Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced on Wednesday that major tech firms, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, deactivated more than 13.5 million accounts in 2024 to comply with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for online safety. The update followed the submission of annual compliance reports under the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms, a framework introduced by NITDA alongside the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The Code requires global platforms to register in Nigeria, comply with local laws, pay taxes, and implement measures to protect users from harmful content. According to NITDA,…

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have been eliminated from the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket championship following a 91-75 quarter-final loss to Senegal in Luanda, Angola. The defeat ended Nigeria’s strong run after topping Group B with wins over Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon. Meeting Senegal for the ninth time, D’Tigers initially edged the first quarter 24-23 but lost momentum in the second as Jean-Jacques Boissy inspired Senegal to a dominant 30-18 run, giving them an 11-point halftime lead. Senegal tightened their grip in the third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 23-13. Although D’Tigers fought back with a spirited 20-15 display in the final…

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assured Nigerians that the state will be fully prepared to host the 2028 National Sports Festival (NSF). He emphasized his administration’s commitment to completing key infrastructure projects that will guarantee a successful and world-class sporting event. Governor Diri gave this assurance at Government House, Yenagoa, when he received the National Sports Commission (NSC) team led by Director General Bukola Olopade. He explained that Bayelsa, having invested heavily in sports development, now has the facilities to meet the demands of the NSF. According to him, the state’s ongoing 25,000-capacity stadium—expandable to 35,000—will address previous…

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stern warning to European allies, cautioning them not to trust Russian President Vladimir Putin. He described Putin as “an ogre at our gates”, stressing that Moscow remains a major threat to European stability. Peace Talks in Focus Macron’s remarks came as discussions of a possible peace summit between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gained momentum. The talks followed meetings between U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump and European leaders, centered on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Putin as a Destabilizing Force Speaking on LCI, Macron argued that Putin has “rarely honoured his commitments”…

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that vote-buying in Nigeria is a direct investment in corruption and a serious threat to democracy. In a post on X, the former Anambra State Governor argued that politicians who purchase votes are not helping the poor but rather “buying a licence to plunder” public funds. According to him, money meant for schools, hospitals, roads, and jobs often ends up in private pockets once such politicians assume office. Vote-Selling Equals Selling the Future Obi also challenged voters who trade their ballots for money or material gains, stressing that they are complicit…

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over an impending humanitarian crisis in Nigeria following a severe funding shortfall. The agency revealed it has received only $95 million of the $255 million required in 2025, leaving a $160 million (₦240bn) deficit threatening vital health, nutrition, education, and water projects. Speaking in Maiduguri during the 2025 World Humanitarian Day commemoration, UNICEF’s Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Butichi, said global aid cuts are deeply affecting vulnerable Nigerian communities already facing floods, displacement, conflict, and disease outbreaks. Despite constraints, UNICEF reported progress: over 1.3 million people accessed health services, 340,000…

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has paid a heartfelt tribute to three of its former housemates who passed away in recent years—Francisca Owumi, Joseph Ada, and Rico Swavey. During the ongoing season, housemates gathered on Monday for an emotional moment as images of the late stars were displayed on the screen. The house then observed a solemn minute of silence in their honour. Francisca Owumi (2006) Francisca Owumi, the vibrant runner-up of BBNaija’s debut season in 2006, was remembered for her free-spirited personality and love for dance. She sadly passed away in 2024 after a long battle with illness. Joseph “Joe”…

The Lagos State Government has intensified its campaign against illegal dredging, warning of its severe environmental and socio-economic impact on waterfront communities. Through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, the state reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Lagos’ coastal and riverine areas from the destructive practice. Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, speaking at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, ahead of the upcoming Lagos Waterfront Summit in September, urged residents to actively support efforts to curb the menace. According to ministry spokesperson Akodu Morenikeji, Alebiosu cautioned that individuals who encourage or engage in illegal dredging are “engineering their own…

The Kaduna State Government has officially commenced the long-anticipated full-scale reconstruction of the historic Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS), aiming to restore its status as a premier sporting hub in Nigeria. The 61-year-old facility, which has deteriorated over decades, will be transformed into an international-standard sports complex capable of hosting continental and global tournaments. This development follows the formal handover of the stadium’s ownership from the Federal Government to Kaduna State after years of persistent requests from previous administrations. During an inspection tour on Wednesday, Commissioner of Information-designate, Ahmed Maiyaki, expressed concern over the stadium’s current state, describing it as unfit…

Motorcycle riders in Obafemi-Owode LGA, Ogun State, say union fees and harassment are threatening their livelihoods. Multiple Unions, Daily Levies Riders in Magboro, Mowe, and Arepo allege they are forced to join several unions. Each union charges daily fees, even on days they don’t work. They are urging the Ogun State Government to step in. High Annual Costs Eze Emeka, a rider, said union tariffs rise every year. He spends nearly ₦200,000 annually. Stickers cost ₦5,000 each from four unions. Riders’ permits add ₦25,000–₦30,000 yearly. “I barely make ₦5,000 a day, yet we pay daily. There are no facilities or…