Fashion influencer and entrepreneur Ama Reginald is celebrating her birthday in grand style as she vacations in Zanzibar with her close friends, Sophia Egbueje and BBNaija star Khloe. The trio have been turning heads online after sharing stunning photos and videos from the luxury getaway, giving fans a glimpse into their high-end lifestyle.
From beachfront resorts to yacht moments and scenic ocean views, the birthday trip has been nothing short of glamorous. Ama Reginald and her friends have been showing off carefully curated outfits featuring designer handbags, statement jewelry, and luxury fashion pieces that quickly caught the attention of social media users. Each appearance has sparked conversations around fashion, wealth, and influencer culture.
Ama Reginald, who is known for her bold fashion sense and strong presence in Nigeria’s influencer space, appeared visibly excited as she marked her special day surrounded by friends. Sophia Egbueje and Khloe also added their own flair to the trip, stepping out in coordinated looks and luxury accessories that complemented the island’s relaxed but upscale vibe.
Beyond the fashion, the vacation highlights a strong bond between the friends, with fans praising their chemistry and support for one another. Videos from the trip show moments of laughter, sightseeing, fine dining, and birthday celebrations, painting a picture of friendship mixed with luxury and leisure.
The Zanzibar getaway has since generated massive engagement online, with admirers applauding their confidence and style while others debate the growing influence of social media personalities in setting luxury trends. Regardless of opinions, the trio’s birthday vacation has successfully captured attention and reaffirmed their status as prominent figures in Nigeria’s fashion and lifestyle scene.
Ama Reginald’s birthday celebration in Zanzibar stands as another example of how influencers are blending travel, friendship, and fashion into content that continues to shape conversations online.
Controversial entertainer Speed Darlington has once again set social media buzzing following a bold statement attributed to him about content creator Peller. In the remark making rounds online, Speed Darlington reacted to claims that Peller wants to meet him, attaching a price tag to the meeting and asserting his long-standing relevance.
According to the statement, Speed Darlington said that if Peller truly wants to see him, he should be ready to pay three thousand dollars. He went further to describe himself as the original Speed, implying that his presence and persona predate the popularity of other personalities now associated with the name.
The comment has sparked mixed reactions online, with many interpreting it as classic Speed Darlington bravado. Known for his outspoken and often provocative style, Speed Darlington frequently makes exaggerated claims that blur the line between humor, confidence, and controversy.
Some social media users believe the statement reflects how collaborations and appearances in the entertainment and content creation space are increasingly viewed as business opportunities. Others argue that Speed Darlington’s comment was simply meant to generate attention and keep conversations going online.
As of now, Peller has not publicly responded to the statement, leaving fans to speculate whether the remark will lead to an actual meeting or remain another viral moment tied to Speed Darlington’s larger than life online persona.
The exchange adds to ongoing discussions about influence, originality, and ego within Nigeria’s entertainment and streaming culture, a space where personality often matters as much as talent.
Nollywood actress and philanthropist Tonto Dikeh has moved many with an emotional testimony reflecting on her past marriage, personal struggles, and eventual healing. The actress opened up about a decade of pain which she described as a period filled with emotional battles, loneliness, public shame, and the difficult reality of raising her son without an active father figure during his early years.
Tonto revealed that despite her fame and achievements, she quietly endured deep emotional and spiritual struggles for nearly ten years. According to her, those years felt like a constant war that took a toll on her mental and emotional wellbeing while she tried to stay strong for her child.
In her testimony, she spoke about reconciliation and restoration, explaining that her experience was not about human effort but divine intervention. She shared that what seemed like ten lost years of pain and delay were restored by God in just one day through forgiveness, healing, and inner peace.
While Tonto Dikeh and Olakunle Churchill are no longer married, her message points toward emotional closure and maturity especially in matters concerning their son. The reconciliation she referred to appears to be rooted in forgiveness and understanding rather than a romantic reunion.
Her testimony sparked widespread reactions online with many applauding her honesty and vulnerability. Fans praised her for shedding light on the realities of co-parenting challenges and the power of faith in overcoming long seasons of hardship.
Tonto’s story has since become a source of encouragement reminding many that healing may take time, but restoration can happen when forgiveness and growth take place.
Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has returned to Nigeria following her release from custody in the United Kingdom.
Mrs Ekweremadu arrived in Abuja on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, after completing the custodial portion of her sentence in connection with an organ-harvesting conspiracy case. She was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by family members and close associates.
Her return marks her first visit to Nigeria since the case began in 2022. Reports indicate that residents of her hometown, Mpu, in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, acknowledged her return, while her husband remains incarcerated in the UK.
Mrs Ekweremadu was convicted in May 2023 by the Old Bailey in London and sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment for conspiracy relating to the trafficking of a 21-year-old Lagos-based trader to the United Kingdom for the purpose of kidney removal.
The organ was intended for the couple’s daughter, Sonia Ekweremadu, who suffers from a chronic kidney condition.
The case was prosecuted under the United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act 2015, marking the first time the legislation was applied to an organ-harvesting-related offence.
Under UK sentencing guidelines, non-violent offenders may be released on licence after serving half of their custodial sentence. Her release was also reportedly influenced by administrative measures introduced by UK authorities to ease prison overcrowding.
Despite his wife’s return to Nigeria, Senator Ike Ekweremadu remains in a UK correctional facility. He was sentenced in May 2023 to nine years and eight months’ imprisonment after the court found him to be a central figure in the conspiracy.
The case continues to draw attention in Nigeria and abroad, given its legal significance and the high-profile status of those involved.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been conferred with Honorary Citizenship of the State of Georgia in the United States and designated an Outstanding Citizen to be accorded the status of a Goodwill Ambassador.
The recognition was contained in a proclamation issued by Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, on behalf of the Republican-controlled U.S. state.
According to the proclamation, dated January 16, 2026, Kanu is to be recognised as an Honorary Georgia Citizen and accorded “every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from Georgia” wherever he may travel or reside.
The proclamation was formally presented on Friday, January 23, 2026, in Milledgeville, one of Georgia’s capital cities, by State Representative Gab Okoye.
Former Nigerian Consul General to South Africa, Ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke, received the certificate on behalf of the detained IPoB leader.
Speaking at the event, Ajulu-Okeke described Kanu as “Africa’s most famous political prisoner and a global prisoner of conscience.”
The proclamation reads in part:
“I, Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim Nnamdi Okwu Kanu as an Honorary Georgia Citizen.
“May this Outstanding Citizen be accorded every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from Georgia in his travels to other states, to nations beyond the borders of the United States of America, or wherever he may hereafter travel or reside.”
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre following his conviction by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He was tried and convicted on charges related to treasonable offences, which he has consistently denied.
His legal team and the leadership of IPoB have maintained that the charges were brought under laws they argue are non-existent, and have vowed to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.
Kanu was arrested in Kenya in 2021 and subsequently extradited to Nigeria in what his supporters have described as an extraordinary rendition during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The latest recognition from the State of Georgia comes amid renewed calls by IPoB and its supporters for his release, both within Nigeria and in the international community.
(DDM) – Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing an alarming shortage of doctors, with only about 40,000 currently practising against a national requirement of 300,000.
The deficit has been described as a major threat to effective healthcare delivery across the country.
In 2024, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, revealed that Nigeria had approximately 55,000 licensed doctors.
Pate disclosed that over the previous five years, about 16,000 doctors had left Nigeria, while 17,000 more had been transferred out of active service.
The situation has worsened dramatically within a single year, according to Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
Abayomi stated that the number of practising doctors nationwide has dropped from 55,000 to 40,000.
He made the revelation during a one-day leadership dialogue in Lagos focused on strengthening primary healthcare systems.
The dialogue, organised by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board with support from development partners, addressed barriers hindering PHCs from delivering adequate care.
Abayomi highlighted manpower shortage as one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s health sector.
He revealed that Lagos State, with nearly 30 million residents, currently has only 7,000 doctors.
The commissioner emphasised that the state requires an additional 33,000 doctors to meet optimal healthcare demands.
“Nigeria currently has about 40,000 doctors against an estimated need of 300,000, while Lagos alone requires about 33,000 doctors but has only about 7,000,” Abayomi said.
To tackle the deficit, Lagos has invested in the newly established University of Medicine and Health (UMH).
Abayomi said UMH is expected to produce about 2,500 healthcare workers annually over the next five years.
These graduates will include doctors, laboratory scientists, and other essential healthcare professionals.
The ongoing mass exodus of healthcare workers, commonly referred to as “japa syndrome,” remains a major concern.
A 2017 survey indicated that 88 per cent of Nigerian doctors were seeking opportunities abroad.
Experts attribute the brain drain to poor funding, dilapidated infrastructure, harsh working conditions, insecurity, and weak policy enforcement.
The General Medical Council of the United Kingdom reports that 11,001 Nigerian-trained doctors are practising in the UK alone.
Prof. Bala Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association, warned that Nigeria has become a direct recruitment hub for foreign governments seeking medical professionals.
He explained that international recruiters now visit Nigeria to hire doctors, particularly specialists such as obstetricians, gynaecologists, and paediatricians.
Audu stressed that the country continues to lose skilled professionals while population growth and high mortality rates persist.
He highlighted the rising maternal mortality rate due to a decreasing number of skilled birth attendants.
In some specialties, the number of Nigerian doctors practising abroad may already exceed those working locally.
The former NMA President, Prof. Mike Ogirima, described Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio as “horrible,” with one doctor serving roughly 8,000 patients.
This is far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor to 600 patients.
Ogirima noted that Nigeria produces only 3,000 doctors annually, making it impossible to close the estimated gap of 300,000 doctors in a timely manner.
He warned that overworked and burned-out doctors are becoming the norm due to the shortage.
Experts urge the government to prioritise investment in health worker training, modern equipment, and security.
They also called for comprehensive insurance schemes to improve welfare and retain healthcare professionals.
DDM gathered that without urgent reforms, Nigeria’s healthcare crisis will continue to deepen, endangering millions of citizens nationwide.
Medical leaders emphasised that a motivated and protected workforce is essential to national development and effective healthcare delivery.
The shortage underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to stem the ongoing brain drain.
Federal and state governments have been urged to act decisively to prevent further collapse of the healthcare system.
Retention of skilled doctors is viewed as critical to achieving sustainable health outcomes across Nigeria.
(DDM) – Diabetes remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting both adults and children.
Health professionals warn that uncontrolled diabetes can trigger serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and eye damage.
In extreme cases, untreated diabetes may even result in blindness.
Medical research indicates that certain foods and substances can worsen blood sugar levels and insulin regulation.
Excessive intake of these items can also increase inflammation, further elevating the risk of complications.
Experts advise that reducing consumption of these substances is essential for maintaining long-term health.
While the article did not list all substances in detail, health authorities commonly highlight sugar-laden foods as a major concern.
Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries, and sugary beverages can rapidly spike blood glucose levels.
Processed foods high in trans fats and saturated fats are also linked to increased insulin resistance.
Excessive salt intake may worsen hypertension, a common co-condition in diabetic patients, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Alcohol, when consumed in large amounts, can interfere with blood sugar control and liver function.
A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits helps regulate blood sugar naturally.
Regular physical activity and weight management are equally critical in reducing diabetes risk.
Experts emphasise monitoring blood sugar levels and following medical advice to prevent long-term complications.
DDM gathered that public awareness campaigns continue to stress moderation in these substances as part of national health strategies.
Early intervention and lifestyle changes remain the most effective tools in preventing severe diabetes outcomes.
Individuals are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals before making dietary changes or starting new exercise routines.
Reducing consumption of harmful foods is not only preventative but also improves overall quality of life.
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels helps prevent fatigue, vision problems, and other chronic complications associated with diabetes.
Health authorities continue to research and educate the public on foods that may exacerbate the condition.
Families and communities are advised to adopt healthier eating patterns to curb rising diabetes prevalence.
Ongoing education also focuses on the importance of reading nutrition labels and limiting hidden sugars.
DDM notes that widespread adherence to these recommendations could reduce the global burden of diabetes over time.
Consistent monitoring, combined with dietary moderation, forms the cornerstone of diabetes prevention and management.
Experts stress that small lifestyle adjustments can yield long-term health benefits and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
Individuals are encouraged to seek professional guidance and avoid self-prescribing remedies or extreme diets.
Healthcare providers advocate for sustainable, manageable changes to diet and physical activity rather than short-term fixes.
Preventive measures are particularly important for children and adolescents, who are increasingly affected by lifestyle-related diabetes.
Early education on healthy eating and exercise can establish habits that persist into adulthood.
Public health campaigns also emphasise the dangers of excessive consumption of sugary, salty, and highly processed foods.
Combining these strategies with regular check-ups ensures early detection of pre-diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Ultimately, reducing the intake of harmful substances remains a key strategy in fighting diabetes and protecting long-term health.
In a moment that reflects the deepening complexities of global political communication, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a public message addressed to the American people at a time of intense unrest in the United States, particularly in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The message, shared on social media, called on Americans to protest and exert pressure on U.S. institutions. While the tone and intent of the message drew strong reactions internationally, analysts say its timing and context are significant, coming amid profound anger and grief in American streets following a fatal shooting by federal immigration agents.
The protests in Minneapolis and surrounding cities were ignited after a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, was shot and killed by a federal agent from the Department of Homeland Security while federal forces—including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and Border Patrol—were conducting operations in the city. These demonstrations, which drew hundreds of participants, were not isolated; they built on outrage from earlier incidents of federal law enforcement actions, including a high-profile shooting of another Minneapolis resident by federal officers just weeks earlier.
The death of Pretti, a well-regarded ICU nurse known for his community involvement and care for veterans and city residents, triggered immediate protests and calls for accountability. Video footage and eyewitness accounts from the scene contributed to mounting tensions, with many demonstrators disputing official narratives of the shooting and insisting that Pretti did not pose an imminent threat. In many shared clips, Pretti appeared to be holding a phone and not a weapon—contrary to early claims from federal officials that the man had approached with a handgun. The recording and its discrepancies have fueled broader distrust of law enforcement explanations and prompted renewed debate about federal policies and intervention tactics.
As demonstrators gathered beneath frigid temperatures in Minneapolis, tension spilled over into clashes with federal agents, leading to the Minnesota National Guard’s deployment and a highly charged public discourse over federal authority, civil liberties, and the role of immigration enforcement in American cities. Supporters of Pretti have maintained that he was exercising his rights in protest against aggressive federal law enforcement actions and that his killing underscored a disturbing trend of federal overreach. Meanwhile, local officials have appealed for calm while investigations into the shooting continue.
It was into this backdrop of grief, protest, and national debate that Ayatollah Khamenei’s missive reached global audiences. While the precise wording of the Iranian leader’s message varied in online circulation, the core call encouraged Americans to protest and assert their power within their political system. Some commentators noted that the statement mirrored rhetoric the Islamic Republic has used internally during times of domestic unrest—calling on citizens to rise against perceived injustices. Others pointed out that Khamenei’s intervention was symbolic, designed to draw parallels between grievances in the United States and those of Iranians who have protested their government.
Critics of Khamenei’s intervention were swift to condemn it. Many viewed it as cynical, opportunistic, and detached from the real pain of American families grieving the loss of loved ones. They also warned that such commentary from a foreign leader could inflame already volatile situations and distract from meaningful dialogue about justice and accountability in U.S. policing and immigration enforcement. Others framed Khamenei’s remarks as simply another example of long-standing adversarial relations between Tehran and Washington, where public statements are often shaped by geopolitical positioning rather than genuine empathy.
At the same time, supporters of the Minneapolis protests have insisted the focus should remain on local demands: transparency in police and federal agent conduct, reforms to law enforcement accountability, and respect for the constitutional rights of demonstrators. These supporters argue that external commentary—whether supportive or derisive—should not overshadow the core issues at stake within American communities.
What is clear is that the intersection of global political discourse and domestic protest movements highlights how local tragedies can become subjects of international commentary. Whether or not Ayatollah Khamenei intended to influence American protests, his message became part of a broader narrative that underscores how national crises can quickly gain global resonance. For many observers, the focus remains on how civic action, accountability, and reform can coexist in a way that honors justice and protects human rights.
(DDM) – Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has received a solidarity visit from residents of Nasarawa Local Government Area in Kano State.
The visit comes amid ongoing political tensions and internal challenges facing the NNPP and its leadership.
Supporters from Nasarawa Local Government converged on Kano to publicly express loyalty and confidence in Kwankwaso’s political direction.
Photographs from the visit showed large crowds of party faithful and community representatives gathered around the former Kano State governor.
The visitors were seen displaying party symbols and banners while chanting solidarity messages.
Kwankwaso received the delegation warmly, acknowledging their presence as a show of courage and commitment.
The visit was framed as a response to recent political developments affecting the NNPP at both state and national levels.
Supporters said their action was meant to counter narratives suggesting declining influence of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Nasarawa Local Government has long been considered one of the strongholds of the Kwankwasiyya political structure in Kano.
The area has consistently produced grassroots support for Kwankwaso across multiple election cycles.
Members of the delegation said they felt compelled to reassure their leader of continued loyalty.
They described Kwankwaso as a symbol of people-oriented politics and ideological consistency.
According to the group, the visit was not staged but voluntarily organised by residents.
They insisted that their presence reflected genuine grassroots sentiment rather than elite mobilisation.
Kwankwaso, in his remarks, thanked the visitors for standing firm despite political pressure.
He described the visit as evidence that the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya movement remain alive.
The former defence minister urged supporters to remain peaceful and focused on democratic engagement.
He warned against being provoked into actions that could undermine the movement’s credibility.
Kwankwaso reiterated his belief in politics rooted in social justice, education, and inclusion.
He said the strength of any political movement lies in the people, not in temporary power structures.
The NNPP leader has recently faced challenges linked to party control and alliance disputes.
These challenges have sparked speculation about possible realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political observers say the solidarity visit is a strategic signal of unity within Kano politics.
Analysts believe such public displays are aimed at reassuring supporters and deterring defections.
Kwankwaso remains one of the most influential political figures in northern Nigeria.
He served two terms as governor of Kano State and contested the 2023 presidential election.
His Kwankwasiyya ideology has built a strong grassroots base, particularly among youths and the urban poor.
The red cap associated with the movement has become a powerful political symbol in Kano and beyond.
Despite electoral setbacks at the national level, the movement has maintained relevance in regional politics.
Supporters argue that Kwankwaso’s influence goes beyond electoral victories.
They credit him with building a political culture centred on education and empowerment.
The Nasarawa delegation said their visit was also meant to encourage Kwankwaso to remain steadfast.
They expressed optimism that current challenges would strengthen rather than weaken the movement.
Community leaders within the group said unity was essential as the political landscape evolves.
They urged party members to resist misinformation and internal sabotage.
DDM gathered that similar solidarity visits may be organised in other parts of Kano State.
Sources close to the movement say efforts are underway to consolidate grassroots structures.
The development highlights the continuing importance of Kano in northern political calculations.
As political actors position themselves ahead of future elections, symbolic gestures like this carry significant weight.
The solidarity visit underscores that Kwankwaso still commands loyalty at the grassroots level.
It also signals that the Kwankwasiyya movement is far from fading from Nigeria’s political scene.
(DDM) – A heated social media confrontation between Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti and Grammy Award-winning singer Wizkid has escalated sharply over the use of the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s image.
The dispute centres on a tattoo of the Afrobeat legend reportedly inked on Wizkid’s hand, which Seun Kuti has publicly condemned.
Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Fela Kuti, issued a stern warning, demanding the immediate removal of the tattoo.
According to a report published on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the exchange has triggered intense debate among fans of both musicians.
Seun made his position known through a video shared on his official Instagram page.
In the video, he accused Wizkid of attempting to benefit from Fela Kuti’s legacy for personal branding and relevance.
Seun stated that Fela’s legacy represents a sacred boundary that must not be crossed by anyone outside the family.
He claimed that attempts to symbolically align with Fela amounted to an effort to “replace” or “infiltrate” the Kuti family heritage.
Seun declared that such attempts had now been firmly stopped.
He warned that Wizkid would not be taken seriously if he continued to associate himself with Fela’s image in that manner.
Addressing the tattoo directly, Seun issued a controversial ultimatum.
He warned that if Wizkid failed to remove the tattoo of Fela Kuti from his hand, he would never experience progress with that hand again.
The statement quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions across social media platforms.
Seun further suggested that Wizkid replace the tattoo with an image of his own father instead.
He argued that acknowledging Fela’s influence should not translate into personal appropriation of his image.
Seun contrasted Wizkid’s action with that of Burna Boy, whom he said openly honours Fela’s greatness without attempting comparison or replacement.
The outspoken Afrobeat artist insisted that respect for legacy requires restraint and clear boundaries.
He described Fela Kuti’s cultural and political influence as unique and irreplaceable.
The dispute has reportedly drawn reactions from other members of the Kuti family.
Sources indicate that some family members share Seun’s concerns about the perceived misuse of Fela’s image.
They reportedly believe the Afrobeat legacy should not be commercialised or symbolically exploited.
Fela Kuti remains one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures.
He was known for pioneering Afrobeat music and using his art to challenge military rule, corruption, and injustice.
His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians across Africa and beyond.
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Balogun, is one of Nigeria’s most successful global music exports.
He has often cited Fela Kuti as a major influence on his artistic journey.
However, critics argue that influence must be distinguished from appropriation.
The feud gained further traction following the recent release of Wizkid’s documentary, Long Live Lagos.
The documentary premiered on HBO and highlights Wizkid’s rise to global fame and his cultural impact.
Its release has kept Wizkid in the public spotlight amid the ongoing controversy.
Fans have taken sides online, with some supporting Seun’s stance on protecting family legacy.
Others argue that tattoos are personal expressions and not subject to public or family approval.
The debate has reopened broader conversations about ownership of cultural symbols.
Questions have also emerged about who controls the narrative around legendary figures like Fela Kuti.
Some commentators believe the dispute reflects deeper tensions between old-guard Afrobeat purists and modern pop superstars.
Others see it as a clash between tradition and contemporary celebrity culture.
DDM gathered that neither Wizkid nor his management team has officially responded to Seun Kuti’s warning.
The silence has only intensified speculation and online debate.
As the argument continues to trend, it underscores the enduring power of Fela Kuti’s legacy.
It also highlights how cultural memory, symbolism, and fame remain deeply contested in Nigeria’s entertainment space.
(DDM) – Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo has revealed intimate details of her early marriage, describing how it was arranged by her parents without her consent.
The respected actress disclosed that she was just 19 years old when she entered into marriage, a decision she said was made entirely by her family.
Ozokwo’s revelation resurfaced through a post shared on a verified social media account known as Igbo History and Fact.
She explained that the concept of choosing a partner was not common during her time, as parents often determined marital unions.
According to the actress, she was initially overwhelmed and frightened because she did not understand how to love a man she did not personally choose.
She admitted that the emotional adjustment was difficult at the beginning of the marriage.
Ozokwo noted that despite her fears, she accepted the marriage out of obedience and a sense of duty to her family.
With time, she said affection gradually developed between her and her husband.
She revealed that what began as uncertainty eventually transformed into genuine love and companionship.
The actress stated that she and her husband spent 23 years together as a couple.
She disclosed that much of their married life was marked by hardship, as her husband struggled with illness for 15 years.
Despite the prolonged illness, Ozokwo said she remained committed to the marriage until her husband’s death in 2000.
She described the period as emotionally draining but formative in shaping her values and resilience.
The actress revealed that the marriage produced three biological children.
She further disclosed that she later adopted five additional children into her home.
Tragedy struck again when one of the adopted children died, leaving her with a total of seven children.
Following the death of her husband, Ozokwo said she chose not to remarry.
She explained that her decision was driven by a desire to focus fully on raising her children.
According to her, motherhood became her primary purpose after becoming a widow.
Reflecting on modern relationships, the actress expressed concern about the fragility of marriages today.
She observed that many people now focus heavily on self-development, yet homes still collapse frequently.
Ozokwo contrasted this with marriages of her era, which she said were sustained by patience, endurance, and responsibility.
She noted that arranged marriages were treated as lifelong commitments rather than disposable relationships.
The actress explained that sacrifice was considered a core pillar of marriage during her time.
She also spoke about how she raised her children with strict moral values.
Ozokwo said she taught her daughters the importance of respect and humility.
She added that her sons were trained to be responsible and accountable.
According to her, these principles helped preserve unity in her household despite numerous challenges.
She stated that discipline and mutual respect were essential tools in maintaining her family structure.
The actress said she consistently advised her children never to consider divorce as an option.
She encouraged them to build their homes on love, sacrifice, patience, and understanding.
Ozokwo stressed that strong families are not built without hardship.
She maintained that enduring difficult seasons together strengthens marital bonds.
Her reflections have sparked renewed debate about changing marital values in Nigerian society.
Many social commentators say her story highlights generational differences in attitudes toward marriage.
Others argue that while arranged marriages are no longer widely accepted, commitment remains essential.
DDM gathered that Ozokwo’s remarks have resonated strongly with older audiences who relate to her experiences.
Younger audiences, however, remain divided over whether endurance should outweigh personal happiness.
The actress’s story continues to fuel discussions on love, duty, and sacrifice in modern relationships.
Her life journey stands as a testimony to resilience, tradition, and unwavering family commitment.
(DDM) – Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the All Progressives Congress now poses a direct threat to him in Rivers State.
Wike made the statement while speaking with journalists during a recent interview that has since sparked widespread political debate.
The former Rivers State governor spoke bluntly about the deteriorating relationship between himself and the ruling party at the national level.
He suggested that recent political developments in Rivers State have transformed partisan rivalry into a personal and political confrontation.
According to Wike, the actions and strategies of the APC in the state are no longer about healthy opposition politics.
He argued that the party’s moves are now targeted at undermining his influence and political relevance.
Wike did not mince words as he accused unnamed APC actors of attempting to destabilise the political structure he helped build in Rivers State.
He maintained that Rivers politics has entered a dangerous phase where intolerance and power struggles dominate.
The FCT Minister reminded observers that he played a central role in national political realignments ahead of the 2023 elections.
Wike was a key figure within the Peoples Democratic Party before falling out with its national leadership.
His eventual alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration shocked many within the opposition.
That alliance earned him the powerful role of FCT Minister despite remaining a PDP member.
Since then, Rivers State has experienced intense political tension between factions loyal to Wike and those aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The crisis has also drawn in national party leaders and federal institutions.
Wike suggested that the APC’s posture in Rivers State reflects a broader attempt to seize total control of the state’s political machinery.
He warned that such ambitions could destabilise governance and democratic balance in the oil-rich state.
The minister insisted that he has never been afraid of political battles but expressed concern about what he described as growing desperation.
He argued that politics should be about service, competition, and ideas, not intimidation.
Wike said he has continued to speak out because silence would embolden forces seeking to rewrite Rivers political history.
He maintained that his loyalty to President Tinubu does not translate into surrendering his political base.
According to him, alliances at the national level should not justify political persecution at the state level.
Wike emphasised that Rivers State has a unique political culture built on strong personalities and grassroots mobilisation.
He warned that ignoring this reality could lead to serious consequences.
Political analysts say Wike’s comments expose deep fractures within the ruling APC and its relationship with powerful allies.
Some observers believe the statement signals a brewing confrontation ahead of future elections in the state.
Others argue that Wike is positioning himself defensively amid shifting power dynamics in Rivers.
The APC has yet to officially respond to Wike’s remarks at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as political actors trade accusations and counter-accusations.
DDM gathered that Wike’s declaration has reignited conversations about loyalty, power-sharing, and internal democracy in Nigerian politics.
Supporters of the former governor insist he is being unfairly targeted despite his contributions to national stability.
Critics, however, argue that Wike is experiencing the consequences of complex political alliances.
The development underscores the volatile nature of Rivers State politics, which has historically shaped national outcomes.
As events unfold, Wike’s warning signals that the battle for Rivers State is far from over.
(DDM) – Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticised Nigeria’s recurring national grid collapse, describing the country’s roughly 5,000 megawatts power capacity as absurd.
Obi made the remarks while reacting to the latest collapse of the national electricity grid, which plunged several parts of the country into darkness.
He said the incident once again exposed deep and unresolved failures in Nigeria’s leadership and energy planning.
According to Obi, it is unacceptable that Africa’s most populous nation continues to generate power levels that are insignificant by global standards.
He argued that Nigeria’s electricity output is grossly inadequate for a country with over 200 million people and a growing industrial base.
The former Anambra State governor noted that nations with smaller populations and weaker economies generate several times Nigeria’s total power capacity.
He described the situation as a national embarrassment that reflects decades of poor governance and misplaced priorities.
Obi stressed that electricity is the backbone of economic development and social stability.
He warned that no serious industrial growth can occur without reliable and sufficient power supply.
The former vice-presidential candidate said repeated grid collapses show that the power sector remains structurally weak and mismanaged.
He questioned how Nigeria expects to attract foreign investment when basic infrastructure like electricity remains unstable.
Obi argued that the frequent collapse of the grid increases production costs for businesses and worsens unemployment.
He said small and medium-scale enterprises suffer the most, as many cannot afford alternative power sources.
The former governor lamented that households are forced to rely on generators, worsening environmental pollution and living costs.
He linked the persistent power crisis to what he described as leadership failure and lack of long-term planning.
Obi recalled that successive administrations have promised power sector reforms without delivering meaningful results.
He said billions of dollars have been spent on the sector with little improvement in output or reliability.
According to him, the problem is not a lack of resources but a lack of competence, transparency, and accountability.
Obi urged the federal government to treat electricity as a national emergency rather than a political talking point.
He called for urgent investment in transmission infrastructure to prevent repeated system failures.
The former governor also advocated decentralisation of power generation to allow states and regions generate electricity independently.
He argued that over-centralisation has made the national grid fragile and inefficient.
Obi said Nigeria must move aggressively into renewable energy to complement conventional power sources.
He pointed out that countries investing in solar, wind, and hydro power are already enjoying more stable electricity supply.
The national grid has collapsed multiple times in recent years, often without clear explanations or accountability.
Each collapse typically leads to nationwide blackouts, affecting homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses.
Experts have attributed the failures to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and weak system management.
Despite repeated assurances from authorities, grid instability has remained a recurring feature of Nigeria’s power sector.
Public frustration has continued to grow as electricity tariffs rise without corresponding improvements in service delivery.
Many Nigerians have questioned why power distribution companies continue to bill consumers amid frequent outages.
DDM gathered that the latest collapse has reignited public debate over the sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity framework.
Civil society groups have also echoed Obi’s concerns, calling for an independent audit of the power sector.
They argue that transparency is needed to understand how funds allocated to electricity development are utilised.
The power crisis has also been linked to broader economic challenges, including inflation and reduced productivity.
Analysts warn that without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks falling further behind its peers in economic competitiveness.
Obi concluded that electricity reform is not optional but essential for national survival and progress.
He maintained that leadership must be judged by outcomes rather than promises.
The latest grid collapse has once again highlighted the urgent need for decisive action in Nigeria’s troubled power sector.
(DDM) – The Indigenous People of Biafra has described the Monday sit-at-home observed in parts of the South-East as a peaceful civil protest rather than a criminal act.
The group made this assertion while reacting to recent statements and actions by Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, concerning the weekly shutdown.
IPOB insisted that the sit-at-home is a non-violent expression of civil disobedience aimed at demanding the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
According to the group, the protest is rooted in constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
IPOB warned the Anambra State Government against punishing civil servants, traders, or private sector workers who choose to observe the sit-at-home.
The group argued that coercive measures against workers would amount to collective punishment and a violation of fundamental human rights.
In its statement, IPOB accused state authorities of deliberately mischaracterising the sit-at-home as criminal in order to justify forceful suppression.
The group maintained that no law in Nigeria criminalises peaceful civil protest when it is conducted without violence.
IPOB stressed that the sit-at-home directive was initially voluntary and symbolic, meant to draw national and international attention to Kanu’s continued detention.
The group recalled that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since 2021.
Kanu’s arrest and extradition have remained a major point of contention in the South-East and among human rights advocates.
IPOB claimed that the prolonged detention has deepened feelings of injustice and alienation among many residents of the region.
The sit-at-home, according to IPOB, emerged as a grassroots response to perceived judicial delays and political indifference.
The group denied responsibility for violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders, blaming criminal elements for attacks linked to such days.
IPOB argued that criminals exploit the situation to commit acts that are later attributed to the movement.
It accused the government of failing to distinguish between peaceful protesters and armed gangs terrorising communities.
IPOB urged Governor Soludo to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation in addressing the sit-at-home phenomenon.
The group said constructive engagement would help reduce tension and restore economic activities in the state.
It further warned that using security agencies to force people to work on Mondays could escalate fear and resentment.
IPOB maintained that intimidation would not resolve the underlying grievances driving civil disobedience.
The group emphasised that genuine peace can only be achieved through justice and inclusive political solutions.
It reiterated its call for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu as a pathway to stability in the South-East.
IPOB also appealed to the Federal Government to respect court orders and the rule of law in handling the matter.
The group argued that continued detention despite legal processes undermines public confidence in democratic institutions.
In recent months, several South-East governors, including Soludo, have spoken against sit-at-home actions due to economic losses.
Businesses, schools, and banks have frequently shut down on Mondays, affecting livelihoods across the region.
However, IPOB countered that economic hardship should be blamed on poor conflict resolution rather than peaceful protest.
DDM gathered that public opinion in the South-East remains sharply divided on the sit-at-home policy.
While some residents comply out of sympathy or fear, others have openly criticised it as damaging to regional development.
Security agencies have also reported sporadic incidents linked to sit-at-home days, complicating enforcement narratives.
IPOB concluded by insisting that branding civil protest as crime sets a dangerous precedent for democracy.
The group warned that suppressing peaceful dissent could push frustrated citizens toward more radical actions.
As tensions persist, the sit-at-home debate continues to reflect broader struggles over justice, governance, and federal authority in Nigeria.
(DDM) – No fewer than 17 former members of Nigeria’s National Assembly have openly rejected and distanced themselves from an endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of 2027.
The rejection followed a summit reportedly organised under the platform of the National Forum of Former Legislators, which publicly declared support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The event was convened by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and attracted a number of prominent former federal lawmakers.
Among those present at the summit were former Senate Presidents Pius Anyim and Ken Nnamani, as well as former Speakers of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara.
The endorsement was announced as a show of cross-party solidarity in support of Tinubu’s continuity in office.
However, the development immediately triggered backlash from another bloc of former legislators who described the endorsement as misleading and illegitimate.
In a strongly worded joint statement issued on Saturday, the 17 former lawmakers denied any involvement in the gathering or its outcome.
They insisted they were never consulted and did not authorise anyone to speak or act on their behalf.
The lawmakers warned Nigerians against what they described as a carefully staged political exercise designed to create false consensus.
They declared unequivocally that they would never associate with what they termed a contrived summit hastily assembled to endorse the president.
According to them, the process lacked transparency, inclusiveness, and moral credibility.
The former legislators alleged that the endorsement was driven largely by inducements rather than sincere engagement with the broader community of ex lawmakers.
They argued that political credibility cannot be bought or manufactured through financial incentives.
Describing the summit in harsh terms, they labelled it a “cash-and-carry political carnival” made up of a rented and handpicked crowd.
They accused the organisers of attempting to manufacture artificial legitimacy for the president’s second-term ambition.
The lawmakers further stated that a small group of individuals could not legitimately claim to represent hundreds of former legislators nationwide.
They criticised what they described as closed-door meetings where inducements were allegedly shared to secure loyalty.
Such actions, they said, amounted to deception, manipulation, and democratic fraud.
The group stressed that their names, reputations, and identities must not be used without their explicit consent.
They declared firmly that former legislators were not commodities to be traded for political advantage.
“Our names are not for sale, our legacy is not merchandise,” they asserted in the statement.
The former lawmakers also challenged the Tinubu administration to focus on governance rather than symbolic endorsements.
They argued that endorsements cannot replace measurable performance in office.
According to them, any administration seeking a second term must present concrete results to Nigerians.
They listed key benchmarks such as improved security, reduced hunger, job creation, and economic stabilisation.
They maintained that public displays of political support do not translate into effective governance.
The group announced its total dissociation from the summit and rejected any endorsement issued in its name or on its behalf.
They condemned what they described as the monetisation of democratic institutions and political processes.
The lawmakers warned that Nigeria’s democracy must not be auctioned to the highest bidder. DDM gathered that the signatories to the statement cut across different regions and political backgrounds.
Those who signed include Hon. Sergius Oguns, Hon. Herman Hembe, Hon. Sam Okwu, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, and Hon. Tom Zakari.
Others are Hon. Mohammed Soba, Hon. Chika Adamu, Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim, Hon. Tajudeen Ajagbe, and Hon. Supo Abiodun.
Additional signatories include Hon. Danlad Donald Olayonu, Hon. Abubakar Amuda Kannike, Hon. Rufus Omiri, Hon. Mayor Eze, and Hon. Kamil Akinlabi.
Also listed are Hon. Shaaba Ibrahim and Hon. Nkwo Nkole.
The public disagreement has exposed growing cracks among political elites as early manoeuvring for the 2027 presidential election intensifies.
(DDM) Liverpool manager Arne Slot appears set to retain the backing of Fenway Sports Group despite mounting pressure from supporters and a worrying run of league results.
The Dutch coach has overseen just five Premier League victories in Liverpool’s last 18 matches, a sequence that has sharply contrasted with the club’s title-winning campaign only a year earlier.
Liverpool’s struggles have deepened in 2026, with the reigning champions yet to record a single league win this calendar year.
Disappointing results against Leeds United, Burnley, and Bournemouth, all teams near the bottom of the table, have intensified criticism, particularly as two of those fixtures were played at Anfield.
The latest setback came in dramatic fashion, as Liverpool conceded a 95th-minute goal in a painful defeat away to Bournemouth.
That result further dented confidence among the fanbase, many of whom now question whether Slot is capable of sustaining Liverpool’s elite standards.
Despite domestic struggles, Liverpool’s Champions League form has been comparatively steady, with the club still positioned to finish inside the top eight of the competition’s league phase.
However, qualification for next season’s Champions League through league placement is now far from assured, placing additional pressure on the manager and squad.
Slot’s comments earlier in the week appeared to suggest that Liverpool’s owners remain committed to him, at least for the remainder of the season.
Speaking ahead of a midweek European fixture, Slot emphasised patience, describing the current campaign as a “transition phase” that requires understanding from all levels of the club.
Those remarks have been widely interpreted as an indication that FSG accept responsibility for the squad’s shortcomings rather than placing blame solely on the manager.
Liverpool’s season has been heavily disrupted by injuries, which have limited rotation options and forced several players into unfamiliar roles.
Slot has repeatedly highlighted the absence of specific player profiles, particularly direct wingers capable of consistently winning one-on-one situations.
Despite these issues, Liverpool have shown little urgency in the January transfer window, declining to seriously pursue players such as Antoine Semenyo or Marc Guehi.
The lack of recruitment has fuelled frustration among supporters, who believe squad depth has been neglected.
Joe Gomez’s injury against Bournemouth has further exposed Liverpool’s defensive fragility, leaving Virgil van Dijk as the only confirmed fit senior centre-back.
Ibrahima Konaté remains unavailable after the tragic death of his father, compounding the club’s selection crisis.
Slot defended his team selections following the Bournemouth defeat, explaining that injuries forced him into difficult and unpopular decisions.
He praised his players’ mentality and fitness after they fought back from two goals down against one of the league’s most physically intense sides.
Slot insisted that fixture congestion and limited recovery time have taken a toll, particularly as Liverpool often rely on the same core group of players.
He contrasted the situation with last season, noting that the squad did not suffer from the same number of long-term injuries.
The manager also clarified his decision not to start Hugo Ekitike, citing concerns over workload management with limited striker options available.
Similar reasoning was applied to Jeremie Frimpong, whose energy levels visibly dropped during the match.
As a result, Slot was forced to deploy players like Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai in less familiar roles, a compromise he described as unavoidable.
Slot further explained the early substitution of Milos Kerkez, stressing it was neither tactical nor due to injury.
Performance data from Liverpool’s medical staff reportedly showed Kerkez was in a high-risk fatigue zone before kick-off.
The decision to withdraw him at half-time was made to avoid a more serious injury and preserve substitution flexibility.
Despite these explanations, criticism continues to grow, especially with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso currently available after leaving Real Madrid.
Alonso had previously been linked with the Liverpool job following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, raising speculation among fans.
For now, however, DDM understands that Liverpool’s hierarchy remains unwilling to press the panic button.
Slot’s future appears secure in the short term, even as pressure builds and patience among supporters wears thin.
Troops of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna State have foiled a banditry attack, neutralising one terrorist and recovering arms and rustled livestock.
A statement issued by Captain Bello Nuradeen of the Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 1 Operation, on Saturday, said the operation followed a distress call on January 22, 2026, about armed bandits in Anguwan Fulan village, Maraban Rido area.
According to Bello, acting on the intelligence, troops of 1 Division/Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA swiftly deployed to the area and laid a snap ambush.
The troops engaged the fleeing bandits on contact, forcing them to retreat with gunshot wounds.
He said soldiers subsequently carried out an aggressive exploitation of surrounding forested areas, including the Kankomi Forest, where they made another contact at a suspected crossing point near Anguwan Sarki.
He said during the encounter, the troops again overwhelmed the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their loot and flee. Some of the rustled livestock were recovered during the operation.
According to the statement, further exploitation of the ambush location in the early hours of January 23 led to the neutralisation of one terrorist, even as items recovered include two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
While commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, praised their conduct and urged them to sustain the momentum.
You do not expect a thief or any criminal gang to celebrate the judge who ensured that they got the justice they deserve. Thieves, terrorists and all kinds of criminals would always turn their ire on judges and law enforcement agents who refuse to be compromised. This explains why Justice James Omotosho has joined the list of those marked for cancellation and hate by the terrorist group, IPOB.
IPOB has spread all kinds of fake information against the eminent Justice, since his very courageous, yet, lenient sentence on the international terrorist, Nnamdi Kanu. They have planted fake news about his assassination, they have spread the false information that the NJC has ordered him to review Nnamdi Kanu’s case, they have written that the NBA has sanctioned him, they have written that he is facing an international arrest warrant. Now, without apologising for the previous fake news they have spread about the good Godly judge, they have gone to town, through their various purveyors of fake news, to claim that Justice Omotosho’s proposed elevation to the Appeal Court bench is in reward for his sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu. Like all the other lies they have spread against the good man, this is also a lie from the pit of hell.
Justice James Omotosho has earned his promotion. He has stood out as one of the most courageous and finest judges of his generation. Having served as a High Court judge since February 2015, the eminent Justice is known for handing down very courageous and hard to fault judicial pronouncements. A judge’s credibility is determined by how many of his judgements survive appellate challenges, and so far, Justice James Omotosho is one of the few judges who, more than 70% of their verdicts that went up to the Supreme Court, has been upheld.
His judgement on Nnamdi Kanu, sentencing the terrorist to life imprisonment, has been described by notable legal experts as “detailed, perfect and lenient.”. Given the huge pile of evidence presented by the prosecution team against Nnamdi Kanu, most other judges would have given the hooligan from Afara-Ukwu, the capital punishment of death by hanging or firing squad. Justice Omotosho explained that he was minded to hand down the highest punishment prescribed by law for Nnamdi Kanu’s offences, but that he was restrained by his Christian faith and the allocution presented for Nnamdi Kanu by his representative in the House of Representatives, Honourable Aguocha.
About 48 High Court judges have been nominated for elevation to the Appeal Court bench, and I am one of those who pray fervently and honestly that Justice Omotosho is favourably considered for elevation. Justice Omotosho has shown good character, integrity, restraint and the right temperament to serve at the highest level as an impartial judge and I know that God does not abandon such people in their times of need.
Dr. Onwuasoanya FCC Jones is the immediate past Deputy Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the International Coordinator of the Southeast Political Revival Group (SPRG).
Anambra State Government plans to start paying public sector workers pro-rata salaries from February 2026 to encourage them to resume work on Mondays.
This follows four years of Monday sit-at-home enforced by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The government said the policy would take effect from February 2026, with civil servants to be paid salaries based on the number of days worked within each month.
The Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, disclosed this on Saturday while speaking with newsmen in Awka.
He explained that the decision was made during the end-of-tenure retreat of the Anambra State Executive Council.
Mefor said salaries would be calculated by dividing a worker’s monthly pay by the 24 official working days, adding that earnings would depend on actual attendance.
“The thing has to be done. Four years is enough. The economic loss of the sit-at-home runs into trillions since it started, according to an international firm.”
“It is a decision the state government has taken, and the implementation is already ongoing,” he said.
According to Mefor, the retreat was convened to assess the performance of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as it rounds off its first four-year term and to define priorities for the next term beginning on March 17, 2026.
He said discussions at the retreat showed that public and civil servants had consistently stayed away from work on Mondays over the past four years, citing insecurity and lack of transportation.
Mefor noted, however, that those conditions no longer existed.
“The retreat acknowledged that even though these factors existed in the past, they no longer exist, making them invalid reasons for absenteeism from work. The workers were simply enjoying the sit-at-home because they know that whether they come to work or not, they will be paid salaries.
“The ANSEC retreat has decided to put a stop to the anomaly. Ordinarily, the matter should be treated as a case of absenteeism, which could lead to dismissal from service, as captured in the civil service law.
“But we are not following that route. The state government has decided to pay pro-rata from this February. So, if you don’t want to lose your salary for that Monday, then you come to work.
“The mechanism is already in place, and forms are being devised so that workers can clock in on Monday morning and clock out at the close of work.”
He further stated that the continued absence of civil servants on Mondays had slowed down government activities and hurt the state’s economy.
“Any day civil servants fail to come to work, it means that the state government’s business will stagnate and, by implication, the economy of the state will stagnate. Income accruable to the government will be lost, and there’s no guarantee that such losses can be recovered.
“For example, if the staff of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service and other MDAs decide to be absent from work on Monday, the state loses a lot of money and impedes the progress of work. This is part of the reason for the decision to pay pro-rata: it is to ensure that every naira spent reflects fairness, efficiency and sustainability.
“Do we now say we give up Monday and take Saturday as a working day? That will not work. It will mean that Anambra State has yielded to whoever introduced this sit-at-home, and again, we will be the only state working on Saturdays in Nigeria, and that will be absurd.
“So, it is only reasonable to start with this pro-rata payment to get the workers to resume on Mondays. The state is losing so much due to the sit-at-home, and the government cannot be asking the markets and other informal sectors to show up on Monday when its own workforce has refused to come,” he added.
Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, on terrorism charges, is among judges shortlisted for appointment as Justice of the Court of Appeal.
The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) published the names, seeking public comments on the nominees’ integrity and suitability.
According to the Commission, the publication of shortlisted candidates’ names is part of efforts to promote openness in the judicial appointment process.
“To enhance transparency and accountability in the appointment process of Judicial Officers to Superior Courts of Record, it has been resolved that the Federal Judicial Service Commission… shall always publish the names of all shortlisted candidates,” the notice stated.
The Commission explained that the exercise is designed to allow public input on the nominees.
“The primary objective of this initiative is to solicit comments from the general public regarding the integrity, reputation and suitability of these candidates for Judicial appointments,” it added.
Justice Omotosho is among several judges shortlisted from Federal and State High Courts, as well as Customary and Sharia Courts of Appeal across the country.
From Benue State, the shortlisted candidates are Hon. Justice Raphael Aluwe and Hon. Justice Dennis Mbaafumega Igyuse.
Bayelsa State nominees include Justice Ebiyerin Goodness, Justice Simon Warikiyel, and Justice Zibotu Patience.
In Cross River State, those listed are Hon. Justice Abus Elias Ojie, Hon. Justice Agianpuye Ubus, Hon. Justice Abba Ukpai, and Hon. Justice Obo Awusa Oto.
For Ekiti State, the nominee is Justice Monsola Oluwatoyin Abiodunde.
Plateau State candidates include Justice Jacob Azi Atsen, Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit, Hon. Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam, and Hon. Justice Nankwat Dawat Shaseet.
In Ogun State, the shortlisted judges are Hon. Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, Hon. Justice Ogunfowora, Hon. Justice Rukayat Velunde, and Hon. Justice Olufunke Sule Minzall.
The Commission listed Hon. Justice Abdulhameed Mohammed Yakubu, Hon. Justice Suleiman Yahaya Abubakar, Hon. Justice Mohammed Auwal Haruna, and Hon. Justice Daurabo Suleiman for Gombe State.
From Ondo State, the nominees are Hon. Justice Oluyemi Debayo, Hon. Justice Orimisan James, Hon. Justice Akintemi Michael, and Hon. Justice Ademola.
For the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the shortlisted candidates are Hon. Justice Nuhu Sumenti Adi, Hon. Justice Rosemary Indinya Kanyip, and Hon. Justice Danladi John Yakubu.
Taraba State has Hon. Justice Dauda Njane Buba as its listed candidate.
From Katsina State, the shortlisted judges are Hon. Justice Sanusi Kado, Hon. Justice Safiya Badamasi Umar, SAN, Hon. Justice Adam Salihu Varima, and Hon. Justice Ibrahim Abubakar Maude.
Kebbi State nominees include Hon. Justice Sabiu Bala Shuaibu, Hon. Justice Maryam Aliyu, Hon. Justice Abubakar Saddiq Bello, and Hon. Justice Shamsudeen Ja’afar.
For Ebonyi State, the candidates are Hon. Justice Vincent Nwanchukwu, Hon. Justice Thelma Adanna Achom, Hon. Justice Esther Awo Ota, and Hon. Justice Emoka Naito.
The Commission invited the public to submit objections or comments concerning any of the shortlisted judges.
“All complaints or comments must be submitted in writing… within Fourteen (14) days from the date of this publication,” the notice said, adding that “each complaint/comment must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit.”
It further cautioned the public to “guard against false and unsubstantial complaint/comment as there will be consequences
Members of Nigeria’s distillers’ association, operating under the Food, Beverages and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) and the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), have warned that the ongoing enforcement actions by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) could displace more than 5.5 million Nigerians from their jobs.
The unions, affiliates of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), raised the alarm on Friday when they staged a protest at the Lagos office of NAFDAC over an order halting the distribution of sachet alcohol and certain PET bottled drinks.
DDM News reports that NAFDAC recently commenced enforcement of a ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres.
The agency had earlier, on November 11, 2025, announced plans to implement a total ban on such products by December 2025, following a directive from the Senate.
However, the enforcement was initially suspended after the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), ordered an immediate halt to all actions related to the proposed ban, pending further consultations and a final policy directive.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that the agency had since received a matching directive from the Senate to proceed, adding that enforcement had already begun.
At the protest ground on Friday, the Executive Secretary of FOBTOB, Solomon Adebosin, warned that the policy could result in the loss of no fewer than 5.5 million direct and indirect jobs across the country.
According to him, the enforcement undermines the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises investment attraction and job creation.
Adebosin also challenged NAFDAC’s position that sachet alcohol and small PET drinks were easily accessible to minors, insisting that the claim lacked empirical evidence.
We are here today to protest the sudden seizure of our companies in the distillery sector by NAFDAC over sachet drinks and PET bottles below 200ml,” he said.
There are over 500,000 Nigerians employed directly in this sector and more than five million employed indirectly. All of these jobs are now at risk.
The real issue should be access and control. With proper regulation, children and minors can be prevented from accessing these products.
He added that distillers had continued to invest in advocacy, sensitisation, and compliance measures to ensure that only qualified adults consume their products.
Also speaking, the Head of the Brewery and Tobacco Department of NUFBTE, Azeez Razaq, accused NAFDAC of sabotaging the growth of indigenous manufacturers through its actions.
Razaq condemned what he described as the agency’s disregard for the SGF’s directive ordering a suspension of enforcement, warning that shutting down companies would worsen unemployment and potentially fuel insecurity across the country.
Reading out the unions’ demands, a FOBTOB member, Anthony Oyagha, called on the Presidency to urgently intervene.
We appeal to the Presidency to ensure that NAFDAC aligns its actions with government policy, legislative oversight, and the broader national interest,” Oyagha said.
Local manufacturers deserve protection and partnership, not punitive measures that destroy investments, livelihoods, and confidence in Nigeria’s business environment.
We respectfully urge Mr President to act decisively to protect indigenous industries, safeguard jobs, and ensure that regulatory agencies truly serve the Nigerian people.
Former Chairman of Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu
By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu
“The term of office of judges, their independence, security, adequate remuneration, conditions of service, pensions and the age of retirement shall be adequately secured by law.” – Principle 11, United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, (1985).
Babajide Candide-Johnson became a judge of the High Court of Lagos State at 45. He is the son of the third Chief Judge of Lagos State, and when his tenure ended after 20 years on 27 June 2021, he became the head of the family court in the High Court of Lagos State.
At his retirement, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, described Babajide Candide-Johnson as “a brilliant, hardworking, meticulous and fearless judge, an intellectual who delivered judgments without fear or favour.”
Those words describe a model judge. However, nine months later, in March 2022, Candide-Johnason was back in court, this time, to sue the government of Lagos State, which he had served without blemish for two decades, for “his pension, severance gratuity, and other entitlements.”
The government initially demurred, disingenuously arguing that responsibility for judicial pensions under the Pension Right of Lagos State Judicial Officers Law of 2015 lay with the state Judicial Service Commission. The state government later saved itself from an embarrassing position, and the parties agreed to an amicable settlement.
In 2022 alone, at least five other former judges of the High Court of Lagos also sued the State government over the same issue.
The year before Justice Candide-Johnson’s retirement, 22 retired judges of the High Court of Abia, the self-described “God’s own State” in south-east Nigeria, had similarly sued the state government before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, (NICN), claiming to have been shafted by a succession of three governors going back nearly a decade and a half, who claimed mandates from God to ruin the state. It appears that in response to that case, the then state government “reportedly promised to pay 10 million Naira to the retired judges every month, but only did so for one month.”
Three years later, the case was still stuck in the NICN, with little progress. Meanwhile, five of the retired judges had died in penury, while waiting for the case to rescue them. In May 2023, Abia State installed a newly elected governor. Two months later, he and the retired judges reached an agreement to clear the backlog of 16 years of judicial pensions liability.
Across Nigeria, retired judges are increasingly resorting to judicial proceedings to call attention to a crippling and chronic crisis of judicial pensions for judges who retired before June 2023. In Western Ondo State, retired judges sued in April 2016 for similar issues. Their peers in Imo, Ogun, and Oyo have as well.
For long, the constitution provided for how to compute judicial pensions, but not necessarily for how to finance or administer them effectively. Effective from June 2023, a new constitutional amendment transferred responsibility for the administration of judicial pensions to the National Judicial Council (NJC). This has not, however, alleviated or addressed the crisis of judicial pension obligations, which arose before then and may, indeed, have created new problems of their own.
In the central state of Kogi, eight retired judges of the state High Court have recently served notice on the state government of their intention to return to court as litigants to enforce their pension rights. They include a former Chief Judge of the State, John Bayo Olowosegun; a former President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Yunusa Musa; and a former senior judge, Professor Andrew Alaba-Ajileye.
The NJC has to accept some responsibility for the historical liabilities. It has been an indifferent and perfunctory advocate for retired judges. On his way out of office as then chairman of the NJC and Chief Justice of Nigeria, after much hand-wringing, Olukayode Ariwoola, finally tabled the issue before the Council at its 100th meeting in January 2023.
In a statement at the end of the meeting, the Council described as “worrisome, the situation whereby many Judicial Officers of the States are being owed their retirement benefits, including severance pay/gratuity and pensions” and warned that this undermined the rule of law without clearly saying how so.
Even worse, the Council failed to disclose which states were involved, for how long or by how much. Instead, it directed State Chief Judges from across the country to report on compliance with the resolution without indicating what it had previously done to compute the quantum of liabilities involved.
On the whole, the NJC lost an opportunity to show that it cared about the subject matter; that it had bothered to do its homework, or that this was an issue on which it desired to enlist any support or reinforcement for the affected retired judges. Since then, the Council does not appear to have seriously monitored or re-engaged with this issue.
The consequences of the chronic accumulation of pension arrears in the public service are quite corrosive of both the morale of existing personnel and the effectiveness of service delivery. Serving officers need to consider such a situation to appreciate the urgent need to take their own destinies into their own hands, while they have the opportunity to do so.
The judiciary presents a special case because the average age of intake into the Bench of the superior courts of record is higher than in any other branch of pensionable service in Nigeria. The consequences of deliberate neglect to fulfill pension obligations can therefore be quite dire. In States like Taraba in the north-east, for instance, many judges who retired before 2023 have died waiting endlessly for their pensions and terminal benefits.
The uncertainties about judicial benefits have also created other problems of their own, with crooks cashing in on the vulnerabilities of retired judges. In March 2024, the NJC went public with the complaint that “fraudsters had been bombarding retired judges with phone calls demanding various sums of money to help them fast-track the payment of their retirement benefits.” The Council explained that it “would never demand money from any judicial officer to fast-track the payment of (his/her) retirement benefits.” The jury is, at best, still out on this lingering issue.
This crisis of judicial pensions and terminal benefits fosters a system of perverse incentives conducive to bartering judicial outcomes for material benefit.
Some may view as uncharitable, a strand of public opinion that suggests that there is a Law of Karma at work and that the destitution of retired judges in this way is the natural consequence of a deepening crisis of judicial integrity and politicisation of the judiciary. Others have gone as far as to indiscriminately accuse judges of feeding up-front in the service of the political lion with the menu of their pensions.
Even if the conduct of some judges in service could conceivably deserve the attentions of a hypothetical Karma, many judges do their best not to fall into that category. Such points of view should, however, demonstrate to all involved the urgency of addressing this issue with finality.
For the judiciary, it is existential at both personal and institutional levels. For the citizens and court users, it is the only way to guarantee the possibility of minimal credibility to the work of the courts. For the country, it should ensure that the promise of an independent judiciary does not disintegrate into a constitutional hoax. The distinction between judges who retired before June 2023 and those retiring thereafter is artificial and unnecessary. The NJC can work constructively with the government at the federal and state levels to address all cases on their merit.
A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu.
