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Year: 2025

Senate Steps In To End ASUU Strike, Sets Meeting With Education Minister And NUC

Senate Raises Alarm Over Ogijo Lead-Poisoning Crisis

Wale busari05 mins

The Senate has raised serious concerns over a rapidly worsening lead-poisoning crisis in Ogijo, a densely populated community on the border of Ikorodu, Lagos, and Ogun East Senatorial District. Lawmakers described the situation as a severe environmental and public-health emergency threatening thousands of lives. The motion, jointly sponsored by Senators Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), was brought under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, citing Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended). Senators highlighted verified reports showing extreme lead contamination from multiple used lead-acid battery recycling factories that have operated in the area for years. Residents have reportedly suffered persistent headaches, abdominal pain, memory loss, seizures, and developmental delays in children—symptoms associated with chronic lead exposure. The chamber noted that the Federal Government has already begun intervention. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, shut down seven battery-recycling factories and temporarily halted lead-ingot exports pending safety investigations. Lawmakers expressed concern that despite years of community complaints, the factories continued operating, releasing toxic fumes and dust into homes, markets, and playgrounds. “It is regrettable that smelter furnaces continued discharging toxic fumes directly into surrounding neighborhoods. While some factory operators deny wrongdoing, community exposure remains extreme,” the Senate said. The chamber commended the proactive efforts of Lagos and Ogun State governments, including early inspections, public-awareness campaigns, and collaboration with federal authorities. Independent tests commissioned by The Examination and The New York Times confirmed severe contamination in residents’ blood samples and surrounding soil, with some soil showing lead levels up to 186 times the global safety limit. Senators also expressed alarm that lead processed in Ogijo has already entered international supply chains, reaching global battery and automobile manufacturers who either ignored the findings or relied on assurances from Nigerian suppliers. Citing Sections 14(2)(b) and 20 of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect citizens’ welfare and ensure a safe environment. Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to commend the Federal Government and Lagos and Ogun state governments for their swift actions in shutting down non-compliant factories. Lawmakers called for continued enforcement, including factory closures, export suspensions, prosecution of violators, and strengthened industrial safety monitoring. The chamber directed the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to deploy emergency medical teams to Ogijo to provide free toxicology screenings, blood-lead management, chelation therapy, and ongoing treatment for affected residents. The Federal Ministry of Environment and NESREA were instructed to carry out comprehensive environmental remediation, mapping soil, groundwater, air, and household dust contamination. The Senate also mandated the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and relevant regulatory agencies to enforce strict compliance standards for battery-recycling and lead-processing operations nationwide. It further recommended establishing a National Lead Poisoning Response and Remediation Task Force under NEMA and directed the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor progress and report back within six weeks. Describing the Ogijo crisis as a preventable tragedy, the Senate called on the nation to treat it as a wake-up call on industrial pollution, regulatory lapses, and the urgent need to protect vulnerable communities from hazardous waste.

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Wizkid Throws Shade At Davido And His Crew In Cryptic Social Media Posts

Wale busari01 mins

Wizkid has taken a direct shot at Davido and his crew with a series of sharp posts on X, sparking heated reactions online. In one post, he wrote: “Pvssyboys got enough dead ppl in their crew to cry about! add more tears ❤️😍 😩❤️,” clearly referencing past tragedies involving members of Davido’s team. He followed up with: “I think say all of una don die finish! Una still remain? 😂😂” and added: “Na our matter go Dey kill all of una one by one 😂😂😂❤️🦅.” The posts leave little doubt that Wizkid was targeting Davido and his associates, using the “pussyboys” tag to underline the shade. Fans have since flooded social media, dissecting every word and reacting to the renewed tension between the two Afrobeats superstars.

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Yul Edochie Blasts President Tinubu Over Rising Insecurity And Kidnappings

Wale busari02 mins

Yul Edochie has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the escalating insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria. Speaking directly to the president, Yul said bandits are “gradually taking over the whole country, spilling the blood of Nigerians at will without consequences,” adding that kidnappings are happening daily and living conditions have become unbearable. He questioned whether this is the “renewed hope” Nigerians were promised. In a follow-up, he urged Tinubu to act decisively: “You have the capacity to crush these bandits and kidnappers who are killing Nigerians daily and even posting it on social media. It’s a slap on your face, Mr. President.” He highlighted that many Nigerians are now afraid to travel or move around as innocent lives continue to be lost and called on the government to take all necessary measures, including seeking foreign assistance, to stop the violence. Yul’s statements, coming from a former supporter, have ignited nationwide conversation, reflecting the growing frustration of citizens over insecurity, kidnappings, and the rising cost of living.

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Nnamdi Kanu Moves To Be Transferred From Sokoto Prison To Pursue Appeal

Wale busari02 mins

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a new application at the Federal High Court in Abuja requesting a transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre. Kanu, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges, submitted the motion ex parte, which he personally signed. The application was formally presented to the court on Thursday by his younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu. In the motion, Kanu argued that his current detention in Sokoto, over 700 kilometres from Abuja, would hinder his ability to personally pursue his constitutional right to appeal the conviction. He stated that preparing the notice and record of appeal requires his presence at the registry of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja. Kanu further explained that all individuals essential to assisting him with his appeal, including family members, associates, and legal consultants, are based in Abuja. He stressed that remaining in Sokoto would make it practically impossible to coordinate with them, creating exceptional hardship and potentially undermining his right to appeal. The IPOB leader maintained that continued detention far from the capital amounts to a violation of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.

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Appeal Court Upholds Ban On VIO From Stopping Motorists Or Seizing Vehicles

Wale busari05 mins

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday upheld an earlier judgment that prohibits the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) from stopping motorists, seizing vehicles, or imposing fines on road users. In a unanimous ruling, a three-man panel dismissed the appeal filed by the VIO, describing it as lacking merit. The lead judgment, delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, confirmed that there was no justification to overturn the Federal High Court’s decision of October 16, 2024, which had declared the actions of VIO officials against motorists unlawful. The original ruling was delivered by Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, who held that no existing law grants VIO officials the power to stop, impound, confiscate vehicles, or impose fines on motorists. The case, filed as a fundamental rights enforcement suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, was instituted by public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal. He told the court that VIO operatives forcefully stopped him in the Jabi area of Abuja on December 12, 2023, and unlawfully confiscated his vehicle. Marshal asked the court to declare the actions of the officers illegal, oppressive, and a gross violation of his fundamental rights. In her judgment, Justice Maha granted all the reliefs sought and restrained the DRTS, its agents, and assigns from further impounding vehicles or imposing fines on motorists, describing such practices as unlawful and oppressive. The court also issued a perpetual injunction barring any future violation of Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and the right to own property. Justice Maha ruled that only a court of competent jurisdiction has the authority to impose sanctions or fines on motorists. She further held that the respondents violated the applicant’s constitutional right to property under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The judge stressed that the respondents lacked statutory powers to impound vehicles or impose fines, noting that their actions breached the rights to fair hearing, freedom of movement, and presumption of innocence guaranteed under Sections 6(6)(b), 36(1), 36(8), 36(12), 41 and 42 of the Constitution, as well as relevant provisions of the African Charter. Marshal, who was represented by a legal team led by Femi Falana (SAN), had demanded N500 million in damages and a public apology in three national newspapers. However, the court awarded him N2.5 million in damages. Those sued in the case included the DRTS, its Director, the Abuja Area Commander identified as Mr Leo, the team leader, Mr Solomon Onoja, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Following the judgment, the respondents challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal, but the appellate court dismissed their appeal on Thursday, thereby affirming the earlier ruling in its entirety.

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Wizkid And Asake Announce New Joint Project REAL During Apple Music Radio Takeover

Wale busari02 mins

Wizkid and Asake have officially confirmed they are working on a joint project titled REAL, following a surprise announcement during their Apple Music Radio takeover. The two Afrobeats heavyweights broke the news live on the global streaming platform, instantly setting social media abuzz. The reveal marks their first full collaborative project together, moving beyond the occasional joint appearance on singles. During the broadcast, fans were treated to a preview of an unreleased track from the project, offering an early glimpse into the sound and direction of REAL. Although an exact release date was not announced, the duo hinted that the project would arrive later in the year. The collaboration is already being hailed as a major moment for Nigerian music, uniting Wizkid’s smooth, global Afrobeats appeal with Asake’s gritty street-pop energy. Music lovers are expecting a powerful fusion that could dominate charts both within and outside Africa. By choosing Apple Music Radio as the stage for the announcement, Wizkid and Asake also signaled their ambition to push the project to a worldwide audience, further strengthening Afrobeats’ global presence. With anticipation now at an all-time high, fans are eagerly waiting for more details on what many believe could become one of the year’s biggest Nigerian music releases.

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Putin Visits India Amid Renewed Ukraine Peace Push — What’s on the Agenda?

Fola Badmus07 mins

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India on Thursday for a high-level diplomatic visit—his first trip to the country since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. The visit comes as the United States intensifies pressure on Russia to end the war, while also targeting India with tariffs and sanctions threats over its continued energy and defence ties with Moscow. Putin’s 30-hour working trip also coincides with rising tensions between Washington and New Delhi. The U.S. has recently imposed punitive tariffs on Indian goods and warned of sanctions because of India’s increased purchases of discounted Russian crude oil during the war. India’s Delicate Balancing Act India has long walked a tightrope between its deepening strategic partnership with the United States and its decades-old defence and diplomatic ties with Russia. Since independence in 1947, New Delhi has avoided formal alliances, leaning towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War before later strengthening ties with Washington in the post-Cold War era. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has placed enormous strain on that balancing act. Putin’s visit is now seen as a critical indicator of how Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to manage these competing relationships without jeopardising crucial partnerships. Putin’s Schedule in New Delhi The Russian president will arrive Thursday evening and attend a private dinner with Modi at the Prime Minister’s residence. The Kremlin has described the visit as “of great importance,” noting that it provides an opportunity to review the “extensive agenda” of the Russia-India “special and privileged strategic partnership.” Putin is accompanied by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Rosoboronexport executives, and the heads of major sanctioned oil companies, including Rosneft and Gazprom Neft. Why the Timing Matters This year marks 25 years of the Russia-India Strategic Partnership, signed during Putin’s first year in office. But recent years have disrupted a previously consistent pattern of annual summits. 2022: Modi was scheduled to visit Russia, but the summit was cancelled following the Ukraine invasion. 2023: Putin skipped the G20 Summit in New Delhi amid the ICC arrest warrant. 2024: Modi travelled to Russia, reviving the summit tradition. 2025: Putin is now returning after a four-year gap. Defence and Trade Expected to Dominate Talks Analysts say Putin hopes to: Expand defence exports to India, including missile systems and fighter jets. Strengthen cooperation in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, machinery, and energy. Counter U.S. efforts to isolate Moscow. The visit offers significant political optics for Putin. “President Putin can send a message that Russia is not isolated,” said Rajan Kumar, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. However, discussions will unfold under the shadow of shifting global energy dynamics—and the growing assertiveness of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Trump Factor Following Russia’s invasion, India became the second-largest buyer of Russian crude, with imports surging by 2,250%. The U.S. initially tolerated the increase, arguing it helped stabilise global oil markets. But Trump now views India’s purchases as leverage over Moscow. He has: Imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods as a penalty. Sanctioned Russia’s biggest oil firms, including Rosneft and Lukoil. Threatened sanctions on countries still trading with them. As a result: India’s imports of Russian crude are projected to fall to a three-year low. Reliance Industries, India’s largest refiner, has said it will stop exporting products made from Russian crude. India recently signed a major agreement to ramp up U.S. natural gas imports. Nevertheless, experts say India will not abandon Moscow entirely. Defence: The Strongest Pillar of India-Russia Ties Despite diversification into U.S. and European arms markets, Russia remains: India’s largest defence supplier (36% of imports) The source of over 60% of India’s military arsenal The partnership was further solidified during India’s four-day air conflict with Pakistan in May, when the Russian S-400 missile defence system played a crucial role. India is considering purchasing additional S-400 units. Russia is also keen to sell its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. “The SU-57 is the best plane in the world,” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said before the visit. “And it will be on the agenda.”

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Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Says He Feels Safe In Nigeria, Commends Imo Governor’s 24-Hour Electricity Drive

Wale busari02 mins

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has declared that he feels completely safe in Nigeria, contradicting earlier reports warning of security concerns in the country. He made the comments on Thursday during the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 held in Owerri. “I read some reports before coming, and there were warnings about possible security issues in Nigeria. But I decided to come anyway,” Johnson said. “And let me ask you: do you feel safe here today in this conference? Yes, we all feel safe. And I feel perfectly safe. Thank you, Governor, for what you are doing.” Johnson also praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for his efforts to provide 24-hour electricity across Imo State, describing it as a significant step toward economic development. He further highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in supporting the governor’s vision, calling AI a key tool for shaping the state’s future and achieving sustainable growth.

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