Nigeria
now browsing by tag
President Tinubu Honours Former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu with National Award
JUST IN: President Bola Tinubu has officially conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The award, presented in recognition of his distinguished service and dedication to Nigeria’s democratic growth, marks a significant moment in the country’s political history.
Professor Yakubu, who recently completed his second term as INEC Chairman, was praised for his leadership, reforms, and role in strengthening electoral transparency across the nation.
The honour reflects the government’s acknowledgment of his contribution to upholding democratic values and advancing credible elections in Nigeria
Cardi B Tells Ayra Starr Her Newborn Must Have a Nigerian Name 🇳🇬
American rap superstar Cardi B has once again sparked conversation across social media after revealing to Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr that her newborn child must bear a Nigerian name.
The Grammy-winning artist went further, stating that she is seriously considering relocating with her family to Nigeria. She praised the country’s vibrant lifestyle, cultural beauty, and raw musical talent, noting that she would be proud if her son one day grew up in Nigeria and rose to become an Afrobeats superstar. 🎶🔥
Fans have been quick to react, with some embracing her warm words about Nigeria, while others jokingly cautioned her to be ready for the “full Nigerian experience”—from the bustling energy of Lagos to the daily realities that locals face. 😏😂
Whether playful or serious, Cardi B’s comments once again highlight the growing global admiration for Nigeria’s music scene and culture, as Afrobeats continues to dominate worldwide charts.
Major-General Ibrahim Babangida Emerging as Nigeria’s New Head of State After August 1985 Coup
Lagos, Nigeria On 1 September 1985, Major-General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (aged 44) was photographed leaving a session of the newly established Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) in Lagos, days after he successfully led a military coup that deposed General Muhammadu Buhari. The image, first reported by The Sunday Telegraph, captures Babangida’s composed and assured demeanor as he stepped into power amidst sweeping expectations and uncertainties. Wikipedia+3Facebook+3Wikipedia+3
The coup, carried out on 27 August 1985, replaced Buhari’s Supreme Military Council with the AFRC, positioning Babangida as Chairman and Head of State. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2 This photograph, taken just days into his leadership, symbolizes not just a shift in military hierarchy but the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s political trajectory. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Key Context & Implications
-
The 1985 Coup: Babangida, then Chief of Army Staff, orchestrated the takeover on 27 August 1985 because of widespread dissatisfaction with Buhari’s regime, both for economic mismanagement and perceived rigid military governance. Wikipedia+1
-
Formation of the AFRC: Following the coup, Babangida established the Armed Forces Ruling Council as the country’s supreme governing body, holding both legislative and executive power, dissolving its predecessor the Supreme Military Council. Wikipedia+1
-
Challenges Ahead: At the moment captured by the 1 September photo, the nation faced serious economic difficulties, societal expectations for change, and the need to balance military discipline with popular legitimacy. Babangida’s early days in power would be marked by economic reforms, structural adjustments, and political moves that sought to reshape Nigeria. Wikipedia+1
Why the Image Resonates
-
A Symbol of Power Transition: The photograph embodies the transition of power within military ranks from Buhari to Babangida at a crucial moment in Nigeria’s history.
-
Public Perception & Leadership Persona: Babangida’s calm and confident posture projected an image of stability and control, which was essential for establishing his legitimacy among both the military and the populace.
-
Legacy Beginnings: What followed this moment were years of leadership that would leave a significant and contested legacy economic restructuring (including the Structural Adjustment Programme), attempts at political reform, and navigating both internal dissent and international pressures. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
Source Credit:
Based on The Sunday Telegraph photograph and reports, Wikipedia’s entry on Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and historical records of the 1985 Nigerian coup and Armed Forces Ruling Council. Wikipedia+3Facebook+3Wikipedia+3
Meet VeryDarkBlackMan: Nigeria’s Self-Proclaimed “Fourth Arm” Voice
In a recent development, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM), is embracing the title “President General of the Fourth Arm of Government” in Nigeria. He presents himself as the people’s voice, a moral conscience, and the watchdog tasked with holding the three formal government branches accountable.
He frequently posts online, calling attention to corruption, governance failures, and societal injustices. On social media, he encourages grassroots mobilization, often labeling his movement the “Ratel Movement,” and urging citizens to take action in monitoring public affairs. For example, one of his recent posts read: “Some people no go like this news—the 4th arm of the govt is moving…”
However, not all reactions are supportive. Some voices caution VDM to “stay in your lane,” warning that the boundary between activism and overreach can blur—drawing comparisons to figures like Omoyele Sowore and Prince Deji Adeyanju, who have likewise faced scrutiny over the reach of their activism.
VDM’s role raises important questions about the evolving nature of civic accountability in Nigeria: Can self-appointed citizen-watchdogs play a constructive role, or do they risk undermining institutional processes when they cross certain bounds?
Former Vice President Criticizes Government’s Focus on Revenue Amid Rising Loss of Lives
In a strong statement, Nigeria’s former Vice President has condemned the government for celebrating revenue targets at a time when citizens continue to lose their lives to insecurity and hardship.
He stressed that true leadership must place human safety and welfare above financial milestones, adding that celebrating figures while ignoring the suffering of the people reflects a misplaced sense of priorities.
The former Vice President warned that such governance style only deepens the pain and frustration of citizens, calling on the government to refocus its efforts on protecting lives and improving the well-being of the population.
Source: Former Vice President’s Statement
Aliko Dangote Declares End to Nigeria’s 50-Year Fuel Queue Crisis
Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has declared that Nigeria’s persistent fuel queue problem, which has lasted for over 50 years, has been resolved. Speaking at a conference marking the first anniversary of the refinery’s petrol production, Dangote emphasized that the nation’s longstanding fuel challenges have been effectively addressed.
The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, began producing petrol on September 15, 2024. Since then, it has significantly alleviated fuel shortages, contributing to a more stable and reliable fuel supply across Nigeria.
Dangote acknowledged the numerous challenges faced during the refinery’s development and operation but expressed pride in the project’s success and its positive impact on the country’s energy landscape.
Nigerian Influencer Peller Rejects ₦1 Billion Offer to Relocate to Ghana for Kick Streaming Initiative
Nigerian influencer Peller (Habeeb Hamzat) has turned down a significant offer to relocate to Ghana and help local youth engage in streaming on the platform Kick. The proposal included ₦1 billion and an additional $500,000.
In a heartfelt message shared on his social media, Peller expressed his deep affection for Nigeria and his commitment to supporting its youth. He also humorously mentioned his concern about someone else taking his partner, Jarvis, if he were to be away for an extended period.
This decision follows a similar stance Peller took earlier when he rejected a ₦3 billion offer from Netflix for Jarvis to participate in a kissing scene, emphasizing his dedication to her and their relationship.
Nigerian Businesses Urged to Expand Presence in South Africa
A recent statement has highlighted the imbalance in trade visibility between Nigeria and South Africa. While several South African companies have built a strong presence in Nigeria across industries such as retail, telecommunications, and banking, Nigerian businesses have not achieved the same level of recognition or market share in South Africa.
Analysts believe this gap underscores the need for greater investment, stronger partnerships, and strategic expansion by Nigerian firms into South Africa’s economy. Strengthening Nigerian business visibility in South Africa could not only balance bilateral trade but also open up new opportunities for growth within Africa’s two largest economies.
Observers suggest that increased collaboration between the private sectors of both nations would boost regional integration and position Africa as a stronger force in the global marketplace.
📌 Source: Media Reports
Nigerian Olayinka Babalola Elected President of Rotary International
Nigerian Rotarian Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a veteran member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt, has been elected President of Rotary International for the 2026–2027 term. He will formally assume the role on July 1, 2026.Vanguard News+1Rotary International
Babalola becomes only the second African—and notably, the second Nigerian—to lead this global humanitarian organisation. The first was Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, who served in 2003–2004.Vanguard News+1rotary9212.org
A chair in engineering by training, Babalola spent over 25 years in the oil and gas sector, holding senior roles at Shell PLC, before founding Riviera Technical Services Ltd. and Lead and Change Consulting.Vanguard NewsRotary International
With over 30 years of Rotary service beginning as a Rotaractor in 1988 and joining the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in 1994 Babalola has held key leadership roles including District Governor, Vice President of Rotary International (2019–2020), and Board member (2018–2020).Vanguard NewsRotary Internationalrotary9212.org
He has played central roles in peace-building initiatives across Africa, notably at the Rotary Peace Center at Makerere University, Uganda. In addition, he has contributed significantly to global efforts to eradicate polio—serving on the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign Committee and advising Nigeria’s PolioPlus Committee.Vanguard Newsrotary9212.org
As President, Babalola will oversee 45,000 clubs worldwide and reinforce Rotary’s mission, especially its top priority of ending polio. Rotary and its partners have already reduced polio cases globally by 99.9%, dedicating US$2.9 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 3 billion children.Vanguard News
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Babalola’s election as a powerful inspiration for Nigerians and the youth. In a presidential message, Tinubu commended Babalola’s impactful philanthropic initiatives and expressed “support and encouragement” for his future leadership of humanitarian projects and global partnerships.encomium.ngLeadership News
Court Orders DNA Test to Confirm Paternity of Late Mohbad’s Son
The Magistrate Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has ordered two Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) tests to determine the paternity of Liam Aloba, the son of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. (channelstv.com)
The ruling followed an application by Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, seeking to confirm whether Liam is his late son’s biological child. The application was filed under the Family Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) 2012 and the Magistrate Courts (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009. Omowunmi Cynthia Aloba, Mohbad’s widow, is listed as the respondent. (saharareporters.com)
The court directed that the DNA tests be conducted in accredited medical facilities, both in Nigeria and abroad. The Chief Medical Officer or Pathologist at the Military Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, where Mohbad’s remains are kept, is authorized to extract tissue or hair samples for testing. Both parties or their representatives are required to be present during sample collection. (legit.ng)
The court’s decision comes amid public interest in Mohbad’s death and the paternity of his son. Legal experts note that the DNA results could have implications for inheritance and family claims. (punchng.com) (vanguardngr.com)
D5 Creation