NIGERIA NEWS
Year in Review: 4 People Who Became Popular Overnight For Viral Incidents in 2025
As 2025 winds down, it’s time to reminisce on the Nigerians who gained “overnight” fame this year. Because of their involvement in controversial issues, these Nigerians became instant celebrities on social media
2025 was undeniably a year full of various trends and viral happenings on social media, involving several individuals
However, some Nigerians went viral in different ways as their controversial acts brought recognition to them from far and wide.
Year in Review: 4 People Who Became Popular Overnight For Viral Incidents in 2025
Source: UGC
In this article, Legit.ng highlights four controversial Nigerians who went viral on social media.
1. Timileyin Ajayi, alleged killer of Salome Adaidu
The year began with the sad case of Salome Adaidu, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Timileyin Ajayi.
On Sunday, January 12, police operatives rescued and arrested Ajayi, an up-and-coming gospel singer, after people almost lynched him when his girlfriend’s dismembered body was found in his possession.
Ajayi was then transferred to the Nasarawa State Police Command headquarters from the Karshia development area of Karu LGA in the state on Tuesday, January 14. The police paraded him with the knife and machete he used to kill Adaidu.
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The incident gained nationwide attention and brought Timileyin Ajayi to the limelight in a controversial manner.
2. Goddy Mbakwe Precious, UNIZIK expelled student
Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a 300-level student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK went viral in February 2025 after she allegedly slapped and assaulted a male lecturer of the school.
Videos of their altercation went viral in February 2025, as people called for her expulsion after she allegedly attacked a lecturer who obstructed her video.
The student was eventually expelled from the school, a verdict which sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians.
3. Dr Chukwudi Okoye, assaulted UNIZIK lecturer
Dr Chukwudi Okoye, an academic in the department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, got into the limelight after his faceoff with a 300-level student, Precious.
The incident, which was caught on camera and circulated on social media, has continued to spark conversations among people from all walks of life, and many agreed the female student erred.
Many hailed him for the calmness amid the assault from the student, as seen in videos that circulated online. He shared the side of the story and even appeared on a podcast after the student was eventually expelled.
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4. Comfort Emmanson, Ibom Air passenger
On Sunday, August 10, Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger of a Uyo-Lagos Ibom air flight, had a physical altercation and slapped an air hostess. She also resisted arrest from the airport officials who confronted her at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The incident was caught on video and made the rounds on social media, sparking outrage and mixed feelings. Many people condemned how her top was pulled up and exposed in the clip while she was being dragged off the aircraft and handed a lifetime no-fly ban by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
Critics slammed the airline for its poor handling of the incident and demanded justice be served, even as she was hurriedly arrested, charged in court and remanded.
Days after the ugly incident, the federal government of Nigeria, through the aviation minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the withdrawal of the criminal complaint against Comfort and directed that she be released and her lifetime ban lifted.
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
I’ll Not Show Mercy to Terrorists, Kidnappers — Tinubu Declares While Presenting 2026 Budget
President Bola Tinubu on Friday vowed to show no mercy to anyone involved in terrorism, banditry, or kidnapping in Nigeria.
He made the declaration while presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint sitting of the National Assembly.
Tinubu presented a proposed budget of ₦58.46 trillion, with non-debt recurrent expenditure estimated at ₦15.25 trillion.
The President also revealed that his administration would adopt a new approach to tackling terrorism.
“We will show no mercy to all those who commit acts of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. We will fundamentally change how we confront terrorism and violent crime,” Tinubu said.
“Bandits, militias, armed gangs, armed robbers, violent cults, forest-based armed groups and foreign-linked mercenaries will all be targeted.
“We will go after those who perpetrate violence for political or sectarian ends, as well as those who finance and facilitate their evil schemes.”
Tinubu described the fiscal direction of his government as a “hard reset”, stressing that the administration would no longer tolerate abandoned projects, unpaid contractual obligations, or the habit of running multiple overlapping budgets.
“This budget marks a defining moment and a national journey of reform and transformation. Over the last two and a half years, my government has methodically confronted long-standing structural weaknesses to stabilise the economy and rebuild confidence,” he added.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced that the presence of opposition members in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber is nearing extinction.
He said only four or five senators remain outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio added that even the remaining opposition lawmakers are reportedly considering defecting to the APC.
APC’s Expanding Influence in the Senate
Speaking at the APC’s national caucus meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Akpabio highlighted the dramatic shift in the Senate’s composition since the 10th Assembly began in 2023.
“When we came in, the opposition had almost 50 members, but today, when I counted, there were about five or four left in the opposition,” Akpabio said.
“Even those five members have whispered to me that I should carry them to the President and the leader of the party that they are prepared to join the APC”, he added.
Akpabio praised the party’s growth, noting that major politicians have joined without conflict, contributing to what he called a “national consensus” around APC leadership.
Recent reports indicate the APC now holds a supermajority in the 109-member Senate, bolstered by defections from parties like the PDP and Labour Party.
Preserving a Minimal Opposition Presence
Despite celebrating the trend, Akpabio emphasized his desire for some opposition voices to remain for legislative balance.
“I don’t want to preside over a Senate with no opposition,” he stated. To avoid empty minority benches, he has allowed certain senators who aligned with the APC at the state level to continue in minority roles temporarily.
He specifically thanked Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for permitting Senator Osita Ngwu to retain his position as Minority Chief Whip.
Security Challenges Described as ‘Orchestrated’
Turning to national issues, Akpabio condemned the country’s persistent insecurity as “very serious, organised, and orchestrated.”
“We are saddened that some are tormenting Nigeria through terrorism, banditry, and insurgency,” he said, aligning the APC with grieving states and families.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for securing the recent release of over 100 abducted children and called for intensified efforts to free those still held captive. Akpabio also honored fallen military personnel for their sacrifices.
Tougher Laws Against Kidnapping
On legislation, Akpabio revealed that the Senate has advanced measures to combat crime, including a bill reclassifying kidnapping as terrorism.
If signed into law, kidnappers could face the death penalty. “Governors must enforce capital punishments decisively,” he urged, warning that leniency allows criminals to regroup and strike again.
The bill, which recently passed second reading, aims to impose the death sentence without fines or reduced terms, extending to accomplices.
APC’s Grip on State Governments
Akpabio further underscored the party’s strength, stating that APC governors now control 28 of Nigeria’s 36 states, alongside an overwhelming National Assembly majority.
“This reflects broad national acceptance,” he said, while praising the APC’s national leadership under Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje (noting recent transitions) and the progressive governors’ forum.
The caucus meeting, attended by President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and key party figures, comes amid reports of further political realignments favoring the ruling party ahead of future elections.
President Bola Tinubu on Friday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N58.18trillion to the joint session of the National Assembly.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appropriation bill was christened ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’.
Tinubu said that the budget was a culmination of two-and-a-half years of “painful but necessary” reforms aimed at steering Nigeria towards macro-economic stability, job‑rich growth and inclusive prosperity.
Key highlights of the 2026 appropriation bill, according to Tinubu, include total revenue of N34.33 trillion and total expenditure of N58.18 trillion, including N15.52 trillion for debt servicing.
While the recurrent non‑debt expenditure was pegged at N15.25 trillion, capital expenditure was N26.08 trillion and deficit, N23.85 trillion, at 4.28 per cent of GDP rate.
The president said that the budget was anchored on four pillars of consolidating macro-economic stability, improving the business and investment climate, promoting job‑rich growth and poverty reduction, and strengthening human capital, while protecting vulnerable groups.
According to him , sectoral allocations have Defence and Security at N5.41 trillion; Infrastructure, N3.56 trillion; Education N3.52 trillion and Health N2.48 trillion.
Tinubu emphasised that security remained the bedrock of development, saying that the N5.41 trillion allocation was key to modernising the armed forces, enhancing intelligence‑driven policing and securing the nation’s borders.
He said that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had supported more than 418,000 students across 229 tertiary institutions, while health spending accounts for six per cent of the total budget net of liabilities.
The president noted that encouraging signs of stabilisation, stressing that GDP grew to 3.98 per cent in third quarter of 2025 from 3.86 per cent in third quarter of 2024.
He also said that inflation fell to 14.45 per cent in November from 24.23 per cent in March, while external reserves reached a seven‑year high of about 47 billion dollars.
To sustain the gains, he said that the budget would target a crude oil benchmark of 64.85 dollar per barrel, production of 1.84 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N1,400 to the US dollar for 2026.
Tinubu, who stressed the need for discipline in budget execution, directed ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to adhere strictly to appropriated timelines and deploy end‑to‑end digitisation of revenue mobilisation to curb leakages.
He also called for better revenue mobilisation through new National Tax Acts and reforms in the oil and gas sector, alongside stringent performance targets for government-owned enterprises.
He said that the budget introduced a new national counter‑terrorism doctrine which reclassified bandits, militias, armed gangs and other non‑state armed groups as terrorists.
“The doctrine mandates unified command, intelligence‑sharing and community‑based peace building to combat violence that threatens national survival,” he said.
The president called for unity between the executive and the legislature to deliver full promise of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reiterating that the 2026 budget was not merely a list of numbers but a statement of national priorities.(NAN)
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has launched the government Enterprise Content Management System (1Gov ECMS) as part of measures to reduce cost and digitise the Ministry’s operations.
The Minister described the system as a timely and critical innovation suited to the aviation sector, given its extensive national footprint and complex operational network.
Keyamo explained that the nature and structure of the aviation sector across the country, with offices and agencies located at airports nationwide, necessitate the frequent physical movement of files between airports, zonal offices, Lagos, and Abuja for approvals.
He disclosed that in 2023 alone, the Ministry spent over N500 million on flight tickets and related logistics purely for the movement of physical files.
He, however, stated that the introduction of the ECMS would reduce costs and enhance efficiency across government operations.
Keyamo said, “What we will save with this system is not just money, but efficiency, time, and the integrity of government processes. This platform will save Nigeria.”
Keyamo further explained that the 1Gov ECMS will eliminate manual bottlenecks, end the culture of “search and rescue” for missing files, shorten approval cycles, and improve service delivery across all departments and agencies under the ministry.
He further highlighted the system’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital sovereignty, noting that the government-owned platform, powered by Galaxy Backbone Limited, protects sensitive government data from foreign vendor lock-in and external security risks.
He also commended the inclusion of a secure video conferencing feature, which reduces dependence on foreign platforms and enhances confidentiality in official engagements.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, described the launch of the ECMS as a deliberate and strategic step towards reducing paper usage, improving operational speed, and ensuring seamless access to official records within the Ministry.
She noted that the Ministry occupies a critical position in Nigeria’s development architecture, supporting connectivity, trade, tourism, security, and technological advancement, which require accuracy, safety, and timeliness.
Mrs. Walson-Jack stated that the launch by the Ministry is in line with the Federal Government’s directive for the full digitalisation of work processes by 31st December 2025.
She added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises an efficient, accountable, responsive, and digitally enabled Public Service.
She also directed that all official correspondence in the Ministry should henceforth be routed electronically through [email protected] or [email protected], signalling the formal transition from paper-based processing to digital practice.
When you’re trying to keep your team motivated, sometimes you need to implement an entirely new system. Routines become monotonous quickly, and that can tank motivation. And if your processes are inefficient, you’ll see a dip in productivity.
When you create a system that supports efficient workflows and smooth communication, people naturally perform better. With a little structure, recognition, and the right software applications, your team will be happier and will start producing better outcomes.
If that’s what you’re after, the following tips will help.
1. Strengthen workflow clarity
When people waste time searching for instructions or files, guessing their priorities, and working around difficult processes, motivation drops fast. Clear workflows that include proper KPIs and goals give workers the confidence and structure they need to perform well. For example, fleet maintenance teams that rely on digital workflows are able to cut downtime and improve technician output. The result is an aligned team that commits fewer errors and keeps operations running smoothly.
You can strengthen workflow clarity in the following ways:
· Define responsibilities clearly. This will avoid duplicate work, missed tasks, and wasted time. Clear task ownership is the key to productivity.
· Standardize all processes. When everyone does everything in the same way, nobody has to reinvent the wheel. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) create predictability and eliminate the need for anyone to just figure things out on the fly. SOPs also help new hires get up to speed faster.
· Use digital tools. Whether it’s a simple task management system or a full CRM, digital tools reduce errors and centralize information. Teams that use these systems are less likely to experience errors and delays.
When you prioritize workflow clarity, team members gain a clear sense of purpose that drives productivity.
2. Build a culture of ownership and accountability
Motivated teams thrive when people feel like they’re both trusted with and responsible for the outcomes they produce. When team members understand how their work impacts a project, they can contribute with more confidence. When an entire team owns their tasks and deadlines, it produces higher-quality results.
Building a culture of accountability requires accurately assigning tasks, goals, and KPIs. Nothing kills motivation more than goals employees have no control over. When you tie performance targets to a worker, they need to be within their control.
3. Give teams insight into the bigger picture
Most people will give a higher level of commitment when they understand how their work supports an organization’s mission. When people feel like nothing they do matters, they’re more likely to become disengaged or quit. A Deloitte study found that purpose-driven companies have 40% higher retention rates. If you want to retain your top talent, make sure they know how their work makes a difference.
4. Reduce information overload
Communication is critical but too much of it spread out all over the place can work against your team. People need access to relevant information without drowning in noise. That means streamlining communication channels so employees don’t need to switch between a bunch of tools or apps all day long.
According to research, workers spend 28% of their day just managing email. Consolidating channels of communication will reduce wasted time and mental fatigue.
Another way to reduce information overload is to reduce the number of meetings you host and implement regular check-ins. Short, focused conversations can prevent small issues from snowballing while avoiding the need for long, drawn-out meetings.
5. Use technology to automate repetitive and low-value tasks
Automation can help streamline operations in just about any industry. Use technology to handle repetitive and low-value tasks so employees can invest their time in higher-value work that requires human input for creativity and solving problems.
Tasks like scheduling, reporting, and data entry are easy to automate and will free up valuable hours for your team. It also reduces the potential for errors.
6. Boost employee morale through recognition
Motivation is heavily influenced by emotional experience and recognition is one of the best ways to accelerate performance. When employees feel valued and supported, they’ll keep pushing forward even when things get tough.
Recognition is the key that unlocks potential. In fact, 77.9% of employees say they’d be more productive if they were recognized more frequently.
Employees who feel recognized are significantly more engaged, perform better, and are less likely to quit. They also tend to report higher job satisfaction.
Build the conditions for a thriving environment
Creating an efficient and motivated workforce requires cultivating an environment and culture that supports performance. Clear workflows, simplified communication, recognition, and the right technology all work together to create an efficient workplace.
When employees feel valued and are clear about their tasks, they’ll naturally rise to the expectations you place on them. The more you intentionally create a supportive environment, the easier it is for your team to consistently deliver high-quality results.
The post Tips for building a more efficient and motivated workforce appeared first on Vanguard News.
A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Abdullahi Isah, attached to 12PMF Minna, has allegedly shot himself dead during a routine arms audit, an official has said.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Abiodun Wasiu, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday.
Wasiu disclosed that Isah was initially arrested on Dec.15 “on suspicion of involvement in illegal dealings in ammunition.” He said on December 16, around 2:30 pm, he was taken to his office for a routine arms audit.
He said that “unfortunately, while the audit process was ongoing, Isah picked a pistol from within the office and shot himself in the head, dying instantly.”
He said that policemen detailed for the audit and investigation activities had been arrested “for negligence in the line of duty and allowing the situation to occur”.
Wasiu said that further investigation was ongoing.
Meanwhile, NAN learnt that Isah was the Head of Armoury at Mopol 12, when the audit revealed that 13 AK-47 rifles and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition were missing or unaccounted for, covering only the AK-47 section.
NAN also learnt that one Insp. John Moses, attached to the Niger Government House, was arrested and reportedly confessed that the deceased supplied him arms and ammunition sold to bandits and hoodlums in Erena Community, Shiroro LGA, through his brother.
It was further learnt that operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser took the suspects to Abuja for further investigation.
Isah was brought back and taken to the armoury for a physical audit, where he picked up a pistol and shot himself.
The armoury is electronically controlled, and only the DSP has access.
Officers, who accompanied him, were arrested for negligence and stand to face an orderly room trial.
At least four other police officers, linked to the late DSP, are also being interrogated. It was alleged that the deceased owned multiple cars and houses in Minna.
… approves rural allowance
In a decisive move to strengthen the education sector and reward professional dedication, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved enhanced service conditions for teachers across the state.
With effect from 1 August 2025, the mandatory retirement age for teachers has been extended from 60 to 65 years, while the maximum years of service have been increased from 35 to 40 years.
In addition, teachers posted to rural and hard-to-reach communities will now receive a special rural posting allowance.
The approval aligns with the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022, enacted by the National Assembly, which exempts teachers from the general public service retirement threshold of 60 years or 35 years of service, in recognition of their critical role in national development.
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The Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the decision reflects Governor Uba Sani’s firm commitment to improving workers’ welfare and revitalising the education sector.
He noted that the Governor considers experienced teachers central to delivering quality education and sustaining learning outcomes across the state.
“This policy is designed to honour years of dedicated service, retain invaluable experience in our classrooms, and motivate greater productivity for the benefit of our children and the future of Kaduna State,” Maiyaki said.
A circular conveying the approval has been issued by the Office of the Governor and signed by the Permanent Secretary (Establishment), Mrs Felicia I. Makama, directing all relevant institutions to comply.
The circular adds that detailed implementation guidelines will be issued by the State Civil Service Commission in due course.
Governor Sani expressed confidence that the policy will boost teacher motivation, improve retention, and significantly raise educational standards across Kaduna State, reinforcing his administration’s broader commitment to strengthening public institutions and investing in human capital development.
The Gombe State Police Command has announced the deployment of CP Umar Ahmed Chuso as the new Commissioner of Police for the state.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the deployment was approved by the Inspector-General of Police.
“The Inspector-General of Police has approved the posting of CP Umar Ahmed Chuso to Gombe State as the new Commissioner of Police,” Abdullahi said.
He disclosed that CP Chuso has already assumed duty and is now the 24th Commissioner of Police to serve in the state.
According to the statement, the new commissioner takes over at a time the command is working to strengthen security and enhance collaboration with other security agencies and the people of the state.
“The new Commissioner of Police assumes office at a critical period when the command is intensifying efforts to improve public safety and deepen partnership with stakeholders across the state,” the police spokesman said.
Describing CP Chuso as a seasoned officer, Abdullahi said he brings vast experience in policing and security management.
“He is a highly experienced officer and is expected to sustain ongoing security operations while introducing fresh strategies aimed at crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement,” he added.
The police command appealed to residents of Gombe State to support the new commissioner by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
“We urge members of the public to cooperate with the police by giving useful and timely information that will assist in maintaining peace and security,” Abdullahi said.
He further assured residents that CP Chuso is committed to professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the discharge of his duties.
“The Commissioner of Police is determined to work with honesty, professionalism, and dedication to protect lives and property in Gombe State,” the statement concluded.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring sustained peace and security across the state.
The Ekiti State government has sacked a surgeon at the State’s University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) following the outcome of the investigation by the Panel of Enquiry into the removal of a patient’s kidney.
Naija News reports that the seven-member panel, chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile, was constituted about two weeks ago after a claim by a patient identified as Joshua Afolayan, who underwent a surgical procedure at the state Teaching Hospital.
Reacting to details of the investigation submitted by the panel, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani, in a statement on Friday, announced that the surgeon has been dismissed with immediate effect.
Filani noted that the Ekiti State government will cover Joshua Afolayan’s transplant expenses.
The statement reads, “The surgeon who had primary responsibility for the surgery is to be dismissed EKSUTH with immediate effect. All members of the surgical team present in the theatre on the day of the operation are to be suspended for one month, pending further administrative review.
“The Ekiti State Government will bear full cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr Joshua Afolayan and also take responsibility for his post-transplant care and transplant related medical maintenance for two years.
“In line with the recommendations of the Panel, a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH will be undertaken to strengthen clinical governance, accountability, and patient safety.”
Former Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who represented Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, is dead.
Nwaoboshi reportedly died after battling a prolonged illness.
His death was confirmed on Friday in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Mr Festus Ahon.
Reacting to the development, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the late senator’s passing as a significant blow to Delta State, the Anioma people and the country at large.
The governor said Nwaoboshi was a prominent and courageous voice for Anioma interests and a respected leader whose contributions to national development would remain enduring.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the loss of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,” Oborevwori said.
“I extend my sincere condolences to his immediate family, the Anioma nation, members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and all those who were touched by his life and service.”
Governor Oborevwori recalled Nwaoboshi’s active and influential role in the National Assembly, particularly during his tenure as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, where he consistently advocated for the growth and development of the Niger Delta region and Delta State.
He noted that the late lawmaker’s political career was shaped by a strong political lineage, selfless leadership and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles, which also saw him serve two terms as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State.
Describing him as a dedicated public servant, the governor said Nwaoboshi devoted his life to the service of his people, his political party and the nation, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage, loyalty and steadfast commitment to public service.
Senator Nwaoboshi served in the National Assembly from 2015 to 2023.