NewsRoundUp | At This Time

Major News in Nigeria

Military Action Against Terrorists

• The Nigerian Air Force killed over 35 terrorists near the Nigeria–Cameroon border in precision airstrikes under Operation Hadin Kai. The strikes disrupted planned attacks and stabilized the region.

Economic Recovery with Challenges

• Nigeria has recorded its first balance of payments surplus in three years, thanks to reforms like subsidy removal and increased oil production. The Dangote refinery is now a net exporter of petroleum products.
• Despite macroeconomic improvements, extreme poverty and poor infrastructure persist. Life expectancy remains alarmingly low at 54 years, the lowest globally.

DNA should be mandatory before birth certificates are issued in Nigeria - Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju

Bloodlines and Birthrights: Nigeria’s DNA Debate Reignites Questions of Family, Truth, and Identity

-SPECIAL REPORT-

In a country where family bonds are deeply cherished and identity is woven into the fabric of community, a bold proposal has ignited a national conversation. Nigerian lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called on the National Assembly to pass legislation that would make DNA testing mandatory before birth certificates are issued. His aim is clear: to combat the rising tide of paternity fraud and ensure that every child’s identity is rooted in biological truth.

BEYOND 13 WORSHIPPERS KILLED IN KATSINA

-SEB EDITORIAL-

Beyond the Gunfire: Unraveling the Roots and Remedies of Banditry in Nigeria and Africa

Banditry has become one of the most destabilizing forces in Nigeria’s security landscape, evolving from isolated criminal acts into a sprawling crisis that threatens lives, livelihoods, and national cohesion. The recent attack in Katsina State, where armed bandits stormed a mosque during early morning prayers and killed 13 worshipers, is a chilling reminder of how deeply entrenched this violence has become. It is not merely a local tragedy, it is a symptom of a broader, systemic failure that spans across Nigeria and much of Africa.

Having to carry my own babies in my 50s is not a road easy to pass - Nigerian woman says as she welcomes a set of twins

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Grace Beyond Time: Adesuwa’s Twin Triumph in Her Fifties

·       ‘A Nigerian woman named Adesuwa Ujiadughele has joyfully welcomed twin girls in her 50s, sharing her experience in a heartfelt Facebook post. She expressed deep gratitude to God, acknowledging the physical and emotional challenges of carrying children at her age. Adesuwa emphasized the importance of timely medical intervention, cautioning against overly spiritualizing health matters, while still affirming her faith in divine support. Her message also included encouragement for couples hoping to conceive, assuring them that “God has got your back”.’

Adesuwa Ujiadughele’s story is one that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever held onto hope through seasons of waiting. Her recent announcement of welcoming twin girls in her 50s is not just a personal triumph, it’s a powerful narrative of resilience, faith, and the importance of embracing both spiritual and medical support.

Banditry in Nigeria | Deep | Multifaceted

Banditry: Roots, Remedies in Nigeria and Africa

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Banditry has emerged as one of the most pressing security challenges in Nigeria and across Africa, evolving from isolated criminal acts into a complex, organized threat that destabilizes entire regions. In Nigeria, particularly in the northwest, banditry has escalated dramatically over the past decade. What began as sporadic cattle rustling and rural ambushes has transformed into mass kidnappings, armed robbery, and targeted killings. The recent attack in Katsina State, where bandits stormed a mosque and killed 13 worshipers during early morning prayers, underscores the brutality and reach of these groups.

Comfort Emmanson and the Power of Emotional Honesty in the Public Eye

-EDITORIAL-

From Turbulence to Testimony: Comfort Emmanson’s Journey of Emotional Integrity

·      The Courage to Be Real: Comfort Emmanson and the Power of Vulnerability

·      Beyond the Headlines: A Woman’s Truth in the Eye of Public Scrutiny

·      When Pain Speaks: The Rise of Emotional Honesty in Nigerian Public Life

·      Comfort’s Voice: Turning Trauma into Truth in a Viral Age

·      Dignity in the Spotlight: What Comfort Emmanson Teaches Us About Being Human

In recent days, Comfort Emmanson has become an unexpected symbol of resilience and vulnerability in Nigeria’s public discourse. Her encounter aboard an Ibom Air flight, which sparked widespread attention across social and traditional media, has evolved into something far more profound than a viral moment. It has become a national conversation about dignity, justice, and the emotional cost of public scrutiny.

As financial and material support pours in from diverse quarters, individuals, organizations, and even state actors, Comfort finds herself at a crossroads. The offers are generous, the sympathy is overwhelming, and the spotlight is intense. But with visibility comes responsibility, and with public sympathy comes the delicate challenge of remaining emotionally honest in a world that often rewards performance over truth.

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.