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Cholera outbreak hits Kirikiri prison, 25 cases confirmed

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The cholera outbreak in Lagos, particularly affecting Kirikiri prison, has prompted a swift response from the Lagos State government and international health organizations like the World Health Organisation (WHO). State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, outlined the measures taken, including supplying medical supplies and intravenous fluids to the prison, and ensuring immediate water and sanitation improvements.

The outbreak was traced back to unregulated street drinks and contaminated water sources, which were identified as sources of the cholera-causing bacteria, Vibrio cholerae. Samples from popular street beverages like Zobo showed the presence of the bacteria, highlighting the risks associated with informal and unregulated production practices.

In response, the Lagos State government has initiated actions to seal unregulated manufacturing sites and apprehend those involved in producing or distributing beverages without proper accreditation. There has been a notable decline in daily cholera cases recently, with no new deaths reported in the past 72 hours, indicating progress in containment efforts.

Moving forward, the government plans to enforce stricter sanitary and regulatory standards for eateries, food handlers, beverage manufacturers, and groundwater to prevent future outbreaks of food and water-borne diseases in Lagos. Collaborative efforts under the “One Health” approach will continue to ensure comprehensive sanitation measures and safe drinking water provisions across the state.

Burna Boy sets African Spotify record for opening day streams for a solo song

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Burna Boy continues to break records with his latest single ‘Higher,’ which has achieved significant milestones on Spotify. The song set a new record for the highest opening day streams for a solo single on Spotify Nigeria, accumulating 530,792 streams in its first full day of release. This surpasses the previous record held by Wizkid’s ‘Diamond,’ which had 518,000 streams on its opening day.

Additionally, ‘Higher’ also set a new record for the most opening day streams for a solo song by an African artist, surpassing Burna Boy’s own previous record set by his 2023 Grammy-nominated single ‘City Boy.’

These achievements underscore Burna Boy’s global stature as a music icon, consistently pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks for African artists. His recent successes include historic sold-out concerts at London Stadium and numerous other records in concert attendance and revenue in the United States and Canada.

Kanu’s case dismissed for lack of credible evidence on rights violation by FG, DSS

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The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a ₦1 billion lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS). Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence supporting his claims of rights violations by the defendants.

Kanu, through his lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, had alleged that the DSS interfered with his access to legal counsel by eavesdropping on his conversations and seizing confidential legal documents brought to him by his lawyers. However, the court found that these claims could not be substantiated based on the evidence presented.

The DSS, represented by Yamuje Benye from its Legal Department, refuted Kanu’s allegations in a counter affidavit. Benye stated that Kanu was granted access to his lawyers and family members without hindrance on visiting days, and that there was no evidence of eavesdropping or confiscation of legal documents. He argued that Kanu’s suit was an abuse of court process, as similar issues were already being addressed in another court.

Ultimately, the court agreed with the DSS and dismissed Kanu’s suit, emphasizing that there was no basis for the allegations of rights violations and that the suit constituted an abuse of court process.

Actress Sharon Ooja narrates the love story of how she met her husband

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Sharon Ooja shared a touching account of her whirlwind romance with Ugo Nwoke, revealing that they met shortly after a difficult breakup. Initially hesitant to engage due to her emotional state, Sharon’s sister facilitated their introduction by giving Ugo her number. Despite her initial reservations, Sharon found Ugo to be persistent and intellectually stimulating.

As they began talking more frequently, Sharon gradually developed feelings for him. Their relationship progressed rapidly, with Ugo’s persistence and their deep conversations playing a crucial role. Within a short span of time—just two and a half months of dating—Sharon and Ugo became engaged, followed swiftly by their traditional wedding.

Their love story, marked by unexpected timing and heartfelt connections, underscores the magic of finding love when least expected and embracing it wholeheartedly.

Burna Boy makes African history in sold-out London stadium concert

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Burna Boy’s achievement in headlining the London Stadium twice marks a significant milestone in African music history. He initially made history in June 2023 as the first African artist to headline the stadium, and he repeated this feat on June 29, 2024, with another sold-out show. Known for his electrifying stage presence and extensive catalog of hit songs, Burna Boy dazzled fans during his ‘I Told Them’ tour stop, accompanied by his Outsiders Band.

The concert featured collaborations with Nigerian artists like Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, and Seyi Vibez, who joined him on stage for memorable performances. Artists such as Boj and Omah Lay also attended, with Omah Lay expressing his admiration for Burna Boy as a role model in the Nigerian music industry.

Burna Boy’s continued success on the global stage underscores his influence and stature as one of Africa’s foremost musical exports, continually pushing boundaries and setting new records.

Olu Jacobs is alive – Kate Henshaw dismisses fresh rumour of actor’s death

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It’s unfortunate how false rumors about Olu Jacobs’ passing keep surfacing despite being alive. Kate Henshaw strongly condemned these rumors and expressed how unfair it is to Olu Jacobs and his family. She emphasized that spreading such misinformation is deeply unsettling and urged people to stop perpetuating these false claims. Olu Jacobs, although battling dementia, is still actively cared for by his family, as confirmed by his wife, Joke Silva.

Burna Boy, Wizkid and 8 other Nigerian celebrities born in July

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July is indeed a month filled with birthdays for some of Nigeria’s most celebrated celebrities. Here’s a list of some notable stars born in July:

1. **Burna Boy** – July 2
2. **Johnny Drille** – July 5
3. **Richard Mofe-Damijo** – July 6
4. **Olu Jacobs** – July 11
5. **Rita Dominic** – July 12
6. **Okechukwu Ukeje (OC Ukeje)** – July 15
7. **WizKid** – July 16
8. **Ckay** – July 16
9. **Kate Henshaw** – July 19
10. **Mr Eazi** – July 19

These stars have significantly contributed to Nigerian entertainment across various fields, from music and acting to filmmaking and beyond. Their birthdays in July add to the vibrancy and richness of Nigeria’s cultural and artistic landscape.

BBNaija teases return of new season in July

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The Big Brother Naija reality show is gearing up for a new season starting in July, according to an announcement from the show’s official accounts. The teaser hints at a new theme for this upcoming edition, with the caption “What’s better than One? Mark your calendars!” suggesting an intriguing twist or theme.

Previously, there was anticipation around the airing of the Big Brother All-Stars reunion, scheduled for June 24, 2024, but it seems there was no official confirmation from the organizers, and the reunion did not air as expected.

BBNaija, often referred to simply as BBNaija, continues to be one of Nigeria’s longest-running reality shows, known for its drama, entertainment, and the competitive spirit among contestants. The All-Stars season, which featured contestants from previous seasons returning to compete, was particularly popular and watched closely by fans.

Tems wins, Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr, Seyi Vibez lose at 2024 BET Awards

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The 2024 BET Awards, held at Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater, saw a mixed outcome for Nigerian artists, with Tems being the sole winner among the Nigerian contingent. Here’s a breakdown of their nominations and outcomes:

1. **Tems**:
– **Won**: Best Gospel/Inspirational Song for “Me & U”.

2. **Burna Boy**:
– **Nominated for**: Best Hip Hop and Best R&B/Pop act.
– **Lost to**: Kendrick Lamar (Best Hip Hop) and Usher (Best R&B/Pop).

3. **Ayra Starr**:
– **Nominated for**: Best New Artist and Best International Act.
– **Lost to**: Tyla for Best New Artist and Tyla again for Best International Act.

4. **Seyi Vibez**:
– **Nominated for**: Best New International Act.
– **Lost to**: Makhadzi from South Africa.

Overall, while Tems celebrated a win in the Gospel/Inspirational category, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Seyi Vibez did not secure wins in their respective categories. The BET Awards continue to highlight achievements in Black entertainment globally, showcasing a diverse range of talents across various genres and categories.

You politicised Mohbad’s death – Seun Kuti slams Iyabo Ojo

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Seun Kuti, the Afrobeat musician, has openly criticized actress Iyabo Ojo, accusing her of politicizing the tragic death of music artist Mohbad amid an ongoing dispute between her and Very Dark Man. In a recent Instagram livestream, Seun Kuti expressed his views on the situation, suggesting that Ojo’s actions were driven by an agenda against singer Naira Marley rather than genuine concern for justice for Mohbad.

During his livestream, Kuti stated, “I don’t do personal things because I can’t stand it… You people politicised Mohbad’s death. I don’t believe that you politicised his death because you were trying to find justice for him, I believe that it’s just a movement against Naira Marley at the end of the day. Nobody can tell me otherwise, or anything other than that.”

He further questioned the validity of government findings regarding Mohbad’s cause of death, pointing out conflicting reports. Kuti challenged Ojo and others involved, asking, “Do you accept the government’s findings? I still found a report that stated that his cause of death was substance abuse. If you believe the government’s findings, then what are we doing here?”

Seun Kuti also criticized the apparent shift in focus following Mohbad’s death, highlighting the lack of sustained activism, saying, “Now, where is the ‘Justice for Mohbad’ movement? Where is that energy that you people used then? Because I feel that if you can use that energy against Naira Marley, you can use your influence to quench bad things in our society. But you people have an agenda!”

His comments have sparked discussions online, with supporters and critics weighing in on the complexities of the situation and the roles of activism and personal agendas in public discourse.

I’ve always wanted a baby girl – Omoni Oboli rejoices over daughter in-law’s pregnancy

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Omoni Oboli, a renowned Nollywood actress, recently shared the joyous news of her daughter-in-law Marelle’s pregnancy on social media. In an Instagram post filled with heartfelt emotions, Omoni expressed her excitement over the impending arrival of a baby girl into their family. She posted several photos from Tobe and Marelle’s maternity photoshoot, celebrating the newest addition to their lives.

In her post, Omoni wrote with deep gratitude and joy, “God is certainly in this story 🙏🏾 I’ve become a crybaby, besties. Every time I think about the fact that our baby is coming, I cry 🥹 Can’t wait to hold her in my hands 💝💝💝 She’ll be the cutest baby ever. My hands are shaking typing this. Who am I that you are so mindful of me, Lord? Our families are overjoyed and getting ready to spoil her.”

She continued to express her admiration for her daughter-in-law, saying, “My daughter, @marelleoboli the cutest mom to be ever 💝 May God continue to bless us all with only good news and beauty that will make us keep smiling every day.”

Omoni, who already has three sons, shared her lifelong desire for a baby girl and how her prayers were finally answered. She reflected, “I’ve always wanted a baby girl. I’ve dreamt about her, I’ve talked about her, I’ve even tried to adopt her, and just when I was about to give up, God said, I will give you the desires of your heart.”

The happy news comes after Tobe and Marelle’s engagement in January 2024 followed by their intimate wedding ceremony two months later. Omoni Oboli’s joyous announcement has been met with warm wishes and congratulations from her fans and followers on social media.

Burna Boy, Femi Kuti, Tems, Ayra Starr shine at the 2024 Glastonbury Music Festival

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Burna Boy, Femi Kuti, Tems, and Ayra Starr represented Nigerian music at the prestigious 2024 Glastonbury Music Festival, held from June 26 to June 30 in the United Kingdom. This iconic festival draws over 200,000 attendees annually from around the globe, making it one of the largest music events in the UK.

Ayra Starr, known for her recent album ‘The Year I Turned 21,’ captivated the audience on June 28 with a dynamic performance that included her popular hits, notably her 2022 track ‘Sability.’

Grammy-winning artist Tems returned to the Glastonbury stage after her previous appearance in 2022, delivering a soulful rendition of her hit singles, including tracks from her debut album ‘Born In The Wild.’

Burna Boy, fresh from his historic concert at a sold-out London stadium, took the Glastonbury stage on June 30. The Grammy winner delighted the crowd with a medley of his chart-topping songs, including a specially demanded performance of ‘Last Last.’

Additionally, Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti and his son Made Kuti graced the festival with a memorable performance. Femi Kuti later joined British band Coldplay on stage for a rendition of their collaboration ‘Arabesque.’ Burna Boy and British rapper Little Simz also joined Coldplay for the premiere of their unreleased collaboration ‘We Pray,’ marking a significant moment in the festival’s lineup.

The presence and performances of these Nigerian music stars underscored the growing global influence of Afrobeat and Afrobeats music genres, solidifying their place on the international music scene.

BBNaija’s Neo celebrates 30th birthday with sizzling royalty-themed pictures

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Neo Akpofure, known for his time on Big Brother Naija, celebrated a significant milestone as he turned 30 years old on July 1, 2024. Taking to Instagram, he shared a series of stunning photos from his regal-themed birthday celebration, where he appeared in an elaborate gold ensemble complete with a jeweled crown, seated on a golden throne. His caption, “So happy I’m thirty,” expressed his joy at reaching this age milestone.

Neo’s birthday post quickly garnered an outpouring of birthday wishes and messages from fans, fellow celebrities, and friends. Social media influencer Diiadem welcomed him to the “3rd floor,” while Mercy Eke, another BBNaija star, referred to him as the “oracle” and sent blessings for his new age. Other BBNaija alumni like Wathoni and Tochi also extended their birthday greetings.

Fans flooded Neo’s comment section with heartfelt messages, celebrating his special day with expressions of admiration and well-wishes. Neo himself shared moments of his birthday celebrations, including receiving calls from loved ones and singing gospel songs in gratitude on his Instagram story.

Neo’s 30th birthday celebration showcased his charm and elegance, marking a memorable occasion for him and his fans alike.

‘Lakatabu’ leads Nollywood as Hollywood dominated box office all through June

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In June 2024, Hollywood movies dominated the Nigerian box office, according to data from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN). The highest-grossing movie during the period was the Hollywood action comedy “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” starring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith, which earned ₦62.2 million. This underscores the strong preference of Nigerian cinema-goers for Hollywood content over Nollywood productions.

Among Nollywood films, “Lakatabu,” primarily in Yoruba language and directed by Odunlade Adekola, performed exceptionally well. It secured the second spot on the highest-grossing list, earning nearly ₦65 million. The film revolves around a character named Lakatabu, portrayed by Adekola, who is an armed robber with mystical powers, navigating threats and challenges in his criminal life.

The data also highlighted that Hollywood films like “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” “Inside Out 2,” “The Watchers,” “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” and “The Garfield Movie” maintained strong positions on the box office list during June. This trend reflects the ongoing popularity and dominance of Hollywood blockbusters in Nigeria’s cinema market, despite occasional successes from Nollywood releases like “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” in previous months.

Overall, the box office data for June 2024 underscores the competitive landscape between Hollywood and Nollywood in Nigeria, with Hollywood continuing to attract larger audiences and box office revenues.

NAFDAC boss lauds Tinubu for signing order to make Nigeria manufacture its drugs

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Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for signing an Executive Order aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s health sector. In a statement issued in Abuja, Adeyeye highlighted that the reform efforts to strengthen NAFDAC began six years ago under her leadership and have now culminated in significant advancements, including the recent Executive Order promoting local drug manufacturing in Nigeria.

The Executive Order introduces several measures such as Zero Tariff and Excise Duties on specified pharmaceutical machinery, equipment, and goods, aimed at reducing production costs and making healthcare products more affordable. It also includes waivers on essential pharmaceutical inputs like Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and materials for healthcare products like Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic kits.

Adeyeye underscored that these incentives would not only lower prices of essential medicines and medical supplies but also stimulate local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and foster economic growth while reducing dependency on imports. The Executive Order is set to bolster regulatory harmonization, streamline approval processes, and establish a framework for stable local production of medical products.

Moreover, Adeyeye emphasized that the Executive Order aligns with broader initiatives such as the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), approved in 2023. She highlighted that the Order’s implementation would enhance service delivery, improve health outcomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system’s resilience against future health challenges.

Overall, Adeyeye expressed confidence that the Executive Order marks a significant step towards achieving a sustainable, high-quality healthcare system in Nigeria, reflecting the administration’s commitment to transformative change in the health sector.

I’m against destruction of govt assets – Obi condemns violent protest in Kenya

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Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential flag-bearer in the 2023 general elections, has strongly condemned the recent violent protests in Kenya over President William Ruto’s controversial Finance Bill 2024. Speaking in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi expressed his disapproval of riots and destruction of government assets during protests, emphasizing that such actions are counterproductive and detrimental to any country’s progress.

The protests in Kenya escalated into violence when demonstrators stormed the parliament, attacked lawmakers, and vandalized property. Obi underscored his support for peaceful protests but cautioned against using protests to serve personal interests rather than addressing legitimate grievances. He referenced his stance during Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement, where he advocated for directing energy towards electing competent leaders to effect necessary changes.

Additionally, Obi called for the immediate release of individuals detained due to their involvement in protests, including freedom fighters, #EndSARS protesters, and journalists advocating for freedom of speech. He stressed that in a democratic nation, citizens have the constitutional right to express themselves freely and engage in peaceful protests, urging authorities to listen to dissenting voices without resorting to dictatorial measures.

Obi’s remarks reflect his commitment to democratic principles and peaceful civic engagement while condemning violence and advocating for responsible governance and leadership across Africa.

Threatening messages sent to CNN’s Larry Madowo & his response

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Larry Madowo, a CNN journalist covering the #RejectFinanceBill protests in Kenya, has received threatening messages which he shared on social media. The messages, from unknown individuals, ominously warn him that his days are numbered and that they will deal with him.

In response to these threats, Madowo expressed his resolve and defiance, stating “I am unbwogable,” which roughly translates to being unbowed and unshaken. He has garnered support from netizens who have vowed to protect him and urged him to continue his journalistic work fearlessly.

Madowo returned to Kenya to cover the protests, which saw significant unrest and casualties as police clashed with demonstrators opposing the Finance Bill 2024. Despite the violence, Madowo remained at the forefront of reporting on the unfolding events, providing updates to the international community.

Following the protests, President William Ruto eventually conceded to public pressure and announced a reconsideration of the controversial bill, indicating a shift in his administration’s stance towards engaging with protesters and other stakeholders.

Madowo’s courage in reporting amidst threats underscores the challenges journalists often face in volatile situations, where their commitment to truth-telling can lead to personal risk and danger.

Churches in this country are losing followers — the consequences are serious

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The decline in the number of believers in Germany is significantly impacting various aspects of church life, particularly in financial terms. Both the Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church have seen substantial decreases in membership, with the Catholic Church losing about 592,000 members and the Evangelical Church losing approximately 593,000 members in the past year alone. As a result, church tax revenues, which are a major source of income for these institutions, are declining. This financial strain is forcing many dioceses and regional churches to implement austerity measures, including selling off buildings and merging parishes.

One of the immediate consequences is the consolidation of parishes, both in urban and rural areas, due to the shrinking number of faithful and the lack of new priests. The Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, for instance, plans to halve its parish positions by 2040 due to upcoming retirements and a shortage of new recruits. Similarly, the Catholic Church is facing challenges in recruiting new priests, with only 297 men currently attending seminaries.

Church buildings are also affected, as many are no longer needed for worship and are becoming expensive to maintain. This has led to a significant number of churches being put up for sale. Additionally, the financial strain has impacted other church-run institutions such as schools, kindergartens, nursing homes, and hospitals, which are facing funding shortages.

The trend of secularization in society is cited as a key factor contributing to the decline in religious vocations and church attendance among young people. This shift is reflected in fewer young men opting to become priests, further exacerbating the clergy shortage.

Despite these challenges, there remains a core group of faithful who continue to value church traditions and actively participate in church activities. However, societal attitudes towards religion are changing, with increasing numbers of people becoming indifferent or skeptical towards religious institutions and practices.

Overall, the declining number of believers in Germany is not only reshaping the religious landscape but also posing significant financial and organizational challenges for the Catholic and Evangelical churches as they navigate the future.

Thieves steal 66 cars per day in one of the most dangerous countries in the world

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In South Africa, Toyota cars are notably targeted by criminals, with thieves stealing an average of 66 cars per day according to recent police statistics. This has prompted Toyota to introduce anti-theft technology specifically tailored for the South African market. The thefts often occur in urban areas like Gauteng (including Pretoria and Johannesburg), where residents face a higher risk of such crimes. The Western Cape (including Cape Town) and Kwa-Zulu Natal (including Durban) also experience significant incidents of car thefts and other criminal activities.

South Africa’s major cities consistently rank among the world’s most dangerous places due to high crime rates. Recent figures from Operation Shanela, aimed at reducing crime, highlight the scale of the issue, with over half a million arrests made in a year and significant police action against suspects resisting arrest. This underscores ongoing security challenges faced by residents and tourists alike in South Africa.

Taxi driver in UK still receiving salary 2 years after leaving Nigerian civil service

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The case of the Nigerian taxi driver in the UK, who continues to receive a salary from the Nigerian government despite having left the country, highlights ongoing challenges with the ghost worker phenomenon in the Nigerian Civil Service. Here are the key points:

**Salary Continuation**: The taxi driver, who left Nigeria two years ago, has not formally resigned from his position as a junior official in a government agency. Consequently, he still receives a monthly salary of 150,000 naira ($100 or £80) from the Nigerian government.

**President’s Directive**: Recently, President Bola Tinubu ordered a crackdown on civil servants who are in similar situations—receiving salaries despite being abroad without formal resignation. He emphasized that such individuals must repay the money they have received fraudulently, and those complicit in aiding them should face consequences.

**Response from the Taxi Driver**: Despite the directive, the taxi driver expressed indifference about losing his Nigerian salary. He mentioned that he now earns more through his taxi driving in the UK and isn’t concerned about losing the Nigerian income.

**Systemic Issues**: The case underscores systemic weaknesses in the Nigerian Civil Service, particularly regarding ghost workers—individuals who are non-existent or no longer active but still receive salaries due to lax verification processes and corruption.

**Reasons for Non-Resignation**: The taxi driver cited reasons why he didn’t formally resign, including leaving the possibility of returning to his job open in the future.

Overall, the situation reflects broader challenges within the Nigerian Civil Service, where efforts to curb ghost workers and ensure fiscal discipline continue to be undermined by loopholes and inadequate oversight.

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