Professor Wole Alamu, husband of the recently rescued Oyo State school principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has opened up about the harrowing 50 days his wife spent in captivity, revealing why he took the drastic step of blocking the kidnappers` phone numbers during negotiations . Speaking during a thanksgiving testimony following her release, Professor Alamu disclosed that constant threats from the abductors caused his blood pressure to skyrocket, posing an immediate danger to his life . Mrs. Alamu, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was abducted alongside some pupils and teachers by gunmen on May 15, 2026. For three weeks, her husband handled direct communications with the criminals, an ordeal he described as emotionally draining and physically destabilising. "There was a day I went for a medical check-up. They sent me a text message and I became destabilised," Professor Alamu recounted []. "By the time I got to the clinic, my blood pressure had increased so much that I could not even do the check-up." Realising the conversations were killing him, the academic made a bold resolution []. "That day I decided I would block these people. You cannot kill me here and kill her there. Choose one. If you want to take her, she is going to be with Christ. You cannot kill the two of us at the same time." The decision to cut off contact triggered a swift, psychological backlash from the kidnappers against the principal "They went to her and said, ‘Madam, your husband has blocked us. We are going to kill you,’" the professor revealed. "She replied, ‘You will not kill me in Jesus’ name.’" According to the testimony, the abductors left a cutlass beside Mrs. Alamu, apparently trying to pressure her into taking her own life. However, she remained resilient, boldly telling them she would not harm herself. Despite the trauma, Professor Alamu praised the swift mobilization of security forces immediately after the abduction. He noted that within 45 minutes of his arrival at Osiele, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Mechanised Division and the State Commissioner of Police were already on the ground, with two helicopters already combing the forest . The incident drew widespread solidarity across religious boundaries and international borders. The professor noted that the first two groups to visit and support him were the Muslim communities of Oyo State and the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). He also received tactical support proposals and calls from non-governmental organizations and individuals as far as California and Los Angeles in the United States. Reflecting on the crisis, which he described as the greatest challenge his family has faced since he became a Christian in 1990, Professor Alamu urged believers to take their faith seriously before adversity strikes. "We are a very quiet family. If you searched my name on Google before now, what you would mostly see was academics," he said []. "But difficult situations expose your spiritual foundation. If you want to be a Christian, please be a Christian, so that when challenges come, people won`t be praying in vain." Mrs. Alamu and the other victims finally regained their freedom after a coordinated rescue operation announced by the Federal Government, bringing a joyful end to a 50-day nightmare .

The Federal Government has officially prohibited manual lobbying for strategic deployments and "juicy" postings within the federal civil service following the launch of the newly automated Human Resource Modules under the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). The upgraded system introduces a fully digital infrastructure designed to automate staff promotions, transfers, leave applications, and total personnel lifecycles. This comprehensive digital shift aims to completely eliminate human interference, favoritism, and manual manipulation across all government sectors. Speaking at the official IPPIS Go-Live Ceremony in Abuja, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, declared that the transition effectively shuts the door on external influence in civil service postings. "‘Post me here, post me there. I want a juicy posting’—no more. It is now digitalised," Walson-Jack stated, emphasizing that the cloud-based system will institutionalise a transparent, merit-based framework for managing the nation`s public workforce. The digital overhaul, developed entirely by local tech firm SoftAlliance and Resources Limited, marks a significant shift from the foreign Oracle Electronic Business Suite previously in use. By keeping the software development entirely indigenous, the government successfully shields public spending from foreign exchange volatility while keeping sensitive national personnel data under local control. The Head of Service described the development as a practical expression of the "Nigeria First" policy. The newly deployed platform handles biometric enrolment, onboarding, payroll administration, employee mobility, and advanced data analytics. Through the newly introduced employee self-service module, civil servants can now securely access their personal dashboards, update records, and track their career progression online. This automation is projected to drastically reduce paperwork, eliminate administrative bottlenecks, and accelerate approval times for routine requests. Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, disclosed that the IPPIS infrastructure has grown exponentially from serving just seven pilot agencies at its inception in 2007 to managing over 1,008,800 employee records today. He explained that integrating human resource management directly with payroll administration provides a stronger safety net against financial leakages. This linkage will enhance workforce planning and strengthen fiscal discipline in public financial management. Lauding the initiative, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, described the IPPIS framework as one of Nigeria’s most successful public sector reforms due to its historical success in eliminating ghost workers. He noted that the new HR capabilities will provide data-driven insights for national workforce planning, making it easier for the government to identify staffing gaps and surpluses across different sectors. However, top government officials have warned that the technology will only be as effective as its execution. The Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Nkiruka Jones-Nebo, urged permanent secretaries, HR directors, and IT desk officers to act as change champions, stressing that the success of the system relies heavily on institutional commitment across all 508 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) currently onboarded. The Head of Service further cautioned public servants against resisting the change or trying to replicate old bureaucratic loops on the digital platform. She maintained that the ultimate goal of the digital transformation is to make the work of public servants easier while significantly strengthening the capacity of the government to deliver faster, highly accountable services to all Nigerians.

The Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has issued a stern warning to young Nigerians to abandon sports betting, declaring it a destructive path that ruins futures. Delivering a powerful sermon on Sunday, the prominent cleric emphasized that gambling is not a viable route to financial freedom or enduring success. He stressed that authentic prosperity requires discipline, patience, and diligent labor. "Young people, betting is not the way to financial fortune," Oyedepo admonished the congregation. "Stop wasting your destiny, stop wasting your destiny, stop wasting your destiny! I have never been once deceived. Stop!" The Bishop urged the youth to remain resilient through humble beginnings, noting that wealth built on biblical foundations guarantees longevity. "Things may be slow, but it is sure," he added. Illustrating the power of long-term faithfulness and gratitude, Oyedepo shared that he recently gifted a car in the United States to the woman who led him to Christ when he was 15 years old. "When I turned 60, I got her a car... she wept. You had better wake up," he urged. The cleric`s warning comes amid growing national concern from financial experts and social commentators over the explosive rise of sports betting in Nigeria, which has left millions of youth vulnerable to addiction and financial ruin.

Akin Osuntokun, a former political adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has revealed that his former principal is the main driving force behind a proposed Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joint ticket for the 2027 presidential election. Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Osuntokun dismissed swirling speculations that Obasanjo’s recent political posturing was designed to favor President Bola Tinubu. Instead, he insisted that the former president remains deeply critical of the current administration and is actively backing an opposition alliance. Osuntokun described the potential pairing of Obi and Kwankwaso as a highly realistic and compelling force that stands a far better chance of success than the Labour Party`s 2023 structure. According to him, Obasanjo personally stepped in to broker the relationship between the two political heavyweights. "Look, Obasanjo is critical of Tinubu. If you can say that Obasanjo is supporting any ticket, it is Peter Obi and Kwankwaso. As a matter of fact, he is the main sponsor of that ticket," Osuntokun stated, adding that Kwankwaso’s massive political base in Kano State would provide a "big bonus" for the ticket`s national impact. He further disclosed that Obasanjo had attempted to seal this exact deal before the 2023 general elections, reminding Kwankwaso at the time that a standard one-term agreement would have eventually positioned the former Kano governor as the ultimate beneficiary. The remarks come on the heels of intense public debate over an open letter written by Obasanjo in response to allegations made by the former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba. Osoba had accused Obasanjo of deceiving the Alliance for Democracy (AD) leaders in 2003, leading to the collapse of AD`s dominance in the South-West. Osuntokun strongly rejected the narrative that Obasanjo’s recent statements or past meetings with Tinubu meant they were working together. "How do you reconcile Obasanjo being the major sponsor of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket with the theory that he is working for Tinubu because Tinubu visited him?" he questioned. He also defended Obasanjo against the 2003 electoral manipulation claims, attributing the AD losses to shifting local political realities rather than a presidency-led conspiracy. While Osuntokun acknowledged that President Tinubu would hold a significant advantage in 2027 due to the traditional power of incumbency, he remained highly optimistic about the opposition`s prospects. He concluded by noting that an Obi-led ticket captures the popular imagination of the Nigerian electorate far better than any alternative configuration, including a ticket led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The Nigerian digital landscape was thrown into chaos following a dramatic confrontation involving two prominent content creators. Popular streamer Carter Efe took to social media to heavily criticize relationship coach Gehgeh after news broke of the latter`s secret wedding over the weekend. The revelation has sparked intense conversations online regarding the authenticity of digital influencers and the real-world impact of internet relationship advice. The controversy erupted after videos of Gehgeh’s private marriage ceremony leaked and quickly went viral across various platforms. The footage came as a shock to millions of followers, given Gehgeh’s well-known brand built entirely around anti-marriage advocacy. For months, the lifestyle coach had aggressively preached to his audience that marriage is a financial and emotional scam, urging men to avoid long-term commitments. Reacting directly to the viral videos, a visibly distraught Carter Efe broke down in tears during an emotional live broadcast. The content creator accused Gehgeh of extreme hypocrisy and direct betrayal, claiming he took the coach`s teachings seriously. Carter Efe revealed that Gehgeh’s continuous anti-marriage rhetoric was the direct reason he ended his own stable, 12-year relationship. "Gehgeh gets the mind to marry after everything wey he dey talk," Carter Efe lamented during his tearful outburst. He openly mocked the community of followers, labeling students of the unofficial "School of Gehgeh" as fools for believing the influencer`s doctrine. The streamer expressed deep regret over sacrificing over a decade of romance for advice that the teacher himself ultimately ignored. Public reaction to the saga has divided internet users, with many criticizing the dangerous trend of taking lifestyle advice from unverified online personalities. Critics argue that public figures often build controversial personas purely for engagement and traffic, while living completely different lives behind closed doors. Meanwhile, some defenders of Gehgeh argue that content creators should not be held legally or morally responsible for the personal choices of their adult audience. In a swift counter-response, Gehgeh broke his silence to address the growing backlash from his students and fellow creators. The controversial coach defended his actions, stating that he never explicitly forced anyone to terminate their relationships. He maintained that his content was merely alternative commentary and that individuals must take personal responsibility for their own lives and decisions. The incident highlights a growing concern within the Nigerian entertainment industry regarding the heavy influence of digital content on personal lives. As the dust settles, the public fallout between Carter Efe and Gehgeh serves as a stark warning about the boundaries of internet fandom. The ongoing debate emphasizes the critical need for media literacy and emotional independence in the modern digital era.

High-profile controversy has hit the Nigerian entertainment industry following the weekend wedding of controversial content creator Gehgeh, known for his aggressive anti-marriage campaigns. The online personality, who built a massive following by teaching that legal unions are a "financial mistake," has drawn fierce backlash from colleagues and followers who claim they were severely misled by his online doctrine. The sudden nuptials, which began circulating in viral videos over the weekend, have sent shockwaves through the celebrity landscape. Many prominent members of the entertainment industry who subscribed to his school of thought are now calling him out for hypocrisy. The content creator had long advised his audience to avoid traditional family structures, urging them to instead opt for casual co-parenting and "baby mama" or "baby daddy" arrangements. Reacting to the footage, Nollywood actress Evan Okoro—wholly attributing the crash of her own union to his teachings—expressed profound heartbreak and disbelief. Speaking in an emotional video address, she directly blamed the influencer for her recent domestic choices. Okoro confirmed that his rigid stance against family life completely ruined her perspective and fractured her home. "Gehgeh destroyed my marriage," Okoro stated, referring to her separation in April 2025. "He convinced us that marriage is a scam and a financial trap. He deceived me, and now he has abandoned his followers to get married himself. He explicitly told us that if he ever wed, we should know a woman used voodoo on him." Popular comedian Cute Abiola also voiced his anger, expressing deep relief for abandoning the influencer`s platform before it ruined his personal life. He questioned the motive behind the sudden change of heart, wondering how many young men had already ruined their futures following the same toxic guidance. Abiola demanded that the content creator return online to explain the sudden shift in principles. "Thank God I dropped out of his school before I ended up a single father," Cute Abiola stated. "This boy nearly ruined my life a year ago, along with countless other young men who listened to him. He now goes ahead to get married himself. I am waiting for him to come online and explain this in full details." The wave of criticism has quickly spread across top digital platforms, drawing commentary from media executives and digital peers alike. Prominent entertainment blogger Tunde Ednut openly questioned the authenticity of the ceremony, while online personalities like Tiktoker Salo, Tunde Perry, Carter Efe, and Izzy Ogbeide expressed similar shock. Media veteran Daddy Freeze has also weighed in on the unfolding drama. Gehgeh has yet to issue an official statement regarding the authenticity of the wedding videos or respond to the allegations of hypocrisy. As public outrage grows, the situation has sparked a broader national conversation regarding the real-world impact of influencer culture on traditional family institutions in Nigeria.

Popular social media content creator and self-acclaimed relationship coach, Emmanuel Prosper Obruste, widely known as "Gehgeh," has officially married his partner in a private ceremony. The secret wedding took place on Saturday, July 25, sending shockwaves across the Nigerian digital space. The sudden development has triggered intense public scrutiny, as the content creator`s real-life actions directly contradict years of his own fierce, anti-marriage public commentary. Leaked videos from the highly restricted event quickly surfaced online, capturing intimate moments of the celebration. In one clip, the newly wedded wife is seen feeding Gehgeh, while another video shows the groom dancing energetically. The master of ceremonies energized the room in Yoruba, chanting "Gehgeh gbemi debe, Gehgeh gbemi debe," confirming the celebratory mood of the tightly guarded venue. The news has ignited a massive wave of mixed reactions across major social media platforms. Fans and critics alike are pointing out the stark irony of the situation, given Gehgeh’s established reputation. Through his digital platform, famously dubbed the "GehGeh School of Marriage," he built a massive following by routinely advising young men against legal unions. What makes the wedding particularly shocking to the public is the timing of the announcement. Just days before exchanging his vows, Obruste made a highly publicised claim stating that he had four baby mamas and absolutely no committed woman in his life. This sudden shift from a self-proclaimed unattached bachelor to a married man has left many followers feeling misled. Social media commentators have wasted no time in labeling the move as the ultimate display of online hypocrisy. Critics argue that public figures often manufacture controversial personas simply to drive engagement, gather views, and monetise cynicism. Many former students of his virtual "school" now feel that his rigid advice was merely a marketing gimmick. Conversely, a segment of his fanbase has risen to his defence, viewing the marriage as a victory for love over online branding. Supporters argue that human beings are allowed to change their minds when they meet the right person. They suggest that his past cynical remarks were merely entertainment content rather than a reflection of his true personal desires. Sociologists note that this incident highlights a growing trend in the modern digital economy, where creators separate their real lives from their online brands. The situation serves as a cautionary tale for internet audiences who digest lifestyle advice from influencers. Experts warn that public figures often preach extreme lifestyles that they do not practice behind closed doors. As the viral videos continue to gather millions of views, Obruste has yet to issue an official statement addressing the marriage or the backlash. The silence from the "GehGeh School of Marriage" founder leaves a lingering question for his followers. Moving forward, the controversial coach faces the difficult task of rebuilding credibility or rebranding his content entirely.

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has called on the Federal Government to bypass court trials and immediately execute anyone caught in acts of terrorism or kidnapping. In a press statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric asserted that eliminating judicial delays for confirmed terrorists is the only definitive way to drastically crush the country`s worsening insecurity. Primate Ayodele also advocated for the immediate arrest of individuals negotiating with bandits, explicitly including state governors who pay ransoms. "There should be no court for kidnappers and terrorists; once they have been arrested and confirmed as terrorists, they should be killed immediately," Ayodele stated. "There is no need charging them to court because they won’t get the deserved punishment. Such crimes should attract the immediate death penalty, and those talking to them and paying ransom should also be arrested; this is how terrorism can end." The cleric commended the Nigerian military for its recent operational successes. He particularly praised the Minister of Defence for issuing a "shoot-at-sight" order against terrorists, noting that a sustained implementation of this policy would permanently end the insurgency. To boost morale, the prophet urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bestow national honours on frontline soldiers and the military high command in recognition of their sacrifices. While offering solutions, Ayodele warned the government against the proliferation of underfunded personal security outfits. He cautioned that if these unregulated groups lack adequate funding, they risk morphing into a new wave of terrorist cells. Instead, he recommended absorbing local hunters into the formal security architecture and strategically embedding them within forest bases. “The Nigerian army can do better; there are people who want to destroy the government with insecurity. If there are too many personal security agencies and they are not adequately funded, they can amount to terrorists. Transform local hunters and let them have their bases inside bushes,” he advised. Rounding off his statement, the spiritual leader issued a stern warning regarding the safety of a prominent Plateau State cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo. He called on security agencies to provide maximum protection for the cleric, warning that any harm befalling him would trigger severe national unrest. “Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo must be protected by all means; the government must ensure he is well protected because if anything happens to him, it will be seen as the highest form of Christian genocide,” Ayodele concluded.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu, declaring him medically unfit to govern Nigeria and urging him to resign immediately to focus on his health. Speaking during an explosive interview on Symfoni TV, Lawal claimed that the President`s frequent medical trips to France have failed to deceive the Nigerian public regarding his true physical condition. The former SGF insisted that the demands of the presidency are too strenuous for the President`s current state of health, suggesting that a four-year tenure is more than enough. "President Tinubu is not a healthy man. Nigerians are not fooled when he goes to France. I’ve said it before. He has done four years. He should face his health," Lawal stated during the broadcast. In a surprising disclosure about the President’s personal lifestyle habits, the former top government official claimed that Tinubu is not driven by material wealth, describing his daily routine in stark terms. "Tinubu is not even someone who is materialistic. He wakes up in the morning and eats banana and groundnut, and that’s his food. What I know he likes most is silk cigarettes. He smokes. He likes that a lot. He can’t do without it. I don’t know if he has stopped," Lawal added. The controversial statement marks another political shift for Lawal, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His exit from the ADC followed severe allegations of widespread rigging during the primary election that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party`s presidential flagbearer. The Presidency has yet to issue an official response to Lawal`s allegations regarding the President`s health and lifestyle.

Popular media personality and actress Toke Makinwa has sparked an intense national conversation after publicly declaring that women have no business getting married in their 20s. Speaking during a recent episode of her popular podcast, Toke Moments, the celebrity argued that the twenties are a period of self-discovery rather than lifelong marital commitments. According to Makinwa, women in their 20s are still figuring out their identities and lack the maturity to make critical, long-term life decisions. She asserted that rushing into marriage during this developmental stage often leads to deep personal resentment later in life. The media star further claimed that a vast majority of women who wed in their twenties ultimately regret the decision. She added that even those who remain married would confess, if honest, that they should have waited until they were older and more grounded. Joining her on the episode was reality television star Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, who firmly supported Makinwa’s controversial stance. Tacha illustrated the complexities of modern marriage by quoting a traditional proverb shared by her mother. "My mum says marriage is like an institution," Tacha stated during the broadcast. "Those inside want to get out, and those outside can`t wait to get in." The podcast episode has since gone viral across social media platforms, dividing fans, cultural commentators, and clerics alike. While some youth advocates praise Makinwa for prioritizing female empowerment and financial independence, traditionalists argue that early marriage builds stronger family foundations. Makinwa, who has been openly vocal about her own past marital experiences, continues to use her platform to challenge deeply entrenched societal timelines regarding women, career, and relationships in Africa.