NEWS

Tension gripped Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday evening as a series of explosions rocked different parts of the city.

One blast occurred right at the entrance gate of the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, while other explosions were reported near the popular Monday Market and surrounding areas.

The attacks happened around 7pm, right in the middle of iftar—the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast—catching many people off guard during a time meant for prayer and family.

A video circulating online shows security personnel using torchlights to inspect a suspicious vehicle parked at the hospital gate.

In the background, a voice speaking Hausa can be heard saying, “A bomb has exploded at the security checkpoint.”

The footage also captures a lifeless body lying beside the car, highlighting the immediate human cost of the incident.

As of now, the exact number of casualties is still unclear. Security and emergency teams are on the ground assessing the situation, but reports suggest several people may have been affected.

This is a developing story, and more details are expected as investigations continue.

The explosions have caused widespread panic across Maiduguri. Residents are being advised to stay indoors and avoid crowded areas while security agencies work to secure the city and determine what exactly happened.

The timing during Ramadan has added an extra layer of shock, as many families were gathered for iftar when the blasts occurred.

This incident comes at a time when Borno State has been working hard to restore normalcy after years of insurgency.

“Similar to recent NAF airstrikes that killed top ISWAP commanders in Sambisa Forest, security forces are working to restore calm in Maiduguri.”

The people of Maiduguri have endured a lot, and many are hoping for quick answers and stronger security measures to prevent such attacks in the future.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the cause or responsibility, but the situation is being closely monitored. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

Repeated incidents like the Maiduguri explosions have led prominent voices such as Peter Obi to warn that the US evacuation shows fading confidence in Nigeria’s security.

Nigerian rice farmers who invested heavily in the last few years are now staring at a heartbreaking situation.

The local rice industry, which attracted billions in local and foreign investments, is dangerously close to total collapse because of a sudden flood of cheap imported rice and rampant smuggling.

Many farmers who expanded their farms, bought modern equipment, and took loans during the era of the rice self-sufficiency push are now struggling to sell their harvest.

Rice prices have become extremely unstable, sometimes dropping so low that farmers cannot even recover their production costs.

At the same time, imported rice continues to pour into the market at prices that local farmers simply cannot match.

Smuggling has made the problem even worse. Large quantities of rice are entering Nigeria through unofficial borders, especially from Benin Republic, bypassing duties and flooding markets across the country.

This has created unfair competition for honest local producers who pay taxes, buy improved seeds, and follow government regulations.

The situation is hitting hard in major rice-producing states like Kebbi, Ebonyi, Kano, and Nasarawa.

Many millers have reduced operations or shut down completely, while some farmers are already abandoning their fields because they see no future in the business.

This is a huge setback after years of progress where Nigeria was getting closer to reducing rice imports.

Consumers might enjoy cheaper rice right now, but experts warn that if local production collapses, prices will eventually skyrocket again once the imported supply becomes unstable.

The country risks going back to heavy dependence on foreign rice, losing jobs and investment in the process.

Many stakeholders are calling on the government to act quickly.

They want stronger border patrols to stop smuggling, better enforcement of import restrictions, and more support for local farmers through subsidies, improved storage facilities, and access to affordable credit.

Without urgent intervention, the dream of rice self-sufficiency that many Nigerians were proud of could disappear.

The Nigerian rice sector has huge potential, but it needs protection right now. Farmers, millers, and consumers are all watching to see what steps will be taken before it’s too late.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced fresh security measures that will change how Nigerians open and reactivate bank accounts.

From now on, every new account or reactivation must go through real-time liveness verification and instant validation against your BVN or NIN database.

This is part of a bigger push to fight fraud and make banking safer for everyone.

If you’re activating a new mobile banking app, you’ll notice an immediate ₦20,000 limit on both inflows and outflows for the first 24 hours.

That cap is designed to give the system time to verify your identity before full access is granted. Once the 24-hour period passes and everything checks out, the limit is lifted automatically.

Another key change is mandatory device binding. Your banking app can now only work on one phone at a time.

If you switch to a new device, the app will require extra authentication steps before it becomes active again. This simple rule is meant to stop criminals from cloning apps or using stolen phones to empty accounts.

These rules are a direct response to the rising cases of account takeover, SIM swapping, and identity theft that have affected thousands of customers.

The CBN wants to make sure that only the real owner can access and use their account, even if someone gets hold of your details.

For regular customers, the changes might feel a bit stricter at first, but they’re actually good news for security.

Opening an account or reactivating an old one will now take a few extra minutes, but you’ll have much stronger protection against fraud.

If you’re planning to open a new account or switch phones soon, make sure your BVN and NIN are linked and up to date.

These changes are designed to fight fraud, similar to how petrol prices have surged over N1,000 per litre amid global crises and how public debt continues to rise.“

The CBN has made it clear that these measures apply across all banks and fintech apps. Banks are already updating their systems to comply, so you should start seeing the new process in the coming weeks.

In short, banking in Nigeria is getting more secure, even if it means a few extra steps. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind in an era where cyber fraud is on the rise.

Ghana has taken a bold and forward-thinking step by officially legalizing the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes.

As of March 2026, the Narcotics Control Commission (NCC) has opened applications for licenses, marking a major milestone in the country’s regulated cannabis program.

This is not about recreational use—that remains strictly illegal—but a controlled framework focused on low-THC hemp for fiber, seeds, pharmaceuticals, and research.

The move follows the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Act and the Cultivation and Management of Cannabis Regulations (L.I. 2475).

The program limits cultivation to cannabis varieties with no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis, aligning Ghana with countries like Canada, the US, and Germany that have successfully developed hemp industries.

Applications are now live through the NCC’s official online portal. Interested individuals and companies can apply for licenses covering cultivation, processing, breeding, research, laboratory testing, storage, transportation, import/export, and sales.

Only Ghanaian citizens or entities with majority Ghanaian ownership qualify, and all activities will be closely monitored to ensure compliance.

Why This Matters for Ghana’s Economy and Health Sector

This development is expected to create new jobs, attract investment, and open doors for local pharmaceutical production and industrial uses like textiles, food, and biofuels.

For the health sector, it paves the way for research into cannabis-based medicines while keeping strict controls in place.

The government has emphasized that the program is about economic growth and public health, not opening the floodgates to recreational cannabis.

The Interior Minister, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, stressed during the launch that recreational use remains a criminal offense.

For many Ghanaians, this feels like a practical and modern approach—turning a once-prohibited plant into a regulated economic opportunity while protecting public safety.

Farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs now have a clear pathway to participate legally.

If you’re interested in applying or simply following how this unfolds, keep an eye on the official NCC portal for updates and guidelines.

This is one of the most significant policy shifts in Ghana’s agricultural and health sectors in recent years.

What are your thoughts on Ghana’s cannabis licensing program? Do you see it as a smart economic move, or are you concerned about potential risks? Share below!

It’s 2026, and believe it or not, not a single country in the world has managed to achieve full gender equality. That’s the stark reality highlighted in a new United Nations report, and it’s a wake-up call for all of us.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, the UN is reminding everyone that progress on women’s rights is moving at a snail’s pace, and in some areas, it’s even going backward.

I’ve been following this topic for a while, and it’s heartbreaking to see how far we still have to go. But let’s dive into what the report actually says and why it matters so much today.

Women and girls around the globe are still facing massive barriers, from unequal pay to limited legal protections. The UN Secretary-General’s report shows that women hold just 64 percent of the legal rights that men do.

That means in most countries, laws are still stacked against them. And get this—at the current rate, it could take until 2158 to reach full gender parity.

That’s over 130 years from now! We’re talking about five generations before women and men are truly equal under the law.

It’s frustrating because we’ve seen some wins, like more countries passing laws against domestic violence (87 percent now have them), but overall, the momentum is fading.

Key Findings from the UN Secretary-General’s Report

The report doesn’t mince words—it’s called “Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls,” and it paints a picture of a world where justice systems are failing half the population.

For starters, in over half of countries (54 percent), rape isn’t defined based on consent, which means many cases go unrecognized or unpunished.

Child marriage is still legal in nearly three-quarters of nations, putting young girls at risk every day. And equal pay?

Forget it—44 percent of countries don’t mandate equal remuneration for work of equal value. These aren’t just numbers; they’re real lives affected by outdated laws and slow reforms.

What’s even more alarming is the regression we’re seeing in some areas. With rising conflicts, economic pressures, and shrinking civic spaces, women’s rights are taking a hit.

UN Women points out that democratic backsliding and organized pushback against gender equality are making things worse. In places where conflicts rage, women and girls are often the first to suffer from violence and exclusion.

And let’s not forget the global stats: since 2015, women’s representation in parliaments has only crept up by 4.9 percentage points to 27.2 percent. At this rate, equal representation is still decades away.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The UN highlights that progress is possible—99 positive legal reforms have happened between 2019 and 2024 to remove discriminatory laws.

Countries are slowly enacting better protections against gender-based violence and pushing for equal opportunities. Still, the report calls for urgent action:

We need to accelerate reforms, invest in justice systems, and hold governments accountable. As someone who’s passionate about equality, I think this is a moment for us all to reflect and push harder—whether it’s supporting women’s rights organizations or voting for leaders who prioritize gender parity.

In the end, living in a world without full gender equality isn’t just unfair; it’s holding everyone back.

Let’s hope this report sparks the change we need before another International Women’s Day rolls around with the same warnings.

The UN continues to highlight global inequalities, from slow gender equality progress to the recent declaration that the transatlantic slave trade is the gravest crime against humanity.

The Oyo State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against cultism in tertiary institutions.

Two suspected cultists were arrested on the campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, with a locally made firearm and various charms recovered during the operation.

The suspects reportedly confessed to planning an attack on rival cult members, raising fresh concerns about the persistence of cult-related violence in Nigerian polytechnics.

The arrest was carried out by operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit following credible intelligence.

According to police sources, the two students were apprehended while allegedly trying to hide weapons and fetish items near one of the hostels.

A search led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun, live ammunition, and several charms believed to be used for protection during cult activities.

Why This Arrest Matters for Campus Safety

This incident is a stark reminder that cultism remains a serious threat in many Nigerian higher institutions, especially polytechnics.

It comes shortly after UniAbuja expelled 28 students for cultism and drug offenses, showing that both security agencies and school authorities are stepping up their game.

Ibadan Poly has had a history of cult-related clashes in the past, and many parents and students have expressed worry about the safety of the campus environment.

The quick response by the police shows that security agencies are stepping up efforts to tackle the menace before it escalates.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged in court soon. The Polytechnic management has also been notified and is expected to take internal disciplinary action.

This development has sparked conversations among students about the need for stronger security measures and more awareness campaigns on the dangers of joining secret cults.

Authorities are urging students to stay away from cult groups and report any suspicious activities to the school security or police. For parents, this is another wake-up call to monitor their children’s associations while in school.

The Oyo State Police Command has promised to sustain the crackdown on cultism across all institutions in the state. With this arrest, they hope to send a strong message that no one is above the law on campus.

If you have a ward studying at Ibadan Poly or any other institution, this is a good time to have an honest conversation about the dangers of cultism and the importance of staying focused on academics.

The fight against cultism is ongoing, but operations like this prove that consistent vigilance can make a real difference.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered a major blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) with a precision airstrike in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.

According to credible counter-insurgency reports, the operation eliminated several high-ranking commanders, including key figures known as Saddam and Saleh Garin Kago.

The strike, carried out early on Friday morning under Operation Hadin Kai, targeted confirmed terrorist hideouts and logistics warehouses in the Yuwe axis.

This development comes at a time when ISWAP has been trying to regroup and expand its influence in the Lake Chad region.

Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets played a critical role in identifying the exact locations before the air component executed the mission.

Local sources and security analysts describe the strike as one of the most effective in recent months, significantly disrupting ISWAP’s command structure and supply lines.

What the Strike Means for Security in Northeast Nigeria

The elimination of these top commanders is a significant setback for ISWAP. These individuals were reportedly responsible for coordinating attacks, managing logistics, and recruiting new members in the forest.

Their removal is expected to create temporary confusion within the group’s ranks and weaken its ability to launch large-scale operations in the short term.

For residents in Borno and surrounding states, this news brings cautious hope. Sambisa Forest has long served as a notorious hideout for both Boko Haram and ISWAP factions, making it a constant source of fear for communities.

The Nigerian military has intensified aerial and ground operations in recent years, and this latest success shows the effectiveness of intelligence-driven strikes.

However, security experts caution that ISWAP remains resilient. The group has a history of quickly replacing fallen leaders and adapting its tactics.

While this strike is a clear victory for the Nigerian Air Force, sustained pressure through combined air and ground efforts will be needed to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.

The NAF has not released an official statement on the number of casualties, but independent monitoring groups tracking the Lake Chad region have confirmed the deaths of the named commanders.

This operation adds to a growing list of successful counter-terrorism actions in the northeast, demonstrating improved coordination between intelligence units and the air force.

As Nigeria continues its fight against insurgency, operations like this highlight the importance of sustained funding, modern equipment, and timely intelligence.

This latest success adds to a growing list of effective counter-terrorism actions in the northeast.

It comes amid ongoing regional security challenges, including the US military deployment supporting Nigeria against ISWAP and earlier Lassa fever outbreaks linked to insecurity in Borno and surrounding states.”

For families living in affected areas, every successful strike brings them one step closer to peace and normalcy.

The military has urged citizens to continue providing credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that community support remains vital in the battle against terrorism in the region.

While the military scores wins in Sambisa, new security challenges have emerged with multiple explosions in Maiduguri, including at the Teaching Hospital and the Palm Sunday attack in Jos that left 20 dead.