Death toll rises to 80 as flood-ravaged Texas faces more rain | Trump plans visit: Updates

"Rising Waters, Unbroken Spirits: The 2025 Texas Flooding Tragedy and the Power of Community"

An Unrelenting Storm Unleashed

In the early hours of July 4, 2025, Central Texas awoke not to celebration, but to catastrophe. Torrential rains, fueled by the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry and amplified by an atmospheric disturbance, unleashed a deluge that would change lives forever. Within hours, the serene Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet, swallowing homes, roads, and the hearts of communities.

From San Angelo to Hunt, cities and small towns in the Hill Country were pummeled by up to 16 inches of rain in under 24 hours. The region, often called “Flash Flood Alley,” was ill-equipped to face the speed and scale of what came next.

‘I want my vote back’: Trump-voting family exclaims after Canadian mother detained over immigration status

“The Only Crime I Committed Was Loving This Country”: When Immigration Policy Hits Home

In June 2025, during what should have been a hopeful milestone in her journey to lawful U.S. residency, 45-year-old Canadian national Cynthia Olivera was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a green card interview. A mother of three U.S.-born children and resident of Los Angeles for over two decades, Cynthia's life was upended by the very immigration policies she and her husband once believed would protect “law-abiding families.”

Her detention has become emblematic of a growing pattern: nonviolent immigrants with deep ties to the U.S. ensnared by increasingly rigid enforcement, even as their stories challenge prevailing assumptions about who deserves to stay, and who is forced to leave.

The Story Behind the Detention

Cynthia arrived in the U.S. at age 10 and has lived most of her life there. After a brief deportation in 1999, she re-entered the country without inspection and spent the next 25 years raising children, working legally under a Biden-era permit, and paying taxes. Her husband, Francisco, an American citizen and Trump voter, believed immigration enforcement was intended for dangerous criminals, not people like his wife.

Inside Wike’s Political Chessboard and Nigeria’s 2027 Horizon

His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, Hon. Minister, FCT

Power, Alliances, and Ambition: Inside Wike’s Political Chessboard and Nigeria’s 2027 Horizon

As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 general elections, political tensions are escalating, not over policy, but personalities. At the center of this storm is Nyesom Wike: a federal minister, a PDP member, and an unapologetically polarizing figure whose rhetoric, rivalries, and realignments are shaping national discourse.

This article dissects Wike’s evolving role, the opposition’s counter-strategy, citizen reactions, and the high-stakes game for political dominance.

Cross-section photo of ADC Chieftains

Wike vs. the Coalition: Bluster or Blueprint?

In a fiery television interview, Wike lambasted a newly formed opposition coalition—featuring Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and others, as a “desperate power grab” by failed leaders seeking to exploit public dissatisfaction. He dared them to present their “scorecards” from previous administrations, challenging their credibility while defending his alliance with Tinubu’s APC government.

Court Orders Senate to Recall Natasha Akpoti

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Representing Kogi Central

The Battle for Representation: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Overturned by Court

In a landmark ruling on July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, declaring her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate unlawful and excessive. The decision has sparked a national conversation on the limits of legislative power, the role of the judiciary, and the ongoing struggle for gender equity in Nigerian politics.

The Court’s Verdict: Oversight in Action

Justice Binta Nyako described the Senate’s disciplinary action as “overreaching,” highlighting that it deprived the people of Kogi Central of constitutional representation for nearly an entire legislative session. Nigeria's constitution mandates that legislators must sit for 181 days per session—making a six-month suspension not just punitive, but disenfranchising.

Nigeria’s Refinery | Suggestions Mounting

Nigeria’s Refinery Conundrum: The Case for Privatization and Modular Alternatives

-       Special Report -

Despite being one of the world's top crude oil producers, Nigeria remains paradoxically dependent on imported refined petroleum products. The country’s state-owned refineries, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, have long been a financial and operational burden. After nearly $3 billion in rehabilitation efforts, they remain mostly non-functional, fueling calls from stakeholders for complete privatization.

A Money Pit Seemingly, with No Bottom

Between 2013 and 2023, Nigeria’s government has spent billions attempting to revive these aging facilities. Among the staggering expenditures:

• $1.5 billion for Port Harcourt (approved in 2021)
• $897 million for Warri
• $586 million for Kaduna
• Additional ₦100 billion in 2021 alone
• A cumulative $396.33 million on Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) between 2013–2017

Despite the investments, the refineries remain idle or plagued with false promises of operation. Recently, the shutdown of the Port Harcourt refinery—just months after it was declared “operational”, sparked renewed public outcry and intensified scrutiny.

Why the Refineries Failed

Several interwoven issues have rendered the refineries dysfunctional:

• Chronic mismanagement and corruption, with opaque contracting and weak oversight
• Outdated infrastructure, some dating back to the 1960s, never properly modernized
• Vandalized crude supply pipelines, disrupting feedstock delivery
• Subsidy regimes distorting market prices, making refining unprofitable
• Political interference, especially in hiring and downsizing decisions
• A lack of strategic vision to pivot to more viable alternatives like modular refineries

The Global Recalibration

Russia's Recognition of the Taliban: A Global Recalibration

In a historic move that has reshaped regional dynamics, Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since its return to power in August 2021. This marks a dramatic shift in global diplomacy and introduces a new chapter in the country’s fraught international relations.

A Diplomatic First

On July 4, 2025, Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the acceptance of credentials from Taliban-appointed Ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan. The event was sealed with the replacement of the previous republic-era flag with the white Taliban banner over the Afghan embassy in Moscow.

The recognition signals Moscow’s intent to establish “productive bilateral cooperation” and a full-fledged diplomatic relationship with the Taliban, once listed as a terrorist organization by Russia itself.

Wike’s Project Blitz in the FCT

A Capital Revamp: Wike’s Project Blitz in the FCT

Special Report

In a whirlwind of ribbon-cuttings and political fanfare, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has concluded a landmark week of infrastructure commissionings across Abuja. The sheer volume and timing of the projects mark a defining chapter in urban governance—but beyond the ceremonies lies a story worth dissecting.

Infrastructure with Intent

From the newly refurbished Abuja International Conference Centre to roads threading through Bwari, Gwagwalada, and Maitama, the breadth of development reflects more than city beautification—it signals a push to decentralize urban growth. Notably, the N5 Arterial Road promises to ease gridlocks and improve commuter experience in a city often criticized for congestion and inequality in public services.

SEB BLOG NOTES | 050725

Nigeria at the Crossroads: Political Tensions, Economic Woes, and Cultural Shifts Define National Mood

From the federal capital to the global stage, a cascade of social, political, and economic headlines this week paints a complex picture of Nigeria’s current state of affairs. As the country grapples with deepening economic challenges, power struggles within key institutions, and cultural milestones, citizens are left questioning which way forward.

Energy Monopoly Sparks National Debate

Prominent energy analyst Dan Kunle ignited controversy with his proposal to liquidate Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in favor of a single, private player, Dangote Refinery. Critics labeled the proposal “economic suicide,” warning of the dangers of a petroleum monopoly and its contradiction to Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act. With the nation still recovering from fuel subsidy reforms, Kunle’s comments have polarized analysts and exposed deeper tensions over the country’s future in the global energy market.

TOP EVENTS THIS WEEK END | TOWARDS TGIF

Here’s a compilation of some top events happening in Nigeria this weekend, from music and movies to sports and finance

🎧 The Amapiano Takeover

📍 Chillbay Lounge, Abeokuta 📅 Friday, July 4 | 🕘 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM This is your passport to an all-night dance escape! Expect:

·       🔊 High-energy Amapiano beats from top DJs

·       🎉 A vibrant crowd and immersive lighting

·       🍹 Cocktails and street-style bites

·       🎟️ Tickets available at the venue or via local event platforms Perfect for lovers of South African house music and Afrobeat fusions.

Unfolding Details | ADC

Unfolding Details and Updates about the New Coalition Party in Nigeria - ADC

Here’s the latest on the unfolding political drama surrounding Nigeria’s new opposition coalition centered on the African Democratic Congress (ADC):

The Coalition’s Emergence

• A powerful coalition of opposition figures—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi—has adopted the ADC as its platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
• The coalition was unveiled at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on July 2, 2025.

Leadership Shake-Up

• David Mark, former Senate President, has resigned from the PDP and is now the interim National Chairman of the ADC coalition.
• Rauf Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun State, is serving as interim National Secretary, while Bolaji Abdullahi is the spokesperson.

Inside the ADC Coalition’s Bold Bid for Change

Nigeria’s 2027 Power Play: Inside the ADC Coalition’s Bold Bid for Change

A new force is rising on Nigeria’s political horizon, and it’s cloaked in the modest banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). What began as whispers of a united opposition front has evolved into a full-fledged political alliance, aiming to reshape Nigeria’s 2027 elections and challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “What’s in a party?”, someone asked.  “APC or ADC, let’s take away the ‘P’ and take away the ‘D’, and we have just ‘AC’, shouldn’t that be the coailition political party that Nigerian’s desire?” Well, that was just a joke.

The Gathering Storm in the Political Arena

Nigeria 2027: The Gathering Storm in the Political Arena

As Nigeria inches closer to the pivotal 2027 general elections, its political landscape is undergoing a profound metamorphosis. From deepening opposition coalitions to youth-led mobilization, the seeds of political realignment and civic activism are being sown across the country. Here’s a detailed analysis of the shifting power dynamics, emerging actors, and what might define the country’s political destiny.

A Fragmented Opposition Finds a New Home

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken center stage as the nucleus of a growing opposition coalition. Spearheaded by former Senate President David Mark, the ADC is positioning itself as a “fortress of democratic revival.” This new alliance includes veteran politicians, grassroots organizers, and an energized civil society segment, unified by a shared goal: halting what they describe as creeping

FEEL MY PULSE | From Coalition Politics to Climate Anxiety | 030725

Nigeria and the World React: From Coalition Politics to Climate Anxiety

In a week marked by political realignments, heated public discourse, and urgent calls for reform, both Nigeria and the global community are abuzz with reactions to unfolding events. From coalition drama ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections to global efforts to tax billionaires and address youth climate anxiety, here’s a breakdown of the top stories capturing headlines and hashtags at this time.

Nigeria’s Pre-Election Heat: Coalitions, Strikes, and Student Debt

Opposition Coalition Gains Traction—and Criticism

The political scene in Nigeria is aflame following confirmation that key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai—have united under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The coalition nominated former Senate President David Mark as protem national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as protem secretary.

Elon Musk vows to defeat Republicans who vote for Trump's MEGA BILL

Elon Musk, World's Richest Man.

Elon Musk vs. Trump’s Mega Bill: A Billionaire’s Political Rebellion That Could Reshape America

As the U.S. Senate inches closer to passing former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and budget package, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, an unexpected political firestorm has erupted. At the center of it is Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, former Trump adviser, and the GOP’s top financial backer in 2024. Musk isn’t just voicing dissent, he’s waging open war on the Republican establishment.

What Sparked the Rift?

The Senate is preparing to pass Trump’s bill, which:

Permanently extends 2017 tax cuts

Slashes Medicaid, SNAP, and clean energy funding

President Tinubu Approves Scholarship Scheme For Caribbean Students To Study In Nigeria

Nigeria's President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Bridging Oceans: How Nigeria and the Caribbean Are Forging a New Era Through Education, Culture, and Unity

In a historic move signaling a new chapter in Afro-Caribbean relations, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently announced a groundbreaking scholarship scheme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study in Nigerian universities. Far beyond a simple academic exchange, this initiative represents a multidimensional strategy to cement ties between Africa and the Caribbean through education, diplomacy, culture, and innovation.

Education as the Bedrock of Global Solidarity

At the heart of this initiative lies a bold vision: to equip young Caribbean minds with world-class education in Africa, while fostering a sense of unity rooted in shared history and aspirations. The scholarship program, to be implemented through a Nigeria-OECS joint committee, will facilitate access to Nigerian institutions renowned for their expertise in agriculture, engineering, tech, and medicine.

'My Umbilical Cord Not Tied To PDP', Sowunmi Hints At Possible Defection

Segun Sowunmi, Frm. Spokesperosn, Atiku Abubakar Presidential campaign 

·     Segun Sowunmi’s political pivot - the missed opportunities in the interview, and the public reactions

·     Signals but no formal declaration

·     A high-profile flirtation, not a confirmed defection

FROM DNA TO A LIKELY DEFECTION: A Political Rebirth or Realignment?

The video titled “My Umbilical Cord Not TiedTo PDP” features Otunba Segun Sowunmi on Hard Copy, where he discusses several political developments and personal reflections:

Key Topics Covered:

·       Possible Defection from PDP: Sowunmi signals a breakaway from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), stating that his “umbilical cord is not tied” to the party—suggesting openness to future political realignment.

·       Critique of Internal Party Politics: He touches on dissatisfaction with how PDP operates internally, hinting at reasons why loyal members might consider leaving.

Lagos State Enforces Single-Use Plastic Ban

From Plastic to Purpose: How Lagos Is Sparking West Africa’s Green Packaging Revolution

On July 1, 2025, Lagos drew a line in the sand, banning single-use plastics like Styrofoam, straws, disposable cutlery, and lightweight nylon bags. What began as a local environmental directive has since stirred an ambitious, multifaceted movement touching every corner of the city’s economy, culture, and innovation ecosystem.

But this isn’t just about replacing one type of container with another. It’s about rethinking how a mega city like Lagos consumes, discards, and rebuilds.

JUST BEFORE BED TIME | NATIONAL and GLOBAL NEWS ROUND UP | 020725

Nigeria and the World in 2025: An Age of Reckoning, Resilience, and Reinvention

In a world reeling from overlapping disruptions, political, technological, climatic, and cultural, 2025 is not business as usual. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the corridors of Davos, a spirit of urgency and reinvention pulses through the global zeitgeist. This is a time of reckoning: for how we govern, how we connect, how we live.

And Nigeria? She stands as a complex, captivating mirror of the world’s beauty and bruises.

Nigeria: Rising Through Resistance

Vaping Epidemic Among Youths

Nigeria’s youth, tech-savvy, hyper-connected, and culturally expressive, are increasingly seduced by vaping trends. The flavored fog of sleek e-cigarettes is spreading through campuses, malls, and TikTok feeds. But behind the minty smoke lies a crisis: early addiction, potential lung damage, and a public health blind spot. Activists are rising, demanding tighter regulations and stronger warnings, pushing back against deceptive marketing by Big Tobacco.

Nigeria Leads Africa’s Climate Action Drive as Vice President Champions Green Diplomacy in Ethiopia

Greening Africa Together: How Nigeria Is Leading the Continent's Climate Revolution

In an era when the planet’s alarm bells ring louder each day, Nigeria is not sitting on the sidelines, it’s striding boldly to the frontlines of Africa’s climate resilience movement. Under the stewardship of Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country is turning environmental peril into purpose, and purpose into action. Their vision? To craft a greener, stronger, and more sustainable Africa, from the Sahel to the Savannah.

UN Pleads With World Leaders To Support Poor Countries, Combat Poverty, Hunger

United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres

The Sevilla Commitment: A Global Wake-Up Call—And What It Means for Nigeria

At the 4th International Conference for Finance and Development in Sevilla, Spain, world leaders and policymakers gathered to confront a painful truth: global development is faltering. With poverty and inequality growing, and with just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations has unveiled a bold roadmap, the Sevilla Commitment, to change course.

A Wake-Up Call from the UN

UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a stirring appeal urging wealthier nations not to “shut the door of finance” on developing economies. He painted a picture of a world beset by economic slowdown, climate chaos, and weakening cooperation. “We are here in Sevilla to change course,” he declared. “Lives are at stake.”

The Urgent Cry for Education Reform in Omudioga

No Teachers, No Chairs, No Future? The Urgent Cry for Education Reform in Omudioga

In the quiet town of Omudioga, nestled within the lush landscapes of Rivers State, Nigeria, the echoes of chalk on blackboards have grown faint. Instead, voices of frustration and despair rise from classrooms, if they can be called that, where students sit on bare floors, surrounded by crumbling walls and hope that is wearing thin.

This is the reality presented in the recent community report “No Teachers, No Chairs, We Need Development”, a video exposé that sheds light on the collapse of educational infrastructure in Omudioga. But this is more than a local crisis, it is a national call to action.

The Yelwata Protest and the Broken Promises

Nigeria’s Forgotten Millions: The Yelwata Protest and the Broken Promises to IDPs

🛑 "We are starving. We are sick. We are forgotten." These were the unspoken cries that echoed through the streets of Makurdi on June 19, 2025, as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Yelwata in Benue State blocked major roads, desperate to be seen and heard. Their protest was not just a plea—it was an indictment of a system that has systematically failed Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.

🏚️ Life at the Margins

Yelwata’s IDPs aren’t asking for miracles, just the bare minimum to survive. Yet, their camps tell a harrowing story: no mattresses, no medical care, not even mosquito nets to ward off sickness. Children sleep on concrete floors, pregnant women endure without healthcare, and food has become a luxury, not a right.

JESD Unveils Splendor Ville Estate

JESD Unveils Splendor Ville Estate in Maitama II: A Strategic Real Estate Investment Opportunity in Abuja

Jonnie Estate Surveyors and Developers (JESD) has officially launched Splendor Ville Estate, a new residential development in Maitama II, Abuja. Touted as a premium real estate offering in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, the project promises high returns on investment and immediate land allocation, an attractive combination for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors.

Prime Location Meets Modern Accessibility

Located along a major expressway in the fast-developing Maitama II district, Splendor Ville Estate enjoys strategic positioning. The area is already bordered by tarred roads and is set to benefit further from ongoing regional infrastructure projects, including a new access road that is expected to boost connectivity across the FCT.

SEB BLOG NOTES | 290625

Nigeria and Beyond: A Mirror of Power, Scandal, and Cultural Evolution (June 2025)

As June 2025 winds down, a tapestry of gripping stories has unfolded across Nigeria and the global stage, stories that speak not only to headlines, but to the values, struggles, and aspirations of society. From political controversy and celebrity influence to groundbreaking deals and cross-cultural recognition, here is a deeper look at the major news leads and their impact on the world around us.

Power and Controversy: Politics Under Scrutiny

EFCC Nabs Benue Governor’s Aide Over Sextortion and Cyberbullying

The arrest of Dr. Mkor Aondona, Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor, has sent shockwaves through political corridors. Accused of using ushering jobs as bait for sexual favors, and then blackmailing victims with secretly recorded videos, his case underscores the persistent abuse of power in political spaces. It has catalyzed national debate over sexual exploitation, consent, and accountability in public service.

FEEL MY PULSE | 280625

Echoes Across Borders: How Nigerians and the World Are Reacting to Global Flashpoints

In a whirlwind of charged emotions and geopolitical tension, recent developments, from Abuja to Tehran, have captivated public consciousness and sparked passionate responses across generational, ideological, and even continental lines. As the news cycle churns, the ripple effects of these stories reveal deeper currents shaped by history, identity, and hope.

The Kanu Conundrum: A DSS Cell Becomes Center Stage

When IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu invited skeptics to visit him in DSS custody, it wasn’t just a bold media moment, it was a strategic invocation of public trust. Supporters lauded his transparency and courage, evoking memories of the long-standing Biafran agitation, while critics raised eyebrows at the timing and potential theatrics.