Ridoola's blog

The grandeur of Igbo royalty and tradition took centre stage at the press conference for the Ofala Festival 2025 , held at the Ime Obi Palace, Onitsha. The event formally unveiled the programme of activities, announced key partnerships, and reaffirmed the cultural significance of the Ofala as one of Nigeria’s most prestigious festivals of heritage and identity. The committee confirmed that the 2025 Ofala will run from October 7 to November 2, 2025 , with the main celebrations — Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala — scheduled for October 17 and 18 2025 respectively. In addition to the traditional highlights, the programme features a robust line-up of community and cultural activities including the Owuwaji (new yam feast) , a youth carnival, medical outreach, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops. These additions, the committee emphasized, are designed to broaden the festival’s impact, engaging not just the Onitsha community but national and diaspora audiences. A major highlight of the press ...

In the early hours of September 29th, 2025, Nigerians woke to heartbreaking news that Somtochukwu Maduagwu , an Abuja-based anchor with ARISE TV, had been killed by armed robbers.  29-year-old Somtochukwu's death has sparked shock, anger, sadness, and conversations about the state of insecurity in the country. This tragedy is not just about one life lost; it reveals how unsafe many Nigerians feel in their own homes, neighbourhoods and country at large. From armed robberies to kidnappings and violent attacks, insecurity has become like a fabric woven into Nigeria’s daily conversations. A story that hits home Somtochukwu was not just a journalist; she was also a trained lawyer, a young professional filled with ambition, dreams and a voice that brought stories to thousands of Nigerians through her work on television. She represented the new generation of Nigerians who, despite challenges and obstacles in the system , chose to believe in the possibility of a better and successful...

The Mastercard Foundation says it is on a mission to empower 30 million Africans with dignified and fulfilling work by 2030, with Nigerians set to receive a third of that commitment. At a media roundtable in Lagos on Friday, the Canadian-based non-profit, which shares a name with Mastercard Inc. but runs independently, announced that 10 million Nigerians will benefit from its flagship Young Africa Works initiative. According to Wura Tunde Anjous, Country Head of Communications, the Foundation’s strategy deliberately places young women at the heart of its work. Seventy per cent of its beneficiaries will be women, while men, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are also included. She explained that the Foundation is leveraging education to upscale and transform the competencies of young people, especially young women, not just for the local market but so they can compete globally. The Foundation illustrated this commitment with examples of women breaking barriers acr...

Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day. Power Oil has spent a decade ensuring Nigerians make choices to protect those beats through millions of free health checks, life-saving surgeries, and the annual WalkHearton, which this year registered 10,370 people with 5,250 taking part in the walk itself. This World Heart Day, the brand elevated advocacy to art by owning the Lagos skyline. A spectacular drone banner urged Nigerians to “Let Your Heart Thank You” with an unforgettable symbol of health written across the city’s skies. “Beyond moments of spectacle, Power Oil continues to back its promise with credibility”, said Roland Akpe, Marketing Manager, Oil Portfolio, Tolaram Group. The Certified Healthy seal reassures users as to the standard of quality we bring to Nigerians’ meals, while Be Certified Fit calls and inspires Nigerians to incorporate physical activity as a daily habit. The latter was exemplified by partnering with Kaffy to transform TV studios into Fitness and Dance sess...

At the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, African innovators stepped beyond participation and took centre stage, championing homegrown solutions to global challenges. At a side event convened by eHealth Africa in partnership with Population Services International (PSI), the Population Council, and Reach Digital Health, leaders from across the continent gathered under the theme: “African-led Innovation: Shaping Sustainable Futures With or Without Aid.” The discussion rejected the notion that Africa’s future is dependent on external support, instead showcasing local ingenuity and resilience. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah , opened with a powerful call for ownership. “For decades, aid has shaped health, innovation, and development in Africa—but often without African ownership at the centre,” he said. “This is a new era—an era of designing our own future, where African ideas and creativity lead the way.” Dr Ola Brown , f...

A northern civil society group, the Northern Intelligentsia Network (NIN) , has vowed to file a petition at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague against Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal , over alleged complicity in the wave of killings, kidnappings, and destruction caused by armed bandits in the state. In a statement issued on Friday by its president, Dr Aminu Shehu , the group accused Lawal of “ aiding and abetting crimes against humanity” through his actions and inactions — and warned that his recent public comments had further confirmed their suspicions of culpability. “Governor Dauda Lawal has openly admitted that he knows where the bandits are operating from, yet he has refused to provide this intelligence to security agencies,” Shehu said. “Such deliberate withholding of critical information, at a time when communities are being ravaged, amounts to aiding and abetting. It is not merely negligence — it is complicity.” According to NIN, the governor’s con...

The Fair Employment Rights Activists (FERA) has taken a swipe at the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over what it called “fraudulent and hypocritical” allegations against the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery. PENGASSAN had accused the refinery of sacking more than 800 Nigerian workers and replacing them with about 2,000 undocumented Indian nationals — a claim that has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of the company’s labour practices. However, FERA claims those allegations are unfounded. In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s president, Comrade Ebikeme Adigio , said an independent fact-finding mission found no evidence to support the union’s claims . “Our investigation revealed that expatriates at Dangote Refinery are fully documented, properly accredited, and engaged for specialised roles,” Adigio said. “There is no proof that Nigerian workers were unlawfully replaced. On the contrary, the refinery has directly and...

The National Coalition for Renewed Transformation (NCRT) has hailed Vice President Kashim Shettima for what it described as an “outstanding and historic performance” at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address on behalf of Nigeria. In a statement issued on Saturday by its president, Otunba Leke Adebodun , the coalition stated that Shettima’s performance on the global stage was both a testament to his personal loyalty to President Tinubu and a demonstration of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development. “The Vice President carried the voice of Nigeria with dignity, conviction, and clarity. At a time when global institutions face profound questions of relevance, his delivery of President Tinubu’s message reflected not only loyalty to the president but also loyalty to the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers and the aspirations of millions of citizens,” Adebodun said...

The Port Reforms Advocacy Network (PRAN) has applauded the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for what it described as “transformative leadership” that is repositioning Nigeria’s seaports as engines of trade, investment, and global competitiveness. In a statement on Friday signed by its President, Prince Chijioke Adimora , the group commended Dantsoho for spearheading far-reaching modernisation initiatives — including infrastructure upgrades, operational digitalisation, and sustainability projects — which it described as “game-changing” for trade facilitation and non-oil export growth. Adimora noted that figures presented by Dantsoho at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly highlighted the tangible impact of the reforms , with improved seaport efficiency contributing to a 19.6% growth in non-oil exports in the first half of 2025. “This achievement underscores the importance of competent leadership in strategic institutions like the...

PUBG MOBILE, one of the world’s most popular mobile games, has officially rolled out its Version 4.0 Update, bringing an electrifying mix of spooky fun, performance upgrades, and Africa-first content to the battlefield. The update introduces new game modes, smoother gameplay, and immersive experiences, while also launching initiatives that empower young creators and university students across the continent. At the heart of this update is the eerie Wraithmoor Mansion, where players will encounter ghostly companions, supernatural threats, and take to the skies with the Magic Broom. The update also introduces major enhancements to the World of Wonder (WOW) mode, offering new creator tools, visual programming capabilities, vehicles and items for players to build and explore. Classic Mode receives an overhaul with the addition of the powerful Mortar weapon, improved reloading mechanics, and smoother weapon handling. PUBG MOBILE Version 4.0 also debuts the UNFAIL mode , an all-new gameplay...

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following allegations of acquiring properties in the United States. In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, September 25, Frank urged the President to demonstrate consistency in the fight against corruption by applying the same standard used in suspending former minister Betta Edu. “President Tinubu’s silence in the face of overwhelming evidence of Wike’s US houses in public domain is troubling,” Frank stated. “With detailed reports from credible sources such as People’s Gazette and Sahara Reporters, and glaring evidence ignored by anti-corruption agencies, it sends a dangerous message that some officials are untouchable.” According to media reports, Wike allegedly purchased properties in Florida and registered them under the names of his wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, ...

Modern life depends on uninterrupted systems — satellites powering GPS and internet connections, undersea cables linking continents, and local infrastructure that supports millions of people in cities like Lagos. Yet both natural and environmental phenomena pose persistent threats to these lifelines. From solar flares disrupting communication satellites to devastating floods submerging neighborhoods, the need for accurate prediction and timely response has never been greater. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping in. By analyzing complex datasets, AI can detect patterns invisible to traditional methods, offering a path to protect both global communication networks and vulnerable urban communities. The Challenge of Space Weather Solar flares occur when magnetic energy built up in the sun’s atmosphere is suddenly released. They are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which send billions of tons of charged particles toward Earth. When these reach the p...

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling megacity, is known for its dynamism, rapid growth, and resilience. Yet like many global cities, it faces pressing challenges in climate adaptation, energy management, and infrastructure planning. While these issues unfold daily on Earth, researchers are also tackling parallel problems on a cosmic scale — understanding weather patterns on Mars. At first glance, Lagos and Mars could not be further apart. Yet both present complex data challenges that demand innovative approaches in artificial intelligence (AI). This unusual link defines the work of Emmanuel Adefila , a software engineer and AI specialist with a background in biochemistry and an MSc in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Bradford, UK. Among his projects is one that focused on detecting and forecasting Martian weather patterns using machine learning and time-series models. The experience highlights not only the challenges of analysing limited data from another planet, but also the pote...

Albania was recently in the news in a rather unexpected way. Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced Diella , an AI-powered virtual avatar, as the country’s newest cabinet “minister.” Tasked with overseeing public procurement, a sector notorious for corruption, Diella is the world’s first artificial intelligence to be given a ministerial role. The announcement has garnered international headlines and sparked debates worldwide. While some welcome it as a bold innovation, others argue that it is merely for show and could lead to legal problems in the near future. Who Is Diella? “Diella” means “sun” in Albanian, and the name is fitting for a project designed to shine light on unclear activities in the government. She was first launched in early 2025 as a digital assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping citizens access government services and documents. By September, Rama ’s government decided to elevate her role, handing her the task of supervising billions of euros’ worth of publ...

Lagos, Africa’s largest city and one of the fastest-growing urban centres in the world, stands at the intersection of rapid population growth and limited healthcare capacity. With over 20 million residents, the city’s hospitals face immense pressure to deliver timely and accurate medical services.  A combination of factors — limited specialist doctors, rising incidence of chronic and non-communicable diseases, and uneven distribution of medical infrastructure — makes access to quality healthcare a pressing challenge. Long queues for consultation, late detection of diseases, and delays in diagnostic results are common experiences for patients across Lagos. In this environment, artificial intelligence (AI) offers a powerful opportunity to bridge gaps in capacity and extend the reach of existing healthcare professionals. By automating parts of the diagnostic process and providing data-driven insights, AI can help hospitals in Lagos achieve faster, more accurate, and more affordable...

A civil society coalition, the Concerned Nigerians for Transparency and Justice (CNTJ), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release a public interim report on its probe into the alleged $4 billion fraud tied to the failed rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries under former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. In an open letter to EFCC Chairman, signed by Comrade Obinna Francis and Adamu Musa, the group stressed that six months is sufficient for Nigerians to be briefed on the investigation’s progress and any recoveries made. The coalition warned that continued silence risks eroding public confidence in the anti-graft agency. “We write as a civic coalition deeply invested in promoting accountability and protecting public resources. Corruption, when left unchecked, undermines democracy and impoverishes millions of Nigerians,” the letter stated. CNTJ pointed to public outrage over the refineries’ failure to resume operations despite commissio...

The Northwest Progressive Mandate Frontiers has hailed the Department of State Services (DSS) for inviting former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over the recent political crisis in Kebbi State. Malami disclosed on Facebook that he was summoned by the DSS following a clash involving his convoy and All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Birnin Kebbi. He alleged that the petition against him was orchestrated by “opposition high-profile political elements” in the state. The incident, which occurred on 1 September, saw several vehicles in his convoy destroyed and supporters injured. Police have since launched an investigation into the violence. Pulse Nigeria's earlier report indicates that Malami, now a key figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) , accused APC loyalists of masterminding the attack, while other groups, such as the Coalition for Justice and Equity (CJE), alleged that Malami himself has been using petitions to escalate polit...

Oluwaseyi Ojo is the Head of Human Resources and Administration at Atlantic Exhibition Nigeria Limited. How do you think interior design trends in Africa are evolving compared to the rest of the world? Answer:  Interior design in Africa is undergoing a transformation that goes beyond aesthetics; it is becoming a means of storytelling and cultural expression. While global trends often emphasise uniform minimalism or industrial finishes, what we see across Africa is a celebration of identity, history, and creativity. Designers are drawing from centuries-old craftsmanship, vibrant textures, and natural materials, then merging them with contemporary design principles to create something distinct. This shift is important because it not only honors local traditions but also positions African interiors as innovators rather than followers of global trends. Our design language is moving from being perceived as “exotic” to being recognized as authentic, modern, and trendsetting on the glo...

A coalition of civic groups under the banner of the Coalition for Accountability in Public Resources (CAPR) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to go beyond “symbolic gestures” and recover every dollar of the $7.2 billion allegedly mismanaged under former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mele Kyari , during failed refinery turnaround projects. In a statement issued Monday in Abuja and signed by its National President, Comrade Ebiowei Ogoniba , CAPR accused the EFCC of “playing to the gallery” by merely freezing Kyari’s bank accounts while his children and relatives allegedly continue laundering illicit proceeds through real estate, foreign schools, luxury assets, and business ventures both at home and abroad. Kyari, who was interrogated earlier this month and released, is under EFCC investigation for alleged diversion of funds earmarked for refinery rehabilitation — projects that left the country with non-functional refineri...

The Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA) proudly announces the successful completion of the WenA SCALE Investment Program , marked by a graduation ceremony and semi-final pitching competition held in Abuja. This milestone event underscores WenA’s commitment to empowering women-led and high-growth SMEs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, and Nasarawa States. The event brought together 150 entrepreneurs, 20 investors, financial institutions, development partners, and key stakeholders to recognize the achievements of program participants who have completed an intensive capacity-building and investment readiness curriculum. Visionary Leadership and Strategic Partnerships WenA’s Founder, Her Excellency Aisha Babangida , reaffirmed the organization’s mission to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship, catalyse inclusive economic growth, and nurture scalable businesses capable of competing both locally and globally. The WenA SCALE Investment Program was delivered in collaboration wi...

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has celebrated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 65th birthday, describing her as a beacon of faith, purposeful leadership, and inspiration to women and young people across Nigeria. In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Belusochukwu Michael Enwere, YOWICAN praised the First Lady’s life of service, highlighting her dedication to God, humanity, and nation-building. “On this special day, on behalf of YOWICAN, we celebrate our quintessential role model, our Grand Patroness, not only for your life but also for the grace, wisdom, and unwavering dedication you have consistently shown in service to God, humanity, and our nation,” Enwere said. He described Mrs Tinubu as “ a shining example of strength, compassion, and purposeful leadership,” adding that her resilience and Christian faith continue to inspire women, youth, and leaders across the country. Senator Tinubu, who turned 65 on Septe...