A WORLD ON EDGE | A NATION IN TRANSITION | YOUR WORRIES

-SPECIAL REPORT-

A World on Edge, A Nation in Transition: The Current Pulse of Nigeria and the Globe

As the sun rises on August 9, 2025, the world finds itself in a state of restless motion. From the bustling streets of Abuja to the war-torn neighborhoods of Gaza, from digital revolutions in Silicon Valley to prayer vigils in Ilorin, the global narrative is one of complexity, contradiction, and cautious hope. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, stands at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with internal challenges while echoing the broader tensions and transformations shaping the planet.

2027: 151 new parties indicate interest, submit forms, says INEC

Nigeria’s Political Landscape Shifts as INEC Receives 151 New Party Applications Ahead of 2027 Elections

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a dramatic surge in applications from political associations seeking official party status. A total of 151 groups have submitted forms, signaling a potential reshaping of the nation’s political terrain.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that the commission is currently shortlisting qualified associations. The final list will be released after the August 16 by-elections, and details, including proposed names, acronyms, logos, and interim leadership, are already available on INEC’s website.

We’re not where we ought to be, but we are somewhere very strategic - Abdullahi

-SPECIAL REPORT- 

Nigeria’s Electricity Paradox: Challenges, Reforms, and the Road Ahead

Despite being Africa’s largest economy and blessed with abundant natural resources, Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent electricity shortfalls. With over 85 million citizens lacking access to reliable power, the implications for economic growth, public welfare, and national development are profound. Yet, beneath the surface of these challenges lies a complex web of reforms, strategic decisions, and untapped potential.

NIGERIA | 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS | UNFOLDING

-Special Report-

Nigeria's Road to 2027 Elections – Activities Unfolding and INEC’s Standpoint

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, political activities are intensifying across the country. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun laying the groundwork for what promises to be a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Here's a comprehensive update on the unfolding developments and INEC’s position on key issues.

Political Activities Already Unfolding

• Formation of New Political Parties
• INEC has received applications from 151 political associations seeking registration as parties.
• Shortlisting is underway, with announcements expected after the August 16 by-elections.
• Early Campaigns and Political Realignments
• Despite INEC’s embargo on early politicking, several parties and groups have begun mobilizing for 2027.
• The South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) is actively promoting President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
• Internal tensions are rising within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as some members publicly endorse Tinubu, prompting threats of sanctions.

CATCH UP | ERISCO TOMATO PASTE

-Special Report-

Erisco Tomato Paste — Nigeria’s Homegrown Culinary Hero

In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling food industry, one brand stands out for its commitment to quality, affordability, and national pride: Erisco Tomato Paste. Produced by Erisco Foods Limited, this tomato paste has become a staple in kitchens across the country, transforming everyday meals into flavorful experiences. But what makes Erisco Tomato Paste so special? This report dives deep into its origins, production, culinary value, and why it continues to win the hearts of Nigerian consumers.

FEEL MY PULSE | AT THIS TIME

Voices Beneath the Headlines: The Pulse of the People in Nigeria and Beyond

In an age of rapid news cycles and digital overload, it’s easy to skim the surface of headlines without hearing the heartbeat beneath them. But behind every story, whether it’s a public health alert in Benue or a geopolitical summit in Alaska, there are voices. Real people reacting, reflecting, and reshaping the narrative. This week, we tune into those voices to understand how Nigerians and the global community are responding to the stories that matter most.

NewsRoundUp | AT THIS TIME

Nigeria and the World: A Tapestry of Resilience, Reckoning, and Renewal

In a week marked by seismic shifts, both literal and metaphorical, the headlines from Nigeria and beyond paint a vivid portrait of a world in motion. From public health alerts in Benue to geopolitical tensions in Gaza, each story carries the weight of human experience, urging us to reflect on the forces shaping our lives.

TIME TO SHAPE NARRATIVES | HOLD LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE | ELEVATE VOICES THAT MATTER | LET'S BUILD THE FUTURE AND NOT INHERIT IT

A World on Edge, A Nation in Transition

As dawn breaks on August 9, 2025, the headlines across Nigeria and the globe paint a picture that is both sobering and stirring. We are living in a time of profound reckoning, where institutions are being tested, leadership is under scrutiny, and citizens are demanding more than promises. They want progress. They want truth.

In Nigeria, the contradictions are stark. The federal government seemingly denies a hunger crisis, even as food prices soar and families struggle to afford basic staples. Fuel now sells for ₦1,700 per litre in parts of the country, and the education system is under pressure, with WAEC correcting exam results after a technical mishap. Yet, amid the chaos, there are glimmers of reform: the First Lady’s ₦1 billion donation to flood victims, the commissioning of tuberculosis diagnostic machines, and the signing of the Insurance Industry Reform Act signal a government attempting to restore public trust.

SEB BLOG NOTES | AT THIS TIME

Nigeria in 24 Hours: A Cross-Platform Pulse of Headlines and Happenings

Between August 8 and the morning of August 9, 2025, Nigeria’s media landscape buzzed with stories that spanned politics, public health, celebrity culture, economic shifts, and global connections. From Linda Ikeji’s Blog to Vanguard, Punch, Guardian, BellaNaija, and Tribune, each platform offered a unique lens into the nation’s heartbeat. This article curates and elaborates on the most prominent headlines and leads, revealing not just what happened, but why it matters.

SEB SOCIAL | AT THIS TIME

Social Media Pulse: What’s Trending Across Instagram, X, Facebook & TikTok (August 9, 2025)

In the ever-evolving world of social media, August 2025 is serving up a cocktail of creativity, controversy, and community. From emoji storytelling on Instagram to slap-sync squads on TikTok, users are expressing themselves with flair, and the comment sections are buzzing with reactions that range from hilarious to heartfelt. Here’s what’s trending across the top platforms and how people are responding.

LAGOS | ONE FLOOD TOO MANY

Lagos Floods: A Wake-Up Call for Resilience, Equity, and Community Power

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling megacity, has once again found itself submerged under the weight of torrential rains and rising waters. The recent flood, triggered by prolonged rainfall and compounded by tidal lock and poor drainage infrastructure, has left thousands displaced, homes destroyed, and communities grappling with the aftermath. But beyond the headlines and viral videos lies a deeper story, one of systemic vulnerability, grassroots resilience, and the urgent need for a new approach to urban survival.

The Anatomy of the Flood

The floodwaters surged through neighborhoods like Ijede, Igbogbo-Bayeku, and Selewu Oni Malu in Ikorodu, submerging homes, vehicles, and entire streets. According to Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, the city’s coastal geography and tidal dynamics make it particularly prone to flash flooding. When heavy rains coincide with high tides, drainage systems are rendered ineffective, causing water to back up into residential areas.

21 Foreign Hackers Fined ₦1m Each, Ordered To Depart Nigeria

Nigeria’s Cybercrime Crackdown: 21 Foreign Hackers Convicted, Face Deportation

Overview of the Case

In a landmark judgment delivered on August 5, 2025, Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted 21 foreign nationals for high-level cybercrime. Each was fined ₦1 million and ordered to leave Nigeria within six working days, following a plea bargain agreement with the Nigeria Police Force.

The convicted individuals, hailing from China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, were part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals facing prosecution for cybercrime, money laundering, and immigration violations. They operated a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform in Abuja and were charged under:

Lagos Communities Flooded, Vehicles Submerged After Marathon Rainfall

Rising Waters, Rising Resolve: Lagos Flooding and the Global Fight Against Climate Change

On August 4, 2025, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat, was overwhelmed by marathon rainfall that began Sunday night and continued relentlessly through Monday evening. Viral videos showed submerged homes and vehicles in Ijede, Lekki, Ajegunle, Agege, Surulere, and other flood-prone areas. Streets turned into rivers, trade was paralyzed, and residents took to social media to cry for help.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, acknowledged the pain of residents and emphasized the city’s vulnerability as a coastal metropolis. He cited climate change and poor waste disposal practices as key contributors to flash flooding. Wahab assured that resilient infrastructure is in place and that the state will intensify year-round drainage maintenance.