Nigerian actress and activist, Kate Henshaw, has voiced her sorrow over the current condition of the country.

Henshaw said there was nothing to show for Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, stating that the country’s democratic experience means nothing to majority of the people in the country.

The actress made her feelings known on Channels Television’s special Democracy Day programme.

The actress was of the view that there was nothing to celebrate in terms of the longevity of democratic rule if it continues to fall short of addressing citizens’ needs.

The actress wondered of what use is Nigeria’s democracy if it is so detached from the people and makes no impact on their lives.

“There is no middle class and we cannot tell any more lies to ourselves,” she said,” adding that every sector of the economy has been in shambles.

“Everything around us is crumbling and Nigerians are barely holding on by the skin of their teeth,” she stated.

She, however, called on Nigerians not to give up, insisting that governments at all levels must be held accountable.

“We cannot keep quiet,” she said.

“There must be justice, equity, and security for the people — for their lives and property.

“But I still hold on to hope that we will have a country to live in, for our children — something they can build on.”

LEKAN Abiola, one of the children of the late Moshood Kashimawo, MKO, Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, elections, yesterday, disclosed that former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), has apologised to the family for invalidating the polls. 

Lekan said this at the MKO Abiola Memorial Symposium and preparations for the launch of a book, ‘MKO Abiola Symbol of Democracy,’ held in Lagos under the aegis of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, KIND. 

He also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the Federal Government pays all outstanding entitlements owed to his father, saying past administrations had failed to do so.

Addressing newsmen, the late politician’s son said the public apology tendered by Babangida came as a relief to the family because it ended all controversies surrounding the winner of June 12.

He said: “We returned from the United States of America, we have met IBB and he has apologised privately to us. When he came out publicly to say that he was sorry for annulling the election and that MKO won the election, he did what he had done privately in public. Every year, he always sends someone to come and represent him here on the June 12 occasion.

“Before now, for the private apology, there was nothing we could do about that. It is as though someone punched you in public and said sorry in private. For him to come out publicly to admit that MKO did win the election, makes us feel at ease publicly. This is because some people are always saying: ‘Are we even sure he won the election?’ But now, he (Babangida) has released the full results. Officially, it is now known that MKO won the election, and that is no longer a controversy.”

Meanwhile, the author of the book, Dr. Layo Adeniyi, said: “The book is about 440 pages. I can tell you there is nothing you want to know about Abiola you won’t find there. And particularly the situation now in the country as far as security is concerned, and above it all, disunity.

“The book is all about Abiola. I trace his roots, background and business growth. I also talk about his beginning in politics, which started with the defunct National Convention of Nigerian Citizens, NCNC. And above it all, he sojourned in the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, before the last dispensation. But the most important reason why I think it was very necessary to tell the story is that no election in Nigeria had ever been so free and fair.”

Enact law to institutionalise Abiola, family tells FG

Meanwhile, the Abiola family has urged the Federal Government to evolve legislation that will permanently institutionalise June 12, as the Democracy Day in Nigeria.

The spokesman for the Abiola family and one of the sons of the late Chief Abiola, Hameen Abiola noted that this remains the surest way to permanently immortalise and ensure that future generations in Nigeria do not abolish the day.

The spokesman for the Abiola family, Hameen Abiola, who spoke shortly after the annual visit of the Ogun State government delegation to the family house in Oja-Agbo, Abeokuta, said recent developments in the country have made it important for the Federal Government and the National Assembly to evolve a way for the younger generations to learn the values and sacrifices of June 12, 1993 election annulment.

He said: “We appreciate the Federal Government of Nigeria for the honour done our father, he is not only our father, but a father of many Nigerians given the supreme sacrifice he had to pay for the democracy that we are all enjoying today.

“We thank former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring on our father the award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR. That is a great step in the right direction. However, it is our passionate appeal that the Federal Government can permanently enact a bill that will forever make June 12 Democracy Day, so that the future generations who may not understand the roles that our father played in returning the country to democratic rule and abolishing June 12 as the Democracy Day which is picked to celebrate our father, Chief MKO Abiola”.

Federalism, path to Nigeria’s greatness —Falana, Adams, Odumakin

To mark the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams and President of Women Arise, Joe Okei-Odumakin among others called for true federalism as the only solution to the development challenges confronting Nigeria.

Speaking at the 25th edition of the OPC Commemoration of June 12, with the theme ‘June 12 as a Catalyst for National Development: True Federalism and Nigeria’s Integration’, they stressed that federalism was the way forward for the country.

In his welcome address, Adams, who is the National Coordinator of the OPC, noted that though changing a country was not a task for the lily-livered, Nigerians had a record of not succumbing to machinations of ‘enemies of the society’.

He said: “We are here to tell those in the corridors of power that as long as they refuse to do the right thing, we will not stop talking.

“We must constantly remind ourselves that resistance is an endless and continuous battle. To transform a country, the shape or form of the polity must change periodically. Nigeria is going through various crises today because some leaders are stubbornly against restructuring.

“In honour of Abiola and other martyrs, I want to say that whether anybody likes it or not, this country will be restructured. And the earlier this is done, the better for all of us because there is no way we can guarantee peace and security if this country is not restructured.”

Also, President of Women Arise, Joe Okei-Odumakin, in her address, restated her call for the recognition of the Late MKO Abiola as a past President of Nigeria, with his image adorning the requisite government offices and structures.

She said: “There must be security of lives and property. Insecurity is becoming an embarrassment in this country and I know this menace will become a thing of the past if this country is restructured. Our constitution must also be tinkered with to have a people’s constitution.”

On his part, Mr Femi Falana, who was represented by Dr. Wale Adeoye, bemoaned the flawed constitution that Nigeria currently operates.

Falana noted that the current flawed constitution remained one reason why the country has not progressed.
He called for a truly representative constitution as a bedrock for true development.

Nigeria yet to recover from ghost of June 12 —Afenifere

Similarly, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said Nigeria was yet to recover from the ghosts of June 12. 

Afenifere, in a statement by its Leader, Oba Ladipo Olaitan, said Nigeria can only overcome retrogression through restructuring.

He said: “Another anniversary confirming that June 12, 1993, evidently happened to Nigeria is here again.

Chief M.K.O. Abiola and his pan-Nigerian mandate were killed by the self-serving political wing of the military and their collaborators. Very many innocent lives were lost. The society fundamentally retrogressed; as we were pointedly reminded that Nigeria remains a mere geographical expression, since amalgamation in 1914.

“Nigeria has not and will not appropriately recover from the ghosts of June 12, 1993, until a most holistic reconfiguration of the Nigerian polity is undertaken to remedy the injustice embedded in the present pseudo-democratic system.

“There must be a fundamental shift away from the winner-takes-all, buy-and-sell modality of capturing political power. 

“We also hereby use the opportunity of the epoch-making anniversary of June 12, upon which the 4th Republic stands to issue the call and make the appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to muster the resolve and act in one accord by prevailing on President Ahmed Tinubu and the political class generally to prioritize restructuring of Nigeria into a true Federation in which its diverse nationalities and peoples will have a true sense of nationhood. It is possible to have a new constitution in this regard even before the 2027 general elections”, he said.

France Football has announced that the full list of nominees for both the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or will be revealed on August 7.

The list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or will be published on the said date, setting the stage for weeks of speculation and debate leading up to the final awards ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at the historic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22. 

This edition of the Ballon d’Or will maintain the same structure as in recent years, with equal focus on men’s and women’s football. In addition to the Ballon d’Or major awards, nominees will also be announced for the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Kopa Trophy (best young player), and the Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer of the season).

As always, the Ballon d’Or selection process will involve a carefully chosen panel of international journalists. One journalist from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA men’s rankings will cast votes for the men’s award, while the top 50 countries will participate in voting for the women’s award.

Each voter will rank their top 10 players, with points awarded based on position. The player with the highest cumulative score will be crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.

While the field remains wide open, two players have emerged as leading contenders: Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele. Both have enjoyed standout seasons and are considered serious threats to succeed last year’s winner, Rodri, who captured the award following an exceptional campaign with Manchester City and Spain.

But Yamal and Dembele aren’t the only names to watch. With stars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Vinicius Junior also expected to feature among the Ballon d’Or nominees, the competition is fierce. Performances in major tournaments, such as the Champions League and Euro 2024, will be pivotal in shaping final perceptions.

Meanwhile, here’s a look at the top 5 Ballon d’Or power ranking as we edge closer to football’s most prestigious individual award:

5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Stats: 45 goals, 7 assists
Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Despite big goals and individual brilliance, Real Madrid’s late-season collapse hurt his Ballon d’Or ambitions.

4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Stats: 36 goals, 24 assists
Trophies: Premier League
Back to his best under new management, Salah led Liverpool to the league title, though European failures dent his case.

3. Raphinha (Barcelona)

Stats: 39 goals, 25 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
Barcelona’s standout attacker in their domestic treble. Raphinha’s consistency and end product make him a top contender.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Stats: 21 goals, 26 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
At just 17, Yamal has taken over Spanish football. Despite the Nations League final loss, he remains Barca’s brightest star.

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

Stats: 35 goals, 15 assists
Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions
Dembele’s most complete season yet. Crucial in PSG’s historic Champions League win, he leads the Ballon d’Or race.

Former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has said that Nigeria has yet to achieve real democracy despite its successful transition from military administrations to civilian rule in 1999.

The ex-governor said this on Thursday during a Channels Television special June 12 event tagged ‘Nigeria’s Democratic Journey: An Inter-Generational Conversation On Building A Better Nation’. 

“What we mustn’t do is to conflate elections with democracy. What we got was to reestablish the right to vote for our leaders into office in 1999, what we are yet to get is real democracy in my view. 

“We got civilian rule, we are proudly on the journey — we now have a semi-democracy, but now we don’t have full democracy. The effort that the previous president and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put into it, we all must build on that,” he said.
During the struggle for democracy, Fayemi said he and others disclosed that he and other pro-democracy activists operated Radio Kudirat to propagate their activities and campaigns under the General Sani Abacha administration.

He said, “It’s not that we were not afraid or we were aimlessly bold; we just didn’t fully think of the enormity of the threat it constituted beyond wanting to do the right thing.

“I mean, I carried the transmitters of Radio Kudirat on an Air France flight that was destined for Cotonou in the Benin Republic and made a detour to Lagos in the heat of the crisis.

“I could have been picked up on that flight, I would have been history by now as many found themselves to be. During the Oputa Panel Commission, some of the characters mandated to eliminate the struggle’s leaders came up with their stories.

“So, we shouldn’t make light of what happened and I don’t by any stretch of imagination want to create the impression that we were invincible in what we did, I think some of us are just fortunate that we are still alive. Those who lost their lives were not stupid in what they did, they were following their convictions.”

Fayemi, however, praised President Bola Tinubu for recognising and honouring some of the actors in the democratic struggle with national awards.

Heads of Mission of five countries in Nigeria have expressed worries over the delay in amending the Nigerian Cybercrime Act 2015, stressing that the law in its current state can be misused to suppress free speech and violate the fundamental right of citizens and undermine the county’s democracy.

In a joint statement to celebrate the June 12 Democracy Day in Nigeria on Thursday entitled “Preventing Misuse of the Cybercrimes Act: Protecting Free Speech and Unlocking Economic Growth,” the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, Jr.; the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery; the Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Sanna Selin; the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Swein Baera, and the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria Pasquale Salvaggio, called for urgent reform of the Act. 

The envoys noted that healthy democracies are formed on many important ingredients as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, which has long been a core value of Nigeria’s democracy. The aim is to protect the citizens’ rights and foster a society where people can debate and discuss ideas free from government control.

Though the envoys acknowledged the laudable aims of the current Act to combat online fraud and cyber-attacks, they however, raised the alarm about growing evidence that the Act is being misused by some to silence criticism and dissent.

The heads of mission cited Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) advisory opinion on freedom of expression, which warned that it “has potentials for abuse, particularly with respect to arrests and prosecutions of activists, journalists, bloggers, and ordinary social media users.” 

“In addition, in 2022 the ECOWAS Court of Justice ruled that the Act is not in conformity with the country’s obligations related to freedom of expression under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“Misuse of the Cybercrimes Act undermines democratic advancement and civic participation. It also jeopardizes the confidence of investors and risks deterring the innovation needed for economic growth,” the statement said.

The envoys raised the disturbing case of activist Dele Farotimi, who was charged with 12 counts of cybercrime after he reported alleged corruption in the judiciary in a book and on a podcast.

“Farotimi was allegedly detained in Lagos, transported across state lines to Ekiti, and brought to court in handcuffs. Though the charges were eventually withdrawn, his ordeal highlights a troubling issue – the Cybercrimes Act, originally intended to combat online fraud and cyberterrorism, can be misused as a tool to stifle free expression and undermine democratic engagement.

“Farotimi is not alone. Journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens have faced similar charges for sharing opinions or reporting on alleged corruption. This distortion of the law’s original intent can lead to citizens becoming hesitant to speak out, weakening democratic accountability and potentially fuelling distrust in government,” the statement said.

The heads of mission noted that although the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) estimated that the country loses $500 million per year to cybercrime, which requires response, Cybercrimes Act’s broad language, especially its vague definitions of “false information,” “cyberstalking,” “harassment,” and “insult” leaves room for confusion and potential abuse.

“The law’s broad scope allows it to be misused against Nigerian citizens seeking to express dissent, form opinions, or criticize powerful people. NHRC has called on law enforcement to “exercise caution” in how they interpret the Act’s frequently used Section 24 to make sure that charges reflect an actual threat to public order.

“We therefore welcome the commitment from Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to collaborate with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders in reviewing the Cybercrimes Act so that it protects the values enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution,” the statement added.

The envoys also warned that the implications extend beyond free expression, stressing that since Nigeria’s economic future depends on its ability to innovate and attract investment in the digital age, the Cybercrimes Act’s misapplication, even in a small number of cases, risks detracting the innovators and entrepreneurs the government wants to invest in Nigeria.

“The Cybercrimes Act also contributes to uncertainty abroad about Nigeria’s legal landscape. Its vague provisions make it difficult for businesses and investors to assess legal risks, hindering investment in industries that rely on digital content. Reform is needed to protect both citizens’ rights and Nigeria’s future,” the statement said.

The undersigned heads of mission therefore encouraged Nigerian lawmakers to consider reform of the Cybercrimes Act to narrow the definitions of key terms such as “false information,” cyberstalking,” insult,” hatred,” and “harassment,” and ensure those definitions cannot be used erroneously to silence critics and censor expression.

“As friends of Nigeria who share the country’s strong commitment to democratic values, we want Nigeria to realise its potential as a democratic digital powerhouse. We would therefore welcome the Nigerian government amending the Act to strike a balance between protecting citizens while preserving human rights, including free expression. This will be a difficult balance to strike but is vital for delivering what Nigeria wants: a stable and open democracy and economic growth underpinned by investment.

“Nigeria is not alone in facing this problem. Democracies across the world are grappling with the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities that the digital world presents. Through the Council of Europe’s Global Action on Cybercrime project, Nigerian lawmakers are receiving funding and technical assistance to help the current review of the Act lead to legislation that meets international standards and best practices. However, the deadline for the Act’s review has consistently been delayed, and we urge Nigerian lawmakers to make this review a priority, and ensure it is open to public consultation and debate.

“Free expression is a precious commodity that relies on all of us to respect it. It is a fundamental tenet of Nigeria’s constitution. Nigerians, and any citizens of countries around the world, should be able to hold and express their views, even if those opinions are unpopular,” the statement added.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said history chose to return the baton in the struggle for the soul of democracy to one of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola’s most trusted lieutenants, President Bola Tinubu, decades after the June 12 debacle.

He noted that while hope was one thing that they could not take or extinguish from the final account of Abiola’s life, it is the faith in the promise of Abiola’s vision that has renewed the nation’s hope in what he termed the great theatre of providence.

Senator Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at the 2025 Democracy Day Public Lecture commemorating Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Anniversary held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, and described the late MKO Abiola as a patriot who surrendered all he had for the soul of Nigeria, and whose sacrifice became the compass of the nation’s democracy.

According to him, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, rather than dying in vain, the late Chief Abiola’s dream became a collective covenant and unbroken resolve for Nigerians “to stand for what is right, to defend the sanctity of choice, and to honour the blood that watered the roots of” the nation’s democracy.

The Vice President said, “It is this faith in the promise of Abiola’s vision that has renewed the hope of this nation. And in the great theatre of providence, history has returned the baton to one of Abiola’s most trusted lieutenants in the struggle for the soul of democracy in Nigeria: His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“The ticket once denied Nigerians—the Abiola-Kingibe ticket—has found resonance and vindication in a second coming that mirrors it in composition and conviction, in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man who has kept the democratic flame alive through seasons of fire and storm. I am honoured to share in the weight of this history and the depth of this memory.”

VP Shettima further observed that while Nigeria currently stands on the shoulders of unsung heroes and unheard voices, who sacrificed their comfort, freedom, and even their lives for the nation’s democracy, Nigerians – including him – will ever remain grateful to be “stewards of a government that listens to all.”

“And there is no doubt that President Tinubu has kept that covenant, extending a hand across political divides, ethnic frontiers, and generational gaps to build a Nigeria that works for everyone,” he added.

Maintaining that the life and times of the late MKO Abiola is “a reminder that the burden of democracy is not to be carried by one man alone,” the Vice President urged Nigerians to rise collectively and build a fortress around the nation’s democracy, describing it as “an impenetrable edifice that no force of anarchy can breach, not even in imagination.”

Canvassing unflinching support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Senator Shettima said, “Each of us here owes a sacred duty to support the President’s quest not just to renew hope, but to institutionalise governance, to deepen the roots of democracy, and to build a nation immune to the threats of regression.”

Earlier, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, acknowledged the heroes of Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance, applauding their legacies, continuous contributions for the sustenance of democratic structures and transformation of the nation’s economy.

He urged stakeholders to rededicate themselves to the ideals of democratic rule by supporting the Tinubu administration in its task of guiding Nigeria on the path of prosperity, progress, peace and security.

In his keynote address, Prof. Samuel Egwu, who pointed out that the hallmark of democratic governance anywhere in the world is commitment, however said for the dividends of democracy to fully manifest across all levels of governance in Nigeria, all citizens and leaders must show commitment in words and action.

He added that building on the gains of 26 years of democracy in Nigeria is a herculean task that requires political office holders to put the interest of all citizens and society above personal goals and aspirations.

On his part, the longest serving diplomat and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, the Cameroonian High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahim, commended Nigeria’s unity regardless of the challenges.

The Cameroonian envoy urged leaders and all citizens not to relent in preserving democracy in the country.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, noted that the recognition and celebration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day was not accidental, even as he said the choice was made by the collective will, effort and sacrifice of a people.

He urged active participation of all stakeholders, including citizens, young and old across the country, stressing that democracy does not depend on ceremonies and niceties alone.

Uzodimma drew attention to President Tinubu’s trajectory, legacies and current efforts, saying they are all examples of the courage and determination required to nurture a vibrant democracy.

The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of three books titled, “Tinubunomics”, “Leading With Courage”, and “Turning Challenges into Opportunities”, all examining the gains of the Tinubu administration.

A British man, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, has miraculously survived the deadliest the Air India crash that killed 241 people shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, western India, on Thursday. 

Ramesh, who was seated in 11A on the London-bound Boeing 787, is the sole survivor of the devastating crash, BBC reports.

According to Air India, all other passengers and crew members, including 169 Indian nationals and 52 Britons, perished in the accident

Speaking to the reporters, Ramesh’s brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, said, “He has no idea how he survived. He was just more worried about my other brother, Ajay, who was also on board. That’s all he cared about when he called us.”

The crash occurred less than a minute after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, with the aircraft slamming into a residential complex used by trainee doctors. 

The death toll may yet rise as authorities assess casualties on the ground. The cause of the crash remained under investigation.

Video footage circulating on social media has shown Ramesh visibly injured and covered in blood, walking toward an ambulance with thick smoke billowing behind him.

He was later seen receiving medical attention at a local hospital, where he met with Indian Interior Minister Amit Shah.

Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated him, said, “He was disoriented and had multiple injuries across his body, but he appears to be out of danger.”

The BBC reports that Ramesh, a businessman originally from India, has lived in the UK since 2003. He is married and has a four-year-old son.

Family members and friends expressed both relief and heartbreak in the aftermath.

A relative, identified as Jay, told the PA news agency, “He’s got injuries on his face and was painted in blood. It’s a big shock, but he seems to be doing well.”

Indian media confirmed Mr. Ramesh’s identity using a boarding pass showing his name and seat number.

Also believed to be on board were Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, co-founders of a spiritual wellness centre in London.

The couple had shared a light-hearted Instagram video just before take-off, joking about their “10-hour flight back to England.” Their company, The Wellness Foundry, has been approached for comment.

From West London, Javed and Mariam Syed were travelling with their two young children.

Ammaarah Taju, the granddaughter of Blackburn couple Adam and Hasina Taju, who was also among the victims, said the family was in “shock and disbelief.” The elderly couple were travelling with their 51-year-old son-in-law, Altafhusen Patel, who resided in London.

Gunmen have killed four persons including a nine-month-old baby at Nkiendowro community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It was learnt that the attack, which occurred on Wednesday, led to the killing of two women and one man while two others sustained injuries.

The four were said to be conveying tomatoes from their farm at  Nkiendowro community, from where they planned to transport them to the Farin-Gada market in Jos when the gunmen attacked them leading to their death.

The spokesman for the Miango Youths Development Association, Joseph Chudu, confirmed the killings to PUNCH Metro in Jos on Thursday.

According to Chudu, the victims had been evacuated to the mortuary, while those injured were transported to the hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

Chudu said, “I don’t know the type of democracy we are practising. Every day, people are being killed and the perpetrators are not brought to book. There have been attacks and killings since last week. Just yesterday, four people including a nine-month-old baby were killed in Nkiendowro community.

“The victims went to pick tomatoes on their farms. They loaded the baskets of tomatoes in the car from the farm and when they were about to leave, they were ambushed at a bridge close to the Tegbe-Nkiendowro community and then, they were all killed.”

The community leader said the matter had been reported to the security agencies saying, “We don’t know what to do again because the killings are just too much.”

When contacted, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not readily available for comment as his phone indicated that it was switched off as of the time of filing this report.

MultiChoice Nigeria’s subscription revenue declined by 44 per cent to $197.74m in the financial year ended March 2025, down from $355.93m recorded in the same period a year earlier, as rising inflation and a worsening economic climate triggered a mass exit of subscribers.

The sharp revenue drop was driven by “sizeable customer losses in Nigeria as high inflation adds more pressure on consumers,” the company said in its latest financial report. Inflation stood at 23.71 per cent in April 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The pay-TV provider has lost 1.4 million subscribers in Nigeria since its financial year ended in March 2023.

Nigeria alone accounted for 77 per cent of the 1.8 million subscribers lost across MultiChoice’s Rest of Africa segment, which includes markets such as Kenya, Zambia, and Angola.

Between April and September 2024, the company lost 243,000 subscribers in Nigeria, as macroeconomic and consumer conditions deteriorated further.

At the close of its 2025 fiscal year, MultiChoice reported 14.5 million total subscribers, with 7.5 million of them in RoA. The group attributed part of the overall decline in performance to foreign exchange losses resulting from a 44 per cent depreciation of the naira against the US dollar.

MultiChoice said it incurred foreign exchange losses of $158.19m and managed to remit only $133m from Nigeria at an average exchange rate of N1,589 per dollar, compared to $184m at N1,044 per dollar in the previous year.

“Nigeria’s economic challenges had a significant impact on our Rest of Africa operations, contributing to a 23 per cent drop in RoA subscription revenue to $779.66m,” said Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Group, Calvo Mawela.

Total subscription revenue, including South Africa, declined by 11 per cent year-on-year to $2.27bn. Overall group revenue fell nine per cent to $2.87bn, while operating profit declined by 34 per cent to $263.50m. Trading profit dropped by nearly half to $228.14m.

“Our performance reflects both the challenges we’ve faced and the resilience of our teams,” said Mawela. “While macroeconomic pressures and currency volatility have weighed on our results, our disciplined execution, cost management, and investment in new long-term growth opportunities position us well for the future.”

In spite of its declining linear subscriber base, down 2.8 million across two financial years, MultiChoice reported notable growth in its digital and streaming businesses.

DStv Internet revenue rose 85 per cent, KingMakers grew by 76 per cent in constant currency, DStv Stream increased 48 per cent, and Showmax saw a 44 per cent year-on-year rise in active paying customers.

“Our strategy is shaped by developments in our industry, such as changes in technology which are driving shifts in consumer behaviour, as well as the impact of a rise in piracy, streaming services, and social media,” Mawela said.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has begun publishing monthly reports, starting with April 2025.

In the report, the NNPC said its revenue was N5.89tn in April while the Profit After Tax was put at N748bn.

From January to March, the NNPC disclosed that its statutory payments were N4.22tn.

In the month under review, the NNPC declared 1.6 million barrels of oil production per day, including crude and condensate. Natural gas production was 7.47 billion standard cubic feet per day.

In its “strategic efforts”, the energy firm said it collaborated with venture partners to accelerate sustainable production enhancement.

It also stated that it completed the implementation of relevant presidential directives and executive orders for its upstream operations.

The company also announced technical interventions on the ongoing AKK and OB3 pipelines to resolve challenges related to the River Niger crossings.

It added that it completed turnaround maintenance in OML 18, OML 58, OML 118 and OML 133.

On the status of its refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, NNPC said the facilities “are currently under review.”

Upcoming Final Investment Decisions in 2025 include “Ntokon Development (OML 102) – Q4; Crude Oil Prod. Expansion Project (OML 29) – Q4; Gas Development Projects (OML30, 42) – Q4; and Brass Fertilizer (Financial Close) – Q4.”

The monthly report is coming amid promises of transparency by the new NNPC board.