In Katsina State, residents have turned to spiritual means to address the economic hardship and insecurity affecting their community. On August 6, 2024, a large prayer session was held at the Katsina Arabic Teachers College playground, where participants sought Allah’s intervention for relief from ongoing challenges.

The prayer, known as “Al-Qunut,” was offered as a supplication during a specific point in the prayer and is traditionally used in times of calamity. Similar prayer sessions took place at several locations within the Katsina metropolis, including Filin Samji, Filin Yammawa, and Filin Canada football grounds.

Participants described the prayer session as a last resort in their efforts to combat hunger, insecurity, and other issues. The event was organized as part of a broader initiative, which also included planned prayers across mosques and churches nationwide to seek divine help in addressing governance issues and other national concerns.

French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati, whose unfortunate incident with his manhood during the 2024 Olympic Games caused him to miss out on the final, has reportedly been offered a lucrative deal by a porn site. According to TMZ, the popular adult website CamSoda has offered Ammirati $250,000 to showcase his manhood on camera.

During the competition, Ammirati was attempting to clear 5.70m in front of his home fans. Despite successfully going over the bar, his manhood struck the bar as he was preparing to let go of his pole, causing it to fall and preventing him from advancing to the final. He ultimately finished 12th in Group A.

The incident went viral on social media, leading to jokes and memes about Ammirati’s situation. In response, CamSoda’s VP Daryn Parker expressed admiration for Ammirati’s “talent below the belt” and extended the offer for a 60-minute webcam show without the crossbar.

Despite the viral fame and the offer from CamSoda, Ammirati has expressed his disappointment in not qualifying for the Olympic final. Reflecting on the event, he said, “I’m a bit gutted because I didn’t miss anything on the third attempt at 5.70m. What I did miss was a bit of jumping in training to fine-tune the settings. Just a technical session.”

Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian graduate who wrote the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) 17 times, received a prestigious award in the United States on August 3. Ahmadu was recognized as a Global Mental Health Advocate by the Marquis Who’s Who 2024 in America. He stated that this award places him in the same calibre as past honorees like President Joe Biden, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates.

Ahmadu, who overcame significant educational challenges due to family instability, attended 16 primary schools and 14 secondary schools. Despite these difficulties, he graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Benin, where he excelled academically and won several national and international awards.

In addition to his recent recognition by Marquis Who’s Who, Ahmadu received an honorary Doctorate Degree in International Affairs from Global Seminary University, New York, in collaboration with GEPEA University, Portugal, on June 8. He was also honored as a Professional Doctoral Fellow by the Across Global Institute of Foreign Languages for his outstanding leadership and achievements in mental healthcare.

Ahmadu’s journey from experiencing mental trauma to becoming a global mental health advocate is marked by resilience and determination. He views his recognition as an inspiration to individuals worldwide struggling with hopelessness, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

He also received recognition from Black Leaders Worldwide™️ on LinkedIn and graduated from the year-long Hiram Civility Leadership Institute training in partnership with Renew America Together in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ahmadu’s achievements underscore his commitment to mental health advocacy and his impact on a global scale.

In Kano State, the Police Command has arrested 76 individuals connected to the display of 25 Russian flags during recent protests. Among those arrested is a Nigerien national believed to have sewn the flags.

Commissioner of Police Salma Dogo stated that the arrests, which are linked to charges of sedition, took place at various locations across the metropolis. The suspects have been transferred to Abuja for further investigation.

Dogo urged residents to support security personnel by providing information to help apprehend those involved in the recent looting of public assets. He assured the public of a visible police presence to maintain law and order.

Furthermore, Dogo appealed to parents to monitor their children’s conduct and behavior, warning that anyone found causing trouble would be arrested and prosecuted.

In Jigawa, the Police Command has arrested 81 additional suspects for looting and vandalizing public property during nationwide protests, bringing the total number of detained suspects to 294 since August 1.

Police spokesman DSP Lawan Shiisu reported that the arrests took place on Saturday and Monday. Items recovered from 212 suspects include:

• 303 bags of fertilizer
• 50 motorcycles
• Three tricycles
• 12 bicycles
• Nine chairs
• 54 cartons of mosquito nets
• Two bags of rice
• Office furniture

Shiisu detailed that 37 suspects were detained on Saturday for their involvement in vandalism and property destruction. Recovered items during the command’s operations in Kazaure, Babura, and Gagarawa Local Government Areas included:

• 249 bags of fertilizer
• 100 cartons of mosquito nets
• 11 motorcycles
• Four air conditioners
• Four televisions
• Three desktop computers
• 34 sachets of agrochemicals
• Rice
• A water pump
• Solar panels
• 10 office chairs

Additionally, 45 suspects were arrested on Monday in Babura, Gwiwa, Roni, and Birnin Kudu LGAs. Items recovered during Monday’s operation included:

• 30 bags of guinea corn
• 94 bags of fertilizer
• 335 bales of mosquito nets
• Two motorcycles
• Four bags of hibiscus flower
• 12 refrigerators
• 12 computers
• Three printers
• Six ceiling fans
• Eight solar panels
• 66 office chairs
• Two wheelbarrows
• Two carpets

Shiisu noted that 195 suspects have been charged to court, adding that the state is now peaceful with no reports of ongoing violence.

The Nigerian Army expressed its deep regrets over the loss of life and committed to ensuring that justice is served in this unfortunate incident.

In a tragic turn of events, a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed, lost his life during a confrontation between protesters and the Nigerian Army in Zaria. According to a statement released by the military on Tuesday, July 6, the incident occurred when troops responded to a distress call about hoodlums gathering in Samaru, burning tyres, and pelting stones at security personnel.

Upon arrival, the soldiers faced aggressive behavior from the mob, prompting one soldier to fire a warning shot to disperse the crowd. Unfortunately, this shot resulted in the death of young Mohammed. The soldier responsible has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation.

Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja dispatched a high-powered delegation led by Maj Gen Lander Saraso, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, to visit and offer condolences to the grieving family. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, stated, “The Nigerian Army deeply regrets the loss of life and is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this unfortunate incident.”

The deceased was laid to rest according to Islamic rites, with senior military officers in attendance, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the Army’s commitment to addressing the consequences of the tragic event.

The DSS also disclosed that some bank accounts linked to the protests had been blocked.

The Nigerian government has directed the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) to arrest human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, along with other sponsors of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. These individuals have been placed on a watchlist, according to NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nandap.

Nandap, speaking to newsmen after a meeting of heads of military and paramilitary agencies at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, did not disclose the identities of those on the watchlist. She emphasized that these individuals currently abroad will be apprehended immediately upon entering the country. “We have Diaspora sponsors, they are on our watchlist. They are watchlisted, any attempt they make to come into the country, we’ll be notified and they will be picked up and handed to the appropriate authority,” Nandap stated.

She also mentioned that in response to the protests, the Immigration Service has increased officer deployment to land borders and airports to ensure thorough monitoring of the country’s entry and exit points and stepped up surveillance to prevent foreign intervention.

A credible source revealed to Pulse Nigeria that Omoyele Sowore is among those listed. Reacting on X, Sowore dismissed the government’s actions as “Afro-Foolishness,” stating, “We are already on your watchlist, so don’t worry yourselves. While you prepare to jail us, also don’t forget to fix the prisons because most of you will end up there pretty soon. For now, we are focused on #EndBadGovernmentInNigeria #DaysOfRage #RevolutionNow. #NoGoingBack.”

The meeting, convened by President Bola Tinubu, saw the Defence Chief and heads of intelligence and security agencies discussing the implementation of the crackdown order.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, represented by DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya, confirmed that the agency had identified some sponsors. However, he refrained from providing further details. Bichi also disclosed that some bank accounts linked to the protests had been blocked. He noted that several individuals operating these accounts are based abroad and are being closely monitored.

The government’s measures highlight its determination to quell the ongoing protests and maintain national security, though critics argue it is an attempt to silence dissent and stifle democratic expression.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions and raises concerns about press freedom and safety during protests in Lagos.

Suspected hoodlums, alleged to be linked to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, have harassed journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protest in Lagos, chasing them out of Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos. In a video posted by Omoyele Sowore on X, it was claimed that these thugs were connected to Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The video’s caption by Sowore stated, “Tinubu and @jidesanwoolu thugs in Lagos harassing journalists on live TV! Unbelievable! #RevolutionNow.”

An account by Daily Trust reported that more than ten thugs attacked the crew of News Central Television, who were at the venue to monitor the situation. Despite protesters retreating earlier for a strategic meeting, the area remained under police surveillance, and businesses had resumed operations.

When the News Central crew arrived, police directed them to leave the park. They relocated to a distant location to continue their live broadcast. During the broadcast, the journalists were confronted by hoodlums wielding sticks and shovels, who assaulted several reporters and forced them to flee.

One journalist recounted, “The policemen stationed around the park did nothing as we were harassed.”

In response, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, ordered an immediate investigation. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development in an X post, stating, “The Commissioner of Police @LagosPoliceNG, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered an immediate investigation into this incident. He mandated the investigating team to fish out the miscreants and ensure their prosecution accordingly.”

He added that the directive was given after the crew involved, led by News Central MD Kayode Akintemi, submitted an official complaint letter at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

Bola Babarinde, former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, has advocated for the death penalty as a measure to combat corruption among public officeholders in Nigeria. He emphasized the urgent need to consider this drastic step to restore accountability and integrity in the country.

Babarinde criticized the ostentatious display of wealth by some officials, suggesting that a regular life audit should be implemented to assess the legitimacy of their assets. He argued that many public officeholders could not afford such luxuries without engaging in corrupt practices, and that monitoring mechanisms are essential to curb excessive and unexplained wealth.

He also called for greater dynamism and openness in the current administration to address declining public character and the difficulty in finding genuinely service-oriented individuals. Babarinde advocated for transparency in the salaries and allowances of public officials, suggesting a reduction to 60% of current levels and a formal apology to Nigerians for past misallocations of funds.

In addition, Babarinde highlighted issues such as the disregard for traffic regulations by those with police escorts and the rising cost of staple foods, attributing these problems to inadequate local production and disruptions in farming due to climate change and criminal activities. He stressed the need for modern farming techniques and better farm produce sales technologies.

Babarinde also proposed engaging with Nigerians in the diaspora to leverage their experience and perspectives for national development. He urged the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, particularly the National Orientation Agency (NOA), to enhance its effectiveness.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced the establishment of a new investment promotion agency aimed at streamlining investment activities in the state. The agency, created under Executive Order 002 of 2024, was established following recommendations from the state’s economic summit.

Fubara described the agency as a “one-stop-shop” designed to handle all investment-related activities, ensuring that investors have a central point for inquiries and business interests. He emphasized that this initiative will eliminate the confusion and inefficiencies previously faced by new investors, providing them with clear, direct access to the right authorities and information.

The governor highlighted that the agency will facilitate robust business opportunities, particularly in the healthcare and agriculture sectors, aligning with the state’s goals to address food security issues and improve the cost of living for its residents.

Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International and the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), has achieved remarkable financial success through his YouTube channel. Eze has amassed over ₦7 billion from his online activities, making him Nigeria’s highest-earning YouTube creator.

According to Playboard, Eze earns over ₦7 million daily, with a record single-day revenue of ₦21 million on July 16, 2023, due to a spike in viewer engagement. His channel, which has 2.1 million subscribers, is a major hub for prayer and spiritual content, attracting nearly 30 million views in the past week alone. Eze’s videos have been viewed over 274 million times in total.

He consistently produces around 1,500 videos weekly, maintaining high engagement and viewership. Notably, a single video has garnered over 200,000 views, 6,000 reactions, and generated close to ₦2 million in revenue.

Eze’s success is also linked to his educational background. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Abia State University and a postgraduate certificate in Business Administration from Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT). His ability to engage with a global audience through faith-based content has solidified his status as a major digital influencer and a millionaire in the religious sector.

Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has announced that the recent diving training for the agency’s Marine Command officers will significantly deter large cocaine shipments to Nigeria. Marwa emphasized that this new capability would send a clear message to international drug cartels that their illicit consignments cannot be hidden on any ship or vessel entering Nigerian waters.

According to a statement from Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, the training involved basic diving, advanced open-water diving, and full-face mask diving. Eight officers from four countries, including two from Nigeria, were trained by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Bombinhas City, Brazil, in two phases—November 2023 and July 2024. This initiative was part of a broader effort to enhance the fight against drug trafficking and transnational crime in Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Senegal.

Marwa praised the NDLEA officers for their exemplary performance and highlighted that their new skills in diving will enable them to inspect ship hulls thoroughly. This advancement is expected to discourage global drug networks from attempting to smuggle large quantities of drugs into Nigeria. The NDLEA will continue to advance its capabilities and training to stay ahead of drug traffickers and ensure the safety and security of the country.

The Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State has issued a warning to the 33 local government chairmen in the state against forming any financial alliances with the state government that contravene the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy. LP Chairman Sadiq Atayese emphasized that the chairmen must be accountable for the use of their allocations, given their role as chief accounting officers of their respective councils.

Atayese noted that the monthly allocations to local governments are public information and reminded the chairmen that their primary responsibility is to the people who elected them, not to any external parties or influences. The Labour Party has raised concerns that the chairmen might be aligning with Governor Seyi Makinde’s opposition to local government autonomy, which the Supreme Court upheld.

Governor Makinde has been vocal against local government autonomy and the Supreme Court ruling, and the chairmen of all 33 local councils in Oyo State have reportedly distanced themselves from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to support the governor’s stance. The Labour Party urges the chairmen to act independently and responsibly, focusing on their stewardship and the needs of their constituents.