Author: Faith Babatunde

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing regional security through improved cooperation among police forces across its 15 member states. This renewed push was made at the ECOWAS Police Focal Point Officers’ Meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, August 6. The meeting brought together senior law enforcement officials to assess strategies for equipping and deploying the police component of the ECOWAS Standby Force, a key tool in peacekeeping and rapid crisis response. Building a Responsive Regional Force Representing the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel Moussa, the Acting Head…

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has announced plans to introduce mandatory drug testing for students in tertiary institutions. The move, however, has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders in the education sector. The decision was revealed in a communiqué dated July 30, following a meeting between Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa (retd.). “We want drug-free campuses. This is about protecting our students. Tests will be conducted on new intakes, returnees, and via random checks,” Marwa stated. Alausa backed the proposal, warning that drug abuse affects students’…

Nigerian music sensation Asake has extended his record as the artist with the most No. 1 songs in Nigeria, after his latest single ‘Badman Gangsta’ featuring French rapper Tiakola topped the TurnTable Charts. This marks Asake’s 14th No. 1 overall and his second chart-topper of 2025, following his appearance on Olamide’s hit track ‘99’ alongside Seyi Vibez and Young Jonn. A Streak of Hits Since 2022 Asake first reached No. 1 with ‘Omo Ope’ in January 2022. Since then, he’s consistently dominated the charts, with 11 of his 14 No. 1s coming as a lead artist. His back-to-back successes have…

The Lagos State Government has raised serious public health concerns, warning that many residents in Lekki may be unknowingly consuming contaminated borehole water containing traces of human waste. At a recent stakeholders’ meeting, Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, revealed that poor urban planning and untreated sewage are polluting underground water sources. “Everyone digging boreholes in Lekki is probably drinking what I’ll call ‘shit water,’” Adegbite said. Root of the Problem: Poor Wastewater Systems According to Adegbite, the contamination is linked to inadequate wastewater treatment in the rapidly urbanizing Lekki axis. He assured…

Whether you’re commuting to the office, heading to a meeting, or working remotely at a café, your laptop bag is more than just a carry-all; it’s a reflection of your work style. For 9-to-5 professionals, the right laptop bag combines functionality, comfort, and style. Here are seven types of laptop bags that fit the modern working professional’s needs. 1. Backpack Laptop Bag Great for those who commute by public transport or on foot. It distributes weight evenly and often comes with multiple compartments for tech gear, lunch, and documents. 2. Messenger Bag Stylish and functional, messenger bags are perfect for…

When it comes to fashion and personal style, monochrome outfits can be both striking and effortlessly chic. For individuals with dark skin, certain color palettes not only enhance your features but also radiate elegance and confidence. Here are five monochrome colors that truly complement melanin-rich skin tones, whether you’re dressing up or going casual. 1. Deep Olive Green This earthy tone brings out the richness of dark skin without overwhelming it. It’s subtle yet commanding—perfect for monochrome layering with jackets, pants, and shirts all in varied olive tones. 2. Charcoal Gray Cool and refined, charcoal gray gives a modern edge. It’s a softer…

Veteran Nigerian singer 9ice has stirred controversy with a bold claim that the music industry is under the influence of the devil. Speaking on The Nancy Isime Show, the “Gongo Aso” crooner described the devil as the “choirmaster” of the industry, blaming this spiritual force for the widespread vices among artists, including smoking and other habits. “The devil controls music. He is the most powerful angel. That’s why we smoke and do what we do. If you’re entering this industry, know what you’re stepping into,” 9ice warned. When asked if he had faced spiritual attacks in his career, the 45-year-old…

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has downplayed the proposed opposition alliance between Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and others ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Keyamo stated that President Bola Tinubu remains politically strong, especially in the North, where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) holds firm structures and multiple governors. “We have our structures in the North. We’re not shaken,” he declared. Keyamo also argued that three now-weakening factors largely drove Peter Obi’s 2023 momentum: “Those dynamics are no longer there. If Obi becomes Atiku’s running mate, it weakens him…

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates. In a statement posted via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, August 4, WAEC announced that candidates who sat for the May/June 2025 exams can now access their results online. “The West African Examinations Council is pleased to inform candidates that the 2025 WASSCE results have officially been released today,” the statement read. WAEC emphasized that its official result portal remains the only valid platform for checking results and warned students against using fraudulent…

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has debunked claims that his administration spent ₦3.1 billion on foreign trips between January and June 2025, calling the report false and misleading. In a statement released on Monday, August 5, his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, clarified that the amount being circulated was not for the governor alone but represented the nearly full-year training budget for over 100 government agencies. “It includes training, capacity building, transportation, and accommodation for commissioners, directors, and staff, not just the governor,” Rasheed explained. He added that most of these activities were scheduled in the first half of the…