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I don’t belong to any political party – Obasanjo

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Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed during a thanksgiving service, today, at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Wuse, Zone 3, Abuja, that he is not a member of any political party.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that he described himself as “a no-party statesman”.

The former president warned that Nigerians were currently dealing with a number of difficulties.

He also advocated positivity and hope.

The service was for the 80th birthday of a journalist, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.

Chief Ugochukwu was also the former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The former president praised the celebrant for being a devoted and helpful individual throughout his 1999 election campaigns.

This was despite the fact that Chief Alex Ekwueme competed for the same post in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), according to report.

Olusegun Obasanjo exhorted Ugochukwu to spend the remainder of his life with the Lord and dedicated to serving humanity.

He said: “But remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13.

“Your faith must not diminish.

“You must never lose hope.

“Even when things are as gloomy as they are in Nigeria today, we must remain optimistic and hopeful.

“And finally, you must live and continue to live a life of love.

“Love for your family.

“Love for friends and foes.”

Ex president continued: “Love for your community.

“Love for your state.

Still admonishing on Love, He went on: “Love for your country.

“Love for humanity.

“And love for God.

“When we came together, it was during the campaign.

“I’ve known a little bit about you by your reputation.

“We were two candidates competing in PDP – myself and Alex Ekweme.

“And right from the word go, you decided who you would be with.

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“Some Yoruba elements in our campaign saw you as a spy.

“The Igbo elements on the other side saw you as a bastard.

“Why should you be with a Yoruba man when an Igbo man is contesting?

“And you stood your ground.

“You were unshaken and unshakable.

“You remained totally loyal.

“And I appreciate it.

“And you remain with me.

“Not 99.9% loyal, but 100% loyal.

“Throughout my tenure.

“I will be eternally grateful to you.

“When you went in, as the bishop said, to contest the election, and they overturned the election, you didn’t take revenge on anybody.

“You were not bitter.

“You didn’t even move out of the party.”

He went on: “You remained.

“Some people would have moved out of their party.

“And you know some who are in our party, close to us, who did that.

“Over the years, whether I am in or out, whether people are abusing me or oppressing me, I know your stand.

“I know I can count on you.

“Not only as my supporter, but for the party that we all built together.

“Even though now I’m a no-party statesman.

“I want to emphasise what the bishop said.

“At 80, what more do you want?

“Do you need it?

“All I will say is that you need to continue to serve humanity and serve God.

“And there’s no end to that.

“And the bishop said you should enjoy yourself.

“I will concur with that.

“But don’t over-enjoy yourself.

“Because one can overdo it.

“Once again, happy birthday, many happy returns.

“You will celebrate 90.

“And I will be there.

“You will celebrate 100.

“I will not be there.

“But wherever I am.”

READ ALSO:  Olusegun Obasanjo: “A man with a tremendous capacity for mischief” - Presidency

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, too

During the reception, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also praised Onyema Ugochukwu for his patriotism.

He claimed that when Atiku and ex President Olusegun Obasanjo disagreed, the celebrant did not pick sides and instead made an effort to mediate the conflict.

Atiku said: “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I will not claim that I know Ogochukwu long enough because we only met during our administration around 1998-99.

“And till now, we have been in contact with each other.

“But I want to say that during our administration, even when the President and I were having problems, Ogochukwu never took sides.

“Rather, he tried to be a conciliator and I want to say that all along I found him to be an extremely dedicated, passionate Nigerian.

“Let me also testify that in all those years that we worked together, I never heard of any unwarranted action by Onyema Ogochukwu.

“He was still a credible and perfect gentleman.

“Mrs. Ogochukwu, I think you are very lucky to have him.

“Honestly, I want to say that this is one of the very rare events I have put on a public face to identify myself, but I feel extremely delighted to have been part of this event.

“I also look forward to getting to your age.

“So, once again congratulations Onyema Ogochukwu and family and the entire people of Abia State and Nigeria in general.”

The celebrant, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu…

However, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu was tearful as he explained that five of his seven siblings had passed away.

He thanked God for his excellent health and remarked that only he and his sister remained.

As he acknowledged God’s faithfulness in his life and vowed to continue serving God and humanity more than ever before, he claimed to be the first of his siblings to reach the age of 70.

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He said: “In 2014, I lost my two younger brothers, my father, and then my uncle.

“So there was no urge to celebrate.

“There were seven.

“My eldest brother, let him be known, was the best of us all.

“But he died at 64.

“I grew up in a happy family, and all that.

“But then when the war came.

“I joined the army.

“I had bullet wounds, both in my hand and my leg.

“But God didn’t want to take me away.

“In retrospect, I thought that those bullet wounds were to take me off that front, because I probably would not have been alive if they had remained there subsequently.

“In 2007, I lost the election which I won, actually.

“I then went to court.

“And I was in court for three years.

“But in my own case, my friends stayed with me.

“So much so, that even those who were fighting us said they would like to join our group.

“How do we do it?

“And they have stayed together these many years.

“They are mostly the people helping to organise this.

“I am grateful to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for the impact he made in my life.

“When I met him, it was General Liu that introduced us.”

The Sermon

Earlier in his sermon, the Bishop of Nyanya Diocese, Rt. Rev. J. O. K. Adeyemi, admonished the celebrant to keep serving God and humanity, more than ever before.

He urged Ugochkwu to always seek heavenly race and be dedicated to living a good life, as reported.

 

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Analysis

Why Penis Size Does Not Affect Performance, Fertility — Experts

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For countless men, penis size stirs deep anxiety fed by social media, locker-room banter, and pressure from adult content.

But sex experts and urologists agree: size rarely determines sexual function or fertility.

In a revealing conversation with PUNCH Healthwise, clinical sexologist Cecilia Agu and consultant urologist Dr. Gabriel Ogah broke down the myths emphasizing emotional connection, overall health, and sperm quality as far more meaningful indicators of sexual well-being.

Sexual Satisfaction Lies Beyond Size

Agu, who specializes in human sexology, has heard the insecurities countless times. Yet she insists that the fixation on size overshadows what truly matters in intimate relationships.

“Women value intimacy, chemistry, and creativity not centimeters,” she explained, her tone both compassionate and pragmatic.

“In most cases, size doesn’t determine performance or biological capacity. Only rare, clinically significant conditions impact size.”

She points to societal myths that equate larger size with virility.

“Historic portrayals in art and literature, and today’s media, amplify stereotypes. Pornography exaggerates, turning a normal variation into unreasonable expectations.”

Agu also cautioned against the booming market selling “enhancement” remedies.

“That industry profits off insecurity peddling pills, gadgets, and herbal supplements with no proven benefit.

The real dilemma lies in emotional weariness, not physical deficiency.”

She acknowledged true medical conditions like micropenis, often linked to hormonal or genetic causes but emphasized their rarity.

“Anyone worried about hormonal imbalances or developmental issues should seek professional evaluation,” she advised.

“Fertility Is Unrelated to Size” Dr. Gabriel Ogah

Dr. Ogah, a respected urologist, offered a no-nonsense medical perspective on the fertility question.

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“A small penis doesn’t reduce a man’s ability to impregnate a woman,” he stated firmly.

“If sperm is healthy and ejaculation occurs, fertilization can happen.”

He added that many young men consult him out of anxiety sparked by unrealistic comparisons.

“Almost always, their size falls within healthy norms. It’s undue stress, fueled by exposure to distorted media portrayals.”

Dr. Ogah also debunked the idea that older men can “restore” diminishing function through enhancement products.

“As absurd as it sounds, many try. But no pill or serum can permanently alter anatomy.

These are myths masquerading as solutions.”

So What Truly Matters?

Both experts agree: prioritizing overall health, emotional intimacy, and stress-free communication far outweighs anxiety over size.

Agu stressed that sex is about connection, not metrics. “Being nervous about measurements sets couples up for dissatisfaction.

But when you focus on pleasure, emotional safety, and experimentation, the experience transforms.”

Dr. Ogah echoed this, emphasizing regular health check-ups. “Good cardiovascular health, balanced hormones, and mental well-being are key. Size doesn’t affect that.”

Dispelling the Myths, Sustaining the Confidence

As myths dissolve under scientific clarity, a bigger concern emerges: how do we nurture a culture free of body shaming? Agu proposed educational steps.

“We should teach young people that anatomy varies. Performance is multi-dimensional. Communication trumps comparison every time.”

Dr. Ogah endorsed that sentiment. “Let’s shift the narrative. Appreciate function over form. Listen to your body, and care for it through healthy living.”

Performance Isn’t About Inches

Size remains largely irrelevant when partners are emotionally in sync, focused on connection, and attuned to shared pleasure.

READ ALSO:  2023: Atiku reportedly meets APC governors after Tinubu met PDP governors

Fertility hinges on sperm health not size.

Medical concerns like micropenis are rare, but deserve medical evaluation.

Media, culture, and marketing distort reality. Let’s counter that with facts.

Confidence and sexual well-being stem from health, honesty, and intimacy not obsession with size.

In the end, as Agu beautifully summed up, “It’s not the size it’s how you share it.” That truth holds far more value than any number on a measuring tape.

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VIDEO: Soludo’s government under fire over alleged fatal attack on businessman

DDM News

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(DDM) – A disturbing case of alleged brutality by revenue enforcement agents in Anambra State has sparked outrage across the state and beyond.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the deceased, identified as Mr. Okechukwu Theophilus Akaneme, a former chairman of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, reportedly suffered fatal injuries after being beaten by state revenue agents on October 11 last year.

Eyewitness accounts claim the assault stemmed from a dispute over unpaid waste management fees.

Family sources stated that Mr. Akaneme, who was reportedly in good health before the incident, sustained a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.

Despite being rushed to the hospital and admitted into the intensive care unit, the businessman never fully recovered.

Medical expenses reportedly soared to ₦80 million, of which the Anambra State Government allegedly paid only ₦40 million, leaving the bereaved family with an outstanding debt of ₦40 million.

Critics say this tragic incident underscores what they describe as a culture of “revenue enforcement rascality” under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

Business leaders argue that the practice of aggressive tax enforcement is driving fear among traders and investors in Anambra.

The video that went viral, obtained by DDM, named Mr. Joseph Okoye of Aswama as the alleged leader of the team that attacked Akaneme.

Police officers who reportedly accompanied the enforcement team have also been accused of complicity in the incident.

Sources close to the case say the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State has yet to make arrests, raising concerns about possible compromise or incompetence.

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The victim’s family has called on the state government to take responsibility, prosecute those involved, and provide adequate compensation beyond partial hospital payments.

Human rights advocates have also joined the call for justice, warning that the impunity surrounding such incidents erodes public confidence in government institutions.

Critics argue that the value placed on human life under the current administration appears alarmingly low, citing similar complaints of excessive force by state task forces in the past.

Governor Soludo, a professor of economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, is facing mounting pressure to respond to allegations that his administration tolerates reckless enforcement practices.

Analysts say the incident could damage Anambra’s image as a safe and viable destination for investors.

Security and respect for human rights, they argue, are prerequisites for attracting major investments and fostering economic growth.

Political observers believe the government’s response to this case will be a major test of its commitment to justice, transparency, and the rule of law.

As public outrage grows, civil society groups, including the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), are reportedly considering mass campaigns to demand accountability.

The late Mr. Akaneme has since been buried, but his family remains burdened by financial debt and grief.

Calls for justice continue to echo across Anambra, with residents asking how much value Governor Soludo places on the life of an ordinary citizen.

The police, the government, and all agencies involved are yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing these allegations.

 

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2027: PDP Southern leaders meet in Lagos, vow unity before zoning debate

DDM News

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(DDM) – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be fully united before serious talks on its 2027 presidential candidate can begin.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the call came during the PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit held in Ikeja, Lagos, where top party stakeholders convened to deliberate on internal reforms and a credible zoning formula ahead of the party’s national convention.

Makinde told reporters after the closed-door session that rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion, and reconnecting with Nigerians must be the primary agenda before candidate selection.

He warned that rushing into zoning or candidate discussions without first addressing structural cracks within the party would doom the PDP to another electoral disaster.

The governor noted that critics who claim PDP is politically dead will be proven wrong as the party regains its organisational strength.

He insisted that the outcome of the Lagos meeting had already demonstrated the party’s willingness to put aside internal disputes for the sake of unity and national credibility.

Makinde emphasised that the summit was not statutory but necessary to engage stakeholders across all southern states in meaningful dialogue.

He added that democracy thrives on consultation, inclusivity, and respect for diverse voices within a party structure.

He said democracy should not be reduced to mere power grabs but should reflect credible engagement that represents the will of the people.

The Lagos summit was attended by prominent PDP leaders, including Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and representatives of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

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Also present were former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and several former governors including Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Udom Emmanuel, and Sam Egwu.

Makinde revealed that at least 12 of the 17 southern states were fully represented by zoning committee members, National Assembly representatives, and party elders.

The gathering also discussed the strategic role of the southern region in shaping the PDP’s chances in 2027, particularly given the intense political calculations expected around power rotation.

PDP’s history of zoning has been controversial, often sparking internal divisions over whether the presidency should rotate between the North and South.

In 2022, the party faced criticism after nominating Atiku Abubakar from the North despite calls for a southern candidate, a decision many analysts say fractured its support base in the 2023 elections.

This historical backdrop has heightened expectations ahead of the 2027 convention, with southern leaders pressing for early consultations to avoid past mistakes.

Makinde acknowledged that winning recent by-elections, particularly in Oyo State, had boosted PDP’s morale and disproved claims that the party was politically irrelevant.

He said the success reflected the resilience of PDP supporters and the commitment of its leaders to reclaim national dominance through hard work and strategic alliances.

The governor stressed that Nigerians are yearning for an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the PDP must present itself as a credible force.

He explained that Thursday’s meeting was part of a broader strategy to ensure the party’s zoning formula reflects fairness, justice, and national balance.

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He also confirmed that more consultations will take place across southern states and eventually at the national level before the convention.

Political observers note that Thursday’s summit reflects growing pressure on the PDP to consolidate its base ahead of a highly competitive election season.

Analysts argue that the party’s ability to reconcile its factions and adopt an inclusive approach could determine its viability in 2027.

Makinde expressed confidence that the deliberations in Lagos would pave the way for further engagements capable of repositioning the party for victory.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic as the PDP undertakes internal reforms to rebuild confidence in its leadership.

The meeting was called under the auspices of the PDP Zoning Committee, chaired by Governor Douye Diri, and was described as a success by attendees.

Stakeholders are expected to reconvene in the coming weeks for broader consultations and final recommendations before the party’s National Executive Council meeting.

Makinde closed by reiterating that zoning, candidate selection, and electoral strategy would only succeed if the PDP first restores unity, discipline, and credibility within its ranks.

 

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NERCO, COPDEM pushes for urgent electoral reforms as 30-day deadline nears

DDM News

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The Nigerian Electoral Reform Coalition and COPDEM have stepped up advocacy efforts as their 30-day deadline for electoral reforms nears.

(DDM) – The Nigerian Electoral Reform Coalition (NERCO) has undertaken an advocacy visit to the National Assembly (NASS) as part of its campaign for immediate electoral reforms.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the visit, held on Tuesday, marked the 20th day of the 30-day deadline NERCO had given lawmakers to initiate credible electoral reform.

According to NERCO representatives, the group had earlier delivered a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on May 9, 2025, demanding urgent legislative action to overhaul the nation’s electoral system.

The coalition expressed disappointment over the lack of response from either chamber of the National Assembly.

NERCO stated that its advocacy involves Nigerians across faith-based, religious, and civic organizations who are committed to achieving a transparent and credible electoral process ahead of future elections.

The coalition emphasized that its demands are simple but critical to Nigeria’s democratic growth.

First, NERCO called for a credible process of appointing leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group argued that only reputable and impartial individuals should oversee the commission, to avoid bias in election administration.

Second, NERCO demanded the full digitalization of the voting and result collation system.

The group stressed that accreditation, voting, and result display must be instantaneous and transparent, eliminating manual collation that has historically enabled electoral fraud.

NERCO insisted that these reforms are not “rocket science” and have been successfully implemented in other countries, adding that Nigeria must be ready to lead if necessary.

The coalition warned that failure to meet the 30-day deadline would prompt further actions, which it described as more intense than the current advocacy visit.

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The group reaffirmed that its movement is self-funded and not driven by political sponsorship, describing it as a reflection of Nigerians’ collective frustration with flawed electoral processes.

COPDEM, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, also reacted to the visit, calling NERCO’s push “a timely reminder of Nigeria’s democratic responsibilities.”

COPDEM stated that the National Assembly must see electoral reform as an urgent priority, not a political bargaining tool, and called for immediate dialogue between legislators and civil society groups.

NERCO concluded by reiterating its demand that electoral reforms be passed within 2025, warning that delays would be unacceptable to Nigerians.

 

 

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Vance faces fierce protests during DC national guard visit

DDM News

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Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Washington, DC’s Union Station led to heated protests against the Trump administration’s security policies.

(DDM) – Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Union Station in Washington, DC, on Wednesday sparked a heated confrontation with demonstrators opposing the Trump administration’s security policies.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Vance had arrived to host a lunch with National Guard members deployed by President Donald Trump. The troops were stationed across the capital following heightened security concerns. However, his remarks were frequently drowned out by chants from angry protesters.

Witnesses reported that Vance entered a Shake Shack restaurant at Union Station to a mix of applause and loud boos. Some patrons chanted “USA, USA, USA” in support of the vice president, while others responded with cries of “shame” and “we want the military out of our streets.”

The vice president, joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, greeted troops and thanked them for their service. But tensions escalated when protesters, blocked from the second floor where the officials were gathered, intensified their chants and disrupted a press gaggle with Vance.

Speaking to reporters, Vance dismissed the protesters as “crazy” and “communists,” accusing them of misrepresenting the city’s views on public safety. Miller went further, labelling demonstrators as “elderly white hippies” and claiming, without evidence, that they were “not part of the city.”

Vance defended the administration’s stance, recounting a previous visit to the station where he claimed his family encountered “violent vagrants” that left his children frightened. “People want safer streets, and we’re here to ensure that,” he said.

The Trump administration has faced sharp criticism for ordering the deployment of the National Guard and FBI to patrol Washington, DC, and for attempts to assume control of the city’s police department. A Washington Post-Schar School poll shows that roughly eight in ten DC residents oppose these measures, reflecting deep tensions between federal authorities and local voters.

READ ALSO:  Olusegun Obasanjo: “A man with a tremendous capacity for mischief” - Presidency

Despite the backlash, Vance insisted he was “highly skeptical that a majority of DC residents don’t want their city to have better public safety and more reasonable safety standards.”

The visit underscored a stark political divide. While some cheered the administration’s commitment to law and order, others saw the presence of troops as a provocative overreach into a city that overwhelmingly voted against Trump.

Outside the Shake Shack, protesters continued to chant as Vance departed, leaving the debate over federal control of DC policing far from resolved.

 

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