The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emphasized the urgent need to revamp Nigeria’s health sector for better service delivery.
The former Anambra State Governor lamented that Nigeria’s health sector is in a deplorable state at the moment despite heavy borrowings by the government to invest in the sector.

According to him, the most critical measures of development are not physical infrastructure, such as road construction or buildings, but health, which is measured by the Human Development Index (HDI).

He stressed that health, education and poverty alleviation are three pillars a country must focus on to achieve rapid growth and development.

Naija News reports that Obi made the submission in Lagos State on Saturday during an event with medical doctors where he was the keynote speaker.

He lamented that Nigeria has a poor doctor-to-population ratio, and over 70% of primary healthcare centres in the country are either not functional or lack adequate facilities and manpower.

Taking to his ? handle on Sunday, Peter Obi wrote:  “Yesterday, I honoured the invitation of ANAP Doctors in North America and the University of Nigeria Alumni for an event held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, where I served as the keynote speaker. The theme was: “Beyond Borders – Uniting for Medical Excellence, Strengthening Our Alumni, and Inspiring the Next Generation.

“I began by reminding everyone that the most critical measures of development are not physical infrastructure, such as road construction or buildings, but health, which is measured by the Human Development Index (HDI). This is why we say, “Health is wealth,” along with education and lifting people out of poverty.

“Countries that have focused on these three pillars have experienced consistent, upward growth.

“In Nigeria today, the healthcare system is in a very poor state. Over 70% of primary healthcare centres are non-functional, lacking both adequate facilities and manpower.

“Currently, Nigeria has only about 10% of the doctor-to-population ratio recommended by global standards.

“In contrast, countries like India, which once faced similar challenges, have made significant improvements. Despite having a population about seven times larger than Nigeria’s, India has achieved approximately 80% of the recommended doctor-to-population ratio and is actively expanding its network of medical colleges.

“Comparable nations, including several in Africa, have invested heavily in healthcare and education, recognising their critical roles in national development. For example, South Africa, with a population of about 63 million, has allocated a healthcare budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year that is more than twice Nigeria’s total healthcare budget for the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, despite Nigeria having a population of over 200 million.”

Heavy Borrowing, Little Progress
Obi lamented that very little can be shown as progress in the health sector despite heavy borrowings by the government.

While appealing for refocused efforts by the government, the former presidential candidate expressed belief in a better Nigeria where the system works for the citizens.

“We have borrowed heavily to support our healthcare system, securing several billions of dollars from multilateral agencies. However, these investments have not resulted in significant improvements.

“For instance, from the World Bank alone, Nigeria has borrowed over $11 billion between 2023 and now for healthcare and medical education.

“Our budgeting and borrowed funds should be directed towards the critical needs of healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. We must urgently realign our planning, budgeting, and expenditures to ensure that borrowed funds are channelled towards areas of critical need—such as healthcare, medical education, and access to quality care that will truly benefit the population and create a lasting, positive impact,” he submitted.

Controversial Nigerian relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro aka Blessing CEO, has shared ten reasons why she loves her man, Ikechukwu Ogbonna aka IVD.

Taking to Instagram, she shared a video of the car dealer and stated that she loves him because he is a hopeless romantic and a smart man.

She wrote;

‘’10 things I love about IVD. @ivd001

 I love guys with ink (tattoos)

 1) He is an Igbo boy , Abia state Arochukwu boy .

 2) na street boy, confirm street, wey be say if you come u collect.

 3) na smart boy, one boy wey I meet wey out smart me so I surrender .

 4) na calm badh boy, he does not talk too much but act . Him go just dey smile but him go run you better street .

 5) He is a hopeless romantic. Lover boy, lover boy wey dey drop tears if u hurt am ooooo.

 6) He is soft, Kia IVD is so soft, he no like stress but I sabi stress am .

7) Casanova in bed. Kia story for another day.

8) he is alpha male . Boo boo who called you? How can dey be calling my wife by this time , block them now.

9) He has fear of God . Boo boo let us pray, your prayer will work .

10) he is a giver . Except he does not have it, he can even borrow it to make you happy .

 Forget noise .

 He is actually a wonderful person.

Those who have met him can attest to that ...''

IVD used to be married to Bimbo until she d!ed in controversial circumstances. IVD and Blessing became an item after she stepped in as his therapist. She shared a video of them at the pool.

Africa’s richest man and industrial titan, Aliko Dangote, turned 68 on April 10, 2025, and received a lot of well wishes and accolades.

Leading the well-wishers was President Bola Tinubu, who acknowledged Dangote’s impact on Nigeria’s economy, and his legacy as a symbol of enterprise, innovation, and philanthropy.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Dangote as “Africa’s industrial icon” praising his unwavering commitment to nation-building.

“Aliko Dangote’s life embodies hard work, generosity, and faith in Nigeria’s potential. His willingness to invest in people and nation-building reflects profound business ingenuity and love for humanity,” the statement read.

Beyond his industrial feats, President Tinubu used the opportunity to encourage young Nigerians, “Let Dangote’s story remind us that with vision, grit, and a sense of purpose, greatness is within reach,” Tinubu advised, urging youths to pursue enterprise with courage and consistency,”

Friends and family also gathered to celebrate the icon in his mansion.

The event was attended by billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, who also dedicated an Instagram post to celebrate his longtime friend.

He posted a picture of the celebrant with the caption, “Happy birthday Africa’s wealthiest entrepreneur! Your journey is inspiring.”

Other notable personalities, including boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, joined in the celebration, making the evening a blend of elegance and camaraderie.

The celebrant is known for his quiet and simple life. Though respected globally, Dangote remains deeply private.

As he turns 68, he is seen not just as a titan of industry, but as a beacon of hope to many.

As friends and family gathered, singing birthday songs with heartfelt joy, the host sat, smiling cheerfully and soaking in the love and admiration that filled the room.

In another show of extravagance, Nigeria’s top financial institutions joined the celebration with custom-made cakes.

GT Bank, Access Bank, and FCMB each presented bespoke birthday cakes inspired by the legendary business achievements of Aliko Dangote; one of the cakes was a towering depiction of a refinery, another was styled like a grand mosque, while yet another was designed in the shape of a cement factory.

A Scottish boarding school has become the first private school in the United Kingdom to allow parents to pay school fees using cryptocurrency.

Lomond School, located in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, said it would begin accepting Bitcoin payments for tuition starting from the autumn term.

Annual fees at the school go as high as £38,000, BBC reports on Saturday.

The school noted that the move followed requests from some parents and aligns with its “ethos of independent thinking and innovation”.

However, all Bitcoin payments will be immediately converted to British pounds to guard against cryptocurrency market volatility.

In a statement on Saturday, Head teacher Claire Chisholm said the school’s decision reflects its forward-looking values.

“For generations, this school has nurtured inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and open-minded risk-takers.

“It’s really no surprise then that the inventor of the television, John Logie Baird, is a former pupil,” she said.

Founded in 1977 through the merger of Larchfield School and St Bride’s School for Girls, Lomond caters to students from nursery age to 18.

The school said all Bitcoin transactions would be secure, transparent, and comply with UK financial regulations, including anti-money laundering and tax laws.

Bitcoin is a digital currency that operates outside traditional banking systems. While its value surged in 2024, it remains highly volatile and subject to rapid fluctuations.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned against the spraying, hawking, mutilation or counterfeiting the Naira. 

Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali gave the warning during the bank”s Special Day at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair.

She urged the public to see the Nigerian currency, the Naira as the nation’s critical symbol of national identity.

Mrs Ali assured that the apex bank will sustain its efforts towards ensuring the availability of clean currency notes with the right mix.

“The CBN will sustain its efforts towards ensuring the availability of clean currency notes with the right mix. We, however, urge you to see Naira as our critical symbol of national identity. Respect and keep it clean.

“Do not spray, hawk, mutilate or counterfeit the Naira,” she warned.

The acting director noted that Nigeria recorded $6.83 billion balance of payments surplus at the end of 2024, adding that the bank has continued to address pockets of macroeconomic challenges confronting the economy and ensuring that the banking system remains robust and resilient.

“In the same vein, the Bank is also closely monitoring the ongoing recapitalisation of the banking sector, to ensure the injection of quality capital as envisaged in the framework.

“The Nigerian payments system has continued to be reckoned with globally. CBN has remained resolute in ensuring effective and efficient payments system infrastructure. This has accelerated the financial inclusion drive and broadened payment possibilities for Nigerians.

“These payment platforms have made financial transactions more seamless, cost-effective and accessible to a wide range of users,” she stated.

The federal government has refuted a report by the United States Embassy in Abuja, claiming that Christians in Nigeria have been systematically targeted for extermination and other forms of persecution by fundamentalist Islamists in the country.

Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a statement on Friday, descibed the report as misleading and oversimplified a deeply complex national security challenge facing the country.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes with concern a recent social media publication by the United States Embassy, Abuja, regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the testimonies provided by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, on alleged threats that have arisen as a result of their testimonies at the United States Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.

“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplify a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.

“The assertion that the Nigerian government has “allowed the violence to escalate unchecked” is both inaccurate and unfair.

“The government has consistently taken decisive action, including; deploying security forces to areas affected by communal violence; engaging in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders; strengthening intelligence operations to track down criminal elements and implementing policies to address rootcauses, including land use reforms and economic development initiatives,” the statement said.

The federal government emphasised that while these challenges remain, it is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent.

It added the reality that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organised crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.

“The Nigerian government remains fully committed to upholding freedom of religion and freedom of expression, among other freedoms. Any report of threats or intimidation against religious leaders will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.

“The current administration values its partnership with the United States and other international allies in addressing security concerns, and therefore calls for caution against narratives that risk deepening religious divisions and misrepresenting the situation on the ground, but also enjoins well-meaning partners to join its efforts towards the maintenance of peace and security.”

The Federal Government restated it’s commitment to continually prioritising protection of the lives and property of its citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, while strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against insecurity.

“We therefore call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarisation,” the statement added.

The youths in Omu-Aran in Irepodun local government area of Kwara State, led by two masquerades, on Friday protested what they termed outrageous billing and sudden movement of the community’s electricity billing regime from Band C to Band A.

The protesters were seen gathered at Bareke Roundabout in the metropolis carrying placards with various inscriptions amidst dancing and singing of war songs.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards reads: ‘Omu-Aran Says No to Band A’, ‘Bring Back to Band C’, ‘Revert Omu-Aran to Band C’. ‘Omu-Aran Youths Have Spoken Loudly’.

The youths were of the believe that the sudden movement of the electricity billing from Band C to Band A was responsible for the outrageous bills received for the month of March, 2025.

They alleged that there were many unresolved challenges militating against uninterrupted electricity supply across designated areas of the community before the sudden movement of the billing regime.

The protesters, who were peaceful and orderly while the protest lasted, vehemently rejected an attempt to be escorted by police personnel and some other security agencies.

The current charges on some of the electricity bills gathered by the youths and sighted by our reporter were between the range of N41,000 to N47,000 for the month of March as against the old rate of between N10,000 to N15,000.

The protest took the youths to major streets in the community such as the Olomu Market, Latinwo Market Area, Olomu palace, as well as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC)’s District office located inside Omu-Aran City Complex.

The protesters also blocked some major highways leading to neighbouring states including Omu-Aran-Kabba Highway as well as Omu-Aran-Otun-Ekiti Highway which forced motorists and travellers to wait for hours.

They vowed to continue with the protest until their demands and grievances were addressed by IBEDC and the community leaders.

Some of their demands, according to a statement signed by the President of Omu-Aran Development Association, Mr Niyi Adeyeye and Elder Ranti Adebayo, included replacement of faulty transformers leading to inconsistent electricity supply in some key areas of the community.

Others are reversion of the billing from Band A to the previous Band C and improvement of electricity supply, suspension of Band A billings and review of the current charges to reflect the old billing regime.

Other demands included independent review of IBEDC service delivery in Omu-Aran to assess the relevance of the proper tariff regime classification, immediate stoppage of overdraft purchase on pre-paid meters as well as stoppage of electricity consumers purchasing materials for faulty electricity equipments.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, while receiving the protesters in his palace, appealed for calm, saying that the community leaders were already discussing with the IBEDC officials on the need to address the issues.

He urged the youths to exercise restraints and wait for the outcome of the intervention by the community leaders.

When contacted, the Omu-Aran business manager of IBEDC, Mr A. O. Badmus said he was not authorised to speak on the issue and directed our reporter to the IBEDC Kwara State Communication Officer, Mr Gbenga Ajiboye.

Ajiboye in his reactions said the issue of electricity regulation remained the sole responsibility of the National Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC).

“They (NERC) are the one who does regulation, monitoring and enforcement. There is nothing we can do on our own as far as regulation is concerned in the state” , he said.

He added that electricity consumers enjoying 20 hours of electricity supply are regulated by NERC to be on Band A in which Omu-Aran community is categorised presently.

Ajiboye described the development as a business issue between buyers and sellers, noting that high level discussion was already ongoing to resolve the issue amicably

Nigerian veteran rapper and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has alleged an attempt by unnamed persons to bribe him with N200 million following the ban of his controversial protest single – ‘Tell Your Papa’ – a diss song against President Bola Tinubu government.

In a video shared on social media, Abdulkareem narrated how he received a phone call from an unknown caller who introduced himself as an ‘Honourable’ and later claimed to be a ‘Senator’, suggesting that he was a politician sympathetic to the incumbent government.

According to the artist, the caller admitted he was speaking on behalf of top government figures, including Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu.

“Okay my people, how una dey? Make I give una quick update. I got a call from one criminal wey dey call himself Honourable — later he say na Senator. I say ‘ah, this one na ole (thief)’. The idiot come dey tell me say yesterday he dey meeting with Seyi and the government, say dem dey try reach me to bribe me. I tell am say I no dey interested,” Abdulkareem recounted in Pidgin English.

He claimed the caller promised a payment of N200 million and offered to “sponsor” him underground. “He said, ‘We will give you N200 million, don’t listen to them. We’ll sponsor you underground.’ I asked him, ‘who told you I needed anything – if na una sponsor the video I shoot? Make una go siddon somewhere. I no dey interested. What’s wrong with you people?” he said.

A visibly upset Abdulkareem added, “Na me una wan record use do caricature? Una dey craze. I don prepare una tey tey.”

LEADERSHIP reports that the revelation came just days after the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued a nationwide ban on Abdulkareem’s latest single, ‘Tell Your Papa’, labelling it “objectionable” and in violation of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed inappropriate or offensive for public broadcast on radio and TV stations.

In a memo dated April 9, 2025, signed by NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission warned all radio and TV stations against airing the track, which it said violated “public decency.”

The directive, titled ‘‘Restriction on Broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,” stated, “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature. It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.”

Despite the ban, ‘Tell Your Papa’ has continued to gain traction across social media platforms, especially TikTok, for its searing criticism of Nigeria’s leadership and worsening economic conditions. The song directly addresses President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, calling on him to convey the struggles of ordinary Nigerians to his father-President.

“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” Abdulkareem raps in one of the verses.

“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem,” he continues.

In a Facebook post reacting to the NBC’s ban, Abdulkareem accused the government of suppressing truth and criticism.

“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government, and this present government led by President Bola Tinubu is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administrations ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria,” he wrote.

He likened the current situation to the early 2000s when former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration banned his similar protest song titled ‘Jaga Jaga’, calling the NBC’s actions an attempt to “hide the candle under the table.”

Nigerian singer, Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has spoken about his struggles before he rose to fame.

He disclosed that he was on the verge of becoming a petty trader, despite being a BSc holder, before rapper and music executive, Olamide, signed him to YBNL Nation.

Fireboy, who signed to YBNL Nation in 2018, revealed that he made arrangements to start selling rechargeable lamps under Ajah Bridge in Lagos before he got a recording deal.

The ‘Peru’ hitmaker disclosed this in a recent episode of the 90s Baby Show in London, United Kingdom.

He stated that he was already selling pepper soups at a joint but wanted to change business.

The singer said, “Thank God for that [Olamide signing me]. I was considering selling rechargeable lamps. I met one guy under Ajah Bridge, he was telling me about the business and I told him I was interested.

“To me, at the time, it was more dignified. At least, people will sell you a lamp seller but selling pepper soup is crazy, bro. My parents didn’t know I was doing menial jobs. It was crazy but now, we thank God.”

He also revealed that he was signed on WhatsApp.

Fireboy DML gained popularity after his breakthrough single ‘Jealous’ was featured on YBNL Nation’s collaborative album, YBNL Mafia Family in 2018.

In 2019, he released his debut studio album, ‘Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps,’ solidifying his stardom.

A former military administrator of Plateau State, Real Admiral Bitrus Atukum (rtd) has called on the Federal Government to declare the Fulani herdsmen attacking communities in the state as terrorists.

He said the target of the assailants is to keep the citizenry under perpetual poverty.

Atukum equally accused the killer herdsmen of “economic sabotage”, noting that they attack mostly when the planting and harvest seasons are approaching.

He equally observed that another reason for the attacks is purely land grabbing.

The retired army officer lamented that government is fighting insecurity on the Plateau with kid gloves.

Atukum’s comments followed recent killings in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.

DAILY POST recalls that over 50 people were recently killed, thousands displaced and their means of livelihood destroyed in some communities of Bokkos LGA.

“The endless attacks on villages by the Fulani is a strategic act of terrorism, as such government should note this and label them as terrorists who are not only at war with armless and harmless civilians, but the country as a whole,” he said.

Atukum called on the citizens to defend themselves against the aggressors to protect their ancestral lands.

The former military administrator also decried last Tuesday’s press briefing held in Kaduna by one Garba Abdullahi Mohammed, a leader of Fulani groups.

“All these details given at that press briefing can be verified; government has relevant information as to where it can start the investigation.

“You cannot allow people under the pretext of the freedom of speech to be making this kind of statements, few days after the killings in Bokkos. These are unprovoked attacks!

“In the past, they used to say farmer-herder clash. How can you have clash in someone’s bedroom?

“Government is fighting this insecurity on the Plateau with kid gloves.

“I would have expected that on the Plateau, where you have hills and small mountains that are being inhibited by these Fulani herdsmen; what is the difficulty in ordering the army to and fish them out there?

“These people come down from these hills, commit havoc and disappear, and that is where they hide their weapons.

“So I just believe in addition to what the government is doing, they can do more,” he stressed.