The Mastermind Community Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has initiated a programme aimed at equipping young individuals with essential life skills to foster their personal growth and development. This initiative was launched during a one-day sensitisation event held at the Immaculate Heart Comprehensive Senior High School hall in Maryland, Lagos, targeting public school students. The foundation’s President, Vivianne Oghene, highlighted that the programme’s objective is to provide in-school youths with the tools to manage their emotions, cultivate positive relationships, and make informed decisions. The workshop, titled “Mastering Emotional and Social Intelligence for Holistic Success,” has already commenced in five government schools across Lagos. Facilitators involved in the programme are tasked with educating students on the significance of emotional and social intelligence. Oghene called upon the government, corporate entities, and individuals to support and collaborate with the foundation, expressing plans to extend the initiative to additional schools, including private institutions and those in other states. “We are passionate about this initiative, and we believe that it will make a significant impact in the lives of young people,” she stated. During the workshop, Education Quality Specialist and retired director from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos, Adeyemi Adebayo, emphasised the necessity of social and emotional intelligence skills for the proper development and growth of young individuals. He noted that many Nigerian children lack these critical skills, leading to challenges such as peer pressure, cultism, and poor decision-making. Adebayo also stressed the importance of parental involvement, stating, “Parents should talk more to their children. Society has evolved to a point where children need to know the implications of everything they do.” A student participant, Obechina Chinaza, expressed gratitude for the programme, noting that it has provided valuable lessons on managing emotions and building positive relationships with others.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two British citizens attempting to smuggle 92 bags of Loud, a potent cannabis strain weighing 51.10kg, into Nigeria via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. The suspects, Mhizha Jordan Alexander Tatendra and Ayedipe Andrew Adejuwon, were detained alongside two Nigerians: Shonowo Oluwaseun Imole and Ofuoma Omokaro Ayobami. Tatendra arrived at MMIA on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha on May 15 and was monitored by NDLEA operatives to the airport car park. There, Ayedipe, a British-Nigerian, awaited in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with his relative Shonowo and driver Ofuoma to receive the consignment. As they attempted to exit the car park, NDLEA officers intercepted them, discovering the drug-laden vehicle. Tatendra confessed to being recruited during a recent vacation, promised £1,300 for delivering the package in Lagos. Ayedipe admitted to arriving in Nigeria a day earlier from South Africa via Ghana. A subsequent search of their Lekki apartment yielded N93,000, 17,200 South African Rand, N3.8 million in cash, an Apple laptop, an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and four nitrous oxide canisters. In a separate operation, NDLEA agents intercepted approximately six million opioid pills, including tamol 225mg, tapentadol 225mg, and carisoprodol 225mg, along with 332,000 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, valued at N6.5 billion. These seizures occurred at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, and the Apapa Seaport, Lagos, following intelligence reports and monitoring of new trafficking routes. At Port Harcourt, six million opioid pills and 162,000 bottles of codeine syrup were uncovered in two containers on May 19 and 20 during joint examinations by NDLEA operatives, Nigeria Customs officials, and other security agencies.
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled the outcomes of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) resit, conducted for candidates affected by technical disruptions. The results reveal that 99% of the examinees scored below 200 marks, and 21,082 candidates, accounting for approximately 93% of those rescheduled, were absent. In a statement issued by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, the board noted that out of the 336,845 candidates rescheduled after excluding sessions with technical issues and adding previously unverified candidates, 21,082 did not attend the examination. While no specific reasons were provided for the high absenteeism, JAMB has extended an opportunity for these candidates to participate in the forthcoming annual mop-up examination, which is yet to be scheduled. This waiver also applies to candidates who missed the initial main UTME for any reason. JAMB emphasized that the performance trends remain consistent with historical data from the past 12 years, with performance analysis ranging between 11% in 2013 and 34% in 2016. The board also highlighted various malpractices by candidates and certain school proprietors or Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers that have contributed to examination irregularities. Following a meeting with chief external examiners (CEEs) across all states, a sub-committee led by Prof. Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University and CEE for the Federal Capital Territory, was formed to validate the results. The CEEs reviewed the exercise and recommended that psychometrics expert Prof. Boniface Nworgu analyze and endorse the results for release. As part of the resolution, JAMB decided to release the results of underage candidates who performed below the established standards, except in cases involving litigation. However, these results do not qualify them for admission, as they had previously agreed during registration that only those meeting prescribed standards would be considered for underage special admission. Additionally, the board resolved to release the results of candidates involved in “WhatsApp Runs” and other misdemeanors. This decision is not an endorsement of such acts but a one-time waiver. Candidates are advised to avoid participating in questionable “WhatsApp and other anti-social groups.” JAMB clarified that there were no high scorers in the canceled UTME results from the five South East states and Lagos State affected by technical glitches. Only a few candidates scored up to 217 in the affected sessions, with 99% scoring below 200 marks. The board addressed misleading claims, such as that of Mr. Olisa Gabriel Chukwuemeka, a first-year public health student at Adekunle Ajasin University, who falsely claimed on social media to have scored 326 in the 2025 UTME. Investigations revealed that he had altered his original 2024 UTME score of 203 to misrepresent it as a 2025 result with a score of 326. His actual 2025 UTME score in Lagos State was 180. Following the exposure, Mr. Olisa deactivated his social media account. JAMB stated that all results have been released, except for those of candidates involved in examination infractions and those scheduled for mop-up examinations. Recent discoveries by security agencies have necessitated the withdrawal of some previously released results of implicated candidates nationwide.
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A violent overnight assault on Munga Lalau and Munga Doso communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has resulted in multiple fatalities, leaving residents in mourning and fear. The assailants, believed to be armed herders, launched the coordinated attack in the early hours of Friday. Reports indicate that several homes were torched during the ambush, which plunged the affected communities into chaos and displacement. Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has reacted strongly to the tragic event. Through a statement issued by his media aide, Emmanuel Bello, the governor labeled the incident as “horrific and completely intolerable.” He emphasized that those responsible for this atrocity would face severe consequences. “Governor Kefas remains committed to safeguarding the people of Taraba against all forms of aggression,” the statement declared. Dr. Kefas reiterated his dedication to strengthening the state’s security architecture. He called for increased cooperation between residents and security agencies, particularly in maintaining vigilance and relaying critical intelligence. The governor reassured citizens that his administration is actively implementing preventive strategies to curb further violence. He also vowed to ensure that all perpetrators are identified and prosecuted. In the weeks leading up to this attack, Karim-Lamido LGA has witnessed a surge in violent conflicts stemming from tensions between local farmers and herders. Just a few days prior, three people lost their lives in an assault on Bandawa community. That attack reportedly followed the murder of a farmer on his land by armed assailants suspected to be herders.
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has stated that securing a place in the Champions League this season is as significant as clinching a trophy. City closed their Premier League campaign on a strong note with a 2-0 victory over Fulham, which sealed their third-place finish on the league table. The goals came courtesy of Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland, who found the net at Craven Cottage. During the post-match press conference, Guardiola expressed immense satisfaction with his squad’s performance. However, he emphasized that there is still considerable room for improvement going into the next season. “Right now, I feel relieved because earning a Champions League spot feels just like lifting a trophy. That’s a reality,” Guardiola commented. “Ending the season in third is quite satisfying. It might not be flawless, but it ensures we’ll compete in Europe next season in the Champions League.” “Today might not seem special to everyone, but for us, it’s truly a joyful day.”
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Kannywood actress Mansura Isa has publicly confirmed the end of her second marriage, describing the experience as abrupt and emotionally jarring—comparable to a dramatic film plot. In a candid discussion on the BBC Hausa programme Mahangar Zamani, alongside fellow veteran actress Fati Mohammad, Mansura disclosed that she entered the marriage driven by love, only to later realize that her husband’s intentions were not as sincere as she had believed. “I married for love. You know what they say, love is blind. But it turns out he had a different agenda, not real love,” she remarked. Fati Mohammad defended Kannywood actresses against the frequent accusations of marital instability. She emphasized that marital failures are not exclusive to celebrities but become public spectacles due to their fame. Fati argued that many men pursue actresses out of lust, and once their desires are fulfilled, they abandon the relationship. “People assume women refuse to stay in marriage because they’re used to luxury, but it’s not that simple,” she added. Mansura’s second marriage attracted public attention in June 2024, following her remarriage after separating from her first husband, actor Sani Danja. The former couple shares four children—Iman, Khalifa, Sultan, and Sudais—and their union was once regarded as exemplary within the industry. Viral videos from her second wedding revealed that the bride price was set at one million naira. However, Mansura has now disclosed that the marriage has ended. She recounted meeting her second husband through an uncle when she secured a contract in Lagos. Lacking a representative in the city, she reached out to the man to oversee the deal. Subsequently, she discovered that he harbored ambitions of controlling the project and used romantic interest as a facade. “He suddenly proposed marriage, and I accepted, thinking he was genuine. He even said I could continue with my film career. We got married at night, and the next morning he left for Lagos,” Mansura explained. She further revealed that during the wedding, he presented a contract agreement, requesting her to sign over the management of a N4 billion contract to him, citing their marital bond. From that point, he began communicating directly with the involved parties, effectively excluding her from the process. “I never saw him again after that. He stopped answering my calls, and eventually divorced me,” she stated. According to Mansura, when confronted in Lagos, he claimed to have forgotten about the marriage. Initially, he refused to issue a divorce but later relented under pressure. Despite the distressing ordeal, Mansura expressed acceptance of her fate.
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An early morning crash occurred in the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos, over the weekend, leaving four individuals seriously injured after a commercial bus veered off its lane and collided with a streetlight. Authorities suspect the accident was caused by the driver’s intoxication. According to a statement released by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the incident involved a fully loaded commercial bus bearing registration number KTU 69 YJ. The vehicle reportedly lost control before ramming into the roadside streetlight with considerable force. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol, which led to the devastating impact. Among the most critically affected were a couple seated in the middle row of the bus, along with two other passengers — one male and one female. Emergency responders from LASTMA who were stationed in the vicinity acted immediately. They conducted a swift and coordinated rescue effort, stabilizing the injured at the scene before transferring them to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS). The victims were then rushed to the Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for advanced medical care. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, while the remaining passengers either sustained minor injuries or escaped unhurt. The Lagos State Police Command, through its Alausa Division, maintained order at the crash site during the emergency operations. Their presence ensured an organized response and safeguarded the area for further investigation. Speaking on the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the dangerous act of driving under the influence. He reaffirmed the agency’s ongoing dedication to eliminating such reckless behaviors through awareness campaigns and stricter monitoring across Lagos motor parks. “Drinking and driving endanger everyone on the road,” Mr. Bakare-Oki warned, emphasizing that the Monitoring and Surveillance Unit of LASTMA continues to educate commercial drivers on safe driving practices. He extended heartfelt wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured passengers and appealed to both drivers and commuters to uphold safety measures at all times.
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A significant political gathering involving prominent Nigerian figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party leader Peter Obi, and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, experienced a disruption on Saturday due to a dispute over delegation representation from Jigawa State. The meeting, convened at the Abuja Continental Hotel by the National Political Consultative Group (North), was interrupted when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, appointed a representative for Jigawa State. This decision led to immediate protests from Jigawa delegates, who took to the stage, voicing their dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation and rejecting the appointed spokesperson. The situation escalated, necessitating the intervention of security personnel, including members of the Nigerian Police, DSS, and private security, who formed a protective barrier around key figures such as Atiku and Amaechi. Order was eventually restored following appeals from various stakeholders. A resolution was reached by appointing Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, along with another delegate, to represent the state. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges within the coalition efforts, highlighting the complexities of regional dynamics as political leaders strategize for future alignments.
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Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, has emphasized that Northern Nigeria holds the key to resolving the nation’s challenges. Speaking at a National Political Consultative Group meeting in Abuja, which included notable figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi highlighted the North’s potential as Nigeria’s greatest asset. He attributed the region’s issues of crime and insecurity to pervasive poverty, advocating for substantial investments in education and agriculture to address these problems. Obi criticized the historical voting patterns in the North, which often prioritized religious and ethnic affiliations over competence. He urged a shift towards evaluating candidates based on their capabilities and track records. Reflecting on his banking experience, he recalled a time when Kano was a bustling industrial hub, now diminished due to neglect. Drawing comparisons with countries like Bangladesh and the Netherlands, Obi pointed out that Northern Nigeria possesses more arable land and resources but lacks effective governance and policy implementation. He stressed the importance of building trust among Nigerians to overcome divisions and work collectively towards national development. In his address, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami acknowledged the deteriorating security situation in the North and called for collaborative efforts to rejuvenate the region.
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The Nigerian government has announced plans to deepen the Lekki Deep Seaport channel from its current depth of 16.5 meters to 17 meters, with a long-term goal of reaching 19 meters. This development was disclosed by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, during his inaugural visit to the port alongside other NPA management staff. He emphasized the importance of consolidating transshipment volumes to landlocked neighboring countries. Dantsoho highlighted the increasing throughput volume at Lekki Port, noting that its capacity to accommodate super post-Panamax vessels and ensure rapid cargo and vessel turnaround is pivotal for Nigeria’s export competitiveness, especially for agro-allied products, as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains momentum. He attributed the consistent rise in transshipment numbers to the port’s efficiency, which meets the maritime needs of neighboring countries and supports the NPA’s objective of achieving economies of scale, thereby enhancing competitiveness. Unlike previous times, revenue from port activities is now boosting foreign exchange inflows and significantly contributing to Nigeria’s annual trade surplus, strengthening the national economy. Dantsoho expressed optimism that export figures will increase, with export volumes potentially doubling or tripling in the near future. He reaffirmed the Port Authority management’s commitment, with federal government support, to ensure continued growth in revenue and work volumes. To sustain this positive trend, Dantsoho outlined several initiatives: Dantsoho also noted that Lekki Port is well-automated, equipped with the latest technology to drive port activities efficiently.
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Professor Yemi Oke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has formally addressed a petition to Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking urgent intervention concerning the alleged extortion of ₦151.5 million from Mr. Segun Okubajo, a Nigerian residing abroad. Representing Mr. Okubajo’s father, Mr. Kehinde Okubajo, the petition details an incident where four police officers purportedly abducted Segun from his Lagos residence on October 9, 2024. The officers allegedly disabled his CCTV system, confiscated his mobile devices, and transported him in restraints to the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja. The petition further alleges that Segun was detained without communication, during which his family was coerced into paying a negotiated sum of ₦151.5 million—down from an initial demand of ₦1 billion—to secure his release. These funds were reportedly gathered through loans and contributions from friends and cooperative societies. Additionally, the petition accuses two individuals of collaborating with the implicated officers to fabricate charges against Segun, exploiting his visit to Nigeria for financial gain. Post-release, Segun allegedly fled the country due to ongoing threats directed at him and his family, aimed at deterring them from seeking legal recourse. Despite previous petitions submitted in November 2024, including one addressed directly to the IGP, the family reports continued intimidation. Consequently, they are now demanding a comprehensive investigation, the immediate return of the extorted funds, and disciplinary measures against the involved officers. They have stipulated a 14-day ultimatum for action, failing which they intend to pursue further legal avenues. Related News:
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Primate Elijah Ayodele, the spiritual leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has recently shared insights regarding the 2027 Nigerian presidential election. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election aspirations could be significantly challenged not solely by Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, but by the emergence of three influential individuals whose identities he intends to disclose at a later date. In a statement released through his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Primate Ayodele acknowledged that President Tinubu has demonstrated more effectiveness than his predecessor and possesses the potential to achieve greater accomplishments in a second term. However, he cautioned that the involvement of these three unnamed figures in the political landscape or within a proposed coalition could severely diminish Tinubu’s chances of securing re-election. Primate Ayodele articulated that Peter Obi, on his own, lacks the capacity to significantly impact Tinubu’s political ambitions. He stressed the necessity for a robust coalition comprising individuals capable of enacting substantial change. Without the participation of the three pivotal figures he alluded to, any coalition’s efforts might prove insufficient in altering the political dynamics in favor of the opposition. Furthermore, the prophet advised President Tinubu to strategically appoint trustworthy individuals to key positions, particularly in the northern regions, to prevent potential betrayals that could jeopardize his political standing. He underscored the importance of addressing three critical areas to fortify his position ahead of the 2027 elections. Primate Ayodele concluded by highlighting the evolving nature of the political landscape, indicating that the 2027 elections would differ markedly from previous ones. He reiterated that the emergence of the three significant individuals could play a decisive role in shaping the election’s outcome.
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A heavy-duty vehicle conveying automobile tyres was engulfed in flames in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State. According to LMSINT MEDIA, the incident took place on Saturday at Gurumaraji axis along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The trailer reportedly caught fire while in motion, leading to the destruction of properties worth several millions of naira. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. Meanwhile, a separate road accident involving a petroleum tanker occurred the same day at Olunde Junction in the Olomi area of Ibadan. The tanker, carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), overturned during the near-tragic incident but also recorded no fatalities. Reports indicate that the tanker, registered as GBS19XB, lost control and veered off the road into a drainage system, causing its highly flammable content to spill uncontrollably. Confirming both incidents, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, stated that emergency responders acted swiftly to avert further disasters. In an official release on Sunday, Akinwande detailed the timeline and response measures, noting, “The first incident occurred at exactly 12:04 PM. Our firemen, led by ACFS Adedeji, arrived promptly at the scene where the HOWO tanker, fully loaded with 45,000 litres of PMS, had veered off the road and was leaking fuel into the gutter. We quickly neutralized the surface with a chemical foam compound to prevent fire outbreak.” He further stated that the accident was likely caused by a brake failure. Later the same day, at 2:38 PM, the Fire Service received another emergency alert. Upon arrival, they discovered an INVECO trailer transporting tyres had caught fire while in motion. The team promptly extinguished the blaze without delay.
