Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

ARISE News Channel has announced the tragic death of its young journalist, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja. According to a statement released on Monday, September 29, 2025, through the station’s official X handle, the 29-year-old broadcaster—affectionately called Sommie—died in the early hours of the day. Maduagwu, a news anchor, reporter, and producer, had become a trusted face on ARISE News and was admired for her ability to connect with viewers across Nigeria. The statement described her as “a vibrant voice that engaged and inspired audiences.” “It…

The European Union’s environment commissioner, Jessika Roswall, has confirmed she carries toxic forever chemicals (PFAS) in her blood. She underwent medical screening to raise awareness of the growing health risks linked to these persistent pollutants. EU Commissioner Warns of PFAS Exposure At a press briefing on Monday, Roswall disclosed her results and highlighted the dangers: “Citizens are increasingly exposed to PFAS in their blood. I myself am no exception.” She revealed she tested positive for six of the 13 PFAS screened, including three classified as toxic to reproductive health. In several cases, the concentrations exceeded recommended safety limits. PFAS Explained:…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government of Nigeria a 14-day ultimatum to address long-standing issues affecting the university system. The decision was reached during ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the University of Abuja. ASUU’s Warning to FG In a statement signed by its National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, the union expressed frustration over the government’s neglect of the education sector and failure to meet its demands. “ASUU has given the Federal Government fourteen (14) days to resolve these issues. If nothing is done, the union may…

Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has pledged to help parents struggling with school fees as the 2025/2026 session begins. Dakolo’s Promise In a post on his X handle, Dakolo admitted that school fee season is tough for many families. “I know it’s school fee season. It’s not always easy. I know this first-hand. So, let me help lessen that burden a little bit,” he wrote. He asked parents to send their children’s bills via Instagram to @TheOyindaOlu. Payments will go directly to schools, and parents will receive receipts as proof. Rising School Costs The pledge comes as parents face soaring education…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has secured N318.05 billion between January and August 2025 to finance frontier oil exploration, despite revenue shortfalls. 30% Allocation Under Petroleum Industry Act The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 mandates that 30% of Production Sharing Contract (PSC) profits go into the Frontier Exploration Fund. This fund supports drilling and surveys in inland basins, including Anambra, Bida, Benue, Sokoto, Chad, and Dahomey. NUPRC’s Frontier Exploration Plan In July 2025, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) launched a Frontier Basin Exploration and Development Plan. The program includes seismic surveys, stress-field detection, and new wildcat…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has renewed Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He said global peace and development cannot thrive without Africa’s fair representation. Speaking at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Shettima stressed that the UN must reflect today’s realities. He noted that Africa, despite its vast resources, remains sidelined in global decision-making. “The UN will recover its relevance only when it reflects the world as it is, not as it was,” he said. Nigeria’s Case for Security Council Membership Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s role as Africa’s most populous nation with over 236…

Seventeen African countries have endorsed major reforms to expand electricity access under Mission 300, a joint initiative by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) aimed at connecting 300 million Africans to power by 2030. Governments from Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, and Togo signed National Energy Compacts at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum. The compacts outline strategies to guide public spending, drive reforms, and attract private investment. Since Mission 300’s launch, 30 million people have gained electricity access, with…

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, turned 65 on Monday. Her birthday drew glowing tributes from the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, and Betta Edu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. Alaafin of Oyo Praises Tinubu’s Integrity In a statement, the Alaafin described Oluremi Tinubu as “a role model of wisdom, vision, and leadership.”He said the First Lady keeps her promises and takes responsibility for her actions. “She loves people with her heart and strength. She helps others as a true leader should. She knows service brings fulfillment, not stealing public funds,”…

Nollywood veteran and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has confidently declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will win the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, taking over from the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu. Okonkwo, who made the statement on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, emphasized that the ADC is prepared to make history by forming the next government despite its performance in past by-elections. ADC’s Past Election Performance Recall that during the August 16 by-elections, held across 16 constituencies in nine states, the ADC failed to secure a single seat. The All Progressives Congress (APC) dominated the polls,…

Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is often overlooked in conversations about ear health. While it plays an important role in protecting the ear canal, excessive buildup can cause discomfort, blockage, and even increase the risk of hearing loss. Many people ignore earwax until it becomes a problem, but understanding its role and how to manage it can help prevent long-term complications. What Is Earwax and Why Do We Need It? Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves several protective functions: In normal amounts, earwax is healthy. Problems arise only when it accumulates excessively.…