The House of Representatives is seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.

The bill proposed by the House has passed second reading.

The bill, jointly sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Daniel Ago, was presented during Thursday’s plenary.

While leading the debate, Ago explained that the legislation aims to boost citizens’ participation in elections, arguing that it could help reduce voter apathy if it successfully passes all legislative stages.

However, Mark Esset, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party representing Akwa Ibom State, expressed reservations.

He argued that merely mandating citizens to vote would not be sufficient to reform the electoral system.

“We shouldn’t build on a shaky foundation,” Esset stated.

“Many Nigerians abstain from voting because they doubt the credibility of the process. If we’re going to make voting compulsory, we must also ensure that people believe their votes truly count,” he added.

Temilade Openiyi, the world-damous Nigerian Grammy award-winning singer, who is popularly known as Tems, has revealed that quitting a digital marketing job to pursue music was not easy.

The ‘Love Me Jeje’ hitmaker, in a recent conversation with Billboard, explained that despite the fears of quitting her job, she was confident in divine direction, especially as she felt digital marketing was not her destined career.

Tems said she waited six months after quitting her job before releasing her first single, ‘Mr Rabel,’ which gained some traction.

She said, “[I quit my digital marketing job because] it got to a point where I couldn’t take anymore. It was really dawning one me like, it’s now or never. I was just putting it off until I developed faith that God will see me through wherever I go.

“I quit my job in January 2018, I released ‘Mr Rabel’ six or seven months after I quit my job. Spiritually, I was aware that digital marketing wasn’t my path, I need to leave this place right now. It felt really like, life or death. It was like this can make or break your destiny, and you need to make a decision right now. I chose to quit and it worked out.”

Tems gained prominence after she was featured on Wizkid’s 2020 global hit, ‘Essence,’ which peaked at No.9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 2022, she became the first African artist to debut N0.1 on the Billboard HOT 100 chat, through Future’s song, ‘Wait 4 U,’ which featured her and Drake. The song also won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap the following year.

In Febuary 2025, Tems won another Grammy for her song, ‘Love Me Jeje’, for Best African Music Performance

A 38-year-old Nigerian man, identified as Seriki, has been arrested in South Africa after authorities discovered a large sum of cash and multiple bank cards in his possession.

The suspect was arrested by members attached to the Provincial Operational Command Centre in Parklands, Cape Town on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The provincial police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, said the officers were armed with information about drug dealing and descended on a residence in Holly Crescent in Table View.

“A search ensued, which led to the discovery of a substantial amount of foreign and South African currency in excess of R1 million (N88m). Not only did the members find the cash, but also a bag with bank cards belonging to various people," van Wyk said.

“The occupants of the residence could not provide a valid reason for possessing the items, and the 38-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of suspected stolen property and conspiracy to commit cybercrime.”

The suspect will be appearing in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, May 15.

“Detectives attached to our Provincial Organised Crime, Commercial Unit will investigate the case and might add more charges as the investigation unfolds,” van Wyk added

Fisayo Longe, the Nigerian fashion entrepreneur and vocal feminist, is making waves online—not for her brand or advocacy, but for her recent engagement and the buzz it's generated across social media.

The backlash began shortly after Longe got engaged and shared a teary-eyed video of the proposal. While many congratulated her, others weren’t so forgiving.

Twitter users quickly dug up her old posts, including one from as far back as 2020 where she boldly stated, “I do not rate men.”

This resurfaced tweet, alongside her history of criticizing Nigerian men and marriage, set off a chain reaction. Some users labeled her a hypocrite, mocking her shift from “anti-marriage feminist” takes to emotional engagement celebrations.

One user wrote, “This same Fisayo Longe that was a menace Feminazi and Prefect for 'Men are scm' here is getting married!?”*

Another added, “Now she’s engaged and werey even dey drop tears."

Amidst the heat, Longe didn’t stay silent. She took to Twitter to shut down the criticism with a sharp response: “Unfortunately for you all, my days of going back and forth with Nigerian men on Twitter are so over. Run it up.”

The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into a technical glitch that affected the outcome of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The House gave the order during the plenary session on Thursday, following the approval of a motion of urgent public significance put forth by a representative from Osun State, Adewale Adebayo.

The UTME is an annual assessment organised by JAMB for students aspiring to gain admission into higher education institutions in Nigeria, such as universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

This examination is a vital milestone for numerous Nigerian students, as their performance determines their eligibility for further education.

In recent years, JAMB has shifted the UTME format from paper-based to computer-based testing (CBT) to improve efficiency and minimise malpractice.

However, concerns have emerged regarding technical difficulties encountered by candidates during the examinations, including network outages, login issues, and system errors.

The reported technical malfunction in the 2025 UTME has now captured the attention of lawmakers, leading the House of Representatives to commence an inquiry.

The investigation aims to identify the underlying causes of the malfunction and propose measures to avert similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has reacted to the controversy rocking the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, admitted errors in the just-concluded UTME affecting 206,610 candidates in 65 centres in Lagos and 92 centres in Owerri zone, comprising 173,387 candidates in the five states of the South East.

He said, “What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors,” Oloyede admitted. “We set all machineries in order; regardless, there were still errors.”

He added, “206,610 in 65 centres were affected in Lagos and 92 centres in the Owerri zone comprising 173,387 candidates in the five states of the South East were affected.”

Oloyede, who took responsibility for what he described as a “sabotage” of the 2025 UTME, said the affected candidates will get text messages from the Board starting Thursday.

He also stated that affected candidates will now have the opportunity to retake the examination between May 16 and May 19, 2025

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Peter Obi urged JAMB and similar critical bodies to adopt comprehensive quality assurance frameworks, adding that these includes rigorous testing and constant auditing of technical infrastructure.

He noted that while JAMB’s swift response and willingness to own up to its shortcomings are worthy of recognition, the incident has brought to light a far more troubling reality.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the emotional and psychological toll on students, and even parents, some of whom have reportedly suffered severe trauma, and in heartbreaking cases, even death, serves as a reminder of what is at stake.

Nigerian rapper, Onome Onokohwomo aka Yung6ix has begged Nigerians to help him quit smoking.

He made the appeal in a post on X.

According to him, he has been smoking for 21 years, and his body can no longer accept it.

He wrote, “Coming out today to tell everyone I need help. I’ve been smoking for 21 years now and my body is telling me to stop. I’m trying but it’s not easy, I’ve reduced how much I spend buying weed to $600 a month and I need help to turn that to $0. Any help?”

Reacting to the post, his colleague, Phenom, revealed that he quit smoking 10 years ago with the help of his doctor and offered to share his doctor’s contact with Yung6ix.

He wrote, “10 years since I quit smoking. [I] can link you up with the doctor that helped me.”

Yung6ix responded, “Wow no way bro, so you no dey now kana all this while when we dey yarn?”

The Anambra State Government has banned the distribution of food items and other gifts to street beggars in public spaces, particularly under the Aroma Bridge in Awka, the state capital, and other locations.

The state government also banned all forms of public begging, loitering, and street trading beneath the bridges in Awka, insisting that the move became necessary to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which is the face of the state.

A statement released by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Capital Territory Development Authority, Ossy Onuko, on Thursday, stated that the directive is part of the state government’s efforts to sanitise the capital city and maintain public order.

Onuko said anyone found violating this new directive will be arrested and prosecuted. 

He, however, cautioned content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups against distributing food, cash, or any form of alms to street children and beggars in public spaces, particularly.

While acknowledging that some of the “charitable acts” were for good intentions, he expressed concerns that they are inadvertently contributing to the continued loitering and congregation of destitute individuals in dangerous locations.

He said, “The government has closely observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate roaming of children under the Aroma Bridge by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids.

“Although their intentions may be noble, they ultimately contribute to the degradation of the capital city and put the lives of these children at risk. These children are exposed to potential harm, such as being knocked down by vehicles, abused by unruly adults, or even recruited into criminal activities.

“Such actions are illegal and we hereby warn that any individual or group found engaging in them will be seen as promoting civil disorder and will face legal action.”

He also advised that all charitable activities be conducted through accredited institutions, such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations, where support can be provided in a more structured and secure manner.

Onuko further urged the general public to work with the state government to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which represents the face of Anambra State.

“Charitable acts should be channeled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and registered NGOs, where support can be professionally administered to those in need.

“Alternatively, donations can be made to private homes and spaces that do not create public nuisances,” he added.

Adeola, the 41-year-old daughter of veteran Yoruba actress Jumoke George, has been found in Mali after being declared missing for four years.

Jumoke had earlier revealed the disappearance during an interview on the Talk to B show hosted by actress Abiola Bayo. She stated that Adeola had been living with her grandmother in Ibadan and was last seen after informing the family she was travelling to Lagos.

According to Jumoke, Adeola later made contact, asked for forgiveness, and explained she had travelled out of the country with friends in search of better opportunities.

In the same interview, Jumoke disclosed that she had been battling serious health and financial issues. She said her condition had prevented her from honouring acting jobs, leading her to refund payments and borrow funds for medical treatment. She noted that further medical tests were required, with an estimated cost of N400,000.

She explained that any money she earned from occasional jobs was spent on efforts to find her missing daughter.

Speaking in tears on the TalkToB show hosted by fellow actress, Abiola Adebayo, Jumoke said she hid her predicament due to shame and fear of public ridicule.

She said, “There are some things that are embarrassing to say but at this point, I have no choice. I want to speak out. I am working but it’s not like I get jobs every time. 

“Sometimes, it could be once in three to four months. That was before I became ill. After I became ill, I couldn’t go for a set I was invited to. Someone paid me last year, I didn’t know I would get sick, I spent the money on treatment. I had to borrow money to refund the person.

“I went to another location but I couldn’t work. They had to bring me back because of my health. I’ve done several tests. I was told to do some more which will cost about N400,000. I don’t know where to get the money from.”

“My first child, Adeola, has been missing. I’ve been looking for her for the past four years. Any small money I get from working was spent on looking for her.

“She was in Ibadan where she was working and living with my mother. So my mother just called me one day to say that she hasn’t seen Deola who said she was coming to meet me in Lagos. I said I haven’t seen her,” Jumoke recalled.

In an update shared on Wednesday, Talk to B host Biola Bayo revealed Adeola had been found in Mali. She said she spoke with Adeola via video call and although the daughter had not yet spoken directly with her mother, Jumoke was relieved to know she was alive.

Biola also confirmed that Jumoke George is currently receiving treatment at a state hospital in Lagos and is awaiting further medical evaluation.

Sharing the details of her video call with Adeola on Instagram, Biola Bayo said “I finally got to speak with Adeola and this is what she said. She hasn’t called her mom, but Mom is happy she’s alive. 

“#Jumoke George is currently at a state hospital in Lagos.

“Hopefully she will be discharged or admitted after all her medical tests and reports. Not sure yet. Thank you to everyone for the support”.

Watch video below:

Details have emerged on how Monalisa Stephen, a Nigerian filmmaker popularly known as Gabacci, died.

The news of her death was confirmed on Wednesday by Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.

According to Oloketuyi, Monalisa passed away on Tuesday in Lagos due to complications arising from low blood sugar and internal bleeding.

Her family and management have yet to release an official statement concerning her passing or the funeral arrangements.

Gabacci was a dynamic presence in Nigeria’s entertainment scene. Over her decade-long career, she thrived as a content creator, fashion designer, and filmmaker.

She was best known for producing Fatabulous, an award-winning film that gained international acclaim at the Saskatchewan International Film Festival in Canada, winning awards for Best Cinematography and Best Actress.

Beyond the screen, Monalisa founded the LYF Movement — a support network for women and individuals grappling with depression, self-esteem issues, and body image struggles.

A staunch mental health advocate, she once described herself as “a firm believer in making positive impacts for the world to be a better place.”

In 2022, Monalisa opened up about contemplating suicide after enduring body-shaming at a public event.

“These moments before my departure, I feel more clarity than I have ever felt, finally, I will be free. I will be free from the voices, from the pains, and from you,” she had written.

“I can’t stand betrayals. I trust too much and too quickly. This is not what I want but I can’t help it, I am just too weak. So I quit.”

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has rescheduled another Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination for 379,997 candidates in the five states of the South East and Lagos.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this known in an ongoing press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

Oloyede, who took responsibility for the errors, said the affected candidates will start getting text messages from the Board starting Thursday.

“The affected candidates will start getting text messages for rescheduling starting from tomorrow. I apologise; I take full responsibility.”

JAMB’s decision to reschedule the exam comes as thousands of candidates reportedly filed a class-action lawsuit against the Board over alleged irregularities.

Candidates claimed they experienced technical issues and inconsistent question displays during the exam.

The controversy escalated after JAMB released statistics showing over 1.5 million out of 1.9 million candidates scored below 200 out of 400 marks, sparking widespread concern and outrage on social media.