Six persons die after fire raze building in US

Tragedy in Maryland: Six Dead in Devastating Building Fire

Charles County, Maryland, A catastrophic fire tore through a residential building in Maryland on Sunday morning, claiming the lives of six individuals and leaving dozens injured. The blaze, which erupted around 8:40 a.m., has been described as the deadliest fire in the community in over a decade, according to local authorities.

Lives Lost

At press time, among the victims were four teenagers and two adults, whose lives were tragically cut short despite intense rescue efforts. Eyewitnesses recounted the fire’s rapid spread, which overwhelmed the building and left occupants trapped. The victims were reportedly burnt beyond help, underscoring the ferocity of the flames.

Trump demands homeless people 'immediately' move out of Washington DC

A tent encampment being removed from downtown Washington DC in 2023  (C) Getty Images

Tackling Homelessness: Causes, Challenges, and Promising Solutions

Background Story

Former President Donald Trump has reportedly called for the immediate removal of homeless individuals from Washington, D.C. This kind of statement typically reflects concerns about urban cleanliness, public safety, or political optics, especially in high-profile cities like the U.S. capital.

Expanded Discussion: Homelessness and Political Rhetoric

Here’s a look into the broader issues this touches on:

Homelessness in Major Cities

• Washington, D.C., like many urban centers, faces persistent challenges with homelessness due to high housing costs, limited shelter capacity, and systemic inequality.
• Sweeps or forced removals often displace individuals without offering long-term solutions.

Ibom Air, others ban ‘unruly passenger’ for life after airport row

Comfort Emmanson, Ibom Air Intended Passenger

Comfort Emmanson: The Airport Assault That Shook Nigeria’s Aviation Sector

In a dramatic turn of events that has gripped the nation, Comfort Emmanson, a passenger aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, has been banned for life from flying with the airline after a violent outburst that escalated into physical assault against crew members. The incident, captured in viral videos, has sparked widespread debate about passenger conduct, aviation safety, and justice in Nigeria.

What Happened Onboard

According to Ibom Air’s official statement, the altercation began when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, defying standard aviation safety procedures. After a fellow passenger intervened and turned off the phone, Emmanson launched into a verbal tirade. The situation was temporarily calmed, and the flight proceeded as scheduled.

Farotimi Backs Obi’s One-Term Plan, Says Obasanjo, Buhari’s 16 Years ‘Ruined’ Nigeria

Rethinking Presidential Term Limits: Lessons from Nigeria and Beyond

As Nigeria approaches another pivotal election cycle, the debate over presidential term limits has resurfaced with renewed urgency. Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi recently endorsed Peter Obi’s proposal for a single-term presidency, arguing that Nigeria’s past leaders squandered their time in office without delivering meaningful progress. This article explores the global landscape of term limits, their impact on governance, and the pros and cons of different systems.

Nigeria’s Experience: A Case for Reform

Farotimi’s critique is blunt: “Obasanjo had eight years; what did he do with it? Buhari had eight years; what did he do with it? He ruined Nigeria. Tinubu has had two years, and he is taking us back 50 years.” His argument is clear, longevity in office does not guarantee impact.

Couple die after vehicle they were allegedly having romantic moments in fell down a cliff

Passion Turned Tragic: The Cliffside Accident That Sparked Global Reflection

In a heartbreaking incident that has captured international attention, a couple in Brazil lost their lives after their vehicle plunged off a cliff during what authorities believe was an intimate moment. The tragedy has reignited conversations about public safety, legal boundaries around intimacy, and the role of urban planning in preventing such accidents.

The Incident: A Night of Celebration Ends in Disaster

Marcone da Silva Cardoso, 26, and Adriana Machado Ribeiro, 42, were found dead at the base of a cliff in Venda Nova do Imigrante, Brazil. After a night of partying, the couple parked near a scenic overlook, popular for hang-gliding, and reportedly engaged in romantic activity inside their car. Around 1 a.m., the vehicle rolled forward and fell approximately 328 feet, scattering debris across the vegetation.

Authorities found both victims unclothed, with no signs of violence. The car’s handbrake was engaged, suggesting the fall may have been triggered by movement inside the vehicle. Residents reported hearing a loud crash, but thick vegetation and darkness obscured the scene until a caretaker discovered the wreckage the next morning.

Similar Tragedies Around the World

This incident is not isolated. Across the globe, similar accidents have occurred under comparable circumstances:

• California, USA: A couple drove off a cliff near Big Sur during a romantic getaway. Their vehicle was later found in the Pacific Ocean.
• India: In Himachal Pradesh, a couple’s car rolled off a mountain edge due to a disengaged handbrake during monsoon season.
• South Africa: A vehicle plunged from Signal Hill in Cape Town, prompting calls for restricted nighttime access.
• Italy: A couple drowned after their car slid into Lake Como while parked near the water’s edge.

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.

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.