Nigeria’s representative, Chidimma Adetshina, has finished as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico.

The final moments of the prestigious event, announced early Sunday morning, saw an electrifying face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women stood poised to claim the crown.

The competition, described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

In a post via Instagram, the organisers said, “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.”

Though Denmark ultimately won the crown, Adetshina’s exceptional performance and grace earned her widespread admiration from judges and audiences alike.

Details later…

Ondo State Governor and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Lucky Ayedatiwa, is so far leading in 15 local government areas as the Independent National Electoral Commission announced the results of Saturday’s governorship election.

The State Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State, formally opened the state collation exercise around 12:10 a.m. on Sunday

In the results of the 15 local government areas declared so far, Ayedatiwa won in all, including Idanre Local Government, where Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship running mate, Mr. Festus Akingbaso, hails from.

In Ifedore LG, APC got 14,157 to defeat PDP which polled 5,897 votes.

In Ondo East LG, APC got 8,163, defeating PDP that garnered 2,843 votes.

In IleOluji/OkeIgbo LG, APC, 16,600, PDP, 4 442, in Idanre LG, APC, 9,114, PDP, 8,940.

However, in Idanre Local Government Area, a PDP agent alleged that there was no voting in Ofosun Oniseri.

He also alleged a case of ballot snatching at Alade.

He said votes from the ward should be expunged from the LG’s votes.

In Irele Local Government, APC got 17,117 while PDP polled 6 601. In Akoko South West, APC got 29,700 to defeat PDP which garnered 5,517.

The result from Owo Local Government Area indicated that APC polled 31,914 to defeat PDP which garnered 4,740.

In Ondo West LG, APC polled 20,755, while PDP got 6,387 votes.

In Akoko South East LG, APC polled 12140, while PDP got 2692 votes.

In Akoko North West, APC won with 25010, as PDP got 5502.

APC also won Ose LG with a total of 16555, while PDP got 4472. In Akure South LGA, APC polled 32969 votes against PDP’s 17926.

In Akoko North East, APC won with 25657 votes against the PDP’s 5072.

Akinwumi, after the results of the 15th LG, said the commission would go on reccess to resume by 12noon when results of the last three local government areas, Ilaje, Ese Odo and Odigbo, would be released.

See the breakdown of the LGs announced so far:

1. Ifedore LGA:

APC: 14157

PDP: 5897

SDP: 21

2. Ondo East LGA:

APC: 8163

PDP: 2843

SDP: 15

3. IleOluji/OkeIgbo LGA:

APC: 16600

PDP: 4442

SDP: 08

4. Idanre LGA:

APC: 9114

PDP: 8940

LP: 24

APGA: 25

5. Irele LGA

APC: 17117

PDP: 6601

LP:15

APGA: 30

 6. Akoko South West LGA

APC: 29700

ADP: 87

PDP: 5517

APGA:23

SDP: 11

7: Owo LGA:

APC: 31914

ADP:140

PDP: 4740

AAC: 16

APGA: 36

LP: 42

8: Ose LGA

AA: 03

AAC:08

APGA:19

ADC:141

APC:16555

LP:06

PDP: 4472

9: Akure South LGA:

AA: 08

AAC: 58

APGA: 95

ADC: 630

APC: 32969

PDP: 17926

LP: 238

SDP: 138

ZLP: 252

10: Akoko North East:

AA: 03

AAC: 19

APGA: 36

APC:25657

LP: 14

PDP: 5072

SDP:03

11. Ondo West LGA

A: 31

AA: 09

AAC: 30

ADC: 415

ADP: 143

APC: 20755

LP: 181

PDP: 6387

SDP: 123

12. Akoko South East LGA

A: 02

AAC: 04

ADC: 81

ADP: 28

APC: 12140

APGA: 19

PDP: 2692

SDP: 03

13. Akoko North West LGA

A: 06

AA: 04

AAC: 14

ADC: 130

ADP: 51

APC: 25010

APGA: 21

LP: 23

PDP: 5502

SDP: 05

14. Akure North LGA

A: 9

ADC:180

APC: 14451

LP: 238

PDP: 5787

PRP: 6

SDP:46

15. Okitipupa LGA

A:5

ADC 284

APC: 26811

LP:27

PDP: 10233

PRP: 17

SDP: 18

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, has vowed to concede defeat if he loses Saturday’s election.

Aiyedatiwa, however, said he would concede defeat if the governorship election is free and fair.

He disclosed this while addressing journalists after casting his vote at polling unit 05, Igbo Ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje LGA of the state.

Aiyedatiwa said reports from his aides showed that the election has been largely peaceful in some other units of the state.

“If the outcome of the poll does not favour my party, APC, as long as we did not receive any report that it (poll) was fraudulent in any way.

“Why not? We will accept defeat. But if we notice any practices and non-compliance of the procedures.

“The only thing is to go to the tribunal to challenge that. By and large, if it goes that way, I will accept the outcome of the election.”

Eighteen months after the implementation of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has observed that the fiscal policies introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration are struggling to deliver meaningful results.

Catherine Patillo, IMF Deputy Director, while presenting a report at the Lagos Business School (LBS) on Friday, reported a mixed performance of economic reforms across Sub-Saharan Africa, with notable successes in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Zambia.

Nigeria was conspicuously absent from the list of success stories in the region.

The report stated that sub-Saharan Africa’s average economic growth rate is projected to remain at 3.6 per cent for 2024. It noted that Nigeria’s growth rate, pegged at 3.19 per cent, falls below this average.

Patillo said that while macroeconomic imbalances have reduced in several countries, Nigeria has yet to show such progress.

She stated that more than two-thirds of countries have undertaken fiscal consolidation, stressing that while the median primary balance is expected to narrow by 0.7 percentage points alone in 2024, there are notable improvements in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Zambia, among others.

The report stated, “In contrast, Nigeria’s inflation rate, which slowed briefly in July and August, resumed its upward trend in September, rising further in October.

“At 33.8 per cent, it significantly exceeds the 21 per cent target set for 2024, with analysts predicting further increases in November and December.”

The report also observed Nigeria’s struggles with exchange rate stability, highlighting it as one of the worst-performing nations in that regard.

According to the report, other countries in the region are experiencing reduced foreign exchange pressures but Nigeria’s local currency depreciation and instability remain a concern.

On debt servicing, the report said Nigeria ranked among countries suffering the heaviest fiscal burden.

The IMF noted that rising debt service obligations are consuming substantial portions of revenue, limiting resources available for development.

It stated that in Angola, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia, the increase in interest payments alone absorbed a massive 15 per cent of total revenue.

The IMF grouped Nigeria among resource-intensive countries struggling with social and political challenges that hinder reform implementation.

Political unrest, public dissatisfaction, and tight financing conditions were identified as major impediments.

The report noted that resource-intensive countries continue to grow at about half the rate of the rest of the region, with oil exporters struggling the most and further noted that adjustment fatigue, public resistance, and weak communication strategies are undermining the impact of reforms in Nigeria.

The IMF recommended rethinking reform strategies, urging countries like Nigeria to adopt measures that mobilise public support for deep structural changes.

It pointed out the need for greater attention to communication and engagement strategies, reform design, compensatory measures, and rebuilding trust in public institutions.

As Nigeria grapples with biting economic hardship, a quieter crisis is unfolding- the pressure to provide for family has become a crushing weight for many men.

The fight to repress this pressure, especially in a society that prioritizes issues affecting women and children, has driven some men into depression.

In Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, a 45-year-old father of two who said he has fallen into depression as a result of his incapacity to provide adequately for his family, narrates his struggle to DAILY POST.

Every day, Idris (not his real name), who lives in the Ijeja area of the state, treks to his place of work in an attempt to manage his N16,000 salary.

With his hand on his chin, Idris, clothed in a faded dark blue shirt, said he works as a gate man at a well-known beer parlour along Onikoko, Panseke Road.

“Since I only make N16,000 a month working as a gate man, I trek to work every day in order to manage my salary, the cost of transportation is now high.

“I was previously earning N13,000, but as the prices of things got higher, my salary was increased to N16,000,” he said.

Shaking his head in self-pity, Idris said that despite his efforts, he sees himself as a failed man who cannot provide for his family.

“They do not pay me in cash; I am always given a cheque; I would have to go to the bank to cash the money. My wife does not work, so I must do everything to take care of my family,” he told DAILY POST.

Also, a middle-aged single father of two simply identified as Fred said, “I feel like I’m going crazy, especially when the money at hand isn’t enough to meet the basic necessities”.

He asserted that, like him, many men are falling sick every day, but rather than visit the hospital, they concentrate on taking care of their families.

“This hardship affects my reasoning, thinking and emotions. Sometimes it looks like I’m running mad when I start calculating all the things I want to do, especially when I know that what I have at hand cannot even take care of my needs.

Men Don’t Cry, Yet Dying In Silence

Men have a duty to provide for the family, and amid the toiling they are often less inclined to express their emotions because men don’t cry, as the popular saying goes.

As family heads, men, while dealing with a lot of emotional difficulties, find it hard to express their feelings or ask for help so as not to be perceived as being weak or even lazy.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 6 million men suffer from depression annually. However, these cases are frequently underdiagnosed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017 claimed that 7,079,815 Nigerians suffer from depression. Depression is a type of mental illness that is characterized by unhappiness and can lead to suicide.

Seven million Nigerians represent approximately 4 percent of the entire population, thus making Nigeria the most depressed country in Africa.

It has long been the norm for men to be strong, independent, and emotionally resilient, and this has left them with no choice but to bottle up emotions even when they need help.

It is also reported that men’s depression over family burden in Nigeria is a significant fraction of the global burden of diseases, accounting for 40% of the leading health conditions contributing to disability-adjusted life years (DALYS).

37-year-old Adesegun Akinsanya admitted that there is pressure to maintain a strong external look even while struggling internally.

“I’m a father of three. I have to provide for food, clothing and even transportation.

“I was brought up with the mentality that men are to shoulder the responsibilities, and that is a pressure I deal with every day,” he told DAILY POST.

Unlike the other men, Akinsanya has a wife who works, yet he expresses his fears.

“I am the head, and I don’t want her shouldering the responsibilities, although I want to change that mindset, but I cannot, that was what we were taught from infancy,” he said.

Fear of Judgment and Failure

Akinsanya pointed out that he has refrained from seeking assistance or talking about his struggles because of fear of being perceived as incompetent or a failure.

He admitted that the current economic hardship has added to the burden of men, yet, he wallows in silence and cannot speak out.

“Before now, my wife prepared a pot of soup with N5,000, but it’s different now; just two fishes would cost almost N4,000; even while cooking the gas would finish. I don’t know how to ask people for help, so I try to save the little I have and manage myself,” he said.

“I Shout On My Wife, Children When I’m Frustrated”

Akinsanya disclosed that when he is weighed down with the challenges of providing, he transfers the aggression to his wife.

“It’s an everyday pressure, and sometimes when I’m tired, I react angrily and shout at them when they ask for money,” he said.

Similarly, Fred revealed that while he gets irrational and upset over minor issues, he also distances himself from friends and families.

Fred said, “Sometimes for something that is not worth shouting on, I shout, I react irrationally sometimes to my friends, I get angry over little things that are not worth it, and when I get home and have a rethink, I start blaming myself and have to apologize the next day.

“Naturally, I don’t know how to beg, I carry my cross alone and at worst I distance myself from people, face my problems and once I get out of it, I start socializing with people again.”

Bottling Up Emotions Can Lead to Depression, Substance Abuse, Suicide – Psychiatrist

The Secretary General of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Dr Abayomi Olajide, said suppressed emotions might result in increased tension, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and even suicide.

Olajide asserted that silence is not a good coping strategy and can also lead to strained relationships with partners, family, and friends.

“The concept of men’s mental health is very broad, yes; it is often known that men don’t cry; they do not express their emotions; instead, they go about showing strength even when they are hurting.

“But it is not a good coping strategy, a problem shared is a problem solved. Internalizing some of these challenges often leads to anxiety problems, depression, and, for some, increased substance abuse.

“It could also affect their interpersonal relationship, and that can cause a lot of distress, psychosocial challenges, marital disharmony, social interactions can also be affected because they go about with tension,” he told DAILY POST.

Speak Out When You Feel Less Of Yourself – Psychologist

Mrs Damilola Onebamhoin, a counselling psychologist in Abeokuta, advised men to speak up when they feel inferior, warning that there is a connection between self-esteem and achievements to depression.

According to Onebamhoin, men must understand that asking for assistance and talking about their challenges is a show of strength and bravery rather than a sign of weakness.

The psychologist disclosed that talking to others about their worries might help reduce the burden, avoid mental health problems, and strengthen their relationships with loved ones.

She said, “Most people who have their goals outlined and they meet those goals or find fulfilment in doing something hardly fall into depression.

“An average person who feels lacking in one area or the other would want to feel depressed and it’s connected to our mental health. So when you begin to feel less of yourself then there is a problem.

“There’s something that connects your self-esteem and achievements to depression. Attaining a state of isolation and depression can lead to suicidal thoughts,” she added.

‘How Men Can Get Help’

Olajide advised men to first accept the fact that the economy is bad and things aren’t going as anticipated.

This, according to him, will enable them to realize the need to discuss the problems, get assistance when needed, and seek counsel.

The Consultant Psychiatrist who works at the Neuropsychiatrist Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, also recommended reminiscence therapy, explaining that they can recall memories of things they achieved in the past and dwell on them to encourage them.

He told DAILY POST that: “Support groups are also important in the society and community.

“Attending workshops or seminars- they must engage in problem-solving skills or use the knowledge of others to engage the problem and then move on with the solution.

“Yes, reminicious therapy, you can look back and think about what you’ve done in the past, the success you achieved, and rely on those things to encourage you.”

He emphasized that all men must keep in mind that they are not alone and that many others have faced and conquered similar difficulties.

‘The Society Have A Role To Play’

Olajide argued that society must learn to accept men as human beings, not superheroes who can do everything without having emotions.

He noted that rather than stigmatizing and discriminating against them, they should encourage them to talk about their struggles.

“Society should accept that men are human beings and are not superman. I think we need to change our ideology about men being superheroes who can do everything without having emotions.

“We need to begin to look at them as people with feelings and emotions, who can be hurt, disappointed, and can cry.

“Once society accepts that there is a little difference in the emotional component of men and women, it will give them that confidence to come out.

‘The Government Has a Role To Play’

Olajide urged all tiers of governments to do everything within their power to alleviate the challenging economic hardship facing the country.

According to him, they should provide chances for self-improvement, productivity, earning money, learning new skills, and other activities that are known to enhance men’s mental health.

The Consultant Psychiatrist, however, opined that they should also invest in sporting activities as this, among others, can help men deal with pressure and challenges.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says there is no plan to remove Mele Kyari, its group chief executive officer (GCEO).

A report had speculated that Kyari may not last in his post until the end of the year following a major shakeup at the organisation.

Speaking to Punch on November 15, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, described the report as a baseless speculation.

“One might wonder if they were the ones who hired Mele Kyari, given their apparent insight into his career plans. Such baseless speculation is not only laughable but also a testament to the lengths some will go to craft immature narratives,” Soneye said.

“Let’s set the record straight: GCEO Mele Kyari is performing exceptionally, steering Nigeria’s energy sector toward unprecedented success.

“Under his leadership, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has transitioned from years of losses to declaring profits—a historic achievement.

“Just yesterday (Thursday), we reached a production milestone of 1.8 million barrels per day, a testament to his unwavering commitment.”

The Soneye said Kyari is focused on actualising President Bola Tinubu’s vision for progress and development in the energy sector, ensuring energy security for our nation.

“So, to address the rumour: it’s as credible as a mirage in the desert,” he added.

On November 13, the NNPC announced a major reshuffling in the leadership of the NNPC.

The national company appointed Adedapo Segun as its chief financial officer (CFO).

The company also named Udobong Ntia as the new executive vice-president (EVP) of its upstream operations.

Afrobeats superstar Wizkid has set a new streaming record with his latest single, Kese, which amassed over 1.5 million Spotify streams within 24 hours of its release.

This milestone surpasses the previous record held by Davido’s Awuke. The chart-topping track is a standout from Wizkid’s upcoming album Morayo and comes shortly after his recent hit, Piece of My Heart, featuring American singer Brent Faiyaz.

According to a recent report by Chart Data, Wizkid now holds the top two spots for the most-streamed songs in Nigeria on their debut day.

Kese takes the lead, while Piece of My Heart secures the runner-up position. Asake’s Grammy-nominated track MMS, from his album Lungu Boy and featuring Wizkid, follows in third place with 870,000 streams.

Wizkid’s previous release, Piece of My Heart, had earlier made history as the first Nigerian song to hit one million Spotify streams on its release day.

This achievement was later surpassed by Davido’s Awuke before Kese set a new record.

See below;

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has come forward with revelation about the intense backlash she faced while fighting for justice for the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad.

Speaking candidly on the ‘Glass House’ with AY, the actress revealed how her activism became the target of vicious online attacks and scandalous accusations that took a personal toll.

She disclosed that, instead of being applauded for her activism, she was relentlessly targeted, with critics accusing her of being responsible for his death.

According to her, she was also branded a clout chaser, with many claiming she was using the tragedy to gain attention.

Iyabo passionately declared that her fight for justice was driven by a genuine desire to honor Mohbad’s memory and hold those responsible accountable.

Ojo said;

“They were even insinuating that maybe I killed Mohbad. I wasn’t around when Mohbad died. I was not close to him. I didn’t really know him that much.

“My encounter with him was during One Africa music fest. For the few days that we were together, I just knew that he was a cool boy, had his own thing he was going through and doing his music.

“If I killed him, then why was I fighting for his body to be exhumed for autopsy? There was a time they said I was paid [for my activism in getting justice for Mohbad]. They also said I was looking for a political position.

“They even said I was using it for clout. There are so many things that have been said about me. But I am not bothered because that isn’t the case. All I did was just to help seek justice for the late singer.”

TUNE INTO HER WORDS IN THE CLIP BELOW

Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has stated that he once directed a movie without understanding its storyline.

Kunle Afolayan stated this while narrating his work experience at the third edition of KAP Film & Television Academy’s Reel Circle. Kunle Afolayan who recently lost his mother narrated:

“I was asked to direct something I know nothing about. I tried to bail out but I was convinced that I could do it. But I knew I didn’t know what I was going to do. I didn’t understand the storyline. It is an installation film; even at the time, I did not know what the installation film was.

“I read the script and I did not understand it. I called Biodun Aleja (may his soul rest in peace). He read it and said, ‘This is crazy,’ and then a few other people. I spoke to the person who introduced me to the project that, ‘Can I meet with the producer? Maybe if she shares her vision, I would get it.’

“Then he flew me to London and we sat for like two hours and she was talking. She showed me her showreel and I knew there was a problem because the showreel didn’t make sense. It was a complete abstract installation; people just doing weird things and I am a narrative director. Then I called the link and said, ‘I am not doing this. I would not even know what to say.’

Speaking further, Kunle Afolayan revealed he didn’t turn down the director job despite not understanding the storyline because of the huge benefits the position came with. Kunle continued:

“But he was like, ‘You have to do it; they are paying you $40,000.’ But I was like, ‘Let us do an adaptation of a scene.’ But even with it, I didn’t know what to adapt. But because Biodun Aleja was there—he studied Performing Arts, so his literature is stronger—and I was like, ‘Look, we have to find a way. They are flying us to Miami and Chicago; we cannot turn that down.’

“They did this and we went, we filmed in like the oldest museum. I was the director and there were five trucks of equipment. It’s like someone throwing you into the ocean and asking you to start swimming.

“Up till now, I did not understand the story. There was no story. If I watch it again, I am like, ‘What was the story?’ But guess what? They flew me in business class to five countries to premiere the film in 2007.”

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers state command, says it has uncovered a new method adopted by oil thieves to convey their stolen crude oil from the creeks to other parts of the state.

Joachim Okafor, NSCDC Rivers commandant, on Friday, said the oil thieves had resorted to using rugged sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to evacuate stolen petroleum products.

“The NSCDC Rivers State command’s anti-vandal unit was on patrol at Etche borders in Etche local government area of the Rivers on sighting the patrol team, suspected illegal oil bunkers abandoned a Toyota Sequoia Jeep fully loaded with AGO popularly called Kpofire Diesel, and escaped into a nearby bush,” he said.

“The anti-vandal team also experienced a similar incident at Umungu community in Omuma local government area of the state when some suspected oil thieves took to their heels as they saw the men of NSCDC on patrol, for fear of arrest, they quickly jumped out of the two Sequoia Jeeps they were using to convene the adulterated products and ran into a close-by forest.”

 

Okafor said the suspects on the run would soon be apprehended, adding that the confiscated vehicles and petroleum products would be forfeited to the federal government.

The commandant assured that with the collaborative efforts of citizens, the command would not relent in securing critical national assets such as pipelines from vandals and crude oil thieves who are “enemies of the country”.

Okafor, therefore, warned oil thieves to engage in meaningful ventures, emphasising that the command would not spare anyone arrested.