₦airaland Forum

By Godsent Ogbebor

EXPOSED: America’s Secret Plan to Control Nigeria’s Population, Oil, and Future and how the Government may be Helping Execute It

America’s relationship with Nigeria has never been a simple one, it has always been about more than diplomacy or goodwill. Beneath the surface, U.S. policymakers have treated Nigeria not just as a partner but as a variable to be managed, a set of numbers on a chart that could either stabilize or disrupt the global system. The most revealing evidence of this comes from a secret memorandum written in 1974, known as National Security Study Memorandum 200, or the Kissinger Report. It was drafted at a time when oil prices had skyrocketed, when Western economies were reeling from inflation and recession, and when newly independent nations across Africa were asserting sovereignty over their resources.

The report identified rapid population growth in countries like Nigeria as a direct threat to American access to food, fuel, and strategic minerals. Its recommendation was blunt: reduce fertility in key nations, use aid as leverage, anticipate resistance from religion or culture, and frame it all as development policy. Population control, the memo concluded, was not merely a matter of health but of national security.

From the start, Nigeria was at the heart of this plan as it was not just another developing country; it was a nation with vast oil reserves, an expanding population, and influence across Africa. For U.S. strategists, that combination was dangerous. More people meant greater domestic demand for food and fuel, which in turn meant higher prices and less oil available for export. More people also meant stronger nationalist politics and more pressure on the government to demand fairer terms from foreign corporations. As the Kissinger Report framed it, Nigeria’s growth had to be managed.

The archival record in the Foreign Relations of the United States series confirms that this was not speculation but policy. As Document 200 shows, American officials in 1973 were already worried about Nigeria’s growing independence. The Bureau of Intelligence and Research noted that relations were deteriorating not because of any one dispute but because Nigerians felt the U.S. was indifferent to their aspirations. American officials, in turn, dismissed Nigeria’s cautious approach as inefficiency.

The result was mistrust on both sides. Document 201, written in September 1973, even suggested that Nigeria deliberately complicated a planned meeting between President Nixon and General Gowon to enhance its leverage. When the meeting collapsed, Document 203 recorded how Nigerian hawks used the snub to harden attitudes against the U.S. These early records confirm that Washington saw Nigeria’s assertiveness not as normal politics but as something to be contained.

By March 1974, when the Kissinger Report was drafted, the U.S. was already exploring how to tie Nigeria closer to its orbit. Document 204 laid out strategies to influence Nigeria through aid and engagement. Later that year, Document 205 captured a conversation between Henry Kissinger and Nigerian Foreign Minister Arikpo, reflecting Washington’s attempts to balance engagement with suspicion. Document 206, in January 1975, warned bluntly that Nigeria might restrict U.S. oil access if tensions continued, showing how central crude was to American calculations.

Document 207 proposed specific measures: setting up commissions, hosting business forums, and arranging high-level visits to draw Nigeria into predictable cooperation. Kissinger’s handwritten comments on that memo reveal the delicate act he was willing to engage but only on terms that preserved American advantage. Document 208, written after a Nigerian coup in 1975, advised caution in political dealings but still encouraged a commercial mission, proving that oil and business were never to be neglected.

The clearest example of America’s strategy to restrain Nigeria appears in Document 209, a Treasury memo from January 1976. It recommended that the U.S. oppose World Bank loans to Nigeria on the grounds that oil revenues made such loans unnecessary. In reality, the intent was to limit Nigeria’s independence in global finance. Kissinger himself pushed back slightly in Document 211, urging that cutting loans too sharply would damage relations. But the underlying logic remained: Nigeria was too rich in oil to be allowed the same financial support as others. This was a way of disciplining the country, ensuring it did not become too powerful.

Document 210, after a failed coup in February 1976, recommended a posture of reassurance and “business as usual,” demonstrating the consistency of American tactics: never panic, never overreact, but always keep Nigeria within the frame of control. The last series of documents, from 212 to 216, reveal the diplomatic dance of cancelled visits and mutual suspicion. Nigeria first hinted at normalizing relations but later rejected Kissinger’s trips outright, leaving the Americans frustrated. Through it all, one thing was clear: Washington would persist, using aid, oil, loans, and diplomacy to shape Nigeria’s choices.

These records form the historical backdrop to the Kissinger Report’s blunt message: Nigeria’s population, oil, and sovereignty were problems to be managed for U.S. benefit. And if we fast forward to the present, the continuity is striking. Structural Adjustment Programs in the 1980s forced Nigeria to devalue its currency, remove subsidies, privatize industries, and open its markets. These measures were hailed as modernization but left millions poorer, schools and hospitals weakened, and dependency on imports deeper.

Oil continued to be exported as crude and imported as refined fuel, enriching foreign companies while draining Nigerian resources. Family planning campaigns, often supported by donor funding, expanded access to contraception but also limited real choice, with rural women frequently offered only what donors supplied in bulk. Security partnerships grew in the 2000s, with U.S. equipment, training, and intelligence shaping Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations. At every stage, the Kissinger template was visible: manage the numbers, shape the economy, secure the oil.

This pattern is not only historical; it is alive in the policies of today. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into office with bold announcements. Subsidies were removed, the naira was floated, and preparations began for a digital census and ID system. International creditors and investors applauded these steps as courageous. But for Nigerians, the impact was immediate and painful. Fuel costs doubled overnight, transport fares soared, and food prices climbed. A tricycle rider in Benin City explained that his fuel bill had jumped by half, yet he could not raise fares because his passengers were also struggling.

A rice trader in Kano saw the price of imported rice skyrocket with the currency depreciation, which in turn pushed up the price of local rice. Customers reduced their purchases to tiny measures, and her profit margins shrank. A teacher in Enugu watched her salary lose value by the week, while parent-teacher levies rose to cover gaps in school funding. A farmer in Taraba paid more for fertilizer, diesel, and transport, while middlemen pressed him harder on prices. These stories are not statistics; they are the human cost of reforms that mirror, almost word for word, the prescriptions of the 1980s and the logic of the 1970s.

The digital census adds another layer. On paper, it is a modern tool for planning counting everyone fairly, distributing resources, and strengthening governance. But Nigerians know the history. They know that in 1974, the U.S. described Nigeria’s growing population as a threat to its access to oil.

They know that population programs were tied to aid and loans. In clinics today, women still find that the contraception on offer is shaped more by donor shipments than by informed choice. A midwife in the southwest put it clearly: when implants are funded, implants are available, even if a woman prefers pills or injectables. Choice, she said, exists in rhetoric but is limited in practice. The echoes of the Kissinger Report are still loud.

Tinubu’s reforms, therefore, cannot be understood in isolation. They fit into a much longer story of external influence and internal compliance. The harshest critics argue that his government is completing what Kissinger set in motion: constraining domestic consumption by raising prices, disciplining the currency, tying population programs to donor agendas, and keeping oil exports stable for foreign markets. Supporters respond that these are necessary measures to restore fiscal sanity, attract investment, and prevent economic collapse. Both perspectives contain truth. But the question that matters most is one of agency: are these reforms chosen freely by Nigerians for Nigerians, or are they the continuation of a blueprint written in Washington fifty years ago?

As Document 200 revealed, the U.S. never truly saw Nigeria as an equal partner. It saw it as a country whose ambitions needed to be managed. As Document 209 demonstrated, financial tools like World Bank loans were used to discipline Nigeria’s independence. As Document 210 confirmed, even after coups and instability, the U.S. insisted on business as usual so long as oil flowed and population programs continued. These are not relics of the past; they are foundations of a strategy that endures. Tinubu’s policies, intentionally or not, fall neatly into this template.

The Nigerian people, however, are not numbers on a chart. They are market women in Lagos balancing rising transport costs, teachers in Enugu struggling against inflation, farmers in Taraba trying to keep their families afloat, and young people in Abuja building startups in music and technology despite poor infrastructure. They are resilient, creative, and resourceful. The tragedy is that for decades, their energy has been framed as a problem rather than a possibility. The Kissinger Report saw population as a threat. The FRUS documents saw Nigeria’s sovereignty as a risk. Today’s reforms, while justified as modernization, too often feel like the same old discipline under a new name.

The continuity is undeniable as America’s secret plan to control Nigeria’s population, oil, and future was laid out in memos and telegrams in the 1970s. It was implemented through adjustment programs in the 1980s, donor-driven health campaigns in the 1990s and 2000s, and security partnerships in the 2010s. And now, under Tinubu, it is being completed through subsidy removal, currency float, digital census, and population management programs. The question for Nigeria is whether this cycle will continue indefinitely or whether a new path will finally be chosen, one in which population is seen as a resource, oil as a tool for domestic growth, and sovereignty as non-negotiable.

As Document 212 records, Nigeria abruptly cancelled Kissinger’s planned visit in April 1976, citing security reasons but clearly signaling political distrust. The cancellation was more than a scheduling issue, it reflected Nigeria’s deep suspicion of American motives. By then, the U.S. had already tied its Nigeria strategy to oil flows and population control. Kissinger himself, as Document 213 shows, sought to soften Nigerian skepticism with carefully crafted speeches. Yet the embassy noted that Nigerians continued to believe American policies were not about partnership but about self-interest.

This distrust came to a head in Document 215, when Nigeria outright rejected another Kissinger visit in September 1976. The Americans described the decision as rooted in “xenophobia” and nationalist pride. Document 216, from Tanzania, reported Kissinger’s frustration, admitting it was impossible to portray relations with Nigeria as “normal” after repeated rejections. What these records show is that the U.S. understood Nigeria’s independence but never stopped pressing for influence. Even rejection did not end the effort; it only reshaped the tactics.

If we place these documents alongside NSSM 200, the continuity is clear; the memorandum argued that Nigeria’s population growth and oil wealth were dangerous variables for U.S. interests. The diplomatic cables and memos of the 1970s show how that logic was applied in practice through financial pressure, selective aid, and persistent engagement. Aid was tied to family planning programs, loans were withheld to discipline independence, and diplomacy was framed as reassurance but aimed at control. This was the real architecture of U.S. policy: treat people as numbers, oil as leverage, and sovereignty as negotiable.

The Nigerian experience in the decades that followed bears the imprint of this architecture and structural Adjustment Programs in the 1980s followed the same prescriptions discussed in Document 209 reduce subsidies, open markets, limit state intervention. The result was devaluation of the naira, removal of fuel and food subsidies, privatization of state assets, and dependence on imported goods. Economists praised these measures as reforms, but ordinary Nigerians experienced them as hardship. Real wages fell, schools and hospitals declined, and poverty deepened. The same cycle repeated again and again: policy measures designed to please international creditors but leaving citizens worse off.

Family planning programs also carried this dual legacy and on one hand, they brought genuine benefits reducing maternal mortality, expanding access to contraception, and empowering women with more choices. On the other hand, they were shaped by donor priorities rather than local preferences. Rural women often found themselves offered only implants or injectables because those were the commodities supplied in bulk.

A health worker in a northern state explained that when women complained of side effects, switching methods was difficult because alternatives were simply not available. This was not a failure of medicine but of policy choice narrowed by external supply chains. It was exactly the kind of instrumentalization predicted in NSSM 200, where population control was framed as development but served strategic goals.

Oil, the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy, also reflects this continuity and for decades, Nigeria exported crude and imported refined fuel, a cycle that drained resources and enriched external interests. The lack of domestic refining capacity was not accidental. It was the product of political choices, vested interests, and a global system that profited when Nigeria remained dependent. The Kissinger-era memos treated Nigerian oil as a stabilizer of global markets before it was ever considered a foundation for Nigerian development. That logic persists today, where refineries remain stalled, modular projects struggle, and imports continue. Oil is a blessing for revenue but a bind for sovereignty.

Security partnerships add another layer since the rise of insurgencies and terrorism, Nigeria has relied heavily on training, equipment, and intelligence from the U.S. and other partners. These measures have saved lives and strengthened certain capacities. But they also bind Nigeria more tightly into external networks of influence. Security budgets grow while development spending lags. Drones, rifles, and patrols multiply, but schools and clinics often remain closed. As the FRUS documents show, American concern was always about stability for oil and strategy, not human security for Nigerians. That imbalance continues.

Nowhere is the continuity more visible than in the reforms of President Tinubu which is the removal of subsidies, the floating of the currency, and the push for digital census and ID systems all echo the prescriptions of the past. Economists argue that subsidies were distortionary, that the naira peg was unsustainable, and that accurate data is necessary for planning.

These arguments have merit. But the way these measures were implemented swiftly, simultaneously, and without adequate safety nets made ordinary Nigerians bear the heaviest costs. A tricycle rider in Benin City now works longer hours for less income, a rice trader in Kano shifts from bulk sales to sachets because customers cannot afford more, a  teacher in Enugu sees her salary eroded by inflation while school levies rise, a farmer in Taraba pays more for fertilizer and transport but earns less from his crops. These are the human faces of reform. They are the same faces that bore the cost of adjustment programs in the 1980s and 1990s.

The digital census, hailed as modernization, revives old fears, communities ask who will hold the data, how it will be used, and whether it will be another tool for control. They remember that in 1974, population was described as a threat to U.S. access to oil, however, they know that donors shape family planning programs by what they supply, not what women request. A midwife in the southwest explained that when implants are funded, implants are available, even if women ask for alternatives. This is the practical reality of donor influence. The rhetoric is empowerment, but the effect is limitation.

Tinubu’s policies, then, are not merely Nigerian choices in isolation as they sit squarely within a historical template built by American strategy. As Document 200 showed, the U.S. never saw Nigeria as an equal, it saw it as a country to be managed. It is revealed that Document 209 demonstrated, financial tools like World Bank loans were used to discipline independence. As Document 210 confirmed, even after coups, the U.S. insisted on business as usual so long as oil flowed. And as Documents 212 to 216 revealed, even outright rejection of American visits did not end the effort, it only changed the tactics. Today, the tactics look like subsidy removal, currency float, and census modernization. The continuity is unmistakable.

What this means is that Tinubu’s reforms, whatever their intent, help to complete a project that began decades ago by raising domestic costs, they discipline consumption also by floating the currency, they align Nigeria with international financial expectations, by pushing a digital census, they create population data that can be used for both planning and leverage, by continuing donor-driven family planning programs, they entrench external influence over reproductive health. By keeping oil exports steady while refineries lag, they sustain global supply chains at Nigeria’s expense. Each of these measures can be defended on technical grounds. But taken together, they fulfill the logic of NSSM 200: control the numbers, shape the economy, secure the oil.

The Nigerian people deserve more than this, they are not variables in a foreign equation, they are citizens with agency, culture, and aspirations, they are young people in Lagos building tech startups despite unreliable power, they are musicians and filmmakers in Abuja and other parts in the nation reshaping Africa’s cultural economy; they are farmers, traders, teachers, health workers, and families who endure hardship but remain resilient. The tragedy is that for too long, their resilience has been framed as a problem rather than a possibility. The Kissinger Report saw population as a threat and the FRUS documents saw sovereignty as a risk. However, Tinubu’s reforms, for many, feel like a continuation of that mindset.



NB: NAIRALAND DO ALLOW SUCH LONG INVESTIGATIVE PIECE, BY THIS I CAN'T INCLUDE THE FULL INVESTIGATIVE REPORT.
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO READ MORE AND ALL ABOUT IT.... Read also: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/americas-secret-plan-to-control-nigeria/

By Godsent Ogbebor

‎Attention! Never mind, this is not a parade ground. But before you read any news report out there about 9mobile now T2, halt for a moment and peep into the other side of the coin, because this is more than a celebration as one must scrutinise certain things. Now, let me walk you down memory lane…

‎If you lived in Nigeria in the late 2000s, you couldn’t miss it as you'd always encounter the bright-green Etisalat buses cruising through markets, street corners, and motor parks. They didn’t just hand out flyers or SIM packs; they turned every stop into a mobile service centre. You could register a line, fix an issue, or ask a question right there under the sun, without stepping into a shop or taking time off work.

‎And then there was the music, Banky W’s smooth, velvety voice wrapped around Etisalat’s signature tune. It was upbeat, danceable, and instantly recognisable. People didn’t just hum it; they wanted it on their phones. But there was a catch, the ringtone was exclusive to their branded devices, and to make the most of it, you had to slot in their SIM card as SIM 1. In an age before streaming made everything available, this kind of exclusivity was a marketing masterstroke.

‎Etisalat entered the Nigerian market in 2008 with swagger. The industry was already dominated by MTN and Glo, with Airtel (then Zain) also holding a firm grip. But Etisalat didn’t flinch. It offered per-second billing when competitors were still dragging their feet, rolled out innovative tariff plans, maintaining steeze and composure. For a while, it felt like the plucky underdog might shake up the order.

‎But in telecom, style needs to be backed by financial stamina and that’s where cracks began to show. By the mid-2010s, the company was facing mounting debt, internal leadership changes, and a competitive market that punished any misstep.

Read also: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/from-etisalat-to-9mobile-now-to-t2-whats-next/

‎The First Big Shift - Etisalat Becomes 9mobile

‎In 2017, the reality hit. Etisalat had to walk away from its name after a loan dispute and shareholder exits. What emerged was 9mobile, a fresh brand identity aimed at keeping the network afloat while buying time to rethink its strategy.

‎It kept some of the old vibrancy, but market conditions had changed. MTN was extending its rural reach. Airtel was slashing prices and aggressively chasing data customers. And Glo was flooding the market with generous bundles.

‎9mobile fought back with new offers, improved customer service, and pockets of innovation, but the momentum was hard to recover. Loyal customers stayed, but the brand’s place in the market was no longer secure.

‎Then came a major shake-up. In early 2023, Lighthouse Telecoms, led by businessman and investor Thomas Etuh, took ownership of 9mobile. Etuh didn’t see it as just buying a telecom asset; he called it a “recovery mission.” His team laid out a four-phase plan: Stabilisation, Modernisation, Transformation, and Growth.

‎Under his leadership, the company struck a bold deal, an infrastructure-sharing partnership with MTN, the first of its kind at such a scale in Nigeria. Rather than spending billions on duplicating towers, 9mobile could now plug into MTN’s network footprint, instantly boosting coverage and capacity. It was a quiet but significant shift that put the brand back on the technical map.

‎From 9mobile to T2 

‎Now in the “Transformation” phase, the company has rebranded once again this time to T2. But unlike the 2017 switch, this isn’t just about surviving; it’s about repositioning for Nigeria’s digital future.

‎T2’s leadership says the new identity reflects speed, technology, and togetherness. According to reports, for some customers, it’s more than marketing. People like Amina Yusuf, a small business owner in Abuja, stayed through the slow patches and patchy signals because she valued the way the network treated her. “It wasn’t easy,” she admitted. “Sometimes the network frustrated me, but their customer care was different. They actually listened. I wanted them to bounce back.”

‎Rebranding twice in under a decade is almost unheard of in Nigerian telecom history. Starcomms, MTS, Visafone all gone. MTN has kept its name since launch; Glo has stayed Glo. The Etisalat–9mobile–T2 journey is risky. If it works, it could prove that a telecom brand can reinvent itself more than once and still compete.

‎But T2 will have to fight for every inch of market share. The challenges ahead are clear:

‎1. Consistent nationwide network quality especially in rural areas where coverage gaps still exist.

‎2. Customer-focused innovation in the aspects of bundles, apps, and digital services that fit Nigeria’s mobile-first lifestyle.

‎3. Rebuilding trust earned slowly through real performance, not just ad campaigns.

‎At the official launch in Lagos on the 8th of August 2025, Communications Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani delivered a pointed message: “Let this rebrand be more than a change of colours. Let it be a renewed commitment to service excellence.” Lagos State officials echoed that call, urging T2 to match its new identity with tangible improvements.

‎For Etuh, the moment was emotional. “We’re rising again,” he said. “Together with our customers, we will recover lost ground.”

‎Looking Back, Looking Forward

‎From the green buses of Etisalat days, with Banky W’s anthem playing in the background, to the cautious years of 9mobile, and now the bold, tech-forward promise of T2, this network’s journey has been anything but ordinary.

‎The question now is whether T2 can turn nostalgia into momentum and momentum into dominance. Nigerian consumers are quick to reward good service but just as quick to walk away if promises aren’t kept.

‎One thing’s certain: T2 is not just re-entering the fight. It’s betting on becoming one of the great comeback stories in Nigerian business history.

‎I know you're curious to know what T2 might stand for... Great question!

‎Although the name T2 is a fresh brand identity chosen by the company after rebranding from 9mobile. While the official detailed meaning hasn’t been widely publicized, based on the context and messaging from the company leadership, T2 may typically symbolize:

‎“Transformation” - representing their current phase in the four-phase recovery plan (Stabilisation, Modernisation, Transformation, Growth).

‎“Technology” - emphasizing a renewed focus on innovation and digital services.

‎“Together” or “Team” - highlighting their commitment to working closely with customers and stakeholders to rebuild trust and grow.

‎The “2” can also imply a second chance, a next chapter, or a “version 2.0” of the company, a reboot or fresh start after the challenges faced as Etisalat and 9mobile.

By Godsent Ogbebor

ABUJA — Nigerian author Rhoda Onwuka-Odii officially launched two new books titled The Strength of a Woman and The Rain in My Heart at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion, Garki, Abuja, on Friday.

The event, which commenced at 4:00 PM prompt, was chaired by former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Mike Mbama Okiro, and drew the presence of dignitaries such as DIG Hashimu Argungu (Retired), Senator Victor Umeh, Hon. Emeka Atuma, Titi Akindele (CEO, Titi Global Fabrics), and Doris Ifeoma Arubayi (CEO, Doris Homes).

The Strength of a Woman tells the harrowing yet inspiring story of Amara, a girl forced into child marriage who endures years of abuse both in her father’s house and in a repressive marriage.

Meanwhile, through determination and education, she rises from trauma to empowerment, ultimately helping pass a law against rape through the influence of her now-successful children and sister.

Read also: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/rhoda-onwuka-odii-debuts-books-on-womanhood-and-moral-conflict/

Reviewers described the work as “emotionally gripping,” highlighting its accessible narrative style and short compelling chapters. “Every page is soaked in the tears of generations of women silenced by culture, poverty, and patriarchy,” one reviewer said, adding that the book is “a call to conscience.”

However, The Rain in My Heart explores the inner conflict of a seminarian, Tony Dickey, who is torn between his love for a woman and his calling to the priesthood. Set in a conservative Catholic family, the story unfolds with themes of emotional sacrifice, betrayal, and family disintegration.

Although the protagonist ultimately chooses ordination, breaking the heart of his beloved and leaving readers with profound questions on the balance between duty and love.

Critics praised the book’s introspective tone, realistic characters, and moral complexity. “It is a human story that allows readers to draw their own conclusions about spiritual commitment and personal sacrifice,” a reviewer noted.

Rhoda Onwuka-Odii was commended for her literary courage and storytelling depth. Reviewers encouraged readers of all ages, especially educators, policymakers, and advocates for women’s rights, to engage with the books for their powerful messages and societal relevance.

By Godsent Ogbebor

Nowadays, confidence often trumps correctness. In conversations, on social media, in politics, and even in casual banter, something unsettling has taken root: people are increasingly saying and doing the wrong thing so boldly, with unshakable conviction.

It’s not just that people are mistaken. We all are, at times. It’s that people are being mistaken loudly, publicly, and confidently and often without consequence.

Nowadays, volume often gets more attention than truth. The question we must ask is, when did being right become less important than sounding sure?


The Age of Certainty Without Substance

There was a time when people were comfortable admitting they didn’t know something. If a topic came up that they didn’t fully understand, they’d ask questions, listen more, and wait to speak. They respected those who had studied, who had experience, and who could explain things with understanding.

But today, things have changed.

Now, many people speak with full confidence on topics they barely know. It’s become more common to act like an expert than to actually be one.

Instead of saying, “I’m not sure” or “Let me find out,” we rush to have the fastest opinion, the strongest reaction, the boldest take. And in the process, we’re losing the value of patience, listening, and learning.

On social media, it’s common to find someone who has never studied virology arguing confidently with medical professionals. Or someone who barely passed history class making sweeping political statements, claiming moral authority based on half-read headlines.

The issue isn’t disagreement; it’s the posture of arrogance toward subjects that deserve care, context, and caution.

The tragedy is that this overconfidence often disguises intellectual laziness. People regurgitate catchy, oversimplified opinions without ever asking themselves: Is this even true? Do I really know what I’m talking about?

In this present age, the loudest voice often wins, not the wisest one.

Read also:  https://mediaerrandsnews.com/loud-and-wrong-vs-confident-misinformation/


When Ignorance Finds a Microphone

Once upon a time, being misinformed might only affect those around you. But now, a single post, podcast, or video can reach millions in minutes. The internet has democratized access to platforms, but it has also amplified ignorance.

Anyone with a following, no matter how ill-informed, is often seen as an authority. And when their words are packaged in confidence, they’re often repeated, shared, and believed.

We’ve seen this play out dangerously: false health remedies spreading online faster than fact-checked science, conspiracy theories gaining cult-like followings, and baseless accusations destroying reputations in real-time.

In this ecosystem, the humble voice is often drowned out. Those who speak with careful reasoning or wait to verify facts before commenting are labeled “slow,” “cowardly,” or “indecisive.”

The tragedy is not only that misinformation spreads, it’s that it becomes identity. People begin to associate their self-worth with being "right," even when they aren't, and begin to resist correction at all costs.

The digital microphone doesn’t discriminate between wisdom and nonsense. But as a society, we must learn to.


Why Confidence Is So Convincing

Human psychology plays a major role here. Research has long shown that people are more likely to follow someone who sounds certain; even over someone who is actually more accurate but appears hesitant.

So when someone says something with passion, people assume it must be based on truth because why else would they say it so strongly? But passion, when detached from knowledge, becomes performance.

This is why online charlatans thrive. Their secret is not research; it’s rhythm. They speak in quotable soundbites, using tone and timing to simulate authority. They may know very little, but they know how to sound like they know a lot.

And we fall for it. Over and over again.

We need to remember: confidence is not a virtue if it isn’t rooted in honesty. Charisma without character is a dangerous thing.


The Disappearance of Accountability

Perhaps the most concerning part of this new culture is the refusal to be corrected.

Time and again, we witness public figures make blatantly false claims, and when shown proof, they sidestep, reframe, or simply deny. The internet rarely hears “I was wrong” anymore. And when it does, the apology is often half-hearted, buried in excuses, or deleted later.

In our desire to always be “on the right side,” we have turned being wrong into something shameful, rather than something natural and human. We’ve forgotten that being corrected is not a weakness but an invitation to grow.

So what do people do? They dig in their heels. They argue louder. They lash out. Not because they are more convinced of their stance, but because their ego cannot survive the bruise of correction.

We have to begin normalizing humility again. Admitting fault should not be scandalous. It should be respected.


Can We Bring Back the Quiet Strength of Humility?

The way forward isn’t through shame or silencing. It’s through reintroducing humility into our social and cultural spaces.

Humility doesn’t mean being weak or unsure; it means being grounded. It means recognizing that we are all in the process of becoming and that knowing everything is neither possible nor necessary.

Imagine what would change if we celebrated people for changing their minds. If we valued those who asked honest questions instead of rewarding those who bark confident answers.

Imagine if we taught children not to be just the loudest in the room but also to be the most thoughtful.

To say “I don’t know” requires strength. To say “I was wrong” requires maturity. And to sit in silence while others shout requires courage.

Yet, these are the qualities we need now more than ever.

Let’s stop pretending that being wrong is the worst thing that can happen. It’s not. The worst thing is to be wrong and remain so simply because pride got in the way.

Because in the end, history has always favored those who were willing to be right quietly, even when most people around them were loud and wrong.

By Godsent Ogbebor

President Bola Tinubu is attending the West Africa Economic Summit holding today, Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The two-day summit, which ends today, is a major step ahead of the 67th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) billed for Sunday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the summit is a key initiative introduced by President Tinubu in his role as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

The West Africa Economic Summit is the first of its kind and is focused on strengthening economic integration in the subregion. Its main aim is to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and development among West African nations.

Read also: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/tinubu-hosts-west-africa-economic-summit-in-abuja/

Onanuga said President Tinubu invited the member states of the Alliance of Sahelian States and Mauritania to show his commitment to inclusive dialogue and deeper regional collaboration.

Leaders of Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, The Gambia, Benin, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau are among those who have confirmed attendance. The summit is expected to result in tangible outcomes that will help drive West Africa’s push for integration, seen as a pathway to lasting peace, economic stability, and shared prosperity.

Also present are ministers of finance, trade, foreign affairs, and infrastructure from ECOWAS countries, along with top officials from regional bodies like the West African Monetary Institute, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat.

Private sector stakeholders, policy experts, and development partners are also taking part in the event.

To prepare for the summit, President Tinubu sent a delegation of special envoys across the region with formal invitations. The team was led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and included his Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Sola Enikanolaiye.

By Godsent Ogbebor

Not too long ago, social media was a digital campfire, a place where friends gathered, families reconnected, and communities were built through small, meaningful exchanges. It felt personal.

You’d scroll through your feed and smile at your cousin’s wedding photos, laugh at an old friend’s spontaneous meme, or pause to comment on a heartfelt post. The virtual space felt alive, real, and social.

But somewhere along the way, something changed.

Today, as we open our apps and swipe through endless streams of content, it’s hard to ignore the quiet transformation: social media is becoming less about people and more about performance. The platforms that once promised connection are now theaters of consumption, and we, the audience, sit back not to talk, but to watch.

The Age of Performance Over Presence

If the early 2010s were about sharing, the mid-2020s are about showcasing. Our feeds, once peppered with candid life updates and blurry group photos, are now dominated by curated content from influencers, brands, and algorithms that seem to know our desires better than we do.

This isn’t entirely accidental. The major social platforms – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) have strategically reshaped their algorithms to prioritize content that keeps us glued to our screens.

Engagement, measured in clicks and likes, is the currency of the digital world, and platforms profit when we stay scrolling. As a result, posts that spark conversation have quietly been replaced by those that stir controversy, trend easily, or subtly sell something.

The effect? A steady drift from the “social” to the “media.”

We now consume instead of connect. We view instead of engage. And in doing so, we’re losing something vital.


The Disappearing Friend

Think about your last scroll through Instagram or Facebook. How many updates were from actual friends? How many moments were genuine, unfiltered, and unprompted by a desire to “go viral”? Chances are, very few.

Instead, what we see are high-definition reels, brand collaborations, self-help clips, and an endless parade of polished content. Influencers, once users like any of us, now fill the space with sponsored posts, product placements, and manufactured relatability. While some offer entertainment and value, the overall tone feels less like a conversation and more like a commercial.

The people we once turned to online now feel distant, replaced by personalities we follow but don’t really know. We are surrounded by voices, yet feel increasingly unheard.

Read also: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/social-media-is-less-social-and-more-media/


The Quiet Cost: Loneliness in a Crowded Room

It’s a strange irony: we are more digitally connected than ever, yet loneliness is at an all-time high. The reason? Connection requires reciprocity, a give and take, and that’s becoming harder to find in a landscape built on passive consumption.

When social media platforms favor videos over comments, ads over updates, and trends over truths, the spontaneous back-and-forth that once made these spaces lively is stifled. And as we scroll past smiling faces and curated perfection, we may begin to compare, withdraw, and wonder why we feel unseen despite being constantly online.

Digital connection without emotional intimacy is like fast food, it fills a craving but doesn’t nourish the soul.

Can We Reclaim the “Social” in Social Media?

The future of social media isn’t just in the hands of tech companies; it’s also in ours. We shape the culture by how we show up. If we want platforms to feel more human, we must be willing to bring our humanity into them, our imperfections, our questions, and our real stories.

Maybe it starts with a comment instead of a like. A message to a friend instead of another passive scroll. Sharing something personal rather than something viral.

It’s tempting to believe the algorithms are too powerful, that the shift is irreversible. But remember: these platforms were once built for us to connect, to share, to belong. And while they’ve evolved, the core human need behind them hasn’t changed.

We still long to be seen. We still want to be heard. And we still need each other not as content consumers, but as companions.

So perhaps the question isn’t whether social media can go back to what it was, but whether we’re willing to be a little more social again.

By Godsent Ogbebor

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he died at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.

Click Link to see more: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/pope-francis-dies-at-88/

His death was formally announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who described the pontiff as a faithful servant of the Church and a defender of the poor and marginalised.

The Pope’s passing comes a day after he made a brief appearance to greet worshippers during the Easter Sunday mass at the Vatican.

Pope Francis had been battling respiratory challenges in recent months. He was admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14 after suffering from bronchitis. His condition later worsened, with doctors diagnosing bilateral pneumonia.

The Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had earlier undergone lung surgery in his youth, and he faced recurring respiratory complications throughout his life. Despite his health challenges, he remained active in his duties until his final days.

In 2024, he approved a revised edition of the papal funeral liturgy, requesting a simpler funeral focused on the hope of resurrection through Christ. Details of the funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

By Godsent Ogbebor

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, have praised President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, commending his leadership and policy decisions aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s future.

In a statement on Saturday, Abbas described Tinubu as a patriotic democrat whose experience in governance has been instrumental in guiding the country through a critical phase.

The speaker highlighted the president’s bold initiatives, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms, which he said were necessary for national progress.

[b]Click the link to read more: [/b]https://mediaerrandsnews.com/tinubu-at-73-abbas-kalu-hail-his-leadership/

“President Tinubu has taken courageous steps to reposition our economy. Though initially painful, these policies are already yielding positive results. Prices of essential goods are stabilizing, the naira is strengthening, and security is improving,” Abbas stated.

Similarly, Deputy Speaker Kalu lauded Tinubu’s approach to governance, particularly his focus on regional development and economic stability. He described the removal of fuel subsidies as a tough but necessary move to prevent further economic strain.

In his tribute, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, hailed Tinubu as a political visionary whose contributions to democracy and governance will be fully appreciated in the years to come.

“His leadership has confronted systemic challenges head-on, with an audacity that will be recognized for generations,” Keyamo noted.

By Godsent Ogbebor

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has dismissed reports claiming that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the Council, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, ordered the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), or mandated his repatriation to Kenya.

In a statement signed by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, the NJC clarified that no court proceedings, decisions, or judgments have been issued by the CJN regarding Kanu’s release.

The Council further stated that Justice Kekere-Ekun has not presided over any case involving Kanu at the Supreme Court, nor made any pronouncement on his trial.

The clarification follows ongoing legal proceedings concerning Kanu, who has been in detention at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility for nearly four years.

His case has seen multiple legal turns, with the Supreme Court on December 15, 2023, ruling that Kanu must stand trial on the remaining seven charges against him.

The apex court overturned a Court of Appeal decision that had discharged him, ruling that although his extradition from Kenya was illegal, it did not nullify the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction over his trial.

In March 2025, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, reassigned Kanu’s case to a new judge after Kanu petitioned against the previous trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, accusing her of bias.

The petition, dated January 13, 2024, was addressed to the CJN in her role as NJC Chairman.

The NJC stressed that its statement was necessary to counter misinformation regarding the judiciary’s role in the case. It reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that judicial processes remain transparent and fair.

Kanu remains in detention as legal proceedings continue. The NJC urged the public to rely on accurate and official sources for information on judicial matters.

Click link below to read more: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/njc-denies-cjn-ordered-nnamdi-kanus-release/

By Godsent Ogbebor


As the clock ticks towards the crucial vote on Thursday, March 20, the big question remains: Will the National Assembly ratify President Bola Tinubu’s anticipatory approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State?

With the suspension of elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of a Sole Administrator already in motion, the outcome of the vote will determine whether the president’s decision stands or falls. But looking at the numbers, it is clear that the approval process is far from straightforward.

The Numbers Game: Can Tinubu Secure a 2/3rd Majority?
To successfully ratify the emergency declaration, the president needs the support of at least 72 Senators and 240 Representatives.

Senate Composition:
APC – 58
PDP – 37
Labour – 7
SDP – 2
NNPP – 2
APGA – 1
ADP – 1
Vacant Seat – 1

House of Representatives Composition:
APC – 175
PDP – 118
Labour – 35
NNPP – 19
APGA – 5
ADC – 2
SDP – 2
YPP – 1
Vacant Seats – 3

Even if all APC Senators vote in support, they still fall 14 votes short of the required 72. In the House of Representatives, even with all APC members on board, they still need 65 additional votes to meet the 240 threshold.

Click link to follow for more: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/national-assembly-rivers-emergency-rule-vote/


Who Holds the Deciding Votes?

With APC unable to meet the required numbers alone, the outcome hinges on how opposition parties, particularly the PDP and Labour Party, decide to vote. Will they support the emergency declaration, or will they push back against what many see as a controversial move?

If PDP, Labour, and smaller parties vote against the ratification, the motion will fail, challenging Tinubu’s authority on the matter. This could escalate political tensions further.

A Divided Opposition:
If some PDP or Labour lawmakers align with the APC, Tinubu may scrape through with just enough votes. The influence of individual lawmakers and political negotiations will be key.
Backroom Deals and Political Bargaining:
With the stakes high, expect intense political maneuvering. Lawmakers may use their votes as leverage for political concessions from the presidency.

The Controversial Swearing-in of the Sole Administrator
One of the most pressing concerns is the president’s decision to swear in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator even before the National Assembly has voted on the matter. This move raises several questions, like:

Is the president undermining the legislative process?
What happens if the National Assembly rejects the emergency declaration?
Is this giving the government more control in the future?
Legal analysts argue that while the President can declare a state of emergency under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the National Assembly’s approval is essential. By swearing in an administrator before securing legislative backing, Tinubu may have pushed the boundaries of constitutional authority.

A Broader Spectrum of Political Power Struggle
Beyond the legal arguments, the crisis in Rivers State is deeply political. The state has been a battleground between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Allegedly, Wike, a strong ally of Tinubu despite being a PDP member, has been at the center of the conflict, raising suspicions that the federal government’s intervention is politically motivated.

Opposition figures argue that the move to impose emergency rule is a strategic attempt to weaken the PDP’s hold on Rivers State. The region is crucial in Nigeria’s political landscape, given its economic importance as an oil-producing hub.

A Test for Nigeria’s Democracy
This situation extends beyond Rivers State; it is a litmus test for Nigerian democracy. If the emergency rule is ratified, it may set a precedent where future presidents use similar measures to remove governors under the guise of political instability.

On the other hand, if the National Assembly rejects the move, it would signify that legislative oversight remains strong, reinforcing the balance of power.

Critics warn that approving the emergency rule could encourage federal power, eroding the independence of state governments.

Proponents, however, argue that the action is necessary to restore stability in a state plagued by political infighting and governance paralysis.

Meanwhile, as Thursday’s vote approaches, all eyes are on the National Assembly. Will lawmakers uphold the emergency rule, or will they push back against what many see as an overreach?
The outcome will have far-reaching consequences not just for Rivers State, but for the future of governance and democracy in Nigeria.
Whatever happens, this vote will be a defining moment in Nigerian politics.

By Godsent Ogbebor

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Present at the event were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

Ibas’ appointment comes a day after Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

Read More by clicking th link: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/tinubu-swears-in-rivers-state-sole-administrator-ibas/

The President justified the move by citing prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security concerns.

The crisis in Rivers State is rooted in a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Ibas, who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to oversee the state’s affairs until stability is restored.

By Godsent Ogbebor

An explosion has struck the Trans-Niger Pipeline at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, setting a section of the major oil transport route ablaze.

The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, and authorities are yet to determine if it was due to human interference. The incident comes amid growing tensions in the region, with militant groups recently threatening to attack oil installations over the Federal Government’s decision to withhold Rivers State’s allocation due to the ongoing political crisis.

Read more: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/just-in-explosion-rocks-trans-niger-pipeline-in-rivers-state/

The explosion reportedly occurred on Monday night along the crucial export pipeline that channels crude oil to the Bonny Terminal, one of Nigeria’s key export hubs.

Authorities and emergency responders are expected to investigate the incident and assess the extent of the damage.

By Glory Oyewole Esq

Click link to the article on our website: [/b]https://mediaerrandsnews.com/mastering-da-vinci-amazing-mindset-part-1/

[b]The Da Vinci Mindset: Mastering the Art of Polymathy
The Renaissance man is now being identified as a Polymath and Ibukun Awosika is one.

Ibukun Awosika studied chemistry, but wanted to cross to Law, because she could argue efficiently. She also developed a penchant for accountancy during NYSC (National Youth Service Corps), but found it boring because the rules left no room for creativity and left. She later found out she liked woodworks & designs and opened a furniture factory.

Now she owns the Chair Centre, supplied the first bulletproof doors to Nigerian banks, and she’s on various boards due to her education in corporate governance. Her skills and experiences have shaped who she is today.

Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Elon Musk, Okonjo Iweala are also people who wear a thousand hats and fit into the label polymaths today.

WHO IS A POLYMATH?

A polymath is a person with expertise and skills in different unrelated areas, who is able to use this mastery in solving problems innovatively. Your compound skills inform everything you practice.

defines a polymath as

“an individual whose knowledge spans many different subjects, known to draw on complex bodies of knowledge to solve specific problems.”

Polymathy is not just about having an interest in a wide range of subjects, but actual expertise in different unrelated fields.

This way, everything is synergistic to you; from human behaviour, to plant variations, the symphony of music and how the climate affects finances.

A polymath is wired to see the thread that weaves through every aspect of the universe and is therefore able to bring simple solutions to complex challenges.

This universal language you understand and speak can be an issue, because many do not understand and the society is automated to tag people in ways that it feels it can relate with them. To be identified as a polymath, you should have some, all, or more of these traits.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0qUL5PAmY

LIFESTYLE OF POLYMATHS
INQUISITIVE:

The first trait is being insatiably inquisitive. You have an unquenchable desire to know more about things. You’ll buy texts and take courses to know the difference between the queen bee and the worker bees, if that’s where your interest lies at the moment. Don’t be surprised if you end up at a bee farm to spend some time learning about bees for 3 months, or a year.

CREATIVE REASONING:

As a result of always learning and gathering more personas, you are able to think outside the box without trying to, while solving problems. You see a problem from different perspectives and can give different solutions to it.

In the same vein, you are able to communicate to diverse audiences, because you have a wide range of learning and understand the language of many professions.

This further explains why you are able to break down complex professional jargon to simple lingua. You have interacted with many audiences and can communicate in the most basic terms that various audiences can all relate to.

NON-INTELLECTUALS

There is the saying that the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know. This true for polymaths, you have extensive knowledge of so many things and in your search for more, you are confronted with the truth. What you know, might not be a drop in the ocean of what you know you do not yet know. See what I did there .

The above may seem like great characteristics of polymaths, while they are great, there are also seeming downsides to living the life.

HIGH COST OF MAINTENANCE:

Polymaths have wide wild interests. The regular polymath’s library is like a university’s library with sections on law, medicine, tailoring, literature, religion, sports etc., They are there to satisfy your learning thirst, not for the aesthetics. This means you are always spending money on learning: buying new books, taking new courses, buying new equipment, taking trips and most of all, spending precious time.

SELF-LEARNERS:

You are also a self-learner, you learn outside the four walls of a college in order to be the best at what you are. You create your own curriculum, practice lots of DIY and subject those around them to the sweet endurance of whatever you are experimenting at the moment.

NON-CONVENTIONAL:

If you expect a polymath to fit into some societal standard of what they should and should not do with their professional lives, you might as well wake up from that nightmare now, because it will never happen. Conventionality is not in your language as you have to try many things and be good at them, before you can move on.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROTsA2-2b7Q

ASSOCIATIVE REASONERS:

Your ability to wear many hats flawlessly make you an associative reasoner- one of the greatest advantages of having a polymath on your team. You can bring seemingly unrelated ideas to create novel ideas and they don’t have to sweat out the thoughts, it comes naturally as a result of diverse learning.

You are able to function in different fields and be innovative because you have a holistic view of the universe and can weave a network through many spheres.

BURN OUTS:

I dare say that all polymaths will experience the feeling of being overwhelmed and burnouts many times in life. The ideas that pop in your heads are never ending, so you’re always starting a project in the middle of another project, and the race to finish all these projects at once will lead to exhaustion and being overwhelmed.

o avoid burnouts, you might start having decision paralysis, where you are unable to pick a career choice, due to the multiplicity of your abilities. This leads to procrastinations, frustrations and burnouts – again.

In trying out new things, there is also the tendency of expecting too much from yourself and not self-pacing, which also leads to BURN-OUTS.

CHALLENGES-NEEDS PERSONA:

Polymaths need to be constantly challenged. You want to always be doing something, sitting still is not an ideal for you. The wheels in your heads are always moving. So if you do not feel motivated to solve problems where you are, you are limited from being innovative- you’ll do yourself a favour and get out.

Mrs. Ibukun Awosika left an accounting firm for the reason that almost everything they did already had a format and she was not allowed to go outside the rules. She felt unstimulated and did everyone the advantage of not remaining there after her NYSC year was done.

SELF-IDENTITY CRISIS:

There is also the challenge of self-identity for polymaths. You struggle with how to describe themselves. Who do I say I am? What is my main focus in life? How do I present myself to people? What will I be known for? This struggle is one that needs to be analysed and solved to help you know how to build your self-brand.

SELF OVER-ESTIMATION:

As a polymath, you might overrate yourself and refuse to take corrections, which can be your Achilles heel. This attitude can be the undoing of something great and it is advised that they should be evaluated for their willingness to take corrections before engaging them.

RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES:

A polymath’s CV looks like one person who has lived three different live. With the plethora of diverse skills and professional experiences you have had and can confuse the average fit-in-the-box recruiter.

Explaining the gap and diversity of career choices is not something you can explain too. You might find it difficult in getting desired roles, if you are unable to craft your resumes properly.

As a polymath in a society that loves labels and the power to define/allow people to be who they want, you have to develop self-motivation. Most often than not, you will be critiqued and stood against, because they do not understand who you are, or your motivation for doing things.

You should not let their resistance deter you from forging a path. You should ask yourself what you want to do and draw a map for the next few steps, while learning to define who you are. There are famous polymaths whose impacts we have seen and who should encourage you.

EXAMPLES OF POLYMATHS

Leonardo Da Vinci: He was interested in invention, drawing, sculpture, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, palaeontology, cartography and philosophy. He is famous for painting the Mona Lisa (acclaimed an unfinished MASTERPIECE) and is still ‘goated’ by today’s standards.

Hedy Lamarr, an actress (the mother of Wi-Fi) and George Antheill an avant-garde pianist, composer, and author with an interest in engineering: They invented the Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS – all forms of wireless communications. Their inventions helped to navigate missiles despite Nazi jamming attempts.

Benjamin Franklin: A writer, a printer, political philosopher, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humourist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. He also happened to be one of America’s Founding Fathers.

Thomas Jefferson: An archaeologist, architect, inventor, politician, palaeontologist agriculturalist, anthropologist, architect, astronomer, diplomat, geographer, inventor, lawyer, mathematician, meteorologist, musician and polyglot amongst others.

He lived many lifetimes in a single lifetime

Jonny Kim: Navy SEAL, astronaut, doctor, pilot, mathematician.

He is the student with 2 heads African parents asked you about and the friend you don’t want talking about his educational pursuits when your parents are around.

Polymaths make the world go round and these are reasons why you’re important.

Read Also: https://www./identity-dilemma-glory-oyewole-bzwff

BENEFITS OF POLYMATHS
THE NEXUS:

Polymaths are needed to see the holistic map in any setting, more especially when there is a concentration of hyperspecialized talents. A polymath can make inferences from different points to draw the big picture argues that answers to specific problems often come from combining knowledge and skills from multiple areas, and that many important problems are multi-dimensional in nature and cannot be fully understood through one specialism.

He urges a further argument for multiple approaches is that a polymath sees connections where other people see differences. Your expertise enables you to be critically analytical, see connections, solve problems creatively, and communicate in simple terms, multifaceted problems.

THE 360 DEGREES EYES:

Arthur Schopenhauer said: “The task is not so much to see what no one has yet seen, but to think what nobody yet has thought about that which everybody sees.”

The whole job of a polymath is seeing everything in a new light, you see opportunities where people see problems. New ideas come to you, where others see a brick wall, because you can see the thread that binds everything together, and not the problem as stand-alone.

SERIAL MONEY-MAKER:

Being a polymath is a way to get the multiple streams of income MLM (Multilevel Marketers) have been preaching. You are able to use your diverse knowledge in fields to harness wealth for you.

A lawyer is a programmer and cybersecurity expert, will likely not need to hire a programmer, or cybersecurity expert’s opinions when needed. He seamlessly slips into each role to perform his functions, thereby earning as a lawyer and a techie.

He can move higher in his field by developing policies that protect the online space. He is also adept as a business advisor for programmers only. The data privacy of his clients are a notch higher than the stand alone cybersecurity expert, programmer and lawyer, as he knows technological codes and legal codes to protect them.

STRETCHY BRAIN:

The brain is like a muscle, the more you use it, the more it expands and you cannot finish using all your brain power, which is why polymaths repeatedly take on more challenging tasks and are not easily deterred by failure. You should try and keep trying till you achieve the goal. This the attitude of resilience you have built in growing intelligence, and is necessary in this volatile economy. The more you know, the more you are.



Anticipate part 2…

By Godsent Ogbebor

The Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), asserting that her suspension was due to “gross misconduct” and not allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Addressing the IPU on Wednesday, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, dismissed claims by Akpoti-Uduaghan at a United Nations event that she was suspended for raising sexual harassment allegations.

Ogbara emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to upholding women’s rights and ensuring due process.

The Senate, through a statement read by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for violating Senate rules, engaging in disruptive behavior, and refusing to comply with parliamentary procedures.

Watch the video of Senator Natasha in UN via the link: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/natasha-akpoti-uduaghan-takes-case-to-un/

The suspension, they argued, was necessary to maintain order and integrity within the legislative body.

Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case to the United Nations, calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.

By Godsent Ogbebor

A 40-year-old farmer, Abdullahi Rasaki, lost his life after a palm tree fell on him in Bogije Village, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and was later reported to the police by a resident, Gbamila Sunday, according to the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola.

Odutola stated that Rasaki and another farmer, Waheed Abbass, had gone to Egbe Semi Jeje, Oke Sopen, to cut palm trees when one of the trees accidentally fell on him.

“Abdullahi reportedly screamed for help, and neighbors in the area rushed to assist him. They managed to remove the tree and immediately took him to the General Hospital, Sagamu, for treatment,” Odutola said.

Read also: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/ogun-state-farmer-crushed-to-death-by-palm-tree/

Unfortunately, Rasaki was confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital. Medical personnel suspect that the weight of the tree caused severe internal injuries.

His body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

The police have launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has extended its condolences to the deceased’s family and urged farmers and tree fellers to take necessary precautions to prevent similar tragedies.

By Godsent Ogbebor

The Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME) Awards have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting gender equality as they join the global celebration of International Women’s Day.

The awards align with this year’s #AccelerateAction theme, which calls for swift and effective measures to bridge gender gaps in the workplace.

Now in its fourth edition and endorsed by UN Women Nigeria, the WIME Awards recognize the contributions of women in the maritime and energy sectors while pushing for systemic changes in industries traditionally dominated by men.

The initiative aims to close gender gaps and eliminate workplace violence against women through collective and urgent action.

Speaking on the significance of the WIME, the Advisory Board Chairperson, Dr. Chizoba Anyika, stressed the need for policies that ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender.

She called on industry leaders and policymakers to implement reforms that support women’s economic empowerment, including better access to education, financial services, and leadership opportunities.

WIME also advocates for policies that promote fairness, such as equal pay and comprehensive parental leave, which are considered essential for fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment.

The organizers urged stakeholders in the maritime and energy sectors to take concrete steps in advancing gender equality and ensuring that women have the resources and opportunities to thrive.

Read more: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/women-in-maritime-and-energy-wime-awards-honor-international-womens-day/

By Godsent Ogbebor

You don’t need to drink the whole sea to realize it’s salty. But guess what? Some still drink it, not because they don’t know its taste but because something within them craves it. Sometimes, we are not drawn to what is good for us but to what excites or benefits us in ways we cannot immediately explain.

This paradox perfectly mirrors the unfolding situation surrounding Regina Daniels and her marriage to billionaire politician and businessman Ned Nwoko. Could this be the genesis of more untold stories, a Pandora’s box yet to be fully opened? Or will there be an exodus of a reality yet to arrive, unraveling other things hidden in the shadows?

For years, Regina Daniels was the poster child for youthful luxury and extravagant marital bliss. Social media was flooded with her vacation photos, private jet moments, expensive gifts, and an overall life of affluence. Many saw her as an example of what it meant to marry well, to secure a future without the financial struggles that plague many. But now, the same marriage that was once displayed as a fairy tale is raising questions.

Click the TikTok link below to witness Regina Daniels change

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMBRUnNN4/


The big question is: If she knew what she was getting into, why does it now appear like a sudden realization?

In 2019, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels made headlines when she married billionaire businessman and politician Ned Nwoko at the age of 19. The news sparked debate, with many questioning the dynamics of their union. Was it love, financial security, or a strategic decision?

Regina Daniels had been a familiar face in Nollywood since childhood, growing up in the industry and earning a loyal fan base. Her transition from a child actress to a young woman in the public eye meant that her personal choices were constantly scrutinized. However, her marriage to Nwoko, who is nearly 40 years older and openly embraces polygamy, pushed her further into the spotlight.

Some admired what they saw as a calculated move that secured her a life of luxury, while others criticized the age gap and the polygamous nature of her husband’s relationships. Nwoko, a wealthy businessman with multiple wives, had openly stated that he saw no issue with continuing to marry younger women.

Regardless of differing opinions, Regina Daniels remains a prominent figure in the Nollywood industry, navigating fame, family, and the expectations that come with both.

Regina Daniels: Five and a Half Years Later – The Awakening?

Regina Daniels’ marriage to Ned Nwoko was one of the most controversial celebrity marriages in Nigeria’s entertainment history. A young, vibrant actress in her prime, tying the knot with a man old enough to be her father, left many questioning her decision. Was it love? Was it financial security? Or was it a calculated step into wealth, a move that is now beginning to unfold with consequences she may not have fully anticipated?

Ned Nwoko has never hidden his love for polygamy, nor has he ever given the impression that he would stop at any number of wives. In a BBC News Pidgin report dated December 2, 2020, Ned Nwoko made it clear:

“Whether I marry another wife or not, Regina Daniels know if e happen. I come from a very polygamous environment. I love pikin, so I want more pikin. She know this, and my other wives know too. So, we go see weytin go happen in the future.”

There was no ambiguity in his words. He was open about his stance on polygamy from the beginning. Yet, five and a half years later, Regina Daniels seems to be at a crossroads. If she was aware of what she was getting into, why does the current situation appear to be causing such an uproar?

Perhaps it is one thing to understand a concept intellectually and another to experience it emotionally. It is one thing to hear that a man will marry other wives, and another to watch it happen right before your eyes.

The Contention Beyond the Allegations

Recent reports have surfaced about Ned Nwoko allegedly getting another woman pregnant, and the allegation has sparked conversations about Regina Daniels’ position in the marriage. But the real issue is not about the allegation.

The deeper issue is whether Regina Daniels ever truly accepted what this marriage would entail. Did she believe that love, her youthful charm, and her status as a social media sensation would be enough to keep Ned Nwoko from adding more wives? Or was she hoping that with time, his appetite for new relationships would fade?

It is a hard reality, but some lessons in life are only understood when they are lived. Perhaps Regina Daniels thought she could handle it, that she could endure, that her place in his heart would remain unique. But love, wealth, and power do not always follow the scripts we write for them.

Currently, Regina could be in a situation where the realities of polygamy are no longer just conversations but actual events unfolding before her.

Love is blind, But it Knows When to Open its Eyes

Could this be a scenario William Shakespeare painted in Merchant of Venice when he said, ‘‘But love is blind and lovers cannot see’’?

Love may have drawn her in or at least the hope that it would. But as time passes, she may be asking herself, “Is this the life I truly wanted?”

Polygamy is common in Nigeria; Ned Nwoko has always embraced this lifestyle, openly expressing his love for fatherhood and his desire for a large family.

But beyond the luxury, polygamous marriages come with challenges like rivalries, inheritance battles, emotional struggles, and unspoken sacrifices. What once seemed glamorous can become a web of expectations.

For Regina, this may be a turning point. Is she content with this new path (removing husband’s name on all social media platforms), or does she want something different? Walking away isn’t easy, not with leaving her children behind. Certainly the best of the story is yet to unravel.


What happens next is a script yet to unfold. In the end, only time will tell which path Regina Daniels will take. The road ahead seems uncertain, but one thing is clear: her story is not over. Whether she stays, leaves, or redefines her role, the world will continue to watch.
But one lesson remains: whether salty or sweet, the water one chooses to drink eventually determines the taste left on the tongue.
And for Regina Daniels, the taste of her future will be determined by her choices.

By Godsent Ogbebor

You don’t need to drink the whole sea to realize it’s salty. But guess what? Some still drink it, not because they don’t know its taste but because something within them craves it. Sometimes, we are not drawn to what is good for us but to what excites or benefits us in ways we cannot immediately explain.

This paradox perfectly mirrors the unfolding situation surrounding Regina Daniels and her marriage to billionaire politician and businessman Ned Nwoko. Could this be the genesis of more untold stories, a Pandora’s box yet to be fully opened? Or will there be an exodus of a reality yet to arrive, unraveling other things hidden in the shadows?

For years, Regina Daniels was the poster child for youthful luxury and extravagant marital bliss. Social media was flooded with her vacation photos, private jet moments, expensive gifts, and an overall life of affluence. Many saw her as an example of what it meant to marry well, to secure a future without the financial struggles that plague many. But now, the same marriage that was once displayed as a fairy tale is raising questions.

Click the TikTok link below to witness Regina Daniels change

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMBRUnNN4/


The big question is: If she knew what she was getting into, why does it now appear like a sudden realization?

In 2019, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels made headlines when she married billionaire businessman and politician Ned Nwoko at the age of 19. The news sparked debate, with many questioning the dynamics of their union. Was it love, financial security, or a strategic decision?

Regina Daniels had been a familiar face in Nollywood since childhood, growing up in the industry and earning a loyal fan base. Her transition from a child actress to a young woman in the public eye meant that her personal choices were constantly scrutinized. However, her marriage to Nwoko, who is nearly 40 years older and openly embraces polygamy, pushed her further into the spotlight.

Some admired what they saw as a calculated move that secured her a life of luxury, while others criticized the age gap and the polygamous nature of her husband’s relationships. Nwoko, a wealthy businessman with multiple wives, had openly stated that he saw no issue with continuing to marry younger women.

Regardless of differing opinions, Regina Daniels remains a prominent figure in the Nollywood industry, navigating fame, family, and the expectations that come with both.

Regina Daniels: Five and a Half Years Later – The Awakening?

Regina Daniels’ marriage to Ned Nwoko was one of the most controversial celebrity marriages in Nigeria’s entertainment history. A young, vibrant actress in her prime, tying the knot with a man old enough to be her father, left many questioning her decision. Was it love? Was it financial security? Or was it a calculated step into wealth, a move that is now beginning to unfold with consequences she may not have fully anticipated?

Ned Nwoko has never hidden his love for polygamy, nor has he ever given the impression that he would stop at any number of wives. In a BBC News Pidgin report dated December 2, 2020, Ned Nwoko made it clear:

“Whether I marry another wife or not, Regina Daniels know if e happen. I come from a very polygamous environment. I love pikin, so I want more pikin. She know this, and my other wives know too. So, we go see weytin go happen in the future.”

There was no ambiguity in his words. He was open about his stance on polygamy from the beginning. Yet, five and a half years later, Regina Daniels seems to be at a crossroads. If she was aware of what she was getting into, why does the current situation appear to be causing such an uproar?

Perhaps it is one thing to understand a concept intellectually and another to experience it emotionally. It is one thing to hear that a man will marry other wives, and another to watch it happen right before your eyes.

The Contention Beyond the Allegations
Regina Daniels

Recent reports have surfaced about Ned Nwoko allegedly getting another woman pregnant, and the allegation has sparked conversations about Regina Daniels’ position in the marriage. But the real issue is not about the allegation.

The deeper issue is whether Regina Daniels ever truly accepted what this marriage would entail. Did she believe that love, her youthful charm, and her status as a social media sensation would be enough to keep Ned Nwoko from adding more wives? Or was she hoping that with time, his appetite for new relationships would fade?

It is a hard reality, but some lessons in life are only understood when they are lived. Perhaps Regina Daniels thought she could handle it, that she could endure, that her place in his heart would remain unique. But love, wealth, and power do not always follow the scripts we write for them.

Currently, Regina could be in a situation where the realities of polygamy are no longer just conversations but actual events unfolding before her.

Love is blind, But it Knows When to Open its Eyes

Could this be a scenario William Shakespeare painted in Merchant of Venice when he said, ‘‘But love is blind and lovers cannot see’’?

Love may have drawn her in or at least the hope that it would. But as time passes, she may be asking herself, “Is this the life I truly wanted?”

Polygamy is common in Nigeria; Ned Nwoko has always embraced this lifestyle, openly expressing his love for fatherhood and his desire for a large family.

But beyond the luxury, polygamous marriages come with challenges like rivalries, inheritance battles, emotional struggles, and unspoken sacrifices. What once seemed glamorous can become a web of expectations.

For Regina, this may be a turning point. Is she content with this new path (removing husband’s name on all social media platforms), or does she want something different? Walking away isn’t easy, not with leaving her children behind. Certainly the best of the story is yet to unravel.


What happens next is a script yet to unfold. In the end, only time will tell which path Regina Daniels will take. The road ahead seems uncertain, but one thing is clear: her story is not over. Whether she stays, leaves, or redefines her role, the world will continue to watch.
But one lesson remains: whether salty or sweet, the water one chooses to drink eventually determines the taste left on the tongue.
And for Regina Daniels, the taste of her future will be determined by her choices.

By Godsent Ogbebor

Don't miss any update: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/lagos-assembly-orders-staff-to-work-remotely/


The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely indefinitely due to the ongoing leadership crisis within the Assembly.

The directive, issued by Acting Clerk Babatunde Ottun, was communicated in a memo on Sunday titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement.”

The crisis began in January when 32 lawmakers voted to remove Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, replacing Obasa with his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

Tensions escalated further on February 17 when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) sealed off the Assembly complex to prevent a plenary session.

Despite this, lawmakers forced their way into the chambers, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely while reaffirming their support for Meranda.

The standoff turned violent, leading to the trial of three Assembly staff members accused of assaulting DSS operatives.

Read also: JUST IN: Tension Erupts as armed personnel take over Lagos assembly complex --- https://mediaerrandsnews.com/just-in-tension-erupts-as-armed-personnel-take-over-lagos-assembly-complex/

Obasa, rejecting his removal as unconstitutional, stormed the Assembly complex on February 27 with heavy security, allegedly breaking into the Speaker’s office and resuming duties. His supporters also gathered at the Assembly to demand his reinstatement.

Obasa has since filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal, with the Ikeja Court set to hear the case on Friday.

Despite the turmoil, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, has recognized the leadership change and urged staff to support the new Speaker.

Acting Clerk Ottun emphasized that the remote work directive is necessary to ensure staff safety and maintain order.

“All staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and Legislative Aides are requested to work remotely until further notice,” Ottun stated, assuring workers of Speaker Meranda’s commitment to their security and a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

By Godsent Ogbebor

Don't miss any update: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/just-in-tension-erupts-as-armed-personnel-take-over-lagos-assembly-complex/


Armed security personnel have cordoned off the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, as lawmakers prepare for an emergency plenary session on Monday, March 3, 2025, amid growing political tension.

Security presence, which had been noticeable for the past two weeks, was significantly increased early Monday morning, fueling speculation about a potential change in the Assembly’s leadership.

Sources indicate that newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, is expected to tender her resignation to align with a zoning arrangement favoring a candidate from the West zone.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and heavily armed police officers have taken strategic positions around the premises. Visitors and staff are being subjected to thorough security checks before being granted access.

A staff member who spoke anonymously described the atmosphere as tense, adding, “It was difficult to gain access to the Assembly this morning. It took me over an hour before I was allowed in.”

The leadership crisis at the Lagos Assembly has drawn high-level political intervention. Over the weekend, President Bola Tinubu and top All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders reached a resolution that led to the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, reportedly allowing him to resign rather than be forced out.

Sources from the Presidential Villa revealed that APC chieftains, including former National Chairman Bisi Akande, ex-Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, and Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, were involved in discussions with Tinubu to manage the situation.

As lawmakers gather for the emergency session, all eyes remain on the Assembly to see how the leadership transition will unfold.

More details to come…

By Godsent Ogbebor

Click link for other stories: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/sensational-anora-dominates-2025-oscars/

The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, dazzled audiences as Hollywood gathered at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, to celebrate the year’s finest achievements in film.

The ceremony honored cinematic excellence while paying tribute to the victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires.

Leading the night was Anora, which took home five awards, including Best Picture. The film, which tells the story of an erotic dancer and the son of a Russian oligarch, also won Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing for Sean Baker, while Mikey Madison earned Best Actress for her role in the movie.

Adrien Brody won Best Actor for The Brutalist, while Kieran Culkin took Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar, securing Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez.

The night also saw groundbreaking wins, with Flow earning Latvia its first-ever Oscar for Best Animated Feature, while Brazil celebrated its inaugural Academy Award with I’m Still Here winning Best International Feature Film.

No Other Land was awarded Best Documentary Feature, and Peter Straughan won Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave.

Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for Wicked, which also won Best Production Design. Other notable winners included The Brutalist for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, Dune: Part Two for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, and Emilia Pérez for Best Original Song with El Mal. The Substance secured Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

The ceremony featured show-stopping performances, including Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, a James Bond tribute by Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink, and Raye, as well as a moving tribute to Quincy Jones, led by Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, and Oprah Winfrey. Morgan Freeman honored his longtime friend Gene Hackman during the In Memoriam segment.

With a night filled with historic wins, emotional speeches, and unforgettable moments, the 2025 Oscars reinforced its legacy as Hollywood’s biggest night.

Full List of 2025 Oscar Winners – Anora winner
Best Picture
🏆 Anora

The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Wicked

Best Actress
🏆 Mikey Madison – Anora

Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
Demi Moore – The Substance
Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here
Best Actor
🏆 Adrien Brody – The Brutalist

Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice
Best Supporting Actress
🏆 Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez

Monica Barbaro – A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande – Wicked
Felicity Jones – The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini – Conclave
Best Supporting Actor
🏆 Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain

Yura Borisov – Anora
Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong – The Apprentice
Best Director
🏆 Sean Baker – Anora

Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
Brady Corbet – The Brutalist
Coralie Fargeat – The Substance
James Mangold – A Complete Unknown
Best International Feature
🏆 I’m Still Here – Brazil

The Girl with the Needle – Denmark
Emilia Pérez – France
The Seed of the Sacred Fig – Germany
Flow – Latvia
Best Animated Feature
🏆 Flow

Inside Out 2
Memoir of a Snail
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
The Wild Robot
Best Original Screenplay
🏆 Anora – Sean Baker

The Brutalist – Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold
A Real Pain – Jesse Eisenberg
September 5 – Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, Alex David
The Substance – Coralie Fargeat
Best Adapted Screenplay
🏆 Conclave – Peter Straughan

A Complete Unknown – Jay Cocks and James Mangold
Emilia Pérez – Jacques Audiard
Nickel Boys – RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes
Sing Sing – Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar
Best Original Song
🏆 El Mal – Emilia Pérez

Never Too Late – Elton John: Never Too Late
Mi Camino – Emilia Pérez
Like A Bird – Sing Sing
The Journey – The Six Triple Eight
Best Original Score
🏆 The Brutalist

Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
The Wild Robot
Best Documentary Feature
🏆 No Other Land

Black Box Diaries
Porcelain War
Soundtrack to a Coup d’État
Sugarcane
Best Costume Design
🏆 Wicked

Nosferatu
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Gladiator II
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
🏆 The Substance

A Different Man
Emilia Pérez
Nosferatu
Wicked
Best Production Design
🏆 Wicked

The Brutalist
Dune: Part Two
Nosferatu
Conclave
Best Sound
🏆 Dune: Part Two

A Complete Unknown
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
The Wild Robot
Best Film Editing
🏆 Anora

The Brutalist
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
Best Cinematography
🏆 The Brutalist

Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
Maria
Nosferatu
Best Visual Effects
🏆 Dune: Part Two

Alien: Romulus
Better Man
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Wicked
Best Live Action Short
🏆 I’m Not a Robot


Anuja
The Last Ranger
A Lien
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent
Best Animated Short
🏆 In the Shadow of the Cypress

Beautiful Men
Magic Candies
Wander to Wonder
Yuck!

Best Documentary Short
🏆 The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Death by Numbers
I Am Ready, Warden
Incident
Instruments of a Beating Heart

By Godsent Ogbebor

Public outcry has erupted in Borno State following the emergence of a disturbing video showing a young boy confessing to undergoing military training in a forest alongside dozens of other children.

The viral video, reportedly recorded on January 22, 2025, and posted by Zagazola Makama on X, features a boy, around 10 years old, demonstrating knowledge of firearms and claiming that at least 30 other children were undergoing similar training in a forest near Ajiri, Mafa Local Government Area.

“They are training us on weapons handling. Ali Shehu, Umar, Alhaji, and Malam Oro are the ones training us. We are at least 20 to 30. We are all young boys; some are bigger than me, while I am older than some of them,” the boy revealed.

Video of the little boy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnxpH82ff8A

The footage also shows the child expertly dismantling and reassembling an AK-47 rifle, reloading a magazine, and demonstrating firearm proficiency, raising concerns over the possible recruitment of children by insurgents.

Residents of Borno, speaking on Sunday, linked the rise in child disappearances to insurgent recruitment.

Aisha Ali, a mother in Mafa, recounted the mysterious disappearance of her six-year-old son, Mustapha, in 2022, stating, “We searched and searched. Just like a joke, we could not find him again. We just concluded he is dead because his whereabouts remain a mystery.”

Similarly, Muhammad Mamman from Maiduguri recalled how his brother’s four-year-old daughter vanished without a trace early last year.

A local radio announcer, speaking anonymously, confirmed that at least one missing child case is reported every two weeks.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed frequent cases of missing children, with spokesperson Nahum Daso stating, “In aggregate, we can say at least one per week. Often, we do get the children back, but some cases remain unresolved.”

However, Daso dismissed the video as outdated, asserting, “For over a decade, we have not recorded any cases of children being used as soldiers.”

Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (retd.), Special Adviser to the Borno State Governor on Security, attributed the recruitment tactics seen in the video to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“They take small almajiri children, care for them, then train them as combatants,” he said, stressing that military action must consider collateral damage risks.

Meanwhile, the #BringBackOurGirls movement has renewed calls for the Nigerian government to release findings on the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

With 78 girls still unaccounted for over a decade later, the movement criticized successive governments for withholding the Sabo fact-finding report and demanded urgent action.

Although, as concerns over child abductions and insurgent recruitment grow, residents urge security agencies to investigate the claims and comb suspected training camps to rescue missing children.

Read more at https://mediaerrandsnews.com/boko-haram-recruitment-outrage-as-video-links-missing-borno-children-to-insurgent-training-camps/

Godsent Ogbebor

A rising gospel sensation, Eghe Orevaoghene Victory, has released a captivating cover of a popular worship song titled “pieces”, by Amanda Patricia Cook and Steffany Dawn Gretzinger.

The new single, recorded at Keyz Music Studio, was released on February 14th, according to an announcement on her Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGDl_heIEzh/?igsh=dmt0MGp6aDlmNmY4

She highlighted that the sound “pieces” beautifully conveys a personal journey of rediscovering one’s worth through God’s love.

Speaking about her inspiration on Facebook, she said, “I was once a broken girl who lost her identity, but through God’s word, I realized I am worth much more.”

Her emotional testimony resonates deeply through the soulful delivery of the song.

Read more: NATHANIEL BASSEY SET TO PERFORM AT US PRESIDENT ELECT DONALD TRUMP PRAYER BREAKFAST

Oreva announced the release of the single on her social media platforms, urging the public to watch the music video and share the message of hope.

Aside from her music career, Oreva is also an entrepreneur, running two flourishing businesses, Voreva Concept and Voreva Hair, showcasing her creativity and passion.

With this new release, Oreva continues to touch lives and inspire souls, solidifying her place as a rising star in the gospel music scene.

Meanwhile, in a WhatsApp conversation, her personal keyboardist, Aduma Daniel, described working on the song’s arrangements and technical aspects as both delightful and enjoyable.

Daniel also expressed his gratitude for being welcomed into the new project by the gospel minister.

Read more: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/just-in-gospel-sensation-oreva-releases-cover-single/

By Godsent Ogbebor

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) denies rift between Managing Director (MD) Samuel Ogbuku and FCT Minister Wike.

In a statement issued on Monday, the NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, described the online reports titled “Uproar in NDDC as Ogbuku, Wike Fight Dirty” as false and misleading.

“The NDDC Managing Director has a very cordial relationship not only with the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is representing the region at the Federal Executive Council, but also with all key stakeholders in the Niger Delta,” the statement read.

The commission alleged that the reports were the work of individuals trying to create discord among NDDC board members and pit Ogbuku against Wike. It also refuted claims that former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, was lobbying for a replacement for the board chairman, Chiedu Ebie.

According to the statement, such rumors were aimed at derailing the commission’s efforts in implementing developmental projects across the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC also clarified that its current board, including the Managing Director, was appointed for a four-year term beginning on August 29, 2023, and there was no plan to cut short its tenure.

“It is rather curious that at a time the NDDC is pursuing innovative policies to improve service delivery, some self-seeking individuals are spreading falsehoods to distract the commission,” the statement added.

The commission reassured the people of the Niger Delta that it remains committed to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and developmental initiatives in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.

It urged the public to disregard what it described as attempts to destabilize the NDDC, emphasizing that the board and management remain focused on delivering key projects for the region’s growth.


Read more: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/nddc-denies-rift-between-md-samuel-ogbuku-and-fct-minister-wike/

By Godsent Ogbebor

Gospel singer Paul Nwokocha breaks silence on marital crisis, addressing the swirling rumors in a video posted on his official YouTube channel.

In the video, which went viral on Sunday, Nwokocha made it clear that he has no regrets about ending his marriage, citing his wife’s alleged “abominable acts” as the reason for their separation.

“If I marry today and find out that the wife I married is doing an abominable thing before God and before man, I will send you out of my house,” he declared.

The singer went on to make shocking allegations, claiming that his estranged wife had been sending nude photos and videos to other men. Defending his decision to part ways, he stated, “I married a wife, not a LovePeddler. So, I owe nobody an apology for this.”

His remarks have sparked intense debate on social media, with many divided over his decision to publicly air his marital issues. While some have praised his strong stance on morality, others argue that such private matters should not be made public.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that this is not Nwokocha’s first marital crisis. According to ABNTV, he has now ended his second marriage after just two years, with the bride’s family formally returning the bride price a traditional sign of dissolution.

Nwokocha married his second wife, Goodness Nwokocha, in September 2023, just a month after separating from his first wife, Alice Nwokocha. His first marriage reportedly ended due to “maltreatment,” including allegations that Alice refused to serve him food.

A family source revealed that Goodness had a difficult experience in her marriage, alleging that she was treated more like a housemaid than a wife. She had moved from Lagos to be with Nwokocha at the insistence of his uncles, without prior romantic ties or proper background checks.

By May 2024, tensions had escalated, and with the return of the bride price, their marriage was officially over.

Read more: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/gospel-singer-paul-nwokocha-breaks-silence-on-marital-crisis-defends-divorce/

By Godsent Ogbebor

UN accuses Sudan’s paramilitary forces of blocking and obstructing life-saving humanitarian aid to Darfur, where famine is worsening amid the country’s ongoing civil war.

In a statement on Monday, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, condemned the RSF for imposing “persistent restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles” that have prevented aid from reaching those in desperate need.

“The world is watching, and it is unacceptable that the humanitarian community in Sudan… is unable to deliver essential aid,” she said.

The RSF, which has been battling Sudan’s regular army since April 2023, now controls most of Darfur, a western region as large as France.

Since May, the group has laid siege to North Darfur’s El-Fasher and attacked nearby displacement camps, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.

The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has already declared famine in three areas of North Darfur, with projections that it will spread to five more regions by May. IPC data shows nearly seven million people in Darfur are facing crisis levels of hunger.

The UN has called for the removal of bureaucratic barriers and an end to undue interference, including demands for logistical support or forced engagement with selected vendors.

Since the war began, both warring sides have been accused of blocking aid, looting relief supplies, and threatening humanitarian workers.

The conflict has already claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced 12 million people, and created one of the world’s worst hunger crises.

Overall, nearly 25 million people across Sudan are facing severe food insecurity, according to UN estimates.

Read more: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/un-accuses-sudans-paramilitary-forces-of-blocking-aid-to-famine-hit-darfur/

By Godsent Ogbebor

France has warned that the European Union will respond in kind if the United States moves forward with new tariffs on European goods, raising concerns about a potential trade war between the two economic powers.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot made the statement on Monday during an interview with TF1, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Washington plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum products this week.

“There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests,” Barrot said.

When asked whether France and the EU would retaliate, Barrot was clear: “Of course. This is not a surprise. Donald Trump did the same in 2018, and at that time, we responded. We will do so again.”

He added that it would be up to the European Commission to determine which sectors would be targeted in the EU’s countermeasures.

Barrot also cautioned against escalating tensions, stating, “No one has an interest in entering into a trade war with the European Union.”

The new tariffs on steel and aluminum are among several trade measures announced by Trump, sparking fears of broader economic conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, telling CNN that the EU should not be a primary concern for the US administration.

“Is the European Union your first problem? No, I don’t think so. Your first problem is China, so you should focus on the first problem,” Macron said, emphasizing that Europe must be prepared to respond to US actions.


Click to see other stories: https://mediaerrandsnews.com/france-warns-of-retaliation-as-us-moves-to-impose-new-tariffs/

Investigators have discovered the bodies of 28 migrants next to a detention facility in the desert in southern Libya.

The Libyan Attorney General’s Office discovered the grave north of the city of Kufra, where dozens of migrants had been detained, according to a statement issued Sunday.

Security forces freed 76 migrants from the facility.

A gang had presumably “deprived illegal migrants of their liberty, tortured them and subjected them to cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment.”

Kufra is in a desert area in southern Libya not far from the Egyptian and Sudanese borders.

The security situation in Libya remains risky after years of civil war.

Armed groups, some of which work with state agencies, operate criminal networks for human trafficking, in which migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are systematically exploited.

There are repeated reports of the most serious human rights violations, including unlawful killings, forced recruitment, forced labour and human trafficking for sexual purposes.

NAN

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/28-migrants-found-dead-in-libya-76-freed-from-torture/%3famp

By Godsent Ogbebor

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has disclosed that the value of unsold manufactured goods surged by 12.9%, rising from ₦1.24 trillion in the first half of 2024 to an unprecedented ₦1.4 trillion by the year’s end.

Speaking at the 2025 Presidential Media Luncheon in Lagos on Wednesday, MAN President Francis Meshioye attributed the rise to declining consumer purchasing power caused by high inflation and other economic challenges.

“The manufacturing sector in 2024 faced a myriad of macroeconomic and infrastructural challenges that severely impacted its performance,” Meshioye said.

He noted that inflation climbed to 34.6% by November 2024, significantly reducing demand for manufactured goods. Additionally, the naira’s sharp devaluation from ₦666/$ in mid-2023 to over ₦1,700/$ by mid-2024 exacerbated the situation by inflating costs for imported raw materials and machinery.

High-interest rates, which reached 27.7% in late 2024, further hampered manufacturers’ access to credit for expansion and modernization. A 250% hike in electricity tariffs added to the sector’s challenges, forcing many businesses to explore costly alternative energy sources.

The tough economic environment led to a drop in the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, which fell from 16.04% in Q4 2023 to 12.68% in Q2 2024, according to Meshioye.

Meshioye called for urgent government intervention to address the issues plaguing the manufacturing sector. Key recommendations include the passage of tax-related bills in the National Assembly, a review of electricity tariffs, and the clearance of foreign exchange backlogs.

He also emphasized the need for policy consistency and infrastructure investment to improve the sector’s productivity and competitiveness.

Despite the challenges, the MAN president expressed optimism for the sector’s future, citing the potential of technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance capacity utilization and streamline operations.

With a projected economic growth rate of 4% in 2025 and a more stable exchange rate forecast of ₦1,500–₦1,650 to the dollar, Meshioye urged the government to continue implementing reforms to stabilize the economy and support manufacturing recovery.

“The path to growth is clear,” Meshioye said. “Improving productivity and enhancing competitiveness must remain priorities to ensure Nigerian manufacturers successfully navigate these challenges.”

Although, MAN had earlier reported a sharp increase in unsold inventories during the first half of 2024, attributing the rise to inflation, subsidy removal, and naira devaluation.

By Godsent Ogbebor

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command wrapped up 2024 with 1,077 arrests from 1,426 reported cases, recovering over ₦409 million and several weapons from criminals. It also rescued kidnapped hostages, a commendable effort in protecting Nigeria’s capital.

However, these successes were overshadowed by the loss of 140 police officers killed while on duty in the FCT. The deaths highlight the risks faced by the police and underline the urgent need for reforms and better support for law enforcement in Nigeria.

The 140 officers killed in the FCT in 2024 starkly contrasts with other countries. South Africa, with a population of 64 million, reported 39 police fatalities from 2023 to 2024, while the United States, with a population of 346 million, saw 47 officers killed in 2024. China, with a population exceeding one billion, recorded 208 officer deaths in 2024. Nigeria’s alarming casualty rate, coupled with its police-to-citizen ratio of 1:820, far below the UN benchmark of 1:400, underscores a severe crisis in the nation’s policing system.

The staggering casualty figures emphasize gaps in Nigeria’s policing infrastructure, including inadequate funding, poor training, and insufficient equipment. Experts have long called for a reallocation of resources, particularly the redeployment of officers currently assigned to guard private individuals and VIPs, to bolster public safety.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has been urged to invest in modernizing the FCT Police Command, ensuring officers are well-trained, adequately kitted, and equipped with advanced technology.

Nigeria’s porous borders have exacerbated the influx of illegal arms, contributing to the high levels of insecurity. The federal government must prioritize tightening border controls, mopping up unauthorized weapons, and prosecuting those who possess illegal arms.

The current insecurity challenges amplify calls for the establishment of state police. Nigeria remains the only federal system without a decentralized policing structure, unlike federal counterparts such as the United States, Canada, and Germany, which operate multi-layered policing systems. Even the United Kingdom, a unitary state, has 45 territorial police forces alongside special units.

Empowering states to manage localized security could significantly reduce crime rates and foster accountability, as officers familiar with their communities are better positioned to address local threats.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command’s accomplishments in 2024 are commendable, but the loss of 140 officers serves as a grim reminder of the challenges Nigeria faces. With the right investments, reforms, and a move toward state policing, the nation can address its security issues and create a safer environment for its citizens.

More stories at ----- https://mediaerrandsnews.com/fct-police-command-reports-1077-arrests-in-2024-faces-high-casualties/

By Godsent Ogbebor

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the deployment of an additional 1,500 U.S. troops to the Mexican border, intensifying his efforts to crack down on illegal immigration as part of a flurry of actions marking the early days of his second term.

The 78-year-old Republican, who has pledged to usher in a "golden age" for America, also halted refugee admissions and warned local authorities of potential prosecution for failing to deport undocumented migrants.

In a move to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, Trump ordered federal employees involved in these initiatives to be placed on paid leave and directed related government websites and social media platforms to be taken offline.

Trump has aggressively pursued conservative priorities since returning to office on Monday. Among his actions, he revoked federal affirmative action policies in government contracting, which date back to the civil rights era, labeling them as “radical.”

In foreign relations, Trump held his first reported call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during which the Crown Prince pledged increased trade with the United States. Additionally, Trump announced controversial appointments, including Andrew Puzder, a fast-food executive, as U.S. ambassador to the European Union, and Sean Curran, his longtime Secret Service bodyguard, as the agency's new director.

However, his administration has not been without internal friction. Elon Musk, Trump’s close advisor and the world’s richest man, criticized an AI investment project Trump had previously lauded, revealing tension within the administration.

In an interview with Fox News’s Sean Hannity, Trump criticized Democrats as “stupid” and accused them of electoral fraud. He also raised eyebrows by suggesting the disbandment of FEMA, the federal agency responsible for managing disasters, amid ongoing wildfires in California. “I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems,” he said.

Trump also pardoned over 1,000 individuals who participated in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, further polarizing the nation.

The White House confirmed that the troop deployment would augment the 2,000 already stationed at the border. Meanwhile, Trump halted the entry of refugees already approved for resettlement, according to a State Department memo.

In his push to dismantle DEI initiatives, Trump revoked civil rights-era affirmative action policies and declared an end to what he described as “radical” diversity programs.

Trump faced criticism from Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the National Cathedral, who urged him during a service to show "mercy" to migrants and LGBTQ individuals. Trump responded by calling the bishop "nasty," a comment that sparked further controversy.

Bishop Budde later told The New York Times that she felt compelled to address the direction the country was taking under Trump’s leadership. “Was anyone going to say anything about the turn the country’s taking?” she asked.

More at ----- https://mediaerrandsnews.com/trump-deploys-extra-troops-to-mexican-border-targets-immigration-and-diversity-programs/