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Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, has appealed to residents of the state to observe a day of voluntary fasting and prayer on Monday, May 19.
Zulum made the call during a statewide broadcast on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital.
He said the aim of the fasting is to seek “divine intervention” over renewed attacks in the state and across the country.
“In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity,” Zulum said.
“This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, the Northeast and indeed the entire country.
“Let us come together to seek divine guidance, healing, and peace for our state.”
The governor described the fast as both a spiritual act and communal expression of hope.
“Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose,” he said.
“In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies.
“I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever.
“Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us.”
Speaking during a high-level security meeting in April, Zulum said the state has suffered significant setback in its fight against terrorism.
He added that the renewed attacks show that Borno is “losing grounds” to insurgents
A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has called on the House of Representatives to incorporate key recommendations from the Uwais Report to encourage widespread electoral participation in Nigeria.
Speaking on Sunday in Abuja, Okechukwu commended the lower chamber of the National Assembly for acknowledging public concern over low voter turnout—a trend he says weakens electoral legitimacy, judicial credibility, and democratic institutions at large.
However, the former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria voiced strong opposition to enacting laws that unfairly target citizens already disadvantaged by electoral irregularities.
He emphasised that the majority of Nigerians have suffered from manipulated elections, compromised judicial rulings, and the poor governance that follows.
According to him, penalising these same individuals for disengaging from the electoral process would amount to a double injustice.
“It will be double jeopardy to punish them for the electoral malpractices which discouraged them and recession of democracy which we the leaders simulated,” Okechukwu warned.
This reaction follows the recent introduction of a bill in the House titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for all Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters.” The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
One of the co-sponsors, Hon. Daniel Asama, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, argued: “Voting is not only the right, but a civic responsibility. For global precedents, several democracies, including Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, for instance, have adopted mandatory voting for the positive outcomes in terms of political participation and public accountability. For electoral apathy and voter inducement, mandatory voting can significantly reduce the influence of vote buying as more citizens vote.”
Responding to the proposal, Okechukwu stressed that the more effective solution lies in implementing reforms outlined in the Uwais Report, particularly the recommendation for public nomination of National and State Electoral Commissioners.
“The only politically correct antidote to halt electoral malpractices, opaque judiciary and restore electoral legitimacy and strong democratic institutions is to adopt good laws therein Uwais Report – Public Nomination of both National and State Electoral Commissioners, to attract seamless mass voting,” he stated.
He also invoked a famous warning from physicist Albert Einstein: “If you continue to do one thing all over and expect better results it is nothing but insanity.”
He further argued: “Therefore, it is arrant fallacy to assume that BIVAS and other digital technologies will guarantee free, fair and transparent elections when Mr Osita Okechukwu or whosoever is allowed to nominate his cronies, family and party members to manage our electoral system.”
Praising the leadership of the House for confronting democratic setbacks, Okechukwu said: “May I commend Honourable Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Honourable Members for sharing our concern over poor turnout of voters, opaque judiciary and recession of democracy in our clime and appeal to him to adopt the fine tenet of Uwais Report that mandates Nigerians to nominate National and State Electoral Commissioners.”
Highlighting the current political landscape, he added: “Permit me as well to state that there is no time more auspicious for our great party, the APC to consolidate the legitimacy of our democracy and put Nigeria top in the map of the world than now; when we have a true democrat as president, control more than 20 States, the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly of our dear country.”
He concluded by invoking the legacy of a late former president: “No excuse, if for nothing else there is no better time to recover the legitimacy of our democracy, fulfill the noble intendment and immortalise our famous democrat, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, of blessed memory, who patriotically admitted that the electoral process which made him president was flawed than now we are in charge.
“And there is no doubt that if he had outlived his tenure he could have implemented the fine grains of Uwais Report.”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he agreed to make peace with the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, when President Bola Tinubu asked him to bury the hatchet.
The Minister disclosed that he met Fubara in the company of two governors in a bid to resolve the Rivers crisis.
Wike, while speaking during an interview on BBC, said he welcomed Fubara during the visit and reiterated his commitment to peace in Rivers.
Wike said, “The president called me and asked us to make peace.
“I asked him (President Tinubu), ‘How can you say I should make peace and I won’t make peace?
“He (Fubara) came with some governors to meet me.”
The Minister said his meeting with Fubara indicated that he is open to peace
“If I don’t want peace, I won’t allow him to come to my place. We even spoke on the phone just the other day,” he said.
According to Wike, he told Governor Fubara that the decision to embrace genuine reconciliation lies solely with him.
“I told him that the yam and the knife are in his hands, so he knows where best to cut. If you want genuine peace, you can have it. If you want us to pretend, we can,” Wike stated.
The decision by the Bukola Saraki-led reconciliation committee to endorse Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has created more problems within the party.
Sources who spoke to Punch disclosed that the move did not go well with the PDP Governors’ Forum, members of the National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees, and other party stakeholders, thereby reigniting tension within the party.
A senior PDP leader who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that the South-East caucus, along with Peter Mbah, the BoT Chairman, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and some members of the NWC, were upset that the Saraki-led panel endorsed Anyanwu’s resumption without consulting them.
The source stated, “There is renewed agitation over the way Saraki handled the situation. He met with just a few NWC members and decided that Anyanwu should resume office as National Secretary, without consulting the full panel, the entire NWC, or even the governors who assigned him the task.
“I can tell you that some governors like Seyi Makinde, the Enugu State governor, the Zamfara State governor, and even the Bayelsa State governor are not happy about it. They see it as a deliberate move to undermine them and portray them as weak.
“Even some NWC members are uncomfortable with the decision. They expected the Saraki-led panel to meet with them before arriving at such a conclusion.
“Remember, things had been relatively calm since the governors nominated and the NWC approved Koshoedo as National Secretary, until Saraki’s meeting with a few NWC members stirred things up.
“What the governors, the BoT chairman, and several NWC members want is peace within the PDP. They want the interest of the South-East, which made the nomination, to be protected and respected, not for the party’s unity to be sacrificed in favour of a few individuals.”
A PDP chieftain also told the aforementioned publication that the name of the Deputy National Secretary of the PDP was forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission as the party’s scribe.
“I am aware that as of Wednesday, Koshoedo’s name was forwarded to INEC; he is the recognised secretary of the party as of today. I am not aware of any other arrangement outside that,” the source said.
Another party insider confirmed that the decision to endorse Anyanwu did not go down well with many party leaders.
[NaijaNews]
Former Vice President and Founder of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his conviction that education is the most transformative force for personal and national development.
He stated this while addressing AUN graduating class of 2025.
“My father was jailed for resisting my enrollment in school,” he revealed in a podcast series produced by AUN’s Communications and Multimedia Design department.
“We started from nothing — sitting on the bare ground, writing with our fingers. That’s how far I’ve come.”
Contrary to popular assumptions, Atiku clarified that AUN was not a direct response to his childhood struggles.
“The AUN story is different. It was the American Peace Corps who taught me in 1961 that truly ignited the vision,” he said.
Atiku emphasized the importance of patience and courage, sharing personal anecdotes from his journey.
“I’ve faced tribulations. I’ve been hunted, but I never wavered,” he said.
“Patience is not weakness. It is a weapon of the wise. When we resisted military dictatorship, they offered me a governorship without an election — I rejected it. In 1999, I earned it the right way and became Vice President.”
He also recounted learning courage from his mentor, the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who faced a death sentence with unflinching bravery.
“His blood pressure was normal on the day of his scheduled execution. That’s a soldier. That’s courage,” Atiku said.
Atiku also detailed surviving an assassination attempt in Kaduna.
“I hid my wife and children in a wardrobe and stepped forward to confront the attackers. They shot at me but missed. I stood up and demanded, ‘Why did you fire?’ That’s what courage looks like,” he said.
To aspiring entrepreneurs among the graduates, Atiku offered a clear directive: “Build with integrity. Keep your business independent. Don’t rely on government. Avoid unnecessary confrontation, but never compromise your values.”
[DailyTrust]
The Ward 5 Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nelson Adepoyigi, who was kidnapped a few days ago, has been killed by his abductors.
Adepoyigi was kidnapped last Monday while parking his vehicle at his residence in Ifon.
Following the kidnap of the APC chairman, the abductors had demanded a N100 million ransom, but after a series of negotiations and pleas, it was reduced to N5 million.
Adepoyigi was killed after two persons from his community in Ifon volunteered to deliver the N5 million ransom, but they were also captured by the kidnappers, who insisted that an additional N30 million ransom be paid before the release of the trio.
However, the two volunteers were released by the kidnappers, with sources within the community disclosing that the kidnappers confirmed that the APC chairman had been marked to be killed by those purportedly behind his abduction.
While confirming the development, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Kolapo Ojo, lamented that security challenges in the area are now in a critical situation.
“This pattern of brazen abductions, even at the very gates of people’s homes, confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension.
“We urge our people to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security post, and stand united as we work together to overcome this threat,” he said.
[DailyPost]
Ghanaian actress and filmmaker Juliet Ibrahim has earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Business Administration, in Marketing Communications from Berkeley College, at the age of 39.
After pausing her education after high school to support her siblings, Ibrahim shared that it was her friend, Busie Matsiko-Andan, who encouraged her four years ago to return to school and pursue her dream.
Despite the challenges of juggling her career and motherhood, she successfully completed her studies as an online adult learner.
Expressing gratitude to her supporters, Ibrahim said she is now looking forward to celebrating her achievement at her upcoming graduation ceremony.
She wrote on Instagram: “As the first daughter in my family, many years ago right after high school I chose to work and wait and put higher education on hold to support my siblings to ensure they all go to school and become successful in their respective careers.
“I became famous at the age of 19 right after high school and extremely busy with my career and didn’t think I had time to go back to school and earn a degree ever until 4 years ago when I met my friend @busiematsikoandan who encouraged me to follow my dream and reminded me that it’s never too late.
“@berkeleycollege welcomed me with open arms and made me feel safe and included as an online adult student and for the first time after years of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience, I’m proud to share that I’ve officially earned my first-ever degree-a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Communications from Berkeley College! @berkeleycollege
“As an adult student, mother, and full-time creative, this journey was far from easy but I stayed committed. I can’t wait to Walk across that graduation stage, definitely a moment I’ll never forget. You can read the full story in @atoasttolifebook. To every woman chasing her goals despite the odds, this is your reminder: it’s never too late!
“Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. We did it!”.
[TheNation]
As the Premier League season edges toward its conclusion, Sunday’s blockbuster between Arsenal and Newcastle United is set to add heat to the race for Champions League qualification and determine the final twists in a tightly packed top-six battle.
Arsenal, sitting second on 68 points, remain mathematically in the title hunt but must overcome high-flying Newcastle (66 points) at the Emirates to keep their faint hopes alive.
With two games remaining for both teams, the match could be decisive in determining final European positions.
Chelsea, who have played a game more, also sit on 66 points after 37 games and remain in the mix following recent form under manager Enzo Maresca. They will closely monitor results as they prepare for their final league match.
Manchester City (65 points), with two matches remaining, complete a tense cluster jostling for European qualification spots.
Aston Villa (66 points) has one match left. Results from other fixtures will add more twists to their fate.
Liverpool, who have won the title, remain clear at the summit with 83 points.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest (62 points) travel to West Ham aiming to secure a top-seven finish, while Brentford and Fulham—both tied on 55 and 51 points respectively—face off in a mid-table London derby.
Everton host Southampton in the early kick-off, while Leicester take on Ipswich Town and Arsenal’s showdown with Newcastle wraps up the day.
[Punch]
Davido, the Afrobeats singer, has penned an emotional message celebrating Asa Asika, his longtime manager, on the occasion of his traditional wedding to fiancée Leona Adesanya.
The couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony held in Lagos on Saturday.
Taking to his X page, Davido reflected on their journey together, from humble beginnings to achieving global success.
In the post, the ‘Be There Still’ hitmaker recalled how they built their careers from the ground up, overcoming challenges and staying true to their roots.
He emphasised that nothing was handed to them and that every achievement was earned through hard work, loyalty, and an unbreakable bond.
Davido described Asa as more than just a manager but a brother who stood by him through every struggle.
He praised Asa’s growth and expressed deep joy at seeing him find love and happiness with Leonna.
“Asa, today shattered me… in the most beautiful way. Seeing you stand beside Leonna, with peace in your eyes and love in your heart — I couldn’t hold it in. Not just because of the man you’ve become, but because of how you became him,” he wrote.
“Nothing was handed to us. We built this — through fire, through faith, through a bond that never broke. We didn’t chase the spotlight. We stayed rooted. Loyal to our story, loyal to our people. We didn’t sell out — we carried the culture, even when it felt heavy.
“That’s why the blessings never left. Because we never left us behind. You’ve been more than my manager. You’ve been my shield. My sanity. My brother in every battle. When the lights were off and it got dark, you stayed. And even now, with the world at our feet — you’re still that same solid soul I started with.”
Davido also thanked Leonna for bringing out the best in Asa, noting how she had softened his heart and brought him genuine happiness.
“But Asa, since Leona came into your life, you’ve changed. You softened. You smiled more. You became a man at peace. And watching her see the real you — not the workhorse, not the machine — but you… that healed something deep in me too,” he wrote.
“Leonna, thank you. For loving him the way we all hoped someone would. You didn’t just join the journey — you became its purpose. You brought him home to himself. I promise, as long as I breathe, I’ll protect what you two have built. This wedding, it’s not just love. It’s legacy. It’s proof that we can rise without losing our souls.
“That brotherhood can survive success. That culture can be kept, not just worn. We didn’t just make it, Asa. We made it our way. And standing next to you today, I feel something no award can give me. I feel home. Forever beside you, David.”
[TheCable]
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has directed the immediate suspension of Ibrahim Rabi’u, a Senior Special Reporter (SSR) attached to the Ministry of Transportation in the state, over an unauthorized statement.
Besides, the government has directed the issuance of a query to the suspended aide over his recent unauthorized comments on Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s purported defection.
Recall Rabiu had issued a statement over the weekend over Kwankwaso’s position on the impending defection rumour, and that which the two-term former governor has immediately denied as false.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, issued the suspension, which takes immediate effect.
In a statement made available to newsmen by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, the government cautioned all political appointees against unauthorized statements, insisting that any official comment must get clearance.
According to the statement, “the government has distanced itself from the purported claim, describing the statement authored by the suspended aide as solely coming from the author for reasons best known to him.
“The government, therefore, reminded the general public that only the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, is authorized to speak on behalf of the government, while the Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, speaks for the governor.
“The government cautions all political appointees against unauthorized comments, especially outside their jurisdiction.
“Any political appointee must get clearance before making public comments on issues that have to do with the position of the government on matters of public importance or of sensitive political decisions,” the statement reads.
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The CEO of Parcels Mart Solutions Limited, Dr. Joe Enobong has been officially inducted into the Forbes Business Council — a prestigious global network reserved for accomplished business leaders across various sectors. His appointment recognizes his outstanding contributions to the logistics industry and positions him among a select group of executives whose companies meet stringent performance and leadership benchmarks.
Reacting to the announcement, Dr. Enobong expressed pride in the milestone, stating, “This is a proud moment not just for me, but for the entire logistics sector in Nigeria and Africa.” His appointment has sparked widespread commendation from industry peers, who hail it as a significant step forward for African representation in global business leadership.
Enobong’s recognition comes alongside several recent accolades, further solidifying his influence in the sector. He has been nominated for the 2025 Young Logistics Leader of the Year by LogiSym and has received several international honors, including the Most Influential CEO 2025 in Logistics and Shipping from CEO Monthly Awards, and the Emerging Logistics Solutions Provider – Nigeria, 2025 from Global Brands Awards. His earlier recognitions include induction into the DHL International Hall of Fame (2015) and a Gold win at the 2018 Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service.
A veteran in logistics and supply chain management, Dr. Enobong brings over two decades of experience from leading global firms such as Samsung, UPS, and DHL. He holds a Doctorate in Toxicology, alongside executive certifications from Harvard Business School and London Business School, which he harnesses to drive innovation in sectors ranging from fashion and agriculture to real estate and healthcare.
Since founding Parcels Mart in 2023, Enobong has led the company to remarkable heights, expanding its services to over 1,000 clients across 2,200 cities. Under his leadership, the firm has become known for transparent pricing, specialized shipping models, and cutting-edge technologies such as AI-powered forecasting and real-time delivery tracking.
His appointment to the Forbes Business Council is not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for Nigeria’s growing prominence in the global logistics arena. His visionary leadership continues to redefine the industry, driving innovation, reducing costs, and delivering transformative solutions across borders.
[Leadership]
Opeyemi Bright, a UK citizen of Nigerian descent, has been appointed the mayor of Barking and Dagenham Borough.
Bright, aged 29, made history as the youngest person to hold the position.
She was confirmed as the borough’s next mayor in April and inaugurated during a ceremony on Friday.
She had previously served as councillor of the borough in 2018 — also the youngest to have served in that capacity then aged 22.
She also served as a school governor, a board member of Agile Africa, an non-governmental organisation that equips young people with tech skills.
Bright joins the likes of Kemi Badenoch, Kate Osamor, Chi Onwurah, Bayo Alaba, Taiwo Owatemi, and Florence Ehalomi as UK political leaders with Nigerian descent.
She was born to Nigerian parents, Afolasade and Gbolahan Bright.
Her mother, Afoloshade, served as civic mayor of Hackney in 2006. She is currently a cabinet member for employment, skills and aspiration in Barking and Dagenham, while her father is senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“I believe in the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the need to inspire pride in the place we all call home. As Civic Mayor, I am committed to being a voice that uplifts our borough, honouring local heroes, supporting charities, and forging deeper connections with residents, schools, and businesses,” Bright said in her inaugural address.
“It is not just a responsibility but a privilege to serve as a figurehead for the hopes and values of our community.”
The office of civic mayor is one of the borough’s oldest and most cherished roles, with a rich history of representing the borough’s heritage, values, and community spirit.
As mayor, Bright will act as an ambassador for Barking and Dagenham, celebrating its diversity, promoting local initiatives, and strengthening community bonds, information on the website of Barking and Dagenham council reads.
Bright enjoys cooking, teaching, creating content, and hosting career webinars for youth in Nigeria. She said she is guided by grace and ready to serve
The north-west zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The endorsement was made after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday, where Tinubu was also adopted as the sole candidate for the poll.
In a communique read by Uba Sani, Kaduna governor and APC north-west coordinating governor, the zone reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged ”full support for President Tinubu’s vision to deliver prosperity, equity, and lasting change for all Nigerians”.
”We thank and commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his purposeful leadership, bold reforms, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress, especially in the North West zone,” the communique reads.
”Under President Tinubu, security in the North West has significantly improved, enabling farmers to return to their fields and communities to regain peace and stability.
“Our zone enjoys unprecedented federal representation with 12 ministers, key national assembly positions, and top security appointments — a clear sign of inclusiveness and recognition.
“Major infrastructure projects are being completed or are underway across the North West, marking a new era of development in our region.”
The stakeholders comprised all governors in the region, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives; Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president; and former governors from the zone.
Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of APC, chairmen of state chapters, state and federal legislators, ministers, heads of federal agencies, and senior political appointees, were also present
Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory, says he will not contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin, the minister said no politician is capable of challenging Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
There have been discussions within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about zoning its presidential ticket to the south in 2027 with the aim of presenting a stronger challenge against Tinubu.
Wike lost the 2022 PDP presidential primary election to Atiku Abubakar, who became the party’s candidate for the 2023 election.
“I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?” he asked.
In a statement addressing the ongoing crisis within the PDP, Wike expressed his frustration with certain party members and criticised the opposition party’s policies.
“You are in the opposition; the opposition does not show impunity. The opposition does not show arrogance, it is the ruling party that shows impunity and arrogance because they are in power,” Wike said.
“Who is in the PDP? Achike Udenwa, former governor of Imo. He does not have one assembly member. He does not have one national assembly member. He did not give his party 3% of the vote, yet he is threatening.
“Saba Egu, former governor of Ebonyi, he does not have one assembly member. He does not have one national assembly member. You did not produce a governor. What are you threatening about? You are empty. What are you threatening?”