Grammy-winning singer Wizkid has opened up about his daily life, describing himself as “boring” and revealing that he takes his kids to school each morning.
In a recent episode of the “Close Friends Only Speed Round” with his colleague, Asake, Wizkid emphasised that celebrities are “normal” people too, with everyday lives.
When asked about an interesting fact that fans don’t know about him, Wizkid replied, “I see myself as boring. I wake up in the morning at 6:30, and I take my kids to school. We [celebrities] are normal human beings too, man.”
Wizkid also shared the three most important things in his life: his daughter Morayo, music, and God.
He attributed his long-lasting career in music to authenticity, strategic collaborations, and hard work.
Ekiti State Government has dismissed a surgeon and suspended members of a surgical team at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) over the controversial surgery involving Mr Joshua Afolayan.
The decision followed the submission of a report by a seven-member Independent Panel of Enquiry set up to investigate claims that a kidney was unlawfully removed during a surgical procedure at the hospital.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, the state government said it had received and reviewed the report of the panel chaired by Prof. Francis Faduyile, 11 days after it was constituted.
According to the statement, the surgeon who had primary responsibility for the operation has been dismissed from the service of EKSUTH with immediate effect, while all members of the surgical team present during the procedure have been suspended for one month, pending further administrative review.
The government also approved the panel’s recommendation that it should bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Afolayan, including his post-transplant care and transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.
It further announced plans for a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH to strengthen clinical governance, accountability and patient safety.
While reaffirming its support for the many dedicated health professionals at EKSUTH, the government stressed that it would not hesitate to take decisive action where professional standards are breached.
It clarified that after a thorough review of actions before, during and after the surgery, the panel confirmed that the incident was a case of surgical complication and not organ harvesting for ritual purposes as alleged.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting patients, upholding ethical standards in healthcare delivery and restoring public confidence in the state’s health system.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over an emergency meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) ahead of the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly.
The meeting, holding at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, is coming just hours after the President formally notified the National Assembly of his intention to present the 2026 budget estimates at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of the Council meeting, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the emergency session was convened to give final approval to the 2026 budget proposals before their presentation to the lawmakers.
He explained that the meeting was meant to “put the stamp of approval” on the budget estimates to be laid before the National Assembly by the President.
The development follows the Council’s meeting of December 3, during which the FEC reviewed and approved key parameters of the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper.
At that meeting, the Council approved an oil price benchmark of $64.85 per barrel and a budget exchange rate of ₦1,512 to one United States dollar for the 2026 fiscal year.
Under the three-year MTEF projections for 2026–2028, gross Federation revenue for 2026 was estimated at ₦50.74 trillion.
Of this amount, the Federal Government is projected to receive ₦22.60 trillion, while states and local governments are expected to receive ₦16.30 trillion and ₦11.85 trillion, respectively.
Briefing journalists after the Council meeting, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, disclosed that the FEC also approved a crude oil production benchmark of 2.06 million barrels per day for 2026.
He, however, said a more conservative production estimate of 1.8 million barrels per day would be adopted for budgetary planning.
Those in attendance at the meeting included Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Ministers and other members of the Federal Executive Council are also present.
European Union-funded programme, SUSTAIN, has launched an innovative skilled labour mobility programme to connect young Nigerian professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields with career opportunities in Europe.
Implemented by Seefar and co-funded by the European Union through ICMPD’s Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), the initiative strengthens talent and knowledge exchange between Nigeria, Germany, and Ireland.
Under the framework of the project, up to 240 participants will be selected to take part and matched with STEM jobs in Germany and Ireland. Participants will receive comprehensive preparatory training to ensure a smooth transition and support their integration. This includes soft skills training, cultural orientation, and career guidance to help them excel in their new roles. Registrations are now open, and eligible applicants can apply directly through the SUSTAIN website.
According to SUSTAIN Manager in Abuja, Emeka Anene, the programme “gives talented Nigerian STEM professionals a unique opportunity to gain valuable international experience in Europe, while ensuring their skills ultimately benefit Nigeria. Through this initiative, we are not only opening doors for young Nigerian STEM professionals but also driving long-term knowledge transfer and economic growth back home.”
Mr. Oleg Chirita, Head of Global Initiatives and Deputy Head of ICMPD Brussels Mission, said, “ICMPD is committed to building partnerships that create opportunities for young professionals while addressing real labour market needs in Europe. Programmes like SUSTAIN show how global talent mobility can deliver mutual benefits for all – empowering individuals, strengthening economies, and deepening cooperation between regions.”
On his part, Peter Iroagbalachi, a Nigerian STEM candidate shortlisted for SUSTAIN, noted that, “Being shortlisted for SUSTAIN is an exciting opportunity to deepen my expertise in science, technology, and innovation. If selected, I will use the experience in Europe to promote technology-driven solutions for inclusive growth in Nigeria and Africa, and inspire other young professionals to pursue global opportunities.”
SUSTAIN responds to Europe’s growing demand for STEM expertise, where nearly half of businesses face difficulties recruiting people with the STEM skills they need. The European Commission estimates that the EU requires an additional two million science and engineering professionals.
By building a bridge between Nigerian talent and Europe, the programme creates a triple-win partnership. Europe gains access to skilled professionals who can immediately contribute to innovation and growth, while Nigeria benefits from knowledge transfer, remittances, and stronger trade connections. For participants, SUSTAIN is a platform to gain skills, connections, and bring valuable experiences if they return to Nigeria.
SUSTAIN is implemented by Seefar, a social enterprise that has worked on migration and reintegration in Nigeria for over 10 years for the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany. Co-funded by the European Union through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), SUSTAIN aims to foster sustainable economic growth globally and promote mutually beneficial talent partnerships between the EU and Nigeria.
To apply for the programme, visit the SUSTAIN website. Eligible applicants must be residents of Nigeria, aged 18-34, with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in STEM fields.
The Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland and Oyo APC governorship aspirant, Oloye Saheed Oladele, has expressed support for the actions taken by party youths during the recent Oyo APC Youth Summit and Interactive Session, where a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, was escorted out of the event.
Oladele said the incident signalled a growing determination among party youths to end what he described as political double-dealing within the Oyo APC.
His position was contained in a statement issued by Maroof Asudemade, Director of Media and Publicity of the Saheed Oladele Support Foundation.
According to Oladele, the youths acted against what they perceived as political duplicity by some APC members who allegedly fraternised with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while claiming loyalty to the ruling party.
He said the treatment meted out to Hon. Fijabi marked the end of the so-called “PDAPC era,” stressing that it sent a clear warning to party members who, he alleged, continued to align with the PDP while professing allegiance to the APC.
The Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland also commended the presence and presentation of Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, the keynote speaker at the summit, noting that the former lawmaker was visibly impressed by the youths’ protest against what they described as political betrayal.
Oladele praised Oyo APC youths for organising what he described as an epochal political gathering, adding that he was optimistic Senator Afikuyomi would brief the Presidency on the development.
He further expressed satisfaction with the panel discussions at the event, where youths openly discussed factors responsible for division, disunity, and lack of cohesion within the party.
Oladele urged party leaders and stakeholders at both state and national levels to urgently address issues relating to poor reward systems and inadequate youth inclusion in party leadership, appointments, and governance.
Oladele said he was delighted by the turnout of youths and the recognition accorded him as the only Oyo APC governorship aspirant at the summit, describing it as appropriate in view of his status as the only prominent youth aspirant in the state at a time of growing demand for youth leadership.
He also commended the organisers of the summit, including the Oyo APC Youth Leader, Prince John Aremu; the Chairman and Deputy Youth Leader, Sayo Fatoki; Central Planning Committee Chairman, Mogaji Abiola Oyeyemi; Hon. Dapo Lam; Akinleye Akinkunmi Segun Bishop; and other youth leaders.
…commissions West Africa’s first PCB treatment facility
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability, public health protection, and compliance with global environmental obligations with the commissioning of West Africa’s first and Africa’s second Polychlorinated Biphenyls treatment facility in Abuja.
This comes as the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, disclosed plans to approach the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the replication of the facility across all six geopolitical zones, describing the project as critical to public health protection and environmental security.
The project, which began seven years ago, was funded through a $6.3 million grant from the Global Environment Facility, with the Federal Government providing about $12.2 million in counterpart funding, bringing the total cost to approximately $18.5 million.
The initiative aims to eliminate environmental and health risks associated with PCBs in electrical equipment nationwide by safely disposing of about 8,000 tonnes of contaminated oil and equipment.
Speaking at the commissioning on Thursday at the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHETSCO) in Abuja, Lawal described the facility as a major milestone in Nigeria’s environmental governance and said a proposal would be presented to the FEC to decentralise PCB treatment nationwide.
“I am willing to take this to the Federal Executive Council to explore the possibility of having one facility in each of the six geopolitical zones,” he said.
Lawal explained that PCBs are highly toxic pollutants linked to cancer, reproductive disorders, and long-term ecosystem damage through contamination of soil, water, and food systems.
He said the facility demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and strengthens national capacity to manage hazardous waste, protect workers and host communities, and support green jobs and sustainable development.
The Minister added that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects the administration’s commitment to completing beneficial inherited projects.
He attributed the project’s success to collaboration among the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Federal Ministry of Environment, and other stakeholders, citing outcomes such as improved regulation, operator training, national inventories, treatment infrastructure, and public awareness.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the facility as a milestone in eliminating persistent organic pollutants, noting that legacy electrical equipment still poses serious health risks.
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Represented by a Deputy Director at the Ministry, the Minister, who said prior to the PCB ban in the 1970s and 1980s, electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors commonly contained PCBs, however, noted that legacy equipment and contaminated oils still in use or storage pose serious public and occupational health risks.
“The facility provides a nationally accessible, compliant solution for safe destruction of stockpiled PCB waste, fulfilling Nigeria’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention and supporting sustainable environmental practices in the power sector,” he said.
He urged all relevant agencies to ensure the facility’s optimal and safe operation, enhancing national capacity for hazardous waste management.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, said the facility strengthens chemical and waste management systems and will improve public health outcomes.
Represented by Dr Olufowobi Yusuf Adeola, Pate said the project would improve public health outcomes and reduce environmental risks.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), said SHETSCO has supported the project from inception, providing a laboratory within the Chemistry Advanced Research Center and engineering support for proper maintenance.
The Minister, who was represented by the Acting Director General of SHETSCO, Dr Abayomi Orishadipe, assured, “We have a lot of capability for proper maintenance of the facility, so we are committed to continued collaboration with the PCB project, as we recognise its importance in making the environment safe and sustainable.”
UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, said the facility positions Nigeria as a regional leader in hazardous waste management while creating opportunities for skills development, technology transfer, and job creation.
She stressed that sustained political commitment and inter-agency coordination would be required to ensure long-term success.
Noting that the facility is equipped with dehalogenation and decontamination technologies that meet international standards, she said it underscores Nigeria’s emergence as a regional model for hazardous waste management in West Africa.
She added that the project also creates economic and human capital opportunities through skills development, technology transfer, and improved industrial compliance.
Director and UNIDO Representative, Ambassador Philbert Johnson, represented by National Programme Officer, Dr. Osuji Inya Otu, said PCBs are toxic and persistent chemicals whose accumulation poses serious health and environmental risks.
He said UNIDO, working with the Nigerian government and stakeholders, supports effective PCB management, circular economy practices, and sustainable energy initiatives under its 2024–2038 country programme.
On his part, Etsu Kwali, Luka Ayedo Nizassan III, said the facility’s completion showed Nigeria is working and expressed confidence in its sustainability due to available local expertise
Experts explained that the facility’s dehalogenation, regeneration, and decontamination systems prevent PCBs from contaminating soil and food chains, reducing long-term health risks.
The facility operates three systems that neutralise contaminated oil, restore it for reuse, and safely treat end-of-life transformers. Experts said proper treatment prevents PCBs from entering the food chain and reduces long term health risks associated with exposure.
The Nation Newspaper recorded two major victories at the 19th edition of the Nigeria Media Nite Out Awards (NMNA), as two of its online journalists emerged winners at the prestigious event held in Lagos.
Senior Reporter Samuel Oamen was named Business Reporter of the Year, while entertainment reporter Yewande Fasan clinched the Entertainment Writer of the Year award at the ceremony.
Oamen was recognised for his in-depth and balanced reporting across key sectors, including Visa migration and policies, oil refineries, and technology. His coverage also extended to major international technology events involving global firms such as Google and Zoho.
Fasan was honoured for her speed, accuracy, and consistency in breaking entertainment stories, qualities that have distinguished her work within Nigeria’s competitive entertainment journalism space.
Beyond the wins, The Nation also recorded strong representation at this year’s awards, with six of its journalists nominated across various categories.
Established in 2006, the Nigeria Media Nite Out Awards has grown into one of the country’s most respected platforms for recognising outstanding contributions to journalism and the media industry. Now in its 19th edition, the annual event continues to celebrate excellence, professionalism, and innovation in Nigerian media practice.
For The Nation, the latest honours underscore the newspaper’s enduring commitment to editorial integrity, factual reporting, and journalistic excellence. Over the years, the organisation has remained focused on informing, educating, and inspiring its audience, while setting high standards in storytelling and investigative journalism.
The award ceremony drew leading figures from the media, corporate, and public sectors, further highlighting its status as a major gathering for stakeholders in Nigeria’s media industry.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday wrote to the National Assembly seeking the approval of the lawmakers to extend the life span of the 2025 budget to March 2026.
The letter dated December 18 and read at plenary on Friday by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, is also seeking permission to consolidate the capital components of the 2024 and 2025.
The letter came ahead of the planned consideration of the earlier letter on the two budgets by the House, with the President saying in the letter that the new one supersedes the earlier correspondence dated December 16.
He explained that the request is part of a broader Fiscal reform measure aimed at eliminating the overlap of multiple concurrently running budgets, thereby strengthening planning, execution, and accountability across government expenditure circles.
The letter reads, “I hereby transmit to the House of Representatives the enclosed Appropriation (Repeal and Re-Enactment Bills), 2024 and 2025, for the consideration of the National Assembly, in accordance with the established constitutional and legislative appropriation process.
“The Bills seek to repeal the 2024 Appropriation Act of N35,055,536,770,218 and re-enact by authorising the issuance from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation of the total sum of N43,561,041,744,507 comprising N1,742,786,788,150 for Statutory Transfers, N8,270,960,606,831 for Debt Service, N11,268,513,380,853 for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure, and N22,278,780,968,673 for Capital Expenditure/Development Fund contributions for the year ending 31st’ December 2025 as provided in the Bill).
“It also seeks to repeal The 2025 Appropriation Act of N54,990,165,355,396 and re-enact by authorising the issuance from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation of the total sum of N48,316,242,591,785 comprising N3,645,761,358,925 for Statutory Transfers, N14,317,142,689,548 for Debt Service, N13,588,009,682,673 for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure, and N16,765,328,860,640 for Capital Expenditure/Development Fund contribution, for the year ending 31§t March, 2026 (as provided in the Bill).
“The House of Representatives is invited to note that the Bills are submitted to cater for all items not previously recognised, while also reflecting a revised capital implementation target of 30%.
“In addition to this, adjustment aligns with current fiscal realities and execution capacities, while ensuring that budget performance remains credible and transparent. It further seeks to extend the 2025 Budget to March 31st, 2026, to allow for full release of the target 30% for ALL MDAs
“This is part of a broader fiscal reform measure aimed at eliminating the overlap of multiple concurrently running budgets, thereby strengthening planning, execution, and accountability across government expenditure cycles.
“It further provides a transparent and constitutionally grounded appropriation mechanism and prudent public financial management framework.
“The Bills also strengthen implementation discipline and accountability by, among other provisions: requiring that appropriated funds are released and applied strictly for the purposes specified in the Schedules; providing that virement may only be effected with prior approval of the National Assembly; setting out conditions for corrigenda where genuine errors may hinder implementation; requiring separate recording of excess revenue and limiting its expenditure to an Act or approval of the National Assembly; and mandating due process compliance and periodic reporting on releases and agency revenues/assistance. ;
“The House of Representatives is invited to note that this letter supersedes my earlier submission vide PRES/134/50/S/ARRENB dated 16″ December, 2025.”
He appealed to the lawmakers to consider the passage of the Bills in their usual expeditious manner.
Men account for approximately 75-80% of suicide deaths in most developed countries despite comprising only half the population, revealing a gendered mental health crisis that receives insufficient attention. This disproportionate rate reflects deeply rooted cultural norms discouraging men from expressing vulnerability, seeking help, or acknowledging emotional struggles until crises become acute and potentially fatal. Traditional masculinity’s emphasis on stoicism and self-reliance creates psychological pressures that accumulate silently, manifesting in substance abuse, social isolation, and ultimately self-harm when coping mechanisms fail. Understanding the structural and cultural factors driving this crisis enables targeted interventions addressing male-specific barriers to mental health support.
The Statistical Reality of Male Suicide
The suicide rate disparity between men and women widens significantly during middle age, with men aged 45-64 experiencing particularly elevated risk. Men complete suicide at rates three to four times higher than women, though women attempt suicide more frequently, reflecting differences in method selection, where men choose more lethal means, ensuring higher fatality rates.
The following table compares key mental health and suicide statistics by gender (approximate estimates reflecting general observed trends):
Metric
Men
Women
Gender Disparity
Suicide completion rate
75-80% of deaths
20-25% of deaths
Men 3-4x higher
Suicide attempt rate
Lower overall
2-3x higher than men
Women attempt more
Depression diagnosis
Lower reported rates
Higher reported rates
Women 2x more likely
Mental health treatment seeking
30-40% seek help
50-60% seek help
Men significantly less
Substance abuse as coping
Higher rates
Lower rates
Men more likely
This table demonstrates how men’s reluctance to seek help combines with more lethal suicide methods to create devastating outcomes.
The economic dimension intersects significantly with male mental health, as societal expectations position men as primary financial providers. Job loss affects male suicide rates more dramatically than female rates, reflecting how deeply masculine identity intertwines with professional success.
Cultural pressures around emotional expression affect men across all demographic groups. The entertainment and leisure industries recognize shifting attitudes toward male mental health. For example, platforms in the digital entertainment space like vulcan vegas have begun incorporating responsible gambling messaging and mental health resources into their online casino interfaces, recognizing connections between gaming behavior and psychological well-being in the online gambling industry. These initiatives within the casino online sector reflect growing awareness across digital entertainment platforms about supporting user mental health within the online casino market and broader online gambling ecosystem.
Cultural Factors Driving Male Silence
Traditional masculinity norms teach boys from early childhood that expressing emotional pain signals weakness, creating decades of conditioning that associates vulnerability with failure. Phrases like “man up” and “boys don’t cry” reinforce messages that emotional expression threatens masculine identity, pushing men toward suppression rather than processing difficult feelings.
The absence of male emotional vocabulary compounds these issues, with many men lacking language to articulate internal experiences beyond basic categories like “fine” or “stressed.” This linguistic deficit creates genuine difficulty in identifying and naming complex feelings when crises emerge.
Social isolation increases dramatically for men after major life transitions like divorce or retirement, as male friendships often center on shared activities rather than emotional intimacy. When these activity-based connections dissolve, men lose their primary social networks without the deep confiding relationships that might provide support.
Key barriers preventing men from seeking mental health help include several interconnected factors:
Fear of appearing weak or inadequate to peers and family members
Belief that they should handle problems independently without external support
Lack of awareness about mental health symptoms and available resources
Concerns about professional consequences if mental health struggles become known
Distrust of mental health professionals and therapeutic processes
Financial concerns about treatment costs and insurance coverage
Scheduling difficulties due to inflexible work demands
These barriers create compounding obstacles that make help-seeking increasingly difficult as mental health deteriorates.
Warning Signs Often Missed in Men
Male depression often presents differently than stereotypical symptoms, manifesting as irritability, anger, risk-taking behavior, or increased substance use rather than obvious sadness. This atypical presentation leads to underdiagnosis as both men and healthcare providers fail to recognize these behaviors as depression symptoms requiring intervention.
Substance abuse frequently masks underlying mental health issues in men, serving as self-medication for untreated depression while simultaneously worsening these conditions and increasing suicide risk. The relationship between substance abuse and male suicide proves particularly deadly.
Creating Pathways to Help
Effective interventions must meet men where they are rather than expecting conformity to traditional therapy models. Workplace mental health programs, peer support groups, and activity-based therapy show higher male engagement than conventional talk therapy alone. Reframing help-seeking as a strength rather than a weakness helps overcome masculine resistance.
Healthcare providers need training in recognizing atypical male depression presentations. Brief screening tools integrated into routine physical exams can identify at-risk men who wouldn’t independently seek mental health services.
Public awareness campaigns targeting men with messaging that resonates with masculine values—emphasizing strength in seeking help and responsibility to family—prove more effective than generic mental health promotion. High-profile male figures sharing their mental health struggles normalize help-seeking.
Breaking the Deadly Silence
The male mental health crisis demands urgent attention proportional to its devastating impact, requiring cultural transformation in how society socializes boys around emotional expression and how men conceptualize help-seeking. Breaking the silence surrounding male mental health begins with challenging toxic masculinity norms while creating accessible, male-friendly mental health resources that acknowledge and address gender-specific barriers. Every man lost to suicide represents a preventable tragedy enabled by cultural forces that prioritize outdated masculine ideals over human well-being, making this crisis not just a mental health issue but a broader social justice imperative requiring collective action.
There is heightened security presence at the National Assembly Complex as President Bola Tinubu gets ready to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill before a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives.
It was observed that more armed policemen were drafted to the entrances to the complex which are Main (MOPOL) Gate, the Villa Gate and the Annex Gates of the National Assembly.
Anyone without accreditation was denied access. Despite the tense security situation, the accreditation process was smooth and incident-free.
The usual hustle and bustle associated with the National Assembly was absent with the restriction of human and vehicular traffic. The foyer and corridors of the National Assembly noted for high human traffic was mostly empty.
The President is expected to present 2025 budgetary estimates of N54.46 trillion to the National Assembly at 2pm.
