The Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has made history by producing 18 all-female first-class graduates for the 2023/2024 academic session.

This remarkable feat was unveiled during the award of first-degree honours at the university’s 55th convocation ceremony, which commenced on Tuesday.

The convocation, spanning three days, will see 16,590 students conferred with degrees and diplomas. Of this number, 9,865 will receive first degrees and diplomas, while 6,659 will be awarded postgraduate degrees. Additionally, 66 students will graduate from the UNILAG Business School (ULBS).

The exceptional Mass Communication graduates include Feranmi Abiola, Ahuruele Akani, Oyindamola Arikawe, Ifedayo Ayilaran, Demiladeogo Bankole, Olaide Bankole, Eniola Daramola, Faith Enang, Temiloluwa Igbinlade, Joy Imanah, Ifeoma Iwelunmor and Chelsea Jegede.

Others are Opeyemi Kareem, Eunice Obidi, Frances Odogu, Mofesola Olanrewaju, Funmilola Onabanjo and Peace Onuoha.

The university commended the graduates for their diligence and resilience in achieving academic excellence.

Speaking at the ceremony, UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, celebrated the university’s groundbreaking achievements in innovation, infrastructure, and academic excellence.

She highlighted the MED-AFRICA GMP Laboratory, the first of its kind in West Africa, located in the Faculty of Pharmacy. “The $450,000 state-of-the-art facility facilitates groundbreaking research on HIV prevention,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor also mentioned the inauguration of the African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), funded by the World Bank, and the launch of the Green Air Initiative, which introduced eight electric buses for campus transportation.

In addition, she acknowledged contributions to the university’s development, including Tunde Fanimokun’s N14.5 billion pledge for hostels and research centres, and support from the Lagos State Government for various projects.

TikTok is gearing up to shut down its app for United States users this Sunday if the Supreme Court does not intervene to block a planned federal ban, ‘The Information’ reported on Tuesday.

The move came as the social media giant faced mounting pressure under a law signed by President Joe Biden, requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its US operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban.

The shutdown, as planned by TikTok, would go beyond the requirements of the law, which mandated a ban only on new downloads from Apple (AAPL.O) and Google (GOOGL.O) app stores. Under the legislation, existing users would still have access to the platform for a limited time.

If the shutdown proceeds, users attempting to open the app will reportedly encounter a pop-up message directing them to a website with detailed information about the ban. Additionally, TikTok plans to offer users the option to download their personal data, ensuring they can retain a record of their information.

In a court filing in December, TikTok estimated that one-third of its 170 million American users would stop accessing the app if the ban lasted a month. The company and ByteDance argued that the law infringed upon the First Amendment, which protects against government restrictions on free speech. They are seeking a delay in the law’s implementation, asserting that it violates constitutional rights.

TikTok and ByteDance did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters regarding the report.

The impending ban marked a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s scrutiny of TikTok, as concerns over data privacy and national security continued to fuel bipartisan support for tougher measures against the platform.

For now, millions of US users are left in limbo, awaiting clarity on whether the app will indeed disappear from their devices this Sunday.

A retired civil war veteran, Colonel Nasiru Salami, has expressed his concerns regarding the inadequate treatment of retired personnel from the Nigerian Army by military leadership.

The 76-year-old veteran appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces’ Remembrance Day on Wednesday.

In a poignant account, Salami detailed his military journey, beginning with his enlistment in the Nigerian Army in October 1967, followed by his immediate deployment to the battlefield for the Biafra war just six weeks after his training.

Currently serving as the Secretary of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos Chapter, Salami shared that he spent 11 months on the front lines during the civil war from 1967 to 1970.

The septuagenarian recounted the harrowing experience of losing his right foot during the conflict, which necessitated amputation, yet he returned to the front lines to continue fighting.

Salami stated that he would not advise any of his children to pursue a career in the Nigerian Army, asserting, “At this moment, I cannot recommend that any of my children join the Nigerian Army.”

Salami, who said two of his children are now graduates, noted: “I am their father and they are seeing me now that my life is not to their expectation. They would want me to be higher than this, full of joy and other things that would make them happy. How would I now encourage them to join the army?

“I have two graduates now and I said to them: ‘Never you think of going to join the army. If you want to join, maybe the Navy or the Air Force. I’ve not been there but I’ve been seeing them and I’ve been hearing about them because they are treated better.”

Salami said the Nigerian Legion in Lagos has over 24,000 members and that the Nigerian government was yet to pay him and his civil war survivors war bonuses over 50 years later.

He expressed his disappointment about his unpaid pension and other post-retirement packages.

“We are asking for war bonus, those of us who fought the war. I retired in December 1983 and they promised us heaven and earth that they would give us our war bonus but up till now, we have not seen it,” the war veteran said, appealing to the government to do the needful and improve the welfare of him and his colleagues.

The suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Cyril Ndifon, has alleged that images linking him to an ongoing sexual harassment case were altered.

Recall that the suspended lecturer made this claim on Tuesday while testifying before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Ndifon, who was suspended following allegations of misconduct, stated that photos purportedly extracted from his phone by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had been edited.

During his testimony as the first defense witness (DW-1), led by his lawyer Joe Agi, SAN, Ndifon denied sending or requesting explicit images.

“I did not send any nude photographs neither did I solicit for any.

“This (Oppo phone) is not the phone I used to chat with her (alleged rape victim).

“She has another number which she used to chat with me,” he said.

He explained that neither his face nor that of the prosecution’s key witness, identified as TKJ, appeared in the pictures.

Disputed Evidence and ICPC Procedures

Ndifon questioned the authenticity of “Exhibit H,” which included photos and chats allegedly exchanged with the complainant.

He asserted, “All these pictures are not from my phone. Looking at it, slide 661 shows that this document has been edited.

“I haven’t gone through the whole document so I don’t know which other part was edited.

“I watched the video slide, but I didn’t see my face or TKJ’s (name of the girl withheld).

“The ICPC didn’t invite me to where they were doing the extraction and I haven’t been told about who told ICPC about the complain.”

He further criticized the ICPC for failing to verify the evidence properly, noting that the complainant’s phone was not analyzed for corroboration.

The embattled professor also claimed that the ICPC did not involve him in the evidence extraction process or disclose the source of the complaint.

Allegations of Admission Irregularities

The professor alleged that TKJ, now a student in the Faculty of Law, gained admission irregularly.

He claimed she was admitted despite not meeting the qualifications, having scored only 102 in her JAMB examination.

According to Ndifon, her uncle, based in the UK, had earlier sought his assistance in recovering ₦100,000 allegedly paid to someone in the Vice Chancellor’s office to secure her admission. Ndifon said he declined to intervene.

He also stated that TKJ later enrolled in a diploma program and that he advised her to focus on her studies to gain admission through direct entry.

Denial of Sexual Harassment Claims

Ndifon vehemently denied all allegations, including claims that he requested obscene photographs or made inappropriate advances toward TKJ.

“The allegation against me occurred when I was no longer in the Faculty of Law, so she cannot say I had asked for oral sex or any other advances.

“I’m totally shocked she came to testify, because nothing like that happened,” he insisted.

Ndifon disclosed that he owns three phones, with his iPhone being his primary device for communication. He maintained that the Oppo phone, where the incriminating photos were allegedly found, was not his main line.

ICPC’s Charges

Naija News recalls that the ICPC had re-arraigned Ndifon and his lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu, on January 25, 2024, over allegations of sexual harassment and attempts to pervert the course of justice.

The commission alleged that Ndifon requested obscene images from TKJ through WhatsApp while serving as Dean.

Anyanwu was also accused of threatening one of the prosecution witnesses during the trial.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case has been adjourned to February 12 and 13 for further proceedings.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that it is not aware if President Bola Tinubu is involved in the impeachment of the immediate past Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

The embattled politician was impeached by members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and was replaced by Mojisola Meranda.

Shortly after Obasa was impeached, the lawmakers said their action was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the legislature and Lagos State.

Speaking to Daily Post, the Publicity Secretary of the state chapter of APC, Seye Oladejo, said Obasa’s impeachment showed that the parliament and all arms of government enjoy independence in Lagos State.

He said, “His impeachment is not a party affair, it’s the entire business of the House of Assembly, it has nothing to do with the party.

“They enjoy their independence as a major tier in this democracy, so whatsoever, the House has made available through the news maker and their information machinery would just suffice for now.”

Speaking on Tinubu’s alleged involvement in the impeachment, Oladejo said, “I wouldn’t know who was involved and not involved, we only have to accept what the members of the House have put in public domain.

“The members said they decided to have a change of guard and that was it.”

“Politics is about intrigues and interests and the only thing that is permanent is your interest.

“The only thing that is permanent and constant is your interest at a particular time as a politician and that is universal, it’s not peculiar to Nigeria.”

Oladejo, however, denied knowledge of the former Speaker nursing a governorship ambition.

He said, “I’m not aware there is any ongoing governorship race right now and we won’t be having another governorship election until 2027.

“The priority of the party is to deliver on good governance and ensure that we fulfill the social contract between us and the people who voted us into power and we do not disappoint.

“And of course, If there is anything that has resemblance to an election before us, it is the party’s congress and local government election towards the middle of this year.”

One of the contenders for the Alaafin of Oyo throne, Prince Ayobami Ladigbolu, has recounted his experiences during the contest for the crown.

In a statement published on Facebook on Tuesday, the prince congratulated the new Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, describing his emergence as divinely ordained.

Reflecting on the competition, the prince expressed disappointment that some of his initial supporters abandoned him in favour of other candidates due to financial constraints.

“I learned the value of money in one’s life from the race for the crown of Alaafinate.

“Due to financial constraints, some of the people who first backed me later switched to another candidate. When I needed their help on the Alaafinate issue, those I had previously supported did the exact reverse for me.

“When it comes to the time to help me, those I have helped with their businesses ran away. I am not upset with them. I just took away some lessons for the future,” he said.

Ladigbolu thanked the Agbonhin Sanda Oridota family and the larger Ladigbolu section of the Agunloye royal family for nominating and supporting him as a candidate for the throne.

Congratulating the new Alaafin, he said, “I congratulate Oba Aláàfin Abimbola Akeem Owoade , the new Àlàáfin of Ọ̀yọ́ town.

“He was chosen by God almighty. Ọba Akeem Abimbola Owoade has been destined to take the throne. I am happy for him. The entire Ladigbolu family felicitate with the new king. Congratulations. Kaabiesi.”

He thanked those who supported him throughout the journey, including his siblings, wife, children and other unnamed benefactors.

The prince also highlighted the camaraderie he shared with other contestants, particularly Prince Kolade Tunde Sanni Oladigbolu and Prince Muideen Adekunle Oladigbolu, whom he described as “blood brothers.”

Ladigbolu urged the people of Oyo to rally behind the new Alaafin.

“I urge the natives of Oyo town to support the new king. Contests for kingship are not without few controversies. We should manage the controversy and support the new king to build a viable Ọ̀yo and Yorùbá land of our dream,” he stated.

The Nigerian Senate has written an emotional tribute in remembrance of soldiers killed in the line of duty, and those in active service as the world marks the Armed Forces Remembrance Day on the 15th of January.

A statement signed by the Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua on Wednesday, described their sacrifices for the defence of the country as selfless.

He wrote “On behalf of the Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, I wish to pay tribute to our fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our great nation.

“I wish to also commend our serving officers and soldiers who are currently maintaining the peace and ensuring that our nation is secured and safe from internal and external aggression. January 15th is a day set aside to remember and celebrate the bravery, patriotism, and selflessness of our military personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, I am deeply humbled by the sacrifices of our Armed Forces. Their bravery and unwavering commitment to our nation’s unity and security have not gone unnoticed. They have consistently put their lives on the line while upholding the territorial integrity of our nation, and ensuring that our citizens can live in peace and safety.

“The sacrifices of the dead officers and soldiers in the last year will not be forgotten.

“We remember their families, who have been left behind to bear the pain of their loss. We hope that the nation will continue to care for them, providing support and comfort in their time of need.

“As we celebrate our fallen heroes today, we are reminded of the importance of unity, patriotism, and selflessness. We must continue to work together to build a nation where our military personnel can operate in an environment that is conducive to their safety and well-being.

“Once again, I salute our fallen heroes and their families. May their sacrifices not be in vain. May we continue to work towards a nation where peace, unity, and prosperity reign supreme.”

Amid Nigeria’s escalating cost-of-living crisis, the State House has come under scrutiny for spending a staggering ₦5.9 billion on vehicles in 2024.

Naija News reports that the revelation comes at a time when millions of citizens struggle to afford basic necessities due to soaring inflation and government policies.

The Senate Committee on Special Duties raised concerns on Tuesday over the expenditure during a session where the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Temitope Fashedemi, appeared to defend the 2025 budget allocations.

According to Fashedemi, the State House spent ₦3.9 billion of its ₦4 billion allocation on operational vehicles and utilized the entire ₦2 billion budget for replacing Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).

This prompted lawmakers to demand clarity on the necessity and specifics of the purchases.

Lawmakers Demand Answers

A senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi questioned the rationale behind the vehicle purchases and replacements, seeking details on the type, model, and number of vehicles acquired.

He asked, “What kind of vehicles are we talking about, and how many of them are purchased? What is the model?

“And then you also talk about the replacement of SUV vehicles, in which ₦2 billion was appropriated and ₦2 billion was released. What is a replacement, and how many of them have you replaced?”

Similarly, Adamawa Central senator Aminu Adamu criticized the expenditure report, describing it as “deceitful.”

“I want to tell you that whoever prepared this table prepared it to deceive us. It is completely a deceit. You can’t release less than five per cent and tell us 100 per cent utilization performance,” Adamu said.

Permanent Secretary Defends Spending

In his response, Fashedemi, who assumed office only last month, said the expenditures were in line with the approved 2024 budget.

He added that the State House was obligated to implement the budget as passed.

“These items were listed in the approved budget of 2024, and it is mandatory for the State House to carry out the procurements,” Fashedemi explained.

While some lawmakers remained skeptical, others appeared to accept the argument, noting that the spendings had been approved within the budgetary framework.

The Chairman of the committee, Kaka Shehu, urged the State House to maintain a transparent and cordial relationship with the legislature to avoid future misunderstandings.

Joseph Aloba, the father of the late singer, Ilerioluwa, aka Mohbad, has revealed that his life got better after the death of his son.

Aloba revealed this in an interview with a media personality, Akin Abolade, popularly known as Mrlilgaga, on Wednesday.

“Let me just say yes, my life got better after Mohbad’s death because he is my friend. He had it in plan to do many things for me but they didn’t allow him to do them. After his death, it was the spirit of Mohbad, and that of God combined together that began to send people to assist me.

“Even the car and everything I have now, it was people that gave them to me and it is beyond ordinary. So it is the spirit of Mohbad and God that led those people to give me all I have now.

“Those were the things he was meant to be doing for me, but they didn’t allow him to do them,” he added.

Clarifying insinuations towards those accused, Mohbad’s father noted that he was laying emphasis on his son’s wife (Wunmi) and her family, adding, “They did a lot concerning that boy (Mohbad). All his landed property is in their possession. Even the land he bought for me to build a church, I forced him to buy and mold the blocks on it, which was later used to bury him.

“Two weeks before his death, he took me to the house he wanted to buy and told me he was going to buy it after the completion of his tour, for which I know he had completely paid.”

He also said the birth of Mohbad led him to become a singer after the money from the naming ceremony was stolen, stressing that his late son became a backup singer for him at the age of one.

Aloba mentioned that he is a carpenter, singer, and pastor, although he does not have a church. He added that his son had promised to build one for him before his death.

The father toured his new block industry with the media personality, showing his new truck and Toyota Highlander vehicle gifted to him by Nigerians who were compassionate about his son’s death.

He also revealed that he has released about nine tracks since the death of his son.

On 11 September 2023, MohBad died in Lagos at the age of 26.

A nurse who was reported by his spouse to have administered a Tetanus vaccine to him was arrested and found to be an unlicensed nurse on 19 September 2023 by the Lagos State Police Command.

Gloria Hallelujah Woods, popularly known as GloRilla, has revealed why she is single.

The 25-year-old said she’s still single because men nowadays hide their true intentions in relationships.

Lamenting about the decline of masculinity in the modern world in a video message shared via her social media page, GloRilla claimed she’s single because she’s a realist.

“I ain’t got no man because I am such a real n*gga myself. And a lot of men these days are b*tches. I ain’t got no n*gga because they are like b*tches.

“I want some real n*ggas; n*ggas that would make me cry the f*ck out,” she said.