Our Reporters

Buhari: I Left Office with the Same Assets I Had Before Becoming President

Buhari: I Left Office with the Same Assets I Had Before Becoming President

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated that he left office in 2023 with the same assets he possessed before assuming the presidency in 2015. His spokesman, Garba Shehu, confirmed that Buhari’s assets declaration form, submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), indicated no increase in movable assets, and he did not open new bank accounts outside his existing account with Union Bank in Kaduna. Additionally, Buhari neither took loans nor incurred liabilities during his tenure. The only change noted was a slight decrease in the number of animals on his farm, attributed to gifts given over the past four years. This declaration aligns with Buhari’s commitment to transparency and adherence to constitutional requirements for public officials to declare their assets before and after holding public office. The CCB acknowledged receipt of his asset declaration form, reinforcing the process’s integrity. Shehu emphasized that Buhari’s assets remained unchanged, highlighting his consistent lifestyle and financial stability throughout his presidency. In 2015, Buhari publicly declared his assets, which included five homes located in Daura, Kano, and Abuja, as well as two mud houses in his village. His assets also encompassed undeveloped plots of land in Kano and Port Harcourt, an orchard, a ranch with 270 cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, and various birds, and shares in three companies: Berger Paints, Union Bank, and Skye Bank. He also reported having less than N30 million in cash. Buhari’s consistent asset declarations and the reported stability of his wealth have sparked discussions about integrity and financial prudence among public officials. However, it’s important to note that while Buhari’s personal assets remained stable, his administration faced challenges with corruption among some appointees and associates. Despite these issues, Buhari’s personal financial conduct has been portrayed as exemplary, reflecting his purported commitment to a modest and transparent lifestyle. These developments underscore the complexities of governance in Nigeria, where personal integrity at the leadership level contrasts with broader systemic challenges. Buhari’s asset declarations provide insight into his personal financial practices, but they also invite scrutiny of the wider administrative and political environment during his administration.

Read More
Davido Announces White Wedding Date with Chioma

Davido Sets Date for White Wedding with Chioma

Afrobeats superstar Davido has officially announced the date for his long-anticipated white wedding with his longtime partner, Chioma Rowland. The couple, who have been together for several years and share a son, are set to tie the knot in a lavish ceremony that fans and celebrities alike have been eagerly waiting for. The announcement, made via Davido’s social media platforms, has sent waves of excitement through the entertainment world. While the singer didn’t reveal too many details, he confirmed that the white wedding will take place in Lagos and promised it would be a grand celebration of love and family. Davido and Chioma had their traditional wedding in a private ceremony, and since then, fans have been speculating about when the white wedding would happen. Known for his deep affection for Chioma, Davido often refers to her as his “wife” even before the legal formalities were completed. As preparations begin for what many are calling the wedding of the year, the couple has received an outpouring of congratulations and support from fans, fellow artists, and public figures. With Davido’s star power and Chioma’s graceful presence, their upcoming wedding is set to be a beautiful celebration of love, loyalty, and culture.

Read More
Burna Boy: Topping Charts in Nigeria Is Not Something to Celebrate

Burna Boy: Topping Charts in Nigeria Is Not Something to Celebrate

Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has sparked conversation after stating that topping music charts in Nigeria is not necessarily an achievement worth celebrating. In a recent comment, the Grammy-winning artist urged his fellow musicians to set their sights beyond local recognition and aim for global impact. According to Burna Boy, while it’s great to receive love and support from home, artists should focus on elevating their craft to a level that resonates worldwide. He emphasized that true success in music goes beyond local popularity and involves reaching a diverse and global audience. The singer’s statement has stirred mixed reactions across social media, with some supporting his perspective on raising the bar for African music, while others feel his comment downplays the value of national recognition and the support of Nigerian fans. Regardless of the debates, Burna Boy’s remarks reflect his long-standing push for international recognition of African music. As one of the continent’s most globally recognized artists, he’s challenging his peers to think bigger and redefine what success means in the Nigerian music industry.

Read More
New Yam Festival: Honoring Tradition, Life, and Cultural Heritage

New Yam Festival: Honoring Tradition, Life, and Cultural Heritage

The New Yam Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration observed by the Igbo people of Nigeria, one of the country’s largest ethnic groups. Celebrated at the end of the rainy season—typically in August or September—the festival marks the harvest of the new yam crop, a staple food in many Nigerian communities. The exact date is usually determined by community elders, and the event holds deep spiritual and cultural meaning. This week-long celebration begins with rituals to thank the gods for the successful harvest. The ceremonies are rich in traditional practices, including drumming, dancing, singing, and colorful displays of attire. Special dishes made from yam—such as yam porridge and yam soup—are prepared and shared among families and visitors. One key tradition is that the first yam harvested is offered to the elders, symbolizing respect and unity within the community. Beyond food and festivity, the festival serves as a powerful expression of Igbo identity and heritage. It brings people together to celebrate not just the harvest, but also their shared history and values. It’s a time of communal joy and reflection, where gratitude is offered for the blessings of the land, and prayers are made for continued prosperity in the coming year. Even if one cannot attend the festival in Nigeria, there are many ways to take part in the spirit of the celebration. Learning about Igbo culture, cooking traditional meals, or enjoying Igbo music and dance performances are meaningful ways to connect. At its heart, the New Yam Festival is about giving thanks, celebrating life, and honoring culture—values that resonate far beyond the fields of Nigeria.

Read More

16 Women Teams to Star at Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

FIFA is pleased with the decision taken by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to approve a proposal for 16 women’s and 12 men’s teams to participate in the Olympic Football Tournaments at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28) – a major milestone for the women’s game and a powerful endorsement of women’s sport. The expansion of the women’s tournament reflects the shared commitment of FIFA, the IOC and LA28 to elevate women’s sport, celebrate the strength of the women’s game in the United States and continue to open doors for more players and more nations on the world stage. “FIFA has always believed in the power of women’s football and today’s decision by the IOC Executive Board is a positive step,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Our vision is clear: we are investing in and expanding opportunities for women’s football at every level. More teams on the Olympic stage means more role models, more inspiration and more impact. “This development reflects our shared understanding that women’s football deserves greater representation and visibility at the Olympic Games. We thank the IOC for the fruitful discussions that will make LA28 a groundbreaking event, and we will continue to work with our partners to incorporate futsal and beach soccer into the Olympic programme.” FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, said: “FIFA has been working on the increase in women’s teams at the Olympics for some time. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank the IOC administration for their collaboration with us over the past months to prepare this groundbreaking decision. We are very pleased with the outcome but, of course, we will continue with fully commitment our daily and sustained work across all relevant areas of the women’s game including competitions, technical and the regulatory landscape to unlock the undeniable potential it has everywhere in the world.” FIFA has consistently advocated the expansion of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, including by having made a formal request to increase the number of women’s teams from 12 to 16 ahead of Paris 2024. This request was in line with Goal 7 of FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027 , which calls for more opportunities for women and girls in football and at all levels of the game. It also builds on the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which was expanded from 24 to 32 teams, resulting in record-breaking engagement and showcasing the emerging talent from around the world. This move only increased the interest in the tournament, as eight debutant nations and an additional 184 players had the chance to perform on the global stage.

Read More

Police Condemn Assault on Female Driver, Arrest Suspect

The Lagos State Police Command has condemned the viral video circulating on social media, depicting the assault of one Yetunde Amole by a suspected thug near the Oriental Hotel area in Lagos. The Command in a statement posted on social media frowned at the act in the strongest terms, just as they updated the public on the actions already taken. The statement reads; “The incident occurred on April 7, 2025, at about 1400hrs, when the suspect, identified as Friday Onu, was caught attempting to steal Amole’s car battery. Amole, courageously Lagos State Police Command intervened to prevent the theft, resulting in the suspect assaulting her. “Following a prompt response by officers of Maroko Division, Friday Onu was arrested shortly after the incident and detained at the division. Preparations for his arraignment were underway.”

Read More

Gov. Adeleke Seeks UK Subnational Investment, Signs MoU on Investment Facilitation

Governor Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday at the House of Commons in London, tasked the United Kingdom government to focus on subnational investment in Nigeria with emphasis on Osun state which he called the heartland of South Western Nigeria. The Governor made the clarion call at an investment working visit hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Nigeria on Trade and Investment, Rt. Hon Florence Eshalomi MP attended by the management team of ESG Management Services UK Ltd. and other private sector representatives. Governor Adeleke said this is the time Nigeria and the UK should further close ranks in bilateral business relations, citing “the uncertainty in the global economy calls for more partnerships between and among members of the Commonwealth of Nations. “Aside from binational collaboration, We advocate a further linkage between the British economy and subnational entities in Nigeria. The openings and prospects are too much to be ignored”, the Governor canvassed. Making a strong case for Osun state as an investment destination, Senator Adeleke noted that “Osun presents a rare opportunity for such an economic partnership. Osun state, with a population of about five million people, is the heartland of Yoruba people. South West comprises six states, but Osun state is at the core. “We have huge potential for investment in mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zone, creative economy, and others. We have a well trained labor force and a commendable investment environment. “Osun boasts of being the most peaceful state in the country with a high rating in the ease of doing business. Our investment environment is boosted by a 45-day window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy, elimination of multiple taxation through a unified tax system, and operation of a one-stop shop for investment processes. “Above all, we have a strict system for the protection of investment and investors. An added advantage is our well-developed business community organised under the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry”, said the Governor leading a team of businessmen and technocrats. He said the Osun government has reduced the state infrastructure deficit by over 50 percent, promising that by the 2025 intervention plans, the deficit reduction is targeted to be over 70 percent.

Read More