Ridoola's blog

As Nigeria grapples with a fresh wave of violence in Benue and other states, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has commissioned a state-of-the-art Smart Divisional Police Headquarters in Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State — a move aimed at revolutionizing law enforcement through technology. The facility, unveiled on Tuesday, June 17, is part of the NPTF’s nationwide effort to enhance policing infrastructure. Equipped with CCTV-enabled perimeter surveillance, solar-powered inverters, fire safety systems, a borehole, and landscaped surroundings, the new station symbolises a shift towards tech-driven policing. At the commissioning ceremony, NPTF Executive Secretary Mohammed F. Sheidu emphasised the urgency of transforming Nigeria’s policing framework in light of recent tragedies. “We extend our deepest condolences to families affected by the heinous attacks in Benue State. These incidents remind us of the critical need for a responsive, well-equipped police force. ...

The Niger State Government has confirmed that over 700 persons remain unaccounted for following the devastating flood that swept through Mokwa town, leaving 207 confirmed dead and thousands displaced. Speaking in Minna on Tuesday, June 17, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Umaru Bago , described the disaster as a “national tragedy,” disclosing that more than 3,000 households were affected while over 400 houses were damaged, including the complete destruction of 283 homes and 50 shops. “This is more than just a local incident. It is a national disaster. We are working with professional bodies to investigate the root cause of the flooding. Assessment reports are still being awaited,” Governor Bago said. Garba made the remarks while receiving a condolence delegation led by Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha . Al-Mustapha expressed sympathy on behalf of a group of Nigerians from across the country and stated tha...

The Lagos State Police Command has disclosed that a stun gun was recovered from Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church, following his voluntary appearance for interrogation over a viral road incident. Adefarasin had been at the center of public scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him wielding what looked like a firearm during a confrontation with another road user in Lagos. The incident quickly spread online, prompting demands for clarity from law enforcement and the public. Responding to the controversy, Adefarasin presented himself at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, June 17. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin , the cleric was interrogated by detectives and released on bail pending further investigation. “Pastor Paul Adefarasin, who turned himself in today at the Lagos State Police Command over a viral video where he was seen holding a gun-like object against another road user, was interrogat...

Mustapha Salihu, the National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed reports suggesting a fallout between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing the speculation as the handiwork of "conflict entrepreneurs." In recent weeks, growing speculation has pointed to a possible rift between Nigeria’s two top leaders, with claims that Vice President Shettima has been sidelined in key decision-making processes and political endorsements ahead of the 2027 election. One of the main concerns raised by observers is President Tinubu’s alleged failure to formally transfer power to Shettima during his prolonged travels abroad —a move that has traditionally signaled trust and collaboration between both offices. Further fuelling the speculation is Shettima’s conspicuous absence or low mention during high-profile events where Tinubu has received endorsements for a second term in office. This has sparked suggestions that ...

Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia has provided a chilling update on the recent massacre in Yelewata, revealing that the attackers gained entry into the community through a river route and launched a coordinated strike lasting two hours. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, June 17, Alia said the attackers, believed to be armed herdsmen, used the river to circumvent military and police checkpoints positioned around the area. “Yes, it lasted for two hours. Right at Yelewata itself, there is a military checkpoint, and then the police as well. "But here is how it happened: The river is not far from this axis, so we understand that they used the river’s route,” the governor said. Over 200 people were reportedly killed in the June 15 attack on Yelewata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states. Pope Leo leads prayer for Benue The tragedy has sparked nationwide outrage and global concern, including a call from Pope Leo urging an end to the violence. P...

In the early hours of June 13, 2025, horror returned to Benue State as suspected armed herdsmen launched coordinated attacks on Daudu and Yelewata communities in Guma Local Government Area. Residents say the scale and savagery of the violence surpassed anything in recent memory. Homes were set ablaze with people trapped inside. Entire families were butchered, children, the elderly, and even military personnel deployed to safeguard the area were not spared. While official figures from the Benue State Government confirmed 59 deaths, local reports—including from witnesses and humanitarian responders—claim that the actual death toll may exceed 200. This included many who had already been displaced by earlier waves of conflict and had sought refuge in makeshift shelters. “They were burnt beyond recognition,” said one local rescuer. “We couldn’t tell which body belonged to whom.” The scale of devastation has renewed outrage across Nigeria and reignited calls for President Bola Ahmed T...

Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, has outlined a series of ambitious reforms and initiatives aimed at repositioning the Ministry of Youth Development and empowering Nigerian youth.  In an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria 's senior correspondent, Segun Adeyemi , Minister Olawande shed light on the challenges and strategic pivots undertaken since his elevation to the ministerial role seven months ago, following a prior stint as Minister of State within the same ministry. The Minister emphasised the distinct focus of the newly separated Ministry of Youth Development, which historically had been overshadowed by sports.  "A lot of people will believe that the Ministry of Youth Development is 'how many people have you created a job for?' But again, the Ministry of Youth Development cannot create jobs; it's not Labour," Olawande clarified, stressing that the ministry's role is to foster an environment for youth to thrive.  Hi...

Former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, Chief Jimi Agbaje, has called on Nigerian men to lead with integrity, emotional connection, and purpose, stating that leadership and fatherhood must transcend mere provision to embody values that shape generations. Agbaje gave the charge while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Living Impact Christian Centre (LICC) Men’s Conference, themed “L.E.A.D” – Love, Excellence, Accountability, and Discipleship. Held on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, the event gathered hundreds of men at the church’s Lagos headquarters for a day of spiritual reflection, empowerment, and vision-casting. “Leadership is not reserved for the highly educated but for those with integrity and vision,” Agbaje declared, urging fathers to be emotionally available and actively engaged in their families. “If your child only approaches you when they need something, then it’s time to reflect and make a change,” he added. Aligning his speech with the conference’s theme, ...

A joyful day turned tragic on Saturday morning when a senior police officer, Superintendent Mustapha Garba Gumau, lost his life in a car crash, less than an hour before he was to wed. The heartbreaking incident happened around 9 am along the Gumau-Magama Gumau road in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The intending groom was on his way to his wedding venue when the car conveying him and three friends collided head-on with another vehicle. Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil , said the officer and two others were confirmed dead at Toro General Hospital. ALSO READ: Tragedy in Borno as stampede during cash disbursement claims 3 lives, injures 21 “The Command is in mourning,” Wakil said. “SP Mustapha Garba was on his way to attend his own wedding when the unfortunate incident occurred.” According to police reports, the officer was travelling in a Mercedes-Benz with his friends when they lost control at Bar...

President Bola Tinubu’s June 12 Democracy Day honours have stirred controversy after several key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle were left out, most notably the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin. In his national address, Tinubu paid tribute to select individuals who, he said, “ stood tall when it was risky to do so ” and contributed to ending military dictatorship. But the move has been criticised for what many see as glaring omissions. Ajasin Family Decries Omission The family of Chief Ajasin, a founding leader of pro democracy group National Democratic Coalition, NADECO and sociopolitical group, Afenifere, expressed deep disappointment over his exclusion. ALSO READ: Shaibu to Onanuga: 'You deserve a badge of betrayal, not a national honour' In a statement, his son, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, described the omission as “ unconscionable ,” stressing that his father was a central figure in the pro-democracy movement and a key architect of Nigeria’s return to civili...

United States President Donald Trump is reportedly considering expanding his controversial travel ban to include Nigeria and over 30 other countries, most of them from Africa. According to a report by The Washington Post , the potential ban is part of an internal memo signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio . The memo lists 36 countries that could face new travel restrictions or visa limitations unless they comply with updated requirements from the U.S. State Department. African nations featured heavily on the list, including Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. Others named are Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. ALSO READ: Nigerian students face fresh U.S. visa delays as Trump orders embassy to stop issuing F1 visas The list also includes several Caribbean and Asian...

The Presidency has denied reports that President Bola Tinubu conferred national honours on controversial human rights activist Aisha Yesufu and 35 others, as claimed in a list circulating online. The list, which has stoked controversy online, surfaced on social media on Friday, June 13, 2025. The document listed 102 honorees, showing a clear daylight between 66 awardees announced by Tinubu during his Democracy Day address at the joint sitting of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday. The development triggered hot debates, especially among supporters of the President , who frowned at the inclusion of Yesufu, a staunch critic of the government. ALSO READ: 8 National Honours in Nigeria and what they stand for Presidency says Aisha Yesufu's national honour is fake news However, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi , described the circulating document as “fake news.” In a reaction post on his Facebook page, Ajayi said, “ The s...

The Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area ( LCDA ), Musibau Asafa, has succumbed to death after a protracted battle with an undisclosed illness. Asafa's passing was formally announced in a statement shared via Facebook by his Chief Press Secretary, Bodunrin Ayodele , on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Meanwhile, Ayodele said the family confirmed that the respected politician died during a prolonged illness, but didn't disclose when the incident occurred. The chairman's death has thrown the LCDA into mourning, and his family, friends, and colleagues are in shock and grief. ALSO READ: Party mourns as Lagos APC chieftain dies in Mecca “Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area is in mourning following the passing of its Executive Chairman, Prince Musibau Adekunle Asafa, " the statement partly read. “Prince Asafa, a respected politician, leader and dedicated public servant, succumbed to a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of service and co...

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to a social media post suggesting he is planning a comeback in the 2027 presidential election. The post was shared by an Instagram account, which appeared to have cloned Jonathan's social media profile, and took a swipe at Nigeria's current leaders, who were “pretending to sleep.” It urged the citizens to make a better choice when choosing a new leadership in 2027, warning that the country's future survival depends on that. “Since our current leaders are pretending to sleep, we pray that we will get our good leadership back in 2027; your choice will determine the betterment of our future,” the post read. ALSO READ: 'I am wiser now' — Bello El-Rufai apologises to Goodluck Jonathan for past criticism Jonathan disowns the social media message The message, suspected to be AI-generated, was accompanied by music and an image of the former President shaking hands with Donald Trump , the United States President. As of...

Jamiu Abiola, son of the late Chief MKO Abiola and Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, has said Nigeria took far too long to acknowledge the ultimate price his parents paid for the country’s democracy. Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Jamiu recounted the pain of losing both parents in the 1990s and the silence that followed their deaths, saying it compounded his grief. “For a long time, it felt as though history was being written without my father’s name. It wasn’t just painful as a son, it was painful as a Nigerian. Because the truth was being left out,” he said. Chief MKO Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election — considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest — but was arrested after declaring himself president and died in military custody in 1998. His wife, Kudirat Abiola , a vocal pro-democracy advocate, was assassinated in Lagos in 1996. Jamiu credited former President Muhammadu Buhari for taking the first official step toward correcting the historical omis...

Jamiu Abiola, son of the late democracy hero, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, has affirmed that Nigeria would have made significant economic progress had his father been allowed to become President in 1993. The late business mogul was the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 , presidential election annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, then-military ruler. Abiola's campaign centred on poverty alleviation, wealth creation, and radical economic reforms. However, those dreams were shattered following the annulment and his subsequent death in detention in 1998. 32 years on since the election, all the challenges Abiola promised to tackled still exist even on a larger scale. ALSO READ: June 12: How Abiola's legacy birthed Nigeria's Democracy Day Speaking at a Channels Television ’s June 12 Special Forum to celebrate Nigeria’s 26 years of unbroken democratic rule, Jamiu said Nigeria missed a chance by not having his father as president. “Nigeria would have be...

Not patting yourself on the back is fast becoming an outdated tradition in Nigerian politics. Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had no fewer than seven major national landmarks named after him, despite being only two years into his presidency. From airports to army barracks, to tertiary institutions, the trend of christening federal structures after the sitting president has become a recurring motif under his administration. Here are seven prominent public institutions now bearing Tinubu’s name: 1. Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna Originally renamed in 2023 after Abubakar Imam, a revered writer and journalist from Niger State, the Minna airport underwent another rebranding in March 2024. Governor Umar Bago said the gesture was in appreciation of the president’s support for the state. 2. Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Abuja On May 28, 2024, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike named the completed Abuja Southern Parkway after the president. The road links...

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has sparked conversation after claiming that Nigeria is currently being led by “two Presidents," pointing to the growing power and influence of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Speaking during an interview on Channels TV on Wednesday, Momodu criticised what he described as the freedom granted to Wike by the presidency, saying the minister has been "empowered to do anything he so desires." "Right now, it looks like we have two Presidents in Nigeria," Momodu said. "Wike can do anything. Yesterday, I listened to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Commander-in-Chief, calling fellow Nigerians 'busybodies'. You interpreted it as naysayers. Naysayers is still far better than busybodies. You are calling Nigerians busybodies? Bystanders? Who is a bystander in his own country? All this… because of one man — Wike." The media mogul continued by reacting to a recent event in w...

Olabode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged President Bola Tinubu to show mercy on suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and reinstate him to office in the spirit of the June 12 anniversary. George made the appeal on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in an open letter to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, won by the late Chief MKO Abiola. This comes a few days after the President reportedly made peace with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following a period of political tension between the duo. Tinubu made the comment during a closed-door meeting with members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos last Saturday. The GAC members had met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader to plead for Sanwo-Olu and others who had reportedly stepped out of line. George asks Tinubu to extend Sanwo-Olu's olive branch to Fubara Recall that the Rivers State Governor w...

Former Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Segun Sowunmi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to begin planning for succession, highlighting the need to ensure leadership continuity in Nigeria. Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday evening, Sowunmi revealed that he met with President Tinubu at his Lagos residence on Monday. According to him, the discussion was strictly about the future of governance and did not involve any offers of appointment. “I did not discuss the possibility of any appointment with President Tinubu; he did not offer me any appointment. “That’s not the kind of conversation I should be having with the President. The type of conversation between me and the President, both before he became president and now that he is president, has always been focused on governance ,” Sowunmi clarified. Detailing the exchange, Sowunmi said he urged Tinubu to consider the importance of succession planning. “For instance, I said to him:...

Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been given a stark new condition to avoid impeachment: reconcile with the state’s lawmakers. This warning came from Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tony Okocha , amid swirling speculation that Fubara could return to office as early as Thursday, June 12. “There is no reconciliation effort currently underway in Rivers. The suspended Governor, Fubara, has not made any move to reconcile with the lawmakers. Only genuine reconciliation can save him from impeachment, as the Supreme Court judgment stands,” Okocha declared during a press conference in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March , suspending Fubara and dissolving the State House of Assembly. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the administrator for a six-month period. Despite reports of Fubara’s visit to President Tinubu and speculation that he might defect to the APC, Okoc...

On May 31, Lagos buzzed with excitement as Mastercard gave football fans, culture lovers, and corporate leaders a night to remember, hosting an unforgettable live viewing of the UEFA Champions League Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the Pals Mall in Lekki.  From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was more than just a match screening. Mastercard transformed the night into a full-blown celebration blending football, music, culture, and innovation into one truly Priceless experience. Whether you came for the football, the vibes, or both, you left with memories that will last long after the final whistle. As a proud sponsor for over 30 years, Mastercard has built a legacy of bringing fans closer to the game through unique, immersive experiences. The Lagos event was part of Mastercard’s 2025 Africa Football Passion campaign, a continent-wide initiative that celebrates Africa's love for football while creating meaningful connections between brands, fans, p...

Nigeria is gearing up to host a landmark event that could reshape its infrastructure landscape. The Nigeria Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Summit 2025, organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), will convene top government officials, global investors, and private sector leaders in Abuja from June 17 to 18. With the theme “Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the two-day event aims to chart a transformative path by leveraging private capital and expertise. Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh , Director General of the ICRC, emphasised the summit’s hands-on approach. “What makes this Summit different is that it is not just about speeches. We are converging to dismantle bottlenecks, unlock capital, and create impact that Nigerians can see and touch—from power lines to rail tracks, from hospital corridors to broadband cables, transportation, agriculture, education, and tourism,” he said. ...

The Niger State government has kickstarted the reconstruction of critical infrastructure destroyed by recent flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area, where over 150 lives were lost and countless homes submerged. Governor Umaru Bago , who visited the affected communities, announced that contracts have been awarded for the rebuilding of key bridges and roads linking Mokwa’s various settlements. The ambitious project is expected to cost around ₦7 billion. “We have awarded the contracts for the reconstruction of the roads and bridges to reconnect the communities affected by this disaster,” Governor Bago said. He emphasised that immediate action was necessary to restore vital transport links and support the local economy. Beyond infrastructure, the governor also unveiled a comprehensive relief package for flood victims, including a ₦1 billion donation and the delivery of essential food items. “We are sending 10 trucks each of rice, beans, maize, millet, and sorghum to alleviate the su...

Next-Gen Intelligent Charging Technology Now Available with Universal Compatibility and Enhanced Durability  itel, a globally leading smart life brand committed to delivering reliable technology for everyone, today announced the launch of PowerAI™, its proprietary intelligent fast-charging technology, now integrated across its lineup of power banks and chargers. In a landmark achievement, the CableFlow 3A Pro L63N has also received Apple’s MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) certification – placing it among the top 5% of charging products worldwide to earn this distinction. These cutting-edge innovations mark a significant step forward in itel’s mission to enhance user experiences through advanced technology and premium design. Smarter, Faster, Safer Charging with PowerAI™ itel’s PowerAI™ technology introduces adaptive fast charging that dynamically optimizes power output in real time, eliminating issues such as sudden shutdowns and connection errors. This intelligent power distribution...

Senator Ali Ndume says he did not support the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, warning that such political gestures mean little to ordinary Nigerians. Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, made the comments during an appearance on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme. In May, 22 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. But Ndume says he’s not convinced — and he’s not jumping on that bandwagon. READ ALSO: 2027: You should be worried if Buhari isn’t on your side - Ndume warns Tinubu “I was there, but that was not why I was there,” he said, referring to the Presidential Villa event. “I was there for a summit. When I realised it was not a summit and they were doing a voice vote for endorsement, I just left.” Ndume, a known critic of the President, said the endorsement reminded him of a similar situation in 2015, when 22 PDP gove...

The North West Youth Network (NWYN) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), describing it as a reward for competence and a milestone for youth inclusion in governance. In a statement issued on Sunday, the group said Danfulani’s emergence had renewed confidence among young professionals in the region, affirming Tinubu’s commitment to empowering credible technocrats irrespective of age or political clout. “We applaud President Tinubu for this well-considered appointment. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani is a tested, trusted, and transformative leader. His emergence is a strong signal that this administration is serious about driving economic growth through capable hands,” said Bashir Kawu , Coordinator of the North West Youth Network. Danfulani, a well-regarded agribusiness expert and public finance professional, has officially resumed leadership at NAIC, the feder...

Founder of House on the Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, has addressed a viral video that captured what looked like a tense moment between him and a Lagos-based content creator. The video, which made the rounds on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), shows Adefarasin seated in his Range Rover Autobiography, allegedly holding what many believed was a firearm. The pastor winds down his window to sternly warn a TikToker, known for documenting luxury cars around Lagos, to stop filming him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by YL_Luxurycarguy⚡️✨🚘✈️🚀 (@yl_thecarguy) Visibly shaken, the content creator later posted the footage online, leading to claims that the cleric pointed a gun at him — a move many called an excessive and threatening response to what they saw as an innocent video. Social media users immediately went into detective mode: some zoomed in, claiming it was clearly a gun. Others argued it could have been a taser or another...

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), says the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was never his personal decision but one he took out of necessity to preserve the country’s unity. Gowon made this known on Saturday while receiving the Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Abuja Anglican Diocese. The former military leader, who governed Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, described the civil war — which lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970 — as the most challenging chapter of his life. EXPLORE: 5 facts you should know about Biafra Day “I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life,” he said. “It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together. It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.” Gowon stressed that his decision to prosecute the war was rooted in a sense of duty and the urgent n...