A local advocacy center has called for community-driven initiatives to address the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria. The center emphasized the importance of collective action involving traditional leaders, religious figures, and local organizations to create awareness and provide support for victims. Statistics shared by the center indicate that GBV, including domestic abuse and sexual violence, remains a pervasive issue across the country, often underreported due to stigma and lack of access to justice. The initiative aims to foster safe spaces for dialogue and intervention, with a focus on educating communities about the rights of women and children. Partnerships with government agencies are also being sought to strengthen legal frameworks.
A brewing conflict between state governments and electricity distribution companies (Discos) over tariff increments has led to power cuts in several states. States like Ekiti and Ondo have resisted the new tariff structure proposed by Discos, arguing that it places an undue burden on residents. In response, some Discos have reduced power supply to these states as a form of protest. A resident of Ado-Ekiti lamented, 'We now have less than 5 hours of electricity daily because of this disagreement.' The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has called for dialogue to resolve the impasse, warning that prolonged disruptions could worsen the nation’s energy crisis.
As the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its national convention ahead of the 2027 elections, the race for the party’s chairmanship has intensified. Prominent contenders include Professor Jerry Gana, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, and Senator Ahmed Makarfi. Party insiders reveal that each candidate is mobilizing support across the six geopolitical zones. A PDP stalwart in Abuja noted, 'Gana brings experience, Baraje offers grassroots appeal, while Makarfi has a track record of stability during crises.' The outcome of this race is expected to significantly influence the PDP’s strategy and cohesion as it seeks to reclaim power in 2027.
US Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming presidential election, according to sources familiar with the decision. Walz, known for his progressive policies and strong appeal in the Midwest, is expected to bolster Harris’s campaign against Republican contenders. Harris stated during a rally, 'Tim brings a wealth of experience and a shared vision for a better America.' The announcement has shifted dynamics in battleground states, with analysts predicting a tight race ahead of the November vote.
Global stock markets experienced significant declines on Monday, driven by fears of a potential recession in major economies. In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 2.6%, while European and Asian indices also recorded sharp losses. Analysts point to weak economic data, including a slowdown in manufacturing and rising unemployment, as key triggers. Economist Sarah Lin commented, 'Investors are increasingly risk-averse as indicators suggest a global slowdown.' Central banks, including the US Federal Reserve, are under pressure to intervene with rate cuts.
Ukraine and Russia reported heavy drone and missile strikes on August 4, 2025, with both sides claiming to have downed dozens of aerial attacks. Ukraine’s military stated it destroyed 24 out of 29 Russian drones targeting Kyiv and eastern regions, with 2 civilians injured by debris in Kyiv Oblast. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 17 Ukrainian drones over border regions, including Kursk, where a fire broke out at an industrial site. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, 'Our air defenses are stretched thin; we neutralized over 80% of incoming threats last night.' Over 1 million people in affected areas faced power outages due to damaged infrastructure.
The Northern Media Forum has issued a stern warning to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, threatening a media boycott following the closure of a radio station in the state. The forum, representing over 200 media practitioners in northern Nigeria, accused the governor of systematic press suppression through intimidation and punitive actions against critical outlets. In a statement released on August 3, 2025, the forum demanded the immediate reopening of the station and an apology from the state government. Failure to comply could lead to a coordinated blackout of state events by northern media houses, potentially impacting the governor's public image.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has hailed the recent rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a significant milestone for economic accuracy. Announced on August 2, 2025, by the National Bureau of Statistics in Abuja, the rebasing adjusted Nigeria’s GDP to reflect current economic activities, increasing the nominal GDP by 12% to N225 trillion for 2024. CPPE Director, Dr. Muda Yusuf, stated, 'This rebasing, the first since 2014, provides a clearer picture for investors; it shows growth in tech and informal sectors contributing 8% more than previously estimated.'
Extreme weather events have struck several African countries, including Nigeria, as of August 4, 2025, with floods displacing over 10,000 people in Niger State and drought worsening food insecurity in the Sahel region. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Nigeria alone recorded 200 flood-related deaths in 2025 so far. A spokesperson noted, 'Climate change is amplifying vulnerabilities; urgent adaptation funding is needed.' International donors have pledged $50 million, though experts say it falls short of requirements. Local governments are struggling to provide relief.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with internal dissent as state-level factions challenge national leadership ahead of the 2027 elections. Reports from party insiders in Lagos, Kano, and Rivers States indicate growing dissatisfaction with candidate selection processes and resource allocation, with some state chairmen alleging marginalization. A senior APC member, who requested anonymity, stated on August 3, 2025, 'If these uprisings are not addressed, we risk losing key states in 2027.' Meetings are reportedly underway in Abuja to pacify aggrieved members, with over 20 state chapters involved in the crisis.