Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has strongly criticized the increasing neglect by some parents towards their children—an issue he believes is significantly contributing to the rise in moral decline and widespread social vices within the community. In a Children’s Day 2025 statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago emphasized that every child is entitled to the highest quality of life. He noted that offering children a strong foundation during their early years is vital for establishing a peaceful, responsible, and forward-moving society. He further condemned the exposure of children to various forms of violence and exploitative labor. The governor reassured citizens that his administration remains committed to upholding children’s rights and protecting them from all forms of abuse and injustice. Governor Bago called on parents, educators, and all concerned stakeholders to reevaluate their roles in raising children. He stressed the importance of proactive involvement in child development to create a more structured and morally upright society.
On the occasion of Children’s Day, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman, has called on government institutions, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates to intensify their collective efforts in eliminating child abuse and trafficking throughout the state. During a public address on Tuesday, Dr. Suleiman emphasized the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in safeguarding the well-being and legal rights of children. “It is imperative that government bodies, humanitarian organizations, and human rights defenders remain proactive and respond decisively whenever cases involving the abuse or exploitation of children are brought to light,” the Speaker stated. He further reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to enforcing strict penalties against perpetrators, stressing that such actions would serve as a deterrent and reaffirm the rule of law. “As legal custodians, we are obligated to ensure that individuals involved in trafficking or abuse face full legal consequences. This reinforces the principle of justice and acts as a preventive mechanism,” he added. Dr. Suleiman also appealed to parents and guardians to prioritize the emotional and physical needs of their children, urging them to provide nurturing environments rooted in compassion. “Children are divine blessings and deserve to be treated with unwavering love and support,” he emphasized. He warned against neglecting children or sending them away without appropriate provisions and supervision. The Speaker called on families and communities not to isolate or abandon survivors of abuse or sexual assault, highlighting the need for collective healing and psychosocial support. Additionally, Dr. Suleiman noted that the Bauchi State House of Assembly has enacted various child-focused legislative bills, all of which have been signed into law by the State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed. “We are fully dedicated to promoting policies that enhance child welfare in Bauchi State. Our Assembly remains steadfast in partnering with stakeholders to create legislation that uplifts the lives of children within and beyond the state,” he concluded.
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A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, where Reverend Father James Omeh, the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu and coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai LGA, lost his life along with his passenger, Charity John. The duo was swept away by floodwaters after attempting to navigate a collapsed bridge on the Lapai-Gulu Road, which had been destroyed by heavy rainfall the previous night. According to local sources, Father Omeh was driving his Hilux vehicle when he encountered the damaged bridge. In an effort to avoid the hazard, he attempted to make a U-turn towards Duma village. However, the vehicle was overwhelmed by the strong floodwaters, leading to the tragic drowning of both occupants. Their bodies were later recovered with assistance from local volunteers and the Sarkin Ruwa (King of Water) from a nearby village. Residents have long expressed concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Lapai-Gulu Road, urging the government to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies. The community’s calls for intervention have intensified following this incident. In response to the tragedy, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago extended his condolences to the Christian Association of Nigeria and the broader Christian community. In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, Governor Bago described Father Omeh’s death as a significant loss to both the religious community and the state. He praised the late priest for his dedication to promoting peace and religious harmony, noting his recent efforts to foster unity in Lapai LGA, including engagements with the Emir of Lapai and other stakeholders. The governor prayed for the eternal rest of Father Omeh and offered his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and communities.
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Human rights lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, seeking an investigation into the actions of the Commissioner of Police, Legal Services, Chiozoba Oyakhire Ehiede, and Ms. Asabe Waziri. Giwa alleges that a baseless charge was filed against him and another individual, purportedly influenced by financial inducement. In a letter dated May 23, 2025, Giwa requested the IGP to probe the circumstances surrounding the charge, emphasizing the need to uncover any connections between Ms. Waziri and the CP Legal. He also called for the withdrawal of the charge against him and a re-examination of Charge No. CR/150/25, IGP v. Victor Giwa and another. Giwa asserts that his prosecution stems from his opposition to falsehoods and his insistence on due process. He detailed that on June 26, 2024, officers led by CSP Maga, acting on advice from CP Legal, forcibly entered apartments at No. 1 Mekong Close, Maitama, Abuja, placing Ms. Waziri in possession. This action occurred despite a pending application for a Stay of Execution, a Notice of Appeal (Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/246/2022), and an existing positive order from the High Court in Keffi, Nasarawa State (Suit No. NSD/K70F/2024), all served on Ms. Waziri and the police. Giwa recounted his arrest as legal counsel for Cecil Osakwe and Abeh Signature Apartment, during which he was compelled to open the flats. He refused, citing ongoing litigation in both the Supreme Court and the High Court. Nevertheless, under CP Legal’s directive, officers broke into the apartments, granting Ms. Waziri possession, where she remains to date. He contends that CP Legal is leveraging his position to initiate charges aimed at silencing dissent and shielding unlawful actions that tarnish the Nigerian Police’s reputation. Giwa described the charge, filed at Ms. Waziri’s behest, as baseless, frivolous, and vindictive, driven by her intent to use CP Legal to target him.
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Emergency responders rushed to Water Street in Liverpool during the club’s jubilant Premier League title victory parade after a car reportedly collided with several pedestrians on Monday. According to Merseyside Police, the incident occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. (1700 GMT), when officers received reports of a vehicle crashing into a group of people on the sidelines of the open-top bus parade celebrating Liverpool’s football triumph. Authorities confirmed that the car remained at the location and a male individual was taken into custody. “The vehicle stopped at the location, and one male suspect has been detained,” read a police statement. An eyewitness working with Agence France-Presse (AFP) observed at least four individuals being transported from the scene on stretchers. Videos shared on various social media platforms appeared to capture the moment a dark-coloured vehicle swerved into the dense gathering of fans. This occurred during the final moments of a day filled with celebration, as Liverpool’s players showcased the Premier League trophy atop a decorated open-topped bus navigating through the city. Onlookers, including uniformed police officers, quickly surrounded the car, while multiple individuals were seen lying on the pavement. The area was soon cordoned off by authorities. A fire truck was also visible at the location, assisting other emergency units. The North West Ambulance Service, in coordination with police and fire personnel, released a statement indicating that their teams were actively “assessing the situation.” “Our primary concern is to make sure that anyone requiring medical assistance gets it as fast as possible,” the statement emphasized.
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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18). Have you ever come to a point where you knew you had to change levels? You looked at your life and said, “I’ve been at this stage for too long; it’s time to move up!” This is important because you should always desire growth and advancement! Our life in Christ is upward and forward; it’s from faith to faith, grace to grace, and from glory to glory. At every stage, I always set clear targets for my life. I determine what I would achieve at different times, and the remarkable thing is, I always hit my targets ahead of schedule. This taught me an important lesson: setting goals works. But beyond setting goals, taking action is what brings results. Some people wait, hoping that God will step in and change their situation without them doing anything. But that’s not how it works. There’re things God does, and there’re things you must do. Think about a farmer; he cultivates his land, plants seeds, and waters them, but he doesn’t make them grow. He understands that if he follows this process, the soil will cause the seed to germinate and produce a harvest. Where is God in all these? He’s the One who gives life to the seed. The soil itself carries a divine mystery; when a seed is planted, it dies first, and then God’s power causes it to spring back to life. Now, imagine a farmer who never plants anything. Harvest time will still come, but while others are reaping, he will have nothing, because he didn’t plant anything. It’s the same with life—if you don’t plant seeds, you won’t see a harvest. I discovered that planting seeds into my mind and heart produces results. Even greater is the discovery that I can plant seeds into the realm of the spirit and reap a supernatural harvest! So, do something to change your current state and estate. Many people haven’t changed levels in five years. Their lives have remained the same, except that things have become harder because the world has moved forward while they remained stagnant. When you don’t upgrade your life and mindset, you won’t be able to accommodate the changes in the world around you. Decide to change levels. Take the necessary actions today that’ll create the future you desire. PRAYERDear Father, I refuse to remain at the same level. I take action, planting the right seeds into my heart, my mind, and the realm of the spirit. By the power of your Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I move forward and upward, changing levels and fulfilling my destiny. Thank you for your divine power at work in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDYPhilippians 3:12-14Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading PlanJohn 12:20-50 & 2 Kings 18-19 2-Year Bible Reading PlanMark 13:1-11 & Numbers 29 Extract From Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: I am an associate of the heavenly pantheon. I have eternal life is at work in me. This eternal life makes me master over circumstances. I have dominion over the world’s deplorable systems. I have dominion over Satan. I am superior to sicknesses and diseases. I am superior to defeat. I am superior to the depravities that affect the natural man. Weakness is not an option in my life because the Holy Ghost dwells in me. I am empowered with might from within; therefore, I’m victorious at every count and in everything. I refuse to live or function by natural abilities or within human capacities. I refuse to be a victim in life, I am a victor in Christ Jesus. I am loaded with good things, and my life is like a city set on the hill that cannot be hidden. I am visible; well positioned, and the Spirit of God is magnifying my voice around the nations of the world. I am rising like an edifice higher and higher irrespective of daunting challenges, persecutions, hardships, and troubles around the nations of the world. The Lord Almighty is my defense and fortress. Satan has nothing in me because I am full of the Holy Spirit at all times. The environment in which I live is Christ. Here, there is no health scare, infection, or pandemic. No matter what happens to those in the world, I stand firm in faith, and I enjoy my glorious life now. I bask in the provisions of Christ for my life, health, and all that concern me. In me abides all the grace, wisdom, prosperity, strength and courage I need to fulfil my glorious destiny in Christ! I have everything I require for life and godliness; therefore, I walk in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel, today and always. I’m what God says I am, I have all He says I have, and I can do all things in His Name. All things are possible to me because I believe. I’m rich in all things, having inherited all things,
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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.
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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.
