No Condom, No Conversation: A Silent Crisis in Our Communities

No Condom, No Conversation: A Silent Crisis in Our Communities

This is just a candid observation, not meant to judge or offend anyone. I recently had casual conversations with 40 women, and only about 10 confirmed they use condoms. The rest either smiled or admitted they don’t. This, to me, reflects part of the reason behind the increasing rate of single motherhood in society. I’m not blaming anyone—life happens, and things don’t always go as planned. But if I could offer any advice, it’s this: use protection. Not just to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but to avoid the emotional and financial strain that can come with raising a child alone. I’ve personally had situations where women were okay with unprotected sex if I didn’t bring it up—which honestly worries me. It’s not about being overly cautious, just responsible. Currently, I’m working in a slum area, and I see young single mothers with undernourished children. When asked about the fathers, many say they’re long gone. A simple condom might’ve changed that story. I’m not pointing fingers—just encouraging awareness. These days, some ladies are willing to go raw for quick money, ignoring the consequences. Let’s talk more openly about this. Protection is not just smart—it’s survival.

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Yahaya Bello Petitions IGP, Demands Arrest and Apology from Senator Natasha Over Alleged Defamation

Yahaya Bello Petitions IGP, Demands Arrest and Apology from Senator Natasha Over Alleged Defamation

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over what he describes as defamatory statements made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Kogi Central District. Bello, through his lawyer N.A. Abubakar, urged the police to invite the senator to substantiate her allegations with credible evidence. In the absence of such evidence, Bello called for her arrest and prosecution under laws related to criminal defamation, incitement of public disturbance, and dissemination of false information that could threaten public peace. In addition to the petition to the IGP, Bello also sent a formal letter to Akpoti-Uduaghan through another legal representative, R.O. Balogun. The letter demanded that she issue a public retraction and apology for the alleged defamatory remarks. Bello warned that failure to comply would result in legal action. The former governor insists that the senator made the offending statements during a homecoming event held on April 1, 2025, in Okehi Local Government Area, where she allegedly accused him of plotting an assassination. According to Bello, the accusations not only defamed him but also violated Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015. He described the statements as malicious and harmful, particularly the claim that he was involved in a murder plot disguised as mob or ethnic violence. Bello maintains that such allegations are not only false but also politically motivated and intended to damage his image. The former governor’s legal team argues that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions have had far-reaching consequences. They claim she has painted Bello as a violent political figure, incited public distrust, and stirred ethnic tension within Ebiraland and the wider Kogi Central region. Furthermore, they believe she has misused her parliamentary position to spread unverified claims in a public and politically sensitive environment, thereby jeopardizing Bello’s political standing and personal safety.

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Zubairu Picks Bameyi, Jephta, Arierhi, 21 Others for U20 Africa Cup of Nations

Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has selected first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi Jojo and forward Kparobo Arierhi among a squad of 24 for this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt. The tournament gets underway in 10 days. Defenders Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu (based in Germany), midfielders Caleb Ochedikwu (based in Croatia) and Simon Cletus, and forwards Clinton Jephta, Divine Oliseh and Precious Benjamin (based in Germany) are also picked. The seven-time African champions and two-time World Cup runners-up will depart the shores of Nigeria for Egypt on Sunday, where they are expected to play a couple of friendly matches before their opening match of the competition against Tunisia in Cairo on Thursday, 1st May. Three days after the clash with the Tunisians, the Flying Eagles will take the pitch against Morocco (also in Cairo) before rounding off their group phase experience against Kenya on Wednesday, 7th May. All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.   24 FLYING EAGLES FOR EGYPT 2025: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia) Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United) Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists) Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)

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Peter Obi’s Convoy: Teenager Regains Freedom, Demands N100m Compensation

Quadri Alabi, a young Lagosian whose viral video supporting Peter Obi during the 2023 election campaign has regained freedom. The teenager, who sttod in front of Labour Party’s candidate convoy was freedd from Kirikiri months after being framed forarmed robbery. Barrister Inibehe Effiong who is the lead counsel in Quadri’s case said; “We are excited to announce that Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year old teenager who gained fame during the 2023 elections after he spontaneously jumped and stood in front of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. PeterObi has been freed by the court today, 17th April, 2025. “Our client, Quadri was abducted by two ‘Area Boys’ who are notoriously known in the community as Lege and Baba Waris close to his family residence at Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area and dumped at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters (Pako Police Station) in Lagos State. “Quadri was returning from work when he was grabbed by the duo, who along with other jealous and entitled Area Boys in the community, have been harassing him and threatening to deal with him since 2023 for not giving them ‘their share’ of donations gifted him during the last elections period. “Quadri’s family informed us that the Baale of the community equally pressured them to buy a cow and rice and cook for the community to appease the Area Boys. “The abductors initially told the officers at Amukoko Police Station that our client was involved in street fighting. “To the consternation of Quadri and his family, the police on 26th January, 2025 took Quadri before a Magistrate in Apapa, and obtained an order remanding him at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri on a trumped-up charge of armed robbery. “The police fraudulently joined Quadri with four strange adults who had no form of connection or relationship whatsoever with him and claimed that the four strange men were his case mates. “As part of the diabolical frame-up of our client, the officers at Amukoko Police Station also misrepresented his age to be 18, knowing that disclosing his actual age would likely raise eyebrows. “When we were briefed by Quadri’s mother a week ago, after the matter was brought to public attention by Ms. Hassana Nurudeen, the Co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach (@Hausa_girl), we swiftly escalated the case and took necessary steps towards securing his freedom. “At the Court today, the presiding Magistrate, His Honour, A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.), confirmed that the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), of the Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Dr. Babajide Martins showed that there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation of armed robbery against Quadri. “In his Legal Advice, the DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Quadri. Thus, the presiding Magistrate discharged him and he was accordingly freed. “We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter. We demand that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the Inspector General of Police, should as a matter of urgency, remove the DPO of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters and subject him to orderly room trial along with the IPO, one Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and other officers who participated in this evil, sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme of framing-up a teenager for armed robbery at the behest of rogue ‘Area Boys’. “We demand that the Nigeria Police Force should pay the sum of One Hundred Million Naira (N100,000,000.00) to our client as compensation. “Also, we also demand a public apology from the police. “If the above three remedial demands are not fully complied with immediately, we shall initiate legal actions to seek redress. “Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force. “There are many Quadris languishing in detention centres across Nigeria because of the unbridled criminality, lawlessness, and lack of accountability in the Police institution and the weakness of the justice system. “History will vindicate the just.”

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Ancelotti: My Real Madrid Future Could End Tomorrow

Ancelotti: My Real Madrid Future Could End Tomorrow

Following Real Madrid’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal, manager Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. In a post-match interview, Ancelotti stated, “I could be done at Real Madrid tomorrow,” but emphasized his gratitude towards the club regardless of any decision about his tenure. ​Sky Sports Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabéu resulted in a 3-2 aggregate defeat, marking a significant downturn for a team that has won the competition twice in the last three seasons. Currently, they trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga with seven games remaining. ​ Amidst this backdrop, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is reportedly intensifying efforts to appoint Ancelotti as the national team’s head coach. Sources indicate that Diego Fernandes, a prominent Brazilian businessman, is facilitating discussions between Ancelotti’s representatives and the CBF. ​ Ancelotti, who extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026, has previously expressed a desire to honor his commitments with the club. However, the recent Champions League exit and ongoing speculation about his future have fueled discussions about a potential move to manage Brazil.​ As Real Madrid faces challenges in both domestic and European competitions, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Ancelotti’s next steps, whether he continues at the helm of Los Blancos or embarks on a new chapter with the Brazilian national team.

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Mikel Arteta Reveals Pep Guardiola Phone Call Before Arsenal Knocked Out Real Madrid

Mikel Arteta Reveals Pep Guardiola Phone Call Before Arsenal Knocked Out Real Madrid

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he spoke with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Real Madrid, which secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years. Arteta, a former assistant to Guardiola at Manchester City, said the phone call took place a day before the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Bukayo Saka’s 68th-minute goal sealed a 3-2 aggregate win for the Gunners. Speaking after the match, Arteta said, “I spoke with Pep yesterday. He’s been here so many times with City, so of course I wanted his perspective. He knows this Madrid team very well and gave me some advice on how to manage the transitions and the pressure moments.” The two managers share a close friendship, with Arteta often crediting Guardiola for shaping his football philosophy during his time at the Etihad. Their clubs could now face each other in the semi-finals if Manchester City overcome Bayern Munich in their own quarter-final tie. Arteta added, “He wished me luck and said, ‘Be brave.’ That stuck with me. We were brave tonight, and I’m proud of the boys for the way they fought.” The win marks a major milestone in Arteta’s managerial career and adds to speculation that Arsenal are emerging as a real European powerhouse under his leadership.

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Arsenal Knock Out Real Madrid, Advance to Champions League Semi-Finals

LONDON – April 16, 2025 — Arsenal have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic victory over Real Madrid, eliminating the 14-time champions from the competition. In a high-stakes second-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners delivered a confident and composed performance to edge past the Spanish giants, securing a historic result for the North London club. The aggregate score sealed Arsenal’s progression, marking their first semi-final appearance in over a decade. The match was filled with intensity and tactical battles, but Arsenal’s clinical finishing and solid defense ultimately proved decisive. Real Madrid, despite their pedigree and attacking threats, were unable to break through Arsenal’s well-organized back line. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience and discipline, stating, “To beat a club like Real Madrid on this stage is a huge moment for us. I’m incredibly proud of the players and the fans who created a special atmosphere tonight.” Arsenal will now prepare for their semi-final matchup, with hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006. More updates to follow as the Gunners continue their European quest

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Gabon Striker Boupendza Dies after 11th Floor Fall

Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza has died at 28 following a fall from the 11th floor of a building in China, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) said on Wednesday. Boupendza, who joined Zhejiang FC earlier this year, was in good form with four goals in six matches. “At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon (in 2022),” FEGAFOOT said in a statement. “Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania. “FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time.” Authorities in China have launched an investigation to find out whether the fall was an accident, suicide, or the result of foul play, media reports in Romania said. There was no official confirmation for the cause of death. Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs. In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020-21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January. “It is with great sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese soccer,” Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema said. “I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless his soul.”

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