Nigerian singer Skales has shared his opinion on the ongoing debate over who makes more money between footballers and musicians, stating that soccer stars have more stable incomes than their counterparts in the music industry. Speaking in a recent episode of the Groovymono show, the ‘Shake Body’ crooner explained that footballers don’t need to be starters for their clubs to make money, but on the contrary, it is only reigning musicians who make lots of money. He also noted that music money is seasonal, while football money is often interrupted for the period of the contract, regardless of any circumstance. “Football money is greater than music. The difference between music money and football money is that you don’t even have to be a big star or a starter in football to make money. “But music money is seasonal. An artist can be up today and down tomorrow. Artists who have been able to be stay relevant consistently are backed by the divine. “However, in football, even without being relevant you will still be making money. There are some footballers you don’t even know their names but they are earning well. Music is also crazy money but sports money is different,” he said.

The Senate has condemned the abduction of 87 students and teachers across Borno and Oyo states within 24 hours, describing the incidents as an attack on Nigeria’s future. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who issued the condemnation through a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday, said the abductions were particularly troubling given that $30 million had been raised globally in 2014 to secure public and private schools across the country. Suspected gunmen had on Friday abducted 45 students and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Within the same period, Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting 42 students. Bamidele, who is also Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said the twin abductions reinforced the urgency of establishing state police, a proposal currently under consideration at the National Assembly. According to him, the 10th National Assembly was at an advanced stage of amending the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for state police, adding that the process would soon be concluded before being transmitted to state houses of assembly for ratification. He explained that after the National Assembly had concluded its part, the proposal would be transmitted “to the State Houses of Assembly for consideration and scrutiny, which would require a two-thirds approval before the state police could come on stream.” He appealed to sub-national governments and legislatures to treat the state police proposal as a matter of strategic national importance, warning that it should not be subjected to partisan politics or ethno-religious considerations. Pending the establishment of state police, Bamidele urged both federal and state governments to adopt the Safe School Initiative as a stop-gap measure, noting that Nigeria currently had 18.3 million out-of-school children. He said the incessant abduction of students and teachers “is a tragic national concern that negates our national development indices,” adding that the National Assembly would use legislation to confront the trend when plenary resumed on June 2. “One of such initiatives is the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution that seeks to establish state police, which is now at an advanced stage. “Another is the amendment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 aimed at strengthening the system of consequence in the country’s justice sector and discouraging heinous crimes nationwide,” he said.

Following the coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Sunday expressed dismay and called on state governments to act, saying, “Yorubaland is now under siege.” The organisation, in a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also sympathised with families of the victims of the attacks. Afenifere’s spokesperson said the organisation’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, “was saddened to hear this unfortunate incident which occurred the same week he marked his 100th year on earth.” THENEWSCREDIT that terrorists on motorbikes attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, all in Oriire Local Government, on Friday, May 15. Ajayi said, “He sympathised with the victims and their families, just as he prayed for the quick recovery of those who were injured. Besides, he expressed the hope that a total stop would be put to the life-threatening insecurity situation in the country without further delay.” He declared that the latest attacks reinforced growing fears that the terrorists appeared determined to overrun the South-West and, ultimately, the entire South. The organisation’s spokesperson said, “The actions of South-West governors in recent times do not suggest that they appreciate the enormity of the responsibility they shoulder concerning the security of their land. “In view of the fact that the primary duty of government is the security and welfare of the people, governments in South-Western states of Nigeria must prove that they are alive to their constitutionally assigned responsibilities. “Everything must be done to ensure that no area in the region experiences an attack by kidnappers and bandits anymore,” he said.

Nollywood actress, Bolaji Ogunmola, has recounted the early challenges she faced in the film industry, saying she was often stereotyped and restricted to certain roles because of her appearance. “It was almost like they wanted to put me in a box. I am dark-skinned. There was a time when light-skinned people were reigning, and they told me I was very curvy and tried to limit me to ‘side chick’ roles,” she said in an interview with social media personality and content creator, Joseph Onaolapo, popularly known as Jay On-Air which started trending on Sunday. The actress, who once participated in the Next Movie Star reality show but did not make it into the final house, described her journey in the industry as difficult but consistent. “My journey has been crazy, but I have just kept at it,” she said. Ogunmola also spoke about her decision to venture into business early in her career, noting that she preferred entrepreneurship over traditional office jobs. “I just wanted my life to have meaning at that time. I am not somebody who likes to sit at home; I wanted to do something. I never wanted to do 9–5. I will not do 9–5, it’s not just me. Shoutout to people who do it, I applaud you. But for me, I am business-savvy like that,” she added. She stressed the importance of financial discipline and diversification in an unpredictable entertainment industry, advising creatives to prepare for life beyond fame. “Life is in phases. You are popular today, you may not be tomorrow. What are you doing to put food on the table? You should be investing, positioning yourself from now. I have always been that kind of person, so I always have something else I am doing,” she said. Ogunmola also credited filmmaker Biodun Stephen for mentoring her on set, describing her as a major influence in her professional growth. “Before you lead, serve. A lot of the things I learnt were from other producers. Biodun Stephen was my first teacher when it comes to movie production. Every time I am on set, I am watching her,” she noted.

A devastating bandit attack on communities within the Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has resulted in the abduction of 46 people. The victims include 7 teachers and 39 young students from local schools. The bandits targeted Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. During the raid, the attackers also snatched four motorcycles from the villagers—three from the Yawota community and one from the high school. Abducted School Staff (7) Mrs. Alamu Folawe – Principal, Community High School,Mr. Ojo Jonathan – Vice Principal, Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus – Teacher, Mr. John Olaleye – Teacher,Mr. Michael Oyedokun – Teacher,Mrs. Oladeji – Teacher, Mary Akanbi – Teacher, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. Abducted Students and Pupils (39) The abducted children, some as young as two years old, were taken from four distinct communities: Ahoro-Esinele Community: Rashida Tajudeen (11), Ahmed Ramoni (8), Abdulsalam Toyib (4), Baraka Abioye (16), Fatimo Jimoh (15), Hassan Azeez (14), Joshua Adeleke (13) Yawota Community: Samuel Oyedele (7), Emmanuel Oyedele (4), Idowu Taiwo (4), Christianah Akanbi (2), Juwon Sunday (7), Sikiru Salami (3), Soliu Salami (4), Ojo Joseph (8), Lydia Adewole (8), Testimony Jacob (5), Kehinde Kaosara (7), Sewa Seyi (7), Waliya Bello (4), Lydia Olohunloluwa (7), Damilare Oderinde (8), Deborah Adebowale (5), Aisha Oguntowo (10), Lege Taiwo (12), Balkis Ayanwale (8), Asa David (10) Oniya Community: Shuaibu Aliyu (10), Ahmed Aliyu (7), Muiz Aliyu (5), Jomiloju Ogunlola (6). Alawusa Community: Agune Noah (8), Elizabeth Abadi (5), Tosin Abadi (9), Pius Stephen (5), Hannah Ojo (14), Habidat Ayanwale (7), Mary Gabriel (6), Jacob Gabriel. Principal Releases Distress Video A video featuring the abducted principal, Mrs. Grace Alamu, has circulated online. Speaking from captivity, she made an urgent appeal to the government and the general public. She called for immediate assistance and urged authorities to engage in peaceful dialogue with the bandits to secure the safe release of the children and staff. Clergy and Community Leaders React Speaking on the radio programme "Niwayu-Oluwa" on BRAVE 91.1FM, Bishop Agba Akintayo Asamu Kowinrin comforted listeners by drawing strength from Psalm 91, urging citizens to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. The Bishop issued a sharp call to action, demanding that all levels of government, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders unite immediately. He stressed that leadership must harmonise their efforts to rescue the victims and bring a permanent end to the rising banditry in the region.

Reports regarding a distress video featuring Mrs. Grace Alamu—the principal of a school in Oriire Local Government, Oyo State—have circulated following a devastating attack on the Ahoro-Esinele community. In the footage, she appeals to the government and the public for urgent assistance and peaceful dialogue with bandits to rescue abducted schoolchildren and staff. Armed men on motorcycles violently invaded multiple schools and surrounding communities, resulting in fatalities and the mass abduction of pupils and staff. The attackers killed two people, including a headteacher/assistant headmaster, and abducted an unspecified number of students along with Principal Mrs. Alamu. A massive manhunt and rescue operation is underway across the thick forests of Oriire LGA by the Oyo State Police Command, local vigilantes, and Amotekun. Following the attack, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) strongly criticized Governor Seyi Makinde, demanding an immediate rescue of the victims and the establishment of a permanent military base in the area

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has lamented that the Friday’s abduction of some pupils and students in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire local government area has crippled many families. Makinde expressed his concern at the launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, of the State Police HCommand in Ibadan on Saturday. The event was hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga. THENEWSCREDIT reports that an unspecified number of students were kidnapped from schools in the community. on Friday. The Principal of a secondary school in the community was abducted, while a teacher and a motorcyclist were killed. Makinde said the incident should remind the people that security is not the business of government alone. He maintained that social and economic development cannot thrive in the presence of violence and instability, calling on the people of the state to volunteer information for security agencies to act promptly. He urged the people to report any strange movement in their vicinity, noting that the establishment of the elite unit is timely. Makinde said, “We have witnessed a series of kidnappings and various violent crimes, including the kidnapping of school children yesterday, which has crumbled many families. “This incident reminds us that security cannot be taken for granted. Social and economic development cannot thrive in the absence of peace and stability. “The inauguration is timely. Security is not the function of government alone. It is the collective responsibility of all. “We should say something in a timely manner. I will advice the people to be watchful. When you see any storage movement, please report it. “May peace and stability continue to prevail in Oyo State and Nigeria”.

Community leader and elder, Mr. Abegunde Taiwo, has felicitated Dr. Zacheous Segun Ogunwobi on the occasion of his birthday. In a glowing tribute, Mr. Abegunde praised the prominent academic and former Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) figure, hailing him as a dedicated champion of the people and a devoted ambassador of peace. Abegunde described Dr. Ogunwobi as a highly respected figure whose contributions go far beyond the confines of the classroom. During an interview reported by THENEWSCREDIT, he noted that Ogunwobi has consistently committed his life, resources, and vast intellectual prowess to the betterment of his community and the nation at large. Throughout his career, Dr. Ogunwobi has made a name for himself not only as a distinguished titan of mathematics but also as a passionate philanthropist. Friends, colleagues, and community members alike have lauded his selfless service and his commitment to empowering the youth and less privileged. As the birthday celebrations continue, well-wishers and community leaders continue to pour in their prayers and goodwill messages. They celebrate Dr. Ogunwobi`s enduring legacy of peace, educational excellence, and humanitarian service, wishing him many more years of good health, wisdom, and continued impact on society.

The Oyo State Government has directed the reopening of schools in Oriire Local Government Area and neighbouring local government areas on Monday, following the deployment of additional security personnel to the affected communities. The government had earlier on Friday ordered the closure of schools following attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle community in Oriire LGA, where a teacher was killed and a number of students kidnapped. The affected areas include Oriire, Oyo East, Surulere and Olorunsogo local government areas. The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr Nureni Adeniran, in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, said the decision followed a comprehensive security review conducted after the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinle community. He said the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, had strengthened surveillance and safety measures across the affected areas to ensure the protection of pupils, teachers and other school personnel. According to him, the deployment of additional security operatives under the directives of the Commissioner of Police has improved security architecture within the axis. “The safety of pupils and teachers remains a top priority of the state government. “Learning activities can now resume without fear, as the government continues to monitor the situation closely in partnership with local authorities and community stakeholders,” he said. Adeniran appealed to parents and guardians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, assuring them of sustained security presence in the communities. He added that the government would continue to provide timely updates on developments relating to security in the affected areas. (NAN).

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, says no Nigerian child should miss education because of financial hardship. She said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritised policies that make schooling accessible to every child. Ahmad said government interventions have widened educational access and reduced financial barriers confronting students across the country. She cited the Nigeria Education Loan Fund as a major intervention supporting tertiary students. The minister spoke on Friday during an inspection of schools under the AGILE programme in Kano. She visited Government Girls College and Government Girls Secondary School, Dukawuya, to assess infrastructure and learning conditions. According to her, education financing reforms have removed tuition concerns for many students nationwide. “Poverty is no more an excuse not to go to school. Not only is your tuition paid, but stipends support transportation, daily subsistence and study materials,” she said. She urged students, especially girls, to embrace the opportunities created through government reforms. Ahmad explained that free online skills programmes have also been introduced for youth empowerment.