"Today, I'm standing before you I can brag that Nigeria is not borrowing a dime from a local bank. We have met our revenue target for the whole year, we met it in August, non-oil o. we have no fear of whatever Trump is doing." ~ President Bola Tinubu

I did not inherit wealth from my father , I built my empire from the ground up. ~ Aliko Dangote says

JUST IN: The Lagos State Government has warned celebrities, influencers, and residents against giving money to touts, saying such gestures only worsen insecurity and environmental challenges.

US Dollar No Longer King Over Naira, But Atiku, El-Rufai, Obi Won’t Celebrate – Presidency The Presidency has reacted to reports that some Chinese traders now accept naira cards for transactions, describing it as proof that the Nigerian currency is gaining international confidence. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said on Tuesday that the development shows the US dollar is “no longer the ultimate king,” crediting President Bola Tinubu’s reforms for strengthening the naira. Posting on X, Onanuga wrote: “This is a salutary development for the Nigerian economy. The Tinubu reforms are making foreigners have faith in the Naira. The Almighty US dollar is not the ultimate king here. The Naira is waxing stronger as an international means of exchange. I also buy some items on Chinese platforms. I can confirm that they accept Naira cards.” However, Onanuga argued that opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Obi would not acknowledge or celebrate the development. “They are waiting for disasters to vent their political frustration on President Tinubu,” he added. Source: Daily Post Nigeria #Naira #Dollar #Tinubu

FG, NASS Back WAEC’s Plans To Start Computer-Based Test In 2026 The Federal Government and the National Assembly have thrown their weight behind the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) as it prepares to fully adopt Computer-Based Tests (CBT) from 2026. WAEC had earlier announced its plan to phase out paper-based examinations, a move that initially sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders. Speaking at a sensitisation meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, said the migration to CBT would strengthen Nigeria’s assessment system and drastically reduce examination malpractice. “We have undertaken to migrate public examinations to computer-based technology as a deliberate step to secure the integrity of our education system. The shift will further enhance the credibility of our examinations both locally and internationally,” he said. The minister added that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to building a sustainable education system that guarantees inclusivity, especially for children with special needs. On his part, Amos Dangut, WAEC’s Head of National Office, disclosed that the CBT transition began with private candidates in 2024 and had recorded “significant progress.” He assured that mock sessions and online practice platforms would be introduced to prepare students nationwide. Dangut also noted that candidates’ performance in CBT had proven to be “empirically better” compared to paper-based exams, while assuring stakeholders that infrastructural and security challenges were being addressed. Source: Channels TV #WAEC #Education #CBT

NLC Demands ₦150,000 Minimum Wage For Lagos Workers The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a new minimum wage of ₦150,000, citing the high cost of living in the state. Chairperson Funmi Sesi said Lagos workers, who currently earn ₦85,000, deserve higher pay in line with increases recently implemented in Imo and Ebonyi states. She argued that the state’s high cost of accommodation, transport, feeding, and utilities makes the demand necessary, expressing optimism that other states would follow suit. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo recently raised the minimum wage for state workers to ₦104,000, while Ebonyi increased its own to ₦90,000.

Manga autos has awarded Nafisah Abdullahi, the winner of the TeenEagle global finals English competition, a sum of N500,000

Kebbi Assembly Passes Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill The Kebbi State House of Assembly has passed the Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill 2025, making medical tests compulsory for intending couples. If signed into law, couples must present valid medical certificates — covering tests such as genotype and blood group — from recognised health facilities at least three months before marriage. Clerics, traditional rulers, or marriage officials who conduct weddings without valid certificates risk fines of ₦200,000 or six months’ imprisonment. Medical workers who issue falsified results face fines of ₦1 million or one year in prison. The bill, adopted by Speaker Muhammad Usman, will be forwarded to Governor Nasir Idris for assent.

Nigerians To Pay $80 Duty On Packages To US — NIPOST The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that Nigerians will now pay $80 (or the naira equivalent) on every package sent to the United States, effective August 29, 2025. Letters and documents are exempt. NIPOST said the policy follows a US Executive Order suspending de minimis exemptions for all postal shipments globally. It warned that the measure could cause delivery delays as airline carriers adopt stricter handling of US-bound shipments, which will also face customs checks on arrival. NIPOST assured customers it is working with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), US Customs, and airline partners to reduce disruptions.

2027: Omokri Silent On Calls For Jonathan To Contest Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has declined to comment on mounting calls for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 election, citing his close personal bond with him. “I have unconditional love for President Jonathan and so I will not criticise or give an opinion on anything he does on live television,” Omokri said on Channels TV’s Politics Today. Jonathan, who led Nigeria between 2010 and 2015 under the PDP, has largely stayed away from partisan politics since leaving office but remains a member of the party. His name has resurfaced in PDP discussions ahead of 2027, with Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed saying the ex-president would be welcomed back into the race, alongside figures like Peter Obi, if he chooses to contest.

Several Feared Missing As Boat Capsizes In Sokoto Another boat tragedy has struck Sokoto State, with many passengers feared missing after a vessel capsized in Shagari LGA on Thursday. Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s aide, Aminu Bodinga, said SEMA officials, alongside NEMA and NIWA, have launched search-and-rescue operations. Casualty figures remain unclear, but locals fear most passengers may not have survived. The accident comes less than two weeks after a similar incident in the state that claimed at least three lives and left over 20 missing. In June, seven people died in another canoe mishap in Shagari LGA.

Rivers Residents Set For LG Elections In 6,866 Polling Units Residents of Rivers State will vote on Saturday in local government elections across 6,866 polling units in 23 LGAs, six months after the Supreme Court annulled the October 2024 polls. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) said voting materials would arrive promptly in all 319 wards, including riverine areas, and urged residents to participate peacefully. Movement will be restricted from midnight to 6 pm. Security agencies staged a show of force in Port Harcourt on Friday, with the police, army, navy, NSCDC, and FRSC assuring adequate protection. Police Commissioner Olugbenga Adepoju also pledged fair and credible elections. The outcome is expected to shape political dynamics ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

Nigerian Police, Church Leaders Brutalised, Beat Me Into Coma During Convention For Asking Question–First African Church PRO Mr. Soneye Sunday, Public Relations Officer of the First African Church Mission, has accused Nigerian police officers and church leaders of beating him into a coma during the mission’s convention in Omo Ijebu, Lagos, on August 14, 2025. He alleged that after questioning alleged constitutional forgery and financial mismanagement by Primate Matilukuro Oludare, the cleric ordered that he be “dealt with.” Police officers and loyalists reportedly assaulted him, hitting him with batons until he collapsed. Soneye said police even tried to block his evacuation, and he was only saved after members protested and rushed him to the hospital, where doctors confirmed a head fracture. Despite his critical state, the primate allegedly continued the meeting and moved for Soneye’s suspension. He further accused church leaders of embezzlement, forgery, extortion, and intimidation. Neither the Nigerian Police nor the church leadership has issued an official response. #ChurchCrisis #PoliceBrutality #JusticeForSoneye

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has condemned the killings at Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, where armed thugs and policemen allegedly working for landgrabber Abiodun Hakeem Ariori attacked traders, leaving at least six dead. CHSR accused the Lagos State Government and Attorney General Lawal Pedro (SAN) of complicity and called for his removal. The group also demanded: Arrest and prosecution of Ariori. Full disclosure and prosecution of the four police officers involved. Compensation for victims’ families and medical support for the injured. Permanent security at the market to prevent further violence. CHSR described the incident as a “barbaric massacre” and vowed to pursue justice. #OwodeMassacre #JusticeForTraders #EndLandGrabbing

Nasarawa University Bows To Pressure, Reinstates Four Students Suspended Over Planned Protest Against ‘Third Semester’ Policy The management of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has reinstated four students earlier suspended for rejecting and mobilising against the introduction of a controversial “third semester” policy. The suspension, issued on December 9, 2024, followed the students’ mobilisation against what they described as an exploitative policy requiring N5,000 payment for each failed course. Despite initial resistance from the university, including arrests and detentions of protesting students, sustained campaigns by the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), human rights groups, and pressure from Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule forced management to recall the affected students. The ERC hailed the reinstatement as a “victory for struggle and solidarity,” urging students nationwide to remain united against anti-student policies. #StudentRights #EducationJustice #NSUK

BREAKING: Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, dismissed from the Ogun State College of Health Technology after being accused of whistleblowing on NHIS drug diversion, has won her case at the National Industrial Court. The court ordered her immediate reinstatement, full payment of all outstanding salaries/allowances, and awarded her ₦5 million damages. In her victory statement, Olamide said: “By the grace of God, I survived, and justice has prevailed… This judgment is a significant step toward fairness and accountability.” She thanked her family, legal team, AFRICMIL, CDWR, and civil society allies for their support, while urging fellow whistleblowers to remain courageous in the fight against corruption. #WhistleblowerProtection #JusticePrevails #OgunState

BREAKING: The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that, effective August 29, 2025, all parcels and items sent from Nigeria to the United States—except ordinary letters and documents—will attract a prepaid customs duty of $80 (₦123,000 equivalent) at the point of acceptance. NIPOST explained that the levy follows a U.S. Executive Order titled “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries”, issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by President Donald Trump. The policy applies globally to all postal operators and designated administrations, meaning every U.S.-bound shipment, regardless of origin, must now prepay the $80 duty. NIPOST warned that shipments will still undergo Customs checks in the U.S., which may cause delays in delivery timelines. To ease the impact, the agency said it is in talks with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and airline partners to minimize disruptions. #NIPOST #USNigeria #CustomsDuty

BREAKING: Gunmen have abducted Pastor Ayodeji Akesinro, a staff member of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, from his residence at Upenme, Owo LGA, Ondo State, around 7 p.m. on Thursday. The National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has confirmed the incident and warned it may embark on protests if urgent action is not taken to secure his release. Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured that operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, are combing the forests to rescue the victim. The abduction has intensified concerns over rising insecurity in the state, coming just two weeks after a Adekunle Ajasin University staff member was kidnapped from his home. #Ondo #Kidnapping #FMC