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The University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, has graduated 12,624 students across its 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies, with Nigerian Tribune General Editor, Taiwo Adisa, earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Communication.  The convocation, held on Saturday at the institution’s main campus in Abuja, also featured the conferment of […]

The Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Amina Abdullahi Sani, has reiterated the need for reserved legislative seats for women as part of efforts to boost female participation in governance. Sani made the call while receiving a delegation from the International Federation of Women Lawyers, led by Salma Ahmad […]

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reacted to public concerns surrounding a viral video of an incident involving one of its patrol teams in the Central Business District of Abuja.

In a statement signed by Osondu Ohaeri, Deputy Corps Commander and Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC described the narrative surrounding the incident as misleading.

The statement read, “The incident occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during a routine traffic enforcement operation by its RS7.14 Central Business District Unit Command.

“Contrary to the misleading narrative being circulated, the incident arose during a routine traffic enforcement operation along the CBD axis, where a vehicle was lawfully intercepted for identifiable traffic violations, including overloading and seatbelt non-compliance. In line with standard procedures, appropriate steps were taken to enforce compliance.

“During the course of the operation, the driver became non-compliant and diverted from lawful directives, creating a scene that attracted public attention and increased tension within the area.

“As the situation evolved, a crowd gathered, thereby raising security concerns and the potential for disorder.

“It is important to categorically state that at no time did any FRSC personnel assault, threaten, or attempt to use force against the driver or any occupant of the vehicle.

“The individual seen in the circulating video holding an iron rod is neither connected to the driver nor to the Corps, but rather a passerby whose actions have been misconstrued to distort the true narrative.

“In line with global best practices in enforcement and conflict management, the FRSC personnel on ground demonstrated a high level of professionalism, restraint, and emotional intelligence.

“The decision to de-escalate the situation, by disengaging and restoring calm, was taken in the interest of public safety, especially given the volatile crowd dynamics at the scene.

“The Corps emphasises that this action should not be misinterpreted as weakness or compromise of enforcement standards, but rather as a strategic and responsible approach to prevent escalation, protect lives, and maintain public order.

“To this end, the Corps wishes. to reiterate that it remains committed to its core mandate of ensuring safer roads while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.”

The Corps further urged members of the public to disregard misleading content and continue to cooperate with law enforcement officers in the discharge of their lawful duties.

The clarification follows a viral video in which FRSC officials were accused of harassing citizens. It was alleged that the Corps official struck a man with an iron rod during a confrontation.

FRSC reacts to viral video of Abuja CDB incident

Burna Boy has come under fresh social media attention after a resurfaced interview with media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu began circulating online, sparking renewed discussions among music fans.

In the widely shared clip, the Grammy-winning artist appears on a talk show hosted by Ebuka, where he is asked directly whether he considers himself arrogant.

Reacting to the question, Burna Boy asked the interviewer if he understood the meaning of arrogance. Ebuka responded that that was the reason he posed the question.

The singer then replied that if Ebuka was asking such a question, it meant he already knew the meaning, adding that the media personality could not ask a question whose meaning he did not understand.

In response, Ebuka said he would ask ChatGPT, prompting Burna Boy to reply that he should go ahead and that he would wait for the answer.

The exchange has since generated mixed reactions online, with many viewers focusing on the singer’s tone and body language during the conversation.

Some fans suggested that Burna Boy’s manner of looking at the interviewer conveyed underlying tension, with a few claiming it appeared confrontational.

Others, however, dismissed such interpretations, arguing that the moment was being overanalysed and taken out of context.

A section of social media users criticised the singer, alleging that his response and demeanour reinforced perceptions of arrogance.

Meanwhile, supporters of Burna Boy defended him, stating that his reaction reflected confidence rather than arrogance, and that the question itself was provocative.

Reacting to the post @martha said “Burna Boy is not arrogant at all. People often provoke situations, and when he responds, they label him as arrogant.”

Another reaction from @mally said, “How can he be arrogant when he sat down patiently for you to understand the word you used in the question? He sitting down calmly was his answer cos an arrogant man has no patience to sit with an interviewer who doesn’t even know the meaning of the word arrogance he used in his question. you asked for a chat GPT and he said ok go get it he will wait that right there was the answer cos when you understand the word arrogant you will know my patience shows I ain’t arrogant but principled ..cos you ain’t messing with no average artist..this is a great principled artist that controls big arenas and stadiums all over the world, he won’t lay low for everyone to step on him and mofos got nerves to say they will cancel him like they did to naira Marley ..Burna is carried by God not mere men.”

Also, another X @tkid said, “He is very arrogant!!! Arrogant is described as having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance, abilities, or worth, often displayed through rude, overbearing, or superior behavior. It signifies a lack of humility, with arrogant individuals acting as if they are better than others. Common synonyms include haughty, conceited, supercilious, and overbearing. He is of the above.”

The resurfaced interview adds to ongoing public discussions around celebrity conduct, media interactions, and how public figures are perceived by audiences.

Mixed Reactions Follow Burna Boy’s Interview With Ebuka is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State chapter, has dismissed claims that its chairman, Dr Babajide Kehinde Saheed, has been removed from office, describing the development as unconstitutional and without legal effect. In a statement issued on Saturday, the association said a group of individuals had circulated a purported announcement claiming to have ousted the […]

The Nigerian government has warned television broadcasters and anchors, over breaches of Nigerian broadcasting codes.

The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, issued the warning in a disclosed notice to broadcasters on Friday.

NBC said the warning comes amid an alleged surge in unprofessional broadcast conduct across Nigerian news broadcast platforms.

The regulator told broadcasters, including Arise Television, Channels TV and others, that it would enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly those relating to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement, and respect for constitutional bodies.

NBC warned broadcasters to ensure professionalism in handling politics, communal and war issues.

“The broadcaster shall exhibit professionalism in handling the transmission, especially sensitive issues such as politics, communal conflicts, and wars.

Specifically, it threatened sanctions on anchors or presenters found to have expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, denied a fair hearing to opposing views, or otherwise compromised neutrality, or be disrespectful to human dignity.

NBC warns TV anchors against bullying guests, compromising neutrality

Beatrice Ige, founder of Brich Aesthetic Clinic, has cautioned against underestimating the risks associated with Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Ige described the procedure as complex and potentially dangerous, warning that it involves multiple surgical processes performed on a single patient.

“BBL is not a simple procedure. It is a combination of liposuction, fat processing, body contouring, and tattooing. That is tour procedures in one, performed or a single patient. The most common complications include pulmonary embolism, sepsis, and death. Some surgeons downplay the risks because of competition and profit.”

The medical professional emphasised that the growing popularity of cosmetic enhancements has led to increased demand, sometimes overshadowing critical conversations about safety and medical standards.

According to her, some practitioners may minimise the dangers associated with the surgery in a bid to attract clients in an increasingly competitive aesthetics market.

She stressed the need for proper patient education, urging individuals considering such procedures to fully understand the potential complications before making decisions.

Ige also highlighted the importance of choosing qualified and experienced professionals, noting that the complexity of the surgery requires a high level of expertise.

The warning comes amid rising global concerns about the safety of cosmetic procedures, particularly those that involve fat transfer and extensive body modification.

Health experts have consistently pointed to complications such as infections and blood clots as significant risks tied to poorly managed or improperly conducted surgeries.

The discussion continues to generate reactions, as more medical professionals advocate for transparency and patient safety in aesthetic practices

‘BBL Is Not Simple’ – Expert Flags Major Risks is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Popular Nigerian juju musician Yekini Kolawole Ajao, popularly known as Y.K Ajao, is dead.

His death was made known in a statement posted on musician, Shina Peters’ Instagram page on Friday night.

“Still hard to believe, You weren’t just a friend, you were my brother. Prof Y.K Ajao, your sound, your spirit, your presence; unforgettable.

“Thank you for everything. I’Il carry the memories always.

“Rest well, my brother. Your legacy lives on, your music lives on, and you will never be forgotten,” the post read.

Yekini Ajao went professional in 1973 when he formed his own band, ‘Y.K. Ajao & His Professional Brothers Band’.

His music style began in the juju tradition, but he created a distinctive sub-style called ‘Juju Makossa’.

Nigerian Juju music icon, Y.K. Ajao is dead

The Governor of Anambra State and national leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has read a riot act to the leaders and members of the party, while reeling out guidelines for the conduct of the party’s forthcoming primary elections.

Soludo who addressed APGA faithful during the South-East zonal convention of the party held at the International Convention Centre, Awka on Saturday, revealed that the party would adopt option A4 for its 2027 election primaries.

Soludo said the arrangement will beat rigging and also enhance transparency in the party, while cutting down waste of scarce resources through vote buying.

Soludo said: “I know that most of you may not be happy with this new strategy because you see politics and party membership as business. Most of you may even say “why does this man want to spoil our show during this political season”?

“What we are doing is to cut wastefulness and also ensure the health and credibility of our party. Let me tell you, there are people here who may have saved some money to buy shuttle buses, maybe the money is not yet complete, and they are waiting for this political season to make up to buy it.

“But we don’t want this period to be business as usual. Our aspirants who you want to make money from should be able to save up their resources to be able to fight their opponents in other parties in the main election, instead of spending it during the primary election.

“We are going to adopt option A4 in all our primary election this season. The essence is that once you look back and you are winning, you will know you are winning. When you see a long line of people behind you, you will know you are winning.

“It is not the one that you will pay money to people, and they will tell you they are for you, and because it is a secret ballot, they will go and vote against you. We want to curb all that. There are many other things we want to do to ensure that this party stands.”

The governor also said henceforth, the party will not tolerate aspirants eyeing more than one position.

“If you want to run for governor, please make up you mind about that. We will not tolerate people occupying one seat and vying for another seat.

“We want to ask you all, if you are a member of this party, make up your mind about the position you want to aspire for. For example, if you are going to aspire to be governor, start now. In the next three years and some months, I will be leaving office, you can start now to begin to prepare, not going to pick up a senatorial seat and when it is time for governorship election, you also come out again.

“Let me tell you people how this thing works. Once somebody is interested in governor and he aspires and gets Senate, the tendency is that he will not concentrate on his Senate duties. All his intentions is to make money that he will use to vie for governor.

“That is something we want to stop. We want all party members to ensure they look at the various positions they want to vie for and go for them.”

Soludo added that henceforth, it is strictly prohibited for aspirants to visit members of the state executive in their homes to bribe them. All meetings would be held at the party office, he said.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the party, Barr Sly Ezeokenwa, read out a long list of code of conduct for members that also tallied with the speech by the governor. He insisted that his leadership was on a mission to clean up the party.

Soludo reads riot act to APGA members, adopts option A4 for primaries

A development economist, Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, has blamed the failure of the Ajaokuta Steel Company on poor leadership, corruption and policy inconsistency.

Oyelaran-Oyeyinka made this known while speaking at the Virtual International Conference on Ajaokuta, where he called for the full privatization of the steel complex.

He recommended that majority ownership be handed to a capable Nigerian consortium working in partnership with experienced global operators.

According to him, Nigeria has invested up to $10 billion in the Ajaokuta project over the years without producing steel, while still spending about $4 billion annually on steel imports.

He described the steel plant located in Kogi State and designed to produce 1.3 million tonnes of steel per year as “a monument to unrealized potential” and a reflection of decades of policy failure.

The economist noted that, if operational, the plant could have met a significant share of domestic demand and saved the country billions in foreign exchange.

Drawing comparisons with countries such as China, India, and South Korea, Oyelaran-Oyeyinka emphasized that strategic investment in steel production played a critical role in their industrial growth. He warned that Nigeria risks further economic decline without decisive action.

Reiterating his position, he stressed that reviving Ajaokuta could generate up to $14 billion annually for the economy, save nearly $1 billion in foreign exchange, and create over 70,000 jobs.

“The time for hesitation has passed,” he said, urging the government to act swiftly to reposition the steel sector as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrial development.

Failure of Ajaokuta Steel caused by corruption, poor leadership — Economist Oyelaran-Oyeyinka