The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Entertainment and Tourism, Idileoye Aletile, known as Seyi Law, has emphasized the need for youths to utilize their voices for change.

Seyi Law, however, stated that some Nigerian youths decided to sell their voices for ₦20,000, noting that voice is a value that should not be transacted..

Speaking at the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, New Media Engagement with some selected youths, last Monday, the celebrity comedian called for review of laws that could stiffle the voice of citizens.

“When it comes to political engagement, I do not stand on the sidelines. I step forward. The future of Nigeria is being shaped in real time, and we must not only be part of the conversation but lead it with conviction.

“The divide between legislators and citizens must be bridged, not as an afterthought, but as a core principle of governance. A stronger Nigeria demands transparency, accessibility, and a system rooted in respect for the constitutional rights of every citizen.

“Yet, we must confront a troubling reality: values are being exchanged for money, and the voices of the people I know are priceless and the allegations of some being sold for as little as N20k are appalling. This erosion of integrity is a threat to our progress, and we must reclaim our national ethos.

“A new Nigeria can not thrive in a digital landscape rife with misinformation and reckless narratives. Our cyber laws must be reinforced not to stifle dialogue but to ensure accountability, factual discourse, and responsible digital citizenship.

“The Nigeria we envision is not just a dream but a blueprint for action: smart, youth-driven, technologically advanced, community-focused, and prepared to meet the future head-on.

“Our voices matter. Our choices matter. The time to shape the new Nigeria is already in progress through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” he said.

Popular Nigerian actress, Lizzy Gold has called out her father over what she described as entitlement mentality.

The actress made the call after a mild confrontation with her father.

While addressing family members with an entitlement mentality, Lizzy, in a now deleted video on Instagram, narrated how she got an unexpected response from her father after sending him a “huge” monetary gift for Easter celebration. 

Expressing her grievance, she stated that the experience made her feel unappreciated.

“Normally, I always send money to my father. I do send money at night so that he will see the amount I have sent when he wakes up in the morning, because I love surprises.

“Whenever my father wakes up in the morning and sees the amount I have given to him, he will pray for me. And trust me, I enjoy the prayers, because it gingers me to want to do more.

“So, on Easter day, my father sent a message in the morning; ‘Baby how far na? Do Easter for you papa na’. I pretended like I didn’t see it. At 2 am, I dropped a huge amount of money 10 times the ones I usually sent. You know that kind of feeling of giving your father big money and you are expecting to wake up and see some kind of prayers that will bubble you.

“I woke up only to check my phone and see ‘thanks’. No prayers. Nothing”.

She further revealed what her father told her when she called to confront him; “He said I prayed for you in my heart”.

To which she replied to him, “Daddy, I don’t pluck money from the trees. I work tirelessly for money. I enjoy the prayers. It gingers me to want to do more”.

The federal government has launched the creative economy development fund (CEDF), an initiative to support creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural organisations in Nigeria.

The ministry of arts, culture, tourism, and creative economy announced the scheme in a statement on Sunday, according to NAN.

The ministry said the fund aims to scale projects with strong financial documentation and clear expansion plans, noting that the first phase of applications, which opened on April 28 and is expected to close on May 30, targets mature businesses needing over $100,000. 

The statement said fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, artists, tour operators, gaming developers, and other professionals in Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors are eligible to apply.

According to the ministry, the fund aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope agenda’ by supporting job creation, cultural promotion, and economic diversification.

Speaking on the initiative, Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of arts, culture, tourism, and creative economy, described the fund as a “strategic national investment” to unlock Nigeria’s creative potential. 

“This is not just a financial intervention. It is a call to action for creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry enablers to scale their dreams and contribute to a thriving, inclusive creative economy,” Musawa was quoted as saying.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE LOAN

According to the ministry, the CEDF supports businesses in the creative sector by providing capital to scale production, expand market access, and build resilience.

The initiative is also expected to allow creators to leverage intellectual property as a financial asset, unlocking the value of film rights, music catalogues, digital content, and other creative works.

“CEDF offers various funding options for creative businesses, including affordable loans and credit facilities for businesses across sectors such as film, music, fashion, art, publishing, gaming, and cultural tourism,” the ministry said.

“Equity and quasi-equity investments in high-growth creative enterprises, Grant funding for socially impactful and innovative cultural projects and focus on leveraging intellectual property (IP) as a bankable asset class for securing financing.”

To apply, the ministry said interested applicants must visit CEDFnigeria.com, complete the official application form, submit project proposals, and provide the required financial documents.

“Applicants must then wait for the evaluation process and, if selected, receive support beginning January 2026 (phase one) or April 2026 (phase two). Application review, project onboarding, incubation, and acceleration for phase one will take place from June to December 2025, with the disbursement of funds starting on January 1, 2026,” it added.

“For phase two, disbursements will start on April 1, 2026.

“The second phase will open on August 4, focusing on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) requesting under $100,000.”

The ministry also said the CEDF evaluation process will be conducted by independent experts under the oversight of a private sector-led investment committee.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reportedly withdrawn from a presidential panel investigating sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

Oby Ndukwe, president of Citizens Quest for Truth, revealed this on Saturday, May 3, 2025, during Politics Today on Channels Television.

Sources say President Bola Tinubu formed the panel on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, with members including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and one representative each from Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The panel was tasked with probing allegations that sparked national controversy.

Akpabio’s withdrawal, without an official explanation, has fuelled speculation. Sources claim he cited executive interference and doubts about the panel’s neutrality.

Tensions between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated after her February 2025 accusations of sexual harassment.

The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday, March 6, 2025, pending the investigation’s outcome, a move critics called a silencing tactic.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to present evidence in court.

- several wounded, hospitalized

Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, scampered for safety yesterday as personnel of the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun clashed with police officers over the custody of a suspect linked to a stolen motorcycle.

Eyewitnesses said that personnel from both security agencies exchanged gunfire during the clash, causing widespread tension and anxiety across the state capital.

According to reports, a complainant had visited the Amotekun office to report a missing motorcycle. Acting swiftly, Amotekun operatives recovered the stolen motorcycle and arrested the suspect.

However, shortly after the arrest, a team of police officers arrived at the Amotekun office and reportedly demanded custody of the suspect.

One of the officers told newsmen that Amotekun personnel declined the request and directed them to the state commander of the corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.

Sources said a heated argument ensued between the two agencies, which escalated into exchange of gunfire.

Several officers were reportedly injured during the confrontation, which occurred as the police attempted to forcefully take custody of the suspect and the exhibit.

In an official statement issued by the Ondo State Police Command, spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka accused some officers of acting unprofessionally, saying At about 0800hours, a report was received at the Ijoka Divisional Police Headquarters regarding the arrest of a suspect allegedly involved in the theft of property from a church located around Sunday Bus Stop.

“Acting promptly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) detailed two police officers, along with the incident duty officer, to proceed to the scene, recover the suspect, and secure exhibits linked to the crime.

“It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene.

“However, while they were executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived with a large group of commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders).

“In a disorderly and commando-like manner, the Amotekun personnel and their companions forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, injuring a police officer in the process.Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, immediately directed tactical commanders to recover both the suspect and the exhibits.”

“Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.

“However, while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air.

“To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies.”

The spokesperson reiterated that the Ondo State Police Command remains committed to collaboration with other security outfits in the state, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law and established protocols.

“The Command assures members of the public that it remains dedicated to the maintenance of peace, public safety, and the rule of law across the state,” Olayinka concluded.

Efforts to reach the Amotekun State Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.

Fear and chaos have gripped parts of eastern Sokoto State as renewed bandit attacks, allegedly carried out by Kachalla Kallamu loyalists of notorious kingpin Bello Turji, have forced residents of more than 20 villages to flee their homes.

The fleeing villagers, seeking safety from escalating violence, have found temporary refuge in Gatawa, a town in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area. Many are now sheltering in public schools and with relatives, as local authorities scramble to respond.

A resident of Gatawa, Mallam Saminu, confirmed the development in a telephone chat with THE WHISTLER.

“Yes, it is true. People from many villages around Gatawa have been displaced and have come here to seek refuge,” he said.

“Some are staying with relatives in town, while others have been sheltered in two secondary schools, one near the military camp and another within the town.”

Communities affected by the attacks include Makira, Shabanza, Katsalle, Dan Kura, Garin Tunkiya, Dama, Dan Tazako I, II, and III, Gaugai, among others.

As of press time, official responses from the state government were unavailable. The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), could not be reached, and the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said he was awaiting a full briefing before commenting.

The mass displacement has once again thrown a spotlight on the fragile security situation in the region, where banditry continues to upend lives despite sustained military operations.

A legal advocacy group, Lawyers in Defence of Democracy, has described the record of former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, as “one of the most transparent” in the company’s history, dismissing the ongoing probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as an attempt to tarnish his legacy.

The group made this known in a statement released on Monday in response to reports that the EFCC was investigating alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds involving Kyari and other former senior officials of NNPCL.

Speaking through its Deputy National Coordinator, Barrister Ndu Edede, the group stated that Kyari, who led the transformation of NNPC into a limited liability company and oversaw sweeping reforms through the Petroleum Industry Act, deserved commendation rather than what it called a “witch-hunt.”

“For someone who served the country diligently from 2019 to 2025 as GMD and later as GCEO of NNPCL, Kyari deserves appreciation, not persecution,” the statement read.

They credited Kyari with spearheading reforms that revitalised Nigeria’s petroleum sector, including the removal of fuel subsidy, an action they said freed up funds for government use and an increase in daily oil production to nearly 2 million barrels.

According to the group, “Moribund refineries were being resuscitated while the Dangote Refinery came on board, changing Nigeria’s petroleum sector’s narrative. These feats have never been achieved before.”

The EFCC’s probe was revealed in a letter dated April 28, 2025, addressed to the current GMD of NNPCL. The letter, which has since surfaced online, listed 14 former officials, including Kyari and Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, as subjects of an investigation into alleged abuse of office and financial misappropriation.

While acknowledging the EFCC’s right to conduct investigations, the lawyers urged the commission to proceed with caution.

“As Kyari himself said, ‘he served Nigeria with the fear of God and is willing to account for his stewardship.’ While we stand with the former GMD/GCEO, we implore EFCC to be circumspect about its planned probe in order not to appear as conducting a witch-hunt against someone who sacrificed his lifetime, energy, and comfort in service to the country,” they stated.

The group also emphasised that any genuine and transparent probe would ultimately vindicate Kyari, whom they described as a transformational figure in the oil and gas industry.

The EFCC has not yet issued a formal public statement on the status or scope of the investigation.

Special Assistant to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Public Communication, Paul Ibe, has faulted the presidency for dismissing the recent remarks by outgoing President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, that Nigerians today were worse off than they were at Independence in 1960.

Naija News reports that Adesina had claimed that Nigeria’s GDP per capita had dropped from $1,847 in 1960 to $824 in 2024, implying a deterioration in living standards.

In response, Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, in a post via ? dismissed the figures as incorrect, emphasising that available historical data tell a markedly different story.

Quoting official statistics, Onanuga outlined Nigeria’s economic growth over the decades, acknowledging a rise in GDP to $12.55 billion in 1970, $27.7 billion in 1975, $64.2 billion in 1980, and $164 billion in 1981.

He noted that Nigeria’s economic trajectory rose significantly in the 1970s following the oil boom.

Reacting, Paul Ibe countered Onanuga, stating that Adesina was right, reiterating that Nigeria is worse off today due to the 133 million impoverished citizens.

Ibe urged the presidency to stop gaslighting Nigerians because Adesina’s remark is the real data, and the masses feel the pain.

He said, “Dr. @akin_adesina was right. Nigeria is worse off today than in 1960—just ask the 133 million Nigerians living in poverty.

“Throwing out nominal GDP from 1960 without adjusting for inflation is either ignorance or spin. Real analysts use PPP-adjusted figures—and by that measure, Nigeria has declined.

“Life expectancy? Just 52 years. Unemployment? Sky-high. The naira? Collapsed. Mobile phones don’t fix hunger or power cuts. Cherry-picking GDP and telecom stats while ignoring rising inequality, poverty, and institutional collapse is not just dishonest—it’s cruel.

“Stop gaslighting Nigerians. The people feel the pain Adesina spoke of. That’s the real data….must you attack everyone?”

Former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, has praised his daughter, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, for upholding and preserving his political legacy.

Speaking on Sunday while celebrating his daughter on the occasion of her 45th birthday, Ibori expressed profound gratitude to God for her life and lauded her decision to follow in his political footsteps.

Erhiatake currently represents the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

In a personally signed birthday message made available to newsmen in Warri the former governor praised his daughter’s courage, principles, and dedication to public service, noting that her presence in the political arena has played a vital role in safeguarding his legacy.

He said, “Your decision to walk in my footsteps politically has been vindicated. Without you, the assaults on my legacy might have prevailed.

“Today, 45 years ago, God Almighty gave you to our family. I celebrate you with immense pride and gratitude. Over the years, you have grown into a fearless and principled leader, standing firm against compromise and defending values greater than personal gain.

“I thank God for your life, as well as the mentors, supporters, and loved ones who have guided you on this journey.

“Today, I wish you continued good health, divine wisdom, and unyielding strength as you forge ahead. You have made your immediate family proud, your siblings proud, and your constituency proud. Above all, you have made me profoundly proud.

“On behalf of my wife, your siblings, and our entire family, I pray that today is as remarkable as the impact you make every day.

“Happy 45th celebration, Erhiatake! May the years ahead shine even brighter.”

Ibori, a founding figure of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State and a known political ally of President Bola Tinubu, has kept a relatively low profile since his return to Nigeria in 2016 after serving a jail term in the United Kingdom for money laundering.

Twelve-year- old Munachi Udochukwu was happily living in Onitsha attending primary school along with his two siblings.

Doted on by his two parents, he is seen off to school at the beginning of the new term. This exercise is a yearly ritual for Munachi and his younger sister.

Narrating how he found himself in a Yahoo training centre in Lagos, after he was arrested, Munachi, said prior to his arrival in Lagos, he was living happily with his parents in Anambra State before he was introduced to the gang who operates the facility.

According to him, one of the factors that pushed him into the crime was the death of his father, whom he said was the sole breadwinner.

“I was woken up one early morning by the news of the sudden death of my father who left home for his business place the previous day.

“His death shattered my dreams of a promising carrier in future as I was made to drop out of school since the proceed from my mother’s petty trading business was not enough to sustained the family.

“Then, not knowing what to do, my mother approached a friend of hers, for financial support, but rather she introduced my mother to a gang that was recruiting young boys in the East into internet fraud.

“To her, the prospects was good as she believed that in less than one year, her young son would be rich enough to shoulder the burden and that her worries will be over.

“The only thing that stood against the thought of a lavish lifestyle is the money to buy me a laptop, data and some few other items.

“Not wanting to fail again, she quickly, without thinking of the possible dangers ahead, sold the only land that was given to my father by his family to raise the fund,” he confessed to a team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti where he was being detained.

Munachi explained that few weeks later, he arrived Lagos along with three others and that they were enrolled into the internet training centre where they will be taught on the technics of swindling unsuspecting foreign and local businessmen.

“At first, we were shown different romance online sites and how we can capture those seeking sexual pleasure for a token in dollars.

“We all had different roles to play in the quest to defraud a would-be client. We must perform our part perfectly, failure of which attracts severe beating. You are made to stay without food if the stake is high.

“I have only spent few months before we were arrested by the police. Most of the money we made goes to our teachers. The only thing we were given is food. Those who have graduated gets a fraction of the proceed from a successful deal,” he added.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, who confirmed their arrest at a press conference held at the command headquarters, identified operators of the facility as ChibikeIheijika 923) Stanley Iheijika (22), Obiora Oyedibe (26) and Emmanuel Onedibe (25).

CP Jimoh, who was represented by the command’s spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, gave the names of the trainees as Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom (20), Okeke Kwufrochukwu (26), Uchenna

Obeji (26), Munachi Udochukwu (12) and Chinedu Ukachukwu (23).

Speaking at the conference, Hundeyin said operatives of the command successfully uncovered and dismantled an illegal internet fraud training facility, commonly referred to as “Yahoo School”, operating in the Iju area of Lagos.

He stated that during the operations, detectives of the command arrested 10 suspects, four of which are the yahoo experts, who were running the notorious school.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the principal suspects of the facility recruited the trainees from Anambra State, engaged them to commit internet fraud and other related crimes.

“The proceeds from their fraudulent activities were being confiscated by the principal suspects. All suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba for further discreet investigation and prosecution.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the sponsors who financed the trainee’s enrolment in the school, as well as the owner of the facility where the cranial and illegal activities took place,” he added.