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As heavy rains continue to affect parts of Nigeria, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a warning that 198 local government areas (LGAs) across 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will experience severe flooding from August 7 to 21, 2025. This alert came as the Lagos State government expressed sympathy for Ikorodu residents affected by the floods caused by a prolonged downpour on Monday. The state government assured that measures were being put in place to manage flash floods, and plans for humanitarian assistance in affected communities are being finalized. Earlier, the Federal Government had also warned of flooding in 19 states, with the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre urging stakeholders and residents to take immediate precautionary actions. NiHSA’s warning categorized flood risks as Very High, High, and Moderate, depending on local topography and the intensity of rainfall. The states at risk include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. 832 Communities Under Threat NiHSA also reported that over 832 communities are at risk of flooding, with more than 100 major transportation routes likely to face disruptions. There is also a high likelihood of displacement, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Director General of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, urged residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow early warning directives, while working with emergency response agencies. He appealed to state and local governments to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks and ensure community safety. “The agency will continue to monitor the hydrological situation and provide timely updates,” Mohammed stated, urging citizens to follow NiHSA’s official channels or contact State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) for real-time flood updates. Lagos State Assesses Flood Impact in Ikorodu In Lagos, the torrential rainfall on Monday, which lasted for over 13 hours, left parts of the state flooded, with residents counting their losses. Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, expressed sympathy for the affected residents after conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the Ikorodu drainage infrastructure construction. Rotimi-Akodu explained that the magnitude of the rainfall was exceptional and could only be experienced once in decades, attributing the situation to climate change. He assured that ongoing infrastructure projects would address the perennial flooding problems in Ikorodu. “We are here to ensure that the drainage projects are completed swiftly to mitigate the impact of future floods,” Rotimi-Akodu said, adding that residents should dispose of waste responsibly to avoid clogging drains. Lagos Government Faces Criticism Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Lagos election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, criticized the state government’s advice to flood-affected residents of Ikorodu to vacate the area. He called the advice a sign of governance failure, pointing out that the lack of a clear relocation plan or support was not leadership. Rhodes-Vivour’s media aide, Adewole Ireti, also expressed frustration over the Lagos State government’s dismissive approach to the crisis, stating that instead of offering solutions, the government issued an ultimatum to residents without providing any support. Lagos Fish Farmers Suffer N150 Million Loss The Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmers Association (LASCAFAN) has reported a loss exceeding N150 million due to the floods in Ikorodu. LASCAFAN Vice President Olatoye Fajimi revealed that the heavy rainfall caused significant damage to fish farms, with many fish washed away into nearby gutters and canals. “We estimate the damage at over N150 million, with more than 50 fish farmers affected,” Fajimi said, adding that some areas that had never flooded before were also impacted. The loss has been devastating for the fish farming community, as the flooding occurred overnight, leaving little time for farmers to salvage their investments.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has inaugurated a special committee to evaluate the admission eligibility of under-aged candidates who excelled in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said the panel will oversee the selection process for 599 under-aged candidates who scored 320 and above in this year’s UTME. The committee will determine the criteria for identifying “specially gifted” students who may be considered for admission into tertiary institutions despite not meeting the minimum age requirement of 16. “These are exceptional candidates, and the committee will develop clear modalities for their evaluation. The goal is to identify a few who show truly outstanding intellectual capacity and provide them the opportunity to further their education,” Oloyede said. The committee comprises Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities, representatives of regulatory agencies, education experts, and other key stakeholders, with some members participating virtually. Oloyede stated that final decisions will be made between now and September. Candidates will be assessed based on their school certificate results and post-UTME scores. Only those with a minimum of 80% in both will be considered. “Any candidate who scores below 80 in the post-UTME will automatically be disqualified. We are not flouting the 16-year minimum age rule, but we are willing to make rare exceptions for the exceptionally gifted,” he added. The screening sessions are expected to hold in Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri. Oloyede also cautioned parents against pushing their children into higher education too early, noting the importance of emotional and psychological maturity. He warned against attempts to use bribery to influence the process, describing it as harmful to the development of the younger generation. He assured the public that the screening and selection process would be fair, rigorous, and transparent, thanks to the calibre of professionals on the panel. (NAN)

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged members of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream II to embrace innovation, resilience, and visionary leadership as they transition into the next phase of their lives. In a message shared via the official NYSC X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Brig.-Gen. Nafiu congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their one-year mandatory national service. His remarks come as thousands of corps members across Nigeria mark the end of their service year, which included community development initiatives, professional assignments, and contributions to national growth across various sectors. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Corps Members as they celebrate the successful completion of their mandatory service year,” the statement read. “Your dedication and service to building a better Nigeria have not gone unnoticed. As you step forward into new opportunities and responsibilities, I encourage you to embrace the challenges ahead with determination and a bold vision.” The Director-General emphasized the need for corps members to adapt to change, lead with creativity, and continue to be ambassadors of the NYSC programme. “Be agents of transformation, confident in your ideas and open to innovation. Go forth and represent the NYSC with pride and purpose,” he added.

The Federal Ministry of Education has addressed recent media reports alleging financial and administrative misconduct against Dr. Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). In a statement released on Tuesday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry confirmed awareness of the allegations and stated that the matter had been internally reviewed. The Ministry reaffirmed its confidence in Dr. Garba’s leadership, commending her efforts in driving critical reforms across the basic education sector. Dr. Garba, a development expert with over 20 years of experience in education and international development, has led several transformative initiatives since assuming office. Under her stewardship, UBEC has: Constructed 4,951 new classrooms and renovated 3,070 existing ones Established Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) centres Provided 353,625 furniture units and distributed over 5 million textbooks Trained more than 147,000 teachers Launched a national teacher professional development programme, reaching nearly 978,800 educators Initiated curriculum reforms in partnership with NERDC, incorporating digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking into the basic education framework In terms of financing, UBEC has introduced key reforms to the Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP) and the Matching Grant formula, enhancing flexibility and aligning with results-based planning. As a result, 28 states and the FCT have accessed ₦78.6 billion out of the ₦120 billion 2024 UBE intervention fund. UBEC has also deepened collaboration with major stakeholders, including: The Federal and State Ministries of Education State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) The Nigerian Governors’ Forum International development partners such as the World Bank, UNICEF, KOICA, FCDO, and the Islamic Development Bank Additionally, through the School-Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP), the Commission has supported over 15,000 local projects, enhancing community participation in school improvement and accountability. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting institutions like UBEC in advancing the goals of Nigeria’s basic education policy and called for sustained collaboration among all education stakeholders.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that 155 deaths have been recorded from Lassa fever across the country between January 1 and July 20, 2025. This figure reflects a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.9%, a rise from 17.1% recorded during the same period in 2024. According to the NCDC’s latest situation report covering epidemiological week 29, Nigeria has documented 6,640 suspected cases and 822 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Lassa fever as an acute viral illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is endemic in several West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Sierra Leone. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in health facilities without proper infection prevention and control measures. The NCDC noted that new infections in week 29 remained unchanged from week 28, with fresh confirmed cases reported in Ondo and Edo States. “Cumulatively, as of week 29, 2025, 155 deaths have been reported with a CFR of 18.9%, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024,” the report stated. Five states account for 89% of all confirmed cases so far in 2025: Ondo State – 32% Bauchi State – 23% Edo State – 17% Taraba State – 14% Ebonyi State – 3% The remaining 11% of confirmed cases were distributed across 16 other states. The most affected age group is between 21 and 30 years, with cases ranging from 1 to 96 years (median age: 30). The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at 1:0.8. Despite the rise in fatality rate, the total number of suspected and confirmed cases has declined compared to the same timeframe in 2024. Additionally, no healthcare workers were infected in week 29. The NCDC also reaffirmed that the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate and support response activities at national and sub-national levels.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with significant rewards following their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship. Each player was awarded $100,000, while members of the 11-man coaching and technical team received $50,000 each. In addition, all players and coaching staff were gifted three-bedroom flats at the Renewed Hope Estate and conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). The announcement was made by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima during a special reception held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. D’Tigress recently clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final match at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The victory extends their unbeaten run in the competition since 2017, further cementing their dominance in African women’s basketball. The recognition follows a similar celebration held by President Tinubu last week in honour of the Super Falcons after their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) win in Morocco. Speaking at the event, Vice President Shettima praised the team’s resilience and national pride. He said the players had brought great pride to the country and placed Nigeria firmly on the map of global sporting greatness. He commended the team for their composure and unity during challenging moments in the final match, noting that they wore the green and white not just as colours but as a symbol of national unity. Shettima also highlighted the inspirational leadership of Head Coach Rena Wakama, describing her as a symbol of the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. He said Wakama’s quiet strength and historic achievements had shattered glass ceilings and inspired countless young girls across the nation. He further praised the standout performances of Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, saying their efforts elevated the entire team and demonstrated selfless commitment to national success. Reflecting on the broader contributions of Nigerian women in sports, the Vice President noted that women had consistently made the nation proud from the Super Falcons to record-breaking athletes on the track, and now a dominant basketball team. He emphasized that Nigerian excellence is inevitable when preparation meets opportunity. Shettima also acknowledged the efforts of the National Sports Commission under Mallam Alabi and the Nigerian Basketball Federation led by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, commending their focus on athlete welfare and grassroots development. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishment, describing the victory as more than just a win it was a testament to hard work, excellence, and national pride. She said the triumph would inspire generations of Nigerian girls and women to dream boldly and pursue greatness. She praised the players as role models and ambassadors of Nigerian sports, especially at a time when the country was still celebrating the Super Falcons’ recent victory. Speaking on behalf of the team, Amy Okonkwo expressed heartfelt appreciation to the President, the Vice President, and the entire nation. She said the players were grateful for the opportunity to represent Nigeria and to continue their legacy of excellence. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described D’Tigress’s victory as a major milestone not only for basketball but also for women’s sports in Nigeria. He said the country was witnessing a golden era of female athletic excellence.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his frequent defections between political parties, describing them as acts of desperation driven by a relentless ambition to become president. Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike questioned Atiku’s political consistency and described his repeated party switches as unbecoming, particularly for someone nearing 80 years of age. He recounted Atiku’s movement across parties, noting that he started with the PDP in 1999, then joined the Action Congress (AC), returned to the PDP, moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and later returned to the PDP again all in pursuit of the presidential ticket. Wike took a personal jab, saying that if he were Atiku’s son, he would advise him to stop hopping from one party to another at his age. His comments followed Atiku’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as part of a developing opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The minister dismissed the move as political survival, stating that Atiku only sought a coalition because he could not secure the PDP presidential ticket. He argued that forming a coalition under such circumstances was insincere and politically opportunistic. Wike’s remarks come amid growing realignments and tensions within the opposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Uncertainty continues to trail the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following reports that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, was allegedly coerced into signing a resignation letter by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday night. According to sources, the incident which some have described as a “civilian coup” was reportedly executed without presidential approval. It was allegedly overseen by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi. However, the Presidency has denied these claims. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated on Saturday that Ojulari remains the substantive head of NNPCL. Ojulari, who was appointed in April 2025, has been leading a reform agenda within the corporation. Efforts to obtain a response from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale were unsuccessful as of press time. Background of the Controversy The unfolding situation is linked to a $21 million (₦34.65 billion) corruption scandal. Civil society groups such as OilWatch Nigeria and the Workers’ Rights Alliance have accused Ojulari of economic sabotage and called for his arrest and prosecution. Their allegations are based on claims that Abdullahi Bashir Haske a detained associate confessed to holding illicit funds on Ojulari’s behalf. At a press briefing on 31 July at EFCC headquarters, the coalition blamed Ojulari for Nigeria’s refinery shutdowns and alleged a plot to privatize key NNPCL assets. A three-day protest was launched on 1 August at the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and EFCC offices. Further allegations involve a $21 million kickback scheme involving oil traders and pipeline contractors. The scandal reportedly came to light after Ojulari reassigned fund collection duties, prompting a whistleblower alert to the EFCC. Authorities subsequently froze the implicated account. In a related development, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had in May 2025 urged the EFCC and the ICPC to investigate allegations that NNPCL failed to remit ₦500 billion to the Federation Account between October and December 2024. Divided Public Opinion While some civil society groups are demanding accountability, others have rallied in Ojulari’s defence. The Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiatives (CGGCI) and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) argue that the protests are politically motivated attempts to derail ongoing reforms. These groups highlighted Ojulari’s achievements, including real-time monitoring systems, audits of legacy contracts, and efforts to ensure fuel availability, which they claim have significantly eased fuel queues across the country. They have urged President Tinubu to stand by Ojulari and continue supporting anti-corruption reforms in the oil and gas sector. Critics, however, have raised red flags over alleged lavish spending, including a reportedly expensive retreat in Kigali that involved the use of private jets. There are also claims of a toxic work environment under Ojulari’s leadership, with multiple staff resignations cited. The Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition (NDEJC) also condemned the reported EFCC-DSS operation, labelling it as politically charged. Still, the group acknowledged Ojulari’s contributions to improving oil production and boosting remittances to the national treasury. As of 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, the EFCC had not issued any official statement on the alleged resignation, arrest, or investigation of Bayo Ojulari leaving the public with conflicting narratives and no clear resolution.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to capture all of Ukraine, but doing so will be a significant challenge. He made the remarks during an interview on the Finnerty program. Trump stated that while the U.S. intends to impose further sanctions on Russia, Putin is already adept at circumventing them. Expressing frustration, Trump recalled past conversations with the Russian leader that he believed had the potential to end the conflict. “We had numerous good conversations where we could have ended this thing, and all of a sudden bombs start flying,” he said. “He’s obviously a tough cookie. I thought we had it worked out three different times. Maybe he wants to try and take the whole thing Ukraine but I think it’s going to be very hard for him.” Trump’s Ultimatum to Putin In July, Trump strongly condemned Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and issued a 50-day ultimatum for peace. He warned that if no agreement was reached, the U.S. would impose strict sanctions not only on Russia but also on nations continuing to buy Russian oil. However, on July 29, Trump unexpectedly shortened the deadline to just 10 days, setting a final cutoff for August 8 due to lack of progress. The Kremlin responded defiantly, vowing to continue the full-scale war and issuing nuclear threats against the United States. Despite the heightened rhetoric, Trump announced on July 31 that U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, would travel to Moscow likely to pursue a last-ditch diplomatic resolution. Expert Insight Military analyst Mykhailo Samus told RBC-Ukraine that Witkoff’s visit could represent the final opportunity for direct dialogue between President Trump and Putin regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has officially denied claims that a new vice-chancellor has been appointed, describing the reports as false and misleading. In a statement released Friday night, the university’s spokesperson, Agha Inya, clarified that no official appointment has been made and that the process of selecting a substantive vice-chancellor is still ongoing. The current Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, had earlier indicated that his tenure would end in August, at which point a new vice-chancellor is expected to assume office. Although the selection process has been underway for some time, no final decision has been reached. Speculations circulated on Friday that a former senior official from the Enugu State Government had been named as the next UNN vice-chancellor. However, Mr. Inya dismissed the claim. “We wish to state categorically that no such appointment has been made. The selection process is still ongoing, and no candidate has been announced or confirmed,” he said. He urged the public to disregard the circulating reports, labeling them as the handiwork of “mischief-makers and purveyors of falsehood.” Mr. Inya reiterated UNN’s commitment to a credible and merit-driven process. He noted that the selection committee, chaired by Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Engr. Kayode Ojo, is continuing its work and will announce the most qualified candidate once the process is completed. “We call on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the selection process to be completed without unnecessary interference,” he added. Some Context The search for UNN’s 16th substantive vice-chancellor has stirred tension in Enugu State, particularly in Nsukka, where locals have expressed strong interest in seeing an indigene appointed to the role for the first time since the university’s establishment in the 1950s. Following the conclusion of Professor Charles Igwe’s tenure in June 2024, the university has been led by a succession of acting vice-chancellors. These include Professors Romanus Ezeokonkwo (June August 2024), Polycarp Chigbu (August 2024 February 2025), and the current acting VC, Professor Ujam, who assumed office in February 2025. The selection process has reportedly been complicated by competing interests among influential individuals and political actors, contributing to the delay in naming a substantive vice-chancellor.