PORT HARCOURT — A Nigerian woman has successfully completed a gruelling 144-hour marathon reading of the Holy Bible in a bid to enter the Guinness World Records. Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, a member of the Summit Bible Church, concluded her six-day continuous reading session on Monday, June 29, at the Novotel Hotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The faith-driven initiative, tagged “144 Hours in the Word,” commenced on June 22. Supporters, church members, and well-wishers monitored her progress via live digital timers as she read aloud from a lectern. Under strict Guinness World Records guidelines, Salawudeen was required to read continuously, with only brief, strictly timed breaks permitted for basic human needs. According to her senior pastor, Dr. Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, the initiative was conceived as a spiritual project to exalt the scriptures rather than a mere pursuit of global recognition. Salawudeen reportedly spent four years preparing for the endurance feat, tracing the roots of her preparation back to June 2022. Her attempt follows a major milestone in Nigerian reading records. In 2024, Ibadan-born reader Samson Ajao secured the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud after clocking an unprecedented 215 hours, eclipsing the previous 124-hour record held by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov. Salawudeen’s 144-hour performance has been documented and submitted. The achievement now awaits official verification and confirmation from the Guinness World Records management team before it can be formally integrated into the global record books.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a historic, comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago. THENEWSCREDIT reports that,the sweeping reforms, approved during Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja, will strip the military of its traditional operational leadership over the scheme, replacing them with civilian heads. Under the new framework, the military`s role will be strictly limited to providing security for corps members nationwide. Announcing the decision, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stated that the reforms aim to reposition the NYSC into a skills-focused, productivity-driven institution. The restructuring aligns the scheme with President Bola Tinubu’s economic vision of building a $1 trillion economy. The Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act to provide immediate legal backing for the implementation. According THENEWSCREDIT the Minister says the approved changes will completely transform the year-long service experience for Nigerian graduates. The core updates include:Operational control shifts to civilian administration.The iconic kit will be redesigned to reflect professionalism. The traditional Passing Out Parade will be replaced by a formal graduation ceremony.Deployment processes will become entirely technology-driven. Camp time extends to six weeks, focusing on digital skills and entrepreneurship. Primary assignments will strictly match academic backgrounds.A national certification system will standardise camp facilities. The reform process began in 2025 through a collaborative review involving the Ministries of Youth, Education, and the Presidency. "This is more than a reform of an institution," Olawande stated. "It is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset—our young people." Originally established in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War to foster national unity, this historic rewrite alters the fabric of the mandatory service scheme to meet contemporary economic demands.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has accused the National Assembly of failing to perform its constitutional duty by allowing successive federal governments to breach laws regulating borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Speaking over the weekend on the need for stronger institutions and fiscal accountability, the former CBN governor slammed federal lawmakers for failing to check executive excesses despite clear legal limits on government borrowing from the apex bank. Emir Sanusi explained that the law permits the Federal Government to borrow a maximum of five per cent of the previous year’s revenue from the CBN. He alleged that this provision was repeatedly violated without any action by the legislature. “The law said you cannot lend more than five per cent of last year’s revenue. That law was broken with impunity. Where was the National Assembly? For eight years, the National Assembly was silent,” Sanusi said. He argued that the legislature cannot function as an independent arm of government if it fails to hold the executive accountable. “The legislature is supposed to make laws and ensure those laws are obeyed. If it cannot stand up to the executive, then it simply becomes an extension of the executive rather than an independent institution,” he stated. Reflecting on his tenure as the apex bank boss, Sanusi recalled how he faced intense legislative scrutiny over minor issues while massive fiscal infractions went unnoticed later on. “I was summoned before the National Assembly more than 20 times over minor matters relating to the Central Bank. I was questioned, harassed and challenged. Yet, for eight years, when the borrowing law was being violated, the same lawmakers remained silent.” The former CBN governor maintained that Nigeria’s current economic challenges could have been drastically reduced if public institutions had consistently enforced the law and demanded accountability. He added that building stronger democratic institutions and enforcing greater oversight remain essential to preventing similar fiscal problems in the future.

The developmental landscape of Oyo State is set for a historic boost. A dynamic political movement, Omituntun 3.0, has official launched to champion and advance the remarkable achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde. Spearheaded by two visionary leaders—former Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and renowned technocrat, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu—the initiative is rallying citizens to protect and sustain the historic progress reshaping the state. The movement’s leaders declared that Governor Makinde has laid an extraordinary foundation for a modern Oyo State. They strongly cautioned against any future policy reversals. They noted that an exceptional building project must never be abandoned mid-way. THENEWSCREDIT reports that "Governor Seyi Makinde has elevated governance to an enviable height," the group stated. "The unprecedented progress recorded under his leadership deserves absolute consolidation. Omituntun 3.0 is our sacred commitment to ensuring this glorious journey continues without interruption." The choice of Hon. Adekanmbi and Engr. Salawu has ignited massive optimism across the state. Their combined expertise is widely seen as the perfect fit to drive the Governor`s master plan forward. Adekanmbi brings deep knowledge of fiscal management to keep development fully funded. Salawu provides world-class technical insight to expand landmark infrastructure projects. The movement guarantees that the administration`s stellar free education, healthcare, and security gains remain secure. Omituntun 3.0 stands as a definitive roadmap for a greater Oyo State. It guarantees that the brilliant dawn of progress will transition into an even brighter future for all citizens.

The Presidency has launched a staunch defense of First Lady Remi Tinubu following public backlash over her advice to Nigerians to engage in small-scale, informal enterprises like selling bean cake (akara) and roasted corn. Critics, including human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, had berated the remarks, suggesting the First Lady should instead set up these trades for her own family members. However, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, countered the criticism during a recent interview on the Mic-On podcast. Mr. Dare shared his own personal background, revealing that he sold akara and bananas to support his mother while growing up in Jos, Plateau State. “There’s nothing wrong with that,” Dare asserted. “My mother sold akara, bananas and oranges, and through this, they were able to train me.” He further explained that the First Lady`s message has been widely misunderstood. According to the presidential aide, Mrs. Tinubu’s primary goal was to encourage entrepreneurship and emphasize that Nigerians should strive to engage in some level of economic activity rather than remaining idle, THENEWSCREDIT reports. Highlighting the importance of the informal sector, Dare noted: “When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to raise this economy. You must not miss the First Lady’s point. Her point is that whatever it is, try and do something”.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has directly blamed Governor Seyi Makinde for the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Speaking during a live interview on Arise Television, Fayose stated that the incident was a direct consequence of the governor`s failure to proactively tackle the growing insecurity within his jurisdiction. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Fayose insisted, state governors hold the primary obligation to secure their citizens using local infrastructure. He emphasized that the Oyo State government failed to properly deploy and coordinate the security assets at its disposal before the breach occurred. "I stand by my words. Seyi Makinde was not proactive enough," Fayose stated during the broadcast. "The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo is a problem caused by Governor Seyi Makinde. It is the responsibility of the state government to mobilise the police. It is also its responsibility to manage the security network in the state." The sharp criticism follows a daring raid by suspected bandits who stormed a local community to kidnap students and educators. The incident took a tragic turn when the captors murdered one of the abducted teachers while keeping the remaining victims in captivity. The Oyo State Government has yet to issue an official response to Fayose`s critical assessment of its security architecture.

The presence of the Holy Spirit enveloped the congregation as Touched Lives Evangelical Ministry Worldwide held its official inauguration service today, June 28, 2026. Though the ministry was divine-planted on June 1, 2024, behind the Ogbomoso Beulah Baptist Conference College in the Oke-Beulah Area, its formal presentation to the body of Christ was celebrated today. The glorious event took place at the Atileyin Oluwa Cooperatives Hall, directly opposite Zoe College in the Oke-Alapata area of Ogbomoso. The under-shepherd of the ministry, Rev. Mathew Olalere Oladoke (JP), testified to God’s immeasurable favour and sustaining grace. He emotionally recounted how the Lord led the church through severe wilderness experiences, trials, and tribulations to arrive at this mountain-top celebration. Delivering the foundational sermon, Rev. Dr. Sunday A. Olojede of Imole Ayo Baptist Church (Iwagba Area, Ogbomoso) spoke on the theme "Title Without Gift," drawing his scriptural text from Ephesians 4:11-13. Rev. Dr. Olojede extended deep fraternal felicitations to Rev. Oladoke. He reminded him that even when men forget, isolate, or abandon a servant of God, the Jehovah who called him into the vineyard remains ever faithful. THENEWSCREDIT reports that In a strong admonition to the modern body of Christ, the guest preacher noted: Many ministers today desperately crave prophetic titles rather than pursuing genuine spiritual gifts. Ministers must guard their divine mandates and be deeply discerning about whom they share their visions with. Pastors must watch out for fair-weather people whose ultimate goal is to derail or spy out their liberty in Christ. Pastors must watch out for fair-weather people whose ultimate goal is to derail or spy out their liberty in Christ. As a church planter, Rev. Oladoke must never lose focus or abandon the potent messages and deliverance programmes that marked the ministry`s beginning. The atmosphere shifted into intense spiritual warfare and intercession as Prophetess Esther A. Akinloye of Global Dominion Redemption Ministry (Ede, Osun State) stepped up. She rained down prophetic declarations, unburdened blessings upon the ministry, and consecrated the host pastor with anointing oil for global exploit. The unity of the Church was evident as fellowship greetings and solidarity messages poured in from various ecumenical blocks, including: Fellowship of Baptist Church Planters, Ogbomoso, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogbomoso South LG Chapter, Ogbomoso Christian Ministers Forum, Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ogbomoso Baptist Conference. The kingdom event was graced by highly esteemed fathers of faith, Christian leaders, and dignitaries, including: Rev. Dr. Thomas Niyi-Ojo (President, Ogbomoso Baptist Conference), Prophet & Prophetess Adeolu Aderanti (Resurrection Power Church International, Ilorin), Rev. Gbenga Stephen Ogunniyi (Atunbi Baptist Church, Ogbomoso), Rev. Dr Paul Olaleye (Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso), Rev. Dr. Tayo Ayantoyinbo (New City Baptist Church, Ogbomoso), Engr. & Mrs. Odunayo Ijiehin

The Oyo State Government has lifted the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The restriction ended following aggressive security sweeps to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area. THENEWSCREDIT reports that,Information Commissioner Dotun Oyelade announced the directive on today. He advised residents of the affected border communities to resume their normal daily activities. Oyelade assured the public that joint security forces remain deployed to end the kidnapping crisis. THENEWSCREDIT reports that 48-hour curfew declared on June 24.Prolonged by 24 hours to secure tactical advantages. Operations ran daily from 4:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Cleared roads to aid military and police movements. The lifted restrictions apply to 10 specific local government areas:Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, Atiba. The military lockdown followed the May 15 coordinated raid on three schools. Armed bandits invaded Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire, seizing dozens of pupils and teachers. The mass abduction triggered nationwide outrage regarding deteriorating security in the South-West region. A combined force of the Military, Police, Civil Defence, and Amotekun Corps continues to comb the expansive national park forests. State officials reiterated that rescuing the school victims safely remains the government`s top priority.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has fiercely criticized First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for advising Nigerians to start small-scale businesses like roasting corn and frying akara. Effiong challenged her to first establish these ventures for her own family to prove they can adequately feed a household. During a meeting with state governors` wives in Abuja, Senator Remi Tinubu stated that starting enterprises like selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli does not require significant capital. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong fired back on his X account, stating the First Lady should lead by example. He demanded she set up these specific businesses for her own relatives and APC women leaders to demonstrate confidence in her recommendation. Effiong argued that if the First Lady genuinely believes such small-scale trading generates enough income to pay house rent, feed families, and cover school fees, she should prove it with her inner circle. Expanding his criticism, Effiong heavily condemned the President and the First Lady. He described their leadership as "wicked," "greedy," and "extremely dangerous," warning that future generations of Nigerians will not forgive the current administration for the state of the country.

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has expressed deep concern and shame over the intense online backlash directed at the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following her recent remarks on youth employment. The controversy stems from a viral video where the First Lady urged young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship and small-scale businesses. In her speech, she noted that setting up petty trades, such as commercial bean cake (Akara) frying, is a viable and accessible option for self-sustenance. However, the comment drew sharp criticism from social media users, many of whom accused the presidency of trivialising the country’s high unemployment rate instead of implementing robust job creation strategies. Responding to the critics via his official Facebook page on Saturday, Igbokwe robustly defended the First Lady`s stance, describing her statement as "honest advice." He sharply rebuked the youth for using social media as a vehicle for insults, expressing fear over the attitude of the younger generation. "An honest advice HE Oluremi Tinubu gave to young Nigerians on how to help themselves has become a tool to abuse and to pour invectives," Igbokwe stated, adding that he felt enveloped by shame over what he termed the public conduct of the critics.