Warri, Delta State, Nigeria — A transformative youth empowerment initiative, Living Beyond Oil, has been officially launched to inspire and equip young people across the Niger Delta region to pursue sustainable livelihoods beyond the oil and gas industry. The initiative, pioneered by Mr. Quinton Tekedor, a visionary leader and advocate for youth development, aims to dismantle the poverty mindset and over-dependence on oil that have long constrained creativity and progress within the region. Through a blend of mentorship, vocational training, capacity building, and access to financial empowerment systems, Living Beyond Oil seeks to create new economic pathways for young people in diverse sectors including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and the creative industry. Speaking during the launch, Mr. Tekedor noted that the program is designed to unleash the hidden potential of the Niger Delta youth by equipping them with practical skills and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to compete in today’s dynamic economy. “The Niger Delta has for too long been defined by oil,” Tekedor stated. “Our vision is to nurture a generation of innovators and problem-solvers who will redefine the region’s economic identity and build wealth through creativity, innovation, and hard work.” The Living Beyond Oil team reiterated their readiness to collaborate with community leaders, development agencies, and private organizations to ensure the sustainability and far-reaching impact of the program across all Niger Delta states. With the official launch of Living Beyond Oil, the region stands at the threshold of a new era—one driven by youth empowerment, economic diversification, and long-term prosperity beyond oil dependence. About Living Beyond Oil Living Beyond Oil is a youth-focused empowerment initiative committed to transforming the socio-economic landscape of the Niger Delta through innovation, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship development. The program provides mentorship, training, and access to financial and business opportunities that promote self-reliance and sustainable growth.

President Bola Tinubu has signed the official instruments of clemency and pardon, thereby completing the constitutional process of granting relief to selected individuals convicted of various offences nationwide. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency stated that the decision followed extensive consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public sentiment. Before giving his final approval, President Tinubu ordered a thorough review of the initial list, exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The review resulted in the exclusion of persons convicted of grave crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or trade in firearms. In certain instances, full pardons previously recommended were commuted or reduced instead. Below is the revised list of individuals granted presidential clemency: Those granted full pardon: Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar Ayinla Saadu Alanamu Hon. Farouk M. Lawan Herbert Macaulay Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa Ken Saro-Wiwa Saturday Dobee Nordu Eawo Daniel Gbooko Paul Levera Felix Nuale Baribor Bera Barinem Kiobel John Kpuine Those whose death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment: Emmanuel Baba Abubakar Usman Khalifa Umar Mohammed Umar Those granted clemency: Oroka Michael Chibueze Adesanya Olufemi Paul Daniel Bodunwa Hamza Abubakar Buhari Sani Mohammed Musa Muharazu Abubakar Ibrahim Yusuf Saad Ahmed Madaki Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa Richard Ayuba Adam Abubakar Emmanuel Yusuf Chinedu Stanley Johnny Ntheru Udor

The House of Representatives has granted approval for President Bola Tinubu’s request to obtain $2.35 billion in foreign loans to help bridge Nigeria’s 2025 budget deficit. In addition, the lawmakers endorsed the issuance of a $500 million sovereign sukuk on the international market — an Islamic bond aimed at funding key infrastructure projects and diversifying Nigeria’s borrowing sources. These approvals came after the House adopted the report of its Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management during Wednesday’s plenary session. According to the 2025 Appropriation Act, the approved borrowing includes ₦1.84 trillion (approximately $1.23 billion) in new external loans, based on an exchange rate of ₦1,500 per dollar, to help fund the projected ₦9.28 trillion fiscal deficit. In his earlier communication to the National Assembly, President Tinubu cited Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (DMO) Act, which require legislative approval for external borrowing. He noted that the proposed loans may be raised through Eurobonds, syndicated loans, or bridge financing — depending on prevailing market conditions — and that interest rates would align with Nigeria’s existing international bonds, currently yielding between 6.8% and 9.3%. Explaining the rationale for the $500 million international sukuk, Tinubu said it would attract new investors, deepen Nigeria’s capital market, and fund vital infrastructure projects. He added that since 2017, domestic sukuk issuances have raised over ₦1.39 trillion for road and capital development, and the new international issuance would complement those efforts. Up to 25% of the sukuk proceeds may also be used to refinance existing high-interest debt. With the House’s approval, the Federal Government can now proceed with the implementation of its 2025 external financing strategy.

Nigerian music star, Tiwa Savage, has shared an emotional reflection on her journey as an African artist, revealing that she once struggled with her identity while growing up in London. Speaking at the Unstoppable Africans event, Tiwa addressed recent claims that Afrobeats is losing momentum, firmly rejecting the idea and declaring that the genre is stronger than ever. The singer noted that despite limited support and infrastructure, Afrobeats has become one of the fastest-growing music genres in the world, filling up stadiums and dominating global charts. “Afrobeats is the fastest growing genre in the world. We kind of created it with nothing — no support, no infrastructure, no real belief even from our own people initially,” she said. Tiwa explained that her pride in being African has grown immensely as the genre continues to elevate the continent’s image worldwide. “I remember growing up in London, and I was not happy being African. But now I’m so proud because of how big Afrobeats is growing,” she added. The “Somebody’s Son” crooner emphasized that Afrobeats has defied all predictions of being a short-lived trend. “They said Afrobeats would have its 15 minutes of fame and fade away, but we are still here, stronger than ever,” she remarked. She further noted that African artists are now selling out arenas, topping international charts, and changing the global perception of Africa through music. “I don’t know how true it is, but they say one in every four black persons is Nigerian or African. We are not going anywhere. As much as they try to quiet us, we are unstoppable,” Tiwa declared. Her passionate speech has since gone viral, inspiring fans across the world and reaffirming her status as one of the leading voices of Afrobeats’ global movement.

Nigerian rap icon, Olamide Adedeji, famously known as Olamide, has made it clear that he isn’t chasing international recognition, emphasizing that staying true to his roots is what defines his success. In a candid chat with BBC Radio 1Xtra, the “Local Rapper” crooner explained that understanding his audience early in his career helped him build a powerful and loyal fan base across Nigeria and Africa. Olamide stated that he is proud of being an indigenous artist and has no plans to change his sound or accent just to appeal to foreign listeners. “You have to identify your audience. Once you identify your audience, the rest of the world will catch up eventually. I have to stay true to myself, no matter what,” he said. The YBNL boss further added that he embraces his Nigerian identity wholeheartedly: “I’m comfortable in my skin. I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy. I have H-Factor and all that, and I’m proud about it.” Known for elevating street music and mentoring new talents, Olamide has remained a symbol of originality and pride for many young Nigerian artists. His message reinforces that true success doesn’t always come from international validation — sometimes, it’s about owning your story and staying authentic.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has tracked down and arrested one Innocent Chukwuma in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for allegedly using his social media account to incite the military to overthrow the current government. Chukwuma, who operates the X (formerly Twitter) handle **@TheAgroman**, had posted messages calling for a coup in Nigeria and urging the military to “suspend the Nigerian government.” He posted, “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now. “It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country. “The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West, and they run our intelligence apparatus. Only the military can reset this country. Support them,” Chukwuma posted. Ads by A source disclosed that the suspect is cooperating with DSS investigators.

Popular Nigerian rapper, Erigga, has spoken candidly about the negative effects of polygamy, describing it as a source of deep emotional pain for women and children. During an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, the Warri-born artist reflected on his childhood experiences in a polygamous family, revealing that the difficult realities of that upbringing shaped his decision to embrace monogamy. According to Erigga, while polygamy may appear glamorous to outsiders, it often leads to jealousy, rivalry, and resentment within families. He noted that the emotional toll of such relationships falls mostly on women and children, who often struggle with neglect and competition for affection. “I’m trying not to be like my father. I don’t like polygamy; one person always gets hurt, which is the woman. There’s never a polygamous situation where the man gets hurt — it’s always the woman and the kids,” he said. The rapper explained that peace and stability in relationships come from mutual respect and understanding, not from the number of wives a man has. He added that managing multiple partners only creates emotional confusion and unnecessary conflict. Erigga, known for his raw honesty and street wisdom, advised men to choose simplicity and focus on building strong, healthy families with one partner. He concluded by stressing that true happiness comes from love, unity, and contentment — values that can only thrive in a peaceful home. Whether or not fans agree with his stance, Erigga’s message offers a sobering reminder that behind the glamour of polygamy often lies silent pain and emotional struggle.

Popular Nigerian comedienne and actress, Anita Asuoha, famously known as Real Warri Pikin, has set social media abuzz after sharing breathtaking maternity-themed photos to mark her birthday. The entertainer, known for her vibrant personality and inspiring sense of humour, posted the elegant photos on her verified X account with the caption, *“The Woman of the Year.” In the pictures, Real Warri Pikin dazzled in luxurious cream and champagne-toned gowns that highlighted her beauty and confidence. Fans and colleagues flooded her comment section with warm birthday wishes and words of admiration, hailing her as one of Nigeria’s most authentic entertainers. The actress expressed gratitude to God for another year, reaffirming her belief in faith, family, and positivity — values she has consistently shared with her audience. Known as the “African Queen of Standup Comedy,” Real Warri Pikin blends laughter with life lessons, often using her platform to motivate women and promote self-worth. In a humorous video accompanying her post, she jokingly warned fans to stop asking when she would give birth, a question she said she has heard countless times. “This na general warning to all of una wey dey always ask me, ‘Real Warri Pikin, when you dey born nau?’” she quipped, sparking laughter online. Her post quickly went viral, with many applauding her for handling sensitive questions with her trademark humour and grace. With her infectious energy and growing influence, Real Warri Pikin continues to prove that comedy, confidence, and faith can coexist beautifully — making her truly deserving of the title, “Woman of the Year.”

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has revealed that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to halt the removal of fuel subsidy in 2012 was driven by security concerns over potential Boko Haram suicide bomb attacks on protesters, rather than public pressure from demonstrations. Sanusi, who was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria at the time and a vocal proponent of ending the subsidy regime, said the policy was widely misunderstood and poorly implemented. Speaking on Tuesday at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, themed “Better Leader for a Better Nigeria,” the Emir explained that what was termed a fuel subsidy in Nigeria functioned more like a “naked hedge,” exposing the nation to heavy financial risks. He noted that the arrangement compelled the Federal Government to shoulder the entire cost of stabilizing fuel prices, regardless of fluctuations in global oil prices, exchange rates, or interest rates. He said, “If you look at the template, all of those amounts were being absorbed. The Federal Government was saying I have an unlimited pocket. “So move from a point where we were using revenues to pay subsidies to where we had to borrow money to pay subsidies, to where we had to borrow money to pay interest on the borrowed money, we had become bankrupt. “Anyone who takes a naked hedge ends up being bankrupted, especially with a commodity where you don’t control the price.” Sanusi further stated that Nigeria’s current economic difficulties could have been less severe if Jonathan’s administration had gone ahead with the subsidy removal in 2011. He said, “If Nigerians had allowed the Jonathan government to remove the subsidy in 2011, there would have been pain. “But that pain would have been a very, very tiny fraction of what we are facing today. This is the cost of today. “At that time, we worked out the numbers in the Central Bank, and I stood up and put my credit in front of the line and said, ‘Remove the subsidy today; inflation moves up from 11 percent to 13 percent. I will bring it down a bit later.’ Oh, that’s about 30-something per cent inflation. That was where we were.” The Emir revealed that Jonathan’s eventual decision to partially suspend the subsidy removal was due to serious security concerns about possible Boko Haram attacks. He said, “And it was like, if one day one of these suicide bombers goes to these Nigerians and explodes the bomb, and you have 200 corpses, it will no longer be about subsidy. So I got to give President Jonathan the credit. He was determined to do it. “The only reason the government compromised and did 50 percent, not 100 percent, was Boko Haram. “If one suicide bomber had attacked protesters in Lagos, Kano, or Kaduna, and 200 people died, it would have gone beyond subsidy.”