The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has received billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and a delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in his office, on a landmark move for Nigeria’s technological advancement. 

The meeting had in attendance, Paulin Basinga, Uche Ofodile, and other senior members of the Foundation, centered around two strategic priorities, expected to expand connectivity and accelerate the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.

The visit coincides with the signing of a groundbreaking agreement to launch AI Scale Up Nigeria, a national initiative backed by $7.5 million in funding and technical support from the Gates Foundation. 

The program aims to harness AI solutions to drive improvements in healthcare, agriculture, and education, with a sharp focus on real-world impact for everyday Nigerians.

Bosun while reflecting on the moment, said his relationship with the Foundation began shortly before his ministerial appointment, when he moderated a conversation between Bill Gates and young African innovators. 

According to him “This moment means a lot, personally and nationally

“I’m grateful for the trust, collaboration, and shared belief that Nigeria can lead not just in adopting technology, but in shaping it to solve real problems”.

He said the visit comes midway into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, reinforcing the government’s commitment to driving innovation, digital inclusion, and global partnerships.

The Minister therefore appreciated Mr. Gates and team for marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s digital development.

Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has described the current coalition talks as hollow, lacking ideological substance and purpose.

Naija News reports that Sowore’s comments come amidst growing political realignment as various actors position themselves for the next presidential race.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, have been leading the opposition front.

However, Sowore, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, warned Nigerians that current coalition efforts lack vision and ideology, and will only strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election rather than challenge it.

Sowore said Nigerians should stop relying on political elites, stressing they could be in a worse situation if they get distracted by the current coalition talks.

He said, “It is what they [the coalition] are doing that will make it easy for him [Tinubu] to rerun and return to office. They are preventing the real, organic coalition of the oppressed from emerging. People are getting distracted — Nigerians actually think these guys are fighting for them.

“I’m not a lone voice the coalition is what is lonely. That’s why they can’t even hold meetings or find a party to join.

“Now they say they want to register a party — that’s loneliness. Any coalition without ideology is a lonely coalition. There’s no coalition without conviction, character, or integrity.

“The people need to understand that the only way out is the one they design for themselves. There has to be a different direction.

“If you keep letting them do what they are doing with you — and you get distracted by all these conversations about coalitions — you are going to find yourself in a worse situation than now. That has been Nigeria’s story since the emergence of civil rule.”

When asked whether Nigerians should place their hope in the current government and its policies amid the biting economy, Sowore countered that Nigerians are suffering and should never have been in this situation.

He added, “No, I don’t think so — and I have warned Nigerians. The more you hope, the more you lose, regarding this government. It’s up to them to decide whether they want to keep suffering. No one should be in the situation Nigerians are in now.

“There is nothing to look forward to. Everything that’s going to happen to you in the next two years has already happened in the last two years. I’m not a prophet of doom, but if we continue on this trajectory, they’re not going to do anything meaningful regarding governance.”

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Adm Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appointed 11 new permanent secretaries.

The appointment was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The three-paragraph statement was signed by the Acting Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown and sent to newsmen.

The statement said the newly appointed permanent secretaries would be sworn in by the sole administrator on a date to be made known.

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Adm Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appointed 11 new permanent secretaries.

The appointment was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The three-paragraph statement was signed by the Acting Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown and sent to newsmen.

The statement said the newly appointed permanent secretaries would be sworn in by the sole administrator on a date to be made known.

The statement reads, “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd), the Administrator of Rivers State has approved the appointment of the under-listed persons as Permanent Secretaries.

“They include: Imaonyani Roselin Ephraim-George, Dr. Mina T. Ikuru, Dabite Sokari George, Soibitein Duke Harry, Lauretta Davies Dimkpa, Uche R. Ideozu, Chimenum Mpi, Jeremiah Egwu, Nicholas Iminabo Wokoma, Vera Sam Dike and Aleruchi Akani.

“The newly appointed permanent secretaries will be sworn in by His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, on a date to be announced.”

A yet-to-be-identified man has reportedly fallen from one of the top floors of the 26-storey Cocoa House building in Ibadan, Oyo State.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident, which threw the entire business community into panic, occurred in the early hours of Monday.

One of the eyewitnesses who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity said, “When the incident happened, I initially thought it was a large bird falling from the sky.

“It was only when the person landed that I realised it was a human being.

“I had my phone with me but I couldn’t even record anything because I was completely shocked.”

Another eyewitness said, “The victim first hit a roof beside the security post of the building before landing on the ground. It was a terrifying sight.”

As of press time, the circumstances behind the unfortunate incident were still sketchy as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, a statement released by the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, the firm managing Cocoa House, on Tuesday, in Ibadan, the state capital, confirmed the incident.

The Head of Branding and Communication of the company, Victor Ayetoro, who authorised the statement, said, “The individual involved was swiftly attended to by the emergency response team and taken to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for urgent medical attention.

“The company expressed deep concerns over the development and assured the public of its full cooperation with authorities investigating the cause of the fall,” he added

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has described his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria as one of the most defining choices of his football career, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year, said choosing to represent Nigeria changed everything for him, both personally and professionally.

“Without doubt, it changed my career and my life,” Lookman said in an interview with ARISE TV.

“People know that. This is my home. This is my place. I enjoy it here. I am the son of the soil.”

Born in London, Lookman played for England at youth level before pledging his international future to Nigeria.

That decision has coincided with a dramatic rise in his profile, culminating in a historic Europa League final hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen which helped Atalanta win their first-ever European title.

Now regarded as one of Europe’s most in-form attackers, the 27-year-old credited his success to discipline, consistency, and relentless hard work.

“I think it was just self-belief and working hard every day, when you work hard every single day, you gain confidence and grow in what you do. You know that eventually, your hard work will pay off,” he said.

Lookman said that mindset was crucial during the tougher moments in his career, including when he missed a crucial penalty during a loan spell at Fulham.

“Every day, I try to improve myself, both on and off the pitch. That consistency and mindset have really helped me,” he added.

Winning the African Footballer of the Year award, he said, was a deeply personal moment. “It’s amazing. Honestly, I won’t lie to you, it’s a privilege to have it,” he said. 

I take it with real pride. I’ve seen the great players who have received this award, some of the biggest names in football. For me to be among them is a blessing.”

Lookman recently returned to Lagos to present the CAF award to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing it as a meaningful homecoming.

Sanwo-Olu hailed him as a symbol of the “Greater Lagos Rising” spirit and a shining example for millions of Nigerian youths.

He also visited Phase 2, a community where he spent much of his childhood with his grandmother and father.

“It was really important for me to bring this award back home. I’ve been cradling it all day. Bringing it back to Lagos means everything. That’s where I brought it back to, and today, I had the honour of presenting it to the President. That meant a lot.”

When asked if he would feel fulfilled if he retired today, Lookman gave a firm response.

“Definitely not. Retirement is nowhere in my thoughts. Not even close. There’s still a long journey ahead. So much more to achieve,” he said.

“This is just another chapter of that journey. There’s a long road still to go.”

His exploits have attracted the attention of top Premier League clubs, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United reportedly preparing bids.

Atalanta have placed a €50 million price tag on him as one of their star player, whose current form and maturity make him one of the most valuable forwards in European football

The Police Command in Niger, says it has detained for prosecution a dismissed soldier for alleged impersonation, fraudulent act.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun on Tuesday in Minna.

According to him, on May 27, at about 2:30pm, a case of criminal breach of trust, fraud and theft was referred for Police investigation from a magistrate court to Tudun-Wada Police Division.

He said the matter was reported by three victims.

He said that on May 12, at about 10am, a suspected soldier went to a Point of sales (PoS) shop around Musa Bello Primary School, Bida and allegedly deceitfully collected N120,000 from the operator and escaped.

“Similarly, on May 23, at about 9.30am, the same suspect dressed in military camouflage went to a PoS attendant at Kataeregi, and collected N300,000 and equally escaped.

“While on May 29, at about 4pm, the same situation occurred at a PoS shop along Mandela road and N500,000 was taken from the victim. 

“However, in the course of the investigation, Police detectives with the aid of technical intelligence arrested the suspect who resides Michael Musa of Mandela Road, Minna in connection with the case.

“During interrogation, the suspect who was arrested in military uniform confessed to these incidents.

“He claimed he was a dismissed soldier in 2022 in Benin, Edo,” he added.

“Meanwhile, the case is under investigation, and more victims have been coming forward to lay similar complaints.

NAN

The West African Examinations Council , Nigeria, has debunked claims that the English Language paper written during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, 2025, has been cancelled.

A viral press release, dated Friday, May 30, 2025, and circulated widely on social media platforms, falsely claimed that the May 28 English Language examination had been cancelled and that a new date would be announced.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, WAEC described the release as fake and the work of “mischief-makers.”

“The management of the West African Examinations Council would like to state that the press release being circulated did not emanate from the council.

“The said examination has not been cancelled,” the statement signed by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, read.

Although the origin of the false document is still unknown, WAEC emphasised that its communication with the public is strictly through verified channels.

The statement added, “The council is certain that the false claim is being peddled by mischief-makers who are bent on bringing the council to disrepute, to cause confusion and panic for candidates who sat the examination.” 

WAEC further urged the general public, including candidates, parents, and schools, to disregard such unverified information and rely solely on official communication.

“All pieces of information from the council are disseminated via our official and verified social media handles, as well as accredited media platforms across the country.

“In the same vein, all press releases are issued and signed by the Public Affairs Department of the Council on behalf of the Head of National Office,” it stated.

Reassuring stakeholders, the council thanked the public for their continued trust over the past 73 years, adding that it remains committed to improving service delivery to Nigerian students.

“Once again, we thank all stakeholders for the confidence reposed in us… and we promise to always seek innovative ways to render quality services to the Nigerian child,” WAEC said.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that the examination was conducted late at night, far beyond the scheduled time, on May 28, 2025.

This, according to multiple reports, may have fuelled speculation that the exam had been cancelled. 

The examination body, however, blamed the delay in the conduct of the paper on heightened efforts to curb examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of question papers.

In an exclusive report, Sunday PUNCH gathered that some officials of the exam body might be connected to the leakage, particularly the circulation of the English Language paper to the public four days before the examination.

PayPal Holdings Inc. is set to launch a new credit card as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in physical retail locations.

The card, issued by Synchrony Financial, will expand PayPal’s lineup of financial products, which already includes a long-standing debit card and a 3% cash-back credit card.

The California-based company said the new credit card will feature a six-month promotional offer of no-interest financing on eligible travel purchases, such as flights and hotel bookings.

This initiative is aimed at boosting PayPal’s visibility and usage in in-person transactions, complementing its strong online presence.

“PayPal Credit is one of our most popular products,” said Scott Young, global head of consumer financial services at PayPal.

He added that the new card will offer customers “more choice and flexibility wherever they shop.”

PayPal is set to distribute its new physical credit card to U.S. customers in the coming weeks, according to a company statement.

Issued by Synchrony Financial, the card will feature a six-month no-interest financing offer on eligible travel purchases and will expand PayPal’s existing lineup of financial products.

This launch is part of a broader wave of activity from the San Jose-based company.

In recent months, PayPal has made strategic investments in stablecoin technology, formed alliances with competitors to expand its market presence, and introduced an advertising business, signalling its intent to diversify and strengthen its position in the financial services landscape.

Nollywood actress Abiola Adebayo has confirmed her separation from her husband, Oluwaseyi Akinrinde, revealing that the couple parted ways over a year ago and are now committed to co-parenting their son.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the actress extended warm birthday wishes to her ex-husband, publicly acknowledging their separation, which took place in April 2024.

She wrote, “Happy birthday to my ex-husband and my baby daddy. I pray that grace will abound unto you, I pray you find peace in all your ways. May God continue to light your path and bless you beyond your expectations, in Jesus’ name.”

“Yes, you heard me right!” she added, marking her first public disclosure of the breakup. “My husband and I have been separated since April last year, but we have decided to maturely and peacefully co-parent our dear son, who means everything to us.”

Addressing her followers, she continued, “To everyone that feels disappointed, I’m sincerely sorry. I wished it worked, but it’s better to stay alive to tell the story. Please keep us in your prayers.”

Adebayo also shared the emotional toll the past year has taken on her, admitting that despite maintaining a strong public image, she has endured many nights of quiet sorrow.

“While I go about making other people happy during the day, my pillow is drenched with my own tears almost every night for the past 14 months,” she wrote. “But I gain strength from Christ, who loves me eternally and gave Himself for me.

“Let’s learn to be kind to people; you have no idea what others are going through until they say it. Say unto the righteous, all is well.”

Fans, colleagues, and well-wishers flooded her comment section with supportive messages, praising her courage and maturity in navigating this deeply personal chapter of her life.

Nollywood actress Regina Chukwu wrote, “Biola… it’s well.”

Other comments included heartfelt expressions of sympathy and encouragement, reflecting the public’s admiration for her strength.

In 2023, PUNCH reported that Adebayo explained why she and her husband had a brief courtship before marrying in April 2021. On her YouTube channel, she said, “I realised that we had a lot in common. We did not court for long. We got married in less than six months after we started dating because I knew what I wanted.”

The couple welcomed their first child, a boy, in April 2023 via a surrogate mother.

The Presidency on Tuesday refuted criticisms by a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which claimed that the administration’s policies have resulted in economic hardship, democratic decline, and social regression.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the group’s assessment as “deceitful,” “prejudiced,” and “not grounded in facts.”

The statement is titled ‘Response To Afenifere Faction’s Deceitful Statement On President Bola Tinubu’s Mid-term’.

Dare maintained that the Tinubu-led administration has made notable progress in stabilising the economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and implementing far-reaching reforms under its Renewed Hope Agenda.

“A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems,” Dare stated.

The Presidency’s reaction comes days after the factional Afenifere, in a widely circulated statement, accused the Tinubu administration of worsening human development indices, mismanaging the economy, and eroding democratic freedoms.

The group had labelled the President’s key reforms—such as fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation—as “unforced errors” that have deepened poverty and unrest.

But in Tinubu’s defence, Dare argued that these policies were necessary to stop the bleeding of public finances and build a sustainable future.

According to him, the removal of the fuel subsidy saved the government over $10bn in 2023, while exchange rate unification boosted foreign reserves and helped Nigeria record an N18.86tn trade surplus.

He also cited improvements in inflation control, foreign direct investment commitments, and debt service-to-revenue ratios as evidence that the economy is stabilising.

On the social front, the Presidency listed several interventions including the cash transfer programme reaching 5.7 million households, NELFUND student loans, and a raised NYSC allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.

Other highlighted achievements include the disbursement of palliatives to states, the rollout of CNG buses, the revitalisation of over 1,000 primary health centres, and the training of 150,000 youths under the 3 Million Technical Talent programme.

Addressing Afenifere’s claim that corruption is festering under Tinubu, Dare pointed to the suspension of a cabinet minister over mismanagement, the EFCC’s 4,111 convictions in 2024, and the forfeiture of high-value assets, including a 725-unit estate handed over to the Ministry of Housing in May.

On democratic governance, the Presidency dismissed claims of creeping authoritarianism, noting that the judiciary has upheld opposition victories and that recent electoral appointments have not been proven partisan. 

“What is excused backstage will not be excused under the spotlight,” said Dare, quoting a widely shared maxim.

The Presidency concluded with a call for collective responsibility in nation-building and an appeal to political actors to work with the administration to fight disinformation, stabilise the economy, and deliver lasting change.

“Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway,” the statement concluded.