Category: Featured

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of human rights activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore who has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force since yesterday.

According to statement made available by Nigeria Police Force, Sowore was invited to the Force Headquarters in connection with an allegation of defamation and forgery levelled against him.

Omoyele Sowore and his team of followers stormed the Headquarters to answer the invitation but was subsequently arrested and detained.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Amnesty International said the Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and drop all bogus and politically motivated charges against him.

“The authorities should listen to critics instead of seeking to gag them through outright abuse of power.

“Nigerian authorities must allow Sowore to freely exercise his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

“Apart from putting him through sham trials based on bogus charges, Sowore has been subjected to series of human rights violations.

Meanwhile, the former Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has also joined voices in condemning continuous incarceration of the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.

In a statement made available via his official X handle, Atiku Abubakar was quoted as saying:

“The treatment of Omoyele Sowore by the IGP Monitoring Team is a shameful abuse of power. It is wrong, unlawful, and must be condemned by all who believe in justice.

“Sowore’s only offence is speaking out against injustice, nepotism, and misrule. For that, he was reportedly attacked at dawn, beaten, had his arm broken, and sprayed with chemicals by policemen acting on petitions from the IGP’s own office.

“This is personal vendetta, not policing.

“Even the Nigeria Police Regulation forbids this. Regulation 367 states:
“No police officer shall institute any legal proceeding in his own personal interest or in connection with matters arising out of his public duties.”

“The IGP cannot be a complainant and still deploy the force to carry out his grievance.

“This is not about Sowore alone, it is an attack on every Nigerian who dares to speak truth to power”.

Earlier this year, Oluwasegun David had the distinct honor of meeting with the Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, alongside the CEO of Kuumba Community Housing Canada—a Pan-African non-governmental organization—to address a growing concern shared by many in the diaspora: the rapid erosion of Nigerian languages and culture among our children, especially as global migration trends continue to rise.

During this conversation, he opined that one fact became painfully clear: younger generations, both at home and abroad, are becoming increasingly disconnected from their native languages, cultural heritage, and traditional identities. The consequences of this cultural drift are profound.

In a statement made available to Oduduwa News, Oluwasegun David was quoted as saying:

“Our children, who should proudly carry the torch of our heritage, are at risk of growing up without a deep understanding of who they are and where they come from. This is not just a cultural concern—it is a national crisis that demands immediate and sustained attention.

“In response, I have taken a step toward addressing this challenge by developing a Yoruba-language educational resource, gearing up for a book launch titled: Yoruba Learning Foundation Part 1 ( Ipinle Èdè Yorùbá fún Ọmọdé , with plans to expand into other Nigerian languages. This project leverages the power of art and storytelling to make language learning engaging, accessible, and culturally relevant for children in Nigerian families across the world.

“Through interactive, visually rich materials, the initiative seeks to reconnect children with their roots—making heritage a living part of their everyday learning.

“However, individual efforts alone are not enough. What we need is a nationwide movement—a coordinated response that brings together public institutions, private sector stakeholders, artists, educators, and technology innovators.

“I therefore urge the Nigerian government to place urgent emphasis on transforming our education system by embedding art, culture, creativity, and innovation at its core. Immediate action is needed in the following areas:

1. Integrating digital tools and creative methods into early childhood education to promote indigenous language and cultural learning.
2. Developing and distributing culturally relevant educational content in Nigerian languages for children, both within the country and in the diaspora.
3. Fostering collaboration between artists, technologists, and educators to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.

“We must understand that our children are more than just students—they are the architects of Nigeria’s future. If we fail to instill cultural literacy and creative confidence early on, we risk nurturing a generation detached not only from its heritage but also from its full potential.

“The tools to bring this vision to life already exist. The urgency cannot be overstated. Now is the time to act—before we lose our languages, and with them, the stories, values, and identity that define us as a people.

“Let us be bold. Let us act. The time is now.

Oluwasegun David (OD) is a Nigerian based in Canada and the Author of the proposed book launch.

Fuji legend, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has publicly distanced himself from the ongoing controversy surrounding ValuJet Airlines, clarifying that he holds no managerial or operational role in the company.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the music icon addressed growing speculations about his connection to the embattled airline, stating that any perceived affiliation was based purely on goodwill and public appearances—not ownership or business involvement.

“Let me state clearly and unequivocally: I am not directly involved in the operational or managerial affairs of ValuJet Airlines,” K1 affirmed. “Any perceived association is either based on artistic engagements or gestures of goodwill, not business ownership or executive decision-making.”

The veteran musician explained that he has, over the years, supported various Nigerian-led ventures as a show of encouragement and national pride, but warned the public not to conflate this with corporate endorsement or accountability.

“It is important to distinguish goodwill from business responsibility. If any individuals or groups feel aggrieved by issues relating to ValuJet, I strongly urge them to channel their concerns to the appropriate corporate and regulatory bodies,” he stated.

K1 also urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information capable of damaging personal reputations, noting that his focus remains on promoting music, culture, and community development.

“My name and legacy remain rooted in music, culture, and community upliftment. I remain committed to using my voice to unite and uplift—not to divide or mislead,” the statement concluded.

The Lagos State Government has alarmed residents in the Lekki axis with a shocking revelation that those relying on boreholes for water may be consuming heavily contaminated underground water.

Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mahmood Adegbite, issued a blunt warning, saying:
“Everyone digging borehole within the Lekki axis is probably drinking what I will call ‘shit water.’”

The startling statement has drawn outrage across the state, with many residents and public health experts questioning how the situation was allowed to reach such a crisis point.

Lekki, one of the fastest-growing urban areas in Lagos, is largely populated by residents who depend on private boreholes due to the absence of government-supplied water. However, experts say years of unchecked urban development, poor drainage, and inadequate sewage systems have led to groundwater contamination.

Adegbite stressed that unless wastewater in the area is properly treated, it will continue to seep into underground water sources, posing serious health risks.

“If wastewater is not properly treated, the result is waterborne diseases, especially when it mixes with groundwater that people drink without purification,” he said.

The revelation has left residents furious and anxious, with many demanding urgent government intervention.

“This is frightening. Are they just realizing now that our children may have been drinking sewage water all along? Where is the testing? Where is the solution?” a concerned resident of Lekki Phase 2 told Lagos Reporters.

Public health advocates and environmental experts are now calling on the state government to immediately conduct free water testing for homes using boreholes in Lekki, enforce proper waste management regulations, and provide alternative access to safe drinking water.

They also demand that the government stops giving media soundbites and instead implements lasting solutions to the ongoing environmental and health threats facing the region.

The West African Examinations Council has come under renewed fire following the temporary shutdown of its result checker portal on Wednesday evening, a move it attributed to “technical issues.”

The announcement, posted via WAEC’s official X handle, @waecnigeria, sparked fresh criticism as many Nigerians continue to express outrage over the poor performance recorded in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, particularly in English Language.

“WAEC hereby informs the general public that the result checker portal @waecdirect.org is temporarily shut down due to technical issues.

“However, the Council is working assiduously to ensure that candidates are able to access their results in the next 24 hours. We apologise for any inconvenience this might have caused you,” the notice read.

Wednesday’s notice has further fuelled speculation and public discontent over the examination body’s credibility, especially after Monday’s announcement that only 38.32 per cent of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat the 2025 WASSCE obtained credits and above in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, the worst performance recorded in a decade.

Across social media platforms, many candidates and concerned Nigerians pointed fingers at WAEC’s logistics failures, especially the delayed conduct of the English Language paper, which reportedly held late into the night at many centres on May 28.

On X (formerly Twitter), several users shared screenshots of results showing credit passes in other subjects but failure in English, calling for a comprehensive review of the English Language scripts.

Tweeting at @sikimark, Mark Imohi wrote, “It is concerning that the English exam, which was delayed at centres nationwide, is now resulting in widespread failures. If JAMB could make amends, we hope you (WAEC) will take steps to rectify the situation. It was a national disgrace.”

Another user, @_samad1, lamented, “We wrote exams at 8 pm. We were given one hour or 30 minutes to answer questions that should last two and a half hours. There was no light, and everyone was in a hurry to leave. Please rethink.”

Some candidates expressed optimism that once the portal is reopened, there could be changes in the scores.

“When the portal is reopened, you will see magic,” tweeted Daniel Ebitimi (@ebitimi_da15726).

Others alleged deliberate manipulation and revenue generation motives behind the poor grading.

“Just like JAMB, WAEC is gambling with the future of Nigerians. If the majority of the D’s, E’s and F8’s awarded in English are rechecked, WAEC will pay dearly,” @JayTrezy posted.

Parents also joined the chorus of displeasure, expressing confusion over how students who excelled in other subjects could have failed English.

“My daughter got five A1 and two B2, only to get D7 in English and Physics (withheld),” tweeted a parent, @Johnway11145073.

Another user, @DEYHOT_official, pleaded, “WAEC, please I am begging, help us check the English Language exam again. I can’t accept this result. I struggled so hard to get money and pay for this exam, and now you failed me. This result is affecting my future.”

Some went as far as demanding a total recall of the 2025 results.

“We reject this year’s results, particularly the English and Maths. WAEC, please do the needful to avoid mass protests,” @pastorbtdaniels posted.

The Teacher, @MarquizDejavex wrote, “Students wrote English paper in the mid night and yet WAEC failed them.”

King Jeporphs, @e_okwori tweeted, “The students who were robbed and given abysmal grades in English should tag presidency, Minister of education to have an external body revise the whole exam process.”

WAEC has yet to issue any further clarification on the English Language grading or respond to the growing demands for a review of the affected scripts.

A security altercation involving Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, disrupted a scheduled ValueJet flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday, August 5, 2025.

According to a statement released by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Wednesday, the incident occurred during boarding for Flight VK 201 to Lagos when the musician reportedly attempted to carry an undeclared liquid, later confirmed as alcohol, onto the aircraft, in violation of aviation safety regulations.

FAAN said K1 ignored multiple warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the aircraft’s captain, insisting on taking the item aboard despite being reminded of the 100-millilitre liquid limit mandated by Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17 standards.

“Despite being informed of these regulations, the passenger declined to comply and, in the process, allegedly poured the contents of the flask on a ValueJet security officer,” FAAN stated.

Eyewitnesses said the confrontation escalated when the singer refused to leave the aircraft’s front section after boarding had closed, delaying the flight’s departure. He was later escorted off the plane by AVSEC’s Crime Unit and taken in for questioning before being released.

The incident, which has since sparked online debates on VIP misconduct at airports, prompted FAAN to initiate a formal investigation, emphasizing that “no individual, regardless of status, is above the rules governing civil aviation.”

Aviation analysts have called for tougher enforcement of passenger conduct regulations, warning that special treatment for high-profile individuals compromises safety and order.

FAAN concluded by reiterating its commitment to professionalism and the enforcement of aviation laws, saying that all those found culpable will face appropriate sanctions.

The Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) has secured the conviction of Mr. Wahab Nasiru Olabanji for fraudulently collecting money from unsuspecting job seekers under the guise of securing employment for them.

Olabanji, a Grade Level 14 officer and former Chief Executive Officer (Accounts) at the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, was found guilty of extorting various sums from applicants during the last recruitment exercises at both the State Hospital Management Board and the State Teaching Service Commission.

In a press release signed by OYACA Chairman, Hon. Justice Eni Esan (rtd), on Tuesday, it was revealed that the convict was charged with a 30-count charge bordering on official corruption, obtaining money under false pretence, and unlawful conversion.

Following a 17-month trial, the court delivered its judgement on Friday, August 1, 2025, finding Olabanji guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of a ₦50,000 fine for each of the 30 counts.

The court further ordered the convict to refund all monies fraudulently collected from his victims within a three-month period, as restitution for the harm caused.

Justice Esan reaffirmed OYACA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption from Oyo State’s public service, emphasizing that there will be no tolerance for fraudulent practices.

President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours and generous rewards on Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, following their remarkable victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

Each member of the team received the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), alongside a monetary reward of $100,000 and a flat. The team’s technical crew, led by Coach Rena Wakama, was also not left out, as each member was awarded $50,000.

The honours were presented during a reception held Monday evening at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in celebration of the team’s historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket championship title.

The D’Tigress defeated Mali 78-64 in the final, which saw them claim their seventh AfroBasket title overall and extend their unbeaten streak in the tournament to 29 matches since 2015.

The final game was tightly contested in the early stages, with both teams going into halftime tied at 41–41. Nigeria, however, pulled away in the third quarter with superior defence and sharp shooting.

Key players such as Amy Okonkwo, Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Victoria Macaulay, and Musa stepped up, with Kalu scoring 20 points and Okonkwo adding 19, helping the team maintain momentum through the final stretch.

To reach the final, Nigeria overcame Senegal 75-68 in a gripping semi-final clash widely considered the “final before the final” due to its intensity and high stakes.

The reward follows a similar gesture by President Tinubu last week when he honoured the Super Falcons for their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations win.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the 2025 WASSCE results with a startling revelation: only 38.32% of candidates obtained credit passes in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics — representing a 33.8% decline from the previous year’s performance.

Announcing the results at a press briefing in Lagos, the Head of the Nigeria National Office, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, described the outcome as “concerning” but recoverable, urging deeper commitment from all education stakeholders.

“This year’s performance reflects a dip when compared to 2024. We acknowledge this challenge and remain committed to working colluaboratively with schools, governments, and parents to address the root causes,” he said.

The 2025 WASSCE for School Candidates ran from April 30 to June 24, 2025, and was conducted in 13,396 centres nationwide. Of the 1,883,973 candidates who registered from 20,222 schools, a total of 1,876,571 sat for the examination. WAEC successfully processed and released results for 1,761,262 candidates, while 35,642 results are being withheld over various forms of malpractice.

Despite the overall decline in performance, Dr. Dangut praised the smooth conduct of the exam, attributing the success to improved logistics, coordination with state ministries, and enhanced digital surveillance.

However, examination malpractice remains a persistent threat. WAEC disclosed that 8,297 candidates, 52 supervisors, and one staff member are facing disciplinary action or prosecution over infractions, particularly involving digital leaks and rogue websites.

“The Council remains vigilant and unrelenting in its drive to preserve the integrity of its examinations. There is no miracle centre anywhere — and there never will be,” Dangut warned.

WAEC urged tertiary institutions and employers to authenticate results through its official online platforms. The 2025 results have now been uploaded to the WAEC Result Checker portal and are available to candidates.

The Olubadan-In-Council, on Monday, nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The nomination took place at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The new Olubadan was not in attendance during the meeting.

Presiding over the meeting, the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, said, “We (members of the Olubadan-In-Council) have all signed and nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“We will forward the resolutions of our meeting to our Governor, Seyi Makinde. He will now pick a date to present a staff of Office to the new Olubadan.

“The late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be buried this week. So, this week is not feasible.

“He (Makinde) may decide to pick three weeks, two weeks or one week.”

Details later…