Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has declared that “there was no victor and no vanquished” following the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the outcome as a victory for both the party and Nigeria’s democracy. The NEC meeting, held on Monday in Abuja, went ahead as planned despite security disruptions by police operatives at the party’s National Secretariat on the eve of the gathering. In a statement personally signed after the meeting, Saraki said party leaders demonstrated maturity by prioritising peace and unity over division. “This evening, our great party, the PDP, successfully concluded its 100th NEC meeting,” he stated. “Given recent events, the meeting could have marked a breaking point or served as the moment to move forward. Thankfully, our leaders chose unity and progress.” Saraki noted that the party, its members, and Nigeria’s democracy all emerged as winners, stressing the critical role of a vibrant opposition in sustaining democratic governance. Millions of PDP supporters across the country also stood to benefit from the renewed commitment to unity, he added. According to Saraki, party leaders resolved to set aside their differences, rebuild trust, and work together towards a common goal. “To achieve victory for the party and for Nigerians under the PDP’s umbrella, we have agreed to forget the past, restore broken trust, and embrace peace,” he said. Expressing optimism, Saraki said the PDP must rise to the occasion as Nigeria’s leading opposition and prove itself capable of providing alternative leadership. “I am particularly pleased with the meeting for two reasons: First, we reaffirmed our commitment to unity, sending a strong message to Nigerians that the PDP is growing stronger. Second, our discussions were marked by the spirit of give and take,” he explained. Looking ahead, Saraki said the party would now focus on its next NEC meeting scheduled for July 23, followed by preparations for the National Convention. As Chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, Saraki commended party leaders who made sacrifices by compromising on contentious issues to achieve peace and stability. “We have disappointed the pessimists. The outcome of today’s meeting proves wrong the false narrative that those of us remaining in the PDP are working towards its collapse. On the contrary, we are building a strong, credible opposition capable of winning future elections and serving Nigerians better,” he said. Saraki concluded by thanking party members across the country and expressing confidence that the momentum from the NEC meeting would be sustained in the weeks ahead.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a detailed timetable of major elections scheduled for 2025 and 2026, alongside the nationwide resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement on Tuesday during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held in Abuja. In a statement shared on the Commission’s official X handle, INEC outlined plans for a packed electoral calendar, with several crucial elections set to take place across the country. According to Yakubu, the timetable includes five key elections. These are: Bye-elections in 12 states, scheduled for August 16, 2025 Anambra State Governorship election on November 8, 2025 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections on February 21, 2026 Ekiti State Governorship election on June 20, 2026 Osun State Governorship election on August 8, 2026 The INEC Chairman also announced the recommencement of Continuous Voter Registration nationwide. Online pre-registration will open on August 18, 2025, while physical registration will begin nationwide on August 25, 2025. For Anambra State, ahead of its governorship election, the CVR exercise will start earlier next week and will take place simultaneously in all 326 wards to enable the compilation of a new voter register at least 90 days before the election, as required by law. Professor Yakubu also welcomed two newly appointed National Commissioners, Professor Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, as well as six newly sworn-in RECs participating in the meeting for the first time. Emphasising the vital role of Resident Electoral Commissioners, Yakubu urged them to be proactive in implementing policies and procedures rather than waiting for constant directives from the INEC headquarters. Addressing concerns around the interpretation of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which relates to the review of election results, the INEC Chairman revealed that the Commission is finalising a supplementary regulation and set of guidelines to clarify the process. He assured that the document would be made available to the public via INEC’s official platforms within the week. “The work of a Commissioner is not seasonal,” Yakubu reminded the RECs. “You are expected to function effectively at all times, not just as elections approach. This requires knowledge, dedication, and a clear understanding of your responsibilities.” The meeting, which followed extensive consultations with political parties, civil society groups, the media, and election security agencies, aimed to review key issues raised during those engagements and chart a course for improved electoral service delivery across the country.

A high-level Nigerian delegation has arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the burial of prominent businessman and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away on Saturday in Abu Dhabi at the age of 94. The delegation, which departed Nigeria on Sunday night, landed in the holy city early Monday, according to a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and National Orientation. The team is led by the Minister of Defence and former Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar. Other members include the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of State for Housing Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata. The delegation also comprises respected Islamic scholars such as Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, and Khalifa Abdullahi Muhammad, the Imam of Dantata Mosque in Abuja. They were received in Saudi Arabia by officials from Nigeria’s Consulate General in Jeddah, led by Ambassador Muazzam Ibrahim Nayaya, who is coordinating arrangements for the burial. The late Dantata’s burial is expected to take place later on Monday in Madinah, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) staged a protest at the office of the FCT Minister on Monday, demanding the payment of outstanding salaries, hazard allowances for health workers, and a resolution to the prolonged strike by FCT primary school teachers. The protesters, who also called for the removal of the FCT Civil Service Commission Chairman, Emeka Ezeh, sealed the Minister’s office, effectively preventing staff from entering or exiting the premises. The protest followed a call to action last Thursday by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, who urged affiliate unions to participate in a three-day demonstration from June 30 to July 2, 2025, over what she described as the FCT Minister’s failure to address critical staff welfare issues. Addressing the protesters, Iortyer expressed frustration over the non-payment of overhead costs, irregular salary payments, stunted career progression for retired staff, and unpaid hazard allowances for health workers. “We cannot perform our duties without overhead. It is meant for office operations, not directors’ personal use. Sadly, even high-ranking officials don’t seem to understand this,” she said. Iortyer criticised the administration for failing to address the plight of retired workers, whose career progression was stalled prior to retirement, depriving them of deserved promotions. She also condemned the arbitrary stoppage of salaries for auxiliary staff and workers in essential services like mortuaries and cemeteries, which she attributed to the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission. “In this harsh economy, stopping salaries without due process is completely unfair,” Iortyer stressed. Also speaking, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) FCT Chapter, Comrade Audu Akogwu, expressed full support for the protest, describing workers who failed to join as “saboteurs.” Akogwu decried the suspension of overhead funds, saying workers now buy basic office supplies like paper and pens themselves. “No promotion for 2023 and 2024, no staff training, and yet they expect productivity. Our children are out of school for over 100 days because of the teachers’ strike, while bailout funds meant for Area Councils are unaccounted for,” he said. He faulted the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for failing to hold Area Council Chairmen accountable, despite having reportedly released bailout funds to resolve the crisis. “Wike controlled local governments in Rivers State as governor, but here, the Area Councils seem to operate unchecked. If he truly gave them funds, where is the accountability?” Akogwu questioned. The union leader warned that if their demands were not addressed within the three-day protest window, a total shutdown of FCT offices would follow. “This is only a warning. If nothing changes after the three days, I will mobilise all TUC affiliates to shut down every FCTA office in Abuja,” Akogwu declared.

The deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has travelled to Saudi Arabia to attend the burial of renowned businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away on Saturday in Abu Dhabi at the age of 94. The burial is scheduled to take place in Madina, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic traditions, and is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria. Meanwhile, funeral prayers in absentia (Salatul Ga’ib) were conducted for the late Dantata on Saturday in Kano at the Umar Bin Khattab Mosque. The prayers were led by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, Chairman of the Kano State Council of Ulamas. Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, reinstated as Emir of Kano by the current state government, and Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who was deposed but still enjoys backing from the Federal Government, travelled separately to the Kingdom. While Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf led an official delegation comprising Emir Sanusi II and senior officials from Kano and Jigawa States, Emir Bayero departed with his own entourage of loyalists, traditional titleholders, and palace officials. Speaking with The PUNCH on Monday, Abubakar Balarabe Kofar Naisa, spokesperson for Emir Bayero, confirmed that the Emir and his delegation left Nigeria on Sunday. Balarabe disclosed that the late Dantata had personally expressed his wish for Emir Bayero to lead his funeral prayer, citing the close relationship between Dantata and the Emir’s late father, Alhaji Ado Bayero. “Dantata regarded His Highness as a son because of his longstanding bond with the late Alhaji Ado Bayero. That’s why he left clear instructions that Aminu Ado Bayero should lead his funeral prayer,” Balarabe explained. The Emir’s delegation includes key palace officials such as Sarkin Dawaki, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, and Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, a member of the House of Representatives. Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that both Emir Sanusi II and Emir Bayero would be present in Saudi Arabia to pay their final respects to the late Dantata, whose legacy in commerce, religion, and philanthropy shaped Northern Nigeria for decades. Commenting on the development, political analyst Mustapha Isa Kwaru described the simultaneous presence of the two rival emirs at the burial as a “symbolic yet uneasy moment” given the ongoing legal and political battle over the Kano throne. As of Monday morning, both delegations had arrived in Saudi Arabia, where they are expected to meet with members of the Dantata family and members of the Kano community residing in the kingdom. Alhaji Aminu Dantata was regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential businessmen and elder statesmen, whose impact spanned generations.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has called for dialogue and collaboration to address the concerns raised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Chapter, over the ongoing teachers’ strike. The strike stems from issues surrounding the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage for primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory. In a statement released on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the minister expressed concern over the situation and stressed the need for unity and swift resolution to avoid prolonged disruption to learning. Dr. Alausa acknowledged the crucial role teachers play as the foundation of Nigeria’s educational system, noting that the ministry had carefully reviewed the communiqué issued by the NUT FCT Wing following its Emergency State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) meeting held on March 22, 2025, in Gwagwalada, Abuja. While the management of LEA primary schools in the FCT is the responsibility of the six Area Councils and their respective Local Education Authorities (LEAs), the minister recognised the decentralised governance structure and pledged the continued support of the federal ministry. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the welfare, dignity, and professional development of teachers nationwide. Dr. Alausa also noted that the Federal Ministry of Education, the FCT Administration, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other relevant agencies would continue constructive engagement to resolve the issues at hand. He appealed to Area Council Chairmen to take decisive steps to achieve an amicable solution. “In the spirit of cooperative governance and shared responsibility, the ministry will continue to mediate and promote constructive dialogue among all stakeholders,” Alausa said, adding that it was essential to safeguard pupils’ education from disruptions caused by administrative disagreements. The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which include infrastructure development, digital learning initiatives, curriculum upgrades, and teacher capacity building. “These national efforts must be complemented by fairness, equity, and responsiveness to the needs of teachers,” he emphasised. Dr. Alausa urged all stakeholders, including unions, Area Councils, and education administrators, to approach the matter in good faith, stressing that dialogue, transparency, and collective responsibility are essential to preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s basic education system. (NAN)

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted over allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. The announcement was made via NAPTIP’s official Instagram page on Friday, urging the public to provide credible information regarding his whereabouts. “WANTED BY NAPTIP. Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately,” the statement read. The development follows Okoye’s failure to honour multiple invitations for questioning over controversial statements he made during a live Instagram video in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl. The video sparked public outrage, with women’s rights groups and concerned citizens calling for his arrest. NAPTIP first summoned Okoye on May 28, 2025, requesting his appearance at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja by May 30. However, the singer failed to show up, citing prior commitments and suggesting a rescheduled date of June 26. In response, NAPTIP rejected his proposed timeline, stressing that the matter was of urgent national importance and required immediate attention. Okoye was given a final deadline of June 2 to appear, but again failed to comply. The Lagos State government had earlier reported the case to NAPTIP following public uproar over the video, which included disturbing statements and admissions concerning minors. The agency cited potential violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime Act, 2015. Okoye later dismissed the video as a publicity stunt to promote new music, describing it as a “prank.” However, critics argued that trivialising child sexual abuse is unacceptable, regardless of intent. Sources within NAPTIP confirmed that legal action is imminent, with officials stating that the agency would not operate on Okoye’s terms. “This issue concerns national interest. He missed two appointments and refuses to cooperate. We are weighing our options, but no one is above the law,” an official said. Meanwhile, Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, disclosed that the young girl mentioned in Okoye’s video plans to file a formal police complaint. As investigations continue, NAPTIP has urged the public to report any information that may assist in locating the singer.

The Federal Government has dismissed a viral video claiming Nigerians are unsafe in Iran, confirming that all Nigerian citizens in the country remain safe and unharmed despite recent regional tensions. The reassurance came from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, both of which reported no casualties or injuries involving Nigerians. NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad, praising the embassy’s swift response to the situation. “Our priority is the safety and welfare of all Nigerians in the diaspora. The embassy has taken proactive steps to ensure their security,” Dabiri-Erewa stated in a release signed by NiDCOM’s Public Relations officer, Gabriel Odu. As a precaution, the Nigerian Embassy temporarily relocated its operations to Armenia to ensure uninterrupted consular services, while Nigerians in Iran were advised to relocate to safer areas in the north, including Shomal, Qom, and Ghaemshahr, designated as muster points for any potential evacuation. The embassy confirmed that these measures were effective, with normalcy now restored and no reports of harm to Nigerians. The government also clarified the origins of the viral video, stating that the individual featured had previously been imprisoned for human trafficking and allegedly using fellow Nigerians as collateral in drug-related activities. The Nigerian Embassy had secured his release on humanitarian grounds, but he reportedly refused to leave Iran until the recent crisis. “While we do not condone illegal acts, our responsibility is to all Nigerians. His claims are misleading and do not reflect the reality on the ground,” the embassy stressed. The Iran-Israel conflict erupted on June 13 after Israeli airstrikes targeted over 100 sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with missile strikes, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. According to Iran’s Health Ministry, over 610 civilians have been killed, including 13 children, and more than 4,700 people injured. Several hospitals and ambulances were also hit in the attacks. Amid the violence, countries including Germany, Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic evacuated their citizens. A ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, was announced on Tuesday.

The Nigerian Army has declared a three-day mourning period to honour the 17 soldiers killed in a recent attack on military bases in Niger and Kaduna States. In a statement released on its official website and X platform on Friday, the army said the mourning period would run from June 25 to 27, 2025, in recognition of the soldiers who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation. The attack, which occurred in Kwana Dutse Local Government Area of Niger State, saw gunmen launch a coordinated assault on military positions, leaving the nation in shock. During the mourning period, all military institutions and personnel across the country are directed to fly the Nigerian Army flag at half-mast as a mark of respect. The army expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and reaffirmed its commitment to honouring the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “This period offers the nation an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of its soldiers and the crucial role they play in safeguarding national security,” the statement read. As the nation grieves, security experts and stakeholders have called for greater recognition and support for military personnel and their families, describing the army’s gesture as a necessary reminder of the need to appreciate those who serve.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has commended the High Court of Kenya for declaring the 2021 arrest and transfer of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as illegal and unconstitutional. In a landmark judgment delivered on June 24, 2025, the court in Nairobi ruled that Kanu’s abduction, incommunicado detention, alleged torture, and subsequent transfer to Nigeria in June 2021 amounted to a gross violation of his fundamental rights under Kenyan and international law. IPOB, in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, described the judgment as a “resounding judicial earthquake” and praised the legal team led by Professor PLO Lumumba for securing the victory. “We are grateful for the brilliant legal leadership of Professor Lumumba, whose courage and tenacity made this monumental victory possible,” the group said. IPOB maintained that Kanu entered Kenya legally as a British citizen and was abducted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by operatives of Nigeria’s secret police in collaboration with rogue Kenyan security officials. The court found the Kenyan government liable for rights violations and awarded Kanu 10 million Kenyan shillings in compensation. It also ruled that his removal from Kenya was unconstitutional and illegal, exposing the complicity of both the Kenyan and Nigerian governments. IPOB stated that the verdict leaves a permanent legal stain on the records of former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. “This is only the beginning of a global accountability campaign. Those responsible, wherever they are, will be pursued under international law,” IPOB declared. The group also praised Justice E.C. Mwita for his “judicial bravery” and urged the Nigerian judiciary to uphold justice with similar courage.