The Smartphone Leash - Tracking Young Adults in the Age of Hyper-Connection

The Smartphone Leash - Tracking Young Adults in the Age of Hyper-Connection

Picture the college dorms of the 1980s: a line of students waiting for their turn at the pay phone, each hoping for a brief weekly check-in with mom or dad.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape of parent–child communication has been transformed. Instead of waiting for a call, many parents now know exactly where their 18- to 25-year-old children are at any given moment, thanks to smartphone tracking apps.

According to a University of Michigan survey, more than half of parents in this age group admit to tracking their adult children’s location, often with the setting permanently switched on.

The motivations are understandable. Parents cite peace of mind and safety as the primary reasons. In an era of heightened awareness about risks, the ability to glance at a map and confirm that a child is safe can feel like a lifeline. Y

et the practice is not without complications. Roughly a quarter of parents surveyed confessed that tracking sometimes increases their anxiety rather than alleviating it. A ping showing their child in an unfamiliar location can trigger worry, even when the situation is benign - like a Taco Bell drive-through that looks suspiciously like an alley.

FG’s Push for Cooking Gas Stability

FG’s Push for Cooking Gas Stability

The Federal Government’s recent directive to marketers to increase cooking gas imports is a decisive intervention aimed at addressing the nationwide shortfall and stabilizing prices.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has been tasked with intensifying engagement with producers, marketers, and stakeholders to boost Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply.

This move comes against the backdrop of rising costs driven by foreign exchange volatility, logistics challenges, infrastructure constraints, and fluctuations in international LPG prices.

The government’s reassurance is clear: households, industries, and power generation must have reliable and affordable access to cooking gas. Marketers have already committed to increasing import volumes to complement domestic production, while the commencement of deliveries from Seplat’s new gas facility in July is expected to significantly bolster national supply.

Ekpo emphasized that no producer is exporting LPG meant for local consumption, underscoring regulatory measures designed to prioritize domestic needs.

Price data from the National Bureau of Statistics paints a stark picture of the strain on consumers. The average price of a 5kg cylinder rose from ₦7,655.73 in March to ₦8,706.93 in April, a 13.73% increase.

Similarly, the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder jumped from ₦19,652.83 in March to ₦22,382.20 in April, representing a 13.89% month-on-month surge. Year-on-year comparisons also show double-digit increases, highlighting the urgency of government intervention.

Editorial: The ADC’s Bold Gamble - Atiku and Amaechi Unite for 2027

Editorial: The ADC’s Bold Gamble - Atiku and Amaechi Unite for 2027

In a dramatic twist ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as the running mate to its presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

This decision, unveiled after extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, and representatives across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, signals a calculated move to present a ticket that blends experience, regional influence, and reformist credentials.

The announcement is particularly striking given Amaechi’s earlier rejection of the ADC primary results, where Atiku secured a decisive victory with over 1.8 million votes compared to Amaechi’s 504,117.

Despite his grievances over alleged voter disenfranchisement, the rapprochement between the two men, cemented by Atiku’s visit to Amaechi’s Abuja residence, underscores the party’s determination to forge unity in the face of Nigeria’s mounting challenges.

Amaechi’s political résumé is formidable. From his tenure as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly to two terms as governor, and later as Minister of Transportation, he has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most seasoned administrators.

His leadership in infrastructure development and rail modernization projects at the national level adds weight to the ADC’s claim that this ticket represents “two tested statesmen” capable of rescuing Nigeria from economic drift and insecurity.

Strategically, Amaechi’s inclusion strengthens the ADC’s reach in the South-South and broader Southern Nigeria, regions critical to any national campaign. 

Editorial: America at 250 - Eddie Glaude’s Call to Maturity

Editorial: America at 250 - Eddie Glaude’s Call to Maturity

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Princeton historian Eddie Glaude Jr. offers a sobering reflection: America must finally grow up.

His new book, America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation’s Anniversaries, is not a celebration but a reckoning. Glaude begins with a startling confession, “I do not love America, and never have, especially now”, a declaration born of rage, melancholy, and disillusionment.

He points to the erosion of voting rights and redistricting efforts that threaten Black representation as evidence of a nation still unwilling to confront its contradictions.

For Glaude, anniversaries are not just milestones but mirrors. Each one forces the country to tell a story about itself, often sanitized and mythologized. He critiques the tendency to exalt the founders and the “sacredness” of the American experiment while ignoring the ghosts of slavery and racial injustice that haunt the nation’s halls of power.

Atiku-Amaechi vs. The Field - ADC’s Calculated Gamble in 2027

Atiku-Amaechi vs. The Field - ADC’s Calculated Gamble in 2027

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stunned Nigeria’s political landscape by pairing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar with ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi for the 2027 presidential race.

This alliance, forged after a contentious primary and subsequent reconciliation, is being framed as a union of pragmatism and reform. Yet, the real question is how this ticket stacks up against the formidable contenders from Nigeria’s dominant parties.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to field a candidate who will lean heavily on incumbency advantages, state machinery, and a narrative of continuity. 

Historically, the APC has thrived on its ability to consolidate northern votes while making inroads into the South-West. Against such a backdrop, Atiku’s northern base combined with Amaechi’s South-South influence could be ADC’s strongest counterweight, offering a ticket that bridges regional divides in ways the APC may struggle to replicate.

Britain’s Bold Step: Banning Under-16s from Social Media

Britain’s Bold Step: Banning Under-16s from Social Media

Britain has announced a sweeping ban that will prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the measure at a Downing Street press conference, framing it as a decisive move to protect young people from harmful content, excessive screen time, and online exploitation.

He acknowledged that some teenagers would inevitably attempt to bypass restrictions but insisted he was “not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children.”

The ban, expected to take effect early next year, places Britain among a growing list of countries tightening online safety rules for minors. Australia pioneered such restrictions in 2025, and nations including Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia have followed suit.

Britain’s model will mirror Australia’s but go further, with enforcement targeting tech companies rather than children. Platforms that fail to implement robust age checks could face multimillion-dollar fines.

The government is also considering additional measures such as curfews and limits on infinite scrolling for users under 18.

Public sentiment has strongly favored the ban. Over 116,000 responses were submitted during the consultation period, with more than 90% supporting restrictions. Families affected by online harms, such as Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was murdered after exposure to dangerous online content, welcomed the move as potentially life-saving.

Charities like the NSPCC praised the ambition but stressed the need for effective enforcement. Critics, however, raised concerns about privacy risks tied to age verification systems and warned that children might migrate to less-regulated, more dangerous corners of the internet.

Troops Rescue Wife of Former Defence Information Director From Bandits

Troops Rescue Wife of Former Defence Information Director From Bandits

Troops Rescue Wife of Former Defence Information Director From Bandits

The recent rescue of Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, marks both a moment of relief and a sobering reminder of the persistent insecurity plaguing Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army, supported by the Air Force, successfully recovered her after she was abducted by bandits alongside her husband weeks earlier. Tragically, Major General Abubakar did not survive captivity, underscoring the devastating human toll of banditry.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation was part of intensified search-and-rescue efforts under Operation FASAN YAMMA. Troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, where sustained pressure forced the criminals to abandon Mrs. Abubakar after shooting her during the encounter. She was immediately evacuated to a military hospital and is reportedly responding to treatment.

The Armed Forces have pledged full support for her recovery and vowed to continue pursuing the perpetrators until they are neutralized.

FCT MINISTER INAUGURATES NEW FCT AREA COUNCIL CHAIRMEN

The newly elected FCT Council chairmen taking their oath of office during their swearing in ceremony in Abuja on Monday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER INAUGURATES NEW FCT AREA COUNCIL CHAIRMEN

...SAYS IT WILL NO LONGER BE BUSINESS AS USUAL

...INTRODUCES REWARDS FOR THE MOST PEACEFUL AND INFRASTRUCTURE-DRIVEN COUNCILS

The Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has officially inaugurated the newly elected FCT Area Council Chairmen, declaring an end to administrative laxity, incessant labour strikes, and financial unaccountability at the local government level.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the FCDA Conference Hall in Abuja on Monday, June 15, 2026, Barr. Wike congratulated the new leaders on their victory at the FCT Area Council polls held in February, noting that their assumption of office ushers in a vital new era of grassroots leadership.

The Minister explicitly warned the new Chairmen that the celebration was over and the real work should begin. Reminding them of the solemn covenant they made with the electorate, he stated that the days of treating public office as a mere title were over.

"It will no longer be business as usual", Barr. Wike cautioned. "Your people listened to you and they all came out to vote for you. Remember, you have a covenant with the people. The people have performed their own civic obligation. You owe a duty to them to make them feel the impact of governance. It’s not to wear your traditional clothes; it is time to work for your people".

In a major policy directive, Barr. Wike announced tight fiscal monitoring over local government funds. While promising never to tamper with their allocations, he emphasized that the FCT Administration will closely monitor how every Naira is spent.

He strictly reminded the newly inaugurated leaders of public service rules governing local government finances, stressing that no Executive Chairman has the authority to directly sign checks.

"Some of you here operate accounts. No Executive Chairman is allowed to sign checkbooks. Your own is to approve. That’s why we have civil servants who are signatories to the accounts of Area Councils. Let no Chairman put himself in trouble by signing checks for withdrawal of money. You don’t have the authority", The FCT Minister declared.

"This is not the time you tell your treasurer or head of local government to meet you in a hotel, or ask, 'How much do we have? Remove this, keep this for me, I’m traveling tomorrow’. It will no longer happen. Please hear it now: if I know, I will call EFCC, I will call ICPC to look into your matter".

The Minister expressed deep dissatisfaction with the perennial strikes by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and primary school teachers, which have historically paralyzed local education and governance. He noted that the FCTA has repeatedly borne the burden of bailing out Area Councils to pay teachers' salaries and rehabilitate schools, and tasked the new chairmen with finding permanent solutions to these labor disputes.

Barr. Wike further ordered the Chairmen to immediately halt the practice of abandoning their domains to reside in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) or luxury city hotels, linking their physical presence to local security intelligence.

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS WORLD-CLASS COURT OF APPEAL COMPLEX IN ABUJA

L-RMinister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Vice President Kashim Shettima, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Wife of the FCT Minister, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federal, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) during the commissioning of the newly constructed Court of Appeal (Abuja Division) building in Abuja on Monday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS WORLD-CLASS COURT OF APPEAL COMPLEX IN ABUJA

…REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO JUDICIAL REFORM

In a major boost to the nation’s justice sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned the new state-of-the-art Court of Appeal, Abuja Division Building in Dakibiyu.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026 at the court premises, President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the facility as a bold statement of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda towards providing a befitting home for the rule of law.

The President noted that the new complex was birthed from his directive to replace the previously cramped, inadequate workspaces that hindered judicial efficiency, adding that the world class facility, featuring two large and eight smaller courtrooms, is designed to expedite legal proceedings and reduce congestion in correctional centres.

“When I visited and saw the condition, I gave a simple instruction: fix it. Today we have fixed it”, he stated.

He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his exceptional delivery of the project in record time, and lauded the indigenous contractor, Visible Construction Limited, for also demonstrating that Nigerian firms possess the capacity to deliver high-quality infrastructure on schedule.Addressing the justices, the President stated that the complex was their right and not a favour and urged them to ensure that justice remains swift, fair, and blind to status.

He said, “My Lords you serve this nation under immense pressure. The Abuja division carries a heavy docket. From election petitions to constitutional matters, the eyes of Nigeria are on you. You deserve an environment that matches the weight of your responsibility. This complex is not a favour. It is your right. And we will do more”.

President Tinubu also emphasized that his administration is committed to rebuilding Nigeria brick by brick, adding that the project will serve as a centerpiece in his broader mission to restructure the judiciary and strengthen democratic institutions through improved infrastructure and increased funding.

Earlier in his remarks, the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike stressed that the provision of a comfortable, modern environment for judges was essential for the protection of the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

The Minister disclosed that he frequently visited the construction site to ensure the job was completed on schedule and in accordance with agreed standard, adding that the FCTA also constructed the access road to the court building which, he said, has encouraged construction works in hitherto undeveloped plots around the area.

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS 9KM AIRPORT EXPRESSWAY - KUJE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY

Vice President Kashima (3rd from right) FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike (3rd left) Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud (2nd right), Minister of Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri (right), MD Arab contractors, Engr. Mohammed Eladoros, (2nd left) and Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa (left) cutting the tape to commission the newly reconstructed six-lane dual carriageway from the Airport Expressway to Kuje township in the FCT...Thursday.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS 9KM AIRPORT EXPRESSWAY - KUJE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY

…SAYS IT WILL HELP TO DECONGEST THE ABUJA CITY CENTRE

…AS FCT MINISTER ANNOUNCES SWEARING-IN OF NEW COUNCIL CHAIRMEN ON MONDAY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially commissioned the newly dualized 9km section of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road), stressing that the six-lane dual carriageway will provide dignified connectivity between the city centre and suburbs and decongest the Abuja metropolis. 

Speaking on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the commissioning ceremony of the vital artery with two river bridges stretching from the Airport Expressway to Kuje town Junction, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the project as a physical manifestation of a promise kept on the third anniversary of his administration.

He noted that the project, which was initially awarded in 2022 but abandoned, had long served as a bottleneck that wasted productive hours for civil servants, traders, and commuters, adding that its construction will return valuable time to residents, lift property values, attract commercial investments, and enable local farmers to move their produce efficiently without delay.

He said, “This six-lane dual carriageway we are commissioning today completely changes the game. You no longer have to endure the suffocating bottleneck on the Kuje-Airport Road. This is your bypass to freedom and fluid movement. We are giving you back your time. The hours our mothers, our traders, and our civil servants used to waste in traffic traps entering or leaving Kuje are gone. Time is money, and we are putting that time back into your pockets”.

Reaffirming his commitment to balanced development across the territory, President Tinubu expressed confidence that connecting the suburbs through premium infrastructure would successfully decongest the Abuja metropolis while bringing the real benefits of governance straight to the grassroots level

He said, “Above all, we are opening up the satellite towns. Abuja cannot breathe if only the city center is developed. By creating a high-speed, dignified connection between the suburbs and the heart of the capital, we are decongesting our metropolis and spreading prosperity evenly”.

He praised the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for his aggressive political will in ensuring the execution of the project, and further commended him for paying the necessary compensation to affected citizens along the road corridor to clear obstructions and ensure the timely delivery of the road project.

President Tinubu, while also reminding residents that infrastructure development is a partnership, reiterated his call for property owners and developers to pay their taxes, ground rents, and land fees to enable the replication of the Kuje success story in other satellite towns. He strongly urged traditional rulers and the youth of Kuje to jealously guard the new infrastructure against vandalism, unauthorized markets, and refuse dumping.

Earlier in his remarks, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, recalled the difficult and highly politicized history of the highway, stressing that the 9km road project, which was awarded in February, 2022 at a cost of over ₦54 billion, had no contractor on-site and was completely abandoned when the current administration took office.

“PAY YOUR GROUND RENT AND TAXES TO ENJOY MORE INFRASTRUCTURE”, PRESIDENT TINUBU URGES FCT RESIDENTS

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike delivering his address at the commissioning of the Arterial Road N5 in Abuja on Wednesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

“PAY YOUR GROUND RENT AND TAXES TO ENJOY MORE INFRASTRUCTURE”, PRESIDENT TINUBU URGES FCT RESIDENTS

...AS HE COMMISSIONS THE DAPE DISTRICT SECTION OF ARTERIAL ROAD N5 IN ABUJA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes, ground rents, and land fees to enable government deliver world-class infrastructure projects in the nation’s capital.

The President made this call on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during the official commissioning of the full-scope development of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in the Dape District of Abuja.

Represented at the occasion by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized that citizen compliance through tax payment is the economic engine that empowers the government to carry out development projects.

He said, “To the residents and business owners enjoying this transformation, I urge you to meet your obligations. Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents. Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one”.

Reflecting on the progress made since the commissioning of the Gwarinpa I District section of the Arterial Road N5 in June 2025, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration commitment to breaking the old cycle of abandoned projects and preventing them from becoming permanent budget lines.

While noting that the newly completed N5 corridor has successfully eliminated the notorious traffic bottleneck at Life Camp Junction and established a fluid, high-speed connection between key districts including Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado and  Idu, among others, President Tinubu praised the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whom he described as ‘the engine of execution’, for his relentless political will and accountability.

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS OSEX MAIN CARRIAGEWAYS IN ABUJA

L-R Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud at the commissioning of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway from RRI to RRII, Abuja..on Tuesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS OSEX MAIN CARRIAGEWAYS IN ABUJA

…SAYS ERA OF ABANDONED PROJECTS IS GONE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has officially commissioned the completed main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), stretching from the Ring Road I Junction (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) to the Ring Road II Junction (the road leading to outer districts of Lokogoma and Galadimawa in the FCT).

The President, who was represented at the ceremony by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, described the landmark project as a tangible manifestation of the "Renewed Hope" agenda, declaring that his administration has effectively brought an end to the culture of uncompleted and abandoned public works across Nigeria.

He said, "When we took the oath of office to lead this great nation, …we promised a renewed hope that is tangible—hope that you can see, hope that you can feel, and hope that you can drive on! We don't start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is gone! We finish what we start".

President Tinubu recalled that he had, in the last two years, commissioned the initial stages of the inherited OSEX project (also known as Mahamadou Issoufou Way) and stressed that its completion will further enhance traffic flow in the FCT, reduce lost man-hours and save fuel for commuters.

He commended the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and his team for their dogged determination and focused vision in structurally transforming the nation’s capital for long-term prosperity, noting that the FCT Minister has shown that public service is about performance and not excuses.

"You have kept the contractors on their toes, and you have kept our vision alive. This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope agenda—delivering quality results for the Nigerian people, on time", President Tinubu stated.

The President also used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that the current administration was fiercely committed to infrastructure development across the country.  “We will continue to build, we will continue to reform, and we will continue to invest in the future of our people”.

Love in the Shadow of Violence: Can Affection Survive Brutality?

Symbolic Photo

Love in the Shadow of Violence: Can Affection Survive Brutality?

Love, by its very nature, is fragile yet resilient. It thrives on trust, tenderness, and mutual respect. Violence, on the other hand, is its antithesis, a force that corrodes intimacy, instills fear, and fractures the delicate bonds between people.

The question of whether love can endure in the midst of violence is not merely philosophical; it is painfully real for countless individuals living in conflict zones, abusive relationships, or societies plagued by unrest.

At times, love does persist against all odds. Couples in war-torn regions cling to affection as a lifeline, parents nurture children despite chaos, and communities find solidarity in shared suffering.

These instances reveal love’s remarkable capacity to adapt, to become a form of resistance against brutality. Yet, we must not romanticize this endurance. Love that survives violence often bears scars, mistrust, trauma, and silence. It is not untouched love, but wounded love.

The truth is stark: violence suffocates love more often than it strengthens it. Where fear dominates, tenderness struggles to breathe. Where control and harm replace respect, love becomes distorted.

To allow love to truly thrive, violence must be dismantled. Only in peace can affection grow freely, unburdened by survival instincts.

Senate To Begin Deliberations On State Police This Week

A View of Nigeria's Senate

 Senate To Begin Deliberations On State Police This Week

The Nigerian Senate is set to open deliberations on the establishment of state police, a move that has gained urgency amid escalating insecurity across the country.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced that the issue has become a priority in the ongoing constitutional review process, reflecting the growing demand from Nigerians for localized policing structures.

He emphasized that consultations with stakeholders have already taken place and that the upper chamber intends to fast-track discussions so the bill can move to the 36 state houses of assembly before seeking presidential assent.

Bamidele underscored the Senate’s commitment to aligning with public sentiment, declaring, “We are standing with Nigerians on state police. That will come to fruition this week during plenary.” His remarks signal a significant step toward reshaping Nigeria’s security architecture, potentially decentralizing law enforcement to better address regional challenges.

The Senate Leader also weighed in on other pressing matters. He dismissed calls for a probe into the military as unpatriotic, arguing that such efforts would distract from the urgent task of tackling insecurity.