recorded at the end of December 2023.
The Debt Management Office disclosed this in its latest report on the country’s public debt profile, which was released on Friday.
The report also revealed a quarter-on-quarter rise of 1.65 per cent from the N142.32tn ($88.89bn) recorded at the end of September 2024, highlighting the continuous increase in the nation’s debt burden during the final quarter of the year.
An analysis of Nigeria’s public debt on a year-on-year basis showed an increase of N47.32tn, representing a 48.58 per cent rise from December 2023 to December 2024.
The surge in public debt was primarily driven by significant increases in both external and domestic borrowings.
Nigeria’s external debt increased by 83.89 per cent from N38.22tn ($42.50bn) in December 2023 to N70.29tn ($45.78bn) in December 2024.
The sharp rise was attributed to new external borrowings and the impact of naira depreciation, which raised the naira equivalent of dollar-denominated debt.
Domestic debt also rose by 25.77 per cent from N59.12tn ($65.73bn) at the end of December 2023 to N74.38tn ($48.44bn) in December 2024.
The Federal Government’s domestic debt component grew significantly from N53.26tn to N70.41tn, reflecting a 32.19 per cent increase.
This growth indicates the government’s continued reliance on local borrowing to finance budget deficits and infrastructure projects.
In contrast, the domestic debt owed by states and the Federal Capital Territory dropped from N5.86tn to N3.97tn, representing a decline of 32.27 per cent.
This reduction points to a more cautious approach by some subnational governments towards debt accumulation during the year.
On a quarter-on-quarter basis, Nigeria’s total public debt increased by N2.35tn, translating to a 1.65 per cent rise from N142.32tn as of September 30, 2024.
According to the DMO, the increase was driven by both external and domestic debt components. External debt rose by N1.4tn, moving from N68.89tn ($43.03bn) as of September 2024 to N70.29tn ($45.78bn) in December.
This was influenced by new foreign loans acquired in the last three months of the year, alongside the further weakening of the naira.
On the domestic front, debt rose slightly by 1.29 per cent from N73.43tn ($45.87bn) in September 2024 to N74.38tn ($48.44bn) by the end of December.
The Federal Government’s domestic debt increased from N69.22tn to N70.41tn within the quarter.
However, domestic debt attributed to states and the FCT decreased from N4.21tn to N3.97tn, reflecting a 5.69 per cent drop.
As of December 2024, external debt made up 48.59 per cent of Nigeria’s total public debt, while domestic debt accounted for 51.41 per cent, indicating a relatively balanced debt structure.
However, the rise in external borrowings points to a growing reliance on foreign debt to bridge budgetary gaps.
The breakdown of external debt shows that the Federal Government accounted for N62.92tn ($40.98bn), while states and the FCT held N7.37tn ($4.80bn).
In the domestic debt segment, the Federal Government held N70.41tn ($45.86bn), with states and the FCT accounting for N3.97tn ($2.58bn).
The rise in public debt has raised concerns among economic analysts regarding Nigeria’s fiscal stability.
The sharp increase, particularly in external debt, highlights the nation’s vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations and changes in global economic conditions.
With the continued depreciation of the naira, the cost of servicing foreign debt could escalate, adding pressure on the country’s financial resources.
Nollywood actress Jemima Osunde has spoken out about recent factors influencing the casting of actors in the Nigerian movie industry.
The movie star claimed that filmmakers are now pressuring actors to become social media content creators before casting them in their films.
Osunde made this claim in a recent conversation with her colleague, Jammal Ibrahim.
She said: “Now, it’s as though they [filmmakers] are forcing every actor to be a social media content creator before casting them. It’s as if you must dance on the internet to get roles. Why?
“It’s like if you’re not an actor with a strong social media presence, we’re not casting you because we need you to sell our film. That shouldn’t be the actor’s job.”
Jammal Ibrahim added: “That’s where good management comes in. I’ll give you an example: I told my management that I don’t know how to dance. I’m a terrible dancer. So, a good manager would look at you and say, ‘Okay, this is your personality. How can we work with who you are to make you better?’ Not, ‘How can we push you to be everyone else?’
“If you’re doing a PR stunt for a film and you’re going to be dancing, seriously, I’m not going to be part of it, unless I feel like the dance is something I can actually do. I don’t want to look stupid on screen. It’s just not my personality.”
A 24-year-old, Miss Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Osun State, has won the 2025 Miss World Nigeria.
Miss Raimi was declared winner at the beauty pageant’s grand finale, held in Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The organizer of the Miss World Nigeria beauty pageant, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, announced this on his ? handle on Saturday.
A graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, the beauty queen won the Miss World Nigeria after scoring top points over 36 other contestants.
Raimi will represent Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World Pageant in Hyderabad, India, from May 7 to 31, 2025.
Senator Murray-Bruce wrote: “Congratulations to Joy Mojisola Raimi, the 24-year-old representing Osun State, on being crowned Miss World Nigeria 2025! The grand finale took place at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, where 37 contestants from across Nigeria competed for the top spot.
“Raimi, a University of Port Harcourt graduate, is passionate about humanitarian services and founded ‘The Love for Humanity’ project, dedicated to spreading love and restoring faith in humanity.
“In the final round, Raimi faced off against Miss Imo, Miss Ebonyi, Miss Abuja, and Miss Abia. When asked about overcoming bullying, she shared her inspiring story of growing up without a mother and facing harassment from her caregiver. She emphasized that despite being told she would never amount to anything, she has proven otherwise by achieving this milestone.
“As Miss World Nigeria 2025, Raimi will represent Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India, from May 7 to 31, competing against contestants from 140 countries.”
Nigerian on-air personality (OAP) and actress, Omotunde Adebowale-David, better known as Lolo 1 has disclosed that she was raped by a colleague six years ago.
She disclosed that she still battles with the traumatic experience of the rape and goes into panic mode whenever she sees the person who raped her.
Naija News reports Lolo 1 made the revelation while speaking during a recent episode of the Say My Piece podcast.
She disclosed that the person who raped her is now a prominent figure in the broadcast industry and further spoke on how difficult it usually is for victims of rape to speak out.
The actress added that she is not ready to tell the full story of her experience.
“A woman like me, I hardly would say this and I am not ready to tell the story. I have been raped only once in my life and I was raped by our colleague. I see him every other day. Do you know how traumatised I am?
“When I see him, I just get into this momentary panic mode but if a woman of my caliber names him, he is an established person in the broadcast circle, would people not say how come Lolo did not speak about it for all these six years?
“It is now that he is taking a prominent TV position she is speaking. When sexual assault happens to women, the first thing that happens to a woman is denial ‘this did not happen’.
“The next thing is self crucifixtion, ‘I caused it for myself, how did I allow it happen? What could I have done?’. All these are happening as you are processing,” she narrated.