Nigeria | Zikoko!

Academic activities at the University of Benin have been suspended indefinitely following an announcement from the school’s Public Relations Officer, Doctor Benedicta Ehanire.

Why did this happen?

On July 3, 2024, Uniben students seized the Benin -Ore highway to protest a power outage and lack of water in their hostels and campuses. The university has been struggling with power cuts, thanks to a new 200% increase in its monthly electricity bill — from 80 million to ₦200-280 million. This new energy cost came after the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) cut the university’s power supply over a ₦300 million debt, forcing the university to work with power generators.

The students say they took to the street because light now comes up for only an hour a day, compared to the 20 – 22 hours they usually got. As a result, studying without electricity has become unbearable for them.

Image source: ChannelsTV

The university statement, announcing the closure, states that the university’s senate considered the students’ demand for 24-hour electricity and stable water supply in their hostels and the two campuses unrealistic. It instructed all students to leave the school hostels immediately. Academic and non-academic staff on primary duties are unaffected.

Power outages aren’t limited to Uniben alone. In a report by Punch, rising energy costs are crushing Nigerian universities.

“Some of the institutions have been disconnected from the national grid owing to millions of unpaid electricity bills to DISCOS while others who are still connected are currently grappling with huge amounts of debts running into millions of naira.”

The College of Medicine, University of Lagos, is struggling with its migration to Band A, which has increased energy costs to ₦253 million. The University of Ilorin’s electricity bill jumped from ₦70 million to ₦230 million. Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) disconnected the power supply at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology due to a ₦248 million unpaid debt. The University of Jos has an electricity bill debt close to ₦126 million.

For Uniben, this isn’t the first time it’d shut down over students’ protests. In 2021, the university closed for 24 hours following a protest over a ₦20,000 late registration fee.

What Nigerians are saying

This is a developing story.

Tomide Marv

July 4, 2024

Citizen

citizen, Nigeria, protest, students, Uinversity of Benin, Uniben
From unexpected call-outs to headline-grabbing feuds and a crypto scam, the landscape of Nigerian pop culture has been anything but a whirlwind of controversy in the first half of 2024. As the year breaks into its second half, here are the craziest events that have shaped the scene so far.

Teezee owed money

In January 2024, singer Prettyboy D-O accused the Native Record label boss of owing a videographer $200-$300. Although the situation got messy and turned into a back-and-forth between Prettyboy D-O and OdumoduBlvck on X, Teezee never addressed the issue.

Portable became a Spiderman

It’s wild to think that after making music and shooting a video with Skepta in London, Portable was back in the country getting in trouble. Portable flew over the gate to escape the police’s arrest over a debt case. He even made a song titled Spiderman out of the situation.

If you see your future in jumping fences, the viral Portable’s video should be a top watch.

Bobrisky’s imprisonment

On April 3, popular socialite Bobrisky was arrested for mutilating some naira notes, AKA spraying money. By April 12th, she was sentenced to six months in jail without an option of a fine. October is so far away, please return our “Mummy of Laygus.”

Davido on his knees begging

After a photo of Davido and a US model known as “pinknative” on IG went viral, the lady grew uncomfortable with the harsh comments. She retaliated with a funny and weird video of Davido on his knees. He was begging for what some online users thought was sex. It’s all speculation, and we don’t know what happened. But it has served the public as a meme.

Wizkid and Davido beef

Even Wizkid posted that Davido’s video to troll Davido during their back-and-forth on X. Davido suggested that Wiz is a sick man after Wiz called an unnamed songwriter of Davido a pant washer and bragged they couldn’t match him musically. I thought they would finally have their Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake moment, but they fumbled it. It’s only banger tweets they have.

Don Jazzy is an “influencer”

Wizkid possibly tweets according to the strain he’s smoking. In June 2024, he called Don Jazzy an amazing human. But less than a month before then, he was a banger boy on X who delighted his Wizkid FC with a mockery attempt at Don Jazzy.

An overzealous fan tagged Wizkid to reply to Ladipoe trolling Afropop artists for going through a hit recession in H1. Wiz replied with a shot at Don Jazzy, saying he’s “never chatting to anyone signed to an influencer.” The public, in turn, praised Don Jazzy and listed out his impacts and achievements.

Portable vs. Zlatan Ibile

A video of an angry Portable ranting that Zlatan told him to behave and not act dramatically around Davido during a dinner went viral. Portable felt offended and warned Zlatan not to mess with him or speak to him like a kid.

Davido’s crypto scam

As if the Racketerli business Davido endorsed in 2019 didn’t hurt people enough, he recently promoted a cryptocurrency meme coin called $DAVIDO, which severely dipped without 24 hours of launch. Immediately, Nigeria’s Securities And Exchange Commission (SEC) flagged it as a “rug pull” and issued a disclaimer to alert investors about the coin. This situation would make part of the public wonder if he needed money for his concluded wedding.

Tomide Marv

July 2, 2024

Pop

afrobeats, Nigeria, Nigerian pop, Nigerians
Trigger Warning: Sexual assault

On June 30, 2024, X user @Theariaspeaks posted a Twitter thread to raise awareness about an epidemic of sexual assault at the University of Lagos, sharing anonymous texts from victims and the university’s unwillingness to punish the offenders. In the hours that followed, perpetrators who’d escaped punishment for this act were called out.

This is everything we know about the reported time and dates of the sexual harassment cases flying around the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and some parties involved.

March 2024 — Oluwagbemileke Otokiti

Image source: @Theariaspeaks (X)

On June 29, 2024, Oluwagbemileke Otokiti, a 200-level pharmacy student, was called out for allegedly sexually assaulting a 200-level female medicine and surgery student. According to the anonymous messages sent to X user @Theariaspeaks, Oluwagbemileke had been involved in another incident in March 2024. He got caught, and Unilag’s House of Lords — the student legislative council — fined him ₦5000, asked him to write an apology letter and provide a guarantor to “vouch for his conduct”.

The victim reported that Oluwagbemileke assaulted her in the early hours (2:55 AM and 3:05 AM) of March 10, 2024, while studying in a classroom. During a conversation with Oluwagbemileke, he hugged her from behind without consent. Despite her expressed discomfort and attempts to get away from the situation, Oluwagbemileke persisted, “making inappropriate sexual comments and exhibiting aggressive behaviour.” She reported to the House of Lords later in the day.

According to a statement released by the House of Lords, upon the report of the assault incident, a committee was formed to investigate the situation. During one of the meetings, Oluwagbemileke confessed to the crime and issued a recorded apology. The victim asked for a written apology letter to be sent to all group chats of the College of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences Students (COMPSSA), stating what happened while keeping her anonymous. At the time, she didn’t want the matter to get to the school authorities.

As of March 20, Oluwagbemileke had paid the ₦5000 fine and asked for a week extension to find his guarantor. However, he eventually failed to do so, and the matter escalated to the Dean of Student Affairs (DSA).

The victim stated that Oluwagbemileke is a repeat offender and something similar and non-consensual had happened between them in 100 Level.

On March 22, 2024, the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, Unilag Chapter, wrote to the Dean of the Pharmacy faculty about Oluwagbemileke’s sexual misconduct.

Oluwagbemileke, however, participated in a faculty sports event despite several complaints from women who didn’t feel safe around him.

June 26, 2024 — Samuel Adigwe

Image source: @OlajumokeHera (X)

On June 28, 2024, another male pharmacy student was reported for sexually harassing a female radiography student.

At approximately 1:00 AM on June 26, when the victim had fallen asleep in a Cold Room where she was studying, Samuel inappropriately touched her. The victim pushed Samuel away and called her friend, who confronted him, but he wasn’t bothered. He allegedly claimed that “it was mutual”.

She reported the case to the House of Lords, and an investigation was launched immediately.

In response to the sexual assault report, Unilag’s Sub-Dean sent a warning message directed at the male students in the 400 Level pharmacy group chat.

A 300-level male Pharmacy named Ajibola was also reported around the time for the same crime. Many of his victims have come forward to report incidents where he flashed his penis or inappropriately touched them. Although he was once reported to the faculty, he’s yet to face any consequences.

October 2023 — Chibueze Nwanmah

One of the messages sent to @TheAiraspeaks also exposed Chibueze Nwanmah, a 600-level male medical student, as an abuser who has allegedly assaulted over thirty female students. Under the guise of checking on his victims’ academic progress severally, he allegedly takes advantage of them, forcing them to hug him and rub his penis against them.

In October 2023, Chibueze was reported to the school authorities over sexual assault involving at least eleven female classmates and an unknown number of students in younger classes. A petition was written and signed by fifty-four people. The authorities formed a panel, but there has been no update.

Currently, the University of Lagos and the Faculty of Pharmacy are yet to address the issues. Meanwhile, Lagos State parastatal and organisations like Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DVSA) and Stand to End Rape (STER) have picked up the case.

In an effort to mandate accountability for sexual harassment cases at the College of Medicine, Unilag, a petition has been launched, trending with the hashtag #EndSACultureInCMUL.

On July 2nd, X user @Theariaspeaks announced in a tweet that she and another X user, @BigBadReni, had a meeting with Unilag’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola. The VC has agreed to the demand to punish the perpetrators, and she has pledged to create a safe space for students to report issues of abuse anonymously and make a new sexual abuse policy for the College of Medicine, Unilag.

This is a developing story.

Tomide Marv

July 1, 2024

Citizen

college of medicine, Nigeria, sexual assault, Unilag
The highly anticipated seventh edition of the Lagos Leather Fair kicked off in grand style, setting
the tone for an exciting and insightful two-day experience. Starting out this Saturday, June 29 at
The Balmoral, Federal Palace, Victoria Island. The first day was a perfect blend of creativity,
innovation and connection across leather and fashion enthusiasts. The fair’s 2024 edition was
packed with elegant designs that set a strong tone for the future of the African leather industry.
High points of the event featured a VIP cocktail with leading creative minds and thought leaders
such as Waridi Wardah, Ugo Monye, Femi Olayebi, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner
Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Honorable Commissioner of
Tourism, Arts and Culture, and others, as well as a stunning runway showcase from leading brands
like Femi Handbags, HankerandReech, Nene Yaya Sarl, Mhose, Blarkmate, and Aaboux.

Prior to the artful display, the day began with an informative workshop titled “From Inspiration to
Execution: Leveraging the Power of AI From Design to Production, Marketing and Customer
Engagement”. The session was moderated by Dara Olayebi and shared insights from the
industry leaders, Scott Eneje and Malik Afegbua, on how AI can revolutionalize every business
journey. This session was a significant opportunity for leather designers and entrepreneurs to
gain valuable insights and practical tools to improve their craft and scale their businesses.

Following the workshop, the first conversation of the day delved into the intricacies of the leather
supply chain. Industry leaders addressed the challenges and opportunities within the supply
chain, emphasizing the need for efficiency and sustainability within sourcing, manufacturing and
market access solutions. The second conversation of the day held between Waridi Wardah, and
Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO/Founder of SKOT Communications who focused on brand
positioning and visibility. This session was particularly beneficial for emerging designers looking
to make a mark in the leather industry. The insights provided were invaluable, offering practical
advice on how to stand out in a crowded marketplace despite economic variables.

Overall, day one of the Lagos Leather Fair 2024 was a resounding success. The workshop,
cocktail event and runway showcase highlighted the fair’s commitment to promoting excellence
and innovation in the leather industry. Attendees left with a renewed sense of inspiration and
anticipation for what the rest of the event will bring.

As we look forward to the second day of the Lagos Leather Fair 2024 on Sunday June 30,
excitement for the creativity and innovation continue to build. A high standard has been set, and
we can’t wait to see what the rest of the fair has in store.

Partner

July 1, 2024

Pop

Fashion, Lagos Leather Fair 2024, Nigeria, Nigerians, sponsored
Every day, the double lane in front of the Sabo-Yaba Police Station buzzes with speeding tricycles, cars and buses controlled by Inspector Justina. And when school children cross the Sabo-Yaba intersection, her two steady hands reach out to guide them.

Since she was transferred from State Traffic, Ikeja, to the Sabo-Yaba Police branch in 2022, Inspector Justina Rita Omogbai has served the children in the area alongside her pledge to the badge.

“When you get to the police station, ask for Too Sure, that’s me,” she reminded me over the phone the day we set to meet.

Two weeks before, a youth corp member had told me about an outreach his Community Development Service (CDS) did in Sabo-Yaba to sensitise school kids about cleanliness. They planned to raise funds for a police officer who supported underprivileged children with school items. I was intrigued; not because it’s new, but the presence of Nigerian police is widely known to inspire panic not admiration.

To the Sabo-Yaba community, Inspector Justina is a disciplinarian and hero. “This is my calling,” she says, “To assist and improve living, especially for the needy.”

The Inspector ties her earliest memory of service to her secondary days at Shasha Community High School, Egbeda. She’d list the concerns of underprivileged fellow students to her parents, making them buy items like socks and notebooks to give to her mates when they could afford to. That concern for others turned into decades-long benevolence for the “leaders of tomorrow”.

When Inspector Justina arrived at the Sabo-Yaba division, she noticed kids in clothes and school uniforms loitering around newspaper vendor joints, food canteens and game houses during school hours. One morning, she couldn’t overlook how much they played and made noise around where she controlled traffic, so she decided she had work to do.

“Inspector Justina sees past busy roads, moving vehicles and lawless drivers. She’s on the lookout for disadvantaged school kids.”

Her first step was to kick them out of these places that indulged them. She began to push them to return to school; the use of canes made the persuasion faster than word of mouth.

Inspector Justina earned her nickname, Too Sure, at her former station. The drivers there grew to depend on her kindness to avoid getting into trouble with her colleagues. Even when they did, she always applied empathy to their cases. Road users who got into trouble for driving offences in Ikeja could count on her to not extort or treat them unnecessarily harshly, just like the kids in Sabo-Yaba do now.

On duty, Inspector Justina sees past busy roads, moving vehicles and lawless drivers. She’s on the lookout for disadvantaged school kids.

In the morning, she’s on the road with motivational charges and school items for the kids. On sunny afternoons, she shares biscuits and cold bags of pure water to quench their thirst on their way home. “Most of these kids go to government schools. Many live with relatives or fictive kin. They’re disadvantaged, but they deserve a chance at life,” she says.

Sometimes, all people need is a push to do better. Most of the kids she provides for now take their education seriously. They pass her route and say their greetings when going to school and coming back.

Inspector Justina’s intervention cuts from their education to personal hygiene. Not only do some of the kids wear neat uniforms now, she makes sure they don’t run out of deodorants.

Yet, serving the community inevitably invites ridicule.

“I’ve had challenges from vendors who feel I’m pushing away their customers. My colleagues have lodged complaints and reports to my Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for disciplining these kids.”

Cane is an enforcer in the Nigerian setting, and though Inspector Justina isn’t one to use it on the kids, she holds it because it makes them behave.

She’s not bothered about the criticism, and fortunately, her boss (the DPO) supports her work. Her conversation with the man was more a commendation than a query.

“He also believes that children need guidance, and if there’s an opportunity to provide it, so shall it be.”

Financially, this little mission is mostly Inspector Justina. After one-third of her salary is enveloped to her church as tithe, she divides the remaining into two: one for her family and the other half (with an addition from her husband) for the kids of Sabo-Yaba. Sometimes, people contribute. Some even join her on the road to share items with the kids who pass by.

12 years to her retirement, Inspector Justina Rita Omogbai hopes to do more for these kids. She admits there’s been a notable reduction in the quantity of items she distributes due to the nation’s current economy. But she’s determined to continue ensuring there are fewer torn uniforms, polythenes disguised as school bags and haggard-looking students on the road.

Credits:
Photographer: Francis Alagbe (SNKFA Films)

Illustrator: Keziah Bassey

Editor: Lolade Alaka

Tomide Marv

June 29, 2024

Inside Life

2024, Community service, Inspector Justina, Nigeria, Nigerians, Sabo-Yaba, Schoolkids
Let’s face it: with most men, it takes a major health scare to get us to prioritise our well-being. At least, this is exactly what happened to these six guys who share the experiences that made them ditch public clippers and invest in their own personal grooming tools.

Ademola*

My barber wasn’t around, so I tried this new guy who just opened a spot on our street. Everything seemed brand new, making me less insistent on watching him sterilise the clipper. Two days after the cut, I started having a terrible itch on my head. Initially, I ignored it. I thought it was just a regular itch that would go away. Then, the rash started spreading and became painful to touch. Eventually, I had to go to the hospital when over-the-counter medication didn’t work. I felt embarrassed when the doctor asked if I had a personal clipper, and I said no. I bought one on my way home from the hospital.

Dayo*

I got my clipper during COVID. I went to my barber’s to cut my hair, and he got into a heated argument about how the coronavirus was propaganda and just a way for the government to embezzle money. Something about the way he argued made me doubt if he took any health and safety precautions in his salon. The next time I went to the shop, I had my clipper.

Ibrahim*

My barber’s sterilising kit fell off the table, and I helped him pick it up. In the process, the content spilt, and I found out this guy only had water and soap in the container. I was so livid and went into a long argument about how he was endangering customers’ lives. This guy didn’t seem remorseful at all. He said something along the lines of, “If you dey fear, buy your own clipper.” It was a sub, but it was also the call I needed to buy a personal clipper.

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Jerry*

I once had a deep cut while my barber was shaping my hair, and blood was all over. The barber sterilised the clipper with mentholated spirit, but it didn’t seem like it was enough. Something about getting injured by an object that had been used by so many other people was deeply unsettling. In that moment, I kept wondering how many other customers had had similar accidents and if the wishy-washy sterilising process was all the barber did. I eventually gave him money to help me buy a brand-new personal clipper.

Johnson*

I watched this HIV sensitisation programme on TV, and there was this guy who recounted how he’d gotten infected with the disease from a haircut. I realised how stupid and careless I’d been not to have a personal clipper. I didn’t have money to buy one then, so I went without a haircut until I saved up enough to buy a clipper.

Adekunle*

I went to cut my hair, and the guy before me had a terrible rash on his head. It was such a disturbing sight, and I almost walked out of the salon to come back another time. After the cut, my barber sterilised the clipper, but I wasn’t satisfied with how he did it. I told him to also use a lighter to burn the clipper blade for proper sterilisation, but he said there was no need because the spirit had done the job. After my cut that day, I knew I had to get a personal clipper.

Read this next: 7 Nigerian Men Share How Self Pleasure Improves Their Relationships

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 28, 2024

Man Dem

Barbershops, men's health, Nigeria, Nigerians
It’s halfway through 2024, and Nollywood has delivered some captivating titles that have kept us on the edge of our seats. In case you’re late to the party or missed the memo, here are some of the best Nigerian movies of 2024 that you need to add to your binge list.

Best Nollywood Action Movies

“Ajakaju“

If you enjoyed Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun and Odunlade Adekola’s Orisa, you’ll love actress Eniola Ajao’s big screen debut, Ajakaju.

This Yoruba epic follows the story of a king whose reign is threatened due to his three queens’ struggle to give him an heir. When all three wives fall pregnant again, they all bear girls. In desperation, King Towobola marries a woman from a strange village who grants his desire, but not without consequences.

Ajakuju stars Eniola Ajao, Odunlade Adekola, and Mercy Aigbe, among others. It’s available to stream on Prime Video.

“Lakataabu“

Actor Odunlade Adekola returns to the big screen with this Nollywood movie, Lakataabu. If you loved the actor’s 2023 film Orisa, you should definitely give this some screen time.

Lakataabu explores themes of power, corruption, and enmity. The film follows the story of a powerful human who transforms into a fearless warrior, causing panic and chaos in communities. The movie stars Lateef Adedimeji, Ninolowo Bolanle, Femi Adebayo, Adunni Ade, and Bro Shaggi, among others.

Best Nollywood Comedy Released in 2024

“Ajosepo“

Ace Nollywood director Kayode Kasum made his first cinema run of 2024 with this mixed-language family comedy.

Ajosepo features a stellar ensemble and follows the lives of Dapo and Tani, a young couple preparing for their wedding with their families in a luxurious hotel. However, the festivities soon lead to a series of chaotic events.

The movie stars Yemi Solade, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Bisola Aiyeola, and Timini Egbuson, among others.

“Muri & Ko“

If you’re a fan of Biodun Stephen movies, Muri & Ko should be on your binge list. This satirical comedy follows the story of Muri, a petty thief who steals and sells car parts. Muri soon steals a complete car, not realising the owner’s child is inside. His quest to sell the car while keeping the child safe leads to a series of comical misadventures that birth a friendship between the two.

The movie stars Kunle Remi, Bisola Aiyeola, and KieKie. It’s still showing in cinemas across Nigeria.

Best Nollywood Romcom Movies in 2024

“Meeting Funmi’s Parents“

Dinner at My Place director Kevin Apaa takes the director’s chair on this Nollywood romcom set in Nigeria and the United States.

The movie follows the story of Funmi, who gets engaged to her American boyfriend and flies him to Nigeria to meet her parents. Her father, however, insists that he wants a cultured Yoruba man, not a foreigner. He does everything he can to break off their engagement.

Meeting Funmi’s Parents stars Timini Egbuson, Omowunmi Dada, Roman Thomson, Akin Lewis, and Tina Mba, among others.

“Blacksmith” (Alagbede)

Veteran Nollywood actress Jaiye Kuti makes her first big screen debut in this movie, which has been likened to Mainframe’s Oleku for its cinematography and costumes.

Alagbede is the story of a poor blacksmith who falls in love with a woman from a humble background. His soon-to-be mother-in-law makes it clear she’d only support their union if he levels up, leading the blacksmith to resort to money rituals. Unfortunately, his newfound wealth comes with several complications.

The movie stars Femi Adebayo, Kehinde Bankole, Gabriel Afolayan, and Jaiye Kuti, among others.

“All is Fair in Love“

Directed by Kayode Kasum, this title explores the delicate balance between love and friendship. The movie follows the story of two childhood friends and entrepreneurs, Demi and Kanla, who are trying to take their business international. They hire an executive consultant, Mbali, and soon get caught in a love triangle with her. However, Mbali isn’t who she claims to be; she’s part of a money laundering cartel with plans to lure them into making a costly mistake that would ruin their business.

The movie stars Timini Egbuson, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Juliet Ibrahim, among others.

Best Nollywood Thriller Movies in 2024

“Criminal“

This movie results from a programme launched by ace Nollywood director Niyi Akinmolayan to mentor upcoming filmmakers. The crime thriller follows the story of a criminal gang leader who holds a hospital hostage to get lifesaving treatment for his wounded brother. Upon hearing that the police have been contacted, the gang threatens to harm both patients and staff if they are not attended to.

Criminal stars Uzor Arukwe, Funlola Aofiyebi, and Segun Arinze, among others.

“A Green Fever“

Directed by Taiwo Egunjobi, this historical drama follows the story of a man and his daughter taking shelter in a military officer’s residence under the guise of seeking help for her illness. Things take dark turns as the story unfolds when nobody is exactly who they claim to be.

Temilolu Fosudo, William Benson, and Darasimi Nadi star in the movie.

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“Kill Boro“

With a dramatic title that leaves you wondering why Boro must be killed, this Courage Obayuwana-directed film will set you on the edge of your seat. It explores the complexities of family, survival, and the consequences of choices.

The movie follows the harrowing story of Elijah, a young boy desperate to put an end to his father Boro’s relentless brutality against his mother. Driven by desperation, Elijah strikes a deal with a notorious gang leader to kill his father. Kill Boro stars Brutus Richard, Blessing Uzero, and Hilda Dokubo. It’s available to stream on Prime Video.

Best Nollywood Horror Movies in 2024

“Casa De Novia“

The House of Secrets and Mikolo director, Niyi Akinmolayan, makes an even bigger comeback with Casa De Novia.

The movie follows Yoyo, a young journalist in Lagos desperately searching for a new place to live. She soon finds an opulent, suspiciously affordable mansion in the upscale Ikoyi neighbourhood. After she moves in, Yoyo starts to experience strange occurrences powered by supernatural forces. She soon finds out that the mansion is haunted by the ghost of its previous occupant. Casa De Novia stars Lilian Esoro, Efe Irele, and Tope Tedela, among others. It’s available to stream on Prime Video.

“Dead of Night“

If you loved The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi, you should definitely give this Chiemeka Osuagwu-directed title a spin.

Dead of Night unfolds in a quiet village as the robbery plan of three teenage girls takes a terrifying turn when they become trapped in an abandoned mansion with dark secrets. Haunted by mysterious forces, the girls must fight their way through a labyrinth of horror to escape the clutches of an evil entity determined to claim their souls.

The movie stars Frank Donga, Chuks Joseph, and Eric Obinna, among others. It’s available to stream on Showmax.

Enjoyed this piece about the best Nigerian movies of 2024? Read this next: 11 Badass Female Characters Nollywood Has Given Us

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 26, 2024

Pop

Nigeria, Nigerian films, Nollywood, Nollywood movies
Davido and Chioma Rowland are getting married on Tuesday, June 25, and it’ll be one of the biggest celebrity events of 2024.

Ahead of the ceremony, here’s our prediction of some of the drama going down at this star-studded event.

Pretty Mike moving unhinged

We can’t say if the socialite is invited to the wedding, but if he is, he’ll probably show up with a dozen heavily pregnant ladies, shirtless dwarves or some batshit crazy idea.

Cubana Chiefpriest spraying bundles

The socialite is facing three counts related to abusing the national currency at social gatherings, but this won’t stop him from doing the most for his best friend. He’ll probably spray bundles.

30BG reunion

We’ve not seen the 30BG crew together in a hot minute. From Peruzzi to Mayorkun and Dremo, the gang might pull up for a joint performance to honour Davido.

The wedding guests reveal

Davido is bent on proving he’s not as accessible as people assume, so the guest list for this wedding is pretty tight. Apart from some close allies, it’s hard to tell who snagged an invite to the ceremony.

[ad]

Governor Adeleke on the dance floor

We all know how much Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke loves his nephew. He’s definitely one to look out for on the dance floor at the wedding ceremony.

Isreal DMW doing the most

Davido’s aide is one of the happiest people alive to see his boss get married. From causing a scene on the dance floor to praise singing and sharing hot takes on Instastory, it’s hard to tell what mischief he’ll come up with.

Nikos Babi serving live updates

If you need to catch up with all the inside drama from the wedding, you should probably sleep on Davido’s cousin’s Instastory. She’s got you covered.

Wizkid tweeting unhinged all-day

His tweets in the last 24 hours show that he’s clearly not invited to the wedding. And he probably still has more chaos cooking in his drafts for today. God, abeg.

Read this next: #Chivido2024: A Timeline of Davido and Chioma’s Love Story

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 25, 2024

Inside Life

celebrities, chioma, chivido2024, Davido, Nigeria
The new edition of the Olympic Games will run from July 26 to August 11, 2024. All qualified nations, including Nigeria, will be in Paris to participate in the upcoming international multi-sport event.

Since 1952 (except 1976), Nigeria has participated in all Olympic games, and despite having only 27 medals to show for it, we’re there again in this 2024 edition. As we look forward to Nigeria’s action at this year’s edition, this article revisits all the times Nigeria won at the Olympics.

1964

Nigeria won her first bronze medal in Tokyo in 1964 through Nojeem Maiyegun. Nojeem won the bronze medal in the men’s light middleweight category.

Photo: The Nation

1972

Isaac Ikhouria, a Nigerian boxer in the men’s light-heavyweight category, won a bronze medal in München, West Germany 1972.

Ikhouria at the 2nd right (Photo: Wikipedia)

1984

A five-person relay team won Nigeria’s first-ever medal in athletics at the Olympics in the men’s 4×400 metres race. The group, made up of Sunday Uti, Innocent Egbunike, Moses Ugbesien, and Rotimi Peters, won the bronze medal with a winning time of 2:59.32. The time record was an African record that stood until 1996.

Also in 1984, Peter Konyyegwachie, a Nigerian boxer, won a silver medal in the men’s featherweight category.

1992

The Nigerian men’s 4×100 metres relay team (Oluyemi Kayode, Chidi Imoh, Olapade Adeniken, Davidson Ezinwa, Osmond Ezinwa) won a silver medal. The 4×100 metres relay for women (Mary Onyali, Christy Opara-Thompson, Beatrice Utondo, Faith Idehen) won a bronze medal.

Men’s heavyweight boxer David Izonritei won a silver medal. Richard Igbineghu also won silver for Nigeria in the men’s super-heavyweight category.

Photo: GettyImages

1996

Nigeria claimed its first Olympic gold medal this year in the women’s long jump through Chioma Ajunwa (now a Nigerian police officer). The Super Eagles also won a gold medal in football.

A silver medal came through the women’s 4×400 metres relay (the first since 1984). The relay team had Bisi Afolabi, Fatima Yusuf, Charity Opara, Falilat Ogunkoya.

Mary Onyali and Calister Ubah won a bronze medal in the women’s 200-metre category. Falilat Ogunkoya, Fatima Yusuf and Bisi Afolabi won a bronze medal in the 400-metre category. Duncan Dokiwari won another bronze medal in the men’s boxing super-heavyweight category.

2000

Nigeria claimed the gold medal in the men’s 4×400 metres relay, a silver medal in the women’s 100 metres hurdles, and another in the women’s weightlifting heavyweight category.

Photo: Newsweek

2004

Nigeria won two bronze medals—one in the men’s 4×100 metres relay and the other in men’s 4×400 metres relay categories.

Photo: Making of Champions

2008

Nigeria won three silver and two bronze medals in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

The women’s team won a silver 4×100 metres relay. Blessing Okagbare got a silver medal in the women’s long jump, and the Super Eagles also got one in the men’s football category. Men’s taekwondo (Chika Chukwumerije) won a bronze medal, and so did Maryam Usman for the weightlifting women’s super-heavyweight category.

Maryam Usman at the 2008 Olympics (Photo: Making of Champions)

2016

The Super Eagles won a bronze medal in the men’s football category.

Photo: BellaNaija

2020

Ese Brume won a bronze medal in the women’s long jump category, and Blessing Oborududu won a silver medal in the women’s freestyle wrestling light-heavyweight category.

Photo: Sports Brief

Only Geniuses Can Score 8/10 On This Olympics Quiz

Tomide Marv

June 24, 2024

Citizen, Pop

games, Medals, Nigeria, sports, summer Olympics
What’s the Kiki challenge?

It’s a social media dance challenge where ladies pose as church attendees or act like they’re praying and then transition into “baddies” in raunchy outfits.

Who started the Kiki challenge?

Ghanaian artiste Leftizzle kicked off the challenge in February 2023 as part of promotional efforts for a music single of the same name featuring Fuze ODG.

How to do the Kiki challenge?

First, you need two outfits: a raunchy one and a regular one. Next, start with the unassuming outfit and transition into the raunchy one when the line “But in the bed you’re freaky” comes on.

If you need more inspiration for the challenge, these entries should get you started.

She kinda ate

@
♬ –

Black is beautiful

@
♬ –

What a transition

https://twitter.com/wokwasia_01/status/1805143996743733713?s=46&t=gV-1mmgH3NC_RQhcgp1x3w

Okay now

@
♬ –

Heavy on the Brown skin girl energy

https://twitter.com/ericboatenggh/status/1804603537743081878?s=46&t=gV-1mmgH3NC_RQhcgp1x3w

It’s giving wrong location

@say.logan
I thought she was a Good girl oh.. No be small Freaky side boi3 🤦‍♂️ #kikichallenge #viral
♬ Kiki – Leftizzle & Fuse ODG

It’s giving music video

https://twitter.com/ronnieaustine/status/1803894550286475712?s=46&t=gV-1mmgH3NC_RQhcgp1x3w

The camera angle could use more work

😒 #kikichallenge pic.twitter.com/5heMggtLJ1
— Emma (@EmmaBonney16) June 23, 2024

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Where is the bed?

https://twitter.com/wokwasia_01/status/1805145005184483582?s=46&t=gV-1mmgH3NC_RQhcgp1x3w

This one is just for the laughs

Have fun with it… 😉#kikichallenge pic.twitter.com/8vIpTm8gAj
— Leftizzle (@leftizzle_) June 23, 2024

How are social media users reacting?

Entries from the challenge have stirred mixed reactions, with some social media users noting that the challenge is disrespectful to Christianity.

@susan.usman
Send it to their parents #kikichallenge
♬ original sound – Susan.Usman

Read this next: 25 of the Most Ridiculous Videos on Nigerian TikTok Right Now

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 24, 2024

General

Funny, Nigeria
It’s been 11 days since the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed a cholera outbreak in parts of the country, including Lagos State.

Here’s what we know so far as death and infection toll rises.

What’s the current situation?

On Wednesday, June 19, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the agency is actively monitoring the situation and might declare an emergency if the outbreak becomes unmanageable.

Earlier, the agency, in a public health advisory published on Wednesday, June 12, said Nigeria recorded 1,141 suspected cholera cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 14 deaths across 96 local governments in 30 states from January 1 to June 11. Ten states contributed 90% of the total numbers: Abia, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Lagos.

In Lagos, Special Adviser to the governor on health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, revealed that the state’s cholera cases increased from 15 to 21, while infections rose from 350 to 401.

Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, confirmed the death of a 62-year-old woman, while five victims have been hospitalised. Kunle Ashimi, chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (Ogun chapter), said the association is on high alert and monitoring the situation in the state.

The Oyo State government issued a health alert on June 13 following two suspected cases in Ibadan, but there have been no further reported cases. The state’s Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, assured residents that there’s no cause for alarm as the ministry and other health agencies are monitoring the situation.

What’s the current strain?

The current outbreak is associated with the cholera subtype known as Serovar O1. Lagos State’s Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi, warned that the identified strain is “highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.”

Support from international bodies

The World Health Organisation, United Nations Children’s Fund, and the International Organisation for Migration have lent their support to the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

In a post shared on X, Walter Mulombo, WHO country representative, revealed that the international bodies held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, June 18, to discuss joint support for the NCDC.

FG begins water quality analysis

The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has kicked off a round of water quality analysis to control the cholera outbreak.

Permanent Secretary Aliyu Shinkafi said on Thursday, June 20, that teams from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto have been tasked with collecting water samples to investigate the presence of Vibrio cholera.

“Additionally, the ministry is coordinating with State Technical Working Groups and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs) through the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG) to address the outbreak comprehensively.”

Are tiger nuts and zobo contributing factors?

Following the outbreak, there have been speculations on social media that contaminated tiger nut drinks may be responsible for the cholera outbreak.

However, Biodun Ogunniyi, an epidemiologist with the NCDC, said the agency is about to embark on a case-control study to ascertain the situation and dispel rumours about the drinks.

Who are those at risk of infection?

According to the NCDC health advisory, people most at risk include:
- People of all ages living in places with limited access to clean water
- People living in areas with poor sanitation and poor hygiene
- People living in slum areas where basic water or sanitation infrastructure is missing
- People living in rural areas who depend on surface water or unsafe piped or borehole water sources for drinking
- People who consume potentially contaminated food or fruits without washing and cooking properly
- People who do not perform hand hygiene at appropriate times
- Relatives who care for sick people with cholera at home
Hotlines

Report suspected cholera cases in Lagos to the following emergency contacts: 08023169485 and 08137412348.

You can also dial the NCDC toll-free line 6232.

Read this next: Nigerians, How Can We Make Our Own Hand Sanitizers?
Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 21, 2024

Citizen

Cholera outbreak, Healthcare, Nigeria, Nigerians
Chioma Munachi

June 21, 2024

Quizzes

money, Nigeria
Take the quiz:

Tomide Marv

June 20, 2024

Quizzes

Nigeria, Public Holiday, Quiz
Are you trying to stir up tension between you and your significant other? Do you want him to put you in seven different positions at the whisper of his name? Regardless of your answer, you’re in luck because we made a list of ridiculously flirty nicknames to call your boyfriend from today henceforth — emphasis on “ridiculous”.

Image by Freepik

Olowo ori mi, ale nobody

If you call a Yoruba man this, you’ll get the keys to his heart.

Sweety pie

Before you roll your eyes, is he a pie or not?

G-spot hitter

This should be the flirty nickname for your boyfriend if he knows how to eat your work diligently.

Joystick

If you always think about his phallus before him.

Adaripon mi

To be used for a bald Yoruba man while gently stroking his head.

Uso’m

If you want that Igbo man to know he’s your “sweetness”.

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Freaky Freaky

This is for a man who knows how to get your freaky on.

My ovaries

If your insides jiggle outta excitement anytime you see him.

Dickson

If his “gbola” is your favourite thing in the relationship.

Partner-in-crime

Because you know what you both get up to at night and in private places.

Rainmaker

For a man who knows how to turn your showers of blessings on.

Jannatin Duniya

For that Hausa man who takes you to paradise.

Dodo Mayana

If you’re dating an Egbon Adugbo who goes hard on the “G” in genital slamming.

Sweet scum

He’s scum, but he’s YOUR scum and that makes him the sweetest thing after honey.

Lover boy

If he’s head over heels in love.

My big bear

If you always feel all cute and cuddly in his big embrace.

Naughty boy

If he’s a spoilt person.

Bad boy

This is for a man who knows how to press all your right buttons, especially the most important one.

Dopamine supplier

Use this flirty nickname for your boyfriend if he gets you high on love.

Hottie Tottie

If he’s sexually attractive as fuck.

Beau

Because a little French is sexy AF.

Zaddy

If your man is a glucose daddy.

Enjoyed reading about flirty nicknames for your boyfriend? Read this next: 30 Sweet Igbo Names to Call Your Wife

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 6, 2024

Ships

Nigeria, Nigerians, relationships, romantic relationships
Unless you live under a rock, you’ll know there’s never been a better time to carry African culture on your head than in big 2024. Listen, Africans are taking over on a global scale and you can either be a part of this moving train or… actually, there’s no “or”. The only way forward is to join in.

Onga, a leading seasoning brand, understands this, which is why they’ve been dedicated to promoting cultural appreciation throughout the continent. As the headline sponsor of the recently concluded Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) Cultural Day, this is how they celebrated and solidified their commitment to celebrating African culture and talent.

A hearty celebration of African cuisine

Imagine saying you want to appreciate African culture and you choose to leave out the complete richness that is African cuisine. Onga delivered great taste and aroma through a one-of-a-kind culinary experience given to guests at the AMVCA Cultural Day.

Meals like Onga’s signature smoky party jollof rice, abula, miyan kuka and kunu, were served to guests. And there were other African delicacies like banku from Ghana, pilau and braised tozo from Kenya and beef matoke from Rwanda.

The “This is Africa” decor at The Onga Village

Raffia mats, thatched huts, bamboo furniture, kerosene lamps, local drums and raffia fans were hanging on walls to celebrate African heritage.

Safe to say the traditional ambiance of The Onga Village gave meaning to the celebration of African culture.

[ad]

An Onga Moment with a praise singer

How do you get guests to get their groove on in a way that they wouldn’t forget soon? Create an Onga Moment and pull in an indigenous performing artiste like Isegun Johnson, who’ll make heads swell with his praise-singing numbers.

The multi-talented actress, Bisola Aiyeola, was official anchor, and notable names in the entertainment industry like Scarlet Gomez, Iyabo Ojo, Odunlade Adekola, Kunle Remi, Lateef Adedimeji, Saidi Balogun, all graced the event dressed in vibrant traditional African attire that stood them out as proud ambassadors of their respective cultures.

Don’t forget to appreciate the talents

There’s no culture to celebrate in the first place if there are no talents who go above and beyond to uphold these cherished African traditions and values in their work. Onga understands and appreciates this dedication to African artistry, which is why they sponsored the AMVCA Best Female Lead Actress category which went to Kehinde Bankole.

According to Oladapo Oshuntoye, Culinary Category Manager at Promasidor, Onga’s dedication goes beyond the AMVCA Cultural Day festivities. The seasoning brand has a deep appreciation for the artistry and commitment that women bring to their craft.

“Their creativity and hard work serve as inspirations to us all. Sponsoring this award is our way of paying tribute to their outstanding achievements and recognizing their invaluable role in shaping the narrative of African women.”

Games, but make it traditional

People love to laugh and chill over board games and ludo. And thanks to Onga, they got to do this the traditional way at the AMVCA Cultural Day.

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 5, 2024

Announcements

AMVCA 2024, Nigeria
When people say Nigeria is always after her citizens’ lives, it may sound like an exaggeration, but from our findings today, it isn’t.

From poisoned arrows to random debits and falling trailer containers, these Nigerians talk about the times their country has tried, and thankfully, failed to unalive them.

Tomiwa, 28

I was heading out of Ojuelegba, and I can’t remember if it was the traffic light or someone controlling traffic, but we were asked to stop. When they finally let us move, the car in front of me sped off, but it took me a while to change my gear. I heard a skid and looked up to see that the container on the trailer in front of me had slid off the back, somehow passed my car and hit the car next to me. If I had moved three seconds earlier, I’d probably be dead by now.

Nnorom, 91

Before The Biafran War, my family and I used to live in Zaria. When Northerners started killing Igbo people, I sent my family back to the East but stayed to get more people out. While I was doing that, I got shot by a poisoned arrow. An Hausa man saw me, hid me and helped me treat my wounds before I found my way to the train and back to the East.

Favour, 19

I went to the market with my mum. It was supposed to be a quick run: We’d go into Jakande market, get what we wanted and come out. But it was the rainy season, and somehow, I ended up inside a gutter. They had to pull me out and take me to St Kizito Clinic because something had scratched me on my way down, and for the life of us, we didn’t know what it was.

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Mimi, 23

I was 15. My dad had moved to Port Harcourt for work, and my mum, sister and I decided to visit him. We were having a really nice time, then one day, my mum was driving us somewhere, and we got caught in traffic. While we were waiting for the cars in front of us to move, we started hearing gunshots. At first, it was a little funny to my sister and I, but then, everyone started crouching low and hiding in their car. My mother locked the doors, and she was full-on panicking — my mother never panics. We were in the car for like 15 minutes, and at some point, we saw policemen running away, which was really rude because if they were running, WTF were we supposed to do?

Ifeanyi, 28

It happened on my way back from church. Police officers stopped the keke I was in, told everyone to get down and sent the keke on his way. At first, we were all confused, but these police people always act insane, so we all just continued walking. It all happened quickly. One second, they were asking where I was coming from, and the next, they were threatening to “waste” me if I don’t clear out my bank account and give them all the money. I sent them ₦504,000.

Marvelous, 30

I think it was the year after COVID. I found this SME grant Nigeria was giving out to young entrepreneurs and was happy, so I applied. I got it. Last month, I got a message from the disbursement bank. I don’t know why I saw the message and thought they were giving me another grant, but I really did think it was a credit alert. I went to the bank to get the money, only for these people to tell me the grant I had gotten in 2021 was actually a loan, and they had just received orders to take the money out of our accounts three years later. I almost ran mad. What if I didn’t have the money?

Blossom, 23

When has Nigeria not tried to kill me? Every day, I wake up, and it’s one thing after the other. If it’s not electricity, it’s the internet. If it’s not the internet, it’s your bank acting crazy. I’m actually surprised I’ve survived this long in this country.

READ: 9 Nollywood Characters That Might Do a Better Job as Nigeria’s President

Chioma Munachi

June 5, 2024

Inside Life

Nigeria, Nigerians
The list of needless Guinness World Records attempts may be unnecessarily long, but the impactful ones propel the participants into history makers. Now, Nigerian singer Isaac Geralds sets up in Washington, D.C., to make a new record of 110 hours of sing-a-thon.

On June 2, 2024, Isaac Geralds kicked off his attempt to beat India’s Sunil Waghmare’s 105-hour longest consecutive singing session set in 2012.

Isaac Geralds’ name is stickily carried by his music and performances. He’s an alternative singer-songwriter, music performer and voice coach. Some may recognise him from the MTN Project Fame season four. Some may know him from his songs with Tiwa Savage, M.I Abaga, Falz, Poe, etc. Many more will know him during his GWR attempt.

Only this time, he’s not doing it for just himself; he’s also raising awareness and funds for kids living with autism. Issac Geralds hopes to raise $500,000 to directly support the Efe Irele Autism Foundation of Nigeria and The Children’s Hospital in DC; two organisations that provide care and support to the autism community.

According to the Guinness rules, Isaac is allowed a set amount of breaks for refreshment and bathroom use. Other than those times , the singing goes on.

Isaac Gerald’s singing session is now on its second day and has garnered global support from American TV personalities like Tisha Lewis and Guy Lambert, along with TV network Fox 5, have rallied behind him. This international support lauds the importance of his endeavour and the widespread recognition of the cause he’s championing in Washington DC.

If You Think You’re Next, Here’s How to Apply for a Guinness World Record from Nigeria

Tomide Marv

June 4, 2024

Pop

2024, Autism, Guinness world record, Isaac Geralds, Nigeria, Sing-a-thon
If you think about it, there’s no way Nigeria isn’t a simulation. We’re currently in a blackout because the Nigeria Labour Congress is on strike.

We’re going through it, and our leaders have decided to act like our problems don’t exist, so we’re nominating these Nollywood characters to take their place.

Odds are that they won’t even do a better job, but there’s no way they’ll do worse, right?

Jedidah Judah in “A Tribe Called Judah”

Photo credit- Afrodives

A businesswoman to the core; she was giving out loans, starting businesses, and helping the people around her. Think about what someone like her can do for our economy.

She might not last long in office due to her illness and her children might embezzle some funds, but we’re sure that she’d take care of us to the best of her abilities.

Big Daddy in “The Black Book”

Photo credit- Zikoko_mag via X

As we all saw, Big Daddy doesn’t play with her people. Also, she doesn’t make promises she can’t keep. If Big Daddy is in office, we might be in a war every day — she’ll probably loan out our army to her friends in distress — but we can be sure that we’ll be well taken care of.

Paul Edima in “The Black Book”

Photo credit- Whatkeptmeup

Like the travel blogger president who left office last year, we can trust Paul Edima to be scarce during his tenure. But the difference is we’ll only need to cry and protest, and he’ll come back and take care of business before he pulls another disappearing act like a Yoruba man with commitment issues.

Queen in “GIrls Cot”

Photo credit- Simony Nollywood TV via Youtube

She’ll tax the shit out of us to keep her pockets fat. But she’ll also know how useful we are to her bank account and make life easier and affordable for the masses and the baddies.

Famzy in “Chief Daddy”

Photo credit- Notjustok

Will Famzy use all of Nigeria’s money to fund his dead rap career? Yes.

Will he use the country and everyone in it to promote his foolish music? Yes.

But these can be managed — we’ll just find him advisors who can convince him to make a good decision every now and again. You can rest assured that during Famzy’s tenure, we won’t have to endure grid collapses and a nationwide famine.

Arolake in “Anikulapo”

Photo credit- Nollywoodreporter

We need Arolake, her bag of money and her connection to the mystical beings who clearly adore her. If she’s our supreme leader, we are set for however long she plans to stay in office.

Timeyin in “Blood Sisters”

Photo credit- Marieclaire

She had Uduak as a mother, two murderous brothers and survived it all. If this doesn’t show her tenacity and survival skills. What else could you possibly want in a leader? She’ll make sure that everyone feels loved and all forms of abuse are met with harsh punishments.

Afamefuna in “Afamefuna”

Photo credit- OkayAfrica

Afamefuna will probably use our money to spoil his Amy nwa and pay off everyone he’s offended. But did you see how he solved his oga’s problem and grew his business? By the end of his second year in office, Nigeria would have paid off all her loans and the naira would have risen.

Mama Ify in “Gangs of Lagos”

Photo credit- Culture Custodian

Mama Ify will clamp down on over-taxing and ensure every child goes to school. Mama Ify will be sweet to us and host cookouts at Aso Rock every Saturday. But don’t take her niceness for foolishness — if anyone moves anyhow, she’ll swear for them in the middle of the street, and it’ll catch them.

Chioma Munachi

June 4, 2024

Pop

just imagine, Nigeria, Nigerian leaders, Nollywood
On Friday, June 1, 2024, a Nigerian medical doctor, Rose Agwu, took to social media to call the attention of netizens to the arrest of her siblings.

Agwu, in a series of now-deleted tweets, said military men invaded her home in Obikabia, Abia state, and picked up her brother and sister, leaving their 72-year-old father behind. The teenagers were among civilians arrested around Obikabia junction in Aba over the killing of military officers.

“Around 5 a.m., the Nigerian Army invaded my house, broke the gate and our door, and took my 15-year-old brother and my sister, who had just come home, away, leaving only my aged father.”

The medical doctor added that the soldiers didn’t give reasons for the arrest and never revealed the whereabouts of the arrested individuals.

“Till now, they have not been released. We are still trying to locate them. Please help us ask the Nigerian Army the logical reason behind this and how they can account for all the people they took and their plans for them,” she wrote in a post.

The arrest happened shortly after masked gunmen killed five soldiers at an army checkpoint in the Aba area of the state on Thursday, May 30. The military vowed to track down the individuals responsible, making the arrest of Agwu’s siblings look like a reprisal attack.

What was the public response?

Agwu’s cry for help caught the attention of netizens who helped her amplify her message in a bid to get the attention of relevant authorities.

In an X post made more than 24 hours after Agwu’s call, PPRO of the Abia state police command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, noted that the right authorities had been notified, adding that Agwu should take the matter further by contacting the military PRO.

Reunited with family

Around 9:24 p.m. on Saturday, the medical doctor returned to X to announce that she’d been reunited with her arrested siblings. She also thanked everyone who stepped in to help escalate the matter and ensure their release.

“I want to say a very big thank you to every well-meaning Nigerian who tweeted and shed light on the arrest of innocent civilians living around Obikabia Junction Aba, Abia State, which included my 15-year-old brother and my younger sister.”

Agwu, however, complained about how her brother was treated while in he was in custody.

“No child should experience what my teen innocent brother experienced these past hours. He was slapped, beaten and is still scared. His mental health will definitely need care for him to recover from this.”

According to Agwu, some other civilians in the area were also released.

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What’s the governor doing to address the tension?

Governor Alex Otti paid a condolence visit to families of the slain soldiers on Saturday, June 1. During the visit, the governor announced a ₦25m bounty on the heads of the individuals responsible for the attack.

The governor also said he’s informed Brigadier General Olusola Diya, Commander of 14 Brigade, Ohafia, to keep the peace in Aba as he’s confident that innocent Abians were not part of the “evil act”.

Read this next: Navigating Nigeria: My Encounter With the Police Left Me With PTSD

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 3, 2024

Citizen

Abia State, Military, Nigeria
In the history of Nigerian music, teen stars have been few and far between. There was Wizkid, Davido, Korede Bello and a few less popular others. The year is 2024, and the number of teenagers springing up and running things is increasing almost daily. From music charts and playlists, notable stages and mainstream affiliations, we zoom in on the new youngins popping up in Afrobeats. Here are seven.

Muyeez

We got to know 16-year-old street-pop artist, Muyeez, when Seyi Vibez Incorporation was unveiled in April. Soon after, he featured Seyi Vibez on his first single, Instagram. In May, he released his self-titled EP, perhaps too soon after bagging his first hit.

Qing Madi

When considering the Afropop stars who’ll impact the industry in 2024, Qing Madi should be a sure mention. From peaking on Apple Music charts to featuring global stars like Chlöe, the 17-year-old singer-songwriter and dancer is one to watch out for.

Ayo Maff

Street-pop artist Ayo Maff began getting attention after dropping Jama Jama and 7 DAYS in 2023 and 2024. He isn’t just 17 and creative; he makes music that brands him as “an old soul in a young body.” His new single Dealer features Fireboy DML.

Vasa

When I profiled 18-year-old Vasa in 2023, he’d just gone viral on TikTok with his single Treasure. He has since bagged a Bella Shmurda feature on the remix of his song 50-50 and is putting in work on his forthcoming project. [ad][/ad]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM8575IV0oY&pp=ygUEdmFzYQ%3D%3D

Anni3

Sensuality, toxicity and obsession are the major themes Anni3 (19) explores in her music. Port Harcourt remains the melting ground of music talents in the country, and she’s one of its latest exports with her mellow Afropop sound. Start with her single Toxic.

Khaid

Thanks to the virality of Carry Me Go with Boy Spyce, 19-year-old Khaid is now enjoying mainstream attention and affiliation. His hit songs, Amala and Run Away (OMALICHA), boast big-name features like Zlatan, Rexxie and Gyakie.

Uloko

Uloko is a 19-year-old artist out of Benue state, and he just joined Apex Village, which houses artists like PsychoYP and Azanti. He went viral with Nsogbu in 2023 and came back with his “Problem Child” EP this year. If you’re looking for a mix of Afropop and electronic music, Uloko is that guy.

READ: The Young Voices of the Trenches

Tomide Marv

June 3, 2024

Pop

2024, afrobeats, Afropop, Nigeria, Teenage artists, teenagers
Chioma Munachi

May 31, 2024

Quizzes

Japa, Nigeria, travel
No one is serving bops like Ayra Starr right now. Our sabi girl has been steady giving us back-to-back hits since 2021, and now, she drops her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, in less than 24 hours.

Since AI likes to prove it knows shit, we decided to put it to the test and asked it to rank Ayra’s biggest songs since her debut single, Away.

Diamond in The Rough (DITR)

AI decided to start with the most soul-searching number on this list. Released in 2021 as one of the singles off her self-titled EP, Ayra described this song as “An Ode to Gen Z”. It’s the kind of vulnerable track you’ll put on if you’ve exhausted your “God abeg” bundle as a young person living in Nigeria.

Sare

If you ever loved Orere Elejigbo by the Lijadu sisters, then you’d have been among those who were stunned into wonderment when Ayra sampled the song and put her spin to it in Sare, another song off her debut EP. This song is so fire, and it gave us a taste of what Sabi Girl had planned for the future. In almighty 2024, we can’t complain that it has a spot on this list.

Fashion Killer

Have you ever seen a bad bitch who doesn’t burn you because of how dangerously hot she is? This bad bitch can’t relate, and this was exactly Ayra Starr’s message to the girlies in Fashion Killer. Off her debut EP, it remains an anthem in fashion shows across Africa. Ayra did that, and it appears AI realises the real by placing this song on this spot.

Beggie Beggie

Ayra has had many successful collabos since she blew up, but who can ever forget her insane run with C-Kay on Beggie Beggie? If Away was the “Men are trash” anthem, this track off Ayra’s 19 and Dangerous debut album was the reminder that women can in fact be desperate lovers who want all the TLC from a man. With over 10m YouTube views today, it definitely deserves to be on this list.

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Away

Is it us or is artificial intelligence actually doing a thing with this ranking? Away had a mad grip on the girlies in 2021, and was the sickest “Men are trash” anthem at the time. With rebellious lyrics like “You can never be the man I stan, You can never be the one for me. Take away your troubles. And leave me be,” Ayra ate so bad.

Away made Ayra one of the resident “landlords” of the Apple Music chart in Nigeria, butting heads with the big three. The song’s official music video currently has over 11 million YouTube views.

Rush

If there’s any Ayra Starr song that bangs with the same level of infectiousness when it dropped and now, it’ll have to be Rush. In arguably her biggest hit to date, Ayra reminds us that we should focus our energy on chasing that paper and forget the haters, with lines like “Me no getty time for the hate and the bad energy. Got my mind on my money” And boy, did we listen? Rush had such a successful run that it made history as the first solo song by a Nigerian female artist to hit 300 million views on YouTube.

Bloody Samaritan

We’ve all been waiting to see how Chat GPT will move for this spot, and it looks like it understood the assignment. Three years after Ayra blessed us with this, if Bloody Samaritan comes on right now, no one can look you in the eyes to yarn nonsense. With lines like “I’m a ticking dynamite” and “Them no fit kill my vibe”, it’s the self-empowerment anthem we didn’t know we needed.

The lead single off her 2021 debut album, 19 & Dangerous, shot Ayra into the global music space, with the iconic Kelly Rowland hopping on a remix. AI knows you can’t make a list of Ayra’s iconic songs and not include this one.

If we task Chat GPT in another year or two, Commas, Rhythm and Blues, and Sability all 2022 to 2024 songs, should better make the list.

Take this quiz: Only True Starrs Can Match 8/10 Ayra Starr Lyrics To The Song

Adeyinka Odutuyo

May 30, 2024

Pop

afrobeats, Ayra Starr, ChatGPT, music, Nigeria
The “Arise O Compatriots” national anthem is 46-years-old, but instead of commissioning a new one, city boy Jagaban had the not-so-grand idea of reverting to one that dates back to 1960.

In the rare event that the FG decides to give us an entirely new national anthem in the future, Portable should write it. Before you roll your eyes, here’s why.

First, it’ll be easy to dance to

Since we’ve all agreed most Nigerians don’t care about lyrics, doesn’t it make sense to have a danceable anthem? We don’t know about you, but Omo Lalomi knows how to get people’s groove on.

And it’ll motivate you

The other half of Nigerians who pay attention to lyrics know that Portable really be spitting some aspire to maguire shit. I don’t know about you, but I’ll sing the shit out of “Who go help you no go stress you”.

Might scare the shit outta your opps

“Kala, Daju, Ma, Rerin Wuwa Ika” doesn’t sound like what’ll give your opps the balls to cross you. And to be frank, what’s a national anthem that cannot offer lirru protection?

Have you heard his voice?

Agreed it might not be the best thing after soft agege bread, but even though! The grating effect of the Portable+autotune combo is all you need to stay alert. Always stay guiding, yunno.

Nigeria will finally blow

As a country, I don’t think we’ve had our proper blow era. Afrobeats has done its part in putting us on the map, but we just might need that Portable-type “everywhereness” to get the full attention of the world.

Who knows? Maybe a Grammy nod

Never say never because if there’s one thing about Portable, he has shocked everybody with his wins post Zazu blowup.

READ NEXT: Learn The Nigeria We Hail Thee Lyrics

Adeyinka Odutuyo

May 29, 2024

Inside Life

national anthem, Nigeria, Nigerian national anthem, Portable
We’re back to the basics with our Nigerian national anthem. The “Arise O compatriots” era which started in 1978 has come to an end as of today, May 29, 2024. The newly approved national anthem is the first anthem ever adopted after independence “Nigeria We Hail Thee”.

It was written by Lillian Jean while the music was composed by Frances Berda in 1959. Nigeria used this anthem for 18 years (1950-1978) before adopting “Arise O compatriots”, and now we’re back to it.

Lyrics of ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’

Nigeria, we hail thee,

Our own dear native land,

Though tribe and tongue may differ,

In brotherhood, we stand,

Nigerians all, and proud to serve

Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol

That truth and justice reign,

In peace or battle honour’d,

And this we count as gain,

To hand on to our children

A banner without stain.

O God of all creation,

Grant this our one request,

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is oppressed,

And so with peace and plenty

Nigeria may be blessed.

Unlike the anthem we’re used to, this one seems shorter, and we can bet that the students in schools are already learning the new anthem. You should get on board too.

RELATED POST: Alté Songs That Could Replace Our National Anthem

Raymond Temituro

May 29, 2024

Citizen

Bill, Bola Tinubu, national anthem, Nigeria
After a highly controversial election in February 2023 and the heated post-election drama, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in on May 29, 2023, as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

From student loans to cybersecurity taxation, we take a stroll down memory lane to highlight how events have unfolded in the past year under the Tinubu-led administration.

May 2023

At his inaugural speech, President Tinubu’s first official decision was to remove the fuel subsidy, stating that Nigeria needed to redirect the subsidy funds to nation building. This led to a sharp increase in petrol prices from ₦195 to around ₦660 per litre, and a resultant increase in inflation in the months that followed.

Read: Fuel Subsidy: Tinubu Went off Script, and Nigerians Are Facing the Brunt

June 2023

As the war for access to fuel raged on, the President added a twist with foreign exchange. The CBN announced that the exchange rate will be unified, merging all forex market segments into a single window determined by market forces. The Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, was also suspended. This came following his decision to redesign the naira notes which influenced the disastrous cash scarcity of January 2023.

In the same month, President Tinubu introduced the student loan bill and signed the Nigeria Data Protection Bill 2023 into law to establish a legal framework for safeguarding personal information.

The story: Tinubu Wants Obazee to Investigate CBN. But He Has a Dark Past

July 2023

President Tinubu shifted his focus on infrastructure development to create jobs, and address housing and road deficits.

As the newly appointed chairman of the ECOWAS, he was also a core part of the decisions regarding the Niger Junta, which changed Niger’s political climate. Tinubu received backlash for his initial suggestion of a military response. Subsequently, the ECOWAS resorted to placing bans on the Niger Republic.

Let’s not forget that he promised us palliatives in this month too. We’re still waiting for our credit alerts.

The story: Tinubu Has Gifts for Nigerians. What Are They?

August 2023

President Tinubu announced a rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to cushion the impact of high transportation costs after the fuel subsidy removal. The President also released his ministerial nomination list which saw some reshuffling and an increase in youth leaders. They were inaugurated on August 21, 2023.

The story: Nigeria’s Ministers and Their Portfolios in 2024

September/October 2023

These were the twin months of drama and vindication for the President who had been facing court challenges over his victory as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar accused him of electoral manipulation. The tribunal started in September but somehow dragged into November.

In October, allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering against him were also declared null and unfounded.

In what seemed like a hope sparker, the president declared a cash transfer program for the poor and an N-Power program for unemployed graduates. Both of which, much like the palliatives of July, are now non-functional.

On October 1, 2023, President Tinubu released a statement awarding ₦35,000 provisional wage for all treasury-paid federal government workers for six months. He also announced that it will commence payment of ₦75,000 to ₦15 million households at ₦25,000 per month, for a three-month period from October-December 2023 among other financial schemes.

The Story: The Presidential Election Tribunal: What You Should Know

November 2023

Nigerians dragged their president over alleged national budget padding and a plan to buy a presidential yacht. The president denied this and claimed that the demand was made by the Nigerian Navy.

The NLC, TUC and other associations went on strike in response to a physical assault on their leader, Comrade Joe Ajaero. The Federal Housing Authority also embarked on a demolition spree in the Festac area of Lagos state.

The Story: Key Takeaways from President Tinubu’s ₦2.1 Trillion Supplementary Budget

December 2023

The President announced the commencement of a feeding programme for primary school pupils. The program has been in a hiccup state from the start.

January 2024

The Vice President, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, commissioned a 37-man committee to review the 2019 Minimum Wage. Prior to this, On October 1, 2023, the president had awarded a ₦30,000 relief fund to treasury-paid workers. This marked the beginning of a thread of tension-laced discussions with no end in sight.

The story: About Nigeria’s Plan to Increase the Minimum Wage

February 2024

The NLC went on a two-day strike because of the minimum wage and general economic difficulties. In a bid to solve this, the 37-man minimum wage committee finally convened for the first time in March.

March 2024

Under the leadership of President Tinubu, the ECOWAS lifted the sanctions placed on Niger Republic, while minimum wage discussions continued as the NLC proposed ₦615,000. There was also a massive blackout in parts of the federation as the national grid fell, and underwater submarine cables were compromised leading to a four-day internet downtime. The Federal Government announced the commencement of a 700 km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway construction through the minister of works, David Umahi.

The story: Why the ECOWAS Lifted All Sanctions on the Republic of Niger

April 2024

Tinubu’s whereabouts were unknown for over a week after returning from a trip to Saudi Arabia in April 2024. The vice president was also out of the country at the time, causing a stir.

Fuel scarcity made a comeback, with prices going as high as ₦1000 per litre at fuelling stations. NNPCL dispelled rumours of trying to increase fuel prices and stated that the hike was as a result of logistics issues. However, VOA stated that the scarcity was a result of debts. The ministry of power implemented theElectricity Tariff Hike, another policy that saw mixed reactions from Nigerians.

The story: Yet Another Fuel Scarcity: How Are Remote Workers Coping?

May 2024

The Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA) entered the limelight for a Cybersecurity levy CBN imposed on electronic transactions. This sparked outrage on social media until it was eventually suspended. Landmark Beach and other businesses on the Lekki coastline were demolished for an interstate highway project under the direction of the minister of works, David Umahi for a coastal highway project but the demolished sites were eventually mapped out of the plan in a bid to avoid damaging submarine network cables.

The President also set out to commission road and infrastructure projects such as the remodelled third mainland bridge, apapa bridge and national library among others, to mark his first year in office.

The NLC gave the minimum wage committee a May 31 deadline to reach an agreement and implement a new minimum wage.

The story: Is NLC Winning The Minimum Wage Negotiations?

With the many trials and tribulations Nigerians have faced in the past year, one can only imagine how the next three years of President Tinubu’s administration will go.

RELATED POST: The Year in Review: These Events Drove The Hottest Conversations in 2023.

Raymond Temituro

May 29, 2024

Citizen

Nigeria, Nigerians, President, Tinubu
We’ve established that bridesmaiding is an expensive venture for Nigerian ladies, as they shell out as high as ₦800k to be a part of the intending bride’s bridal train. But what does it look like for their counterparts, the groomsmen?

Considering that men don’t have to spend extra money on glamming up their faces or sewing expensive owambe styles, one might assume that their expenses should be significantly lesser and budget friendly. But to confirm, we asked six groomsmen about the costs of being a groomsman and their stories are proof that “weddings” are expensive for everyone involved.

Taiwo, 30

Highest spend: ₦280k

The most recent wedding I was a groomsman at was in April. A friend of over 10 years was getting married. He was also my groomsman when I got married, it was only right that I returned the goodwill. The wedding was outside Lagos, so we had to sort out accommodation. We got a shared apartment for ₦150k per night, and it was shared among five occupants. I paid ₦60k for me and my wife. Apart from my outfit material , my wife also had to wear the theme cloth of the day, so that was about ₦90k on materials and another ₦50k on tailoring. Another ₦50k went into getting new shoes for me and my wife, and I contributed ₦30k for the couple’s gift.

For me, I always ask myself some questions before I commit to the financial burden of being a groomsman.

“How close are we? Can the person do the same for me?” Once I have my answers, I make a decision. I’ve politely turned down several requests in the past.

Deji*, 30

Highest spend: ₦1.25 million.

I spent this much because I wasn’t just part of the groomsmen, I was the best man. The groom had come through for me in so many ways too —he’s my guy, but also like a mentor and older brother.

The wedding was in Benin, so I spent ₦80k on flights — this was in 2022. We wore two traditional outfits and one suit, and I paid ₦125k for all three. ₦40k went into accommodation, and another ₦150k for spraying the couple at the party. As groomsmen, we also had to chip in ₦250k for gifts for the couple. The bulk of my spend — ₦600k — was a personal cash gift to the couple.

To be honest, my finances took a hit, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way;he’d have done the same or more for me.. Right now, a friend’s impact on my life and my current earning power will determine how far I’m willing to go for them.

Feranmi*, 31

Highest spend: ₦125k

As a groomsman, I had to pay ₦50k each for suits. The groomsmen were also required to wear white agbada for the traditional ceremony. I didn’t have one, so ₦22k went into that. The wedding was in Ibadan, and I had to make a trip down from Lagos. Thankfully train tickets were quite cheap at the time,so I only spent about ₦4k on transportation.

When I got to Ibadan, I realised that the groom didn’t make plans for accommodation so ₦30k went into paying for a -2day hotel stay.

As a groomsman, you also want to spray the groom on the dance floor. I think I withdrew about ₦20k for that. The whole expense came down to over ₦125k which was a huge sum to me in 2022. I literally spent a third of my house rent on groomsman duties. But the groom was my guy guy, so I didn’t bat an eye going all out like that.

Although my finances have significantly picked up these days, you have to be a very close friend before I agree to be one of your groomsmen. Otherwise, I’ll just send in a cash gift of ₦15-₦20k, which is a fraction of whatever I’d have spent as a groomsman.

Hammed*, 25

Highest spend: ₦200k

The wedding was outside of Lagos and I travelled by road to Osun. I spent about ₦200k on sewing the different clothes to be worn. This was a significant amount for me at the time as I had barely started working and didn’t have a huge savings.

When I got to Osun, I barely had money left to spend on anything. Thankfully, I didn’t have to worry about accommodation. We all slept in a large hotel room, courtesy of the groom.

I wouldn’t say the costs had a huge effect on my finances as I was able to make any money spent back, . However, I didn’t envisage that I’d have to be part of so many activities before and during the ceremony. I anticipated a fun experience, but it was hard work all through. I don’t regret it. And while I can’t even confirm the groom would do the same for me, I’m sure he is a valuable friend in several other ways.

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Ayo, 30

Highest spend: ₦230k

I was a groomsman and best man for the wedding. The groom and myself are good friends. I escorted him to buy his ring, and even planned his engagement, so at that point it was settled I was going to be the best man. The whole time I wasn’t thinking about the financial implication of things. I just wanted to make sure my friend had the best day he could.

Majority of the expense went into our clothes. I spent ₦70k on a three-piece tux, and another ₦30k went into a new pair of shoes. We also had to wear white for the traditional ceremony, but thankfully I had one and didn’t have to incur extra cost. The wedding was in Akure, so travel expenses by road came to about ₦30k. There was also ₦100k that went into spraying money.

I still approach groomsmen requests with graciousness. I look at the relationship I have with the groom;I don’t take it for granted that someone finds me worthy to play a special role in their day. If it’s beyond my budget, I politely decline and offer a modest cash gift to support the groom.

Jaiye*, 28

Highest spend: ₦180k

A friend got married last year and he needed me to be a part of his “agbada men”. I’m not sure if agbada men and groomsmen are the same thing, but we didn’t have to pay for suits. It was just one outfit for the wedding and that seemed fair enough. The material was ₦50k and it came with a custom-made beaded velvet cap for ₦15k. I spent another ₦15k on sewing and ₦20k on shoes. The agbada men also planned a surprise bachelor’s eve for the groom so we had to contribute ₦30k each to make that happen.

The wedding was in Badagry, so I made plans with a neighbour who offers private cab services. ₦50k went into the transport expense because the man had to wait to take me back. The whole expense came to around ₦180k and I wasn’t proud of my financial decision because the guy wasn’t even a close friend like that.

Now, once I get an inkling that your groomsmen ask is nearing a ₦50k budget, I politely decline and send a monetary gift. Maybe ₦10-20k.

Read this next: How To Plan a Wedding in Tinubu’s Economy, According to Wedding Planners

Adeyinka Odutuyo

May 28, 2024

Money

money, Nigeria, Nigerians
If your trip cuts through Gbagada expressway or involves the Apapa-Oshodi-oworonshoki bridge, you may need to find an alternative because of the traffic caused by canopies that have been set up on the expressway.

What’s happening?

President Bola Tinubu scheduled the commissioning of the refurbished Third Mainland Bridge among other infrastructural projects for Sunday, May 26, 2024.

The purpose is to mark the one-year anniversary of his tenure by highlighting his achievements in this period.The road commissions and inauguration started in Lagos on May 26, and are expected to last till May 31, 2024, but the resultant roadblocks are taking their toll on Gbagada road commuters already.

These projects include the Apapa and Tin Can Island roads, Southern parkway at Abuja, National Assembly Library Complex, the Abuja Light Rail Project and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Public Response

Nigerians on X (FKA Twitter) have expressed their disapproval of the canopies at Gbagada and the resultant traffic. They have also relayed that they believe the commissioning is unnecessary, and has not been properly carried out, as it did not put the interest of road users at heart.

However, this is just the first of many commissions and traffic may continue in other parts of the nation until May 31, 2024 when the president completes this exercise.

Read: What You Should Know as Third Mainland Bridge Rehabilitation Commences

Raymond Temituro

May 26, 2024

Citizen

Nigeria, President, roads
On Thursday, May 23, 2024, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and former Emir of Kano, was reappointed as the Emir of Kano, four years after being deposed by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. This decision follows the Kano State House of Assembly’s repeal of the 2019 law that created four additional emirates and led to Sanusi’s removal in March 2020.

The kingmakers formally selected Sanusi as the sole Emir of Kano at the Government House on Thursday, after sitting Governor Abba Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law, dissolving the five emirates created under the previous administration.

The four emirs appointed by Ganduje are expected to vacate their seats within 48 hours and submit all properties to the commissioner of local governments. Sanusi has been officially reinstated as the Emir as at Friday, May 24, 2024.

Why was Sanusi taken off the Emir seat in 2020?

Lamido Sanusi was sacked after six years as Emir of Kano in March 2020 by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The official reason given for his removal was “total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the State Governor and other lawful authorities, including his persistent refusal to attend official meetings and programmes organised by the government without any lawful justification, which amount to total insubordination.”

Ganduje later claimed that Sanusi’s removal was because he broke the law and it was a calculated move to save the system and culture.

Sanusi’s outspokenness against some state policies, and his political beef with Ganduje, was believed to be a factor in his removal. His criticism of the government for taking a foreign loan to build a railway was said to have upset Ganduje.

Sanusi challenged his removal as Emir and the state government’s allegations in court but failed. He also challenged the creation of the new Emirates following his deposition, but the court did not rule in his favour.

Why does Lamido Sanusi’s appointment as Emir of Kano matter?

The reinstatement of Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, with the official name, Muhammadu Sanusi II, holds significant political and historical importance.

Sanusi’s removal in 2020 was widely criticised as a political move by Ganduje. His reinstatement by Yusuf is seen as a restoration of justice.

The Kano Emirate has a long history, dating back over 1,000 years. Splitting it into multiple emirates in 2019 was compared to a similar controversial emirate split by Governor Abubakar Rimi in the late 1970s, which was later reversed.

His reinstatement suggests a shift in the relationship between the emirate and the state government under the new administration.

How did the Emirate officials react to this?

The reinstallment was met with mixed reactions, one of which included a lawsuit and court order restricting his reinstallment.

Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba of the Kano Emirate, filed the application at the Federal High Court in Kano and the court has issued an order stopping the Kano State Government from enforcing the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law. Justice Mohammed Liman granted this order on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

What does this imply?

The lawsuit which was presented as a fundamental rights case is directed at the Kano State Government, the House of Assembly, the Speaker, the Attorney-General, the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the State Security Service.

The judge ruled, “That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into law pending the hearing of the fundamental rights application.

“That in view of the constitutional and jurisdictional issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the court at the hearing of the fundamental rights application which is fixed for the 3rd of June 2024.

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“That in order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an interim injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the fifth to eight respondents (CP, IGP, NSCDC and DSS) from enforcing, executing, implementing and operationalising the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.

“That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into law pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

“That this case is adjourned to the 3rd day of June 2024, for hearing of the fundamental rights application.”

“Status quo ante” refers to previously existing state of affairs. This means that the repealed law, known as the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law, which had created Rano, Karaye, Gaya and Bichi Emirates in addition to Kano, and also deposed Lamido Sanusi, are still in order.

The High court order contradicts the validity of Sanusi’s appointment as sole Emir of Kano, however the state government has officially installed him. It is unclear what will happen next.

Public Response

The new Emir has garnered a number of supporters on social media who believe that he is a good man deserving of his post after his initial sack. However, several individuals believe that he may soon be dethroned again if the next political administration does not like him.

Catch up with: Emir Sanusi Banished. Ado Bayero Crowned. Here’s What’s Happening In Kano State.

Raymond Temituro

May 24, 2024

Citizen

Emir of Kano, Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
The National Labour Congress (NLC) must’ve taken the “no gree for anybody” theme of the year seriously with their minimum wage negotiations. They’ve still not settled, following meetings between the minimum wage committee and labour unions in Abuja on May 15 and 21, 2024.

The federal government proposed a wage increase from ₦35,000 to ₦48,000 per month at the first meeting. The organised private sector (OPS) settled for ₦54,000 while labour unions maintained their stance of ₦615,000 to cope with the high cost of living.

In the second meeting on May 21, 2024, the federal government and the OPS maintained ₦54,000 because the government is short of funds. After a 30-minute break, they proposed the sum of ₦57,000. The final proposal from labour was ₦497,000. The meeting was then adjourned till Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

The major concern of the NLC is that the newly proposed amount will do nothing to help workers survive the current economic conditions, considering the electricity tariff hike, housing rates and inflation. The labour unions have given the federal government until May 31, 2024, to conclude negotiations and announce a new national minimum wage, threatening industrial action if their demands aren’t met.

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The federal government has stated that although the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage is yet to conclude negotiations, the new minimum wage, whatever the final amount may be, will be backtracked to May 1, 2024, regardless of when negotiations end.

READ: About Nigeria’s Plan To Increase The Minimum Wage.

Raymond Temituro

May 23, 2024

Citizen

FG, minimum wage, Nigeria, NLC
Like everything in Nigeria, getting admission into any top-rated university is long, stressful and highly competitive — from the long queues during JAMB registrations to the hurdles of WAEC and post-UTME examinations.

It can also be difficult to determine what to pursue as a career in the first place. We checked and these are the best courses to study for a successful career in 2024:

Computer Science

Some of the richest young people in Nigeria today tech bros. To join the gang, you should probably start with a degree in Computer science. The possibilities are endless — you could become a games developer, cybersecurity expert, cloud computing engineer, software engineer, or UI/UX designer. The minimum amount for each role ranges between ₦200,000 to ₦1.5M per job.

Fashion Design

Once upon a time, fashion design was something for middle to lower-class Nigerians. Now, with designers like Mai Atafo, Atelier, Veekee James, and Yinka Ash making millions per dress and changing that narrative, we can look at fashion design as a goldmine.. Bachelor of Fashion or Creative Design does have a nice ring to it, and it wouldn’t hurt to charge $500 (₦750,000) per dress for starters.

Management

Every team or organisation needs a manager. The managers start from entry level roles and work up the ladder. They often work as Human resource managers, Project managers, and General managers among other things. The salary here often increases per certification and role but can start from a minimum of ₦200,000. The salary increase is often tied to the success of the projects or businesses.

Accounting

Accountants are highly sought-after professionals in every sector of the economy. Studying accounting makes you qualified for financial analyst, auditor, bank manager and credit officer roles. Payscale stipulates that the average salary of accountants in entry-level roles is about ₦200,000 to ₦450,000 monthly.

Marketing

Marketing has become an indispensable need with entrepreneurs and start-ups taking over the business world. Marketing graduates can fill corporate roles in sales, business development, digital marketing, retail management and management. The average monthly salary is ₦200,000 for these roles.

Medicine and Surgery

Nigerian parents will be happy to see this on the list. Facts don’t lie and one is that doctors are some of the most sought-after specialists across the globe. According to Glassdoor, the average Nigerian doctor earns about ₦283,000 monthly. Graduates can work as surgeons, residents, general medicine registrars and more.

Law and legal studies

Legal practitioners are some of the most esteemed and sophisticated professionals in the country. Every sector of the economy has a role waiting for lawyers and law graduates. Glassdoor speculates the average law graduates earn between ₦180,000 to ₦200,000 per month at entry level. Some available job roles include compliance officers, human resources managers, corporate lawyers, criminal defence lawyers and mediation officers.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy is focused on the production and prescription of drugs to treat patients. Pharmacy graduates can work as pharmacy managers, pharmacists, researchers, and factory managers. Entry role salary starts from ₦150,000 for pharmacists.

Civil engineering

From designing buildings to constructing roads, civil engineers are the cream of the crop when it comes to engineering courses in Nigeria. Civil engineering contracts are one of the highest-paying in the country with a minimum of ₦400,000 per project.

Theatre arts

Theatre arts is an exceptional course with many opportunities waiting for its graduates. The entertainment industry is always on the lookout for the next talent in dance and acting, with professionals in this course being the first in line for such projects and opportunities.

Other jobs like actors, set managers, producers, filmmakers and costume designers all give Theatre arts graduates a variety of career options to choose from. They charge from ₦400,000 to ₦700,000 per movie, depending on the scale of these projects.

Architecture

If you have a passion for bringing imagination to reality and can work independently as well as with teams, this is the course for you. Payscale research shows that the average architect can make about ₦1.5 million per project for entry-level roles like project architect, site architect, senior data architect and site operations manager.

Mass communication

In love with the media? Mass communication allows you to work around it. Mass communication is versatile in practice and offers opportunities in roles like public relations officer, journalist, editor, radio host and content writer. Payscale research shows the average salary of Mass Communication majors in Nigeria is ₦300,000.

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Electrical engineering

Electrical engineers are also amongst the top-rated professionals in the engineering field in Nigeria. Their technical abilities are essential to the development of many equipment, devices and systems, making them invaluable to the production sector in Nigeria. Jobs like assistant engineer, technician, instructor and manager are available to professionals in this course. Payscale research shows the average salary for an electrical engineer is about ₦1.2 million per project.

Estate and property management

Estate management is a highly lucrative industry in Nigeria with professionals earning a fairly high income thanks to the number of property projects in development. Available roles are property manager, property agent and site supervisor. Payscale also shows the average salary expectation can go as high as ₦600,000 per property.

Nursing

They might not be the first courses to pop into your mind when you think of the health sector, but nurses enjoy a comfortable work-life balance. Nurses might not make as much as their stethoscope-wearing counterparts, but they are in even higher demand. According to Payscale, the average salary of a registered nurse is between ₦100,000 to ₦250,000 monthly depending on experience in the role.

Business administration

Business administration is a high-income field of professionals with a variety of applications across the labour market. Senior administrative roles often provide a steady income for graduates in this field. The salary is estimated to range from ₦200,000 to ₦450,000 monthly.

Biochemistry

Like MLS, biochemistry offers a variety of career options in the health sciences. The variety is even higher here as professionals play an integral part in other important industries like food and pharmacy.

Jobs like lab assistant, research scientist, forensic scientist and clinical biochemist are all available to professionals in this course. Salary Explorer indicates the average monthly salary of professionals in this course is about ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 a month.

Agricultural science

Your father might have a heart attack if you put this on your JAMB form, but agricultural science is one of the most technical fields of study in the university. With many branches and innovations around it, agriculture helps you make a living and still have time for other businesses.

Jobs like farm manager, biotechnologist, extension service provider, geneticist, pathologist, food scientist and surveyor all pay competitive incomes to graduates of the course. The average salary for agriculturists is around ₦150,000 to ₦250,000

Economics

Graduates who study this course can take their pick of jobs like financial analyst, business operations manager, economist or lecturer. Glassdoor puts the average income of professionals between ₦130,000 to ₦230,000 monthly.

Medical lab science

Medical lab science or MLS is the go-to course for fans of the health sciences who don’t want to spend 7 years studying medicine. Professionals here have access to an array of jobs like lab assistant, lab manager or medical officer. Payscale research indicates the average monthly salary is ₦100,000

English and literary arts

This is one of the most sophisticated art courses to study in Nigeria. As language and communication experts, graduates of this course are highly sought after for roles like journalist, editor, content marketer, and administrative executive.

According to GlassDoor, the average salary for graduates of this course ranges between ₦80,000 and ₦200,000 monthly for entry-level roles with an abundance of jobs available in multiple industries.

Language and communication studies

Like most language courses, this provides art students the flexibility to work in media, communications and management teams across industries.

Available roles include public relations officer, content marketer, copywriter and editor. The average salary for these professionals according to Glassdoor is around ₦70,000 to ₦150,000 monthly.

There’s always the option of switching to entrepreneurship if these courses and figures don’t work out for you and you change your mind.

Read more: A Case for Staying Unemployed

Raymond Temituro

May 22, 2024

Aluta and Chill

JAMB, Nigeria, Nigerians, University
Around 8 pm, on May 18, 2024, a trailer crashed into at least three buses and groups of students heading home from late exams at Imo State University junction, Owerri. The accident was reportedly caused by a brake failure, and the driver of the truck is missing and allegedly on the run.

The trailer allegedly belongs to the Dangote Group.

Is this the first time we’re seeing something like this?

No. In January 2021, a dangote truck loaded with cements claimed about 18 victims on its path when it crashed into shops and properties in the Akungba-Akoko area of Ondo state. Eight of the victims were students of Adekunle Ajasin University at Akungba-Akoko.

The resultant tension from students led to a temporal shutdown of the university. The company paid ₦500,000 to each family that was affected by the incident.

What is the public response to the accident at IMSU?

Social media is abuzz with condolences and agitations regarding the absence of laws that guide trailer activities and drivers’ accountability on the road.

Others have said that the junction is notorious for accidents and the government should build a flyover bridge to prevent a repeat in the future.

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Meanwhile, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, released a press statement sharing his condolences and stating that investigations were underway, and the Ministry of Health would actively help in providing medical services.

Read: Who Has to Die Next Before Something Is Done About the Ojuelegba Bridge?

Raymond Temituro

May 19, 2024

Aluta and Chill, Citizen

Accident, Dangote, Nigeria, Nigerians, trailer
On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Niger State Speaker of the House of Assembly announced that he planned to “assist” young victims of banditry attacks in his constituency by marrying them off.

What is the genesis of this issue?

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, said that he only came up with these plans because he had been approached by religious leaders in Mariga LGA regarding how the orphans were helpless after the banditry attacks that took their parents.

Sarkindaji stated he would pay the dowries for the bridegrooms during a mass wedding ceremony scheduled for May 24. He described the initiative as an empowerment project to alleviate the suffering of the orphans.

Although local religious leaders supported this idea, it didn’t sit well with the Minister of Women Affairs and members of the public who took to social media to air their grievances.

What did the Minister of Women Affairs do about this?

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, expressed reservations about the legality of the wedding, questioning whether the girls had reached the age of consent and marriage as defined by Nigerian laws, including the Child Rights Act. Subsequently, Kennedy-Ohanenye filed a complaint to the police and sought a court order to halt the plan for further investigations on the girls’ consent, ages, and marriage arrangements.

She said, “I have filed for an injunction to prevent him from doing whatever he intends to do on May 24th, until a thorough investigation is conducted on those girls, to determine whether they gave their consent, their ages, and who is marrying them”.

What was the speaker’s reaction?

On Wednesday, May 15 2024, Honourable Sarkindaji announced his withdrawal from the planned mass wedding of orphans after the intervention of the Minister of Women Affairs.

However, Sarkindaji later defended the initiative, insisting that the minister had misunderstood it. He said his intention was humanitarian and the planned marriages would not violate the Child Rights Act, contrary to the minister’s concerns.

Sarkindaji emphasized that the girls, despite “being ripe for marriage”, don’t have the means to wed because they are orphans or from impoverished families. He urged the minister to visit his constituency to better understand the situation of the girls and see how she could assist them directly.

The Speaker also stated that the preparations he made for the wedding, including paying bride prices on behalf of the grooms, remained in place, but the decision on whether to proceed with the wedding or not would be taken by traditional and religious leaders in the area.

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How is the public reacting to this event?

The public’s reactions were divided, with support rising from the Imams and residents within Niger state. In contrast, members of the public in other areas of the country continue to raise concerns about the mass marriage.

A petition circulating online has garnered thousands of signatures, with citizens expressing shock and dismay over what they perceive as a misuse of public funds, a violation of the rights and dignity of vulnerable children.

The Niger Imams council, represented by Umar Abudullahi states that the girls were not being forced into marriages.

The council maintained that the Minister had overstepped her bounds and would have the whole Imams in the country to battle with, if the weddings do not hold as planned.

They also asked that the Minister of Women Affairs tender an apology for her actions and words which have misrepresented their intentions and to retract her petition otherwise a lawsuit would ensue. The council also petitioned that her appointment be retracted and declared her unfit for the position of Minister.

“The planned weddings have the blessing of all the religious and traditional leaders from the area. The sponsor of the wedding consulted widely before accepting to take the responsibility and we are strongly behind him.

“The girls are not underage and they are not being forced into marriage as the minister has made the public believe. This is what the minister failed to investigate,” the council added.

Before this, the Take It Back Movement called on the Speaker to rescind his decision to marry off the 100 female orphans.

What happens next?

It’s unclear if the girls will be married off or not. The Imams council awaits a response from President Tinubu.

This is a developing story.

Raymond Temituro

May 16, 2024

Citizen

Law, ministers, Nigeria, Nigerians
Some of the laws on this list have never ever been enacted, either because Nigerians don’t know them or because they just sound like page fillers in the Criminal Code Act of the Nigerian Constitution.

By the end of this piece, all you’ll wonder is “Who even thought of these laws?”

Witchcraft and juju

According to Section 210 of the Criminal Code Act of the 1990 Nigerian Constitution, if the accused confesses to being a witch or is confirmed to own or to have used charms on someone else, they get jail time. We all know village people are real, so if you have proof of their existence in your life, you can actually have them imprisoned. But if your accusation turns out false, you might be the one to spend ten years in jail.

One of the rare witchcraft cases to make it to court happened in Bauchi state in 2011. The case was settled amicably between the two witches, and it’s unclear if they served the two-year jail term.

Promising and failing to marry

In the case of Egbe v. Adefarasin (1987) NWLR (Pt. 133) 594, the Nigerian Supreme Court held that breach of promise to marry is actionable. The court insists there must be proof of this promise, like letters, a ring or pictures. In the absence of this, witnesses can testify.

One Ms Mabamije received ₦20 million in 2016, among other things, because her fiance broke his promise to marry her. The law applies to both men and women, so if your longtime partner misbehaves or has broken their promise to marry you, you know what to do.

Motivating or challenging others to fight

According to Section 84 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria, anyone who challenges another to fight a duel, or attempts to provoke another to fight a duel, is guilty of a felony and could be imprisoned for three years. The next time someone challenges you to throw hands, get them arrested immediately.

Aiding or committing suicide

Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria states that any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to one year imprisonment. Anyone who aids suicide gets life imprisonment.

But this law has been under review since October 2023, because it’s baffling that the government really thought one year of imprisonment was the best way to help suicidal people who actually need therapy and counselling.

Using fake gold or silver coins

The consequence of dealing in fake gold or silver coins is two years in prison according to Section 148-151 of the Criminal Code. Imagine what the lawmakers of the ’90s must’ve been through for something like this to make the Criminal Code.

If like Peter in the bible, you don’t have silver or gold, you’re safe for now.

Disrupting religious service

We have questions here. Does it count if the disruption is from the offering queue, or because members are busy staring at a fine Christian brother or sister? It probably does.

This also means if Muslims have to use the main roads for Jumaat prayers, it is illegal to disrupt them because you want to drive to your destination. Find this in Section 206 of the Criminal Code.

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Insulting religions

Considering how much this happens on social media, we have mixed feelings about this one.

Section 204 of the Criminal Code says the punishment is two years in prison. However, Sharia law considers it blasphemy, which has been used to justify the killing of people alleged to be blasphemers.

Selling bad meat

If Mr Shola who sells meat at Iba is reading this, your days are numbered, sir.

The next time you get bad meat, no need to shalaye or return it. Take it to the police station. You and the meat seller will discuss this in court. Outside food safety laws, Sections 243 & 244 of the Criminal Code specifically state a two-year sentence for people who sell diseased meat.

Street begging

Lagos state banned street begging in 2023 and said defaulters would spend two to three months in jail if caught. A few people have faced the music in court for this, but many still roam the street in ignorance.

Cheating in business

Section 421 of the Criminal Code spells out two years in prison for a trader who sells overpriced or stolen products to customers.

If this law were implemented, many Instagram vendors would be behind bars for their overpriced products, but that’s an article for another day.

READ NEXT: Five Nigerian Laws That Shouldn’t Exist

Raymond Temituro

May 15, 2024

Citizen

Law, Nigeria, Nigerian lawmakers, Nigerians
Since childhood, Tobi Amusan has dreamed of running the world. Born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, she took an early interest in football, but it didn’t matter if she tactically passed the ball or dribbled like Jay Jay Okocha; she did another thing better—tirelessly running around. Her football coach recognised her talent and advised her to switch to tracks. Thankfully, Tobi found a track coach who took her under his wing after. That marked the start of her career in Ijebu-Ode.

Since coming into national consciousness in 2013, Tobi Amusan has gone from a local champion to a national sensation. She is now a top world runner. Her trajectory has taken an upward flight and this is a look into her career and growth.

March 2013: Tobi Amusan’s win at the African Youth Championships

In 2013, the first edition of African Youth Championships, a bi-annual competition for African athletes aged 15 to 17, kicked off in Warri, Delta State. Tobi Amusan participated and won the 200-metre silver medal. In the same year, Tobi competed at the World Athletics U18 Championship in Donetsk, Ukraine, but she was disqualified for lane infringement. This setback didn’t hold her back, though; she bounced back the following year.

2014 – 2015: Back to winning medals

By 2014, Tobi Amusan had switched to hurdles and debuted at the African Youth Games in Botswana, where she won a silver medal in the 100 metres hurdles. A year later, Tobi claimed her first African U20 gold medal at the African Junior Athletics Championship in Addis Ababa and her second gold at her debut at the All-Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo.

2016: Scholarship and the World Junior Championship

Tobi received a scholarship to study at the University of Texas at El Paso in 2016. There, she earned the 2016 Female Track Athlete of the Year award, won two golds in 100m and 200m hurdles,a silver medal in long jump, and broke a 33-year-old hurdles university record.

Subsequently, she participated in the 2016 World Junior Championships and came fifth in the final. Then, she participated in and reached the semi-final of the 100m at the Rio Olympic Games.

Tobi Amusan spent 2017 setting more hurdles records at the University of Texas, El Paso, where she met her new coach, Lacena Golding-Clarke, a three-time decorated Olympian from Jamaica. Later, in August 2017, she represented Nigeria at the IAAF World Championships in London.

2018: More championships and medals

In 2018, Tobi reached the final at the Birmingham World Indoor Championships in London, where she represented Nigeria. She also won the final race at the Commonwealth Games hosted at Gold Coast, Australia.

Later in the year, Nigeria hosted the 21st Africa Championship in Athletics for the second time in Asaba and Tobi won a gold medal and her first African Championship title, becoming the first Nigerian to win gold for the country in the 100m hurdles since Judy Bell-Gam at the first edition in 1979.

2019: She won one, lost one

Tobi defended her title at the 22nd edition of the Africa Championship in Athletics in Rabat, Morocco. Despite the winning streak, she came fourth place at the World Championship in Doha, Qatar in October 2019.

2021: First Nigerian Diamond League Champion

Tobi Amusan competed at the Zürich Diamond League, got to the final, and set a new African record of 12.42 seconds, becoming the first Nigerian to win a Diamond League trophy. It was an incredible feat.

2022: More wins

In June, Tobi successfully defended her 100m hurdles title at the African Championship.

Tobi was at her new best at the 2022 World Championship. She ran 12.06 seconds at the final and emerged as the first Nigerian world champion at the World Athletics Championships.

Not resting on her oasis, Tobi retained her title at the Commonwealth Games and a second gold medal in August. She ended 2022 by winning the 100m hurdles to defend her Zürich Diamond League championship title successfully.

Tobi Amusan spent 2023 fighting anti-doping charges and suspension. Eventually, she was declared not guilty. Though she returned to the track in the same year, her performance wasn’t impressive.

2024: The fastest woman in the world

In January, Tobi set an African record of 7.77 seconds at the Astana Indoor Meet in Kazakhstan. One month later, she set a new African record of 7.75 seconds at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston. Three months later, she won the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational where she defeated World champion Danielle Williams and set a world lead time of 12.40 seconds, becoming the world’s fastest woman in 100m hurdles.

Tomide Marv

May 14, 2024

Pop

2024, athlete, Nigeria, Pop, sports, Tobi Amusan, World's Fastest Woman
There’s new drama every day in Nigeria. Since we entered 2024, we’ve dealt with fuel scarcity, inflation, a drunk electricity grid, and electricity tariff wahala, but apparently, we’re only in episode 2, season 1.

In April 2024, the electricity tariff costs increased by over 240% for Band A users and fuel price jumped from ₦600 per litre to as high as ₦1000 per litre in May 2024. The National Labour Congress (NLC) relayed messages of displeasure to the Federal government regarding this situation, but not much has changed.

In an unexpected move, The NLC on Monday, May 13 2024, shut the gates of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company in Ilorin, Kwara State seeking the reversal of the electricity tariff earlier imposed. The Union members were at the IBEDC offices in Challenge and Baboko market areas in Ilorin as early as 7 a.m. to lock the gates and prevent anyone from going in. The same happened at the Discos in Lokoja, Abuja, Ikeja, Benin, Jos, Kaduna and other locations across the country.

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The Chairman of NLC in Kwara state, Comrade Muritala Olayinka said that the union was carrying out the instruction of the National Secretariat and that the offices would remain locked until the order to reopen them came from Abuja.

NLC members at a DisCo office

Earlier, the labour unions had given the NERC a May 12 deadline to withdraw the recent hike in electricity tariff or face the consequences, and their actions have shown how much they’re standing on business.

Following their protest on May 13, 2024, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero said that their actions became necessary because Nigerians were wallowing in power poverty, especially after the tariff hike when the government promised extended hours of power supply.

He also went on to say that the government had ignored their letters and complaints, and that people were paying high amounts for electricity but not getting power supply, and that it was an unbecoming situation.

Pending when the federal government responds to their complaints and strike actions, it is unclear when or if the picketing actions against electricity distribution companies will continue.

Read: NEPA Has Favourites And You Might Be One of Them

Raymond Temituro

May 14, 2024

Citizen

Electricity Tariff, Nigeria, NLC
Chioma Munachi

May 14, 2024

Quizzes

Nigeria, shege
As the arm of government that handles the prosecution and interpretation of all laws in the country, there are several tiers of the Nigerian Judiciary System the average citizen may not be familiar with. There are two categories of courts recognised in the Nigerian Constitution: federal and state courts. The National Judicial Council recommends justices or judges for the courts, the President appoints the Chief Justice for the federal courts, and the state governor does the same at state courts.

Three courts exist under the federal: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Courts. Under the state courts, there is the High Court of the State, the Customary Court of Appeal and the Sharia Court of Appeal. Northern Muslim states usually have Sharia Courts rather than Customary Courts.

The hierarchy of courts in Nigeria refers to how they are organised by level, jurisdiction and region with the federal courts wielding more authority.

Tier 1 Courts: The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest and most powerful court in the land and all decisions here are final. The apex court is provided for under section 230 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). It comprises of Chief Justices and other justices who must not exceed 21. They are appointed by the president and must be qualified practitioners with at least 15 years of service. The Supreme Courts have the jurisdiction to reassess the decisions of the Court of Appeal. They also have the jurisdiction to determine State vs. State and Federal vs. State cases.

Tier 2: The Court of Appeal

The second highest court in Nigeria is the Court of Appeal. It is located in Abuja alongside 20 other locations to make it more accessible to the masses. The Federal Court of Appeal is provided for under Section 249 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended).

The president of the Court of Appeal is the head of the 49 justices that operate the Federal courts. The Court of Appeal hears and judges cases from other courts in the hierarchy. It has the jurisdiction to determine all election-related cases of the executive branch of government. The Court of Appeal is the centre of all legal systems in the country and is constitutionally required for three justices well knowledgeable in the customary and Islamic personal law to be included.

Tier 3 courts

The Tier 3 Courts are the Federal High Court, the High Court of a State/FCT, the Customary Court of Appeal of a State/FCT and the Sharia Court of Appeal of a State/FCT. All judgments reached at any of these courts can be appealed to the Tier 2 courts (Federal Court of Appeal).

The Federal High Court

The Federal High Court is based in Abuja but has other branches across the 36 states of the Country. The court is provided for under Section 249 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). It has jurisdiction over civil matters and other cases as set out under Section 251 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). The court also has appellate jurisdiction to determine cases from tribunals.

The High Court of a State/FCT

The highest English legal court in a state, the court is provided for under Section 255 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended) and has a large jurisdiction under the Constitution in Civil and Criminal Matters. The court is presided over by a chief judge and other judges and has appellate jurisdiction on cases from the Customary and Magistrate Courts. It shares a lot of powers with the Federal High Court.

The Customary Court of Appeal of a State

This is the highest customary law court in a state. The courts are established under Section 280 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). The President of the State/FCT Customary Appeal Court is the head of the court, assisted by other judges to review decisions of Customary Courts in the state.

The Sharia Court of Appeal for a State/FCT

This is the highest Sharia court in the States. It is established under section 277 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). The head is called the Grand Khadi, assisted by other Kadis to review decisions of Sharia courts in the state.

Tier 4 Courts: The State Courts

State courts are the lowest courts in the hierarchy of courts in the judiciary. They include Magistrate Courts that handle all English legal cases, Customary Courts that handle all customary legal cases and Sharia courts that handle Islamic cases enacted in northern states. The courts are established under state law and are the only courts not established under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amended). All judgments under these courts can only be reviewed by their Tier 3 counterparts.

Tier 5 courts (others)

Election Tribunals

There are two types of Election Tribunals: The National Assembly Election Tribunals which handle petitions on disputed results of Senate and House of Representative elections; and the Governorship and Legislative Electoral Tribunals which handle disputed gubernatorial and state legislative electoral decisions. The Tribunals are set up by the President of the Federal Court of Appeal under the advisement of other chief judges and presidents of courts of appeals.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal

This is established by the Chapter C1 Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, No. 1 of 1989 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The Tribunal hears the petitions of citizens on corrupt public servants for breaches made under its provisions. The president of the country selects the chairman of the tribunal under the advice of the National Judicial Council. The judgment of the Tribunal can be reviewed by the tier 2 courts (Federal Courts of Appeal).

National Industrial Court (NIC)

This court is provided for under Section 254A of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It has exclusive jurisdiction over all industrial disputes including Workers’ Compensation Law, Trade Union and Labour Laws as well as Factory Law.

While power needs to exist in sections like this, they all follow the same manual, so justice gets served equally.

For more information on courts in Nigeria, here’s What Every Nigerian Should Know About the Supreme Court.

Raymond Temituro

May 13, 2024

Citizen

court, Customary Courts, Law, Nigeria, Nigerians
On Sunday, May 12, 2024, the streets of social media were enraged, and this time, rightly so. A man in the Auchi area of Edo state named Musa Suleman was called out and reported for taking and posting inappropriate photos of his four-year-old daughter.

What happened?

Sometime last in the first week of May 2024, ahead of his daughter’s fourth birthday, Musa Suleman posted her topless and in a g-string, posing with strong adult drinks in the background. This post quickly went viral across Instagram and X. It was soon discovered that he has actively posted similar images and videos of his three-year-old — half-naked, in provocative postures or dance moves while he eggs her on — on accounts he created in her name.

In a post he uploaded on December 30, 2023, his daughter poses provocatively with two yet-to-be-identified grown men. The viral visuals generated concern from Nigerians, who raised alarm, mass reported his accounts and contacted the necessary law enforcement for Suleman’s arrest for child abuse, pornography and exploitation.

On May 12, 2024, Musa Suleman took to his daughter’s Instagram account to plead with Nigerians to stop pulling the account down as that was his only means of income. He also stated that a Malaysian influencer and adult movie actress, Siew Pui Yi, known as Ms Puiyi, was his daughter’s mentor — as he specified in every post on her page.

Public reaction

Before his arrest, members of the public had continually reported his daughter’s Instagram till it got banned. Many people have joined in lashing Mr Suleman on his page, requesting that Instagram take it down.

Following his arrest, the public has expressed gratitude to the Police over the swift arrest of Musa Suleman but continue to urge for the other unidentified individuals associated with this case be found and arrested as well.

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Response from the police

The Nigerian Police released a press statement following Musa’s arrest on May 12, 2024:

“The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the public outcry in response to disturbing images and videos involving a 4-year-old child with the Instagram handle @officialsarah_ig, circulating on social media. The content portrays the young child in inappropriate poses, akin to adult content. The Force expresses profound shock and grave concern over the apparent exploitation of this vulnerable child and unequivocally condemns such actions in the strongest terms possible.

Prima facie investigations indicate the involvement of the child’s father, who has been apprehended by the Police at the Auchi Divisional Police Headquarters, Edo State Police Command. Every necessary measure is being implemented to ensure that justice is swiftly served. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative to establish proactive measures to guide and counsel parents, preventing the proliferation of such anomalies in our society.

In light of the above, the Force emphasizes the importance of implementing support systems for parents and guardians to protect the safety and well-being of their children. It is crucial for caregivers to also prioritize the security of minors and seek assistance or guidance when required. The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding children and upholding the law.”

What happens to Sarah now?

The Ministry of Health has taken custody of Sarah. Her Mother who remains unidentified, is also alleged to be in Abuja and to not be her primary caregiver. As investigations continue, we hope more comes to light regarding this case.

This is a developing story.

READ THIS TOO: Why We Should Pay More Attention to Child Rape in Nigeria

Raymond Temituro

May 13, 2024

Citizen

child abuse, Nigeria, Nigerians
The African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCAs) are here again, and there’s much to expect from the biggest night in Nollywood. Aside from the glitz, glamour and celebration, one key reason we’ll be glued to our screens is to watch who wins which award.

While the potential winners are probably somewhere making the last fittings to their fits, here are our prophecies of actors, creators and movies that’ll win each major category — purely according to sentiments and a strange dream where an ant showed us the future.

Layi Wasabi — Best Digital Content Creator

Our dreams can be funny, but if the big suit we saw is anything to go by, Layi should win this award. He is nominated alongside Adebola Adeyela (Lizzy Jay), Maryam Apaokagi-Greene (Taooma), Jemima Osunde and Elozonam. But barely three years in, Layi has set the bar high with out-of-the-box ideas. It is the law we’re talking about here.

“Jagun Jagun” — Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)

We saw masquerades in this same dream, and it could only mean one thing. If not for the storyline, this epic movie must take home the prize for the fight scenes, tree names and cliffhanger. It was also the talk of the town for ages, and the ensemble casting couldn’t have been better imagined.

Timini Egbuson — Best Supporting Actor

He’s underrated for his role in “A Tribe Called Judah”, but he carried the plot, as he does with all his movies. It initially looked like he’d play bad boy throughout the movie, but after the robbery, he became the voice of reason. Without him, his family would’ve never escaped. A close contender would be Demola Adedoyin in “Breath of Life”, but the dream did not reveal him to us.

Joke Silva — Best Supporting Actress

We didn’t need the dream to show us that Aunty Joke deserves more, but for now, “best supporting actress” will do. Her character in “Over the Bridge” had our non-existent edges snatched. Her poise and grace mixed well with the ruthless personality she played. And whoever was in charge of her costume deserves a raise this instant.

Stan Nze — Best Lead Actor

Just because we think “Afamefuna” was better put together than “Jagun Jagun”, we can leave Adedimeji Lateef and side with Stan Nze for this award. He is very relatable as the Igbo man next door. The whole movie is nostalgic, real and embraces modern African culture.

Ireti Doyle — Best Lead Actress

It would be iconic to see Funke Akindele win this, but our dream was very specific about Ireti Doyle winning. Never could we have imagined her playing a toxic Catholic nun as she did in “The Original Madam Koi Koi”. She embodied it perfectly and truly took centre stage in the movie.

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Ola Cardoso — Best Cinematography

Great as it was, not all of “Jagun Jagun’s” tricks were perfectly executed, “Ijogbon” could take several notes. While the other movies seemed brilliant, “Breath of Life” screamed excellence. So Cardoso deserves his flowers.

“A Tribe Called Judah” — Best Movie

We were leaning towards “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” in this category for the plot, nostalgia, casting and great storytelling. But after the dream, we have to admit that “A Tribe Called Judah” had perfectly crafted scenes and stunts. And if there’s one thing the film killed, it’s the suspense. Let’s not forget it did the biggest box office numbers in Nollywood in a long time. Props to Funke Akindele and Zikoko’s dream — which you can definitely trust.

“Wura” — Best Scripted Series

“Wura” seems to want to take over “Tinsel’s” mantle of running with no end in sight, but it is arguably the best pick for a late night show with the family.

“The Real Housewives of Lagos” (S2) – Best Unscripted Series

Best in real-life drama and chaos, RHOL had us hooked with the fashion and social media trends.

For a recap ahead of Sunday: AMVCA 2023: The Big Winners and the People Who Should’ve Won.

Raymond Temituro

May 10, 2024

Pop

amvca, awards, Nigeria, Nollywood
This story opens with the Foundation of Investigative Journalism (FIJ Nigeria), a media organisation that pursues investigative stories such as corrupt activities at Nigeria’s borders, decadence within the police force and negligence of citizen rights.

However, the job often comes with lawsuits and unlawful detentions. The most recent is the recent arrest of FIJ journalist, Daniel Ojukwu.

What’s the backstory?

Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist for FIJ, went missing on May 1, 2024, with his phone switched off. On May 3, FIJ Nigeria discovered him in police custody on May 3, detained over a report he published in November 2023.

Despite meeting bail conditions, the Nigerian Police allegedly refused to release Ojukwu due to an “order from above”. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Nigerian authorities to release Ojukwu and end press intimidation in the country.

He was being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on allegations of violating the Cybercrimes Act. On May 5, Ojukwu was transferred to the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja from Panti in Lagos.

Why was he really arrested?

Daniel Ojukwu was arrested over a report in which he alleged that Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to Ex-President Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals, diverted ₦147 million (US$106,154) of government money into a restaurant’s bank account. A complaint was filed on behalf of the Ex-President’s SSA by an NGO affiliated with the All Progressive Congress (APC) political party.

Ojukwu’s detention by the Nigerian Police is not the first of its kind. On February 7, police charged reporters, Azeez, Ayatullahi, Taofeek and Damilola, with conspiracy under section 27(1)(b), and cyberstalking under section 24(1)(b), of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, and defamation under section 393 of the penal code. The most recent case is First News Editor, Segun Olatunji, who recently resigned from his role after his release from police custody on March 28, 2024. His firm claimed that his reports were falsified after his arrest but Segun Olatunji maintains his stand and says that his reports are true.

As Democracy Day draws closer, concerns continue to rise about press freedom in Nigeria.

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What was the Nigerian Police’s response?

Following the protests at Abuja on Thursday, May 9, 2024, by action groups affiliated with press freedom and human rights protection in Nigeria, the FCT Police Commissioner, Ben Igweh, assured that the detained Daniel Ojukwu will soon be released from detention.

This promise was kept on May 10, 2024, when Ojukwu was released.

Daniel Ojukwu and Bukky Shonibare after his release on Friday, May 10, 2024.

The CP also warned journalists to be careful of what they write and say as they would be arrested and prosecuted like normal citizens if found guilty. Although Daniel Ojukwu is now free, many questions linger. Every journalist behind a keyboard may be writing with a new fear.

A few weeks back it was Segun Olatunji, today it’s Daniel Ojukwu. Who’s next?

A Useful Read on Nigeria’s rocky relationship with the press: Nigerian Journalists Are Still Endangered 36 Years After Dele Giwa.

Raymond Temituro

May 10, 2024

Citizen

Daniel Ojukwu, Fisayo Soyombo, journalist, Nigeria, Police