Reality TV star Tacha shares candid views on relationships and life overseas, urging women to date smart, avoid rushing marriage, and embrace Nigeria’s unique community spirit
Every girl should have three other boyfriends – BBNaija’s Tacha Sparks Debate With Bold Take on Love
Former Big Brother Naija star and entrepreneur Anita Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has once again stirred conversations online after opening up about love, dating, and life abroad during an appearance on The Podcast Network on YouTube.
Tacha, known for her outspoken personality, urged young women to approach relationships with strategy rather than rushing into commitments.
“You need three other boyfriends in your life… I’m not saying to sleep with all the boyfriends. But at least… You just never really know,” she said.
She emphasized that women should not feel pressured into early commitments.
“Every girl should be single till they’re actually married… Don’t let your boyfriend stop you from meeting your husband,” she added.
According to Tacha, societal standards are skewed in favor of men, meaning women must be smarter in navigating love and dating.
“The kind of grace that the guys have is not the same kind of grace that we have. So we need to be able to move differently,” she noted.
Tacha also weighed in on the reality of living overseas, describing it as even tougher than life in Nigeria despite its glamorous image.
“As much as it’s hard here in Nigeria, it’s also hard. It’s even harder abroad, honestly,” she said, revealing that many Nigerians abroad avoid returning home due to fear of shame. “A lot of people abroad do not want to come back because… people are going to say I went abroad and I couldn’t make it and then I came back.”
The TV star highlighted the loneliness, financial strain, and pressure to “keep up appearances” that many Nigerians face abroad. She recalled her own struggles:
“People go through great pressure to give an impression that really, really does not exist… Two of my luggage items got stolen in Paris… It’s not this hard back here in Nigeria.”
By contrast, she praised the sense of community at home.
“You can go to your junction and say, ‘Mama Ki, give me something of 7,000. By the end of the month, I’ll pay you.’ I feel like there’s a lot more to be happy and bright about over here in Nigeria than there in the UK.”
Tacha concluded by encouraging Nigerians to use their resilience and boldness to push for progress and reshape the country’s global reputation.
“With how loud and how rugged they are, we actually should use that ruggedness to get what we want in the country. We can try to change it… It took a long time for us to get here. So it would take a long time to try to change the notion the world has about Nigeria.”
Her comments have since gone viral, sparking mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Read More
The Ondo State Police Command rescued kidnap victim Ayodeji Akinsero in Owo without ransom after a fierce gun battle with abductors, vowing to intensify its fight against criminals
Ondo Police Rescue Kidnap Victim Unhurt, Vow to Intesify War Against Criminals
The Ondo State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of Mr. Ayodeji Adebayo Akinsero, who was kidnapped on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Owo Local Government Area by armed men.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the Command confirmed that Akinsero was freed unhurt after a coordinated operation involving police operatives, the Owo Area Command, and members of the Upeme Vigilante Group.
According to the statement, the rescue followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc+, mnips, who ordered that the victim be rescued “at all cost.” Acting swiftly, ACP Farouk Olu’ Raheem led the Owo Area Command in collaboration with local divisions, launching aggressive bush combing operations based on credible intelligence.
ACP Farouk Olu’ Raheem, Area Commander, Owo, Ondo State
The sustained operation forced the kidnappers into a gun battle. Confronted with superior firepower, the suspects abandoned the victim and fled. Akinsero was rescued without ransom, rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for medical evaluation, and has since been reunited with his family.
The Police Command commended the bravery of its operatives and the Upeme Vigilante Group, stressing that community collaboration and timely information were crucial to the success of the operation.
CP Lawal also acknowledged the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, describing his directives as “morale-boosting,” while expressing appreciation to the Ondo State Government for its consistent support in the fight against crime.
“This latest operation once again demonstrates the Command’s resolve. We will not rest on our oars but will continue to collaborate with state and non-state actors to guarantee the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens,” the Commissioner said.
The Ondo Police Command reaffirmed its determination to take the war to the domains of criminal gangs, emphasizing that perpetrators of kidnappings and violent crimes in the state have continued to be arrested, neutralized, or forced to abandon their victims. Read More
Dangote Industries Limited has issued a disclaimer debunking a viral fake quote wrongly attributed to Aliko Dangote, warning perpetrators to desist from spreading misinformation
Dangote Industries Limited has raised alarm over the circulation of false statements on social media and other platforms wrongly attributed to its President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote.
In a statement, the company described the trend as a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to exploit Dangote’s name for political purposes.
“We have recently noticed a peculiar pattern of attributing misleading statements purported to have been made by Aliko Dangote, President/CE Dangote Industries Limited,” the company stated. “We hereby warn the perpetrators of this mischief aimed at scoring cheap political points to DESIST from such offensive act.”
The company specifically disowned a viral message falsely claiming that Dangote criticized state governors in Northern Nigeria over poverty. The fake statement read:
Here is theFake Quote Circulating Online: “Dangote blasts state governors for high poverty rate in Northern Nigeria. They choose to waste money. They choose not to plan. They choose to ignore the poor. The Kaduna example shows it clearly: with N42 billion a month, the governor has no excuse. He could build world-class hospitals, fix every school, and create thousands of jobs. But will he? Probably not. It’s time Nigerians stop blaming only the president. The real problem is right at home—in your state governor’s office. If your life is hard, don’t just look to Abuja. Look to your governor too. Ask what he’s doing with the billions he receives every month. Hold ur Governor Accountable. (DANGOTE)”
Dangote Group reaffirmed that its Chairman has not issued any such statement and urged the public to disregard the viral message. The company also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, warning that legal steps may be taken against those responsible for fabricating and distributing such claims. Read More
A US federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to expand expedited deportations nationwide, curbing the president’s aggressive immigration crackdown
US Judge Halts Trump’s Nationwide Expansion of Fast-Track Deportations
A US judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from massively expanding a procedure that allows authorities to swiftly deport migrants without a court hearing, in a blow for the president’s mass deportation plans.
The process, which is called “expedited removal,” had previously been used to rapidly deport migrants detained near the Mexican border if they had entered the US in the previous two weeks.
However, since January, the administration of Donald Trump has expanded the use of the procedure across the whole country — and applied it to migrants who have been in the US for up to two years.
US District Judge Jia Cobb blocked this expanded use of the procedure, saying it could lead to people being “erroneously” deported without due process, including the chance to prove they have been in the US for more than two years.
“Unlike the group of people who have traditionally been subject to expedited removal — those detained at or near the border shortly after crossing — the group of people the Government is now subjecting to expedited removal have long since entered our country,” Cobb wrote in a 48-page opinion published late Friday.
“In defending this skimpy process, the Government makes a truly startling argument: that those who entered the country illegally are entitled to no process under the Fifth Amendment, but instead must accept whatever grace Congress affords them,” she added.
“Were that right, not only noncitizens, but everyone would be at risk.”
The ruling by Cobb, who was appointed by former president Joe Biden, was in a case brought by Make The Road New York, a rights group supporting migrants.
The judge emphasised that the court was not casting “doubt on the constitutionality of the expedited removal statute, nor on its longstanding application at the border.”
Trump campaigned to return to the White House, vowing to deport millions of undocumented migrants.
But his mass deportation program has been restricted by numerous court rulings, notably on the grounds that those targeted should be able to assert their due process rights.
Cobb also quoted the Constitution, which guarantees that “no person shall be removed from the United States without opportunity, at some time, to be heard.” Read More
Nigeria Police Commissioner Olubode Ojajuni has been elected to the INTERPOL Africa Committee, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s global security leadership
Nigeria’s CP Olubode Ojajuni Wins Seat on INTERPOL Africa Committee
The Nigeria Police Force has achieved another milestone on the international stage as Commissioner of Police (CP) Olubode Ojajuni secured a seat on the prestigious INTERPOL Africa Committee.
The announcement was confirmed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who noted that the election took place during the 27th African Regional Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. With CP Ojajuni’s victory, Nigeria now holds the fifth seat on the Committee for a two-year tenure.
The INTERPOL Africa Committee plays a vital role in advising the African Regional Conference on its mandate, facilitating its sessions, and identifying strategic crime priorities. It also works to enhance cross-border police cooperation, promote best practices, and develop projects aimed at strengthening regional and continental security.
According to Adejobi, this latest achievement underscores Nigeria’s rising influence and leadership in global law enforcement, particularly in tackling transnational crime, terrorism, and other emerging threats.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, congratulated CP Ojajuni on the landmark victory, reaffirming the Force’s dedication to professionalism, integrity, and international cooperation.
“The Nigeria Police remains committed to sustaining active engagement with global partners to promote peace and security worldwide,” the IGP stated.
With Ojajuni’s election, Nigeria is set to play an even more prominent role in shaping regional and global policing strategies under the INTERPOL framework. Read More
Nigeria’s Real Problem: Not Leadership, But Followership | By Owolabi Aleshinloye
Until citizens rise to demand accountability and embrace active participation, the cry of “leadership crisis” will remain a misplaced excuse.
Each time Nigeria’s challenges are discussed, the phrase “leadership crisis” is often thrown around as a blanket explanation. While it is easy to blame those in office, the truth is more complex. Nigeria is not suffering from a shortage of leaders; rather, it is struggling with the responsibility of followership.
Leaders do not fall from the sky; they emerge from within society. If we argue that Nigeria has failed leaders, then by extension, we must also admit that the country has failed followers. A system that produces leadership reflects the values, demands, and expectations of its people.
Unfortunately, many Nigerian citizens have adopted a passive attitude toward governance. Beyond elections, there is little sustained engagement. Politicians are rarely held to account, and the culture of silence or resignation allows mediocrity to thrive. A disengaged public gives room for poor leadership to fester.
The truth is that accountability is a two-way street. Good governance flourishes only where citizens are active, informed, and uncompromising in demanding integrity. When followers celebrate ill-gotten wealth, overlook corruption, or reward populism over substance, they set the stage for bad leadership. On the other hand, when citizens uphold values of honesty, hard work, and transparency, the leaders that emerge from among them will reflect those virtues.
A striking example of this followers’ crisis is found in the failed loan initiative once championed by a leading Nigerian bank. The bank introduced a scheme to grant loans without collateral, aimed at supporting vibrant and hardworking Nigerians. Sadly, many beneficiaries refused to repay. The greed and irresponsibility of a few destroyed what could have been a revolutionary initiative. If the scheme had succeeded, other banks would likely have replicated it, creating wider access to credit for genuine entrepreneurs. Instead, the dishonesty of some citizens undermined a program that could have strengthened the economy.
Nigeria’s real challenge, therefore, is not a leadership crisis, but a followership crisis. Until citizens rise to the task of active nation-building, by questioning policies, monitoring projects, supporting reforms, and insisting on accountability at all levels of government, from local councils to the presidency, the cycle of disappointment will continue.
The future of the country depends not only on who leads, but also on how the people choose to follow. Leaders are a mirror of their society; if Nigeria wants better leadership, Nigerians must first become better followers. Read More
Activist Deji Adeyanju says he would support President Tinubu over Peter Obi if the ADC presents Obi in 2027, criticizing Obi’s democratic credentials and online supporters
2027: ‘I’ll Vote Tinubu Over Obi If ADC Fields Him’ – Deji Adeyanju Vows
Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has declared that he would rather vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu than support Peter Obi if the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) decides to field the former Anambra governor as its presidential candidate in 2027.
Adeyanju made the remarks on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he was asked if his recent criticisms of Obi were attempts to discredit him.
“God forbid that I support APC. If the opposition presents Peter Obi, I will vote for Tinubu,” Adeyanju said.
The activist and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate have been locked in a bitter feud that recently spilled into the courtroom. Obi, through his legal team, threatened to sue Adeyanju over alleged defamatory remarks made in interviews and on social media. Adeyanju, however, dismissed the legal notice, saying he was ready to meet Obi in court.
The outspoken activist accused Obi of enabling a toxic political culture, particularly through the conduct of his loyalists, popularly known as the “Obidients.”
“We cannot have a man who leads a mob that terrorises people online and cannot tolerate criticism, who calls people all sorts of names. Anybody who cannot support their candidate is seen as an enemy of Nigeria or has been paid to do so. That is not democracy,” Adeyanju said.
He further questioned Obi’s democratic credentials, arguing that the former governor has not made the sacrifices that others have made to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
“What sacrifices has he made for democracy? Many of us have put our lives on the line at great personal cost. We must sanitise our polity. We cannot have a country where people who terrorise others online dictate the tone of political discourse,” he added.
Reflecting on his voting history, Adeyanju maintained that he has always supported credible candidates. “In my opinion, I have never voted for a bad candidate. In 1999, I voted for Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2011, I voted for Goodluck Jonathan. In 2015, I voted for Jonathan again, against the so-called lovers of democracy who wanted Muhammadu Buhari,” he noted.Read More
Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the strategic investment arm of the Government of Ethiopia, and Dangote Group today announced the signing of a comprehensive shareholders’ agreement to develop, construct, and operate a world-class urea fertiliser production complex in Gode, Ethiopia
L-R:CEO, Ethiopian Investment Holdings, Dr Brook Taye; Ethiopian Prime Minister, HE Abiy Ahmed Ali; President/CEO, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and CEO, Dangote Fertilisers Ltd, Vishwajit Sinha at the signing of a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant agreement in Addis Ababa
Dangote Group to build 3 million metric tons, valued $2.5bn fertiliser plant in Ethiopia
…Will maintain 60% ownership
Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the strategic investment arm of the Government of Ethiopia, and Dangote Group have announced the signing of a comprehensive shareholders’ agreement to develop, construct, and operate a world-class urea fertilizer production complex in Gode, Ethiopia. Under the partnership structure, EIH will hold a 40% equity stake while Dangote Group will maintain 60% ownership of the transformative project that represents one of the largest industrial investments in Ethiopian history.
The ambitious project will establish one of the world’s largest single-site urea fertilizer production complexes, with production facilities boasting a combined capacity of up to three million metric tons per annum. The facility will rank among the top five largest urea production complexes globally.
Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly develop, own, construct, operate, maintain, insure, and finance the state-of-the-art urea fertilizer plants and associated infrastructure. The comprehensive development includes advanced gas transport pipelines to evacuate natural gas from Ethiopia’s Hilal and Calub reserves, storage facilities, logistics infrastructure, and export capabilities designed to serve both domestic and regional markets.
The agreement also provides for potential expansions, upgrades, and similar fertilizer production initiatives in ammonia-based fertilizers, including ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and calcium ammonium nitrate, further cementing Ethiopia’s position as a regional fertilizer production hub.
The Project Development Costs are estimated not to exceed $2.5 billion USD, with completion targeted within 40 months from commencement. A significant component of this investment includes the construction of a dedicated pipeline infrastructure to transport natural gas from Ethiopia’s proven Hilal and Calub gas reserves to the Gode production facility, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective feedstock supply for the fertilizer complex.
This substantial investment underscores both companies’ commitment to transforming Ethiopia’s agricultural sector and enhancing food security across the region. The project is expected to significantly reduce Ethiopia’s dependence on fertilizer imports while creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities in the Somali Regional State and beyond.
Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, commented: “This partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings represents a pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialize Africa and achieve food security across the continent. The strategic location of Gode, combined with Ethiopia’s abundant natural gas resources from the Hilal and Calub reserves, makes this an ideal location for what will become one of the world’s largest fertilizer complexes.
We are committed to bringing our decades of experience in large-scale industrial projects to ensure this venture becomes a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation and a catalyst for agricultural productivity throughout the region. The 60-40 partnership structure reflects our commitment to this transformative project while ensuring strong Ethiopian participation.”
Dr. Brook Taye, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, stated: “This landmark agreement with Dangote Group marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward industrial self-sufficiency and agricultural modernization. As the strategic investment arm of the Government of Ethiopia, EIH is proud to secure a 40% stake in what will be one of the world’s largest urea production facilities. The project aligns perfectly with our national development priorities and will substantially enhance our agricultural productivity while positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for fertilizer production.
The utilization of our domestic Hilal and Calub gas reserves through dedicated pipeline infrastructure ensures energy security and cost competitiveness for decades to come. We are confident that this partnership will deliver tremendous value to Ethiopian farmers, contribute to food security, and generate substantial economic benefits for our nation.”
The Gode fertilizer complex will play a crucial role in supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, which employs over 70% of the country’s population. By ensuring reliable access to high-quality fertilizers at competitive prices, the project is expected to boost crop yields, improve farmer incomes, and contribute to national food security objectives. With its 3 million metric ton annual capacity, the facility will rank among the world’s top fertilizer production complexes, while significantly exceeding the capacity of most existing facilities worldwide.
This scale positions Ethiopia as a major player in the global fertilizer market and a key supplier for the African continent. The partnership leverages Dangote Group’s proven track record in large-scale industrial projects across Africa and Ethiopian Investment Holdings’ role as the government’s strategic investment vehicle with deep understanding of the local market and regulatory environment.
The pipeline connection to the Hilal and Calub gas reserves ensures long-term feedstock security and cost competitiveness in global markets. The project also supports broader regional integration objectives by creating a reliable supply of fertilizers for neighboring countries, potentially reducing import costs and improving agricultural productivity across East Africa and beyond. Read More
The Lagos State NLC has called for a ₦150,000 minimum wage, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to follow Imo and Ebonyi States in raising workers’ pay amid soaring living costs
Lagos NLC Demands ₦150,000 Minimum Wage, Cites Rising Living Costs
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, has demanded an upward review of the minimum wage for workers in the state, proposing ₦150,000 as the new benchmark.
Speaking on Thursday, Lagos NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sesi, said the demand was in response to recent wage increases announced in Imo and Ebonyi States, as well as the escalating cost of living in Lagos.
Currently, Lagos workers earn ₦85,000 as minimum wage, a figure Sesi described as inadequate given the high cost of accommodation, transportation, feeding, and utilities in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
“The time has come for an upward review of minimum wage in Lagos. At least someone has taken the bull by the horns and opened the space,” she said.
Sesi urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to seize the opportunity to improve workers’ welfare without fear of criticism. She added: “No one can blame Governor Sanwo-Olu now if he implements a higher wage for Lagos workers, because we deserve a better wage and decent working conditions commensurate with the economic realities, especially in Lagos.”
Expressing optimism, the NLC chairperson said she believes more states will follow the example of Imo and Ebonyi in raising workers’ pay.
Earlier, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State announced an increase in the minimum wage for civil servants from ₦76,000 to ₦104,000. Similarly, Ebonyi State raised its workers’ minimum wage from ₦70,000 to ₦90,000, according to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe. Read More
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has increased its investment in GTBank to ₦504 billion through a rights issue worth ₦365.9bn, boosting the bank’s paid-up capital and strengthening its financial position
GTCO Boosts GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504bn Through Rights Issue
Lagos, Nigeria — 29 August 2025 — Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (NGX: GTCO; LSE: GTCO), today announced that it has increased its investment in its wholly owned Banking subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (“GTBank”) to ₦504 billion through a rights issue subscription for 6,994,050,290 ordinary shares of fifty kobo each made by GTBank for a total consideration of ₦365,850,403,572.67, thus increasing GTBank’s paid-up share capital from ₦138,186,703,485.78 to ₦504,037,107,058.45.
This Capital Injection ensures GTBank’s compliance with the new minimum capital requirement for commercial banks with international authorisation stipulated by the CBN.
The Capital Injection was funded by the two-phased equity capital raising programme recently undertaken and concluded by GTCO Plc with an international fully marketed offering on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) that secured $105 million from high-quality, long-term institutional investors in exchange for 2.29 billion new ordinary shares, making GTCO Plc the first financial services institution in West Africa to dual list on both the NGX and LSE. Launched in July 2024, GTCO’s equity capital programme began with a public offering to Nigerians that raised ₦209.41 billion from 130,617 valid applications for 4.7 billion ordinary shares, fully allotted and evenly split between retail and institutional investors.
Commenting on the recapitalisation of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, said: “The successful recapitalisation of our flagship banking subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, marks a pivotal step in strengthening the foundation of our Group. With significant new capital secured and the CBN’s recapitalisation directive for Guaranty Trust Bank now fulfilled, we are focused on deepening innovation and service excellence, delivering improved performance, and expanding our footprint across high-growth markets, while upholding the industry-leading standards that define the GTCO brand.”
The additional equity capital will be deployed by GTBank primarily for branch network expansion and asset growth (loans, advances, and investment securities portfolio), fortification of its information technology infrastructure and to leverage emerging opportunities in Nigeria and the operating environments where it maintains banking presence.
Following the Capital Injection, the Company continues to hold 100% of the entire issued and paid-up share capital of the Bank. None of the Directors of the Company has any interest, direct or indirect, in the Bank.
What You Need to Know About GTCO Plc
GTCO Plc is one of Africa’s leading financial services institutions with a longstanding track record of strong growth, service excellence, and shareholder returns. The Group operates across banking, payments, asset management, and pension administration in eleven countries, including Nigeria, the UK, and key African markets. Read More
