Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, has cautioned Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State against using the state as a tool for his 2027 presidential ambition. Egbedun warned that lawmakers and political stakeholders in Osun State will not allow Makinde to dictate to them. He disclosed this while addressing journalists amid the crisis surrounding the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primary elections in Osun State. According to Egbedun, “We were on the floor of the House when he heard that some people from Oyo State were on the floor of the House just to have what we can call a drama. “I’m a leader of PDP, a bonafide member and I used PDP ticket to win my election in 2023, so it’s very strange to see videos of people calling themselves PDP members from Osun State, they are not PDP members. “If Seyi Makinde is desperate to become president in 2027, he should use another state as a tool, not Osun. “We are bona fide PDP members, and in a state where we have 25 house of assembly members, including the speaker, five house of representatives members, and a senator, we will not be dictated to by a governor from another state. We won’t take that.”

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from his position, citing health reasons. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday. In the letter, Badaru cited poor health as the reason for stepping down. President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for the minister’s service to the nation.

Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, has accused some politicians of funding terrorism in the country. Irabor made the allegation on Monday while responding to questions in an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, as monitored by our correspondent. He was reacting to the recent wave of insecurity ravaging the nation, where bandits are bent on kidnapping innocent Nigerians, including children. “Some Christians are being targeted in this country, and some politicians are funding terrorism in this country. “There are a lot of individuals who are being called to question, and while I was the Chief of Defence Staff, some trials were made for the financiers,” he said.

Nigeria’s Northern Governors have said the region Is on the brink of losing its future to escalating insecurity and deepening poverty unless leaders take urgent and decisive action. Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, stated this on Monday during a joint meeting of the Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna. Our correspondent, reports that the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Northern Traditional Leaders Council were in an emergency meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, amid escalating security concerns across the region. The Forum’s Chairman said the North is today confronted with the grim reality of insecurity and poverty that seeks to undermine our very existence. The two-day meeting, held at the Kaduna State Government House, drew 19 governors, traditional rulers, security chiefs and civil society representatives in what Is described as a final push for a coordinated response to terrorism, banditry and social decay in the region. According to the Gombe state governor, future generations would judge today’s leaders not by the number of projects they commission, but by whether they are able to bequeath to them a Northern Nigeria they can truly call home. He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for his ‘strong leadership and steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity,’ particularly in the rescue efforts for abducted schoolchildren. The governor extended condolences to families of pupils abducted in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kano, Niger and Sokoto states, as well as victims of recent Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe. He insisted that attacks on education, “the bedrock of our children’s future” are an assault on the region’s destiny. Yahaya, while warning that insecurity spares no one, poor or rich, Muslim or Christian, called for an end to partisan bickering and a united stand to ensure the very survival of the north and Nigeria at large. “We reject divisive narratives. The crisis is driven not only by crime but also by underdevelopment, illiteracy, poor resource management, climate change and the abandonment of millions of Almajiri and out-of-school children,” he said. Topping the agenda was a renewed call for the establishment of state police. Reaffirming the May 10, 2025, communique of the NSGF, the governors said state policing remains “a critical and effective mechanism” to address today’s security challenges and urged the National Assembly to fast-track constitutional amendments required to make it a reality. Traditional rulers were tasked to deploy their influence as “stabilizers,” while religious leaders were urged to preach tolerance and avoid incendiary rhetoric. Political leaders, the forum warned, must desist from exploiting ethnic or religious differences for political gains.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, has insisted that there’s no Christian genocide in Nigeria, explaining that number of people killed doesn’t amount to genocide. Bishop Kukah stated this while presenting a paper at the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) in Kaduna. His comments follow criticism that trailed reports quoting him as advising the international community against designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.” The bishop explained that such labels could heighten tensions, fuel suspicion, and give room for criminal groups to exploit the situation, which would disrupt interfaith dialogue and cooperation with government. Addressing figures circulated about alleged Christian killings in Nigeria, Kukah said he aligns with the Vatican Secretary of State, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and all Catholic bishops in the country.

Operators in the building sector have said the poor condition of campus hostels is pushing nearly 70 per cent of students toward private and off-campus accommodation options. He said, “It is estimated that more than 70 per cent of higher education students seek alternative accommodation due to poor campus hostels. More than 15 million higher education students in Nigeria are expected to mature into a dedicated asset class.” In an exclusive interview with The Punch, a real estate consultant, Ajekiigbe Josiah, said it was no secret that many school-owned hostels were outdated. He said, “It is no secret that many school-owned hostels are outdated, and even those that are recently built or renovated often fail to receive proper maintenance. While attention is often focused on administrative tasks such as room allocation or porter duties, little effort is placed on proper facility management. Without consistent upkeep, even new hostels can quickly deteriorate, compromising the quality of student life. “Poor facility management manifests in multiple ways. Sanitary areas such as toilets are often neglected, water supply can be unreliable, and overcrowding remains a persistent problem. In addition, inadequate security measures leave students vulnerable, creating an environment that is uncomfortable and unsafe. These conditions make it difficult for students to focus on their studies or feel at home on campus. As a result, many students increasingly seek private alternatives. Private hostel investors often provide superior services, prioritising cleanliness, security, and prompt maintenance. By addressing the very issues that plague school-owned hostels, these private options offer a more comfortable and reliable living experience, even if it comes at a higher cost. “This trend highlights a fundamental gap in the management of public student accommodation. Schools risk losing relevance in student housing unless they invest in proper facility management, regular maintenance, and security enhancements. Without such interventions, private hostels will continue to dominate, leaving school-owned hostels underutilised despite their potential advantages.” Corroborating the above, an estate surveyor, Olorunyomi Alatise, stated that the issue stems from poor maintenance, inadequate provision, and the limited capacity of campus hostels, which leave students with little choice but to seek alternative accommodations. He said, “It’s quite alarming that the accommodations provided on campus are often insufficient for students. Even when accommodations exist, many are poorly maintained and in a state unfit for comfortable living. I recall my own experience in school: I was assigned a room in one of the so-called “prestigious” hostels, not prestigious because it was comfortable or well-kept, but rather for its notoriety of neglect and decay. I couldn’t stay there and had no choice but to look for alternatives off-campus. “The problem is that as more students seek housing elsewhere, demand for off-campus accommodations rises, driving rents to exorbitant levels. I once conducted a valuation in Kwara State and observed this firsthand: properties located near schools command significantly higher rents, sometimes double, compared to similar properties farther away. “The root cause is clear: poor maintenance, inadequate provision, and insufficient capacity of campus hostels leave students with little choice but to seek alternatives. As a result, more than half of students end up living off-campus, often paying far more than they should. The lack of adequate, well-maintained campus housing has a direct impact on students’ financial burdens and overall well-being.” Meanwhile, an architect, Olusola Amusan, said students increasingly turn to off-campus or private hostels because limited campus spaces, overcrowding, hygiene concerns, and a desire for comfort, privacy, and better learning environments push them to seek more suitable alternatives despite higher costs. He said, “My recent discussion with Adeniyi Giwa and Esemjay Jonathan has made me realise some of the main reasons why students look for viable alternatives to living in hostels on campus. These reasons would vary based on personal preferences applicable to each student. This would range from availability of hostel accommodations, affordability, health & comfort and need for privacy. “The University of Lagos, for instance, makes use of a ballot system to provide hostel accommodations for students in their hostel on campus. Though the cost of securing such is subsidised and very affordable, the number of occupants in a room would be a minimum of eight persons, as many times, students take the liberty to squat with their friends in the same room from time to time, thereby resulting in overcrowding, pollution and poor hygiene. Moreover, these hostels often have a common toilet and bath for the rooms, thereby resulting in an unhygienic experience most time. These hostel accommodations can be as cheap as N65,000 per academic year. “There are some that see this situation as not conducive enough for their wards, and so they would rather go an extra mile of paying even more to secure better accommodation with the privately owned hostels on campus. These ones, though they can be expensive, guarantee a more decent living environment for the students. A room with its private toilet and bath, including a laundry spot, is designed exclusively for four students. In some cases, there is availability of social amenities like communal spaces, a good water supply, a well-landscaped environment, good security and free wifi for their welfare.

Nollywood Actress, Filmmaker And Fast-rising Adult-lifestyle Entrepreneur Seyi Hunter In A Recent Conversation With Potpourri Hunter Opens Up About Her Personal Life, Career Evolution, And The Philosophy Guiding Her Next Big Moves — And She Does So With A Characteristic Mix Of Humor, Honesty, And Audacity. For Many, Her Revelation May Be Surprising, But For Seyi Hunter, It Is Simply Her Truth: She Has Only Ever Dated Older Men — From Their Late 50s Up To Their 90s. “Some Young Women Truly Connect With Older Men Emotionally And Intellectually,” She Explains While Reacting To Conversations Sparked By The Regina Daniels–Ned Nwoko Dynamic. “Age Doesn’t Automatically Mean Issues. It Takes Maturity, Understanding And Shared Values To Make It Work.” Then She Adds, Unapologetically: “Personally, I’ve Only Dated Older Men. Men In Their 50s To 90s… I Haven’t Met Anyone Below 58.” It Is A Candid Confession, One That Reflects Both Her Personal Preference And Her Belief That Relationships Should Be Shaped By Compatibility, Not Public Opinion. While Hunter’s Personal Life Draws Attention, Her Work Life Is Just As Dynamic. Her Latest Achievement — The Release Of Her Pet Project On Prime TV — Is Something She Describes As “a Big Deal.” But The Actress Is Not Keeping Herself Confined To Traditional Nollywood Structures. She’s Diving Deeper Into A World She Calls “a Sprinkle Of Adventure.” From Curating Luxury Tours To Launching The SinfulFriday Walk-In Center, Her Expanding Brand Blends Tourism, Intimacy Education, And Unconventional Entertainment. The Center, She Says, Offers Sexual Counseling, “rub & Tug” Experiences, And Monthly Live Practical Sessions — All Part Of Her Mission To Create Safe Spaces For Adult Expression. “Basically, I’m Living Soft And Keeping Things Exciting,” She Says With A Laugh. On Body Enhancement: A Door-Opener, Not A Career Hunter Approaches The Subject Of Body Enhancement With A Mix Of Realism And Caution. She Acknowledges That In Nollywood And Entertainment At Large, Appearance Often Plays A Role In First Impressions. “Enhancement Can Turn Heads,” She Admits. “And Sometimes That’s The First Step To Getting Noticed. But Staying Relevant? That’s All About Presence, Talent, And Hard Work.” Though She Is Not Against Cosmetic Procedures, She Says It Isn’t Something She Would Personally Consider. “If It Makes You Feel Hotter And More Confident, Go For It. Just Remember: A Snatched Body Might Open Doors, But A Powerful Performance Keeps Them Open. For Me, It’s Not Worth Risking My Life.” Escaping Pressure — Literally Life In The Limelight Comes With Pressure, And Seyi Hunter Has Her Own Unique Way Of Staying Grounded: She Travels. “When The Pressure Gets Too Much, I Run Away,” She Says Matter-of-factly. Travel, For Her, Is Both Therapy And Inspiration — A Way To Shed Stress While Absorbing New Cultures, Food, And People. “Planning Escapes For People Becomes My Own Escape Too. It’s Like Therapy… With A Passport.” What’s Next? “It’s About To Get Legendary” With A Foot In Nollywood And Another In The Adult-entertainment And Lifestyle Space, Hunter Hints At Projects That Stretch Across Both Worlds. “Big Things Are Coming — On Screen, Off Screen, And Everywhere In Between,” She Teases. She Plans To Merge Her Creativity With Her Passion For Tourism And Adult Entertainment, Creating What She Calls “fresh Stories, Real Experiences, And Unforgettable Moments.” “I’m Just Getting Warmed Up,” She Says. “The Rest? It’s About To Get Legendary.”

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, boasted on Saturday that he is the most ranked Christian in government. He attributed his political rise to “the special grace of God,” urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in serving God regardless of their position in life. Akpabio spoke during the blessing and official opening of the Regina Coeli Parish Rectory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, an event attended by top clerics and political leaders. His remarks were contained in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom. The Senate President said his journey from obscurity to the nation’s number three position was a testament to God’s favour. “As the most ranked Christian in government, God has specially and graciously transformed and prepared me for the task ahead. I belong to all denominations, but I am lucky and happy to be a Catholic. Most people are in the church without knowing the power of the church. “If God can raise me from a nobody to be the President of the Senate and by extension, the number three citizen of this great country, He can do it for us all, just position and prepare yourself for His blessings,” he said. Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain committed to service in the house of God, noting that even the smallest contribution to church projects carries divine reward. “Anytime you contribute as little as 10 kobo to the construction of a church building project and it is completed and put to use, know that God has accepted your contributions. “I am always excited to be part of the development of the church because nothing is too big for our God,” he added. The senate president also disclosed plans to unveil a new worship centre within the National Assembly complex in Abuja. “In the next few weeks, I will happily invite Nigerians from all walks of life to join us in commissioning a befitting place of worship for our God,” he announced. At the Uyo ceremony, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo, Most Rev John Ayah, commended the Senate President and his wife, Dr Unoma Akpabio, for their support to the church, including hosting Catholic bishops nationwide in Ikot Ekpene last September. He also urged Akpabio to ignore detractors. “You are important and that is why they talk about you. It is expected because of your position in today’s Nigeria,” the Bishop said. Akpabio’s testimony comes amid renewed attention on Senate unity following claims of attempted leadership plots. Two weeks ago, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, dismissed reports of moves to impeach the Akpabio, describing them as “unfounded” and capable of creating unnecessary tension. Bamidele’s rebuttal followed comments by former Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, who disclosed that there had been past but unsuccessful efforts by some lawmakers to unseat Akpabio. He said such attempts failed after key senators intervened to maintain stability in the upper chamber. However, during plenary, Bamidele insisted there was no plan—past or present—to remove the Senate President, urging senators to prioritise legislative cohesion over political scheming.

President Bola Tinubu has sent the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, days after he sent the first batch of three names. Among them are former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmud Yakubu, an aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri (Delta), and former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others. “In two separate letters to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu asked the Senate to consider and confirm expeditiously 15 nominees as career ambassadors and 17 nominees as non-career ambassadors,” read a statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. In the statement titled, ‘Tinubu nominates 32 additional ambassadors,’ Onanuga noted, “There are four women on the career ambassadors’ list and six women on the non-career ambassadors’ list.” “Among the non-career ambassador designates are Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia, a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri (Delta), former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, former Ekiti first lady, Erelu Adebayo, and former Enugu governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. “Others are Tasiu Musa Maigari, the former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly, Yakubu N. Gambo, a former Commissioner in Plateau State and former Deputy Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission. “Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau; Otunba Femi Pedro, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister from Osun State; and Nkechi Ufochukwu from Anambra State are on the nomination list,” the statement read. Also on the list are former First Lady of Oyo, Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande, former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent, former governor of Abia, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman, lawyer and Senator from Ondo State, and the former ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See, Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State. Among the nominees for career ambassador and high commissioner-designates are: Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi) and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun). The other nominees are Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah(Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara) and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun). “The new nominees are expected to be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains excellent and strategic bilateral relations, such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Kenya, and to Permanent Missions such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. “All the nominees will know their diplomatic assignments after their confirmation by the Senate,” it read. Last week, Tinubu sent three ambassadorial nominees for screening and confirmation. The nominees were Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun). All three are in the pot for posting to the UK, USA, or France after their confirmation. “More nominees for ambassadorial positions will be announced soon,” Onanuga revealed. Saturday’s development follows earlier reports by our correspondent that the ambassadorial list will be staggered across countries of importance to Nigeria’s foreign policy.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Friday, said that the entire South-West region has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu to address the security challenges facing Nigeria. The monarch stated this on Friday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television monitored by THENEWSCREDIT. Oba Ogunwusi, who condemned the politicisation of the current challenges, said that the traditional institution would collaborate with political leaders to make Nigeria better for all. “God has brought our leader, the current President, President Bola Tinubu, to lead us. Traditional leaders are not talking about politics; we are talking about how to save our people and our race. “That is way beyond politics. So, for us, we have concluded; the entire South-West to pass a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu. “We need to support him to save Nigeria; it’s very important. You condemn this leader, you condemn that leader. So, which one are you going to use eventually? “All these politicians have been there from Day One. What have they done? Nigeria is bigger than them. It’s not their personal entitlement. It is not their heritage; it is the heritage of the people living here. “Why should they be bringing politics into security matters? Enough of this,” he added. The monarch also warned against sinking the nation because of politics, saying that Nigeria’s interest should be paramount.