Muhammad Ali Pate, minister of health and social welfare, and Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, director of nutrition at the federal ministry of health, have been named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Global Health.

The list, released on Thursday, celebrates trailblazers who are shaping policy, driving innovation, and making significant strides in the global health space.

Pate and Bako-Aiyegbusi are the only Nigerians to make the magazine’s 2025 list. 

TIME described Pate as a reformer shaped by both personal experiences and global exposure, while Bako-Aiyegbusi was recognised for her innovative, homegrown approaches to addressing Nigeria’s malnutrition crisis.

Reacting to the recognition in a post shared on X, Pate expressed gratitude for being recognised alongside Bako-Aiyegbusi.

He said the honour reflects Nigeria’s ongoing health reform efforts under the health sector renewal investment initiative (NHSRII), which is backed by President Bola Tinubu.

“I am deeply honored to share that Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reform, under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (#NHSRII), has received global recognition, as I have been named to @TIME’s list of the 100 Most #Time100 Influential People in Global Health, released today,” he wrote.

“Proud to also have been named along with the Director of Nutrition in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare @Fmohnigeria, Dr. (Mrs) Ladidi K. Bako-Aiyegbusi.”

President Bola Tinubu has appointed governing boards and managing directors for the recently established north-central, south-west and south-south development commissions.

In a letter read on the floor of the red chamber on Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu sought the red chamber’s confirmation of the appointees.

NORTH CENTRAL 

The president nominated Cosmas Akyhir as chairman of the board. Akyhir hails from Benue state.

Tsenyil Yiltsen, who is from Plateau, was appointed managing director of the commission.

Other members of the board are James Uloko (Benue), Atika Ajanah (Kogi), Bilgis Jumoke Sanni (Kwara), Aishatu Ibrahim (Nasarawa), and Muhammad Bashar (Niger).

They also include Dauda Kigbu (Nasarawa), Zakari Jikantoro (Niger), Sulaiman Ali (Kogi), Bunmi Olusona (Kwara), Umar Mantu, (Plateau), Atotse Abraham (Benue), Solomon Adodo (FCT), Abdulkadir Usman (north-west), Habu Maman (north-east), Atinuke Owolabi (south-west), Rachael Nse (south-south), and Boniface Izziogu (south-east).

SOUTH WEST 

For the South West Development Commission (SWDC), Tinubu nominated Olubunmi Adetunmbi as chairman; and Charles Akinola as managing director.

Other nominees include Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Scholastica Omoworare, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Abdul Adamu, Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle, and Lateef Ajijola.

SOUTH SOUTH 

The president nominated Chibudom Nwuche as chairman of the South South Development Commission, and Usoro Akpabio, who is from Akwa Ibom, as the managing director. 

Also appointed to the board are Marcus Eji (Rivers), Aganaba Steven (Bayelsa), Timi Ayibatonye (Delta), Joseph Ugheoke (Edo), and Sony Abang (Cross River).

Other members include Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Nkereuwem Ebong(Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Femi Oise (Edo), Charles Enukhowhate (Delta), Tijani Kaura(north-west), Tabitha Sallah (north-east), Yusuf Amao (north-central), Joseph Mmamal (south-east), and Bukonola Braimoh (south-west).

After reading the president’s request, Akpabio referred the letter to the relevant committees for screening and confirmation.

Desmond Elliot, the actor-turned-politician, has revealed how he narrowly escaped an attack by unknown assailants during the 2020 EndSARS protests.

In an interview on Nollywood On Radio, the Lagos lawmaker recounted being trapped in his Surulere constituency office due to the curfew, only to face a life-threatening ambush.

Elliot explained that after being unable to return home to Lekki because of the curfew, he decided to spend the night in his office.

The 51-year-old politician said while relaxing and watching TV, chaos erupted when he heard his landlady’s daughter screaming and attempting to shield him by shouting, “he doesn’t stay here!”

Elliot disclosed that the situation escalated when a bottle filled with fuel and fire was hurled into his office, causing a fire. He added that “I have never been so scared in my life”.

“When there was curfew during the EndSARS period, a lot of bad boys came into Surulere and because of the curfew I could not go home,” he said.

“I was stucked in Lekki so I could not go home and has to go back to my office in Surulere.

“I was inside my office and never knew there was going to be anything so I was watching the TV in my office because I had intention the intention to spend the night at the office.

“Next thing, I heard my landlady’s daughter screaming, saying I don’t stay there.

“When I knew there was a problem was when a bottle with fuel and fire was thrown into my office and it caught fire.

“I had to call the chief of staff for help. I have never been so scared in my life, it was horrible.”

During the EndSARS protests, Elliot faced backlash for his words and actions, which ultimately led to him being labeled “Nigeria Twitter’s number one scapegoat”, as memes and banter from users targeted him for days.

A viral post claims, based on International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections, that Nigeria ranks fourth among the world’s fastest-growing economies in 2025.

The post — “Fastest Growing Economies in 2025” — ranks countries by projected GDP growth and places Nigeria in joint third (alongside Saudi Arabia) at 3.0 percent. India tops the list with 6.2 percent, followed by China with 4.0 percent.

The post attributes the data to the IMF and features images of world leaders, reinforcing the impression of a definitive global ranking.

The post has been widely shared across social media platforms. It can be seen here, here, and here.

VERIFICATION 

The IMF’s World Economic Outlook (April 2025) projects that Nigeria’s GDP will grow 3.0 percent in 2025.

However, a review of the full IMF dataset shows that Nigeria is not the world’s fourth fastest-growing economy, as the post suggests.

Several countries, including Libya (17.3%), Senegal (8.4%), Rwanda (7.1%), Tajikistan (6.7%), and Niger (6.6%), are projected to grow at significantly higher rates.

The countries listed in the IMF data are absent from the infographic.

Furthermore, the IMF does not rank countries globally by growth in its official publications. Instead, it classifies economies into three broad groups: advanced economies, emerging markets, developing economies, and low-income developing countries.

 

This grouping is based on structural economic differences. In economics, comparing the growth rate of developed countries (like the US, UK, Japan) with that of developing countries (like Nigeria) is inappropriate.

Developed countries are typically in a steady-state growth phase, operating near their production possibility frontier.

Their growth rates are naturally lower, usually between 1 and 2 percent. Developing economies have more room to grow and often post higher rates due to ongoing structural transformation and catch-up growth.

The viral infographic presents a misleading view of Nigeria’s growth position by ignoring these distinctions and merging countries from different development levels into one global league table.

VERDICT

While the IMF projects that Nigeria’s economy will grow by 3.0 percent in 2025, the claim that it is the fourth fastest-growing economy in the world is misleading.

The claim is based on a selective reading of IMF data and omits several countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, that are projected to grow faster.

The claim also disregards standard economic classifications, discouraging direct comparisons between advanced and developing economies

The Lagos State Government has issued a demolition notice to owners of 39 buildings in various estates in the Lekki area for encroaching on the Ikota River setback, as part of efforts to restore the natural drainage path and tackle persistent flooding in the area.

The affected buildings are spread across Oral Estate (18 units), Lekki County (13 units), and Westend Estate (8 units).

The demolition notice follows the expiration of all previously served contravention notices.

Speaking with journalists after an inspection tour on Thursday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the state government has decided to extend the evacuation deadline, allowing residents more time to relocate their families and valuables before enforcement begins.

“We have said to our officials, let us allow them to move their things out; family men and women with children reside here. So whilst that is ongoing, we poked the walls as a signal of our readiness to restore the right of way,” Wahab said.

He warned, however, that the government will not tolerate further defiance, especially as some developers continue to illegally reclaim land and push back the river despite ongoing consultations.

“At Lekki County here, what some developers are doing is reclamation and the government needs to put them in check; if you are doing a reclamation, the first thing you have to obtain is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Drainage Clearance documents and most of them do not have it,” he added.

Wahab stressed that the government had a digital map of the Ikota River and had recorded significant encroachment.

He ordered a halt to all ongoing reclamation activities in Lekki County, declaring them illegal and damaging to the environment.

The Commissioner noted that while some homeowners are cooperating and have admitted to the irregularities, the state is taking a measured approach to avoid undue hardship.

“What we also seek to do is engage homeowners properly because developers are selling and giving titles to innocent buyers of value. That’s why I say let those people who are innocent, who have their children in schools, not get their lives disrupted because you want to enforce,” he stated.

“Homeowners affected are not disputing the fact that something is wrong; they have all admitted it, but they are appealing to the government to give them time to find a way to reset themselves.”

The Kaduna State Polytechnic has expelled 63 students and suspended 36 others for various academic offences, including fraudulent admissions and examination malpractice.

The disciplinary actions were approved during the institution’s 114th Academic Board Meeting held on April 30, 2025.

In a circular dated May 5, 2025, and signed by Deputy Registrar (Academic Affairs), Abdullahi Muhammad, sighted on Thursday, the polytechnic’s Registrar, Dr. Muhammed Tanimu, communicated the board’s decision to all staff and students.

“The Academic Board, at its 114th Regular Meeting held on 30th April, 2025, considered reports of the Fraudulent Admission and Related Matters Investigation Committee (FARMIC) and the Examination Misconduct Cases and Malpractice Committee (EMCMC) and approved the following measures against the students listed below,” the circular stated.

The FARMIC panel found that five, including Essien, Margret Lawrence and Maryam Nasir, gained admission fraudulently, resulting in the withdrawal of their admissions or expulsion.

The EMCMC committee indicted over 70 students from the Mass Communication, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, and Architecture departments.

Some of the students expelled include Lawrence Samuel Anto (Building Technology), Fauziya Abdulrahman Buba (Mass Communication), and Ibrahim Muhammed Nazeer (Civil Engineering). Others, like Joseline Beauty Jonah and Muazu Umar, received varying degrees of suspension.

However, three students, including Abubakar Ibrahim Ashir of the Computer Science Department, were exonerated after investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing.

The polytechnic warned that it would continue to impose stiff penalties on students found guilty of academic misconduct to maintain integrity and discipline on campus.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State to provide him with a plot of land in the state to build a retirement home.

Tinubu made the request on Thursday during a reception organized in his honour following his visit to Anambra, where he commissioned a series of infrastructural projects described as “legacy” efforts.

Addressing the crowd, the president expressed his long-standing ties with the state.

“Many of my friends are from Anambra State, and I have seen many of them today,” he said, shortly after receiving a chieftaincy title from the state’s traditional rulers.

“Going forward, we are not just friends. I am now a bona-fide son of the soil – one of you, your own son,” Tinubu added, drawing loud cheers from the audience.

He went on to say, “Maybe my friend and your governor, Charles Soludo, should find me a plot of land for my retirement home after service,” before jokingly adding, “You don’t have to move me from the Villa for only one week. Give me a permanent abode.”

The president was earlier conferred with the traditional title “Dike si Mba” by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, which was presented to him at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.

According to the council’s chairperson and traditional ruler of Obosi, Chidubem Iweka, the title – which translates to “Warrior from the Diaspora” – was awarded in recognition of Tinubu’s contributions to national development.

“This is a title from all the royal fathers in the 179 communities of Anambra State,” Iweka noted.

In his acceptance speech, Tinubu recalled being given a chieftaincy title by a traditional ruler in the state back in 2005 and said he was deeply honoured by this new recognition.

“To have all the traditional rulers of Anambra confer another title on me is not only historic but one which I will greatly treasure for the rest of my life,” he said.

Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has appealed to Nigerians living abroad to actively align themselves with the country’s ongoing reform agenda by supporting the recently introduced ‘Nigeria First Policy’.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on May 8, 2025, and signed by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.

In a video message, Dabiri-Erewa spotlighted the executive directive unveiled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which she said is aimed at putting Nigeria’s interests at the heart of all government procurement, supporting local innovations, and uplifting made-in-Nigeria products.

According to her, the policy marks a crucial turning point and requires the collective participation of Nigerians both at home and abroad to advance national development and create lasting impact.

“My brothers and sisters in the diaspora, this is an opportunity to key into this Initiative. This is an opportunity to bring your expertise, knowledge, and talents, back home to Nigeria,” she said.

She further assured the diaspora community of NiDCOM’s commitment to collaborate with them across various sectors, particularly in areas that align with the goals of the Nigeria First Policy.

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, paid a working visit to Anambra State during which time he commissioned some projects executed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Naija News reported that Governor Soludo commended the President for appointing people from the state into federal positions.

He also urged President Tinubu to address the marginalization of the South East region in some national projects.

Speaking, the President thanked the people of Anambra for welcoming him and conferring on him Omenife 1 of Awka.

He commended Governor Soludo for embarking on developmental projects that would boost the state’s economy.

Tinubu assured that he would address the challenges of the state and the region brought to his attention. He stressed that his administration was committed to addressing economic challenges facing the country.

The full text below:

“Anambra Kwenu! Anambra Kwenu!! Igbo Kwezuenu!!!

“About 30 months ago, I stood at this Venue as Candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In less than two years since my assumption of office as your president, I am delighted to be back on a state visit and to commission some legacy projects by your state government. I come as a friend to the great people of Anambra and the Southeast. I salute your enterprise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to progress. Anambra has long stood as a beacon of commerce, intellect, and cultural strength — a pride not only to the Southeast but to Nigeria.

“My visit today bears a bold testament to parts of my speech during my campaign here. I recall vividly telling you then, “Charles Soludo, your son…is still my friend. I salute his vision. He is a brilliant man. He has the brain. He is a thinker. He knows the way. We will work together inclusively. When I become the president, Soludo will be one of those advisors who will bring prosperity back to you”. From what I have seen and heard, it is evident that a solid foundation is being laid, and Anambra is indeed on the rise. Charles Soludo has been my friend since 2003, and I can also confirm that we are working together for a better Anambra and Nigeria.

“I have just commissioned two landmark projects—the Solution Fun City and the Government House mini-city as part of the initial steps towards your audacious vision of Anambra as African-Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley (ADTS). Together with the massive infrastructural transformation and human capital development, these are bold statements of vision and what leadership can achieve in such a short time. A few years ago, Dubai was largely a desert. Today, it is a global hub because one man dared to dream. I remember when Soludo wanted to consolidate the Nigerian banks; many said it was impossible. It was done, and Nigeria became better for it. I also recall when we dared to tame the Atlantic Ocean, and many naysayers doubted it. But we made it happen. Anambra has huge potential, and with Soludo, we can all work together to fast-track the vision.

“Let me commend the Government of Anambra State for its proactive efforts in improving security. I wish to assure you that the Federal Government will continue to partner with the State and the Southeast to secure our people and their future.

“I have noted the state’s various challenges and your request for assistance and partnership. We will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity to Ndi Anambra and all Nigerians.

“As your president, I am pleased to assure you that the nation’s state is strong and getting stronger by the day under our Renewed Hope Agenda. We met near-insolvent public finance, a decades-old monster of unsustainable multiple subsidies, a chaotic and debilitating forex regime, etc. Like we tamed the Atlantic in Lagos, many of these monsters have been tackled: petroleum and forex subsidies have been tamed; macroeconomic stability has returned within predictable bounds; tax reforms are on the way, etc. These reforms are difficult, yes, but inevitable. Everyone had long recognised their imperatives. Courage and our collective action were required to confront them to lay a strong foundation for a more stable, prosperous and inclusive economy. Already, we are seeing renewed investor confidence, expanding opportunities, and targeted support for small businesses, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors where Anambra is already excelling. Agriculture is receiving massive attention, and the results are beginning to show.

“We have renegotiated and passed a new minimum wage into law as part of our effort to cushion the effect of these reforms on the working class. I am particularly happy that the Government of Anambra State has fully implemented the new minimum wage, and I understand that you are paying above the National minimum.

“We are working to build critical infrastructure — roads, rail, and power — and ensure that every corner of Nigeria, including Anambra, feels the impact of governance that works. The Presidential Power Initiative and the ongoing digital economy drive will open more doors for the resourceful people of this State.

“We continue to plead with Nigerians for their patience and understanding. We call on all patriots and progressives to rise and continue to work hard every day for the greatness of our dear country. We have no other country but Nigeria. We must make it great as the pride of the black race.

“Before I conclude, let me thank the government and the great people of Anambra State for your warm hospitality. In particular, I feel deeply honoured by the conferment of a Chieftaincy title by all the traditional rulers of Anambra State on behalf of the State. In 2005, the traditional ruler of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II), conferred on me the title of Omenife Awka. To have all the traditional rulers of Anambra confer another title on me today is not only historic but one which I will greatly treasure for the rest of my life. Thank you to the traditional rulers.

“Thank you, Ndi Anambra.

“Many of my friends are from Anambra state, and I have seen many of them today. Going forward, we are not just friends: I am now a bona fide son of the soil—one of you, your own son! Maybe my friend and your governor, Charles Soludo, should find me a plot of land for my retirement home after service.

“It is well with Anambra State! It is well with Nigeria!! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has blamed foreigners for the recent waves of attacks and killings which ravaged communities in Plateau and Benue States.

The DHQ said most of the attacks have been discovered to have been carried out by foreign herders who came into Nigeria through the country’s porous borders.

This was made known during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye.

He explained that the way the captured suspects speak is different from the way locals speak, adding that even their physical attributes give them off as foreigners.

“When you hear them speak, you can often tell they are not from here. For example, the Hausa spoken in Nigeria differs from that spoken in Mali, the Central African Republic, or Ghana.

“When we arrest these herders and terrorists, their speech and even their hair distinguish them from Nigerians. Perhaps only the Shuwa Arabs in Borno State have similar features, but not quite the same,” Kangye said.

The DHQ spokesperson acknowledged that some criminal elements who are Nigerians are also involved in the attacks, but held that most of the dangerous attacks are carried out by foreigners.

“Some of those involved are Nigerians who encroach on farmlands during cattle grazing, leading to conflict. However, the most dangerous and frequent attacks come from infiltrators who enter through our porous borders,” he noted.

He called for stronger collaboration between security and border agencies to monitor and manage Nigeria’s extensive frontiers effectively.