Ridoola's blog

Dino Melaye, a former Kogi West Senator, has bid farewell to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Melaye's decision to exit the opposition party was conveyed to the PDP ward chairman in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA of Kogi state, in a letter dated July 4, 2025. The former Kogi governorship candidate attributed his resignation to PDP's alleged lack of “capacity and potency ” to rescue Nigerians from what he called misgovernance of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the letter, which he posted on his X account on Thursday with the caption 'Odabo,' the politician said he could no longer, in good conscience, participate in PDP's activities or support its agenda. ALSO READ: 2027 Presidency: Datti is as qualified for our ticket as Obi - LP secretary “I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels of involvement,” the letter read. “This decision has become imperative due to the party’s lac...

There’s fresh drama in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Nafi’u Bala, a former governorship candidate in Gombe State, has declared himself the national chairman of the party. Bala, who also once served as the party’s national deputy chairman, made the declaration at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday night. He’s accusing the David Mark-led faction of hijacking the party and violating its constitution. His statement comes just weeks after several political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir el-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, and others, adopted the ADC as the official coalition platform ahead of the 2027 elections. READ ALSO: ADC claims Tinubu gov’t offered 3 ministerial slots bribe; Presidency responds However, not everyone is on board with the new arrangement, as Bala called the move a “shoddily rehearsed political melodrama” orchestrated by outsiders trying to take control of the party without following due process....

These low-cost businesses leverage digital platforms, shared resources, and simple value propositions to reach customers quickly and keep overheads low. From home-based services to micro manufacturing ideas, entrepreneurs can launch operations with little more than creativity, basic equipment, and a willingness to learn. Whether you seek part-time income or a scalable side project, these five business concepts are proving popular in 2025, and show how even modest investments can grow into profitable enterprises. RECOMMENDED: 7 cheapest states in Nigeria to live and run a small business 1. Urban micro gardening Growing herbs, salad greens, and edible flowers in small containers using nutrient film techniques lets urban dwellers supply restaurants and health-conscious consumers with fresh produce. Initial expenses cover seeds, trays, and LED grow lights. Once established, micro gardens can yield weekly harvests, with sellers charging premium prices for pesticide-free greens. 2....

Abia State Governor Alex Otti's endorsement for a second term has been strongly opposed ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election. A group of young professionals from the Old Bende bloc in Abia State issued a scathing statement on Wednesday, July 30, describing the endorsement made by Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh , the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, as “null and void.” Signed by its President, Barr. Chima Charles Ogbonnaya, and Secretary, Hon. Chief Dike Chidozie Okwara (Dike Ohafia) , the statement accused Ikwechegh of exceeding his political boundaries. “What happened in Hon. Ikwechegh’s sitting room is a parody of the absurd. If it were in the military, all those who attended that circus show should have been court-martialled,” the group declared. They said no meeting of Old Bende stakeholders was convened to discuss the 2027 election, let alone endorse a candidate. The group emphasised that Abia North in Old Bende should produce the next governor,...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to bribe its leadership with three ministerial appointments in a bid to weaken the growing opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The allegation was made by the party’s founding chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, during the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja. Nwosu claimed he was personally offered one ministerial position, along with two additional slots for individuals of his choosing, an offer he said he rejected to protect the integrity of the opposition movement. “They offered me ministerial slots—one for myself and two for people of my choice—but it was all aimed at killing the coalition,” Nwosu said. “When that failed, they resorted to kidnappings and intimidation. Yet, we stood firm for Nigeria.” READ ALSO: Serving governors are yet to join us because they're scared of Tinubu - ADC He alleged th...

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has been accused of gross incompetence over prevailing security challenges in the country, especially in the northern region. The Arewa Action Group (AAG), a civil advocacy coalition based in Kaduna, levelled the allegation in a statement signed by its president, Comrade Ibrahim Adamu Bature, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. In a damning assessment, the group expressed deep frustration over what it described as Badaru ’s “ utter cluelessness, lack of coordination, and commercial mindset” in handling one of the most sensitive roles in the nation’s security architecture. “For all practical purposes, the office of the Minister of Defence is vacant. Mr. Badaru has not shown any intellectual capacity, strategic seriousness, or political coordination required to confront the scale of insecurity Nigeria is currently facing. His continued stay in office is a grave disservice to the country and especially to northern communities being slaughtered...

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A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yekini Nabena, has lashed out at former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over comments perceived to incite northern resentment against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Pulse Nigeria reports that Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), recently criticised the federal government's handling of national infrastructure , alleging the South had been favoured over the North. He claimed northern roads remain in poor condition, while southern states enjoy concentrated federal investments. Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Nabena accused Kwankwaso of stoking regional tensions to derail the South's rightful opportunity to complete eight years in power. "No ethnic, religious, or regional sentiment played up by Kwankwaso can hold water," Nabena said. "Eight years of a Southerner in the seat of power is sacrosanct." T...

Award Winning Coach, Human Behaviour Consultant, and founder of The Discovery Centre, Mfon Ekpo , has been honoured with the University of Southampton’s Outstanding Contribution Alumni Award, the first of its kind in the institution’s 163-year history. This honour marks a full-circle moment for the Nigerian-born changemaker, who once wrote a heartfelt application to the university to take a chance on her. Two decades later, Mfon Ekpo returned to the very institution that gave her that chance, this time, to receive its highest alumni honour, deliver the commencement speech and inspire the next generation of leaders. I was told I had to play the hand I was dealt in life,” she said in her powerful speech, recalling a doctor’s blunt verdict at birth that she would be mentally retarded. “Until one day I realised I didn’t have to. I could throw those cards back unto life’s table and demand a new hand. The auditorium erupted in thunderous applause as Ms Ekpo invited the graduates, thei...

President Bola Tinubu has rewarded members of the Super Falcons with ₦150 million, three-bedroom apartments each, and national honours following their victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The President hosted the players and the technical crew at the State House on Monday, days after the Falcons defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final to clinch Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title. While presenting the team with their rewards, Tinubu praised their resilience, courage, and determination, describing the victory as “historic” and “inspirational.” READ ALSO: You feed hungry Nigerians with lies - Peter Obi slams Tinubu; accuses him of misrepresenting economic data “On behalf of the grateful nation, I hereby confer on the players and the 11-man technical team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON),” the President said. “I hereby allocate a three-bedroom apartment to each of the players and technical crew. In addition, there’s a c...

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s economy, accusing his administration of manipulating economic data to conceal the country’s worsening conditions. In a statement posted on Monday via his official X handle, Obi recalled a campaign remark made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election rally in Delta State. At the time, Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer, had reportedly mocked Obi’s consistent reliance on data and statistical analysis during debates and town halls. “In November 2022, while campaigning in Delta State, the then APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, now the President, berated the other presidential candidate — he was ashamed to call his name — saying, ‘Na statistics we go chop? All I want is to put food on the table of Nigerians,’” Obi recounted. “Now, two years into his 4-year tenure, Nigeria is classified as one of the hungriest nations in the world...

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, has delivered a scathing rebuke of illicit financial flows from Nigeria, warning that the quiet siphoning of national wealth through tax avoidance and trade manipulation is undermining the country’s development and crippling vital public services. Speaking at the National Conference on Illicit Financial Flows in Abuja, Dr Adedeji declared: “No government can meet the needs of its people if it allows its revenue to be quietly extracted and transferred elsewhere.” The conference, which drew key players from across government agencies and international institutions, focused on the growing concern of illicit funds leaving Nigeria through complex financial arrangements, often appearing legitimate but robbing the country of revenue. Tax Avoidance Is Killing Infrastructure Dr Adedeji pointed to a range of tactics used to shift profits abroad and manipulate Nigeria’s tax laws. “We are being drained by m...

The Sokoto State Students Forum (SSSF) has added its voice to mounting calls for the immediate sack of Engr. Ahmed Farouk, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), over what it described as an “unforgivable abuse of public trust”. In a statement issued in Sokoto on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and signed by the group’s president, Abdullahi Al-Majeed , the forum accused the NMDPRA boss of “mocking the suffering of Nigerian students” by allegedly diverting public funds to finance the elite foreign education of his children while millions of children, especially in the north, remain out of school. “The allegations levelled against Engr. Farouk Ahmed are deeply troubling to all well-meaning Nigerians, but especially to students and young people who are already disillusioned by the scale of systemic corruption, ” Al-Majeed said. “We have studied the evidence submitted by credible civil society organisations. These include sch...

Veteran singer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has publicly criticised the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) for renaming the iconic “Charly Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” as part of a new street rebranding effort. The change was announced on Friday by Kolade David , Chairman of the Bariga LCDA, who stated that the renaming was to honour notable Nigerian entertainers and public figures, including Olamide ‘ Baddo ’, 9ice , Tony Tetuila , Bukayo Saka , and King Sunny Ade . But the removal of Charly Boy’s name from the bus stop has sparked sharp criticism from the 75-year-old activist, who described the move as an attempt at legacy erasure. Taking to the social media platform X , Charly Boy accused the authorities of being uncomfortable with his long-standing activism and fearless outspokenness. ALSO READ: Afrobeats Throwback: Inside Olamide Baddo's 2015 run of hits “You can rename a place, but you can’t rename a legacy, ” he wrote. “ Yo...

Voice of Nigeria (VON) is facing backlash online after it falsely reported that Nigeria lost to Morocco in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). In reality, the Super Falcons pulled off a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Morocco on Saturday, July 27, 2025, clinching their record-extending 10th WAFCON title. But in a report published on its website, the state-owned platform claimed Morocco won the match 2-0, sparking outrage on social media. Users on X didn’t hold back, calling the report “ shameful ,” “ unprofessional ,” and “ unpatriotic ,” with many demanding a retraction and apology from the media outlet. The false report sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing disappointment and outrage. ALSO READ: WAFCON: My regards to Rasheedat - Tinubu praises Falcons in video call with players Some users questioned whether the report was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI), accusing the platform of relying on unchecked ...

The coalition party, the African Democratic Congress ADC, has claimed that serving governors are yet to join them because of the intimidation they would face from the President Bola Tinubu government. The party stated this in response to criticism that it doesn't have governors in its fold. The ADC argued that the absence of serving governors on its card doesn't make it less formidable, reiterating his determination to send the Tinubu administration packing in 2027. Acting Spokesman of the ADC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi , made this known after a meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North) in Abuja, a bloc within the APC, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The opposition party said Nigerians are displeased with the current administration and it's ready to give the ruling party a run for its money in the upcoming elections. ALSO READ: I will ensure I stop Tinubu's second-term bid - Amaechi vows Abdullahi declared the ADC's readiness to match the APC in a...

President Bola Tinubu has showered praise on the players and officials of the Super Falcons following their heroic exploits in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to clinch a historic tenth title. The Nigerian senior women's football team achieved a record-extending feat in Rabat on Saturday, July 26, 2025, staging an extraordinary comeback from a two-goal deficit in the first half to defeat the hosts, Morocco, 3-2. Speaking with the squad via a video call after the victory, President Tinubu congratulated the players, coaches, and the team's management for making the country proud. He noted that the team's achievement lifted the nation's spirits, as Nigerians are grateful and proud of their exploits, pledging that they will be celebrated upon their return to the country. ALSO READ: Tinubu has captured the South, he needs little votes from the North in 2027 - Fayose Tinubu also sent special regards to the captain of the team and Atletico M...

An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Ghali Isma’il, a social media influencer, at the Keffi Correctional Centre over the alleged spreading of false information about President Bola Tinubu’s health. The 29-year-old Isma’il was arraigned on Friday, July 25, 2025, on a two-count charge bordering on the publication of false news and inciting disaffection against the government. The Department of State Services (DSS) operatives arrested the social media influencer after posting videos on his verified TikTok account (@bola_asiwaju) falsely claiming that Tinubu had died from poisoning. ALSO READ: Donald Duke, Ibori present as Tinubu hosts class of 1999 governors in Aso Villa “That you, Ghali Ismail, Male, twenty-nine (29) years of Jogana village, Gezawa LGA, Kano State, on or about the 20th Day of July, 2025 and within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did publish false information by uploading a video clip on your verified Tiktok handle (‘bola-asiwaju’) wher...

Accomplished businessman and majority shareholder and founder of Dangote Cement, Aliko Dangote, has resigned his position as the Chairman of the cement manufacturer. Dangote's resignation was announced in a statement issued by Anthony Chiejina , the Dangote Group's Chief Branding and Communications Officer, on Friday, July 25, 2025. Chiejina said the richest black man relinquished the position to focus on Dangote Petroleum Refinery, petrochemical and fertiliser plant, as well as government relations. At the same time, Emmanuel Ikazoboh , an independent non-executive director, has been appointed as the new chairman. ALSO READ: "Call Me Chairman, Not President" — Aliko Dangote playfully checks MC during event with Tinubu The spokesperson also announced the appointment of Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote to the board, while Dorothy Ufot , an independent non-executive director, retired from the board. “Foremost entrepreneur and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko D...

Chuma Nzeribe, the Labour Party candidate in the Anambra South senatorial bye-election, has said the support of Peter Obi will make the difference in the contest. Nzeribe was quoted in a statement issued by Obiora Ifoh , spokesperson of the Julius Abure-led faction, on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Labour Party candidate noted that with Obi and the party's governorship candidate in the forthcoming Anambra election, George Moghalu , on his side, his confidence level has gone up a notch ahead of the August election. “I am indeed lucky because of the support from His Excellency, Peter Obi, and Chief George Moghalu, ” he said. ALSO READ: Peter Obi's 2027 Conundrum: ADC, Labour Party, or PDP? Nzeribe stressed that the duo's involvement will “ go a long way in ensuring victory” for the party. “We are expected to win and we are working hard, mobilising the party structures,” he added. The senatorial candidate, a former member of the House of Representatives, expressed his ...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of prioritising political interference over addressing Nigeria’s deepening economic and security crises. In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku condemned Tinubu’s alleged ridicule of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the APC’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The former Vice President claimed the Tinubu-led government was actively using public resources and state institutions to weaken opposition parties and steer Nigeria towards a one-party system. “President Tinubu should first resolve the visible rift between himself and Vice President Kashim Shettima and fix Nigeria’s broken economy before meddling in the affairs of the ADC,” the statement said. Presidency Behind Opposition Rift, But Plot Has Failed – Atiku Camp Claims Atiku also accused the presidency of orchestrating division betwee...

The Ogun State Government has come to the aid of a 19-year-old mother, Temilola Adediran, who was left stranded after giving birth to triplets at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Lantoro, Abeokuta. Temilola, reportedly preparing for her Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) when she became pregnant, gave birth to the triplets naturally. However, the father of the babies fled the hospital after learning of the multiple births, leaving the young mother in distress. Responding to public calls for assistance, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye , led a delegation to the hospital on Thursday, July 24. She disclosed that the visit was directed by Governor Dapo Abiodun , who she said remains committed to child welfare in the state. “We are here this morning because we heard that a woman delivered triplets, and the husband has absconded. “The governor is committed to their welfare, and when we heard this, we just had to be ...

The Emir of Gusau in Zamfara State, Dr Ibrahim Bello, has died at the age of 71 following a prolonged illness. His death occurred on Friday, July 25, in Abuja, marking the end of a royal reign that began in March 2015. Dr Bello, the 16th Emir of Gusau, ascended the throne after the passing of his father. Prior to his traditional appointment, he was a distinguished civil servant who rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary in the then Sokoto and later Zamfara State civil service. Confirming the monarch’s death, Sulaiman Idris, spokesperson for Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, said the entire state had lost a revered leader. In a heartfelt statement, Governor Lawal described the passing of the Emir as a personal tragedy and a significant blow to Zamfara. “I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of our father, His Royal Highness, Dr Ibrahim Bello. “His Highness’s passing is a huge loss for the people of Zamfara State, as well as for the North and Nigeria as a whol...

The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow an additional $347 million under the 2025–2026 borrowing plan, aimed at financing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and a major telecommunications expansion initiative. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presented the President’s letter on the floor during Wednesday’s plenary, with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu granting final approval after presiding over the session. In the letter, Tinubu explained that the $47 million increase for the  Lagos-Calabar project  was necessitated by a shortfall in the $700 million financing initially committed by lenders. “It is, therefore, necessary to increase the value of the financing for the project by $47 million to ensure it aligns with the loan size agreed in the finance documents,” the President stated. The remaining $300 million will be allocated towards the Nigerian Universal Communications Access Project, which aims to deploy 7,000 telecom towers in rem...

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 presidential election, the political landscape is buzzing with speculation surrounding Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) 2023 presidential candidate.  Obi faces a critical decision: whether to align with an emerging coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner, remain steadfast in the Labour Party, or potentially return to his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  This dilemma is not merely a personal one; it holds significant implications for the opposition's chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Peter Obi has publicly declared his intention to run for president in 2027, even promising to serve just a single four-year term if elected, an offer he has reportedly made to the emerging opposition coalition. His announcement has stirred considerable interest, and political analysts and politicians alike are weighing in on the viability of his options. The Allure of the ADC Coalition The...

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has declared that Peter Obi is at liberty to contest the 2027 presidential election on the LP platform, regardless of whether he returns as his running mate or not. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed reiterated his respect for Obi and reaffirmed his commitment to the broader coalition shaping up ahead of the next general elections. “There are two key individuals that I have tremendous respect for; one is Peter Obi. I welcome him openly,” he said. “The Labour Party welcomes him to still come and retain the Labour Party ticket and contest in 2027 with or without me.” READ MORE: Datti Baba-Ahmed considers 2027 presidential ambition—on one condition Baba-Ahmed also supported the idea of the presidency shifting to the South in 2027, aligning himself with the principle of equity and national inclusion. “I am of the opinion that the South should...

Nigeria’s Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow more than $21 billion (£17 billion) from foreign sources to bridge shortfalls in the 2025–2026 federal budget, clearing a major hurdle for the implementation of the Appropriation Act. The approved package – formally presented to the National Assembly on 27 May but delayed due to recess and documentation issues – comprises $21.19 billion in foreign loans, €4 billion (£3.4 billion), ¥15 billion, a $65 million grant, and up to $2 billion in foreign‑currency domestic bonds . Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, said the initial submission was slowed by the legislative break and late documentation from the Debt Management Office. READ ALSO: 2027: Gov Adeleke, Osun PDP caucus endorses Tinubu's re-election His counterpart, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, added: “The borrowing is already embedded in the 2025 Appropriation Act. With this approval, we now have all revenue sou...