Obi doesn’t need coalition to defeat Tinubu in 2027 - NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), does not require a coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or backing from political elites to secure victory in the 2027 general election. 

This stance comes amid growing discussions in Nigeria’s political landscape about opposition unity ahead of the next presidential vote.

In an interview with Punch, Theophilus Ndubuaku, deputy president of the NLC’s political commission, described Obi as a widely admired politician with the capacity to defeat President Bola Tinubu in a transparent election. He dismissed any possibility of Obi returning to the PDP, characterizing the party as “crisis-ridden and near-empty.”

“Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate,” Ndubuaku said. “If you recall, he was already coasting to victory in the 2023 elections before the controversial glitches. He even defeated Tinubu in his own stronghold in Lagos, which shows Nigerians want him in power.”

Ndubuaku added that Obi's political strength lies in his wide national appeal and integrity, asserting that with a credible electoral process, he is confident of Obi’s victory. He noted that Obi can rely on his network of supporters both within and outside the country to strengthen his chances.

The Obidient Movement, a grassroots support group for the former Anambra governor, recently reaffirmed its loyalty to Obi, regardless of his political platform for the 2027 election. The group’s national coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, said Obi remains the most viable candidate to address Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges. 

Ndubuaku emphasized that Obi appeals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and dismissed the PDP as a viable platform for serious contenders. “No serious candidate will consider the PDP as a viable platform at this point,” he said. “While LP’s crisis — centering around Julius Abure — has been settled by the Supreme Court, the PDP is still battling a hydra-headed crisis. Moving from LP to PDP would be like jumping from frying pan to fire.”

On concerns regarding zoning and regional power rotation, Ndubuaku said Obi’s competence should take precedence over political arrangements. He acknowledged that some stakeholders worry Obi might serve a full eight-year term if elected, potentially altering the power-sharing equilibrium, but dismissed such fears as secondary. “We know Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria. He’s not desperate for power,” he said.

Only 89 doctors left in Kwara Govt hospitals amid ‘Japa’ crisis – Health Board

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Abdulrahman Malik, disclosed that there is an acute shortage of medical doctors in the state-owned hospitals. 

Speaking at the state interministerial press briefing for the first quarter of 2025 on Tuesday, April 29, Malik said that due to the ‘Japa’ syndrome, doctors do not want to take up appointments with the state government, even when the government is ready to recruit them. 

He lamented that while between 180 and 200 doctors are required in the government service, only 89 of them are available in the service. 

He said the number of available doctors only recently became 89 from 86 when three who had left the service returned after the government introduced a new and improved salary for the doctors’ services. 

The hospital board’s boss said the government had been trying to attract doctors to the state service with improved salaries and facilities that could encourage them to stay, especially in the rural areas where many of them do not want to go. 

He also disclosed that the government has introduced an intern nurses programme for the training of nurses who would replace many nurses who had left the service for abroad. 

“The mass exodus of health professionals is severely affecting our capacity to provide adequate care,” the official said. 

“Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved an upgrade in the salaries of our doctors to match federal pay in a bid to retain the few we have left. 

“The revised salary structure has led to the return of three doctors who had previously resigned, bringing the total number on the state’s payroll to 89. 

“However, the figure still falls short of the estimated 180 to 200 physicians needed to serve the state’s population effectively. 

“Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio is currently estimated at one doctor to over 5,000 patients, far below the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended one doctor to 600 patients.”

Man raises alarm as his sister goes missing in Lagos after sending disturbing message about being "scared and boarding wrong car"

A Nigerian man, Mayor Johnson, has raised an alarm over the whereabouts of his sister, Esther, who went missing after sending a disturbing message while on her way to Ajah to Epe area of Lagos State.

Johnson disclosed that Esther left home on Thursday, April 24, 2025 for Ajah to stay with a family friend in preparation for the JAMB exam and has not been seen since them. According to him, she had sent a message to his other sister saying she was “scared, feeling sleepy, her eyes itchy and might have boarded the wrong car.“ 

“It’s almost 24hrs we haven’t heard from my sister, she was going to Epe from Ajah around 1pm yesterday (Thursday) for her jamb exam today…. The last msg she sent her other sister was that “I’m scared I Tink I enter rong car my eyes is itchy e be like I want to slip,” he wrote. 

"We're looking for my kid sister since yesterday afternoon, she was to go frm Ajah to Epe to stay wit a family friend for her Jamb Exam this morning 9am. Her last statement was "I’m scared I Tink I enter wrong car my eyes is itchy e be like I want to slip" We're yet to hear frm her." 

 

 

UK records over 22000 asylum-seeking Nigerians

The United Kingdom Home Office received 22,619 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals from 2010 to 2024.

Nigerians reportedly accounted for one in 30 UK asylum claims over the period, ranking 11th on the Home Office’s newly released year-end Asylum and Resettlement statistics.

According to the Home Office, nearly twice as many Nigerians (2,841) applied for asylum in 2024 as in 2023 (1,462). Overall, 2024 saw the highest number of asylum applications to the UK, with 108,138 people, a 378 per cent rise from 2010. Most were first-time claims by South Asian and Middle Eastern nationals.

Iran topped the chart with 75,737, likely propelled by the increasing persecution of dissidents by the Iranian regime. Pakistan followed far behind with 57,621. 2024 saw 10,542 Pakistanis claiming asylum in the UK, driven by post-election turmoil, soaring inflation, and a spike in blasphemy prosecutions that human rights groups say offer substantial grounds for protection claims.

Afghanistan trailed with 54,363 asylum applications since 2010. In 2024, 8,508 Afghans sought refuge in the UK, a development that pundits argue is the continued aftermath of the Taliban ousting of the Karzai administration in 2022. That year, 11,358 Afghans sought asylum in the UK, with 9,710 applications the following year.

Others are Albania (50,944), Iraq (45,711), Eritrea (37,687), Syria (34,997) and Bangladesh (31,744). Asylum seekers from Bangladesh rose from 5,097 in 2023 to 7,225 in 2024. The surge coincided with the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Sudan and India round out the top ten with 30,897 and 30,179, respectively.

Nigeria’s 22,619 filings sit just ahead of Sri Lanka’s 22,059 and above Vietnam, China and Turkey. Brazil, Kuwait, Yemen, Colombia, and Jordan were at the lower end of the list, each contributing fewer than 6,500 claims.

Under British law, an asylum seeker must demonstrate a “well-founded fear of persecution” on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group, the Home Office explained on its website.

In most cases, the reports say, applicants also invoke political persecution under Nigeria’s sweeping cybercrimes legislation or discrimination tied to sexual orientation categories that fall within the Refugee Convention’s protection grounds.

The Home Office makes initial decisions, and negative rulings can be appealed to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

Do Grilled Foods Cause Cancer? Unpacking the Smoke and Sizzle

 

The aroma of grilled food is a quintessential part of gatherings and warm weather. That smoky flavor and those enticing grill marks are hard to resist. But whispers about a link between grilling and cancer often dampen the enthusiasm. So, what's the real story? Do grilled foods actually increase your cancer risk? Let's break down the science.

The Culprits: HCAs and PAHs

The primary concern surrounding grilled foods and cancer lies in the formation of two types of chemical compounds when meat (beef, pork, poultry, and fish) is cooked at high temperatures:

• Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs): These compounds form when amino acids, creatine (found in muscle tissue), and sugars in meat react at high heat. The longer and hotter the meat cooks, especially to a well-done or charred state, the more HCAs are produced.
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): These chemicals are produced when fat and juices from meat drip onto the heat source (charcoal or flames), causing smoke. These PAHs can then rise and deposit on the surface of the food. PAHs are also found in other sources like cigarette smoke and air pollution.

The Evidence: What the Research Says

Laboratory studies have shown that HCAs and PAHs can damage DNA, and DNA changes can increase the risk of cancer. Animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to high levels of these compounds can lead to the development of various cancers.

However, the link in humans is more complex and still under investigation. Epidemiological studies, which look at cancer rates in populations and their dietary habits, have shown some associations between high consumption of well-done, grilled, or barbecued meats and an increased risk of certain cancers, including colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, stomach, and breast cancers.

It's important to note that these studies often rely on dietary recall, which can be imprecise, and other lifestyle factors could also play a role. More research is needed to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship in humans.

Good News for Grill Lovers: Reducing the Risk

While the potential risks are worth acknowledging, you don't have to ditch your grill entirely. Here are several effective strategies to minimize the formation of HCAs and PAHs:

• Marinate Your Meat: Studies suggest that marinating meat for at least 30 minutes before grilling can significantly reduce HCA formation. Marinades containing ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and spices seem particularly effective.
• Pre-Cook Larger Cuts: Partially cooking larger pieces of meat in a microwave, oven, or on the stovetop before finishing them on the grill can significantly reduce the time they are exposed to high heat and flames. Drain off any juices before grilling.
• Choose Leaner Meats: Less fat dripping onto the heat source means less PAH formation. Opt for leaner cuts of meat, poultry without skin, and fish. Trim visible fat before grilling.
• Grill More Vegetables and Fruits: Unlike meat, grilling vegetables and fruits does not produce HCAs. They are also packed with beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Get creative with grilled peppers, zucchini, onions, pineapple, and peaches!
• Use Indirect Heat: Cook food away from the direct flame or heat source. For charcoal grills, you can pile the coals on one side and cook on the other. For gas grills, turn off the burners directly beneath the food.
• Flip Frequently: Turning meat frequently can help it cook more evenly and reduce charring.
• Shorten Grilling Time: Cook food for the shortest time necessary to reach a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking. Smaller pieces of meat cook faster.
• Avoid Charring: While that crispy, blackened exterior might taste appealing, it contains higher concentrations of HCAs. Trim off any charred portions before eating.
• Consider Using Foil: Wrapping meat in aluminum foil before placing it on the grill can prevent fat drippings and reduce PAH formation. Poke holes to allow some smoke flavor.
• Clean Your Grill Regularly: Built-up charred residue on grill grates can transfer HCAs to your food.

The Bottom Line

While grilling can lead to the formation of compounds that have been linked to cancer in laboratory and some population studies, it doesn't mean you have to give up your barbecue. By understanding the risks and employing safer grilling techniques, you can significantly reduce your exposure to HCAs and PAHs while still enjoying the delicious flavors of grilled food. Moderation, variety in your cooking methods, and a focus on including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet are key to a healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized health advice.

Beheaded body sparks panic in Lagos community

 

Tension gripped the Idimu area of Lagos State after residents discovered the bodies of two men, one of which was beheaded.

It was gathered that the corpses were discovered on Sunday morning, April 20, 2025 along Oladun Road.

According to Punch, the lifeless bodies were still lying several meters apart at the time of their visit to the scene. 

A resident Lanre Ajao who spoke to the publication identified one of the deceased as Baba Oja.

“We woke up to see their lifeless bodies on the road this morning. We cannot immediately identify the one with a severed head but the other person is Baba Oja. He is very popular in this area,” he said. 

“He was also known to always mingle with some boys who ran after flashy cars to collect money from the drivers around the Council bus stop. We still saw him yesterday controlling the traffic for some of the flashy cars.”

Another resident, Jamiu Raji, said that the nature of the k!llings indicated cult violence.

"We found out that the incident was not just a fight. It is related to a cult attack because of the way the two of them were killed. However, incidents like this are not common in this area. That is why people were shocked to see this,” he said.

It was further gathered that the corpses remained at the scene for nearly 10 hours before police operatives eventually arrived.

The second corpse was later identified as that of another resident in the community whose name could not be ascertained. 

Another resident who did not want his name in print for security reasons said the families of the deceased victims were made to part away with money before they could allow them to take the corpses away.

Belgian Teens arrested in Kenya with 5,000 Smuggled Ants

 

Two Belgian teenagers have been charged with wildlife piracy in Kenya after authorities found them in possession of 5,000 live ants packed in test tubes — a case that officials say highlights a growing trend in trafficking lesser-known species.

Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, both 19, were arrested on April 5 at a guest house in Nakuru County. During their court appearance at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Law Courts in Nairobi, the visibly distressed teens were consoled by relatives. They claimed they were collecting the ants "for fun" and were unaware that their actions were illegal.

Authorities said the ants, including the species Messor cephalotes — a large, red harvester ant native to East Africa — were being smuggled to international markets where they are sold as exotic pets.

In a separate but related case, Kenyan national Dennis Ng’ang’a and Vietnamese national Duh Hung Nguyen were also charged with illegal possession and trafficking of 400 ants found in their Nairobi apartments.

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the cases mark a shift from the traditional trafficking of large, iconic species such as elephants and rhinos to smaller, ecologically important creatures. KWS warned that the illegal export of ants undermines Kenya’s biodiversity and deprives local communities and research institutions of ecological and economic benefits.

"The export of these ants not only violates Kenya's sovereign rights over its natural resources but also threatens ecological balance," KWS said in a statement.

The 5,000 ants were discovered in 2,244 test tubes stuffed with cotton wool, which allowed them to survive long periods during transportation. Kenyan authorities estimated the total value of the insects at 1 million Kenyan shillings (approximately $7,700), though prices vary based on species and destination.

Philip Muruthi, Vice President for Conservation at the African Wildlife Foundation, emphasized the ecological role ants play in maintaining healthy environments.

"Ants enrich soils, aid seed germination, and serve as food for various species such as birds," he said. "When you see a thriving forest like Ngong, it’s not just the trees — it's the relationships between organisms, from bacteria to ants to larger animals.”

Muruthi also cautioned that smuggling insects across borders risks introducing diseases that could damage ecosystems and agricultural industries in importing countries.

“Even if there is trade, it should be regulated. No one should be taking our resources without consent or control,” he added.

18-year-old Nigerian-American girl accepted into Harvard, Yale and four other Ivy League universities

18-year-old daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Osariemen Unuigbe, has been accepted into six Ivy League universities in the United States, including Harvard and Yale. 

Unuigbe, the daughter of Dr. Augustine Unuigbe and Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Unuigbe, from Edo State, attributed the recognition to her dedication and excellent academic record.

"We are elated, surprised, but absolutely delighted. We can only give all the glory to God for this great miracle,” her family remarked.

Unuigbe, who is currently a senior at Egg Harbor Township High School in New Jersey, boasts a strong academic background and an unwavering commitment to advanced studies.

She was also accepted into the highly selective Governor’s School of New Jersey and has held several leadership positions. 

Beyond the classrooms, she plays lacrosse and has a passion for dancing, painting, and drawing.

In recognition of her achievements, she has been selected as a 2025 “Rising to the Top” scholar by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Southern New Jersey Chapter.

According to the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, enrollment of Nigerian students at U.S. colleges and universities rose to 20,029 in the 2023/2024 academic year, marking a 13.5 per cent increase from previous years. 

“Nigerian students bring a wealth of diversity, perspective, and academic excellence to U.S. campuses, enriching the educational experience for all,” the report stated. 

Army denies targeting Igbos in troop deployments as it decries low enlistment from south-east

 

The Nigerian Army has expressed concern over the low participation of south-east youths in its ongoing recruitment exercise, warning that the region risks losing out on its rightful representation within the military.

Speaking during a town hall meeting in Enugu, Chima Ekeator, leader of the 2025 army recruitment enlightenment team, said the south-east was gradually being underrepresented due to poor application rates.

“Our people are losing what rightly belongs to them. Each year, whenever a slot is being allocated to our people, we keep noticing that the number of applicants from our side is usually very poor,” Ekeator said.

He cited Enugu State as an example, stating that although the state had about 200 recruitment slots this year, fewer than 100 applications were received.

“Take, for example, Enugu State was given about 200 slots, but the people who made it were never up to 100 due to poor application. This has also become a recurring decimal in other states in the south-east.”

Ekeator urged youths in the region to take advantage of the recruitment window and fill their quotas, pointing out that other states were recording significantly higher interest. He revealed that Kaduna State had already received over 3,000 applications.

“Today’s statistics on the number of applicants show that Kaduna has about 3,000 applicants, while Enugu is still battling with about a hundred; and by the time we will be through with screening, you will not have enough to recruit from the state,” he said.

He also dismissed widespread rumours suggesting that Igbo recruits were deliberately sent to dangerous battlefronts, resulting in higher casualties among them. According to him, these claims are unfounded.

“There are a lot of falsehoods out there stating that the Igbo are being killed because they are the first to be sent to the battlefield. These things are not true. After all, we that are here have risen high in the Army, and we are telling you that they are lies.”

Ekeator highlighted that individuals from the south-east hold key positions in the Nigerian Army. “Today in the Nigerian Army, our brother is one of the top commanders in charge of equipment. His name is Chibueze Ogbuabor,” he said.

Suspected herdsmen k!ll 22-year-old man in Plateau community

Tragedy struck again in Irigwe land when suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly attack on a 22-year-old man, Wuh James, a resident of Rewienku village at Nzhwerenvi, Nkie-hwie district in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

 

James was brutally k!lled on Friday morning, April 11, 2025 while on his way home from Jebbu Miango.

 

The latest attack comes days after two residents of Irigwe communities in Bassa LGA were k!lled in what has been described as coordinated night attacks by suspected armed herders. 

 

The National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Youth Movement, Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday. 

 

“In addition to this senseless m8rder, the leadership of the Irigwe Youth Movement has also recorded mass irrigation farm destructions last night committed by the Fulani militias this morning,” the statement read. 

 

“This is another sad day for our community, and we are deeply disturbed by these ongoing attacks.”