FEEL MY PULSE | 260525

Here’s a look at some of the available online reactions to trending global and National issues:

Topics Global

·       Pope Leo XIV's election: Many are praising his emphasis on unity, while others debate whether an American pope can remain neutral in global politics.

·       X (formerly Twitter) outage: Users are flooding social media with memes, blaming Elon Musk and joking about switching to alternative platforms.

·       India's economic growth: Some celebrate India’s rise, while others question whether the country’s rapid expansion is sustainable.

·       Harvard controversy: Heated debates are unfolding, with some defending Harvard’s autonomy and others supporting stricter regulations on foreign student enrollment.

·       Russia-Ukraine prisoner swaps: Some view the swaps as a sign of progress, while others argue they don’t change the ongoing conflict.

·       Cannes Film Festival power cut: Speculation is rampant about whether the blackout was sabotage or a technical failure.

NewsRoundUp | 260525

 

Wondering what’s trending around the world at this time? Not to worry, SEB is got you covered. Here are some of the biggest global trends right now:

·       X (formerly Twitter) outage: The platform suffered two major outages within 24 hours, leaving thousands of users unable to log in or access their feeds. Elon Musk has yet to provide an official explanation, but speculation ranges from cyberattacks to infrastructure failures. Some services have been restored, but issues persist for many.

·       Top billionaire cities: New York City continues to lead the world with the highest number of billionaires, followed by Hong Kong and Moscow. Mumbai has also climbed the ranks, reflecting India's growing economic influence. Mumbai has dropped to sixth place, reflecting shifts in global wealth distribution.

·       India's economic growth: India has officially surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $4.19 trillion. The country is expected to continue its rapid growth, driven by strong private consumption and government investments. India's GDP growth for Q4 FY25 is projected at 7%, but the full-year estimate has been revised down to 6.3%. The country remains one of the fastest-growing major economies.

REVIEWSNETWORK@AIT.NG | DEMOCRACY TODAY | CURRENT POLITICS IN NIGERIA

ReviewsNetwork at this time focuses on a recent episode of “Democracy Today” with the caption “CURRENT POLITICS IN NIGERIA”

If you are yet to see the video, watch it here.

Meanwhile, the video is a current affairs program called Democracy Today on Africa Independent Television (AIT). It discusses Nigeria's current political landscape, comparing it to a European football season, with political defections, strategy shifts, and party realignments. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained several key figures from opposition parties, including the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which is struggling with internal disputes.

This episode of the program highlights President Bola Tinubu's administration seeming to have received mixed reviews. While APC leaders praise his economic reforms, critics argue that policies like fuel subsidy removal and naira floating have worsened poverty and inflation. The opposition, meanwhile, is fragmented, with PDP facing leadership disputes ahead of its National Executive Committee meeting on May 27, 2025.

REVIEWSNETWORK@SOUTHERN LIVING.USA | How To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard

I stumbled on this article titled “How To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard”, curtsey Southern Living, so we thought it interesting to share it with you.

This article offers expert tips on how to keep mosquitoes away from your yard. Here are the key points:

·       Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it's essential to empty containers like flower pot saucers, old tires, buckets, and garbage can lids. Refresh bird baths and pet water bowls regularly.

·       Use Mosquito Dunks: These contain bacteria (Bti) that kill mosquito larvae without harming beneficial wildlife.

·       Keep Your Yard Tidy: Trim grass, hedges, and avoid ground covers like English ivy near seating areas to reduce mosquito hiding spots.

·       Wear Repellents: EPA-approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing also helps.

·       Use a Box Fan: Mosquitoes struggle to fly in strong wind, so placing a fan near your seating area can deter them.

·       Mosquito-Repelling Plants?: There’s no scientific evidence that plants like lavender or lemongrass repel mosquitoes. Only plant extracts or oils have shown effectiveness.

REVIEWSNETWORK@VOICE TV NIGERIA.NG | Abuja Is Not Kano, Not For Beggars, (Alimagiri), Wike Rejects Sen. Ndume Advice On FCT Budget

This video, curtesy Voice Tv Nigeria features a discussion in the Nigerian Senate about the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) budget.  In the video, Senator Ndume raises concerns about security, healthcare, and the presence of beggars in Abuja. He suggests a structured approach to policing and proposes a camp for displaced persons to provide training and support. Hon. Minister Wike responds by emphasizing the unique governance structure of the FCT, explaining the challenges of implementing certain policies due to national security constraints. He also highlights recent budget approvals for medical equipment and security measures. The conversation underscores the complexities of managing Abuja as Nigeria’s capital.

Detailed Breakdown of the Key Points

The discussion in the Nigerian Senate touched on several significant issues concerning the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key points:

1. Security Concerns

Senator Ndume raised concerns about policing in Abuja, suggesting a system where police officers are stationed at intervals throughout the city at night to enhance security. His argument was that the presence of police officers at regular distances could help deter crime and improve safety. However, Minister Wike pointed out that Abuja, as the nation's capital, has unique security considerations. He explained that decisions regarding security measures require coordination with national security agencies because of the high-level government institutions and international bodies based in Abuja.

CBN MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE (MPC) MEETING | 300TH EDITION | FULL VIDEO

This video covers the 300th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), held on May 19-20, 2025. The committee reviewed global and domestic economic developments and decided to hold policy rates to allow for better assessment of near-term economic trends.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

The MPC decided to hold policy rates, maintaining the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27.5%, alongside the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 50% for deposit money banks and 16% for merchant banks. The liquidity ratio was also retained at 30%. This decision was driven by the need to assess near-term economic trends before making further adjustments.

REVIEWSNETWORK@GUARDIAN.NG | LEADING THE WAY: Nigerian's Teen Girls Saying No to Pressure

ReviewsNetwork at this time beams its searchlight on this article titled “Leading the Way: Nigeria’s Teen Girls Saying No to Pressure”, curtsey of The Guardian.

““The future is female” isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a vision taking shape in Nigeria today.

Across the nation, community initiatives are empowering young women to support the community while improving Nigeria’s economy. Blending traditional values with modern strategies, these programs equip teenage girls with the skills, confidence, and support needed to excel in a rapidly changing world.

In cities like Kaduna and Lagos, innovative programs are taking root. One such initiative offers teenage girls mentorship, practical skill-building workshops, and a network of supportive peers.

The goal is clear: to provide a secure environment where young women can learn, grow, and chart a positive path for theirs and their families’ futures.

Known as SKY Girls, this initiative has been quickly gaining support among educators, parents, and the girls it serves. Rather than imposing an external culture, SKY Girls focuses on reinforcing local identity and pride while introducing useful skills for navigating today’s world. The program includes informative magazines, creative events, and practical workshops that promote personal development and entrepreneurship.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Infectious Disease Surveillance: A National Imperative

Dr. Ogbonna Eugene Chikere

Each year, Nigeria confronts the same grim reality: outbreaks of preventable infectious diseases such as cholera and Lassa fever continue to claim lives, overwhelm healthcare systems, and reveal systemic weaknesses in our public health infrastructure. These recurring crises are not simply unfortunate events but preventable consequences of inadequate surveillance and delayed response.

As a physician and researcher with frontline experience in epidemic management, including leading a COVID-19 response team that achieved a 65% reduction in transmission at the Federal Medical Center Abeokuta, I have seen firsthand the critical role robust surveillance plays in protecting populations.

REVIEWSNETWORK@ASSORT.NG | POLITICAL VEIWPOINT | CURBING INSECURITY IN ZAMFARA STATE

Recently, an episode of POLITICAL VIEWPOINT, a current affairs programme on Aso Radio & Television featured a conversation tagged “CURBING INSECURITY IN ZAMFARA STATE”. If you haven’t seen the video yet watch it here.

The programme was hosted by Topsy Gim. The guest was Dr. Suleman Shaibu Shinkafi, an APC stakeholder from Zamfara State. The discussion focuses on governance, security, and economic challenges in the state.

As a brief summary of the conversation, in the video, Dr. Shinkafi criticizes the current state government, led by the PDP, for failing to adequately address insecurity and economic hardship. He claims that the dismissal of over 4,000 state employees has increased poverty and crime rates. He also argues that the opposition pushed the governor into distributing vehicles to security agencies but believes the action was overdue.

REVIEWSNETWORK@NTA.NG | TUESDAY LIVE | REGIONAL SECURITY AND BORDER INTERFACE

 

Tuesday Live, a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) inhouse current affairs programme recently had a conversation on one of its episode captioned "REGIONAL SECURITY and BORDER INTERFACE". If you missed it watch it here. 

The conversation focused on regional security in West Africa, particularly in light of the recent meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chiefs of Defense Staff held in Abuja. Key discussions in the meeting revolved around security challenges in the subregion, including terrorism, banditry, arms proliferation, and cross-border crime.

The meeting led to commitments from ECOWAS member states to activate a 5,000-man standby force to combat terrorism. However, due to financial constraints, the initial deployment will consist of 1,650 troops. Discussions also included plans for a counterterrorism brigade and strategic rotation of peace support officers.

FCT MINISTER HOLDS A MEDIA PARLEY

Seen the video yet? See it here!The video is a live broadcast of the FCT Media Parley, featuring discussions on various developmental projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. The conversation covers infrastructure initiatives, such as water provision for satellite towns, street lighting improvements, and security enhancements. The speaker highlights agreements made with Chinese companies for critical projects and the government's commitment to ensuring these developments benefit residents.

Major points from the interactive include:

·       Water Supply Projects: Agreements with Chinese firms to improve water access in satellite towns like Bwari, Kuje, and Kubwa. 

·       Street Lighting and Security: Plans to install durable streetlights with security features to curb vandalism.

·       Infrastructure Development: Upcoming road and project inaugurations, including efforts to revamp the international conference center.

·       Teachers' Strike: Ongoing negotiations to address salary payments for FCT teachers.

REVIEWSNETWORK@CHANNELSTV.NG | BEIGN TRUE TO MYSELF | AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY BY SULE LAMIDO

Have you seen the video coverage of the book presentation? Well, in summary, the video (see it here) covers the launch of Sule Lamido's autobiography, Being True to Myself, in Abuja, attended by prominent Nigerian figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi. The speakers highlight Lamido's contributions to Nigerian politics, his journey from a privileged upbringing to becoming a nationalist, and his advocacy for social justice and governance reforms. His tenure as Foreign Minister and Governor of Jigawa State is praised, with emphasis on his principled stance in politics and leadership. The event also serves as a reflection on Nigeria's democratic evolution, leadership accountability, and ongoing national challenges. Several attendees pledge support for the book, with commitments to distribute copies for educational purposes.

Let’s expand the summary

Federal Road Safety Corps pledge inclusive driving policy for women

Blessing Onyedinma, 28, a Danfo (minibus) driver, poses for a photograph next to a minibus in in Ikeja Underbridge bus stop in Lagos, on February 21, 2025. (Photo by OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT / AFP)

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is to revise its policies to better accommodate and empower female drivers across the country.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the “Women on Wheels” summit on Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr Clement Oladele, described the initiative as a transformative platform for promoting gender inclusion, skill development and safety.

According to him, the recent evaluations revealed that the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS), used for training and certifying haulage and fleet operators, had previously made no tailored provision for women.