NIGERIA | CORRECTIONAL CENTRES | WAKE-UP CALL FOR REVIEW

Nigeria’s Century-Old Prisons: A Wake-Up Call for Reform

-SPECIAL REPORT-

In a candid interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed a sobering truth: many of the country’s 246 correctional centres are over 100 years old, with some dating back to the colonial era. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prison reform, not just in infrastructure, but in philosophy, healthcare, and rehabilitation.

A System Stuck in Time

Tunji-Ojo highlighted that facilities like Ikoyi Prison (established in 1956) and Suleja Prison (1914) are still in operation, despite their age and deteriorating conditions. These institutions were never designed to meet modern standards of human rights or rehabilitation.

“Mr President did not become President 100 years ago… We have 246 correctional centres, and none were established under this administration,” Tunji-Ojo noted.

While 12 prisons are currently undergoing renovation, the scale of the challenge is immense. Each centre contains multiple structures, making nationwide upgrades a long-term endeavor.

Political engines are already revving up for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections | UPDATE

 

NIGERIA’S 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS | ACTIVITIES STIRRING MOMENTUM

The political engines are revving up for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, and the unveiling activities are already stirring momentum across party lines.

Here’s what’s unfolding:

PDP’s Zoning Formula & Convention Plans

• The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is set to unveil its zoning formula on August 25, 2025, a key step in determining which regions will produce candidates for major offices.
• The zoning committee, led by Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, is meeting in Abuja to finalize proposals.
• A full schedule of activities runs from August to December 2025, culminating in the national convention on November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
• Speculations are swirling about potential contenders like former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Seyi Makinde, and Governor Bala Mohammed possibly entering the race.

PDP inaugurates 44-member zoning committee, demands Wike’s total loyalty

Zoning at the Crossroads: PDP’s Strategic Gamble Ahead of 2027

As Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) stands at a critical juncture. With the inauguration of a 44-member zoning committee ahead of its November 2025 National Elective Convention, the party is not just allocating offices, it’s laying the groundwork for its 2027 presidential ambitions.

The Committee’s Mandate

Chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the zoning committee has been tasked with recommending how National Working Committee (NWC) positions should be distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. But beyond internal party roles, the committee’s decisions are widely expected to signal which region may produce the PDP’s next presidential candidate.

Destination Next | 2027 | NIGERIA'S GENERAL ELECTIONS

Nigeria 2027: The Road to the Ballot Begins

-EDITORIAL-

As Nigeria inches closer to its pivotal 2027 general elections, the political terrain is already buzzing with strategic maneuvers, party realignments, and electoral preparations. From zoning formulas to by-elections, the stage is being set for what promises to be one of the most consequential elections in the country’s democratic history.

PDP’s Strategic Reset: Zoning and Convention Plans

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is taking bold steps to redefine its internal structure and electoral strategy. Central to this is the unveiling of its zoning formula, scheduled for August 25, 2025. This formula will determine which geopolitical zones are favored for key positions, including the coveted presidential ticket.

Child’s Death and the Urgent Reckoning with Corporal Punishment in Schools

A Child’s Death and the Urgent Reckoning with Corporal Punishment in Schools

-EDITORIAL-

The tragic death of a Grade 10 pupil at Huhudi Secondary School in South Africa, reportedly after being forced to run as punishment for arriving late, has shaken the conscience of a nation. It is a moment that demands not only grief, but introspection. This was not merely a disciplinary misstep; it was a systemic failure that cost a young life. And it must be a turning point.

According to the North West Department of Education, the pupil collapsed and died shortly after the punishment was administered. A teacher transported her to a clinic due to ambulance delays, but it was too late. The department has dispatched psychologists to support the family and school community, and disciplinary action is pending the postmortem results. Yet, the damage is done, and the questions are many.

PDP | ZONING | WILL EQUITY FIND ITS PLACE?

PDP’s Zoning Gamble — Will Equity Trump Ambition?

-EDITORIAL-

As Nigeria’s political landscape begins its slow pivot toward 2027, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again turned to zoning, a concept both revered and reviled within its ranksto  chart its future. With the inauguration of a 44-member zoning committee ahead of its November convention, the party is not just allocating offices; it is attempting to reconcile its fractured soul.

Grade 10 pupil collapses and dies after being forced to run as punishment for arriving late to class

A Tragedy in the Classroom: Rethinking Discipline in South African Schools

The recent death of a Grade 10 pupil at Huhudi Secondary School in South Africa has sparked national outrage and reignited urgent conversations about corporal punishment and the culture of discipline in schools. The pupil reportedly collapsed and died after being forced to run as punishment for arriving late to class. While the North West Department of Education awaits postmortem results to determine the exact cause of death, the incident has already prompted widespread calls for accountability and reform.

NIGERIA'S CORRECTIONAL CENTRES | REFORM MUST BE URGENT, NOT INCREMENTAL

 

Nigeria’s Century-Old Prisons Are a National Shame—Reform Must Be Urgent, Not Incremental

-EDITORIAL-

When Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today, his revelations were both sobering and infuriating. That many of Nigeria’s 246 correctional centres are over a century old is not just a historical footnote, it’s a national disgrace. These facilities, relics of colonial architecture and punitive philosophy, continue to house thousands of Nigerians in conditions that defy modern standards of dignity, safety, and rehabilitation.

This is not merely a matter of crumbling walls and outdated plumbing. It is a reflection of how far behind our justice system has fallen, and how urgently it needs to evolve.

Shouldn't Nigeria Rethink Its Place Now As the World Repositions?

As the World Repositions, Nigeria Must Rethink Its Place

-EDITORIAL-

In the early hours of Wednesday, the global political landscape shifted in ways that demand Nigeria’s attention, not just as a regional power, but as a nation with growing diplomatic ambition. From Berlin to Alaska, decisions were made that will echo across continents, and if Nigeria listens closely, it may find both warning signs and opportunities.

PDP sets up 44-member zoning committee ahead of November Convention

PDP Sets Stage for 2027: Zoning Committee Inaugurated Ahead of National Convention

In a strategic move aimed at reshaping its leadership and electoral fortunes, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a 44-member zoning committee ahead of its national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025. The convention will elect new members to the National Working Committee (NWC), a critical organ in steering the party’s direction.

Purpose and Political Significance

The zoning committee is tasked with recommending how key leadership positions within the NWC should be distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This zoning tradition has long been a balancing act for the PDP, often signaling where the presidential ticket might be headed. Historically, if the chairmanship is zoned to the North, the presidential candidate emerges from the South, and vice versa.

Nigeria Wakes to a Storm of Social Media Buzz

Nigeria Wakes to a Storm of Stories: Social Media Buzz from the Early Hours of Yesterday

As dawn broke across Nigeria yesterday, the digital pulse of the nation was already racing. From airport arrests to youth empowerment campaigns, social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were ablaze with commentary, hashtags, and viral moments that captured the country’s attention.

Airport Drama and Celebrity Headlines

One of the most talked-about stories came from Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where a traveller was reportedly arrested for failing to declare $59,000 in cash. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) quickly became a trending topic, with Nigerians debating the legality, ethics, and implications of the arrest.

Key Economic Shifts Shaping August 2025

Nigeria’s Business Pulse: Key Economic Shifts Shaping August 2025

As Nigeria navigates a complex economic landscape, four major developments dominated the business headlines on August 14, 2025. From surging energy costs to sweeping tax reforms, these stories reveal the structural shifts underway in Africa’s largest economy.

Cooking Gas Prices Surge Amid Inflation and Supply Gaps

Nigerians are grappling with a sharp rise in cooking gas prices, marking the fifth consecutive monthly increase. The average cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder soared to ₦21,010.56, while the 5kg refill hit ₦8,323.95. Delta and Rivers states recorded the highest prices, exceeding ₦22,000, while Yobe and Niger offered the lowest at around ₦18,500.

FEEL MY PULSE | AT THIS TIME

Entertainment Pulse: August 2025 Edition

As the heat of August settles over Nigeria and the global stage, the entertainment world is bursting with energy, creativity, and cultural celebration. From Lagos to Budapest, this month promises unforgettable experiences for music lovers, fashionistas, film buffs, and festival-goers alike.

Nigeria’s Cultural Calendar: Bold, Vibrant, Unmissable

Beats in the Park – Lagos

Date: August 16 Venue: Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island Why It Matters: This open-air festival is a celebration of Afrobeats, street fashion, and urban youth culture. Expect performances from top-tier artists like Asake, Ayra Starr, and Fireboy DML, alongside food trucks, fashion pop-ups, and dance battles. It’s more than a concert,  it’s a lifestyle showcase.