'Influencer' who garnered 165k followers while 'enjoying Wimbledon' is revealed as an AI creation

The posts on Mia Zelu's Instagram page were so carefully curated that they hoodwinked more than 40,000 people into liking the pictures

- Special Report -

When AI Influencers Fool the Crowd: The Rise and Ethics of Digital Fame

In July 2025, the internet buzzed over a striking Instagram personality named Mia Zelu, who shared glamorous snapshots of herself enjoying the Wimbledon tennis tournament. With 165,000 followers and captivating captions like “Still not over the event... but the party’s a whole other game,” she appeared to be the perfect blend of style, charm, and social media savvy.

MORNING BRIEFING | 210725

Morning Briefing | Monday, July 21, 2025, ||| your curated snapshot of Nigeria and the world in socio-economic, political, entertainment, and sporting affairs

Nigeria: Socio-Economic Pulse

• Economic Growth Outlook Brightens Nigeria’s GDP is projected to grow by 3.6% in 2025, buoyed by increased fuel output from the Dangote refinery, which is now producing beyond domestic demand. This shift positions Nigeria as a net fuel exporter for the first time, easing inflation and strengthening the naira.
• Investment Drive Intensifies Billionaire Aliko Dangote has urged wealthy Nigerians to invest locally, citing the refinery’s success as a model for transformative development. The Federal Government echoes this optimism, crediting reforms under President Tinubu for stabilizing the economy.

FEEL MY PULSE | 190725

Editorial Commentary: Voices in the Current

As Nigeria and the world navigate a constellation of transformations, from climate anxieties and political recalibrations to tech upheavals and cultural renaissance, individuals, organizations, and movements are responding in ways that reflect both hope and skepticism. Their reactions aren't just noise in the system; they’re shaping the narrative itself.

Nigeria: Mourning, Music, and Meaning

The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari has elicited contrasting sentiments. Foreign dignitaries and African statesmen honored his leadership as steadfast and visionary, with tributes flowing from across continents. Yet domestically, the renaming of UNIMAID after him stirred backlash. Students and alumni argued it tarnishes the institution’s legacy, pointing to educational policies that frustrated academia during his tenure. For many Nigerians, this moment is less about national reverence and more about political memory.

EDUCATION AND CULTRE | AN EMBRACE FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

-         SPECIAL REPORT -

Reimagining the Future: How Educational and Cultural Innovation Is Empowering Youth and Reshaping Creative Economies

From bustling tech hubs in Lagos to immersive art festivals in Delhi, the convergence of educational innovation and cultural creativity is sparking a global movement, one that is empowering young people, expanding digital access, and redefining how economies grow through art, learning, and design.

Innovation in Education: From Classrooms to Catalysts

Global Forums on Learning Transformation

July 2025 saw a series of influential conferences reshaping global education:

• At ICOIE 2025 in Hong Kong, educators championed open and flexible learning models, powered by AI, gamification, and inclusive pedagogies.
• The ITECONFERENCE 2025 in London invited global experts to reimagine curricula—highlighting digital equity, early childhood innovation, and machine-learning-assisted instruction.
• In Las Vegas, the Innovative Schools Summit addressed the urgent need to rebuild student engagement post-pandemic, with tools for resilience and behavior transformation.

NIGERIA’S NATIONAL CONSTITUTION SUMMIT – 2025 | HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ?

-SPECIAL REPORT-

NIGERIA’S NATIONAL CONSTITUTION SUMMIT – 2025 | WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The National Constitutional Summit held in Abuja from July 15–17, 2025, was a landmark event aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s democratic future. Convened by The Patriots, a coalition of elder statesmen and civic leaders led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the summit brought together over 700 delegates from across the country and the diaspora.

Key Objectives

• Replace the 1999 Constitution with a new, people-driven charter
• Restore true federalism and decentralize governance
• Create a Constituent Assembly through non-partisan elections
• Draft a new constitution to be ratified via national referendum

Major Reform Proposals

• Governance Structure
• Shift from the expensive presidential system to a more accountable model
• Restructure Nigeria into autonomous regions with genuine federal powers
• Streamline the legislature to reduce cost and improve efficiency

NEWSROUNDUP | 190725

The Global Pulse: Nigeria’s Momentum and the Triple Helix Shaping Our Future

As the world spins through turbulent headlines and digital revolutions, Nigeria holds its own amid shifting global tides. From art to athletics, from power plays to political pivots, this is a panoramic view of what’s shaping the moment, locally and globally.

Nigeria: Talent, Tensions & Transformation

Political Realignments and Rising Voices

• Obasanjo’s Call for National Unity Former President Olusegun Obasanjo decried Nigeria’s current trajectory, asserting that insecurity and hardship reveal a country in bondage. He emphasized the need for a leader who transcends tribal lines.
• NNPP Courts Obasanjo Ahead of 2027 Seeking strategic guidance, NNPP leaders met Obasanjo to foster unity and political vision for the upcoming elections.
• Push for Electoral Reform With Atiku’s recent party switch, PDP and ADC leaders are rallying for coalitions and reforms to challenge APC dominance.

2025 NATIONAL CONSTITUTION SUMMIT | A NECESSITY OF YESTERDAY

-       SPECIAL REPORT -

 Nigeria’s 2025 National Constitutional Summit: A Bold Step Toward Democratic Renewal

Held from July 15–17, 2025, in Abuja, the National Constitutional Summit marked a historic turning point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Spearheaded by The Patriots, a coalition of elder statesmen, legal experts, and civic leaders, this summit aimed to rewrite Nigeria’s governance blueprint by replacing the widely criticized 1999 Constitution with a truly people-driven charter.

Over 700 delegates from across Nigeria and its diaspora gathered with one common purpose: to set the stage for a reimagined federal structure, inclusive democracy, and accountable leadership.

ABUJA IN THE LAST ONE WEEK | POLITICS, URBAN DEVELOPMENTS & MORE

Abuja in Focus: Coalition Politics, Urban Renewal, and the Capital's Rising Voice

Abuja, Nigeria As the political heartbeat of Nigeria, Abuja never sleeps, and this past week was no exception. From strategic opposition alliances to sweeping economic conversations, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) played host to a series of developments that echo far beyond its skyline.

Power Plays and Political Reconfigurations

The nation’s capital saw a convergence of heavyweights, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, in a meeting that many are calling the start of an “opposition renaissance.” With whispers of a united front to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 elections, analysts say this “coalition of veterans” could redefine Nigeria’s political map.

Family in shock after discovering their ‘’female’ househelp is actually a man

 

- SPECIAL REPORT -

Deception, Dignity, and Desperation: Unpacking the Househelp Identity Scandal in Nigeria

A Nigerian family was left stunned after discovering that their “female” househelp was, in fact, a man. The revelation, captured in a viral video, showed the individual removing a silicon bra and skirt, exposing his true identity. The incident has sparked widespread debate across social media, touching on issues of deception, human rights, poverty, and public ethics.

The Incident

The househelp had been living and working in the household while presenting as female. Upon suspicion, the family asked him to undress, revealing male genitalia. The video of this moment was shared online, triggering a firestorm of reactions.

398th Inaugural Lecture: Professor Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole

Prof. Kikelomo Kolawole

A Threefold Cord That Is Not Quickly Broken: Rethinking Dental Health and Human Dignity

On May 27, 2025, Professor Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole, a distinguished orthodontist and academic at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), delivered the university’s 398th Inaugural Lecture titled “A Threefold Cord That Is Not Quickly Broken: The Kinship of the Face, the Teeth and Quality of Life.”

Professor Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole's Inaugural Lecture explores the intricate relationship between facial structure, dental health, and overall well-being are interwoven, and why this matters for public health, cultural identity, and human dignity.

INAUGURAL LECTURE | BLOOD IS HEALTH: OUR BLOOD MIRRORS OUR BEING | LATEEF SALAWU

Prof. Lateef Salawu

Blood Is Health: Our Blood Mirrors Our Being

On June 24, 2025, Professor Lateef Salawu, a distinguished and renowned scholar in Haematology and Immunology, delivered the 400th inaugural lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. Titled “Blood is Health: Our Blood Mirrors Our Being,” the lecture was not only a celebration of academic excellence but a profound exploration of blood as both a biological substance and a symbolic reflection of human vitality, identity, and health.

·     A Landmark and Transformative Lecture

Blood: The Mirror and the Message

Professor Salawu described blood as a living archive, a fluid that carries genetic information, immune responses, and cultural meaning. He detailed the roles of red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, emphasizing their diagnostic, forensic, and therapeutic significance.

The Shopping Mall Tragedy | Irag | Over 60 Fatalities

A Blaze of Awakening: How a Shopping Mall Tragedy Could Reshape Iraq’s Cities

When flames engulfed the Corniche Hypermarket in Kut, Iraq, just five days after its grand opening, the tragedy unfolded into more than just a devastating accident. It became a catalyst for nationwide reckoning with outdated safety standards, inadequate infrastructure, and fragile governance. The blaze, which claimed at least 61 lives, many from suffocation in locked bathrooms, has triggered widespread mourning, and, crucially, a call for change.

Grief, Anger, and Urgent Responses

The inferno shocked the nation. Social media showed frantic rescues from rooftops and corridors filled with smoke. President Abdul Latif Rashid expressed “great sorrow”, while Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged swift support for the injured. Wasit Governor Muhammad Jamil al-Miahi not only declared three days of mourning but also pursued legal action against the mall owners.

ON YOUR MARKS | GET SET | YOUR WEEKEND STARTS NOW

Nigeria and Global Weekend Events Roundup: July 18–21, 2025

As Nigeria embraces a bustling July weekend, cities across the nation, from Lagos to Uyo, are lighting up with a colorful spectrum of events: from tech summits and youth empowerment camps to cultural festivals and faith-based revivals. Globally, sports arenas, innovation labs, and music stages are welcoming crowds for unforgettable experiences. Here’s your curated guide to what’s happening across Nigeria and the world.

Major Nigerian City Events

Lagos

• Spirit of Praise 14.0 (Ikeja): Gospel music experience with worship leaders. – 18 July, 10:00 PM
• Beach Hangout (Barracuda Beach, Lekki): Games and music by the ocean. – 19 July, 6:00 PM
• AI Nexus Lagos (Oriental Hotel, VI): AI community forum shaping Africa’s future. – 20 July, 10:00 AM
• July RealGlow Pop-Up (Mainland): Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle showcase. – 18 July, 7:00 PM