Ruth never imagined she would need a Cesarean section.

Like many first-time mothers, she had envisioned a vaginal birth—the pain, the pushing, and ultimately, the joy of holding her newborn in her arms.

But when her labor stretched past 18 hours with little progress, doctors at the hospital in Abuja made it clear: she and her baby were in danger.   

“I wasn’t dilating, and my baby was showing signs of distress,” Ruth recalls. “I had no choice. In that moment, it wasn’t about my preference—it was about survival.”  

Now a mother of two, she looks back at that emergency C-section as a lifesaving decision, one that reshaped her understanding of childbirth.

For her second pregnancy, there was no hesitation—she opted for an elective C-section. “Although recovery was tough, my child’s safety was all that mattered,” she says.

Her story is just one of many shaping the evolving conversation around maternal healthcare in Nigeria.

In a country where maternal deaths remain alarmingly high, at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, more women are actively making choices about their childbirth options.

But those choices are deeply personal, often shaped by cost, medical advice, and deeply rooted cultural perceptions.

The numbers behind the change  

Globally, C-sections are becoming more common. According to new research from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 in 5 childbirths (21%) are now via C-section, and by 2030, that figure is expected to rise to nearly 29%.

• Nigeria is no exception. As medical awareness grows and access to healthcare improves, more women are choosing C-sections—some out of medical necessity, others for peace of mind. However, financial barriers remain a significant challenge.
• In private hospitals across Nigeria, a C-section can cost anywhere from N300,000 to N1,500,000, with complications pushing the bill beyond N2 million. Many women simply cannot afford the procedure, leading to dire consequences when emergency interventions are needed.
• To tackle this, the Federal Government recently announced free C-sections for Nigerian women in public hospitals. Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated:

“The new policy is designed to ensure that women who need C-sections, either due to complications or as part of planned deliveries, can access the procedure without financial obstacles.” 

The initiative aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates by ensuring more women have access to life-saving interventions without the burden of cost.

Breaking the Stigma: The shift in perception  

For Ifeoma, a 40-year-old schoolteacher in Lagos, the decision was clear from the beginning. She never wanted to experience the pain of labor.

“I had seen my sister go through a painful vaginal delivery that left her with complications for months,” she says. “Another of my sisters had a C-section and recovered faster. So, I decided—why go through unnecessary suffering when a planned procedure could be easier and safer?”  

Her two children were delivered via scheduled C-sections, and she has no regrets. “It was smooth both times and though recovery took time, I had peace of mind knowing my birth was controlled and predictable.”  

Yet, not all women feel the same.

Funmi, 32, is expecting her second child and remains firm in her decision to have a vaginal birth. “I know C-sections save lives, but unless it’s absolutely necessary, I’d rather not go through surgery,” she says.

“My recovery from vaginal birth was faster, and I don’t want to deal with the pain of surgery while caring for a newborn.”

Her biggest concern? The possibility of being required to have C-sections in future pregnancies. “Once you have one, many doctors push for another. I don’t want to limit my options,” she adds.

The future of childbirth in Nigeria  

Younger Nigerian women are approaching childbirth with a more informed perspective. At just 25, Jennifer has already decided she will opt for a C-section when the time comes.

“I know people think I’m crazy for making this decision so early, but I’ve done my research,” she says. “I like the idea of a planned, stress-free delivery. I don’t see why I should take on unnecessary pain when modern medicine offers a safer option.”  

Her decision is influenced by the experiences of friends and family members who struggled with difficult vaginal births. “If science gives us the option to avoid prolonged labor and complications, why not take it?”  

C-Sections: A life-saving option, not a luxury  

Medical experts stress that while vaginal birth remains safe for most women, C-sections are crucial in preventing maternal and infant deaths when complications arise.

Conditions like prolonged labor, fetal distress, placental complications, and hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia often make C-sections necessary. Without them, many women and babies would not survive.

“I have seen women terrified of C-sections because of myths surrounding the procedure,” says Dr. Uzoma Onu, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Keffi.

“But with proper guidance, they realize it can be the safest option. Epidurals effectively manage pain, and surgical monitoring has greatly improved.”

Similarly, Dr. Sikiru Ojo, a medical doctor based in Lagos, emphasized that misconceptions and financial constraints hinder many women from accessing timely surgical intervention, leading to preventable maternal and infant deaths.

“Many Nigerian women fear C-sections due to cultural beliefs, but it is a medically safe procedure when performed under the right conditions,” he stated.

He also addressed the financial burden associated with C-sections, noting that high out-of-pocket costs make the procedure inaccessible for many. He called for increased health insurance coverage and government interventions to subsidize emergency obstetric care. “Affordable healthcare policies must include comprehensive maternal care to reduce maternal mortality rates,” he urged.

Dr. Ojo further stressed the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and skilled personnel to enhance surgical outcomes.

He encouraged expectant mothers to prioritize their health and seek professional medical advice rather than relying on myths.

“A C-section can be the difference between life and death,” he said.

With government intervention, improved medical awareness, and evolving attitudes, the conversation around childbirth in Nigeria is changing one woman at a time.

[Nairametrics]

Naija News reported that the former Military President, General Babangida, last Thursday, during the launch of his autobiography, ‘A Journey In Service’, revealed that it was the late General Sani Abacha that annulled the 12th June 1993 presidential election without his permission.

In an interview with News Central, on Monday, Momodu, who spoke on the call for IBB’s trial by critics, said the former Military President ought to apologize to Nigerians and not give excuses.

The former PDP presidential aspirant added that the annulled June 12 election was the best opportunity to put the country on track for progress.

His words: “I was hoping that we would be able to bring some form of closure to the June 12th crisis. All that we needed to do that day was to get a full unconditional apology for what happened. If I was one of those who wrote the speech with him or for him, then I would have ensured that we did not give any further excuses. Just come out, apologize to Nigerians, apologize to the families that were displaced, disrupted, destroyed, and I believe that would have closed it finally.

“But the moment I started hearing excuses about, we did it in national interest, we did it so that our democracy can survive. I don’t think what we have today is a proper democracy. It’s become a sham.

“We have the federal government wants to win every election. The state government wants to win every election. The local government is in disarray. So at the end of the day, what have we gained? People tell you, yes, I can declare myself, go to court. So what we have today is kangarooism, which started after June 12th. June 12th would have been our best opportunity to put Nigeria on the right track.“

[NaijaNews]

In the weeks leading up to the 2007 Kano State gubernatorial election, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a prominent member of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet, visited Kano to mediate between Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The intervention came after a public feud between Shekarau’s administration and the EFCC over a report allegedly implicating the governor. At the time, any report from the anti-corruption agency that indicated wrongdoing could automatically disqualify a candidate from participating in elections. However, the constitutional authority to disqualify candidates rests with the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), which is currently embroiled in controversy.

Mallam Sule Yau Sule, the governor’s spokesperson, had dismissed the EFCC report alleging Shekarau’s involvement in corruption. Despite Sule’s refusal to retract his statement or apologise to the anti-graft agency, he eventually resigned from his position and traveled for Umrah. The matter was resolved, and Shekarau was re-elected as governor on April 14, 2007, securing 671,184 votes on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), defeating his closest rival, Ahmed Bichi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 629,868 votes.

As a writer, I have previously examined the roles of El-Rufai and Ribadu, two influential Northern political figures who rose to prominence under President Obasanjo’s administration. Both were celebrated as bold reformers. El-Rufai was credited with transforming Abuja through urban planning, modernisation, and monetisation policies, which earned him a close advisory role with Obasanjo. Conversely, Ribadu spearheaded aggressive anti-corruption campaigns, exposing high-profile figures such as Inspector General Tafa Balogun and Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, reinforcing Nigeria’s global stance against corruption.

Beyond their achievements, both were key members of Obasanjo’s influential Economic Team and played pivotal roles in the emergence of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2007 after the aborted Third-Term Agenda of Obasanjo.

Contrary to expectations, Yar’Adua did not serve as a puppet of the Obasanjo administration. He reversed key policies, such as petroleum price hikes and taxation reforms, asserting his independence, and move that did not sit well with Elrufai and Ribadu.

In my December 2009 article, “Still on El-Rufai and Ribadu on President Umaru Yar’Adua,” I explored the irony of their initial support for Yar’Adua, only to become some of his fiercest critics after his election. Speculations arose that El-Rufai and Ribadu had anticipated securing influential roles—possibly as Minister of Energy and Inspector General of Police, respectively—but were sidelined. Their subsequent disillusionment with Yar’Adua might have stemmed from their inability to influence his administration.

For various reasons, both men eventually left the country and later actively campaigned for Yar’Adua’s resignation as his health deteriorated and political instability ensued. They returned to Nigeria after Yar’Adua’s death.

Strangely, many were unaware of their growing discord as they both vigorously campaigned for Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s candidacy in 2023. However, their relationship took a dramatic turn when President Tinubu appointed Ribadu National Security Adviser, while El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination was abruptly halted. Many questioned why Ribadu did not intervene to assist El-Rufai in securing the ministerial position.

Their friendship has worsened, marked by escalating public disputes. The conflict centres on El-Rufai’s claim that Ribadu lied about never accusing President Bola Tinubu of corruption during his EFCC tenure, citing 2006–2007 records. The rift deepened after Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad’s TikTok video accused Ribadu of hypocrisy, referencing his past criticisms of Tinubu. Ribadu’s lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji demanded a retraction and apology, calling the allegations baseless and damaging to Ribadu’s reputation.

Speculation suggests that their relationship began to sour around 2010 when Ribadu accepted the Action Congress of Nigeria’s (ACN) presidential ticket for the 2011 elections without prior consultation with El-Rufai. This move reportedly led to feelings of betrayal and  subsequent estrangement. Despite their differences, both were seen together at various events, including weddings and burials, creating the impression of continued closeness. However, insiders noted that their personal and professional relationship had already fractured for over a decade.

While Ribadu later defected to the PDP in his bid for the Adamawa governorship, he could not secure the ticket in 2015. In contrast, El-Rufai won his governorship election under the APC. There were also reports that El-Rufai attempted to help Ribadu secure a Senate seat in 2019, but Ribadu rejected the offer, opting instead to run for governor. Similarly, other reports claim that El-Rufai opposed Ribadu’s gubernatorial ambitions in Adamawa in the 2019 and 2023 elections despite being a major power broker in the ruling APC.

Nuhu Ribadu, now a powerful figure as National Security Adviser under President Bola Tinubu, was surprisingly sidelined during the previous Buhari administration, much like Nasir El-Rufai’s current experience of being politically marginalized under Tinubu’s government.

This reversal of fortunes has exacerbated their animosity, with El-Rufai allegedly aligning with opposition figures to challenge Ribadu.

Unfortunately, a bond built on mutual respect and shared vision has degenerated into a spectacle of accusations and confrontations. For those who have consciously avoided engaging in partisan politics, this embarrassing political rivalry reinforces our decision to stay away from a landscape where friendships dissolve, and once-principled figures become unprincipled public actors.

Rather than escalating their disagreements, both men should be reminded of their shared history and efforts in shaping Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Their actions today will shape their legacies and influence future generations.

It is not too late for them to reflect on the camaraderie they once shared and their collective impact on public service reforms and the anti-corruption movement.

I urge El-Rufai and Ribadu to sheath their swords and embrace peace, even if the ongoing drama is a strategic maneuver ahead of the 2027 elections. Reflecting on the alignments and realignments of political forces that culminated in the 2015 ouster of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, it is clear that nothing in politics is ever predictable.

At this critical juncture, peace and political stability should precede personal rivalry. Both men have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s development, and unnecessary feuds should not tarnish their legacies. Let them rise above their differences and focus on the greater good of the nation.

The latest autobiography in town: Babangida: A Journey in Service “is an important book in many respects” according to the reviewer, Yemi Osinbajo, a professor and former Vice President. Accordingly, it is not just a story of the remarkable journey of former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida from childhood to the highest levels of public service, it is an account of a “journey of our Nation Nigeria, the Nigerian story, complex, sometimes unpredictable, sometimes stranger than fiction, but always fascinating”.

Many of the key characters in the book who shaped the history of our country were there on Thursday, “demonstrating something truly unique about Nigeria: our ability to move beyond the past and come together”.

Seated among those who shaped what the late General Chris Ali once called “The Federal Republic of the Nigerian Army” in Ali’s 2011 book was General Yakubu Gowon, who became Nigeria’s Head of State at just 32 and led the country for nine years. His government was overthrown in 1975 by a coup involving then-Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo, Brigadier Theophilus Danjuma, and the author himself, Babangida, who was then commander of the newly formed Armoured Corps.

The reviewer with a deep sense of history noted: “Also involved were then-Lieutenant Colonels Muhammadu Buhari, Sani Bello, and Sani Sami. Yet, there they were on February 20 at Transcorp Hilton, with former President Obasanjo and General Danjuma with his representative, (no thanks to ill-health) present not as adversaries but as witnesses to history, celebrating a fellow statesman.

“In a striking turn of fate, the author notes that it was President Obasanjo who, after the tragic assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, insisted that a young Lt. Col. Babangida be appointed to the Supreme Military Council, making him its youngest member at the time”, the reviewer revealed.

But not physically present but represented on the occasion was immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari another leader whose path intertwined with Babangida. It was Babangida who played a key role in the coup that brought General Buhari to power in 1983, and later, in another coup that removed him and brought Babangida himself to power. Specifically, President Buhari was represented at this occasion, celebrating the man who overthrew him and detained him for three and a half years his one time old adversary General Babangida.

There was some hushed excitement when the reviewer reminded the younger ones who don’t read history that, “there is gentleman here who was an elected senator in 1992 in the course of Babangida’s Transition Programme, when Babangida annulled the 1993 election, and General Abacha took over and dissolved the Senate. He tried to reconstitute the senate in resistance to the dissolution he was detained and charged to court, he escaped into exile. Today, he also is here to celebrate with his erstwhile tormentors but now as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu GCFR…”

The 420-paged book also raises curiosities “because it unveils one of the most enigmatic leaders Nigeria has ever had. A man who some call Maradona, others the evil genius, baring his mind in his own words, in writing, for the first time since he left office 32 years ago”. Then the denouement on Thursday as revealed by the artful reviewer who notes that the author “concludes in the book and I quote him : “looking back now, the June 12 saga was undeniably the most challenging moment of my life and, in certain respects, one of the most painful… and he went on to admit “If I had to do it all over, I’d do it differently…”

Osinbajo, a professor of law of evidence rounds off his review thus: “by any standard, Babangida’s Journey of Service is an extraordinary book. It is a collection of stories from a life deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s contemporary history, —told with remarkable wit, insight, and a vivid sense of place. Babangida’s storytelling ability is undeniable; he draws the reader into each moment, making history feel immediate and alive. His prose flows effortlessly from one era to another, from one pivotal event to the next, in a way that is both engaging and easy to read. He is generous in his praise of others, acknowledging the contributions of many along the way. Yet, despite the richness of his narrative, this book will not silence the debates or end the controversies surrounding his years in power especially the final chapter of his leadership. The questions will persist, the criticisms will continue, but that has always been the nature of the Babangida Phenomenon. He remains, as ever, a force of history…”

In his remark, President Bola Tinubu on the book and unveiling of the fund raiser for a presidential library, said former military president Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida showed unusual courage and patriotism by admitting that late M.K.O. Abiola won the June 12 election in 1993.

The annulment was a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, precipitating a political crisis and hastened his exit from power. Many of the key actors of the phenomenal June 12, 1993 election crisis have died. They included M.K.O Abiola, the presumed winner of the election, General Sani Abacha, the Head of State who finally buried the mandate and assumed power; the then Attorney General Akpamgbo; Saleh, Chief Judge of Abuja who pronounced the election dead; etc, including most of the G-34 members who signed away June 12 The Guardian reported as a scoop on June 11, 2000.

President Tinubu said the former leader’s admission about Abiola’s victory would help to set the records properly. But as yours sincerely had noted in an “Arise News” comment on Thursday night: It is as Shakespeare would have put the outcome of an elections after 32 years: “…a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury, signifying nothing…” . Nigeria’s leader said he would continue to do his best for the country by making tough decisions to reposition the economy. He called on Nigerians to refocus their time, energy, and resources on building the country that remains their home and be more mindful of changes in global migration laws that could impede their dreams of a better life.

“I am glad about what is happening in America and Europe, the contradiction you have seen now. What is it telling us? It is telling us to wake up and make Africa a better place, particularly this country, Nigeria….”

President Tinubu thanked Gen. Babangida for his foresight in ensuring the private sector’s growth in Nigeria. “Without you, people like me will not be in politics. I thank you for your progressive revolution. You said you wanted young, brilliant people in politics. We met you in Dodan Barracks. You inspired some of us. And when you look at the programme today, the names of bankers and many of us here today for this library project are all because they believe in the visionary Babangida. Thank you for what you are.”

Gen. Babangida who thanked the President and all guests for attending the unveiling of his autobiography, admitted that annulling the June 12 elections was the most challenging decision of his life. Given another chance, he would have handled the situation differently.

His words: “That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret. As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch”. “June 12 happened under my watch; mistakes, oversights, and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive…”
The launch of General IBB’s book, offers valuable lessons and deliverables for the current administration. As I was saying on “Arise News Tv” on Thursday, the key takeaway is the importance of our leaders investing in human capital, particularly the youth and tapping of intellectuals and technocrats across all geo-political zones as IBB intentionally did in his time.

Using a football analogy, I had on Thursday emphasised that just as a Spanish football club, Real Madrid invest in top talent like Mbappe, Vinicius Jnr, Rodrigo, Bellingham, etc Nigeria’s leaders must prioritise investing in their best and brightest people. This means also that leaders in Nigeria should create and invest in opportunities for education, skills development, and entrepreneurship. There shouldn’t be recourse to the people Alvin Toffler calls the illiterate of the 21st century who can’t learn, unlearn and relearn.

What is more, at the event, Tinubu had the opportunity of hearing about the quality of IBB’s team from 1985 to 1993, a period marked by significant economic and political reforms in Nigeria. In other words, IBB tapped the brightest and the best brains from all over the country. Tinubu’s team has been regularly criticised as a celebration of mediocrity. He has an opportunity soon to rejig his team as he marks second year in office in May this year.

Tinubu’s presence at the book launch highlights his commitment to learning from Nigeria’s past leaders and building on their achievements. As the current President of Nigeria, he recognises the importance of understanding the country’s history and the role that leaders like IBB have played in shaping its development.

The Lessons: visionary leadership: IBB’s leadership style, as highlighted in the book, demonstrates the importance of having a clear vision for the country’s development; strategic planning: The book launch emphasises the need for strategic planning and implementation, which was a hallmark of IBB’s administration: he created agencies even in human capital development sectors, (education and health) where the late Babs Fafunwa and Olikoye Ransome Kuti, for instance, showcased the importance of skilled and committed leaders in the discipline of execution.

Besides, IBB’s leadership style highlights the importance of inclusive governance, which involves engaging with various stakeholders, including the youth, to ensure that their voices were heard. President Tinubu’s testimony also underscores that. He (Tinubu) should borrow from that brilliance.

In the main, the launch of IBB’s book offers valuable lessons and deliverables for President Tinubu’s administration. By investing in human capital, particularly prioritising education reform beyond creation of more instead of better universities, inclusive governance, the administration can set Nigeria on a path to sustainable development and growth. That is the Babangida we should find in a new Tinubu after the profound speeches last Thursday. After all, in a Sunday August 22, 1993, issue of The Guardian a Nigerian celebrated columnist, Gbolabo Ogunsanwo of blessed memory wrote a classic on ‘The Babangida in all of us’. I hope the best of Babangida President Tinubu spoke glowingly about on Thursday will also be in him, for the public good’s game at this time.

Nationwide premium motor spirit (petrol) scarcity looms in Nigeria as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, on Monday gave a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw services across the country over the non-payment of bridging claims amounting to N100 billion.

The Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhasan, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, the Nigerian government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has failed to clear its N100 billion bridging debt owed to petrol marketers 40 days after promising to do so in the presence of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

He revealed that Northern depots, comprising the Jos depot, Gusau depot, Minna depot, Suleja depot, Kaduna depot, Kano depot, Gombe depot, Yola depot, and Maiduguri depot, have become completely grounded due to this lingering debt.

IPMAN also frowned at the 5 percent levy imposed on its members by NMDPRA.

Alhasan said, “If NMDPRA doesn’t pay our money within seven days, we are going to withdraw our services across the nation.”

“We are extremely frustrated that one year after our last demand as a forum, requesting the payment of over N100 billion owed to our members in bridging and NTA claims by the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, the management of the NMDPRA has deliberately ignored our request, even after making clear promises to pay us.

“One of those promises was made by the NMDPRA at the stakeholders’ meeting convened on the eve of the last strike action declared by NARTO. At that stakeholders’ meeting, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, listed this same IPMAN bridging claim as part of their demands before the strike action would be called off.

“The NMDPRA promised to offset the bridging claims in 40 days, even in the presence of the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, and the DG DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi. However, 40 days have today become months with no hope of our payment.

“Hence, the nine (9) Northern depots, comprising the Jos depot, Gusau depot, Minna depot, Suleja depot, Kaduna depot, Kano depot, Gombe depot, Yola depot, and Maiduguri depot, have become completely grounded due to this lingering debt.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is imperative to state again that this debt being owed to us is money belonging to marketers, which was deducted from us at the point of payment for products to settle our bridging allowances.

“We have also continued to record the deaths of our members, the closure of their businesses, the retrenchment of staff, and the takeover of their business premises by commercial banks, all arising from this refusal of the NMDPRA to pay us our money.

“Another worrisome development is the NMDPRA’s imposition of several abnormal levies on our members.

“Chief among them is the imposition of a 5 percent commission accruable to them from the sale of any petrol station outlet in Nigeria. Tell me, when has the NMDPRA turned itself into a real estate agency, collecting a commission on the sale of retail petrol outlets? There is no gainsaying the fact that the downstream retail industry is an ever-evolving one.

“And so, as IPMAN members, we go the extra mile to renovate our outlets occasionally to meet international best practices.

“However, the NMDPRA has also made this very difficult for us, as they have subjected our members to paying bizarre levies whenever we deem it fit to renovate our petrol outlets.

“These are just a few of the many distressing levies they have forced on us. These are not only anti-developmental but also unconstitutional, and we are demanding their immediate suspension.

“As a forum of law-abiding Nigerians, we sincerely believe that we have given the NMDPRA enough time to pay us our money in bulk and clear the bridging claims.

“But in view of their constant refusal, we have therefore decided to liaise with our sister organizations, the PTD and NARTO, in order to take collective action in due course.

“As members of IPMAN, it is important to state that we also own a sizable number of petroleum tankers driven by the PTD, and we may be forced to withdraw our tankers from loading petroleum products in a bid to enforce the immediate payment of our bridging and NTA claims.

“We hereby call on the Federal Government of Nigeria, headed by President Bola Tinubu, to fully intervene in this prolonged dispute between the Depot Chairmen of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, and the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.

“We will not hesitate to take immediate action if our demands are not met, beginning Monday, February 24, 2025.

“We call on our members nationwide to remain resolute and law-abiding as we wait for our demands to be met and addressed by the NMDPRA,” the communiqué reads.

On his part, the Chairman of Gombe Depot, Ibrahim Mohammed, expressed disappointment with the Federal Government over its failure to fulfill its promise to clear the N100 billion bridging claim.

DAILY POST reports that in January 2025, the Nigerian government had promised to clear the N100 billion bridging claim debt owed to petrol marketers.

[DailyPost]

Travelling with a Nigerian passport often requires obtaining visas for many destinations. While Nigerian passport holders can visit 46 countries visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival, the reality is that over 180 countries still require additional documentation. However, securing certain strategic visas can significantly expand travel options and simplify entry into multiple countries.

Here are four visas that allow Nigerians access to more countries

1. United States Visa

A U.S. visa is one of the most valuable visas a Nigerian traveler can obtain. While its primary purpose is to allow entry into the United States, it also unlocks access to over 20 other countries, many of which offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival for U.S. visa holders.

Countries You Can Visit with a U.S. Visa:

Mexico – Nigeria travelers with a valid U.S. visa can enter Mexico without applying for a separate visa.

Caribbean Nations – Several Caribbean countries, including Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Aruba, allow entry with a valid U.S. visa.

Central and South America – Countries like Costa Rica, Panama, and Peru grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Nigerian passport holders with a U.S. visa.

Additionally, a U.S. visa strengthens your travel credibility, making it easier to obtain visas for other countries.

2. Schengen Visa

The Schengen visa is one of the most powerful travel documents, granting access to 27 European countries within the Schengen Area. This visa not only opens doors to major destinations like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy but also simplifies travel to certain non-Schengen countries that accept Schengen visa holders.

Countries You Can Visit with a Schengen Visa:

Schengen Area – Includes 27 European nations such as Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden.

Non-Schengen Countries – Countries like Turkey, Georgia, and Albania allow Nigerian passport holders to enter with a valid Schengen visa.

Some Caribbean and Latin American Nations – Nations such as Dominican Republic and Panama grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry with a valid Schengen visa.

If you frequently travel to Europe or wish to explore more international destinations, obtaining a multiple-entry Schengen visa is a valuable asset.

3. United Kingdom Visa

A UK visa is another key travel document that increases travel freedom for Nigerian passport holders. While it primarily allows entry into the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), it also facilitates access to several other countries without requiring an additional visa.

Countries You Can Visit with a UK Visa:

Albania – Visa-free for Nigerian passport holders with a valid UK visa.

Mexico – Offers easier visa approval or exemptions for UK visa holders.

Turkey – Nigerian travelers with a valid UK visa can apply for a Turkish e-visa online instead of going through a lengthy visa process.

In addition, having a UK visa can improve the chances of obtaining visas from other developed countries, as it demonstrates strong travel history.

4. Canadian Visa

A Canadian visa is another strategic visa that grants entry not just into Canada but also into several other destinations. Whether it’s a visitor visa or a permanent resident (PR) card, this document can significantly ease travel requirements for Nigerian passport holders.

Countries You Can Visit with a Canadian Visa:

British Virgin Islands – Visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders with a valid Canadian visa.

Costa Rica – Allows entry without requiring an additional visa.

Caribbean Nations – Countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominican Republic, and St. Kitts and Nevis offer visa exemptions or visas on arrival for Canadian visa holders.

Similar to the U.S. and UK visas, holding a Canadian visa also boosts credibility when applying for other visas, as it indicates strong travel history and financial stability.

[TheNation]

Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has confronted officials of the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for preventing him from entering the premises of the Federal High Court.

Sowore told the officers that he was not former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, who has an ongoing case with the commission over alleged financial misappropriation.

The ex-AAC presidential candidate, who is also a human rights activist, resisted every officer’s attempt to obstruct him.

In a video posted on his X handle, Sowore claimed that Nigeria’s justice system had been hijacked by uniformed security agents, including the Department of State Security Services, police, and civil defence.

He alleged that they had illegally taken over the court premises because they had brought a “thief”, Yahaya Bello, to the court.

He further criticised the authorities for failing to arrest Bello when he was declared wanted, only managing to detain him after the former governor reported himself to the EFCC office in Abuja.

Speaking in the video, Sowore said, “Why are you shouting at me? Do I look like Yahaya Bello? I have business in court. I don’t need to be cleared by either the police or EFCC because none of you is an officer of the court.

“This is a Federal High Court; bring a court official, and I will talk to them. EFCC brought me to court, and they are still harassing us. You have no right to stand in front of the high court. You are not my lawyer and have no right to know my case.”

This is not the first time Sowore has had an altercation with security personnel.

Recently, the human rights activist alleged that the Nigeria Police Force planned to detain him over his criticism of the extension of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure.

Sowore arrived at the Force Intelligence Headquarters at 9:58 am following a police invitation after he uploaded a viral video alleging extortion by officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.

The activist was summoned to respond to several allegations, including resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and acts allegedly intended to prevent arrests.

In a post on his Facebook page, Sowore stated that the police relied on “rehashed information” sourced primarily from the internet to question him.

[Punch]

Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, the retired General and head of the 1985-93 military junta who styled himself  ‘President’  has again intruded into our national consciousness. On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the General who was disgraced out of office 32 years ago,  unleashed  an unguided missile he called an autobiography.

Titled: ‘A Journey In Service’, it was a failed attempt to rewrite the history of his misrule which included the de-industrialisation of the country, unchecked corruption, religious sectarianism, annulment of a presidential election he certified as being free, fair and credible  and, most painfully, the mass murder of Nigerians  who protested his crippling economic policies and the  annulment. The 420-page book published by Bookcraft has 13 chapters and an epilogue dripping with self-justification. It is disgraceful that a man who rose to be a General in the Nigerian Army did not have the courage to own up to  his deeds. Rather, he blamed others, especially the dead who have no chance of defending themselves.  

Nigerians first encountered Babangida  as a coup plotter in the mid-1970s.    Then in December 1983, he was one of the main leaders of the coup that overthrew the elected Shagari administration. On August 27, 1985, he executed his own coup and announced himself ‘President’. At this time, Nigerians were protesting against a proposed International Monetary Fund, IMF, loan because  its conditionalities promised to be crippling and destructive. Babangida presented himself as a democrat and asked Nigerians to  debate the issue. Nigerians overwhelmingly  rejected the IMF and its conditionalities. On December 13, 1985, Babangida  announced that the rejection was “clearly  the will of the majority of   our people…”. He added that “the path of honour and the  essence  of democratic  patriotism lies in discontinuing  the negotiations with the IMF…”.

Nigerians were ecstatic  and praised him. Only to find out that they had been duped as Babangida fully implemented the IMF enslaving programme called the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP. So we knew by 1986 that we had a  military regime which had no honour. More felonious was that the regime made criticism of SAP a criminal  offence. For this, human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, and the two foremost labour leaders in our history, Michael Imoudu and Wahab Goodluck, were  detained without trial for organising an ‘Alternative To SAP Conference’. When in 1989 and 1992 Nigerians, led by students protested against the devastating SAP programme, the regime  sent the police and soldiers to massacre protesters especially in Lagos and Benin. In his book, Babangida justified the mass killings thus: “In the military mind-set, there are only two types of people: enemies or friends. Our political opponents were, therefore, primarily ‘enemy forces’ before they were fellow Nigerians.”

Babangida without consulting Nigerians, dragged  Nigeria, a secular  country, into the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, OIC. When Nigerians protested, he said we  should “learn to tolerate  each other”. Once the then Deputy Head of State, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, opposed Nigeria joining the OIC, he was  sacked and retired from the  military. In his book, Babangida  said he was livid because the impression was given “that Nigeria, under my watch, had become a full member of the OIC”. One of the most dastardly acts of Babangida was his execution of his childhood friend, General Mamman Vatsa, over an alleged coup plot. In his autobiography, Babangida wrote: “With the benefit of hindsight now, I recall that a constant part of our relationship as teenagers and young men was a continuous and recurrent peer jealousy on his part towards me. He was always envious of my achievements…”. Who says the jealousy was not on the part of Babangida as Vatsa was a celebrated poet and man of culture in contrast to the image of his fellow Generals  like Babangida. 

Nigerians  viewed  Babangida as a fox in sheep clothing who is untrustworthy and unreliable. So they gave him the sobriquet, ‘Maradona’  because they thought he dribbled Nigerians as the Argentine footballer, Diego Maradona, dribbled people on the football field. Babangida demonstrated this duplicity in his book. For instance, while he blamed retired General Yakubu Gowon for once shifting the 1976 military handover date, he was silent over his own shifting of the handover date on four occasions, and being resisted the fifth time he tried. He also blamed the Obasanjo regime which had a transition period of three years for allegedly being hasty in its handover of power to civilians, insinuating that was why the Second Republic collapsed. But he said nothing about  his own seven-year transition programme that ended in disaster for the entire country. In contrast to his failed transition programme, that of the Abubakar regime which gave birth to the current civil rule 25 years ago, lasted just nine months.

There should be honour amongst professional coup plotters, so Babangida blaming the late General Sani Abacha for the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Chief Mashood Kashimawo Abiola, defeated the esprit de corp that should exist amongst them. Apart from Abacha, Babangida also blamed Arthur Nzeribe, Justices  Bassey Ikpeme and Dahiru  Saleh and the office of his Vice President, Augustus Aikhomu for the annulment. He also accused then National Electoral  Commission Chairman, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, of unilaterally stopping the election results. He equally  blamed Abiola for not accepting to head an interim arrangement that would have led to a fifth postponement of the handover! Conveniently, those he accused are all dead!  

The truth is that Babangida never planned to hand over power. This was why he postponed the handover date from 1990 to 1992. When he realised that Nigerians did not believe him, he made a nationwide address on August 27, 1990 titled, ‘The Last Lap: Retrospect and Prospect’. In that short address, he mentioned five times that  he and his military gang will hand over power in 1992. They were false promises as he later postponed the hand-over to January 2, 1993, then to August 27, 1993.  After the presidential election, he tried to hang on to power with  a fifth postponement. Babangida can be a gambler. After destroying  the country and attempting to set it ablaze with the 1993 annulment,  he tried to return to power by officially declaring  in September 2010 his intention to run in the 2011 presidential election. The mass reaction of Nigerians forced him to retreat.

In his autobiography which should be appropriately titled ‘A Journey in Self-Service’, Babangida tried to rewrite history.  But history is already written, and even if he launches a hundred more autobiographies and biographies, he cannot re-write history. Let me admit that in his latest gambit, Babangida broke even as he raked in about N17 billion as donations. But as a popular saying goes: vanity upon vanity, all is vanity.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has again taken a swipe at his detractors, stating that some of them sent him congratulatory messages on his 65th birthday only because President Bola Tinubu did.

El-Rufai, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, turned 65 on February 16, 2025. 

“I want to thank everyone that sent me their prayers and best wishes, including those that didn’t want to until President Tinubu’s message shamed them into action,” the ex-governor, who has been critical of his party APC, wrote on X.

“May the Almighty God accept our prayers and continue to shower his blessings on us and our people.”

Expressing his appreciation, he stated, “It has been about a week since many friends, associates and admirers sent me various messages and prayers in commemoration of my 65th birthday.

“The prayers and good wishes were quite humbling and gratifying, but far too many and overwhelming for individual acknowledgement or response by me, hence this message.”

Speaking further, he also noted his efforts to acknowledge each message but admitted he may have missed some unintentionally.

“I have tried to repost, retweet and share all the birthday messages I received, but as an imperfect mortal, I am sure I couldn’t have done all. If I didn’t with yours, please forgive me. It is an omission of the head, not of the heart,” he pleaded.

El-Rufai prayed that he would continue to enjoy good health, happiness and prosperity “in a Nigeria that flourishes as a beacon of progressive governance, democracy and equal opportunity for all.”

[Vanguard]