Ridoola's blog

If you stand in the middle of the every-busy Lagos Island market and scream, “double your money in 10 days,” at least 100 people will turn to look. You can blame the economy, desperation, or our undying obsession with getting rich overnight, but the Ponzi scheme industry c ontinues to thrive here, just like any other legitimate business would. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerians have lost a staggering ₦316 billion to Ponzi schemes and illegal investment outfits over the years. That is not just numbers on paper. That is school fees, retirement savings, shop and house rent, life savings, and in many cases, family peace. Ponzi schemes are not new here. They have evolved from grassroots contribution circles to fancy forex academies, and now sleek crypto platforms with influencer endorsements and glossy apps. Yet the mechanics remain the same: early investors are paid with money from new investors, until the system collapses, and it always does. Here are...

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) officially announced the launch of The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts. This exciting new initiative really shows how the company is deepening its long-held dedication to excellence, fresh ideas, and building the nation. The news came out at a press conference in Lagos on October 31st, 2025. This marks a big step forward, shifting the focus from the previous Literary Criticism category to a vibrant emphasis on documentary filmmaking , a genre known for capturing real truths, deep emotions, and the very essence of human life. It was an inspiring day, full of vision and purpose, as important figures, creative minds, and journalists all came together to see NLNG's increased investment in Nigeria's future of storytelling. Setting the Stage The event began with Dr Sophia Horsfall , General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG , taking her seat as the first dignitary at the high table. She was soon jo...

Samsung has officially shown off the world’s first Galaxy Z TriFold, and it’s every bit as intriguing as it sounds. The company has produced foldable phones for years, but this is the first time we’re seeing a smartphone that folds twice, turning from a regular-sized phone into a large tablet-like display. While the Samsung tri-fold phone isn’t yet on sale, it’s already sparking conversations among tech fans across the world. Here’s everything you need to know about the Galaxy Z TriFold, its unique design, expected features, and why it could matter to Nigerian mobile users. What Exactly Is the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold? The Galaxy Z TriFold is Samsung’s first smartphone with two hinges instead of one, allowing it to fold in three sections. It’s a fresh take on the foldable phone design we’ve seen in devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. The device was recently showcased at the APEC 2025 Summit in South Korea, where Samsung revealed it behind closed glass to industry partn...

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, a move expected to raise the landed cost of imported fuel and possibly lead to higher pump prices nationwide. The decision, confirmed in a letter from the presidency, marks a major shift in Nigeria’s energy policy as the government moves to protect local refiners and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. According to a memo from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Zacch Adedeji , the 15% tariff will be applied to the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of imported petrol and diesel. The proposal, which aims to align fuel import prices with true market value, was endorsed by Tinubu and communicated to relevant agencies in a letter signed by his private secretary, Damilotun Aderemi , and dated October 21, 2025. ALSO READ: FG says state revenues have doubled since fuel subsidy removal Adedeji explained that the initiative was designed to advance Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope Agend...

Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka , recently revealed that the United States has revoked his visa , barring him from entering the North American country.  The news has sparked widespread discussions, not just because of Soyinka’s global reputation as a literary icon, but also because such bans are rare for prominent individuals.  While the U.S. government has not given a clear reason for the decision, other than claiming that “additional information became available.” The prize-winning author suggested it might be linked to his outspoken political views. RELATED: Beyond the Nobel: Why Would the U.S. Revoke Wole Soyinka's Visa? However, his case isn’t the first of its kind. Several well-known people, including former presidents, activists and lawmakers, have found themselves on America’s no-entry list, often for reasons related to politics, corruption allegations, or security concerns. In this article, we look at five notable personalities who have been banned ...

Titus Zam is a Nigerian politician serving as the Senator for the Benue North-West Senatorial District (Zone B) in the 10th National Assembly. He was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023. Profile Summary (Quick Facts) Full Name Titus Tartenger Zam Date of Birth/Age 01 January 1970 (55 Years old) State of Origin Benue State Local Government Area Gwer West LGA, Benue State Religion Christian (Roman Catholic) Tribe Tiv (Benue) Marital Status Married with three children Political Party All Progressives Congress (APC) Current Position Senator for Benue North-West Senatorial District (Since 2023) Sector  Health, Food Security, Education and Agriculture District Benue North West District, Benue Educational Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria) MSc in Political Science (Benue State University) PhD in Poli...

Starting 1 December 2025, anyone flying in or out of Nigeria will have to pay an extra $11.50 on their ticket. The new fee, introduced by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is tied to the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). The idea is to help aviation and immigration authorities work more closely to improve border security and speed up passenger clearance. Still, with ticket prices already high, many Nigerians are asking the obvious questions: Why now? How will this affect travellers? And what does it mean for Lagos, especially with “ Detty December ” right around the corner? The Levy: Details, Scope, and Rationale As of 1 December 2025, every international ticket issued for travel into or out of Nigeria will incur an additional $11.50 charge. This increases the total security/levy charge to $31.50 per ticket (from the previous security levy of $20).   According to the NCAA, this APIS charge will be collected at the point of sale, remitted by the airline, ...

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has urged President Bola Tinubu to allocate Nigeria’s entire domestic crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery — a move they say will fast-track full-scale local refining, lower fuel prices, and end the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products. The students made the demand during a peaceful protest in Abuja on Wednesday, marching from Millennium Park to the Unity Fountain. Security operatives reportedly prevented them from proceeding to the National Assembly as earlier planned. Speaking to journalists, NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan , described the $20 billion refinery as “a root that has given life to a decaying tree, ” symbolising Nigeria’s rebirth in industrial self-reliance. “For decades, our nation lived under the shadow of dependency. We exported crude and imported survival,” Oghayan said. “But today, we have found pride again in an African-built refinery — one that can restore Nigeria’s economic i...

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed claims that Nigeria violates religious freedom or that terrorist attacks in the country specifically target Christians. Speaking during an interview on CNN on Tuesday night, Idris described such reports — including from some foreign officials — as “ misleading and based on faulty data,” stressing that violence in Nigeria cuts across religious lines. “Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion,” Idris was quoted in a statement by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim , on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. “They target Christians, they also target Muslims — especially in the northern part of the country.” ALSO READ: Is Tinubu controlled by a cabal? Minister reacts ‘Nigeria remains a tolerant nation’ Idris warned that framing Nigeria’s security crisis as a religious conflict plays into the hands of terrorists whose goal is to divide citizens along faith lines...

Nigeria’s Nobel Prize-winning author, Wole Soyinka, said on Tuesday that the United States had revoked his non-immigrant visa issued last year, and that he had been informed he must reapply should he wish to visit the U.S. again. The 91-year-old writer had torn up his U.S. green card and renounced his American residency in 2016 in protest of the election of President Donald Trump. The Nobel laureate has held regular teaching appointments at American Ivy League universities since the mid-1990s, following his Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. “The moment they announce his victory, I will cut my green card myself and start packing up,” Soyinka had said . On Tuesday, Soyinka presented reporters with a letter from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos requesting that he bring in his passport for the physical cancellation of his visa. The letter, dated 23 October, stated that “additional information became available” after the visa had been issued. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria did not i...

Using ChatGPT or thinking about upgrading? Then you should know that things are changing. If you are on the paid version of ChatGPT here in Nigeria, you will soon be paying a little more. Do not panic, but do pull up your billing settings.  OpenAI, the company behind the world’s most popular AI chatbot, has just announced that Nigerian users of its paid version, ChatGPT Plus, will soon start paying more. The reason? A new 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) will now be applied to all paid OpenAI services in the country. Somehow, VAT has found its way to artificial intelligence. What This is All About Starting 1 November 2025, OpenAI will begin collecting VAT on all its billable products for users based in Nigeria. That means anyone subscribed to ChatGPT Plus (the premium plan that costs around ₦31,500 or $20 a month) will soon pay a bit extra, which amounts to roughly ₦33,862.50 after tax. The company announced this in emails sent to users earlier in October, informing them of the new b...

The gradual but steady decline in rice prices has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While the development is a joy for consumers, some Nigerians have started counting their losses, especially those who rely on local production to get by.  The dramatic price drop didn’t just happen by magic. It followed a recent surge in imported rice through Nigeria’s land borders, which had previously been shut for over five years by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari ’s administration.  According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the price of a 50kg bag of rice, which sold for around ₦85,000 earlier in the year, now ranges from ₦55,000 to ₦70,000, depending on the brand and location. RELATED: Ogun Govt earns ₦1bn revenue from rice production, poised to feed the nation While this means relief for most consumers who had endured the excruciating effects of President Bola Tinubu 's economic reforms, many rice farmers and other local players are groaning under the weight...

Abdussamad Dasuki , a House of Representatives member, captured Nigerians' attention on Monday, October 27, 2025, after his announcement that he wouldn’t run for a third term, to pave the way for younger Nigerians to participate in governance.  The lawmaker representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State issued a statement, in which he described his decision as a “ deliberate act of sacrifice and conviction”.  Dasuki added, This decision is not borne out of fatigue nor disillusionment. It is borne out of a higher calling — one that transcends ambition or position. It is a personal sacrifice rooted in belief, hope and a future we all desire to see. If we are to inspire trust and belief in the generation coming after us, then we must be willing to make sacrifices and lead by example. This, my dear constituents, is that sacrifice. Dasuki began his career journey as a Corporate Business Manager at the Dangote Group. He later joined politics and worked his ...

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji, has praised the Nigerian judiciary for its “sound and consistent” tax rulings that have helped shape the nation’s fiscal landscape. Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Judges of the Federal High Court on new tax laws, the FIRS Chairman commended the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for organising the event, describing it as “timely and essential.” According to him, the introduction of new tax laws , including amendments to the Finance Acts, the Petroleum Industry Act, and other subsidiary legislations, has “significantly reshaped our tax ecosystem ” and demands deeper collaboration between the judiciary and tax authorities. “The judiciary, through its interpretative powers, remains the ultimate arbiter in maintaining the delicate balance between the legitimate powers of tax authorities and the rights of taxpayers,” he said. ALSO READ: ...

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared his readiness to testify in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu , leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but under one condition. Kanu is currently standing trial for seven-count terrorism-related charges preferred against him by the Federal Government. After the court quashed his no-case submission and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) certified him fit to stand trial, the controversial Biafra agitator is now mandated to state his defence. However, in a surprising move on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Kanu disengaged his legal team , led by Kanu Agabi , a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), prompting the lawyers to withdraw their representation formally. He subsequently named 23 witnesses, including military and political figures, in two categories — ordinary but material witnesses and vital and compellable — to be summoned under section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. ALSO READ: Furious Nnamdi Kanu p...

In Nigeria, politics often feels like a family affair. Several politicians have appointed family members, including extended relatives, to key government positions, raising questions about favouritism and the thin line between family loyalty and public service. Just recently, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke appointed his nephew and Afrobeat star, David Adeleke , popularly known as Davido , as Head of the Osun State Sport Trust Fund.  This show of ‘ family-dominated government’ is stirring debate over whether public offices should be filled by loyal relatives with questionable qualifications or by competent and skilled professionals. RELATED: List of top Nigerian Politicians involved in Certificate Forgery Allegations Here are five Nigerian politicians who have appointed their relatives to government positions: 1. Ademola Adeleke – Osun State Governor Governor Adeleke’s government leads the pack in being known for keeping things within the family tree. Tunji Adeleke ...

Shehu Buba began his journey as a humble classroom teacher in Bauchi State, but today, he serves as the Senator representing Bauchi South, well-known for his commitment to national security, youth and women empowerment, and grassroots development.  Who is Senator Shehu Buba Umar? Shehu Buba Umar is a Nigerian politician representing the Bauchi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He is known for his advocacy on national security, constituency empowerment and grassroots outreach.  RELATED: Abba Patrick Moro: From Okpokwu to Abuja’s Red Chamber Profile Summary (Quick Facts) Full Name Shehu Baba Umar Date of Birth / Age 02 October 1976 (49 years) State of Origin Bauchi State Local Government Area Toro Local Government Area  District Bauchi South District, Bauchi Religion Muslim Tribe Hausa Marital Status Married with chil...