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Africa’s richest man and industrial titan, Aliko Dangote, turned 68 on April 10, 2025, and received a lot of well wishes and accolades.
Leading the well-wishers was President Bola Tinubu, who acknowledged Dangote’s impact on Nigeria’s economy, and his legacy as a symbol of enterprise, innovation, and philanthropy.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Dangote as “Africa’s industrial icon” praising his unwavering commitment to nation-building.
“Aliko Dangote’s life embodies hard work, generosity, and faith in Nigeria’s potential. His willingness to invest in people and nation-building reflects profound business ingenuity and love for humanity,” the statement read.
Beyond his industrial feats, President Tinubu used the opportunity to encourage young Nigerians, “Let Dangote’s story remind us that with vision, grit, and a sense of purpose, greatness is within reach,” Tinubu advised, urging youths to pursue enterprise with courage and consistency,”
Friends and family also gathered to celebrate the icon in his mansion.
The event was attended by billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, who also dedicated an Instagram post to celebrate his longtime friend.
He posted a picture of the celebrant with the caption, “Happy birthday Africa’s wealthiest entrepreneur! Your journey is inspiring.”
Other notable personalities, including boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, joined in the celebration, making the evening a blend of elegance and camaraderie.
The celebrant is known for his quiet and simple life. Though respected globally, Dangote remains deeply private.
As he turns 68, he is seen not just as a titan of industry, but as a beacon of hope to many.
As friends and family gathered, singing birthday songs with heartfelt joy, the host sat, smiling cheerfully and soaking in the love and admiration that filled the room.
In another show of extravagance, Nigeria’s top financial institutions joined the celebration with custom-made cakes.
GT Bank, Access Bank, and FCMB each presented bespoke birthday cakes inspired by the legendary business achievements of Aliko Dangote; one of the cakes was a towering depiction of a refinery, another was styled like a grand mosque, while yet another was designed in the shape of a cement factory.
A Scottish boarding school has become the first private school in the United Kingdom to allow parents to pay school fees using cryptocurrency.
Lomond School, located in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, said it would begin accepting Bitcoin payments for tuition starting from the autumn term.
Annual fees at the school go as high as £38,000, BBC reports on Saturday.
The school noted that the move followed requests from some parents and aligns with its “ethos of independent thinking and innovation”.
However, all Bitcoin payments will be immediately converted to British pounds to guard against cryptocurrency market volatility.
In a statement on Saturday, Head teacher Claire Chisholm said the school’s decision reflects its forward-looking values.
“For generations, this school has nurtured inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and open-minded risk-takers.
“It’s really no surprise then that the inventor of the television, John Logie Baird, is a former pupil,” she said.
Founded in 1977 through the merger of Larchfield School and St Bride’s School for Girls, Lomond caters to students from nursery age to 18.
The school said all Bitcoin transactions would be secure, transparent, and comply with UK financial regulations, including anti-money laundering and tax laws.
Bitcoin is a digital currency that operates outside traditional banking systems. While its value surged in 2024, it remains highly volatile and subject to rapid fluctuations.
Three men were arrested after Rivers State House of Assembly was burned down by unknown arsonists have alleged that their lives have remained under threat after they were discharged and acquitted by a court.
The discharged persons, Chime Ezebalike, Kenneth Kpasa, Prince Oladele Lukman, and MacPherson Olumini, who spoke in Port Harcourt, alleged that those against the suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubara and Edison Ehie, his Chief of Staff, were the ones behind the threat.
Speaking, Ezebalike, on behalf of others, said the decided to talk to journalists in order to clarify issues on the burning of the Rivers State Assembly.
Ezebalike noted that they were offered N200 million to implicate Edison in the matter.
Torture
Ezebalike stated that they were tortured by police because they refused to implicate Edison or any other person that is linked to the governor in the arson.
He narrated: “Our offence was because we refused to frame individuals, including the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, as masterminds behind the Rivers State House of Assembly inferno.
Starting from December 2023 we: Chime Ezebalike, Kenneth Kpasa, Prince Oladele Lukman, and MacPherson Olumini were individually and collectively subjected to arrest, intimidation, physical assault, psychological torture.
“All of this happened between December 5, 2023, and January 16, 2024. At some point, we were offered bribes in exchange for our freedom even though it was clear that we had committed no offence that warranted our being arrested and detained.
“Three of us, Chime, Kenneth, and Oladele are known associates of Rt. Hon. Ehie Edison and Hon. Sokari Goodboy, while MacPherson was an unfortunate victim of mere proximity. Our ordeal began with the arbitrary arrest of Oladele Lukman on December 5, 2023.
On December 16, Chime and MacPherson were violently apprehended at Ogbakiri Junction along the East-West Road while returning from a funeral in Ahoada.
“On January 5, 2024, Kenneth Kpasa was forcefully taken in GRA, Port Harcourt, by a convoy of no fewer than three Hilux vans. We were blindfolded and taken to the Federal-Intelligence Response Team (F-IRT) unit along the Eastern Bypass in Port Harcourt, under the false pretense that the vehicle we were travelling in was stolen.”
Ezebalike noted that they were accused of being behind the killing of the DPO of Ahoada Police Division, Bako Angbashim, adding that it was a ploy to coerce them into implicating the Fubara’s loyalist.
[Opinion Nigeria]
PDP Governors Set To Meet In Ibadan, Discuss Party’s Future, Coalition Talks, And Legal Battles
Admin
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set to meet in Ibadan, Oyo State, between Sunday and Monday to deliberate on the party’s future amid growing calls for a united opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, scheduled for April 13 and 14, 2025, comes at a critical time when opposition leaders across the country are ramping up efforts to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, internal divisions and divergent interests among key stakeholders continue to hinder progress in coalition talks, sources within the party have revealed.
One of the primary objectives of the meeting will be to discuss the party’s approach to a potential coalition with other opposition groups.
Sources within the PDP who spoke with Daily Trust indicate that while there is strong interest in forming a united opposition to challenge the APC, internal disagreements have stalled concrete steps toward achieving this goal.
In addition to coalition talks, the governors will also address their ongoing legal battle against the federal government. The PDP governors are challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Fubara, who serves as the vice chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, has been at the centre of a political crisis in the state, raising concerns within the party about federal overreach and its impact on internal party stability.
PDP’s Leadership Crisis To Be Discussed
Another significant issue on the agenda is the recent Supreme Court judgment on the dispute over the position of the party’s national secretary.
The tussle between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the national secretary’s seat has drawn considerable attention, with the governors expected to review the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.
“The governors are already in possession of the CTC and it will inform their decision on who legitimately holds the position of national secretary,” a source close to the party’s leadership disclosed.
A highly placed party source told Daily Trust that the decision the governors would arrive at would be crucial in determining whether the PDP can maintain its position as a strong opposition force or risk being overshadowed by smaller parties.
“The outcome of the meeting will determine the future of the PDP. If they don’t act decisively, the party risks becoming irrelevant in the opposition coalition. Over 75 per cent of PDP members are already tired and disappointed in the way the party is being run and are preparing to leave.
“The governors may chart a new path for the party – either leading it into a strong coalition or rebuild it internally and invite others to join. But whatever they choose to do, they must convince majority of party members of their sincerity,” the source said.
The source, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, added: “The way this coalition is going, it might end up as an individual affair. Nigerians want change, that is clear, but the opposition leaders are not really determined to make it work.
“I can tell you categorically that unless something drastic is done, 75 per cent of PDP members have mentally checked out of the party. Whether one governor says one thing or another leader says something else doesn’t matter to the grassroots anymore.
“The governors have a lot of work to do. They need to allow the PDP constitution to prevail. Right now, members are scattered and disillusioned. People are simply trying to survive outside the party after enduring years of internal crisis.”
Asked what he believes would top the agenda of the Ibadan meeting, the source replied, “The state of the party. That’s my honest opinion. It can’t be anything other than that. The PDP is in bad shape.”
[NaijaNews]
US President Donald Trump has exempted smartphones and computers from reciprocal tariffs, including the 125 percent levies imposed on Chinese imports.
US Customs and Border Patrol published a notice late Friday explaining the goods would be excluded from Trump’s 10 percent global tariffs on most countries and the much larger Chinese import tax.
The move comes after concerns from US tech companies that the price of gadgets could skyrocket, as many of them are made in China.
The exemptions also include other electronic devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells and memory cards.
It was not clear whether technology imports from China would still be hit by a 20% tariff that was not part of the reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2. The BBC has contacted the White House for comment.
Some estimates suggested iPhone prices and other electronic goods in the US would have gone up three times if the costs of the tariffs had been passed on to consumers.
The US is a major market for iPhones, while Apple accounted for more than half of its smartphones sales last year, according to Counterpoint Research.
It says as much as 80% of Apple’s iPhones intended for US sale are made in China, with the remaining 20% made in India.
Along with fellow smartphone giants such as Samsung, Apple has been trying to diversify its supply chains to avoid over-reliance on China in recent years.
India and Vietnam emerged as frontrunners for additional manufacturing hubs.
As tariffs took effect, Apple reportedly looked to speed up and increase its production of India-produced devices in recent days.
Trump had planned a host of steep tariffs on countries around the world set to go into effect this week.
But on Wednesday, he quickly reversed course, announcing that he would implement a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher US tariffs – except China – whose tariffs he raised to 145%. Trump said the Chinese tariff increase was because of the country’s readiness to retaliate with its own 84% levy on US goods.
[Leadership]
The recent move by the House of Representatives to slam a five-year jail term or N500,000 fine or both on any person convicted for leaking examination questions, and a three-year jail term for persons under 18 years convicted for engaging in various forms of examination malpractices has been generating mixed reactions from Nigerians.
The proposed legislation, entitled, “Examination Malpractices Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025(HB2097) and sponsored by the member representing Oredo Federal Constituency, Esosa Iyawe, was introduced on March 6, 2025, and is currently awaiting second reading.
The bill, according to its explanatory memorandum, sought to repeal, “The Examination Malpractice Act Cap. E15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enact the Examination Malpractices Act, 2025, to provide for non-custodial penalties, expand offences relating to the examination malpractices and prescribe adequate punishment for such offences.”
It further stated that minors convicted under the proposed law shall be treated in accordance with the Child Rights Act.
The bill stated that any person, who procures any question paper intended for use in any examination in the country, whether or not the question is genuine and any person who uses a technological device at any examination, is guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both for a person under the age of eighteen years.
However, in the case of a principal, teacher, an invigilator, a supervisor, an examiner, agent or employee of the examination body concerned with the conduct of an examination, the offence shall attract a four-year jail term without an option of fine.
Also, the parliament is proposing N400,000 or four years imprisonment or both for any person engaged to mark examination papers, who, without lawful excuse, alters or otherwise tampers or attempts to alter or tamper with the scores of a candidate as recorded by another person; or (b) employed by an examination body, who before, during or after an examination, fraudulently or without lawful authority, alters or otherwise tampers with the scores of a candidate or aids or abets any candidate to cheat at an examination.
Similarly, Section 4 of the proposed legislation stipulates that, “A candidate, who at any examination, by any fraudulent trick or device or with intent to cheat or secure an unfair advantage for himself or any other person, steals or otherwise appropriates or takes a question paper, an answer sheet or a script of any other candidate, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.”
The bill also stated that any person, who impersonates a candidate in an examination shall on conviction be liable to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term not more than three years or both, in the case of a person under 18 years old, while in the case of a principal, teacher, an invigilator, a supervisor, an examiner, an agent or employee of the examination body concerned with the conduct of an examination, the imprisonment shall be for a term of four years without the option of a fine.
According to Section 6(1) of the proposed law, “A candidate at an examination, who leaves the venue of the examination and mixes up with any other person with intent to cheat or secure any unfair advantage for himself or any other person in the examination, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of at least N300,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both, and in addition, the candidate shall not be allowed to re-enter the examination hall or any other place to continue with that examination.”
Section 6(2) and (3) provides that “A person who (a) without lawful excuse, with intent to aid a candidate to cheat or secure any unfair advantage for himself or any other person at the examination, communicates or attempts to communicate to the candidate any information relating to any question paper in the examination; or (b) not being involved in the conduct of the examination, is found in or near the examination hall or any other place appointed for the examination with intent to aid a candidate to cheat or secure an unfair advantage for a candidate at the examination, commits an offence.
“A person guilty of an offence under sub-clause (2) of this section is liable on conviction (a) in the case of a person under the age of 18 years, to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of not more than three years or to both; (b) in the case of a principal, teacher, an invigilator, a supervisor, an examiner, or an agent or employee of the examination body concerned with the conduct of an examination, to imprisonment for a term of four years without the option of a fine.”
Since the proposal became public knowledge, Nigerians have reacted variously.
While some have dismissed the lawmakers as idle people who have abandoned important issues affecting Nigerians to chase shadows, there are those who believe that it is not bad in its entirety.
One of those who believe that it is idleness that has forced the lawmakers to abandon critical problems bedeviling Nigerians to chase an infinitesimal issue as examination malpractice is the former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and lawyer, Chief Maxi Okwu.
“I think those lawmakers are idle. There are more important issues to tackle,” he told DAILY POST.
Although he clearly stated that he would not encourage examination malpractice in any form, he argued that in order of priority of the issue bogging the nation, it shouldn’t catch the attention of the lawmakers, when terrorists and bandits are running riots, riding roughshod over the country and spilling the blood of the innocent without let or hindrance.
He said: “It is not as if I am encouraging exams malpractice, but to me, it is not a priority matter. It is not a priority at all; look at kidnappers, bandits and terrorists that go away with mayhem; they don’t want to do anything about that, it is to go after school children who engage in what I may call some malfeasance.
“Yes, there should be punishment, and by the way there is punishment already for examination malpractice in Nigeria, but like I said, if you want to improve the law, fine. But there are more important things facing the nation that they should give their attention to.
“There is already a punishment for exam malpractice. Increasing it may be useful later but for now, that is not a priority to me.”
Also contributing, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, Adekunle James, questioned the moral standing of the lawmakers who are pushing the bill.
He noted that most of them are in the national assembly with forged secondary school certificates, and should not be talking about examination malpractice.
He added that the law against examination malpractice in Nigeria is strong enough to deal with the problem.
“So, for anybody to abandon all the problems that Nigerians are facing and be talking about a non-issue like exam malpractice is most unfortunate.
“Are the lawmakers not aware of what Nigerians are going through? Nigerians are being killed like chickens in their homes by bandits and terrorists; nowhere is safe; People can’t feed; they can’t afford ordinary medication for malaria; house rent is rising every year; transportation cost of out of reach of so many Nigerians due to the removal of subsidy on petroleum products and some lawmakers are talking about examinations malpractice.
“Are they supposed to be debating about examination malpractice in a country where people are not sure when death will come calling or where their next meal will come from? Are they not supposed to be making laws that will alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians and secure their lives from the criminal gangs in the name of bandits, terrorists and killer herdsmen?
“Certain things are better left not discussed. These lawmakers will never cease to amuse us. So, of all the problems bedeviling us as a people, it is examination malpractice that they chose to single out and discuss?
“This is a shame. My advice to them is to sit up and face their constitutional duty of ensuring that they make laws that will protect the lives and property of Nigerians, put food on their table and improve their general well-being,” he told DAILY POST.
[DailyPost]
Omoni Oboli, 46, is a renowned Nigerian actress, scriptwriter, director, and producer. She began her acting career nearly three decades ago when she featured in a film titled, ‘Bitter Encounter.’ Over the years, Oboli has consistently broken boundaries, acting in and producing numerous movie projects. OLAITAN GANIU writes.
For years, film piracy, limited access to distribution channels and lack of fund are some of the challenges that have been facing the country’s creative sector. Despite these obstacles, Nollywood still positions itself as the second-largest film-producing industry in the world.
One of the thespian talents who are unrelenting about the entertainment industry is Omoni Oboli. Her ability to juggle multiple roles as a actress, filmmaker, entrepreneur and mother is nothing short of inspiring. She has continued to deliver outstanding performances and made a name for herself in the world of filmmaking.
“The truth is, all I really want is to keep having my head down and putting in good work always. I don’t do this for accolades. I’m already famous in my father’s eyes. He knows my name,” the mother of three said while speaking on her newest YouTube production titled, ‘Love in Every Word.’
She added, “I can’t count the number of churches that pastors used our movie, ‘Love in Every Word’ to preach! Lord, I give you praise.”
The film has garnered over 22 million views in few weeks, proving the demand for premium Nollywood content on digital platforms.
From big screens to YouTube
Recently, the Nigerian film industry has experienced a significant shift in the are of distribution channels as many filmmakers, actors and content creators are bypassing traditional distribution barriers to release their on the video-sharing platform, YouTube.
From Ruth Kadiri, Kunle Afolayan, and Wumi Toriola to Bimbo Ademoye, more and more prolific content creators are leveraging social media platforms to reach a global audience.
“The truth is, when I decided to start making movies for the YouTube platform, we didn’t want to make movies below a standard I was used to, however, it’s dicey,” Oboli stressed.
Industry analysts opined that the trend on the rise due to economic hardship which is affecting the cost of movie production. Similarly, low percentage offered to filmmakers by major streaming platforms has pushed film producer to pitch their tent with YouTube.
Aside from the fact that YouTube is cost-effective in distributing films compared to traditional methods, they can easily reach a global audience; build online portfolios and monetise their content through various channels. With YouTube Partner Programme (YPP), content creators could earn between $1,000 to $5,000 per 1 million views.
A win-win for movie lovers
For many Nigerians, it is a win-win as people can now watch films on their smart TVs or phones for free, without needing a subscription to any major cable networks or streaming platforms, including DStv, Netflix, and Prime Video, among others.
“You see YouTube is a free platform and revenue can be quite tricky especially because most of our views come from Nigeria and Africa but I decided I will not insult the intelligence of my audience. I will not reduce myself to make a profit. We opted to play the long game. Keep putting in the work no matter the financial outcome, one day, it will make sense so my heart dances when I see comments like these.”
The fight against piracy continues
Despite the significant success of indigenous films across cinemas and streaming platforms, digital piracy is reaping off the effort of film producers.
Oboli, who studied Digital Editing at the New York Film Academy, expressed deep frustration over the growing issue of digital piracy, noting that films are often leaked online within 24 hours of release on streaming platforms. While platforms like YouTube allow takedown requests, many smaller sites are beyond their control.
Though, many times, the production costs were recovered, she admits to losing significant revenue to piracy—an experience common to all filmmakers, as piracy consistently cuts into their potential earnings.
All hails the queen
For her effort on the latest project, Oboli has continued to receive accolades from her fans, industry stakeholders and government.
The Special Assistant to the President, Office of the Vice President, on Digital and Creative Economy, Fegho Umunubo, applauded the versatile actress and the lead cast for their exceptional role in the film.
“Love in Every Word is the fastest-growing Nollywood movie of all time. We celebrate your contributions to the creative industry,” the SA to the president commented.
“Huge congratulations to the incredibly talented Omoni Oboli on creating a masterpiece that has captivated the hearts of Nigerians. Reaching 15 million views is no small feat, and at this rate, 30 million views and beyond seem inevitable.
“Kudos to the brilliant lead cast, Bam Bam and Uzor Arukwe, for delivering outstanding performances that brought this amazing story to life. Your talent, dedication, and passion are truly inspiring. Thank you all for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the Nigerian movie industry. Here’s to many more wins and continued success! Cheers.”
Oboli’s leading the charge
Her journey proves that Nollywood is evolving beyond cinemas and streaming giants YouTube is now a force to be reckoned with, and Oboli is leading the charge. As her latest projects continue to break records, there is no doubt that she will keep redefining success in the industry.
“I love when they think you’re nobody and you turn out to be the GOAT,” she said.
Omoni Oboli has consistently delivered outstanding performances, embodying a wide range of roles. In 2024, she impressed audiences by playing both a mother and a grandmother in different movie roles, proving her exceptional ability to adapt to any character. This skill has solidified her place as one of Nollywood’s most respected and sought-after actresses.
Beyond acting, she has made a name for herself in the world of filmmaking. As a director and producer, Oboli has created some of the most talked-about movies in Nollywood. Some of her most successful productions include: Being Mrs Elliot (2014), The First Lady (2015), Wives on Strike (2016), Okafor’s Law (2017), Love is War (2019), The Uprising,Wives on Strike 3 (2024), and many more. Her latest film, The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3, became a box office sensation, grossing ₦28.2 million ($35,000) in its opening weekend.
Omoni Oboli’s impact extends beyond the screen. She is a philanthropist, using her charity organization, ‘The Omoni Oboli Foundation,’ to bring relief to the plight of the less- privileged women and children of Nigerian society. She has championed causes related to education, gender equality, and opportunities for women in the film industry.
[TheNation]
The All Progressives Congress and governors elected under the party are actively working to stop former President Muhammadu Buhari and his loyalists from aligning with opposition figures, Sunday PUNCH has learnt.
According to an insider at the APC National Secretariat, this is the reason behind the visits of the National Working Committee and APC governors to Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.
Beyond the claim of a Sallah visit, the credible source stated that the NWC and the APC governors visited Buhari over growing concern that the ‘body language’ of the former president was not in favour of the party.
“The leaders are concerned that the ex-president has withdrawn and shown limited support for the current government. They observed that opposition figures have taken advantage of Buhari’s openness to create the impression that his spirit and body language are no longer with the APC. That is why the NWC had to visit him to show that he still belongs to the APC and ward off any negative impression among party members, especially from his followers in the North.
“Importantly, the party acknowledges that the North is uncomfortable with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and is clearly planning not to support his second term. The APC leadership decided to dissuade the former president from making himself available to opposition figures who have been visiting him,” the impeccable source said.
The insider told Sunday PUNCH that the APC leadership had taken “Buhari’s body language more seriously,” noting that they could not afford to let the opposition “hijack” him from them.
He said, “The party leaders have realised that there is fire on the mountain, and they have begun to move closer to Buhari than before. The body language of the former president clearly shows that his spirit is no longer with the APC. They are now taking his actions and inactions more seriously. The leaders are trying to ensure that the APC doesn’t lose Buhari and his followers to the strategic moves of the likes of Atiku.”
Coalition befriends Buhari
Buhari’s residence in Kaduna has become a sort of Mecca since the Eid-il-Fitr celebrations, especially following reports that the Congress for Progressive Change bloc of the APC and some former ministers who served under the ex-president were planning to defect to the Social Democratic Party.
One of Buhari’s loyalists and former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, defected to the SDP on March 15, citing a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.
El-Rufai, a vocal critic of President Tinubu’s administration, revealed that he sought Buhari’s approval before leaving the APC.
Sunday PUNCH had reported that leading Buhari’s loyalists in the defections were the former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Following the report, APC governors visited Buhari on April 7 and held a closed-door meeting with him.
The governors reportedly pleaded with Buhari to halt the defections, promising that the party would address the grievances of his loyalists.
However, three days later (April 11), opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and governors of Kaduna and Sokoto states, Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, among other notable politicians, also visited Buhari.
Atiku, speaking to journalists at Buhari’s residence, said the visit was for Sallah homage, explaining that it was not part of any opposition coalition talks.
“We came here on courtesy and Sallah greetings visit to President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
When asked about plans to form a major opposition party, Atiku acknowledged ongoing discussions but made it clear that this was not the purpose of the visit.
“There is a plan for the major political parties to come together and form a strong opposition, but it is not part of this visit,” Atiku stated.
Also speaking during the visit, El-Rufai said the meeting had no political undertones, advising “adversaries” not to lose sleep over it.
However, in a swift move, the APC NWC, led by the party Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, stormed Buhari’s residence a few hours after the opposition leaders left.
Addressing journalists after the visit, Ganduje said the APC was not worried by Atiku’s visit, describing it as another attempt to repeat history.
“What they are trying to build is not viable. Some particles simply cannot come together. We are not worried at all,” he stated.
Ganduje explained that the APC leaders visited Buhari to brief him on the party’s progress since his exit from office and to reaffirm their commitment to upholding his legacy.
Although all political figures involved in the visit described it as mere Sallah homage, there are indications that both the ruling party and opposition leaders are courting the former president’s support.
Buhari’s influence in the North has been a significant strength for the APC, which is now facing growing resentment from northerners.
This is as the former president maintained that he remained with the APC and would forever appreciate the party for giving him the platform to be a two-term president.
Visitations about 2027 elections
Sources close to former president Atiku told Sunday PUNCH that the visits were related to the 2027 general elections.
“It’s all about the 2027 general election, particularly the presidency. The visit was geared towards coalition building, not a merger,” one of the sources said.
Another source added, “The visit is to poach Buhari’s loyalists from the APC bloc. These are forces to reckon with since Tinubu has abandoned them, and they know that Buhari cannot help anyone in the 2027 elections. The only option is for Atiku to poach loyalists of the former president from the CPC bloc.”
Atiku had on March 20 announced the formation of a Coalition of Opposition Political Parties to oust President Tinubu in 2027, amid growing resentment against the president in the North.
“Many northerners are unhappy with the current government, except those in the government. A lot is being done to remove Tinubu in 2027,” a political leader in Kaduna State said.
Our correspondent gathered that Atiku and other northerners were intensifying efforts to gain Buhari’s support through his loyalists in the former CPC, now part of the APC.
Why APC, anti-Tinubu politicians want Buhari’s support – Associate
But Mohammed Lawal, a long-time political associate of Buhari, said the ex-president could not stop his loyalists from leaving the APC if they wanted to.
Lawal, who was the deputy director of the Buhari Presidential Campaign Council in 2015, noted that although Buhari had declared his position not to leave the APC, he would respect his loyalists’ decisions.
“The party (APC) gave him the chance to be president for two terms, so separating him from that party is not going to be easy; but there is a limit to which he can force his loyalists to work for the APC.
“For example, if President Buhari decides to support the coalition, I’m sure you will see that in the 90 per cent of his people that are in the coalition, and what is he going to do? Is it to fight against the 90 per cent? So, that is what you are seeing now; everybody is struggling to reach him.
“But there is a limit to what he can do and if 80 or 90 per cent of his people decide to leave, he has to decide.”
Lawal, however, queried the appointments of President Tinubu and the economic hardship in the country.
He said, “It has never been done the way it is (being) done; every administration that has come use to incline a little bit towards its own people either being ethnicity, religion, but this one actually it’s too much according to what you are hearing and what you are seeing within the country.”
On Buhari’s relevance, the associate said, “Buhari is still a big interest within the political circle in the North; how many former heads of states do we have that went through the political rigmarole to become president in the North? I don’t think there is anyone behind Buhari now. Babangida was Head of State with his military background, so also General Abudulsallam; Shagari is gone. So naturally, politicians in the North, even those that are outside APC will look towards Buhari for political direction and advice, so do not be surprised if you see Buhari’s residence in Kaduna being turned into a political Mecca of some sort. I’m not surprised; Buhari is going to continue to be more relevant, especially as 2027 is going to be very tough politically for this country.”
Lawal also noted that opposition figures sought Buhari’s support far ahead because they recognized his electoral value.
He said the ex-president would take the right decision no matter what anyone said about him.
[Punch]
Two masquerades on Friday led a protest in the Omu-Aran community under the Irepodun LGA of Kwara over “outrageous” electricity bills.
The protesters, mainly the youths, also rejected the community’s sudden migration from Band C to Band A in the billing regime by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
They claimed that the migration from Band C to Band A was responsible for the outrageous bills received by residents for the month of March.
The protesters were said to have converged on Bareke roundabout, chanting war songs and carrying placards with different inscriptions.
In a video posted on X, the protesters were seen with placards that read, “Omu-Aran says no to Band A,” “Bring us back to Band C,” “Revert Omu-Aran to Band C,” and “Omu-Aran youths have spoken loudly.”
The youths said the shift in billing classification was responsible for the sharp increase in electricity charges for March 2025.
On April 3, 2024, the federal government approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification, while other bands were unchanged.
Under the current structure, Band A customers are entitled to a minimum of 20 hours per day, Band B gets a minimum of 16 hours of power supply, and Band C gets 12 hours.
While category D receives a minimum of eight hours, Band E gets four hours of electricity per day.
Following the price review, Band A customers began paying N209 per kilowatt-hour, while Band B — with three to four hours difference in electricity supply — pays N63 per kilowatt-hour.
[TheCable]
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Lagos went agog for former First Lady, Dame Abimbola Fashola, in celebration of her 60th birthday. Family members, friends and well-wishers celebrated and shared joy with the woman whom many call an Amazon and selfless giver.
Her husband, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, fondly called BRF, took to his social media page to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the woman he described as a diamond that is treasured and much sought after.
He wrote: “Dear Abimbola, I celebrate you as you commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of your birth for a life that has been well lived, especially in the service of God and humanity.
“On this diamond anniversary, it is fitting to acknowledge how like a diamond you have sparkled and lit up many lives, including mine and our children.
“Beyond us, the spark of your existence has ignited many other lives from far and near.
“Like the diamond, you are valued, treasured, and much sought after. Most especially, you wear value and humility with ease.
“Above all, like the diamond, you possess an inner strength that has been a rock for all of us.
“I pray for many more years of a very healthy and fulfilled life for you. “Happy birthday and many happy returns, my darling”.
Not only did Fashola, who was also Minister of Power, Works & Housing, pen a romantic note, he also organized a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gbaja, Surulere in honour of the celebrant.
The former governor also let his air down to ‘boogie ‘down with his wife as gospel singer Tope Alabi sang in honour of Abimbola to celebrate the remarkable milestone.
President Bola Tinubu felicitated with Abimbola for her renowned contributions as an experienced administrator in education management and as a passionate advocate for health and socio-economic issues.
Tinubu acknowledged her impact on public awareness and sensitization campaigns on children’s and women’s health.
He described the celebrant as a steadfast pillar of support for her husband, offering tremendous help during his tenure as governor and Minister. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his part, described Dame Fashola as an experienced administrator.
Former Chairman, First Bank Plc, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, who is married to the cousin of the celebrant, in a tribute, wrote: “It’s been a real pleasure to know you for the past thirty five years of being married to your cousin.
“Your forthrightness, loving, welcoming and humble nature has remained unchanged as I watched you walk through different seasons. “As you celebrate your sixtieth birthday, I wish you God’s goodness, grace, mercy, perfect health and abundance of joy.
As you selflessly care for others, may the care and love of God never cease in your life”.
As the Founder of Leadership Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), Dame Fashola has impacted and transformed lives.
She is a caring, loving and supportive wife and mother. As First Lady of Lagos State, she used the Office to impact many lives by advocating for women’s health, championing education, and empowering the youth.
In recognition of her modest contribution to humanity, she was honoured by His Holiness, Pope Benedict the XVI, with a papal medal award. She is also a recipient of several other local and international awards.
[Vanguard]
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Toke Makinwa says she doesn’t mind being a second, third, fourth, or even fifth wife.
The media personality tied the knot with Maje Ayida, her longtime partner, in 2014.
However, their union was short-lived due to infidelity allegations in 2015, leading to their divorce in 2017.
In an interview on her podcast Toke Moments, Makinwa said she would consider becoming a co-wife if the opportunity arises.
She revealed that constantly being in charge can be exhausting, and she now desires a partner who can ease some of that pressure and allow her to unwind.
She added that while she used to judge others for certain choices, her perspective has changed and she now understands.
“I won’t lie, at this point in my life if I have the opportunity to marry as a 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th wife, I will think about it,” she said.
“I’m the boss everywhere, and that can be tiring.
“There are certain things you would be like this could never be me, could never be this, and you see people do some certain things, and you would be the biggest judge.
“Right now, I understand.”
Recently, Makinwa reflected on being 40, single, and childless while admitting that it once made her feel bad but no longer does.
She also said that if she had remarried, she would likely have gotten divorced again because the “lessons never stop”.
[TheCable]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned against the spraying, hawking, mutilation or counterfeiting the Naira.
Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali gave the warning during the bank”s Special Day at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair.
She urged the public to see the Nigerian currency, the Naira as the nation’s critical symbol of national identity.
Mrs Ali assured that the apex bank will sustain its efforts towards ensuring the availability of clean currency notes with the right mix.
“The CBN will sustain its efforts towards ensuring the availability of clean currency notes with the right mix. We, however, urge you to see Naira as our critical symbol of national identity. Respect and keep it clean.
“Do not spray, hawk, mutilate or counterfeit the Naira,” she warned.
The acting director noted that Nigeria recorded $6.83 billion balance of payments surplus at the end of 2024, adding that the bank has continued to address pockets of macroeconomic challenges confronting the economy and ensuring that the banking system remains robust and resilient.
“In the same vein, the Bank is also closely monitoring the ongoing recapitalisation of the banking sector, to ensure the injection of quality capital as envisaged in the framework.
“The Nigerian payments system has continued to be reckoned with globally. CBN has remained resolute in ensuring effective and efficient payments system infrastructure. This has accelerated the financial inclusion drive and broadened payment possibilities for Nigerians.
“These payment platforms have made financial transactions more seamless, cost-effective and accessible to a wide range of users,” she stated.
The federal government has refuted a report by the United States Embassy in Abuja, claiming that Christians in Nigeria have been systematically targeted for extermination and other forms of persecution by fundamentalist Islamists in the country.
Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a statement on Friday, descibed the report as misleading and oversimplified a deeply complex national security challenge facing the country.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes with concern a recent social media publication by the United States Embassy, Abuja, regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the testimonies provided by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, on alleged threats that have arisen as a result of their testimonies at the United States Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.
“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplify a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
“The assertion that the Nigerian government has “allowed the violence to escalate unchecked” is both inaccurate and unfair.
“The government has consistently taken decisive action, including; deploying security forces to areas affected by communal violence; engaging in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders; strengthening intelligence operations to track down criminal elements and implementing policies to address rootcauses, including land use reforms and economic development initiatives,” the statement said.
The federal government emphasised that while these challenges remain, it is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent.
It added the reality that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organised crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.
“The Nigerian government remains fully committed to upholding freedom of religion and freedom of expression, among other freedoms. Any report of threats or intimidation against religious leaders will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.
“The current administration values its partnership with the United States and other international allies in addressing security concerns, and therefore calls for caution against narratives that risk deepening religious divisions and misrepresenting the situation on the ground, but also enjoins well-meaning partners to join its efforts towards the maintenance of peace and security.”
The Federal Government restated it’s commitment to continually prioritising protection of the lives and property of its citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, while strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against insecurity.
“We therefore call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarisation,” the statement added.
The youths in Omu-Aran in Irepodun local government area of Kwara State, led by two masquerades, on Friday protested what they termed outrageous billing and sudden movement of the community’s electricity billing regime from Band C to Band A.
The protesters were seen gathered at Bareke Roundabout in the metropolis carrying placards with various inscriptions amidst dancing and singing of war songs.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards reads: ‘Omu-Aran Says No to Band A’, ‘Bring Back to Band C’, ‘Revert Omu-Aran to Band C’. ‘Omu-Aran Youths Have Spoken Loudly’.
The youths were of the believe that the sudden movement of the electricity billing from Band C to Band A was responsible for the outrageous bills received for the month of March, 2025.
They alleged that there were many unresolved challenges militating against uninterrupted electricity supply across designated areas of the community before the sudden movement of the billing regime.
The protesters, who were peaceful and orderly while the protest lasted, vehemently rejected an attempt to be escorted by police personnel and some other security agencies.
The current charges on some of the electricity bills gathered by the youths and sighted by our reporter were between the range of N41,000 to N47,000 for the month of March as against the old rate of between N10,000 to N15,000.
The protest took the youths to major streets in the community such as the Olomu Market, Latinwo Market Area, Olomu palace, as well as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC)’s District office located inside Omu-Aran City Complex.
The protesters also blocked some major highways leading to neighbouring states including Omu-Aran-Kabba Highway as well as Omu-Aran-Otun-Ekiti Highway which forced motorists and travellers to wait for hours.
They vowed to continue with the protest until their demands and grievances were addressed by IBEDC and the community leaders.
Some of their demands, according to a statement signed by the President of Omu-Aran Development Association, Mr Niyi Adeyeye and Elder Ranti Adebayo, included replacement of faulty transformers leading to inconsistent electricity supply in some key areas of the community.
Others are reversion of the billing from Band A to the previous Band C and improvement of electricity supply, suspension of Band A billings and review of the current charges to reflect the old billing regime.
Other demands included independent review of IBEDC service delivery in Omu-Aran to assess the relevance of the proper tariff regime classification, immediate stoppage of overdraft purchase on pre-paid meters as well as stoppage of electricity consumers purchasing materials for faulty electricity equipments.
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, while receiving the protesters in his palace, appealed for calm, saying that the community leaders were already discussing with the IBEDC officials on the need to address the issues.
He urged the youths to exercise restraints and wait for the outcome of the intervention by the community leaders.
When contacted, the Omu-Aran business manager of IBEDC, Mr A. O. Badmus said he was not authorised to speak on the issue and directed our reporter to the IBEDC Kwara State Communication Officer, Mr Gbenga Ajiboye.
Ajiboye in his reactions said the issue of electricity regulation remained the sole responsibility of the National Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC).
“They (NERC) are the one who does regulation, monitoring and enforcement. There is nothing we can do on our own as far as regulation is concerned in the state” , he said.
He added that electricity consumers enjoying 20 hours of electricity supply are regulated by NERC to be on Band A in which Omu-Aran community is categorised presently.
Ajiboye described the development as a business issue between buyers and sellers, noting that high level discussion was already ongoing to resolve the issue amicably