Oduduwa News

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that 20 million Nigerians—around 20% of the country’s population—are living with mental health conditions.

This was disclosed by Dr. Azubike Aliche, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Nigeria-American Institute for Mental Health (NAIMH), during a mental health GAP Action training held in Owerri. The programme was organised by NAIMH in collaboration with the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE), and sponsored by Nigeria Mental Health Practitioners (NMHP) USA Inc.

Dr. Aliche said the training aimed to empower non-psychiatric health workers to screen for mental health symptoms and assist affected individuals. He described Nigeria’s d+pression rate as “alarming”—reportedly the highest in the world—and stressed the urgent need for change. He also noted that only 10% of those s¥ffering from ment@l illnesses in Nigeria currently have access to care.

Rev. Sr. Josephine Nzeke, an executive member of NMHP USA, explained that the four-day training, in its pilot stage, involves 25 healthcare professionals drawn from five local government areas in Imo State. After training, these participants will offer community-based mental health services.

Imo State Health Commissioner, Dr. Chioma Egu, called the ment@l health crisis a global concern and urged stakeholders to align with government policy frameworks.

Mr. Justice Ulunta, a facilitator from the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, called on the government to allocate more resources for training mental health professionals and upgrading facilities.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday transmitted three letters to the National Assembly requesting legislative approval for a new external borrowing plan amounting to over $21.5 billion, and a domestic bond issuance of ₦757.9 billion to settle outstanding national pension liabilities.

Tinubu made these requests in three separate letters transmitted to the National Assembly, which were read on the floor of the House of Representatives by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

In the first correspondence, President Tinubu sought the National Assembly’s approval for the establishment of a foreign currency-denominated issuance programme in the domestic debt market.

The proposed capital raise of up to $2bn would be implemented by the Debt Management Office in line with the Presidential Executive Order on Foreign Currency Denominated Financial Instruments, Local Issues Programme, 2023.

The president emphasised that the proceeds from the bond would be deployed into critical sectors of the economy capable of driving growth, enhancing infrastructure, creating employment, and boosting foreign exchange inflows.

He also noted that this initiative would offer dollar-denominated investment opportunities for local investors, deepen Nigeria’s financial market, and strengthen foreign reserves while promoting exchange rate stability.

According to Tinubu, the total facility sought under the external borrowing plan includes USD 21,543,647,912, EUR 2,193,856,324.54, and 15 billion Japanese Yen, in addition to a grant of 65 million EUR.

He noted that the proposed borrowing is crucial in light of the removal of fuel subsidy and its economic impact on the nation and its citizens.

“In light of the significant infrastructure deficit in the country and the paucity of financial resources needed to address this gap amid declining domestic demand, it has become essential to pursue prudent economic borrowing to close the financial shortfall,” the president said.

The President assured lawmakers that the proposed funds would be channelled into critical infrastructure projects, especially in the areas of railways, healthcare, and nationwide development programs across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This initiative aims to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security, as well as to improve the livelihoods of Nigerians,” he added.

However, Tinubu acknowledged that the programme would increase Nigeria’s public debt stock and servicing costs.

In a second letter, President Tinubu sought approval for the issuance of Federal Government of Nigeria bonds totalling N757.98bn to settle outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme as of December 2023.

Referencing the provisions of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, Tinubu noted that the government had struggled to meet its pension obligations over the years due to revenue challenges.

Oduduwa News has gathered that a disagreement between two friends over a missing stabilizer had resulted to a tragic loss of life.

A 23-year-old tailor, Faith Adeola, has been arraigned for allegedly stabbing his friend, Gbenga Olotu, to death during a dispute over a missing stabilizer in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State.

The incident occurred on May 10 after an argument turned violent.

The court has ordered Adeola’s remand pending legal advice, with the case adjourned to May 29.

World Record holder Tobi Amusan 🇳🇬 delivered a dominant performance at the Rabat Diamond League, storming to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles with a Meeting Record (MR) and Season’s Best (SB) of 12.45s.

She was followed by the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser, who clocked 12.67s, and Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska, finishing third in 12.69s.

Amusan is steadily shifting into high gear as the season heats up.

In a bold and deceptive attempt to smuggle drugs through Nigeria’s busiest airport, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a consignment of narcotics disguised as plantain chips at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The discovery was made during a routine inspection by NDLEA officers who grew suspicious of the packaging and promptly conducted a search. Inside the bags labeled as snacks, the operatives found quantities of skunk—a potent strain of cannabis—carefully hidden.

Revealing the bust in a post shared on Sunday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, wrote: “Narco-trend update: This consignment was packaged as plantain chips, but inside was a skunk, as discovered by vigilant #ndlea_nigeria officers in one of their latest seizures at Lagos airport. Always be careful of what you’re given to travel with!”

The agency has yet to disclose the identity of those behind the attempt, but investigations are ongoing to trace the source and destination of the illicit cargo.

The NDLEA continues to urge travelers to be cautious and vigilant, especially when asked to transport packages on behalf of others. The agency reiterates its warning: what may appear to be an innocent parcel could, in fact, be a smuggler’s trick—putting unsuspecting individuals at serious legal risk.

Actress and filmmaker Adunni Ade has shared a personal truth about love and relationships, emphasizing that physical beauty is not enough to sustain a meaningful connection or secure a lasting marriage,

According to Vanguard News , she recalled being the centre of attention, admired for her looks and charm. “I used to be the most admired and talked about. Beauty opened many doors. I was loved and desired,” she said. “But I’m still not married.”

Adunni clarified that her single status has nothing to do with her worth. Instead, she believes many were drawn to her appearance rather than her substance. “Some came for the face, not the soul. Some wanted the shine, not the depth,” she explained. “I had to learn that beauty alone is not enough.”

She urged women to prioritize personal growth, self-worth, and inner strength. “Build your mind, know your value, and be whole on your own. Marriage will come at the right time, but don’t think beauty is all it takes,” she advised.

Her message: while beauty might attract attention, it’s character and self-development that truly endure. “Looks fade,” she said. “But who you are on the inside is what truly lasts.”

Timilehin, a hardworking and brilliant young woman who dreamed of studying Biochemistry, had previously scored 190 in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). But when she received a score of 146 in the 2025 UTME on May 12, she was devastated and inconsolable.

In a painful interview with Channels Television, her father recounted the last moments leading up to her death:

“She cried, ‘Daddy, this is not my result! Go and do something!’” he said, recalling her panic. “I told her, ‘Take it easy. Your school fees are intact!’ But within 30 minutes, I got the call—she had poisoned herself.”

According to her father, Timilehin ingested a full sachet of rat poison known as Push Out. She had disguised the act by telling her older sister, Opeyemi, that she needed palm oil for stomach upset, only to collapse moments later.

Doctors at the hospital battled to save her, but the poison had ravaged her body. “I watched her on a video call fighting for her life,” her father wept. “She regretted it, but it was too late.”

Timilehin had reportedly been offered admission to Federal University, Offa last year but declined due to travel and cost concerns. She continued working as a hairdresser, styling lecturers’ hair at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) while waiting for a new chance.

In a bitter twist, rumors emerged that she was offered admission shortly after her death — a claim her father disputes.

“Nobody gave her admission. I can’t even open her result on her phone. It’s all rumours.”

He condemned the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for their silence.

“They haven’t called me. No government official has. But I don’t even want to see them,” he said. “All I want is the real result of my daughter, not the one they changed after she died.”

Femi Opesusi holds JAMB responsible for his daughter’s death, alleging that technical issues and irregularities in this year’s UTME shattered the dreams of many like Timilehin.

“She asked me to fight for her result. That was the last thing she asked for.”

Her death has sparked national outrage, with students and parents across Nigeria voicing similar concerns over abnormally low scores and technical malfunctions during the 2025 UTME.

Timilehin’s story is not just a personal tragedy — it has become a symbol of a broken system, and a desperate call for reform in Nigeria’s educational sector.

At expanded meeting in Abuja—attended by Makinde, Governors Bala Mohammed and Umaru Fintiri, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki—he clarified he had no personal issue with Bala Mohammed, only that the Bauchi governor “hides under the facade of Chairman of PDP Governors Forum to serially renege on agreements.

He said the meeting ended with key resolutions, including affirming Senator Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary and calling for the withdrawal of all contentious legal matters.

Despite these efforts, Wike lamented that violations began almost immediately.

“It is disheartening to note that even before the Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee began its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached at Saraki’s Guest House was already being crudely violated,” he said.

He accused Makinde of colluding with Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to push for Udeh Okoye’s emergence as National Secretary, threatening the party’s stability in the South-East.

‘Seyi Makinde organized some people in the National Secretariat to insist that the Deputy National Secretary should act as National Secretary, in violation of the agreement earlier reached,” he added.

He cited a recent example from May 24, 2025, when INEC refused to attend a PDP zonal elective congress in Jos because the letter of invitation was not signed by the legally recognized secretary, Senator Anyanwu.

Wike expressed his frustration over the continued breaches, stating:

“I have painstakingly put out all these facts so that PDP members and the general public would know the truth. I have been in this party since 1998 and have worked tirelessly for the survival of this party with all my strength.”

He noted that despite helping many governors win elections, he never asked them for anything in return.

“Most importantly, I had thought that we could keep the trust amongst us, but since it is now obvious that they would continue to play games to the detriment of the party… I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained,” Wike declared.

Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 23, 2025, convicted and sentenced twelve Filipinos to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

The convicts are: Anjeanette Topacio, Gladys Joy Mag-Iba, Jean Calago, Shairah Mae Reyes, Roseann Gonzales, Lari Jane Tayag, Mary Grace De La Cruz, Krystel Aquilesca, Jonilyn Agulto, Paizza Camara, Vivian Pionella and Jonalyn Mendoza

They were arraigned on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate charges of possession of fraudulent documents.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Anjeanette Topacio, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As amended 2024) and Section 2(3)(d) of the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

Another charge reads: “That you, Shairah May Reyes, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, had in your possession a document containing false pretense, printed from your Telegram, wherein you posed to be a lady, living in the UK , which representation you knew to be false, thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 6 (8c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.”

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them.

In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, N.K.Ukoha and H.U. Kofarnaisa, respectively requested that the court convict the defendants as charged, in accordance with the plea bargain they had entered into with the Commission.

Justice Bogoro convicted and sentenced the defendants to one year imprisonment each, with a fine of N1,000,000.00( One Million Naira).

The judge also ordered the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, to ensure that the convicts are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days upon completion of their sentences.

The devices recovered from the defendants were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police have busted a notorious cybercrime syndicate responsible for hacking the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) results.

Twenty suspects have been arrested in Abuja, with more arrests expected to follow.

Security insiders reveal this isn’t a small-time hack, it’s a sprawling criminal network with over 100 cybercriminals infiltrating the servers of major exam bodies like JAMB and NECO across Nigeria.

The suspects have now confessed to orchestrating a sinister plot designed not only to rig exam scores for wealthy ‘special candidates’ but also to sabotage the entire CBT system, deliberately causing widespread confusion and mass failure. Their goal was reportedly to discredit JAMB and scare students away from using CBT for future WAEC and NECO exams.

One suspect admitted the gang’s signature move: installing malicious software on exam hardware at targeted CBT centers, enabling remote control of JAMB’s servers. This ghost software manipulated exam platforms, scrambling questions and answers and ensuring honest candidates’ results appeared distorted or incorrect.

Sources reveal the syndicate’s modus operandi involved placing rogue routers near CBT centers, overriding official systems so that ‘special candidates’ who paid bribes ranging from ₦700,000 to ₦2 million could receive real-time answers during exams.

The fallout was that thousands of unsuspecting students faced unfair failure, while the syndicate raked in millions.

Arrests span multiple states, including Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kano, and Delta. Authorities are keeping suspects’ names under wraps ahead of imminent court charges.

The DSS has been quietly monitoring this cyber war for months, culminating in this dramatic crackdown that exposes one of the most dangerous attacks on Nigeria’s education system to date.