Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates has conveyed strong optimism regarding the trajectory of Africa’s development, specifically highlighting Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial epicenter, as a future global megacity. While addressing attendees at the Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers event in Lagos, Gates emphasized that Lagos is on track to become the largest city globally, serving as a vivid indicator of Africa’s growing importance on the world stage. Gates applauded the continent’s youth-driven demographics, describing Africa as the most captivating region of the century due to its young and expanding population. “Africa is a very young continent,” he remarked. “More than half of all children born in this century will be African. That youthfulness will shape global trends in profound ways.” Using Lagos as a case in point for Africa’s rapid urban growth, Gates pointed out the city’s expanding population and its potential to serve as a vibrant hub of activity and innovation. “The city we’re in today will, by far, be the largest in the world. That’s going to make for a dynamic and vibrant environment, and the world will be watching,” Gates added. Despite this promising forecast, Gates issued a strong call to action regarding the investments required to harness the continent’s full potential—particularly in the sectors of healthcare and education. “Whether this young population drives transformative progress will depend on the choices we make in the next 20 years,” he noted. “If we invest wisely, Africa’s future is nothing short of extraordinary.”
The Anambra State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made a heartfelt plea to Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, requesting his return to the party he left behind. According to reports from LMSINT MEDIA, Obi initially parted ways with the PDP due to doubts about realizing his presidential vision within its framework, prompting his move to the Labour Party. The appeal emerged during an extended session of the State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held in Awka, where members assessed the current condition of the PDP and discussed plans for rebuilding its political momentum. Statement from PDP Leadership In a communiqué released after the meeting and endorsed by State Chairman Chidi Chidebe, the PDP expressed concerns about forming alliances with groups that lack ideological alignment. The statement emphasized that such coalitions often fail to produce meaningful outcomes. “The committee sends an open invitation to all former and aggrieved PDP members in Anambra, especially our highly esteemed former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, to return to a now revitalized and reorganized PDP,” Chidebe declared. He affirmed the party’s readiness to welcome back old members in a united effort toward building a better Nigeria. Endorsement of New Candidates and Party Appointments Chidebe also called on Anambra’s electorate to back Mr. Jude Ezenwafor and his running mate Mr. Francis Okeke in the upcoming elections. He stressed the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold principles of fairness, transparency, and impartiality during the electoral process. Additionally, the PDP unanimously selected Chief Clems Ezike to occupy the vacant role of National Ex-Officio representing Anambra. Chidebe urged the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee, led by Chief Ali Odefa, to recognize Ezike’s nomination and forward it to the party’s national leadership.
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Galatasaray commentator Serdar Ali Çelikler has pointed to Al Hilal as the probable final destination for Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen. According to Çelikler, unless the Saudi Pro League side decides to withdraw their interest, Osimhen appears set to make the switch to Saudi Arabia. This revelation comes amidst continuous rumors linking Osimhen to Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United. While Manchester United are reportedly considering the Super Eagles striker in their internal recruitment discussions for the upcoming transfer window, Chelsea have been relatively quiet despite their heavy interest last summer. Osimhen, who previously made a remarkable impact by netting 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 matches across all competitions while at Galatasaray, continues to attract attention from top-tier clubs. Speaking during a session on the Neo Spor YouTube channel, as cited by Habersarikirmizi, Çelikler made a bold assertion about Osimhen’s next move: “Unless Al Hilal withdraws its offer, Victor Osimhen will go there,” he stated. He added that Galatasaray lacks the financial capacity to compete with the salary figures being proposed: “Galatasaray cannot offer a salary of 35 million euros based on what I know. If Osimhen remains at Galatasaray for a 20 million euro salary, then we’ll applaud him. But currently, Osimhen has between a week to 10 days to reach a final decision.” Further reports indicate that Al Hilal has presented an offer totaling €30 million per year, which translates to around ₦54 billion. Additionally, prominent Nigerian sports journalist Onyebuchi Onokala, widely known as Buchi Laba, disclosed that Victor Osimhen had previously rejected a salary proposal from Al Hilal, though this has yet to be officially confirmed.
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Popular Nigerian music sensation Daniel Anidugbe, widely recognized by his stage name Kizz Daniel, has hinted at the possibility of stepping away from the music scene. Following the recent release of his EP “Lemon Chase,” the award-winning artist has announced another project, “Orange Chase,” which he is planning to drop within just a week of the former. The back-to-back releases, he explained, are part of a personal mission to release a large backlog of unreleased music. According to Kizz Daniel, he has accumulated more than 600 unreleased tracks and is determined to share them with fans before stepping down from the industry. While unveiling the guest artists featured on the forthcoming “Orange Chase” EP via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, a fan jokingly reacted, saying: “VADO wan finish us with overfeeding ✌” The singer responded with clarity: “I have over 600 songs I want to dish out before I hang boot, so ♂️.” In a follow-up post, Kizz Daniel shared a more personal update, revealing that he is pressing pause on recording to reconnect with his family. He confessed that his loved ones had expressed concern over him prioritizing studio sessions over spending time at home. He wrote: “No more recording for me … Just enjoying life like it should be … My family don diss me say I choose studio over them, I’m changing.” This heartfelt revelation shows a different side of the artist — one where family values take precedence over fame and music production.
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Peter Okoye, formerly one-half of the iconic P-Square music group, has aired his grievances online, accusing his brothers Paul and Jude Okoye of attempting to tarnish his public image amid an ongoing courtroom dispute. Peter explained that the friction intensified after Jude’s legal representative alleged in court that Peter submitted a false statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning a royalties dispute. The singer, through a sequence of Instagram posts, claimed that the media campaign to undermine him was orchestrated by his brother’s publicist in a strategic attempt to discredit his integrity. He voiced his frustration, declaring that he would no longer play the role of the ‘bigger person’—a stance he had previously maintained. Peter stated, “This is exactly the situation I was referring to—their publicist going to great lengths to portray me as dishonest. I’m not May D or Cynthia Morgan; I’m Peter Okoye, the one and only ‘rock’—Okwute of the Okoye family. The truth will surely emerge.” He further challenged his brothers, questioning their integrity with the words, “Did you steal, or did you not?” Peter also drew parallels with the tragic case of the late Nigerian artist Mohbad, revealing how the incident served as a turning point for him, compelling him to start defending himself against perceived injustices. He said, “After seeing all that transpired regarding Mohbad’s death and the current state of the investigation, I made up my mind to stop playing the ‘bigger person’ or acting like the mature one. That mindset was the root of all this drama. I tried to take the high road—never again!” Okoye concluded by describing the much-publicized 2021 reunion of P-Square as a manipulation. He disclosed, “I later realized I was being used during the November 2021 reunion. But now that we’re already in court, I’ll bide my time and eventually reveal the full story of what truly occurred.”
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The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) to halt its ongoing criticisms and verbal attacks against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the recent meeting between the President and Governor Ademola Adeleke. In an official release issued in Osogbo on Thursday by Sunday Bisi, the Osun PDP Chairman, the party labeled the APC’s reaction to the meeting as highly inappropriate and shameful. The statement condemned the APC in Osun for demonstrating what it described as a lack of understanding concerning governance processes and intergovernmental relationships within a democratic framework. According to the PDP’s statement, “The inflammatory remarks by APC chieftains following President Tinubu’s warm reception of Governor Adeleke at his Lagos residence reflect a complete absence of civility and a worrying ignorance of democratic etiquette. “This behavior contradicts the proud Yoruba heritage that values mutual respect and decorum.” Bisi emphasized that Governor Adeleke will continue leveraging all democratic channels, including engagements with President Tinubu when necessary, to ensure sustainable development for Osun citizens who entrusted him with leadership. He further pointed out that such disrespect is not new to the Osun APC, highlighting previous occasions where the party ridiculed visits from notable figures such as First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, a ranking member of the House of Representatives, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. According to Bisi, each of these officials faced unwarranted and baseless attacks from the Osun APC simply because they recognized and commended Governor Adeleke’s developmental achievements. Bisi cited a historical precedent where former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, welcomed then-President Olusegun Obasanjo and engaged in collaborative efforts including joint project launches in the lead-up to the 2003 elections, despite belonging to opposing political parties. “This is what true governance entails. Today’s APC members should take a cue from esteemed elders like Chief Bisi Akande to understand the principles of leadership and national interest,” he asserted. He called on the Osun APC to abandon divisive politics and instead embrace constructive dialogue for the benefit of the state’s residents. Bisi also applauded Governor Adeleke’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, growth, and progressive dialogue. This statement from the PDP comes in the wake of Governor Adeleke’s visit to President Tinubu in Lagos on Tuesday, accompanied by his elder brother Deji Adeleke and David Adeleke (also known as Davido). As previously reported by LMSINT MEDIA, the Osun APC responded by stating that Governor Adeleke’s presence was not welcomed within the party ranks. The comment was made by former Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, who further asserted that the APC’s governorship ticket remains unavailable to Governor Adeleke or members of his family.
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As the 2027 general elections approach, the rivalry between former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has once again taken center stage. Amaechi, who is now aligned with an emerging opposition coalition, appears set to challenge the status quo, while Wike continues to show unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu. Speaking during a public lecture in Abuja titled “Weaponization of Poverty” held to commemorate his 60th birthday, Amaechi boldly expressed frustration over the current state of the nation, declaring: “We are all hungry. All of us are. If you are not hungry, I am. So, for us the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power (Tinubu), we can remove him from this power.” According to LMSINT MEDIA, Amaechi is playing a strategic role in forming a new opposition alliance aimed at unseating Tinubu in the 2027 elections. On the contrary, Wike has declared his commitment to lead President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike publicly dismissed Amaechi’s remarks about hunger, stating in his monthly media briefing that the former Minister was not experiencing hardship. He argued that Amaechi and the opposition are merely “hungry for power”, recalling Amaechi’s previous statement in 2017 that he did not like money and considered himself incorruptible: “Is my honesty in doubt? I have told Nigerians and I repeat to Nigerians today I am not corrupt and I don’t like money.” Referring back to this declaration, Wike commented: “We have no time to listen to nonsense in Nigeria. I don’t understand why a man like Amaechi would choose his 60th birthday to lie to Nigerians about being hungry. He was Speaker from 1999 to 2007, Governor from 2007 to 2015, and Minister from 2015 to 2023. He never spoke about hunger during those years. Now they are regrouping. They are only hungry for power.” In response, Amaechi fired back during an interview on Arise TV, calling Wike a “child” and sharing behind-the-scenes details of their earlier political dealings: “I wanted him (Wike) as chief of staff so I could supervise him. Adoke flew all the way from Abuja to Port Harcourt that Wike asked me to make him the Commissioner for Finance and I said no… I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children. He made himself chief of staff, governor, minister, and local government chairman.” The Origin of Amaechi and Wike’s Political Fallout As reported by LMSINT MEDIA, the disagreement between the two political figures can be traced back to 2012. Though both hail from Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State—Amaechi from Ubima in Ikwerre LGA and Wike from Rumueprikon in Obio/Akpor LGA—their political rivalry intensified over time. Despite Amaechi allegedly helping Wike rise through the ranks—from Local Government Chairman, to Chief of Staff, and eventually a Minister during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration—Wike also once defended Amaechi during a political crisis involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo. During his gubernatorial tenure, Amaechi was perceived to be detached, allowing Wike to establish control in Rivers State politics. Public Reactions to Wike’s Statement Dr. Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and Arise TV anchor, criticized Wike’s recent comments, describing them as disrespectful given Amaechi’s seniority in politics: “I think that Nyesom Wike is very rude and disrespectful because Rotimi Amaechi is his boss in politics.” However, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, rebutted Abati’s claims. Olayinka highlighted Wike’s role in defending Amaechi when the former Governor fled to Ghana in 2007: “So how is Rotimi Amaechi Wike’s boss in politics? When Amaechi was a House of Assembly member, Wike was a Local Government Chairman… Wike led the charge to retrieve Amaechi’s mandate.” He also questioned Abati’s journalistic integrity for defending Amaechi on the same platform (ARISE NEWS) where Wike was earlier criticized: “Trained journalists working in Media Organizations don’t do that. They leave people to defend themselves.” Can the Rivals Unite? Legal activist Maduabuchi Idam believes that resource control could bring the two politicians back together. Speaking to LMSINT MEDIA, he noted: “Amaechi and Wike have no real personal issues or ideological differences, only a power struggle over resource control. If offered a shared stake in Rivers State’s resources, they would unite quickly to keep out a third contender.” Idam emphasized that their feud lacks ideological grounding and is rooted in control and access to power rather than public service.
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Popular Nigerian rapper and songwriter, Folarin Falana, professionally known as Falz, has reaffirmed his stance that fornication is not a sin in the belief system he follows. Recently, the award-winning artist made headlines after stating via his X (formerly Twitter) page that fornication is not a sin, sparking widespread controversy. This bold statement triggered reactions, especially from Christian and Muslim communities, who responded by quoting various religious scriptures in an attempt to challenge his claim. In a follow-up interview with Arise TV, Falz addressed the backlash and further explained his position. He emphasized that his statement was not made from a Christian perspective, as many had assumed, but rather from his own spiritual viewpoint, which he defines as the “religion of love.” “I think people read the tweet and assumed I meant it from a Christian viewpoint,” Falz said during the interview. He elaborated that he no longer identifies as a Christian and that his personal belief system, centered around love, does not classify fornication as sinful. “I wasn’t speaking from a Christian angle,” he clarified. “I practice the religion of love. Under that belief, I don’t see fornication as a sin.” Falz challenged the traditional religious stance on premarital sex, questioning its moral implications and asking who it truly offends. “Why are we not allowed to engage in premarital intercourse? Who is it hurting? These are two unmarried, consenting adults. Personally, I don’t think there’s a problem,” he explained. Concluding the interview, Falz stated again with conviction: “I’m no longer a Christian. I now follow the religion of love.”
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A leading public health advocate has raised the alarm about the growing health dangers linked to the rising intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) in Nigeria. The expert emphasized that Nigeria is experiencing a troubling surge in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other nutrition-related illnesses. In an exclusive conversation with LMSINT MEDIA, Abayomi Sarumi, Associate Director at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), revealed that the common consumption of sugary soft drinks is silently contributing to a national health crisis—particularly affecting the youth population. “Sugar-Sweetened Beverages are any drinks that contain added sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, honey, or molasses,” Sarumi clarified. These drinks include sodas, fruit-flavored beverages, energy drinks, and sports drinks, all of which are heavily loaded with sugar and far exceed the body’s energy needs. Sarumi warned that a single bottle of these sugary drinks contains up to 14 cubes of sugar, far beyond the daily limit advised by medical professionals. “This excessive sugar intake leads to spikes and crashes in blood sugar, which can trigger fatigue, irritability, and over time, serious conditions like heart disorders, obesity, and diabetes,” he noted. He stressed that these health complications are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which now account for over 30% of annual deaths in Nigeria. Sarumi also expressed concern about how widely accessible and aggressively marketed these beverages are, noting that many people see them as part of everyday life. “They are ultra-processed and often misrepresented as essential lifestyle choices. The marketing strategies used by these brands have normalized consumption, making people overlook the actual health risks,” he explained. Over 54 Billion Litres of Sugary Drinks Consumed Annually Using available data, Sarumi stated that Nigeria has become one of Africa’s top consumers of sugary beverages. “Nigeria was previously ranked fourth in Africa with 38 million litres of sugary beverages consumed. But by April 2025, new reports revealed that over 54 billion litres were consumed in 2024 alone,” he stated. This drastic rise correlates with an increase in fast food and ultra-processed snack consumption—fueling what he termed a “nutrition-related disease explosion.” “There has been a 150% increase in cardiovascular conditions over the past 10 years. As of 2022, over 27.5 million Nigerians suffer from high blood pressure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 22% of Nigerians now face a high risk of early death due to non-communicable diseases,” Sarumi added. Public Awareness Still Limited Although some individuals understand that sugar can be harmful, Sarumi believes the majority of Nigerians don’t grasp the serious link between sugary drinks and long-term health complications. “From our findings, most people don’t truly comprehend how damaging SSBs are,” he said. He also mentioned that myths and inaccurate advice further complicate public understanding. “There are still instances where patients are advised by healthcare workers to consume sugary drinks before medication. In our culture, health conditions like diabetes or heart disease are often perceived as spiritual attacks rather than linked to poor diets.” Why Sugary Beverages Appeal to Young Nigerians Sarumi attributed the popularity of sugary drinks among young Nigerians to the aggressive marketing tactics of beverage companies. “These products are inexpensive, available everywhere, and portrayed as symbols of fun and status. Unfortunately, they come without any health warnings,” he explained. “Moreover, these corporations use Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to appear socially responsible, which makes it harder for the public to question their role in worsening public health,” he added. A Call to Action To cut down consumption, Sarumi endorsed the enforcement of a comprehensive Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax, stressing that it should serve more than a revenue purpose. “An effective SSB tax should not only lower consumption but also channel funds into the healthcare sector, particularly for individuals affected by nutrition-related diseases,” he said. He also recommended several complementary policies: “Implementing these strategies collectively will safeguard Nigerian lives, especially children, and enhance public health nationwide,” Sarumi concluded.
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Residents of Shagari Street in Toto Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, were thrown into panic early Wednesday after a fire incident reportedly caused by a man believed to be mentally unstable engulfed a student lodge. The incident took place in the early hours, affecting a residential building that accommodates several off-campus student rooms. According to information gathered by LMSINT MEDIA, the fire is suspected to have originated from the room of a male tenant, allegedly battling a mental health disorder linked to prolonged substance abuse. Eyewitnesses explained that the individual allegedly ignited a fire in his own room for unknown reasons. The flames swiftly extended to no fewer than five other rooms within the structure. “Thankfully, no one was injured or killed in the incident, as the students occupying those rooms were reportedly away at the time the fire broke out,” said Joy Ndukwe, a student who spoke to our correspondent. Sadly, the material loss was substantial. Personal belongings, academic materials, and home appliances were consumed by the blaze, leaving nothing salvageable in the affected rooms. At the time of reporting, emergency response teams had not issued any official statement, but eyewitnesses confirmed that the entire lodge had already been destroyed by the time the fire was finally extinguished.
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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption (Psalm 16:10). Everything about the Lord Jesus was prophesied ahead of time: His birth, His life, His death, burial, resurrection, and His glorious ascension to heaven. No wonder He said, “…Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7). His crucifixion, for example, was prophesied a thousand years beforehand. The psalmist gave such a beautiful description of it in Psalm 22 (read the entire reference). The Prophet Zachariah also prophesied about His death in Zechariah 12:10, saying, “…and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him….” This prophecy foretold the piercing of Jesus’ hands and feet, which happened during His crucifixion. Furthermore, Psalm 16:10 tells us about His resurrection, saying, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” When Jesus died on the Cross, He went to hell because every sinner who died was supposed to go to hell, and Jesus bore the sins of the whole world. However, in hell, He defeated the devil and the demons of darkness and came triumphantly back to life. Jonah’s experience also foreshadowed His resurrection. Jonah 1:17 says, “…And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” The Lord Jesus referenced this in Matthew 12:40 NIV, declaring, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Psalm 110:1 is prophetic of His exaltation; it says, “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” The Lord Jesus affirmed that this prophecy referred to Himself: “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?” (Matthew 22:41-45). These prophecies and their fulfilment are essential to understanding the things Jesus said about His death and resurrection. They authenticate the truth that He’s indeed the Son of God—God in human flesh—as Romans 1:4 tells us. It says Jesus is declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Blessed be God! PRAYERDear Father, I acknowledge the undeniable proof of your love demonstrated through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank you for the victory He wrought for us, and for making us triumphant in Him. I live in the reality of His finished works, proclaiming His Lordship and righteousness to the ends of the earth. Hallelujah! FURTHER STUDYPsalm 22:14-16I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. Isaiah 53:5But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. || Matthew 28:5-6And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading PlanJohn 18:28-19:1-16 & 1 Chronicles 14-16 2-Year Bible Reading PlanMark 14:66-72 & Deuteronomy 2 Extract From Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: I’ve passed from death to life, from sin to righteousness, and from sickness to health. I live above the limitations of the human body and the physical realm through the ability of God’s Spirit. Health, peace, joy, and the glorious life are my present-hour inheritance. I declare today that my body is strong and healthy! Sickness and infirmity have no place in me. The life of Christ is at work in every fiber of my being, in every bone of my body, and in every cell of my blood. I am alive and well! I am blessed and I am a blessing; I dispense life and grace to all I encounter. I exercise my authority over the devil and his cohorts. No wiles or fiery darts from the enemy can penetrate my body and no symptoms of sickness can thrive in my body because I’m God’s sanctuary. My faith is a weapon of defence and an instrument of victory over and against the adversary and adversities. With it, I put out all the fiery missiles of the wicked one. I can never be small because the anointing of God’s Spirit has set me apart for greatness, causing me to spread and make progress on every side. I am recording great and notable achievements in my ministry, career, finances, academics, family, and in all that concerns me. I am enjoying my days in success, progress, peace, joy, health, and unending prosperity. My eyes of understanding are enlightened; I see the invisible and I’m empowered to do the impossible. My life goes only in the direction of God’s purpose; therefore, I’ll never be sick in life. I can only grow from strength to strength, for divinity has been activated in my body. The life of Christ in me makes me superhuman! By
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In response to the relentless assaults by armed herders, a significant number of women convened in Ugbokpo, the administrative center of Apa Local Government Area in Benue State, to protest the ongoing violence and devastation in their communities. The demonstrators, bearing placards with messages such as “Apa is our land, not for Fulani” and “Government has failed us,” marched through the streets, voicing their anguish over the loss of lives and property. This protest was precipitated by recent attacks on Ijaha, Ibele, Ochekwu, and Edikwu Ankpali communities, which resulted in 28 fatalities and numerous injuries. Organized under the banner of ‘The Voice of the Voiceless Women in Apa,’ the protesters had previously notified authorities and security agencies of their intentions through a letter endorsed by the Hunter Group, Apa Chapter. The letter detailed the atrocities committed by the herders, including invasions of homes and farms, leading to the deaths of children, husbands, and other loved ones. One protest leader highlighted the government’s prolonged silence, comparing the severity of the attacks to those in the Northeast, stating that the herders’ actions were more brutal and dehumanizing. Despite attempts to reach out, the Chairman of Apa Local Government Council, Mr. Adams Ocheiga, declined to comment on the situation.
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ABUJA — The Federal Government has issued a stark warning that 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are currently at significant risk of flooding, reminiscent of the recent disaster in Mokwa, Niger State, where over 200 lives were lost. The catastrophic flooding in Mokwa not only claimed numerous lives but also destroyed several homes, leaving thousands homeless and over 500 individuals unaccounted for. States identified as high flood risk areas include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT. Engr. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized during a briefing in Abuja that the Mokwa flood was not due to water releases from the Kainji and Jebba dams but was primarily caused by intense rainfall exacerbated by climate change. He attributed the high casualty rate to the public’s disregard for flood warnings and urged state governments to implement measures to mitigate potential flooding that could endanger lives and properties. “The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation extends its heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Niger State, especially the affected communities in Mokwa, who have suffered losses due to this natural disaster,” Utsev stated. He clarified that the flood was not a result of water releases from the Kainji or Jebba dams, both of which remain intact and safe. Commending the swift response of the Niger State government, local authorities, and first responders, Utsev highlighted that the flood in Mokwa was primarily due to heavy rainfall from extreme weather conditions linked to climate change, which overwhelmed local drainage systems. Unregulated construction activities further exacerbated the situation by obstructing an ephemeral tributary of River Dingi, a tributary of River Niger, which typically remains dry and relies solely on rainfall runoff. The absence of efficient alternative pathways to redirect excess water intensified the flood’s impact on the communities. Utsev referenced the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on April 10, 2025, which predicted flooding in 19 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger State, including Mokwa LGA. 2025 Annual Flood Outlook The 2025 AFO report indicated that 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs across 33 states and the FCT are within high flood risk areas, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs in 31 states and the FCT fall within moderate flood risk zones. High flood risk states, as identified by NIHSA, include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. Utsev reiterated the key warnings and recommendations from the 2025 AFO, urging states and local governments to act on early warnings by strengthening drainage infrastructure, relocating vulnerable communities from flood plains, conducting sustained public awareness campaigns, and enforcing land-use regulations to prevent encroachment into flood-prone areas. He emphasized that the AFO provides a comprehensive overview of flood risks, potential flood-prone areas, expected flood levels, and recommended adaptation and mitigation measures to minimize flood impact. Stakeholders are advised to visit the NIHSA flood forecast dashboard at nihsa. for detailed information and proactive measures to mitigate flood impacts in their regions. Utsev highlighted that recent flood events underscore the increasing impacts of climate change on the environment and water systems, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe. He called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to collaborate in building safer, more resilient communities. Technical personnel from the Ministry, NIHSA, Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) are currently in Mokwa assessing the flood’s cause to develop an appropriate report. States Begin Proactive Measures Delta State’s Preemptive Actions Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, stated that the state government is taking proactive steps to consolidate on previous efforts, including massive de-siltation and opening up waterways across the three senatorial districts. He mentioned the establishment of IDP camps in Kwale, Bomadi, Patani, Otu-Jeremi, Ozoro, and Asaba, and emphasized the importance of community awareness and orientation, especially for those living in flood-prone areas. Bayelsa State’s Mitigation Efforts In Bayelsa State, where flooding is a perennial issue due to its geographical location, the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control has initiated the opening and clearing of canals to prevent flooding. Director-General Surv Wilson Omuso stated that while flooding cannot be entirely eliminated, its damage can be minimized through preparedness and coordinated response. Technical Assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor on Environment, Morris Alagoa, highlighted the state’s unique geographical features and the steps being taken by the administration to tackle flood and erosion-related matters, including the establishment of the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control in 2023. NEMA’s Readiness in Rivers State In Rivers State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) expressed its readiness to tackle flood emergencies, with the head of operations in Rivers/Bayelsa states, Eric Ebhodaghe, stating that the agency has been disseminating information from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) to stakeholders and has procured necessary items to assist potential flood victims. He noted that volunteers have been trained across the state to handle critical situations, and efforts have been made to manage waste that blocks water channels. Borno State’s Sensitization Campaigns In Borno State, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and NEMA have embarked on aggressive sensitization campaigns. Executive Secretary of Borno Geographic Information System (BOGIS), Engineer Adam Bababe, inaugurated a 13-man committee to demarcate boundaries and control developments along river banks and buffer zones in Maiduguri and its environs. He warned against developing structures along waterways and buffer zones, stating that the state government will not compensate for any demolished property without legal title or approval. Ondo State’s Preparedness Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the government has embarked on continuous channelization across the
