Yes, I have seen cases of hopelessness changed to testimonies. Just look at the story of that desperate woman in Mark Chapter Five. That is one of the most difficult and hopeless situations in the bible. She was very sick for 12 years. She was losing her blood (life) every second of the day. She spent all she had looking for solution, yet none came. She suffered so much and the condition grew worse. No improvement. No cure. No hope. No help. Even the doctors got tired of her case. And the worst was that even when she had a glimpse of solution, the surging crowd became an obstacle, a barrier to reach the solution. My God! What can be worse than this? Does this sound like your situation? Look at it here, “Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, ‘If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.’ Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.” Mark 5:24-29

   Some of you reading this message are like this woman today. You have been in that situation for a long time now. It looks incurable and terminal – the type that was described as being sick unto death. You helplessly watch as your life, your resources, your joy dim and slip away from your hand. The more you try is the more the problem, the frustration increases. It may not be your health directly, but things around you have become sick – your business, your relationship, your marriage is sick, dying, etc. You go a step forward and three steps backward. And no help, yes nobody cares to help again.  People, friends and relations are now tired of helping. You know that there is a limit to what people, even relations can offer at the time of trial. True.

   Look at that woman again. Did you hear anything about her friends or relations? Maybe some good ones have tried and got tired, got exhausted and then left her to her fate. They left her to  pain, stain and drain. Remember also that her condition was the type that will always attract unpleasant smell and constant demand for resources to stay clean. So everybody ran away. Please, don’t get very angry when people desert you at the middle of your trial. It is just human. But let them go because God is coming to meet you. If they don’t go, if they don’t betray you, you may never know the real manifestation of God’s unfailing power and love. Now, what I love most about this woman is her determination and faith. Yes, the situation was very desperate and hopeless, but she totally refused to give up. She had no more relations, no neighbours and friends to turn to, but was ready to try Jesus. And she had a crowd as a wall of obstacle but was also ready to press against it to snatch her needed solution. 

“Because of its hatred for the Ant, Cockroach voted for Insecticide. Immediately Insecticide took power and swung into action, both Cockroach and Ant died, including Housefly that did not vote!” - Adewunmi Adegoju.

I scribbled what you are about to read the day after the new Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland was crowned on Friday, 23 May this year. It centred on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure federal highway. It went thus: “I received with mixed feelings news of the presidential approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that action be taken on the death-trap that the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa federal highway has become. Mixed feelings - Feelings of joy and also of sadness.

Reports said the president has approved the rehabilitation of the dual carriageway for ease of transportation. Speaking at the coronation of the 41st Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Adesuyi Clement Haastrup, Ajimoko III, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who represented the President, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to grassroots development while also announcing that ‘the President has ordered the release of an intervention fund for the rehabilitation of the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan expressway, which is critical to the economic vitality of Osun and neighbouring states.’

“I have written repeatedly on the perilous state of that road. Other writers, such as my brother Lasisi Olagunju, of the Tribune Newspapers and Lekan Shote of The PUNCH, have also written about their nasty experience on that road. It is, therefore, heartwarming that the Federal Government has paid attention to our many cries - and those of others - and is now moving to do something about the road. It is immaterial that it has chosen to tie it to the inauguration of the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland as a coronation gift to Kabiyesi!

“Long may Kabiyesi reign. I remember sitting him down for an interview after he left being the deputy governor of Osun State. After a period of turbulence and wilderness experience that must have tried the soul of any mortal, Kabiyesi today sits on the throne of his fathers. Long may he reign!

“But we should tell the Presidency that the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa expressway needs more than rehabilitation! That road, having expired totally and irrevocably, needs total reconstruction. All efforts to rehabilitate it in the past have failed. Sukuk-funds parchments here and there have failed to redeem the road. It must now experience total reconstruction - except we are only interested in throwing hard-earned money down the drains.”

On Monday, however, the sadness and any other reservations I might have had evaporated when I heard, life and direct, from reliable sources made up of very strong media handlers of Mr. President that what the President actually approved - and which is what will be executed - is a complete and full reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure dual carriageway. Sometimes, we need to hear from the horse’s mouth, as they say, to know that the government actually responds to feedback from the people.

And also that those of them in Government are not as indifferent to the plight of the common man as some would have us believe! Could anyone have imagined that the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, upon travelling on that road, reported her experience and demanded that something be done? Could you also have imagined that Gen. Alani Akinrinade, upon being invited to the Presidential Villa, made the reconstruction of the same deplorable road a condition for him to make the trip from his Yakoyo country home to Ibadan where a presidential jet might be waiting for him? These, and many others, are stories that are hardly heard by the people.

This is one more confirmation - I have heard of others in the past - that this President has listening ears. If only this other problem can also grab his attention... 

Still on the compulsory voting bill…

The bill that proposes to criminalize non-voting at National elections has been withdrawn by its sponsors. Their advertised reason for doing so was the public outcry against the bill. It is good that they listened to the voice of the people; how I wish they can do similarly in other instances on issues that directly affect the wellbeing and welfare of the people!

 But withdrawal of the bill should not be the final say on the matter. As we stated last week, there are many reasons propelling voter apathy, and these must clinically be addressed or else, democracy will be dead in no time and anti-democracy forces, as we have witnessed in countries around us, may one day berth on our own doorsteps.

Today, I bring to us some of the views of my readers on additional reasons for voter apathy and what must be done to address the problem. It is important we all pay attention and take heed. Acting like the Housefly (apathy) as depicted in the opening quote above does not exonerate or safeguard anyone!

“You lost count of one special group who do not vote or partake in any political activity because of their religious beliefs: the Jehovah Witnesses. They believe there can not be a righteous government run by man in this world until the second coming of Jesus Christ. Hence their members do not participate in politics and they don't vote. On the side of INEC, I was disenfranchised during the 2023 elections by BVAS’s failure to recognize my face. I had actually complied with INEC instructions that voters above the age of 50 years who had registered on or before 2014 should update their picture using an android phone or at the INEC office. I did mine on my phone, uploaded it, and obtained a printout upon the successful completion of the update. On election day, BVAS denied me my voting right! Funningly enough, my neighbor whom I encouraged and assisted to do the same thing at the same time, using my phone, was accredited by BVAS to vote with ease at the same polling unit by the same machine. I was totally embarrassed; the electoral officers expressed their surprise as well. I did not lose hope in the electoral body's ability to bring credibility into our electoral system. So, preparatory to the 2024 gubernatorial election in the state, when the electoral body called for voter registration and other related exercises, I decided to replace my PVC, which was done and I was issued a new card. Lo and behold, the BVAS robbed me of my voting right the third time within one year! So, will the compulsory voting law protect me from prosecution if it becomes operational? - Owolabi Daramola.

Your analysis of all relevant points and issues was tip-top. I cannot understand how on earth our honourable men and women in the House of Representatives came to the conclusion that enacting a law to make us vote, whether we like it or not, is the way to go in order to solve the multifaceted political and electoral problems that have bedevilled Nigeria since it became an independent nation in 1960! What a way to missthink! And what a misplaced priority!! Instead of those elites in the so-called hallowed chambers to face reality and endeavour to investigate the root cause(s) of Nigerians’ apathy to voting, they chose to engage in an exercise in futility - a wild goose chase as you rightly said. Before any compulsory voting law, let them address or proffer solutions to all the problems you highlighted and then give us the following assurances: That

1. There will be good governance.

2. They will be accountable to the people who voted them into power.

3. They will not go to the House to serve their own interests.

4. There will be no more impunity and they will ensure that the rule of law reigns supreme.

5. They will not be a rubber-stamp henceforth, but shall always check and balance the Executive, which is the constitutional responsibility of the Legislature.

6. There must be zero tolerance for corruption at all levels of government.

7. They will enact laws that will punish public office holders and politicians found guilty of corruption.

8. They will put pressure on the Executive to build and maintain our roads, schools, hospitals and all infrastructure to world class level.” - Ayorinde Abiola.

“The compulsory voting bill makes me remember the plan of some of our rulers to stop our medical personnel from going for greener pastures abroad; but the proposal did not see the light of day. It also reminds me of the saying that those that the gods would destroy, they first make mad. Some people of faith say that 2025 will be a landmark year. We don't know if it will be another form of COVID-19 or not. We just hope our leaders will allow God's mercy to abound for us all. How many millions of people will they penalize for not voting? We should be getting our priorities right.” - Pastor Seun Sogunro.

“Another group who will not vote are those whose religious inclinations will not let them; an example are the Jehovah Witnesses.” - Professor Biodun Anifowose.

Thanks for your comments. Our legislative houses have work to do. If they don’t and democracy kaputs here, as they say, it is the Legislature that is always completely obliterated.

 Former editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, BOLAWOLE was also the Managing Director/Editor-in-chief of The Westerner news magazine. He writes the ON THE LORD'S DAY column in the Sunday Tribune and TREASURES column in New Telegraph newspaper on Wednesdays. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, extends heartfelt congratulations to Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha, emphasizing the importance of embodying the festival’s core values of sacrifice and devotion to God.

In a press statement released by his media office on Thursday, Atiku encouraged Muslims to seek God’s mercies through prayers for the nation during this sacred period. 

He stated, “The essence of Eid-al-Adha, rooted in the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammad, calls us to reflect kindness and peace in our lives.”

The Waziri Adamawa urged Muslims to extend charity to the less privileged, noting, “kindness and generosity are integral to our faith - values we must uphold not only during this celebration but at all times.”

He also called on leaders at all levels to embrace compassion and sacrifice, as exemplified by the festival. 

“Leadership demands forbearance and commitment to the greater good. I appeal to those in authority to show compassion and prioritize the welfare of the people, in line with God’s command,” he said.

Atiku concluded by advocating for peace and unity, encouraging Nigerians to pray for harmony in their homes and society during this sacred time.

Signed:

Atiku Media Office

Abuja

The Federal Government has deepened its engagement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to advance the implementation of a ¥15 billion (approximately $110 million) emergency loan facility aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food security.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Finance and Coordinating Ministry of the Economy on Wednesday following a strategic meeting involving the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and senior JICA officials.

According to the ministry, “The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, today met with senior representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to advance the implementation of the Food Security Emergency Loan Support Programme.” 

A loan for boosting food production and resilience 

The loan, targeted at enhancing food production systems and increasing resilience across Nigeria, comes at a time when global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures continue to strain the nation’s agricultural sector.

“The JPY 15 billion facility (approximately $110 million) aims to support Nigeria’s food production systems and enhance resilience amid ongoing global supply challenges,” the ministry stated. 

With the 2025 rainy season already underway, the ministers stressed the urgency of executing core components of the programme to ensure timely support for farmers and rural communities.

“Both Ministers emphasised the importance of swift, coordinated action to maximise impact for farmers and rural communities,” the statement read. 

JICA seeks formal clarification 

JICA, in its response, reaffirmed its commitment to the partnership but requested formal clarification on proposed implementation changes.

It was agreed that immediate production activities would continue as planned, while other components, such as aggregation and financing, would be reviewed against the terms of the original agreement.

“JICA welcomed the government’s commitment to delivery and requested formal clarification on proposed implementation adjustments. It was jointly agreed that core production activities would proceed immediately under the existing framework, while additional components, such as aggregation and financing, would be reviewed in line with the original loan agreement,” the ministry added. 

The programme forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to address food insecurity, improve agricultural productivity, and stabilise the economy through sustainable partnerships.

What you should know

• President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking approval for a fresh external borrowing plan totalling about $21.5 billion under Nigeria’s 2025–2026 borrowing programme.
• In addition to the multi-billion-dollar request, the President is also seeking the legislature’s approval for a loan of 15 billion Japanese Yen and a €51 million grant to support key development priorities.
• According to the letter submitted to the National Assembly, Tinubu explained that the new facilities are intended to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security.
• The president’s loan request comes at a time of rising concerns over Nigeria’s growing debt profile.
• Most recent figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that as of December 2024, Nigeria owes the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) $53.31 million, representing 0.88% of Nigeria’s total bilateral debt and 0.12% of the country’s overall external debt stock.
• If approved, the new food security loan will likely push Nigeria’s debt to Japan to $163.31 million.

[Nairametrics]

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is firmly in control of his administration, dismissing speculations that a cabal is pulling strings behind the scenes.

Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, made the assertion on Thursday while delivering the 2025 OAU Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Naija News reports that he praised Tinubu’s decisiveness and leadership, stating that the President is demonstrating firm control of governance and not allowing shadow influences.

“He has shown that he has the courage. Under Tinubu, there is nothing like cabal. This is a president that is in charge,” he said.

The FCT Minister took a swipe at previous administrations, saying they lacked the political will to take bold economic decisions. According to him, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan could not muster the courage to end fuel subsidies or unify the country’s exchange rates.

“So many people would still be benefitting from fuel subsidy fraud if Tinubu had not removed it,” he added.

Despite acknowledging that Nigeria has underachieved since independence, Wike maintained that the nation still holds the potential for greatness if the right leadership and systems are put in place.

“Though Nigeria has underperformed in the last six decades since independence, and all imaginable fault lines are cracking, the nation can still rise and blaze in glory,” he said.

He emphasised the need to rebuild trust and reinforce national unity, noting that nation-building must be deliberate and inclusive.

“The desired Nigeria won’t fall from heaven. It will require vision, sacrifice, hard work and purpose. Let us leave for the next generation resolves and not regrets,” Wike urged.

Taking a jab at critics calling for his removal as minister, Wike questioned their sense of judgment and defended his capacity to deliver in office.

“Something is wrong with those who say I lack the capacity to deliver,” he declared.

He also stood firm on his stance that ground rent defaulters in Abuja must fulfill their financial obligations.

“Ground rent debtors must pay their outstanding debts. Heaven will not fall if they do so,” he said defiantly.

The lecture drew an array of dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Samuel Ortom (Benue), among others.

[NaijaNews]

The Country Director, Secure-D-Future International Initiative, Chinaemerem Iwuanyanwu, has said mental health challenges in Nigeria are significant, marked by limited access to services and a lack of social awareness and an inadequacy of mental health professionals.

According to research, approximately 25-30% of Nigerians experience mental illness, but less than 10% have access to professional care.

It is in an attempt to bridge this gap, which is attributed to societal attitudes that hinder access to treatment, hence the Secure-D-Future International Initiative; a Non-Governmental Organization has held its 4th Annual Counselors Summit and unveiled its Mental Health Guideline framework, at a Two-Day event, themed: “Bridging The Gap: Integrating Counseling Into Mental Health Policies; Opportunities & Challenges.”

At the event in Abuja, which had participants from schools, communities, partners and stakeholders from across the country, Iwuanyanwu disclosed that the fourth annual counselling summit is a gathering of school counselors, private practitioners, private workers including policy makers who have come together in order to upscale themselves, and have conversations that border on the practice and the services that the association offers.

According to Chinaemerem, the key highlight of the event is the unveiling of the guide on “effective mental health counseling”, bridging the mental health gap in Nigeria.

She revealed that the production of the book was the work of a number of professors and doctors, who are professionals in mental health.

“The idea behind it is for every social worker and counselor including policy makers to have that required understanding on; what do I need to do, as a counsellor.”

She further revealed that findings and interactions of the SDF in schools have shown that some people do not pay adequate attention to issues relating to mental health as they focus more on ‘career counselling’.

In her words, “There is no way that you can separate mental health from career counselling. There is no child with mental health issue that can do well academically. This is a fact.”

She further revealed that, “The Association, in partnership with the Secondary Education Board, SEB (and with particular reference to the FCT Education Board) including the Counseling Association of Nigeria has been trying to develop a lot of capacity building programmes to bring them up-speed. Stating, that the purpose is to make them understand that counseling is good but one must pay attention to the mental health of these children.

“‘With this guide we have developed, as a school guidance counselor, they are now well equipped as to what is expected of them,” she stated.

Speaking earlier at the event, Dr. Sada’atu Adamu, the Founder of Secure-D-Future International Initiative (SDF), revealed that the SDF initiated the establishment of mental health clubs in the various schools where it caters for individuals; especially students that are struggling with mental health and challenges, so that they can get used to it, enjoy their space and in the same vein, equip themselves on how to provide support to others.

The SDF founder noted that not all mental health issues require medication, psychiatric hospitals and all sorts.

She said, “Counseling is one of the major things that we have to look at and also, integrate into the mental health frame work. One cannot do much as it concerns mental health without counseling.”

She mentioned also, that the SDF has rehabilitation centres where it caters for people struggling with drug use/abuse, and an institution where professionals are trained on the basic tools and techniques on how to support people with mental health. “What you are seeing today, is part of what we bring onboard as an organization”.

Reacting to questions on how the SDF is working alongside its partners and collaborators to address “bullying in schools”, for which the Minister of Education recently inaugurated a committee on Bullying in Schools, Dr Adamu disclosed that the SDF has been working with the Secondary Education Board on the policy. “We are also part of the consultants that supported them through the training on “Understanding the Impact of Mental Health around Bullying”.

In his address, Prof Malami Umar Tambawal, the Vice Chancellor of the Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto, noted that addressing the issue of mental health requires the collective effort of all, including the government.

“We have to make it a policy if we want to be serious. This is why the SDF is coming up with the mental health policy framework so that with this document, the issue of mental health can be redressed in all of our educational levels.”

He disclosed, that the Association is working tirelessly through various schools counselors to see that the issue of mental health in the country gets the attention it deserves.

“The Association has been having conferences and seminars on issues of mental health but presently, “we want to go down the grassroots levels and visit various secondary schools, tertiary institutions to address individuals with this mental health issue.

“There are issues relating to mental health everywhere in the society today especially with the economic situation in the country as it has also affected our cultural disposition, which has changed.

“The society has to re-orient towards thinking right. The SDF remains committed towards the implementation of this policy and had pursued an Act from the National Assembly that was given approval to which the former President, Muhammadu Buhari gave his Assent. The Council had its inauguration last month by the Minister of Education and gave the legal backing to start working towards resolving mental health issues in the country.”

[Leadership]

Former Nigerian senator and ambassador, Professor Jibril Aminu is dead. He died at the age of 85.

His death occurred on Wednesday in Abuja after a long illness.

Professor Aminu served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003.

He later became a senator, representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011.

A respected heart specialist (cardiologist), Professor Aminu got his first medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965.

He later earned a PhD in medicine from the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School in London in 1972.

He is survived by two wives and nine children.

[DailyPost]

Christiano Ronaldo’s second-half strike was enough to sink Germany in the first UEFA Nations League semi-final at the Munich Football Arena on Wednesday.

But beyond that, the 40-year-old is definitely not showing any sign of dipping in his goal-scoring form, as his goal records both in Portugal and Al Nassr’s colours have continued to amaze football fans across the world.

The following are some of the records the five-time Ballon d’Or award winner has recorded so far at his present club, Al Nassr.

•Highest goals in a single Saudi Pro League season

By scoring 35 goals in the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season, Cristiano Ronaldo set a new benchmark and surpassed Abderrazak Hamdallah’s previous record of 34 goals in 2018-19.

The record, which was achieved in 31 matches, is a testament to Ronaldo’s prolific scoring rate (averaging a goal every 75.6 minutes). This makes it a formidable record to beat.

•The first player to score against 200 different opponents

The Portuguese became the first footballer to find the back of the net against 200 different opponents (152 clubs and 48 national teams) in November 2024 after scoring against Al Qadisiyah.

In a career spanning over two decades, Ronaldo has shown his scoring prowess across different leagues and international competitions.

•Most hat-tricks for Al-Nassr

Since he joined Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has scored six hat-tricks in 111 appearances across all competitions, contributing to his career total of 66, the highest among active players.

Despite his age (40 in 2025), Ronaldo’s ability to deliver multiple goals in a single match sets a high standard for future Al-Nassr players.

•The first player to clinch top scorer honours in four different top-flight leagues

Ronaldo had a phenomenal 2023–24 Saudi Pro League season.

He won the Golden Boot that season, making him the first player to win top scorer awards in four different top-flight leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Saudi Pro League).

The feat is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon.

•Highest-scoring European player in Al-Nassr history

As of May 2025, Ronaldo is the highest goalscoring European player in Al-Nassr history with 99 goals in 111 appearances.

The above also makes him the fifth-highest overall in the club’s history.

[Punch]

Visa fees and application requirements are often major hurdles for Nigerians seeking to explore new countries in Europe.

While Europe may seem out of reach for budget travelers, several countries on the continent offer relatively affordable visa fees—under ₦150,000—making it easier for Nigerians to pursue tourism, business, study, or family visits.

This article lists eight countries in Europe outside the Schengen Area where Nigerian passport holders can apply for visas without breaking the bank.

1. Ireland

Visa Fee: €60 for single entry; €100 for multiple entry

While Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, it remains a top destination for education, tourism, and business. Applicants must pay additional service fees, but the base visa fee is relatively low

2. Croatia

Visa Fee: €90

Though Croatia joined the Schengen Area in 2023, its visa application process and fees remain accessible. It’s an emerging tourist destination known for its coastline and historic towns.

3. Romania

Visa Fee: €80

Romania is known for its castles and scenic landscapes. It’s not part of the Schengen zone but still offers an affordable visa for Nigerian travelers.

4. Bulgaria

Visa Fee: €80

While not in the Schengen zone, Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage and Black Sea resorts attract budget-conscious tourists.

5. Cyprus

Visa Fee: €60

Cyprus offers scenic beaches and a blend of European and Middle Eastern cultures. The visa is valid for short stays and comes with a relatively low fee.

6. Serbia

Visa Fee: €60

Serbia is an underrated European gem with a vibrant cultural scene. The affordable visa fee makes it attractive for Nigerian visitors.

7. Ukraine

Visa Fee: $20

Although Ukraine is currently navigating conflict zones, parts of the country remain accessible. E-visa processing resumed in early 2025, making it an option again.

8. Georgia

Visa Fee: $20

Georgia is popular for its natural beauty, hospitable culture, and affordability. The online visa process is quick and traveler-friendly.

Vanguard News