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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.

Tinubu rewards D’Tigress' players with $100,000 each, flats and OON national honour following Afrobasket win

D’Tigress Rewarded Lavishly: Celebration, Critique, and the Bigger Picture

In a move that has stirred both national pride and public debate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each, three-bedroom apartments, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honor. This recognition follows their dominant victory over Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, marking their fifth consecutive title and seventh overall.

NAFDAC seizes banned and unregistered products at Lagos Trade Fair market

NAFDAC’s Lagos Trade Fair Raid: Public Health Victory or Regulatory Overreach?

In one of its largest enforcement operations in recent months, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized banned, expired, and unregistered products worth over ₦1.5 billion at the Lagos Trade Fair market. The raid, led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation & Enforcement, uncovered warehouses filled with cosmetics and food items lacking proper registration or date markings. A trailer loaded with unregistered cosmetics was intercepted, though the driver fled the scene.

While the operation has been hailed as a bold move to protect public health, it has also sparked intense debate among traders, consumers, and policy analysts.

MEDIA PARLEY WITH NYESOM WIKE, FCT MINISTER, AUGUST 2025 EDITION (FULL VIDEO)

 

The event was the August 2025 edition of the Media Chat Series with the Hon. Minister of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory

Maki Yoko’s Journey | A Resource Guide for New Moms

Embracing Motherhood: A Resource Guide for New Moms Inspired by Maki Yoko’s Journey

Motherhood is a beautiful, life-altering experience, but it’s also complex, emotional, and often misunderstood. While media and society may glamorize parenting, the reality is far more nuanced. Actress Maki Yoko’s recent pregnancy announcement at age 43 offers a refreshing and honest perspective on the importance of mental health in motherhood.

Troy Koehler: A Tragic Tale of Abuse, Loss, and Accountability

Justice for Troy Koehler: A Tragic Tale of Abuse, Loss, and Accountability

In a case that has gripped hearts across Harris County and beyond, justice has finally been served for Troy Koehler, a bright and beloved 7-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short. Nearly three years after his lifeless body was discovered inside a washing machine, his adoptive father, Jermaine Thomas, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder.

OFFICIAL COMMISSIONING OF THE NEW ACCESS ROAD, GIRI JUNCTION, GIRI, ABUJA (FULL VIDEO)

 

The event was the Official Commissioning of the New Access Road, Giri Junction, Giri, Abuja, 30 June 2025

First Lady Donates ₦1bn and Relief Materials to Disaster Victims in Niger

Renewed Hope in Niger State: First Lady Donates ₦1bn and Relief Materials to Disaster Victims

In a powerful gesture of compassion and national solidarity, Nigeria’s First Lady and Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦1 billion and a substantial consignment of relief materials to victims of recent disasters in Niger State.

A Lifeline for the Displaced

The donation includes:

• 2,000 bags of 50kg rice
• 16,000 wrappers for women
• Clothing and over 100 pairs of shoes

These items are intended to support families affected by floods, boat accidents, banditry, and fire outbreaks across the state. The First Lady’s visit to the Niger State Government House in Minna was marked by heartfelt empathy and a call to collective healing.

OFFICIAL COMMISSIONING OF ROADS IN DAKIBIYU DISTICT, ABUJA (FULL VIDEO)

 

The event was the Official Commissioning of the Newly Constructed Collector Road CN8 from Arterial Road N5 to Arterial Road N1 and other Connecting Roads in Dakibiyu District, Abuja, on 1 July 2025

 

Three-year-old girl fighting for life after swallowing a very common household item

A Hidden Danger: The Story of Millie Koski and the Crisis of Magnet Ingestion

In early July 2025, three-year-old Millie Koski from Bundaberg, Australia, was rushed to the hospital with a high fever, stomach pain, and green vomit. Within days, her condition deteriorated into a life-threatening emergency. What began as a seemingly ordinary illness turned out to be a catastrophic medical crisis caused by two small, high-powered magnets she had swallowed, on separate occasions.

WIKE SPEAKS AT THE OFFICIAL COMMISSIONING OF NEW ACCESS ROAD AT GIRI JUNCTION, GIRI, ABUJA

 

The event was the Official Commissioning of the New Access Road, Giri Junction, Giri, Abuja, 30 June 2025

Japanese Actress Maki Yoko, 43, Announces Pregnancy With 27-Year-Old Boyfriend

Navigating Motherhood: A Resource Guide for New Mothers

Motherhood is a transformative journey, filled with joy, vulnerability, and profound change. Yet, societal expectations and media portrayals often paint an unrealistic picture, leaving many new mothers feeling overwhelmed or inadequate. This guide offers practical resources and emotional support, with a spotlight on mental health, inspired by the recent story of Japanese actress Maki Yoko.

Mental Health Matters: Lessons from Maki Yoko

At 43, Maki Yoko announced her pregnancy with 27-year-old actor Katsushika Shin, describing it as “a miracle.” But she also emphasized caution, saying, “Since I’m having a baby at an older age, I’m paying close attention to my mental health and surroundings”. Her openness challenges age-related stigma and highlights the importance of mental wellness for all mothers, regardless of age or circumstance.

ABUJA CITY WALK PROJECT | WIKE SIGNS MoU WITH MAG INTERNATIONAL LINKS LIMITED | FULL VIDEO

 

The event took place at the FCT Minister's Residence, Life Camp, on 24 July 2025

76 DISPUTED OIL WELLS | AKWA-IBOM, CROSS-RIVER | REAWAKEN TANGO

EYO NSA-EKPO, Fmr. Chairman Odukpani L.G.A, Cross River State

76 DISPUTED OIL WELLS | AKWA-IBOM, CROSS-RIVER TANGO AGAIN

In the JIGSAW | 29 JULY 2025 | AIT LIVE interview segment, the guest speaker zeroed in on the 76 disputed oil wells between Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, offering a detailed and impassioned perspective:

Core Issues Raised:

• The guest reaffirmed Cross River State’s claim to the oil wells, citing historical and legal precedents, including the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment and the 2008 Green Tree Agreement.
• They criticized federal agencies like the National Boundary Commission and Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for allegedly applying biased technical criteria that reassigned the wells to Akwa Ibom without proper consultation.
• A major point was that Cross River was excluded from a key 2008 retreat in Kano, where the reassignment decision was made, despite having no prior boundary dispute with Akwa Ibom.

It was not an accidental touching - 81-year-old actor Gary Busey pleads guilty to s3x crime

Fame, Misconduct, and Accountability: The Case of Gary Busey

In a troubling reminder of the complexities surrounding celebrity misconduct, veteran Hollywood actor Gary Busey recently pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. The charge stemmed from a 2022 incident at Monster-Mania Con in New Jersey, where Busey was accused of intentionally groping two female fans during a photo session.

SHETTIMA''s SPEECH AT THE COMMISSIONING OF AGUMA-PALACE-RADIO NIGERIA-NEW MARKET ROAD (VIDEO)

The event was the Official Commissionong of the Newly rehabilitated Aguma-Palace-Radio Nigeria-New Market Road, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT, on July 3, 2025.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented his Boss, Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

N1BN Donation Sparks Protests In Benue IDPs

Remi Tinubu’s N1BN Donation Sparks Protests In Benue IDPs

The video from Arise News covers the aftermath of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, donating ₦1 billion to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State following violent attacks.

Key Highlights:

• Protests erupted among IDPs shortly after the donation, with many citing hunger and poor living conditions.
• Protesters blocked the Makurdi-Lafia highway, chanting slogans like “We are hungry” and “We want to go back home”.
• The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) responded, claiming the protests were politically motivated and that food distribution was already underway.
• SEMA clarified that the ₦1 billion donation was intended for resettlement efforts, not immediate food relief.
• The video also features commentary from David Umahi and Uba Sani, who praised President Tinubu’s administration for its support and leadership.

GOV. HYACINTH ALIA'S SPEECH ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIRST LADY'S CONDOLENCE VISIT (VIDEO)

The event was the condolence visit of Her Excellency. Senator Remi Tinubu's Official Visit to Benue State, 29 July 2025

THE 67 OIL WELLS

Restoring What Was Lost: Cross River’s Case for the 67 Oil Wells

In a bid to reclaim control over 67 disputed oil wells, Cross River State officials are intensifying their campaign to redress a long-standing boundary controversy with neighboring Akwa Ibom. At the heart of the issue lies a potent mix of historical grievance, newly uncovered technical data, and a strategic push for economic justice.

Documented Evidence and Technical Maps

Cross River’s claim hinges on findings from a 2024 reassessment led by the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission and the National Boundary Commission. Leveraging the 11th Edition of Nigeria’s Administrative Map and the 2004 Well Dichotomy Study Map, the inter-agency committee concluded that the wells fall within Cross River’s maritime territory. The state has called for public scrutiny of these documents and invited independent verification. In a bid to reclaim control over 67 disputed oil wells, Cross River State officials are intensifying their campaign to redress a long-standing boundary controversy with neighboring Akwa Ibom. At the heart of the issue lies a potent mix of historical grievance, newly uncovered technical data, and a strategic push for economic justice.

FIRST LADY'S CONDOLENCE VISIT TO BENUE STATE (FULL VIDEO)

The event was the condolence visit of Her Excellency. Senator Remi Tinubu's Official Visit to Benue State, 29 July 2025