#OpEd: My Prediction – Why Nigeria Will Be the Greatest Country in 2026, By Bayo Oluwasanmi

In this satirical New Year opinion piece, Bayo Oluwasanmi predicts that 2026 will be a transformative year for Nigeria, blending humor with sharp critique of the nation’s political and social landscape. He foresees a “deranged, narcissistic dictator” leading the country, a National Assembly enacting bizarre laws, and foreign-managed healthcare systems. Oluwasanmi humorously suggests radical reforms, including new countries within Nigeria, palm oil-powered lanterns replacing electricity, and K-9 police replacing human officers.

Through satire, he highlights corruption, inefficiency, insecurity, and the failures of government while urging Nigerians to confront the truth and work toward solutions. The piece blends wit, irony, and political commentary to provoke reflection on the state of the nation.

:
#Nigeria2026 #BayoOluwasanmi #Satire #OpEdNigeria #NigerianPolitics #Corruption #PoliticalHumor #NewYearPredictions

Iran Launches New Satellites Ahead of Netanyahu–Trump Meeting

Iran has launched three locally developed satellites into space in a fresh show of defiance, coming just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss Iran and wider Middle East concerns.

The satellites — Paya, Zafar-2, and a second prototype of Kowsar — were successfully placed into Low Earth Orbit on Sunday using a Russian Soyuz rocket launched from a Russian space facility.

Before the June war, Tehran had carried out several satellite launches in recent years, some independently and others in partnership with Moscow. Iranian officials say the newly launched satellites include the country’s most advanced imaging technology, further highlighting Iran’s growing space and missile-linked capabilities amid rising regional tensions.

The timing of the launch is widely seen as symbolic, coinciding with high-level talks between Israel and the United States focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.

#Iran #MiddleEast #SpaceTechnology #GlobalPolitics

Stay Away from Blast Scenes to Avoid Health Consequences Sokoto Govt Warns Residents

In a related development, Sokoto State Government has warned Communities affected by insecurity to desist from visiting Areas hit by explosives in order to avoid serious health implications.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, and made available to Journalists in Sokoto.

According to the statement, the warning became imperative following the manner in which Residents of Jabo Town trooped to the scene of Thursday’s blast shortly after it occurred.

The Government noted that such actions could have serious consequences for both living and non-living things.

Experts, according to the statement, have identified several health implications associated with exposure to explosives, especially when poorly handled.

These include;Skin irritation or burns resulting from contact with certain chemicals;
Respiratory problems caused by inhalation of toxic fumes and Potential toxicity arising from ingestion or prolonged exposure to explosive residues.

The State Government reiterated its determination to continue safeguarding the lives of the People of Sokoto State, irrespective of where they reside.

The statement further directed Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, and religious leaders in all high-risk Areas of the State to intensify Public enlightenment on the dangers associated with visiting blast sites.

It also instructed Local Government Authorities to ensure that Areas affected by explosions are cordoned off and made inaccessible to Residents.

The State Government reassured the People of Sokoto of its unwavering commitment to securing the entire State and appealed for their continued support and cooperation in this regard.

Wawa Barracks: Exposing Arbitrary Detention, Human Rights Violations, and the Moral Reckoning for Nigeria – OpEd by Evans Ufeli Esq

In this incisive OpEd, Evans Ufeli Esq examines alleged human rights abuses at Wawa Barracks in Niger State, where supporters of IPOB are reportedly detained without trial for years. The article highlights arbitrary detention, denial of due process, torture, poor living conditions, and lack of transparency, stressing violations of both Nigerian law and international human-rights standards. Ufeli calls for immediate reforms, including judicial oversight, independent monitoring, accountability for abuses, and systemic changes to safeguard detainees’ rights. The piece underscores that respecting human dignity in detention is essential for Nigeria’s moral and social stability.

The Wicked Zacchaeus Syndrome: How Corruption Hides Behind Law and Authority in Nigeria – OpEd by M. Musa

In this thought-provoking OpEd, M. Musa draws on the Biblical story of Zacchaeus to illustrate modern corruption in Nigeria. Unlike the Biblical Zacchaeus, who misused power for personal gain, today’s “wicked” exploit legal frameworks, manipulate laws, and hide behind authority to enrich themselves, while institutions fail to hold them accountable. Musa warns that corruption is no longer just about looting money—it can be the subtle theft of governance itself, where silence and inaction allow elites to prosper at the expense of justice. The piece urges society to demand accountability and highlights that history and divine justice ultimately record every wrongdoing.

The U.S. wants to turn Gaza into a luxury resort — WSJ

The Trump administration developed an ambitious plan called "Sunrise" for the Gaza Strip.

The project is valued at $112 billion and aims to completely transform the region over two decades.

The main idea, proposed by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, is to turn Gaza into a high-tech resort metropolis.

The plan includes demining, creating modern transportation hubs, and building new cities.

However, it is still unclear where the funding for such an ambitious project will come from. It is also unknown where Palestinians will live.

#OpEd: Legacy of an Evil Leader
By Bayo Oluwasanmi, December 19, 2025

The article frames Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy as that of an “evil leader”, leaving Nigeria with deep societal trauma and weakened institutions.

Buhari’s tenure is criticized for corruption, economic mismanagement, and institutional decay, including politicized military/police and compromised legal systems.

His leadership allegedly eroded truth, promoted propaganda, and fostered division along ethnic, religious, and political lines.

The author compares Nigerian politics to the fable of the Dog, the Sheep, and the Wolves, suggesting visionary leaders are often undermined while corrupt elites thrive.

Buhari’s 8-year rule is summarized under seven negative traits: incompetence, rigidity, intemperance, callousness, corruption, insularity, and evil.

The piece warns that his legacy has normalized cruelty, fear, and division, leaving a lasting societal impact.

OpEd: Is Russia Afraid of a Free Press in Africa? Oumarou Sanou Critiques Russian Embassy’s Reaction to Nigerian Media

Oumarou Sanou examines the Russian Embassy’s reaction to Nigerian media coverage of Russian-linked mercenaries in the Sahel. He argues that Russia’s attempt to discredit journalists and label criticism as “paid” or foreign-influenced reflects a fear of scrutiny rather than a defense of facts. Sanou emphasizes that independent African media must remain free to report on insecurity, human rights abuses, and regional developments, warning against external interference in Nigeria’s sovereign public discourse.

Ebonyi ACP Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola Dies Suddenly During Official Police Meeting in Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the sudden death of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola, who collapsed during a management meeting in Abakaliki. According to the police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, ACP Popoola developed breathing difficulties and was rushed to the Police Medical Centre, but despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead. Preliminary assessments suggest cardiac arrest linked to hypertensive heart disease. The late officer, who headed the State Intelligence Department (SID), had shown no prior signs of illness. His remains have been deposited at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA 1).

BUK Students Plunged Into Darkness as N5.6bn Solar Plant Reportedly Fails Two Years After Launch

Barely two years after its commissioning, the N5.6 billion solar hybrid power plant at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has collapsed, throwing students and staff into erratic electricity supply and rising energy costs. The 3.5-megawatt facility, inaugurated in September 2019 by then Vice President Yaptor Yemi Osinbajo, was hailed as Africa’s largest off-grid solar plant.

Executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Energising Education Programme and handled by Greek firm METKA, the project powered lecture halls, offices, hostels and staff quarters during the day, cutting the university’s energy costs by over 60 percent. By 2021, however, the plant developed faults and was shut down, forcing the institution back to diesel generators and the national grid.

Staff and students said the collapse ended a period of uninterrupted daytime power that improved learning, security and productivity across the campus. University workers attributed the failure to overuse, lack of storage facilities, rising maintenance costs and the absence of adequate technical involvement from BUK during implementation.

Inflation and prolonged inactivity reportedly worsened the d+mage, while electricity materials depreciated over time. The REA has now announced plans to revive and expand the plant to 6MW under a N100 billion federal solarisation programme. Speaking at the launch of the upgrade on November 20, 2025, REA Managing Director, Dr Abba Aliyu Abubakar, said the project would undergo a complete overhaul to deliver 24-hour power supply.

BUK Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, said the new phase would fully involve the university’s experts to ensure sustainability, noting that the school currently spends over N130 million monthly on electricity alone. Staff and students welcomed the intervention but urged strict accountability to prevent a repeat of the failure.

In the US, a man received a kidney transplant from a donor infected with rabies. Both later died

The patient from Michigan had been waiting a long time for a transplant. The surgery itself went well, but five weeks later he developed seizures and confusion.

A week after that, he died. Doctors later found the rabies virus in his tissues.

The source was quickly identified — the organ donor. He had previously been scratched by a skunk but never sought medical care. A few weeks later, the donor also died.

The donor’s relatives did not inform doctors about the scratch when they consented to organ removal.

Corneas from the same donor were transplanted into three other patients. After the virus was discovered, the transplanted tissues were urgently removed.

In December 2014 a Russian cargo plane carrying French helicopters out of the Central African Republic made an emergency landing in Kano. The Antonov cargo plane had been traveling from Bangui to the Chadian capital N'djamena when it developed technical difficulties and made an emergency landing at Kano airport, because Kano was the closest airport facility.

Nigerian authorities detained it on arrival and questioned its French crew. The Nigerian federal and airport authorities, satisfied with the documents and the genuine character of the flight authorized the plane to continue its flight to N'Djamena.

There was no diplomatic grandstanding, accusations of invasion or unnecessary drama, just the kind of measured response you’d expect from a responsible nation.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the plane and the 11 detained personnel in B-FASO. Lets hope for a swift and positive resolution. Prolonging this situation serves neither country’s interests.

Chih-Tang Sah: The Semiconductor Pioneer Whose Ashes Returned to China After Transforming Global Chip Technology

The ashes of semiconductor pioneer Chih-Tang Sah (Sa Zhitang) — a legendary figure whose innovations power nearly all modern electronic devices — have been moved from the United States to Fujian, China, his ancestral home, for burial beside his late wife.

Sah, celebrated as one of the foundational minds of microelectronics, co-developed the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) transistor architecture with collaborator Frank Wanlass. Their breakthrough paved the way for low-power, high-efficiency integrated circuits, forming the backbone of the global semiconductor industry.

According to High-Frequency Integrated Circuits by University of Toronto professor Sorin Voinigescu, CMOS technology accounted for about 99% of all semiconductor chips manufactured worldwide by 2011, underscoring Sah’s lasting impact on modern electronics.

Despite decades abroad, those close to him said Sah “kept his homeland in his heart,” a sentiment reflected in his final return to China.

#TechnologyNews #SemiconductorIndustry #CMOS #TechPioneers

President Tinubu Considers Presidential Task Force to Boost ‘Detty December’ Tourism.

The Federal Executive Council has proposed the creation of a Presidential Task Force on ‘Detty December’ to coordinate Nigeria’s booming end-of-year tourism and entertainment season.

Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced the plan after Thursday’s Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. She said the initiative aims to unify federal and state efforts to position Nigeria particularly Lagos as a major global destination during the festive period.

Musawa explained that the Council also approved the adoption of key national tourism brands such as “Naija Season,” developed by the National Council for Arts and Culture. These brands will serve as national catalysts for promoting tourism and creative industries across all 36 states throughout the year.

She revealed that the task force would bring together key ministries and agencies including those in aviation, interior, and power to ensure seamless support for Lagos State, which hosts the highest concentration of December concerts, festivals, and diaspora events.

According to Musawa, the Federal Government’s involvement will strengthen inter-agency collaboration, enhance Nigeria’s global image, and attract private-sector participation in the creative and tourism sectors.

“Detty December,” a popular term describing Nigeria’s festive wave of concerts, fashion shows, nightlife, and cultural events, has become a major driver of the economy, especially in Lagos. The initiative is expected to further expand Nigeria’s soft-power influence, boost tourism revenue, and establish the country as a leading African entertainment hub.

Mexico’s President Files Complaint After a Man Attempted to Kiss Her on the Street, Seeks Nationwide Reform on Harassment Laws.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has filed a formal complaint after a man groped her during an impromptu walk near the National Palace, an incident that has reignited debate over the country’s troubling record on women’s safety.

The 63-year-old president was greeting supporters when an apparently intoxicated man placed an arm around her, touched her hip and chest, and attempted to kiss her neck. Sheinbaum pushed his hands away as her staff intervened. The man was later arrested.

Speaking at her morning news conference, Sheinbaum said she chose to press charges to send a clear message about the protection of women. “If this happens to the president, what becomes of all the women in our country?” she said. She added that the incident reflects everyday realities for millions of Mexican women.

Sheinbaum announced that her government will review legislation across Mexico’s 32 states, where sexual harassment is not universally defined as a crime. She urged state authorities to strengthen legal protections and make it easier for victims to report assaults, saying the country needs to hear a “loud and clear no” to violations of women’s personal space.

The attack has also drawn scrutiny over the president’s security arrangements, as her detail was not close by at the time. Still, Sheinbaum dismissed calls to increase distance between herself and the public, insisting she will maintain her approachable style.

Mexico continues to struggle with widespread harassment and gender-based violence, with rights groups warning of a femicide crisis and the UN estimating that seven in ten women have experienced at least one form of sexual harassment.

"Why I Finally Quit Smoking" — Singer Yemi Alade Opens Up

Afropop star Yemi Alade has revealed how she developed a short-term cigarette addiction while in university but quit after it began harming her voice and required her to hide the habit in public.

During an interview with chude jideonwo, the johnny singer explained that her experimentation with smoking as a teenager quickly escalated into a nightly routine before bed.

she said the need to conceal cigarettes when out in public created discomfort that ultimately led her to stop. Alade also noted the negative impact on her vocal health, a critical concern for her career.

“Some people say i don’t smoke, i don’t this, i don’t that. when i was in the university i tried smoking. I did not work out. But before it did not work out, it worked out a bit too much. I started needing to smoke before I go to bed. I was getting addicted to that lifestyle. but also, in public, I would hide the cigarette.

“So, i was like, ‘what’s this life; the discomfort that i can’t go to bed without smoking and then when i go out, i am going to hide the cigarette? as a teenager in the university trying to figure out life, i also made certain decisions for myself that if i’m going to hide to do something, i will not do it because i like to be aware of my environment and my decisions and i just said i don’t think cigarettes are for me.

“They are not for me, and they harmed me, they affected my voice anyways. so i stopped. smoking for me did not last up to a year,” she stated.

From Beats to Bust: Afrobeats Artiste Arrested as NDLEA Dismantles Lagos Drug Lab.

According to a report by Punch on Monday, November 3, 2025, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major blow to Lagos’s underground narcotics network after uncovering a secret laboratory where synthetic cannabis—popularly called Colorado or Colos—was being produced. The agency also arrested a 20-year-old Afrobeats musician, identified as Godspower George Osahenrumwen, known by his stage name Steady Boy, in connection with a related drug shipment.

The discovery came after weeks of surveillance and intelligence operations, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed in a Sunday statement. Officers stormed a residential building at Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, where a 30-year-old suspect, Stephen Kelechi Imoh, had converted an apartment into a synthetic drug laboratory.

Inside the building, NDLEA operatives recovered 16.2 kilograms of freshly processed Colorado, 1.7 kilograms of ADB-CHMNACA (a synthetic cannabinoid), 4.5 kilograms of potassium carbonate, and 91 litres of dibromobutane—chemical ingredients used to manufacture the psychoactive substance.

In a related operation, the agency intercepted a shipment of Loud, another potent strain of cannabis, smuggled from New York through a DHL flight and hidden in three cartons of bathtubs. When Steady Boy arrived at a Lekki address to receive the package, NDLEA operatives swooped in and arrested him. The artiste’s manager, Zion Osazee Omigie, also known as “Zee Money,” is currently on the run.

NDLEA officials said the operations marked a significant milestone in the ongoing “War Against Drug Abuse” campaign, targeting not just traffickers but also local manufacturers who are now using residential areas as covert drug laboratories.

Experts warn that the shift from importation to domestic production signals a dangerous evolution of Nigeria’s narcotics trade. With such labs now embedded in urban neighborhoods, authorities fear a deeper social and security threat.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), reiterated that the agency will sustain its crackdown and expand its community outreach programs to combat rising drug abuse among Nigerian youths.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue into the full extent of the syndicate’s network.

WACO, TexasLior Garzon scored 18 info, Naomi Alnatas experienced 11 of her 17 inside of the fourth quarter and Oklahoma Country finished a 13-recreation wasting in opposition to Baylor with a 70-65 gain previously mentioned the No. 18 Bears upon Chastain experienced a https://www.oklahomastatecowboysshop.com/collections/tyler-foster-jersey jumper and a 3-pointer and Alnatas a 3 and a a few-fact participate in for an 11-0 operate that gave Oklahoma Country a 16-7 direct within the centre of the initial quarter and Baylor in no way led back Andrews experienced 12 specifics in just the fourth quarter and she began off with a couple of 3s and Ja'Mee Asberry's 3 pulled the Bears even at 52 with 6 1/2 minutes towards participate in. Still Alnatas and Anna Gret Asi strike 3s for Oklahoma Region, which out of the blue reeled off 8 Bears generated 6 no cost throws with pull inside of 2 with 2:59 towards enjoy and Asberry's 3 developed it a just one place activity with 21/2 minutes in direction of move https://www.oklahomastatecowboysshop.com/collections/daniel-guetta-jersey
. The Bears then disregarded 2 free of charge throws and experienced a turnover Whilst they experienced a probability in the direction of seize the guide. Alnatas strike a 3 and the Cowgirls intended 5 of 8 cost-free throws within the closing 30 seconds toward pull out the Milton experienced 10 info for the experienced 19 details and Andrews 16 for the Bears, who ended up the very last unbeaten staff members inside league engage is at Oklahoma Region upon Saturday and Baylor performs at West Virginia upon Sunday AP ladies's college or university basketball:

[10/31, 8:07 PM] null: Presidency Defends 15% Fuel Import Tariff.

The Presidency has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, saying the move is intended to boost local refining and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, in a statement posted on X on Friday. He described the policy as “a bridge, not a burden,” aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s energy sector for long-term stability.

Dare said the tariff is meant to discourage fuel importation, encourage investment in domestic refining, and help Nigeria take control of its energy supply after years of depending on foreign refineries.

He noted that despite being a major crude oil producer, Nigeria has spent years importing refined products, which drained foreign exchange and cost the nation jobs.

According to him, the new policy gives a competitive edge to local refineries such as Dangote Refinery, the Port Harcourt Refinery, and modular refineries currently being developed.

“By making imported fuel less competitive, the government is tilting the market in favour of local refineries, laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining and resilient energy sector,” he stated.

Dare added that as local refining output increases, fuel availability will improve and pump prices are expected to stabilize, while job creation and industrial activity expand.

However, petroleum marketers have warned that the policy could push petrol prices above ₦1,000 per litre in the short term. Government officials argue that temporary price pressure is necessary to secure long-term gains.

The 15% tariff will take effect after a 30-day transition period, ending November 21, 2025.

Anambra governorship election: “You’ll suffer” — AAC’s Ifemeludike alleges in new video as she warns Anambra residents against re-electing Governor Soludo.

African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, has cautioned Anambra residents and alleged that they will “suffer” if they reelect Governor Chukwuma Soludo instead of voting for her in the November 8 election.

The Nollywood actress and producer criticized Soludo over the poor condition of roads in Awka, particularly Uche Ekwunife Crescent, which she described as “totally dilapidated.” She accused the governor of neglecting basic infrastructure while constructing a new Government House with “wide, paved roads for himself and his generations.”

Ifemeludike said Soludo’s administration has failed to deliver good governance or quality social amenities, claiming he is only interested in showmanship. “If you miss out, you will suffer for it because Soludo is not ready to provide real leadership,” she said.

In a Facebook post directed at the governor, she asked, “@ccsoludo, why are you afraid to repair the capital city’s bad roads? Awka shouldn’t look so rural and undeveloped. With FAAC, local allocations, and IGR, we should have Dubai/Taiwan-style infrastructure.”

She urged voters not to be deceived but to come out en masse to make a better choice on election day. “On November 8, you have a choice — and that choice is Chioma for governor 2025,” she declared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that 16 political parties will participate in the Anambra governorship election.