Author: Gabby

A warm and unexpected moment unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja when President Bola Tinubu affectionately referred to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as ‘landlord’. The exchange, which was captured on video, took place on Sunday as President Tinubu arrived from Lagos.

According to sources, Wike was among several government officials who had gathered at the airport to welcome the President back to Abuja. In the footage, Tinubu can be heard greeting the former Rivers State governor with the words, ‘Landlord, you are back?’

This lighthearted comment comes after Wike spent time in Port Harcourt overseeing the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Rivers State. His role in ensuring that his loyalists secured victory in the internal party elections has been widely reported.

The video of the interaction has since gone viral, sparking reactions across social media platforms. Many have noted the camaraderie between the two political figures, with some interpreting the ‘landlord’ remark as a nod to Wike’s influential position within the FCT and the broader political landscape.

President Bola Tinubu has openly admitted that the economic reforms implemented by his administration have caused considerable hardship for the people of Nigeria. Moreover, he revealed that these challenges have also affected him personally, leading to sleepless nights and weight loss.

In a speech delivered shortly after his victory was announced, Tinubu praised the national chairman of the electoral committee and the entire team for their hard work, acknowledging the demanding nature of the process and its impact on all participants.

He expressed gratitude to Nigerians from all walks of life for their steadfast support and sacrifices. “You’ve given me encouragement. Sometimes it is difficult and I shared the pain with you. I know what it takes to reform this economy that was in tatters. If you lost sleep, I lost some too. If you have lost weight, I think I have lost some too,” he stated.

“But I’ve always remembered one thing that year 2022, I asked for this job and you all supported me and I got it so I must do it,” he added.

Rights organizations and legal advocates in Niger State are sounding the alarm over what they describe as an alarming increase in child abuse cases. The chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Niger, Bolanle Jibogun, has called on parents to be more vigilant about their children’s safety and whereabouts. This plea came after FIDA marked Children’s Day 2026 with special needs children at the Farid Centre in Minna.

Jibogun explained that the group intentionally chose to celebrate with children living with disabilities ahead of the official date because this year’s Children’s Day coincides with the Sallah holiday. “We wanted to send a message that every child matters and deserves equal affection, attention, and protection, no matter their abilities,” she stated.

Although FIDA typically visits government-run facilities, the organization opted for the privately owned Farid Centre this time to ensure those children felt valued and included in the festivities. Jibogun lamented that child abuse cases are on the rise, with many incidents perpetrated by individuals known to the victims. “Parents must always monitor where their children are because most abuse occurs at home, committed by people the children trust. Such cases need to be reported, and nobody should hesitate to speak out,” she added.

Amina Jumai Gimba, Proprietor and Co-founder of Farid Centre, described the FIDA visit as uplifting and empowering for the children. She urged parents not to view children with special needs as burdens but as divine gifts requiring love, care, and opportunities to nurture their talents. Gimba emphasized that her dedication to these children stems from a natural compassion, not personal experience with a special needs child.

Hassana Maiyaki, an Investigation Officer with the National Human Rights Commission representing the State Coordinator Dr. Nuhu Mohammed, noted that the commission works closely with Farid Centre and FIDA to advocate for women’s and children’s rights. She condemned the persistent abuse of children, calling them society’s most vulnerable members who cannot defend themselves. “Children require guidance and protection from parents, the community, and the government. Harming a child is illegal. Every child is entitled to healthcare, shelter, and education,” she said.

The Director General of the Niger State Child Rights Agency, Ulmulkatum Mohammed, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to shielding children from all forms of rights violations. She assured that the organization is always prepared to uphold children’s rights and ensure justice when abuse occurs, expressing joy at celebrating the day with the children at the center.

President Bola Tinubu has publicly stated that he bears no resentment towards Stanley Osifo, the sole challenger in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries. Tinubu made this declaration on Sunday while addressing party leaders and supporters after officially being declared the winner of the primaries.

During his speech, Tinubu also conveyed a willingness to engage in dialogue with political adversaries and critics of his administration. He emphasized that democracy thrives on diversity of ideas, not uniformity, and is anchored by a shared belief in the nation’s potential.

“To those who despise our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement, not anger, confident that the sincerity of our purpose and the result of our work will speak for themselves,” Tinubu stated.

Directly addressing his rival, he added, “I owe you no grudge, including Osifo, who spent his money.” This statement underscores a reconciliatory tone as the party moves forward after the primaries.

Tinubu’s remarks highlight his commitment to inclusive politics and his confidence in the achievements of his administration to win over skeptics.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of banditry, kidnapping, and violent killings across the nation. The organization declared that the security situation has reached an unbearable level, requiring immediate divine intervention and decisive government measures.

Speaking after a three-day national fasting and prayer program, the PFN National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, highlighted the plight of many victims. He noted that several Chibok schoolgirls remain in captivity years after their abduction by Boko Haram. Leah Sharibu continues to be held hostage for refusing to deny her Christian faith, while justice has not been served in the murder of Deborah Samuel, who was killed by a mob in Sokoto for mentioning Jesus’ name.

Bishop Oke, represented by Kaduna State PFN Chairman Bishop Musa Dasikwo, recounted that Taraba, Plateau, Benue, and Southern Kaduna have become daily sites of bloodshed. Edo, Kogi, and Ondo states have also experienced attacks. He reported that communities in Kwara State have been overrun by armed bandits wielding sophisticated weapons.

The cleric lamented the widespread kidnapping, rape, and killings in Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, and other states. He pointed out that Oyo State has become a new hotspot, where teachers and students were abducted, with one teacher beheaded and another shot dead. The PFN mourned what it called a lack of political will by the government to crush these evils, stating that allowing such violence to fester amounts to empty promises.

Bishop Oke criticized the government for focusing on winning elections rather than deploying the full force of law to stop the killers. He condemned the rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram fighters and their integration into security forces. The insecurity, he argued, fractures national unity, scares investors, drives away skilled citizens, and breaks the bond between the people and the state, leaving Nigerians feeling unsafe.

The PFN called on the federal government to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect every citizen regardless of tribe or religion, so that Nigeria can become a nation where no one is oppressed.

President Bola Tinubu officially received his certificate of return on Sunday after securing victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary for the 2027 general elections. He garnered 10.99 million votes, decisively defeating his sole opponent, Stanley Osifo, who managed only 16,504 votes in the primaries held across 8,809 wards nationwide.

In his acceptance address, Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s democratic progress and outlined his vision for the upcoming election. He emphasized the significance of the moment, not as a personal triumph but as a testament to the nation’s collective commitment to building a stable and prosperous society.

Recalling the 2022 primaries, Tinubu noted how he stood alongside former President Muhammadu Buhari and other aspirants. He expressed gratitude for the support that led to his emergence as the party’s candidate and later as president. Now, as the incumbent, he feels humbled by the continued confidence and energized for the challenges ahead.

He stressed that in 2022, the goal was to chart a new direction, but today’s focus is on consolidating reforms, securing progress, and strengthening Nigeria’s foundations. With humility, he accepted the party’s nomination to run again in 2027.

Thanking party leaders, governors, the National Working Committee, legislators, and loyal members, he acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerians who have supported the difficult reform path. He highlighted significant changes since June 2022, including electoral reforms that bolstered democratic credibility, structural economic changes, new tax laws, and improved fiscal policies that boosted federation revenue.

Tinubu pointed to achievements such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has disbursed over N282 billion to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries, removing financial barriers to higher education. In the power sector, he noted that 2.5 million meters were supplied through the Presidential Metering Initiative, ending estimated billing. A N4 trillion bond program was established to settle legacy debts to power generation companies, and peak generation reached 6000MW, a 50% increase from inherited levels.

The president also cited the removal of wasteful fuel subsidies, stabilization of exchange rates, and infrastructure investments in transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation. He mentioned ongoing construction of durable roads and superhighways, airport and seaport upgrades, and oil and gas reforms attracting billions in fresh investment.

On social programs, he emphasized support for vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses. He called for national unity, referencing the revived national anthem that celebrates diversity while promoting brotherhood: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand.”

Acknowledging ongoing challenges, Tinubu admitted that many Nigerians still face rising costs and economic adjustments. He assured that his government understands these struggles and governs with honesty and action. On security, he recognized the challenges in parts of the country and pledged to strengthen security architecture, support armed forces and police, and foster community partnerships. He called for constitutional amendments to allow state police as a national emergency measure.

Tinubu renewed his commitment to serve with greater determination, aiming to place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialization, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation. He extended a hand of partnership to political opponents and offered dialogue to those with differing philosophies, confident in the sincerity of his purpose and results.

He urged Nigerians to come together across regions to consolidate gains and tackle challenges, framing the next election as a reaffirmation of democratic maturity rather than a mere contest. He warned against complacency and politicians with no clear alternative vision.

Concluding with faith in God and confidence in the people, he accepted the nomination as the party’s torchbearer for the January 2027 election, pledging to build a more secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria with an inclusive government that listens, learns, and leads.

In a significant legal move, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order stopping the production of an energy drink that allegedly mimics the bottle design of another brand. Justice Binta Nyako presided over the case, ruling in favor of Rite Foods Limited, the maker of Fearless Energy Drink.

The court determined that Mamuda Beverages Nigeria Limited violated the trademark of Rite Foods by producing its Pop Power Energy Drink in a bottle that closely resembles the Fearless design. This ruling came after Mamuda Beverages challenged the suit, claiming it was a repeat of a previous legal matter. However, the judge found that the new bottle design still creates confusion among consumers.

As part of the injunction, Mamuda Beverages must immediately halt production, destroy all existing Pop Power products, and allow an inventory to be taken by the court bailiff alongside both parties. The order remains in effect until the end of the year or until the main lawsuit is resolved.

This case follows an earlier dispute in January 2025, where Rite Foods accused Mamuda Beverages of trademark infringement. A settlement was reached at that time, with Mamuda agreeing to change its design and dispose of infringing stock. Despite this, the company later reintroduced a nearly identical product with minor cosmetic tweaks, leading to the current legal action. Market reports indicate that consumers still refer to the new Pop Power as “small Fearless,” highlighting ongoing brand confusion.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2026, where the substantive issues will be addressed.

The media office representing Peter Obi has firmly pushed back against what it describes as persistent and unfounded allegations regarding his tenure as Anambra State governor. These claims, they argue, are part of a deliberate effort to distort the former governor’s accomplishments using ethnic and regional divisions.

According to a statement released by Ibrahim Umar, spokesperson for the Peter Obi Media Office, the assertion that Obi removed Northern residents from the state is entirely false and lacks any evidence. The office specifically addressed the narrative that Obi targeted Hausa traders and beggars, calling it a myth with no basis in fact.

During Obi’s leadership, the statement explains, there was a welfare initiative aimed at assisting vulnerable individuals from various parts of the country. This program was not an expulsion but a compassionate effort to help destitute people and homeless children in cities like Awka and Onitsha. The initiative covered citizens from multiple states without any ethnic discrimination.

Far from dividing communities, Obi’s administration promoted strong ties with Northern and Muslim populations in Anambra. The statement highlights that, even during periods of national ethno-religious tension, Obi acted as a protector for Northern residents, especially in areas such as the Onitsha Hausa Quarter, known as Ama Awusa. He worked to prevent retaliatory violence and earned respect from Northern community leaders.

Additionally, the Obi administration supported Muslim residents by sponsoring their pilgrimages to Mecca, ensuring they received the same recognition and government assistance as Christians. Northern traders and livestock merchants in markets like Amansea were given safe spaces to work, free from harassment or extortion. These facts, the office says, can be verified by anyone, including critics, and are corroborated by the Hausa-Fulani community in Onitsha and Awka.

The statement suggests that the smear campaign stems from political opponents threatened by Obi’s transformative vision for the North. Obi has consistently described the North as Nigeria’s future economic engine, advocating for a shift from consumption to production and turning the region into Africa’s agricultural hub.

Concluding with a reflection on the power of repeated falsehoods, the office vowed not to ignore the lies, emphasizing that Obi’s unmatched vision for the North will ultimately prevail.