Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • NOA Urges Nigerians to Report Cancer Symptoms Early

    NOA Urges Nigerians to Report Cancer Symptoms Early

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to promptly report signs and symptoms of cancer to health facilities, stressing that early detection can significantly reduce cancer-related deaths.

    The Director of the agency in Jigawa State, Malam Ahmad Ibrahim, made the call in a statement issued in Dutse on Wednesday to mark World Cancer Day 2025, observed annually on February 4.

    Ibrahim said the agency joined the global community to raise awareness on cancer prevention, early detection and equitable access to care, noting that cancer remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria.

    He said many cancer cases in the country are detected at advanced stages due to low awareness, stigma and limited access to screening services.

    According to him, cancer is not a death sentence if detected early, adding that many forms of the disease are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.

    Ibrahim listed breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer as the most common cancers affecting Nigerians.

    He identified warning signs that should not be ignored to include unusual lumps or swellings, persistent pain, unexplained weight loss, abnormal bleeding or discharge, changes in breast shape or skin, persistent cough or hoarseness, and non-healing sores.

    The NOA director advised Nigerians to avoid tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, while encouraging healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, weight control, protection from harmful sun exposure, and vaccination against Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

    He further urged citizens to take advantage of routine cancer screening, including breast self-examination and mammography, cervical cancer screening through Pap smear or HPV tests, prostate screening for men above 40 years, and regular medical check-ups.

    Ibrahim dismissed misconceptions that cancer is caused by witchcraft or is contagious, stressing that traditional remedies alone cannot cure the disease and that early medical care improves survival outcomes.

    He called on communities, religious and traditional leaders, families and the media to support cancer awareness efforts, reduce stigma and promote healthy living.

    “Cancer care is a shared responsibility. Closing the care gap begins with awareness, compassion and timely action,” he said.

  • Human Capital Development: Ebonyi Sends 47 Scholars to UK on Scholarship

    Human Capital Development: Ebonyi Sends 47 Scholars to UK on Scholarship

    No fewer than 47 beneficiaries on Monday departed Ebonyi State for the United Kingdom under the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme, as Governor Francis Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development.

    The beneficiaries departed from the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, where the governor described the programme as a strategic investment in the future prosperity of Ebonyi State.

    Speaking during the send-off ceremony, Nwifuru urged the scholars to remain disciplined and serve as worthy ambassadors of the state, noting that their journey symbolised more than international travel.

    “This event is not just about boarding a flight but destiny taking flight.
    This is about hope leaving the shores of Ebonyi to soar into the future,” the governor said.

    He explained that the scholarship scheme ranked among the most financially demanding interventions of his administration, second only to major infrastructure projects. According to him, the programme initially faced stiff opposition due to economic pressures and competing development needs.

    “Several people called for its suspension, arguing that the resources should be channelled towards roads, hospitals and other pressing needs,” Nwifuru said. “However, we would be mortgaging the future of Ebonyi if we fail to invest in the youths.”

    The governor added that the initiative aligned with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs, which places human capital development at the core of governance.

    “This initiative is deeply personal, as the beneficiaries are being offered opportunities I and many others never had,” he said. “Every fund spent on it is a collective sacrifice of traders, civil servants, artisans and taxpayers, aimed at making the path easier for the next generation.”

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ebonyi Scholarship Board, Chief Chaka Nweze, said the selection of beneficiaries was conducted strictly on merit.

    “We concentrated on first-class graduates, but due to prevailing developments, we also considered those with Second Class Upper division (2:1) with a CGPA of 3.0 and above,” Nweze said.

    He disclosed that an additional 43 beneficiaries would depart at a later date, as they were still awaiting visa clearance. He further revealed that all beneficiaries signed a bond committing them to return to Nigeria and serve Ebonyi State for a minimum of five years after their studies.

    According to him, the scholars would be deployed to educational institutions currently being inaugurated across the state, after which they would be free to pursue personal endeavours upon completing their service period.

    The scholarship scheme is part of the Ebonyi State Government’s broader strategy to build a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development and long-term growth.

  • Imo State: Achi Mbieri Community Demands Accountability Over Oil Revenue Mismanagement

    Imo State: Achi Mbieri Community Demands Accountability Over Oil Revenue Mismanagement

    Owerri, Imo State – Members of the Achi Mbieri Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area have raised serious concerns over the handling of oil revenue accruable to the community, calling for transparency and accountability from their leadership.

    At a news briefing organized by the Achi Stakeholders Forum on Sunday in Owerri, community members alleged that President-General (PG) Victor Iwuagwu unequally distributed funds paid by Seplat Energy, an oil exploration company, to the component villages without approval or supervision from the community’s executive council.

    The community’s Financial Secretary, Richard Durunna, denied any involvement in the disbursement, stating that Iwuagwu had unilaterally run the community’s affairs.

    “I only learned that funds had been paid when the villages confirmed receiving money. The sharing formula was allegedly based on instructions from his late mother in a dream, which I find bizarrely disturbing,” Durunna said.

    Following a Saturday meeting, the stakeholders and community members issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iwuagwu convene an emergency meeting to explain his financial decisions.

    Other community leaders also weighed in. Charles Opara, a forum member, described the discovery of oil in the community as a “supposed blessing rather than a reason for chaos” and urged the PG to avoid personalizing community wealth.

    Traditional Prime Minister Nzeh Adolphus Nnadi called on the Imo State Government to order a forensic audit to resolve the dispute, while youth leader Chigazu Ohamadike appealed for peaceful dialogue and calm resolution.

    Attempts to reach PG Iwuagwu for comment were unsuccessful, as he repeatedly declined calls.

    The development underscores rising tensions in oil-rich communities in Nigeria, where mismanagement of resource revenues often triggers community unrest and legal battles.

  • Tinubunomics Not About Instant Wealth, Says Budget Office DG

    Tinubunomics Not About Instant Wealth, Says Budget Office DG

    Abuja – Nigeria’s economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, popularly called Tinubunomics, were never designed to create sudden riches, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, explains.

    In a statement titled “Tinubunomics and the Arithmetic of Illusion”, Yakubu warned that much of the criticism surrounding the reforms is based on misleading numbers, not proper economic analysis.

    “This is not economic analysis. It is an arithmetic illusion,” he said.

    Yakubu explained that viral critiques often confuse revenue with actual cash, and borrowings with income.

    Many also treat federation-wide collections as fully available to the federal government, a mistake that creates unrealistic expectations.

    “Revenue is not the same as cash available to the Federal Government. Borrowing is not income; it is financing and creates future obligations,” Yakubu said.

    He criticized analysts who add up tax collections, oil revenues, customs receipts, borrowing, and subsidy savings to arrive at huge figures like ₦150 trillion, ₦170 trillion, or ₦180 trillion  only to ask, “Where did the money go?”

    “Much of it never existed in the form being implied,” Yakubu said.

    On fuel subsidies, Yakubu clarified that removing them doesn’t generate instant cash. Instead, it closes long-standing leaks in the budget, gradually freeing resources to improve fiscal discipline and support vulnerable Nigerians.

    “Subsidy reform does not conjure idle cash. It closes a hole,” he explained.

    Yakubu also addressed concerns about rising debt, explaining that much of the increase in naira-denominated debt comes from exchange-rate adjustments of existing foreign loans, not new borrowing.

    “Treating this accounting effect as new borrowing is a category error,” he said.

    The Budget Office chief said Tinubunomics is a macro-fiscal reset, not a promise of instant abundance. It aims to:

    • Restore proper price signals
    • Strengthen revenue administration
    • Rebuild credibility
    • Protect vulnerable citizens

    “Accountability does not begin with social media arithmetic. It starts with audit logic; anything else is theatre,” Yakubu said.

    Yakubu urged Nigerians to look beyond headline numbers and focus on how the government spends what it actually controls.

    He said this approach, rather than viral figures and social media commentary, is the true measure of accountability.

  • Abia Enacts Startup Law, Launches Electric Bus Project

    Abia Enacts Startup Law, Launches Electric Bus Project

    Even as states in Nigeria’s North grapple with existential security challenges, some southern states continue to push forward with strategic development initiatives.

    One such state is Abia, where Governor Alex Otti has assented to the Startup Bill passed by the House of Assembly, officially enacting it as the Abia State Startup Law, 2025.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held in Umuahia.

    Kanu said the law was designed to domesticate and implement the Nigerian Startup Act, 2022 within Abia State.

    According to him, the legislation provides a framework to promote innovation, support technology-enabled startups, nurture digital talent, and position Abia as a hub for technology and innovation.

    “The law applies to companies with major operations in Abia and startups duly recognised and labelled under the national Act,” he said.

    The commissioner also announced plans to roll out a state-owned electric bus mass transit system under the Abia Transport Transformation Project.

    He said the first batch of 20 electric buses arrived in November, while another 20 are expected early next year. About 100 buses will be deployed in the first phase of the project.

    Kanu explained that the 40-seater buses, which are custom-built for Abia, can travel up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.

    He added that the buses are equipped with modern safety and comfort features, including surveillance cameras, charging ports, disability access, emergency exits and fire extinguishers.

    According to him, the initiative will position Abia at the forefront of clean and environmentally friendly mass transit in Nigeria.

    On long-term planning, Kanu disclosed that the Abia 25-Year Development Plan would be unveiled on Tuesday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. He said the event would attract development partners, advisory council members, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

    In the health sector, the commissioner said the Abia Global Medical Mission commenced on Monday and would run until December 20, 2025, offering free advanced medical services across designated centres in the state.

    He also announced that 850 youths would graduate from the second cohort of the Abia Techrise ICT Training Programme on Saturday, bringing the total number of beneficiaries trained under the programme in 2025 to 1,399.

    Kanu further said the Ministry of Works was carrying out direct labour interventions on major roads ahead of the yuletide.

    He urged residents to remain vigilant during the festive season and report suspicious activities to security agencies, noting that security agencies have been placed on full alert to protect lives and property across the state.

  • Abia Budgets N1.016 Trillion, Focus Education, Health, Roads in 2026

    Abia Budgets N1.016 Trillion, Focus Education, Health, Roads in 2026

    Umuahia, Abia State – Governor Alex Otti on Tuesday presented a N1.016 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Abia State House of Assembly, describing it as the “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities.”

    The proposed budget represents a 13 per cent increase over the 2025 appropriation of N750.28 billion and is aimed at fast-tracking infrastructure expansion, enhancing social services, and deepening ongoing reforms across the state.

    Of the total outlay, N811.8 billion, or 80 per cent, is earmarked for capital projects, while recurrent expenditure accounts for N204.4 billion, representing 20 per cent of the budget.

    Compared with 2025, the capital vote increased by 32 per cent, and recurrent expenditure rose by 33 per cent to support daily operations and new personnel.

    Governor Otti highlighted allocations for key sectors, with education receiving N203.2 billion, including N150.4 billion for salaries of at least 15,000 teachers and new school infrastructure.

    Plans include constructing 17 model primary and secondary schools, three technical colleges, staff quarters, and over 100 ICT laboratories. Tertiary institutions will receive N52.8 billion for staff salaries and new facilities.

    The health sector is set to receive N149.7 billion, representing 15 per cent of the budget, for the acquisition of new equipment at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, 23 other facilities, and the renovation of seven general hospitals.

    Road construction and rehabilitation will take N169.3 billion, or 16.7 per cent of the budget, with priority given to the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene, Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende, and Umuahia-Umueze-Agwu roads.

    The transport sector is allocated N11.1 billion, including N6 billion to fund 80 additional electric buses, complete transport terminals, and build bus shelters.

    Other allocations include over N229 billion for agriculture, entrepreneurship, youth development, sports, ICT, women’s empowerment, housing, environment, and urban renewal.

    Governor Otti projected the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) to reach N223.4 billion in 2026, up from a target of about N100 billion in 2025.

    Recurrent expenses will be fully funded from IGR. Federal allocations are projected at N83.2 billion from FAAC, N67.1 billion from VAT, N26.5 billion from grants, and N168 billion from other federal sources, bringing total revenue to N607.2 billion.

    The governor indicated a budget deficit of N409 billion, or 40 per cent of the budget, which will be financed through concessionary loans strictly for capital projects. He stressed that loans would not be used to fund recurrent expenditure.

    Governor Otti urged the House to consider and pass the budget, emphasizing its importance in sustaining the state’s development trajectory.

    Responding, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa noted that the state had inherited a deep fiscal hole in 2023 but praised the administration for restoring stability.

    He said the 2026 budget reflects growing responsibilities and expanding development needs and commended the governor for prudent fiscal management.

    Emeruwa assured the governor that the House would thoroughly review the estimates and support initiatives that benefit the state.

  • Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, to Deliver Realnews 13th Anniversary Lecture

    Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, to Deliver Realnews 13th Anniversary Lecture

    As Realnews Magazine and Publications Limited marks its 13th anniversary, it has chosen a theme and a speaker that reflect Africa’s most pressing developmental challenge — the security of its digital and financial frontiers.

    The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, will headline this year’s Realnews Anniversary Lecture, delivering a keynote address on “Cybersecurity, Illicit Financial Flows and Achieving Agenda 2063 in Africa.”

    The lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Dr. Aliyu’s acceptance to speak at the landmark event was first conveyed to Realnews in March 2025. In his response to a follow-up message from the magazine on October 31, 2025, he reaffirmed his attendance, writing simply but assuredly: “I will attend by God’s grace.”

    It was a fitting affirmation from a man whose steady rise through the legal and public service ranks has been defined by diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose.

    Appointed as ICPC Chairman by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 17, 2023, Dr. Aliyu has since been steering the Commission with a renewed sense of direction and energy.

    Barely a few days before that appointment, on October 12, 2023, he attained the highest professional recognition for legal practitioners in Nigeria — the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) — crowning years of commitment to law, governance, and public accountability.

    Before assuming national duties, Dr. Aliyu had served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Jigawa State between 2019 and 2023, where he initiated far-reaching reforms in the justice sector. His tenure left behind a strong imprint of institutional accountability and legal innovation.

    He was instrumental in setting up the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission of Jigawa State, a pioneering structure that deepened transparency and citizen engagement in governance.

    He also worked closely with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to strengthen legal frameworks for anti-corruption and justice administration.

    Beyond the courtroom and government offices, Dr. Aliyu has also walked the corridors of academia. He lectured at the Jigawa State College of Islamic Legal Studies, Ringim, and at the Faculty of Law, Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, contributing to the grooming of Nigeria’s next generation of legal minds.

    He has authored scholarly articles in national and international journals and presented papers at conferences around the world.

    At the ICPC, Dr. Aliyu’s leadership has been marked by quiet transformation. He has repositioned the Commission as a more credible and collaborative institution, one that commands respect both within and outside Nigeria’s borders.

    His emphasis on ethics, professionalism, and adherence to international best practices has not only boosted morale within the agency but has also attracted high-level partnerships with development organizations and civil society actors.

    Born in Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa State, on December 27, 1977, Dr. Aliyu’s journey has been one of steady and purposeful progress.

    From Central Primary School, Birnin-Kudu (1983–1989) to Government College, Bauchi (1990–1995), and on to Bayero University, Kano (LL.B, 2003), Nigerian Law School (B.L, 2004), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (LL.M, 2011), and ultimately a Ph.D. in Law from Universiti Utara Malaysia (2019), he has built a formidable academic and professional foundation that continues to define his approach to leadership.

    The 13th Realnews Anniversary Lecture will be chaired by Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips, former Chief Judge of Lagos State and former Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, who will also moderate the panel session.

    As Africa pushes toward the ambitions of Agenda 2063 — the African Union’s blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development — Dr. Aliyu’s lecture promises to explore how the continent can safeguard its economic future by tackling illicit financial flows and strengthening digital governance.

    It is, without doubt, a conversation whose time has come — and one that only a voice like Dr. Aliyu’s can lead with both clarity and conviction.

  • Netizens react to turbulence in Regina Daniels, Ned Nwoko marriage

    Netizens react to turbulence in Regina Daniels, Ned Nwoko marriage

    Reactions from Social media users have continued to flood  online platforms over recent reports of  issues  between Nollywood actress Regina Daniels and her husband, Ned Nwoko.

    The couple stunned everyone when they took to social media to level damaging accusations against each other.

    While the 25-year-old actress accused her husband of repeatedly assaulting her and claimed she could no longer endure the alleged abuse, the 64-year-old lawmaker said his wife was addicted to drugs and alcohol.

    However, amid the allegations, many social media users and celebrities have taken to various platforms to express concern, outrage and disbelief over the issue.

    Regina’s Video bathroom video of Ned sparked backlash

    Some social media users expressed dismay why the couple decided to bring their marriage issue online, others, especially fans of the actress, called for an investigation into the disturbing claims of domestic violence.

    An instagram user with the name @sumtincomedy posted: “Before people start using this as an opportunity to mock her or attack her choice of marriage, let’s be clear.

    “This issue isn’t about polygamy. It’s about domestic violence. That’s a human problem, not a marital-structure problem.

    Adie Effanga wrote ;“How we can turn back the hands of time Regina would have gotten real peace n love with soma.”

    User @iamakasregister wrote “Consistently flaunting public displays of affection does not define true love or a fulfilling relationship.

    “! The idea that crying ina Lamborghini symbolizes a happy marriage is simply misguided.”

    @queenamara said, “No woman deserves to be treated like this. Money or not, this is heartbreaking.”

    @mimiposh commented, “If this is true, Ned should be arrested. Enough of using power to silence women.”

    @comrade Deji Adeyanju reacted, “Mist poor and broke Nigerian girls with expensive taste have no option but to tolerate shit from me, she will go back to him on her knees”

    @Theo Abu tweeted, “Regina is sticker with that man for life. She cannot leave that man. The lifestyle that man introduced her to cannot be maintained by Asaba movies”

    @smplyjessie said, “Funniest thing is that if she had waited and continued her hustling, she would have definitely gotten married to a young billionaire”.

    @ feetalhospital wrote,“Marriage is meant to be for better & for worse. Let’s keep them in our prayers”

    Another Instagram user @hol_ie256 wrote “Never make a mockery of someone’s bad situation. Just pray that she’s safe wherever she is coz the lord watches behindscenes.”

    @kceegains said, “Ferrari wey you suppose cry inside you don break am”

    @OBlezzings, Stated,“When I said polygamy ends in tears, some people said I was talking nonsense.”

    @iamFmajor wrote “People are mocking her for leaving him, but what’s the point of luxury if you’re living in fear?”

  • Taskforce nabs 21 illegal street traders in Lagos

    Taskforce nabs 21 illegal street traders in Lagos

    The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has arrested 21 suspected street traders during an operation to clear illegal trading in the state.

    The taskforce’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    Please Read: Echoes of ‘iya shukudi’ in Trade fair Demolitions

    He said the enforcement was carried out at Iyana-Iba and Ojo areas along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

    According to him, the exercise was part of the agency’s ongoing clean-up drive against street trading, illegal ticketing, unauthorised road blockages, and unapproved bus stops.

    Gbadeyan said the team visited Iyana-Iba and adjoining roads where traders had resumed selling on the newly constructed roads, obstructing traffic and defacing the environment.

    He added that 21 suspects, including 15 males and six females, were arrested, while their goods and wares displayed on the roads were seized.

    Normalcy, he said, had been restored to all affected areas following the enforcement exercise.

    Read Also: The ShopRite Empty Shelves Video: Critical Economic Analysis

    Gbadeyan noted that all suspects would be prosecuted, while the confiscated items would be forfeited in line with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws of 2017 and Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

    The taskforce chairman, CSP Shola Akerele, warned traders against displaying goods on highways and walkways, as such acts obstruct traffic flow and cause congestion.

    Gbadeyan also urged street traders, unathorised revenue collectors, and operators of unauthorised bus stops to desist or face the full weight of the law. 

  • “Osamede,” a Nollywood  historical hits  cinemas, Oct. 17

    “Osamede,” a Nollywood  historical hits  cinemas, Oct. 17

    “Osamede”, a historical epic film by Ivie Okujaye, is set for cinema release nationwide on Oct. 17.

    The ace filmmaker and actress made the announcement in a post on her verified Instagram page.

    The post reads: “The beauty of culture lies in what our ancestors left us!”

    “Osamede comes from the heart of the Benin Kingdom, a story about a young woman who dares to change everything, drawing strength from the legacy of her people”.

    “#Osamede The movie is coming to cinemas nationwide Oct. 17, “she said.

    Produced by Lilian Olubi under Gold lilies Global services, “Osamede” is directed by AMVCA winning filmmaker James Omokwe.

    It features ace Nollywood stars, including Ivie Okujaye in the lead role, alongside Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson and  Tosin Adeyemi.

    Others are  Etinosa Idemudia and veteran filmmaker Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, among others.

    Shot in Benin City, reflecting traditions of the ancient Benin empire,‘Osamede’ explores themes of resilience, identity, female empowerment, and historical legacy.

    The plot tells the story of Osamede, an orphaned girl who discovers she holds the mystical power of the Aruosa stone, a sacred object believed to have been bestowed by ‘Osanobua’.

    The epic film is set against the backdrop of the 1897 British invasion of the Benin kingdom, bending themes of resistance, betrayal, and supernatural destiny.

    ‘Osamede’ had its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Market on May 17, at the Pavillion Afriques section of the festival.

    It has also screened at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), where it was extoled for its attempt to reclaim African mythology while retelling a pivotal moment in Nigerian history.

    With its October release, ‘Osamede’ is expected to spark renewed conversation around the representation of African history in cinema and the global rise of Nollywood’s storytelling power.