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Actress Regina Daniels Opens Up: “My Mum Warned Me, But I’m Ashamed I Fell in Love”

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has confessed to ignoring her mother’s heartfelt warnings about love, only to find herself grappling with deep regret. The 24-year-old star, known for her roles in films like Plantain Boy and The Royal House of Ozubulu, shared her story in an exclusive interview, baring her soul about the pitfalls of young romance.

Daniels, who married billionaire businessman Ned Nwoko in 2019 at the age of 18, has long been a figure of public fascination, her whirlwind romance with the 63-year-old politician sparking debates on age gaps, power dynamics, and the pressures of fame. But in a candid sit-down with Vanguard Entertainment on Tuesday, the actress peeled back the layers of her fairy-tale facade, admitting that her mother’s intuition was spot on.

“My mum warned me,” Daniels said, her voice cracking as she recounted the crucial conversations that preceded her decision to tie the knot. “She saw things I was too blinded by love to notice, the red flags, the imbalances, the way it could change everything. But I was young, headstrong, and convinced it was destiny. Now, years in, I’m ashamed of how I fell so hard, so fast, without listening.”

The confession comes amid a string of  social media posts from Daniels over the past month, including a now-viral Instagram story featuring a broken heart emoji overlaid on a wedding photo, captioned simply, “Regrets in the rearview.” Fans had speculated wildly, from marital woes to career burnout but Daniels clarified that her remorse comes not from malice or betrayal, but from the sobering clarity of hindsight.

“I don’t blame anyone but myself,” she continued, wiping away tears. “Love makes fools of us all, especially when you’re in the spotlight and every move is magnified. Mum was protecting me from losing pieces of myself, and I wish I’d heeded her. But shame doesn’t mean defeat; it’s a teacher. I’m learning, growing, and reclaiming my story.”

Daniels’ mother, Rita Daniels, a veteran actress and producer, has been a vocal supporter in the family’s public narrative, often sharing glimpses of their bond on social media. Sources close to the family tell disclosed that Rita’s warnings were rooted in her own experiences navigating the cutthroat world of entertainment and high-profile relationships. “Rita always says love should lift you, not weigh you down,” one insider revealed. “She saw the weight early on.”

The actress, who shares two young sons with Nwoko, emphasized that her marriage remains intact, though she hinted at ongoing “conversations” about boundaries and personal space. “We’re human, ups, downs, all of it. But this isn’t about ending chapters; it’s about writing better ones. To every young girl out there: Listen to your mum. Love is beautiful, but wisdom is eternal.”

Nollywood has rallied around Daniels in the wake of her disclosure. Fellow stars like Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde flooded her comments with messages of solidarity, with Nnaji posting, “You’ve got the strength of queens, sis. Healing starts with honesty. ❤️” On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #ReginaDanielsConfession trended nationwide, sparking a broader dialogue on maternal advice, celebrity vulnerability, and the myth of the perfect union.

Daniels, ever the resilient force, ended the interview on a note of empowerment. “I’m not ashamed of loving, I’m ashamed of not loving myself enough first. But that’s changing. Watch this space.”

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Regina Daniels’ unfiltered truth is reminding us all that even stars stumble and rise by the light of hard-won lessons.

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China Stands Firmly with Nigeria, Condemns Trump’s Invasion Threats as Sovereignty Breach

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By Prosper Mene 

China has thrown its weight behind Nigeria, denouncing U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating threats of military intervention as a blatant violation of sovereign rights.

The pronouncement, delivered amid rising global tensions over alleged religious persecution in Africa’s most populous nation, underscores Beijing’s deepening strategic ties with Abuja and its staunch opposition to Western-style interference.

The drama unfolded on Tuesday when Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed a packed press conference in Beijing. Responding to queries about Trump’s provocative statements, Ning declared: “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.” She didn’t mince words, adding, “China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”

Mao’s remarks came hot on the heels of Trump’s fiery rhetoric. On October 31, the U.S. leader designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over claims of threats to Christian communities, a label that has long been wielded by Washington to justify sanctions or worse. But Trump upped the ante over the weekend, posting on Truth Social that if Nigeria “continues to condone the killing of Christians,” America would halt all aid and launch military strikes”fast, vicious, and sweet” to root out “Islamic terrorists.”

He reiterated the warning on Sunday, framing it as a defense of Christianity facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria, amid pressure from U.S. evangelical groups amplifying reports of violence.

Nigeria’s government has fired back vehemently, dismissing the accusations as “inconsistent with facts.” In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials emphasized the country’s commitment to combating violent extremism, protecting all citizens, and upholding religious diversity under its constitution. President Bola Tinubu echoed this on Saturday, rejecting any notion of an “existential threat” to Christians and vowing adherence to international norms.

China’s intervention is a crucial moment in the escalating superpower standoff. Beijing, which has poured billions into Nigerian infrastructure, from the Lekki Deep Sea Port to high-speed rail projects views the U.S. threats as a cynical ploy to undermine a key Belt and Road partner. “We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and the use of force,” Mao stressed, calling for global respect of Nigeria’s autonomy.

Analysts see this as more than rhetoric; it’s a strategic countermove in the U.S.-China rivalry, with Nigeria caught in the crossfire of great-power chess.

The Chinese Embassy in Abuja amplified the message on X, reposting Mao’s full response and drawing over 3,500 likes and hundreds of shares within hours. Nigerian voices flooded the platform in support, with users hailing Beijing’s stance as a “wake-up call” against neo-colonialism.

One prominent post urged: “China Must Support Nigeria to Counter this USA Invasion by Trump,” reflecting a mix of defiance and apprehension.

Nigeria, long plagued by insurgencies like Boko Haram that claim victims across faiths, insists the violence is terrorism, not targeted genocide and calls for cooperative global efforts, not unilateral threats.

China’s backing could embolden Abuja diplomatically, but it also risks drawing Nigeria deeper into the Sino-American fray.

For now, Mao Ning’s words hang in the air like a diplomatic shield: Sovereignty isn’t negotiable, no matter the pretext.

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Ogun Students Unveil Tech Solution to Tackle Maternal Health Crisis

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By Prosper Mene 

In a move to combat Nigeria’s alarming maternal mortality rates, a group of determined students from local universities has launched a groundbreaking tech-driven initiative aimed at revolutionizing maternal healthcare in Ogun State’s rural communities. Dubbed “MamaSafe,” the mobile app promises to bridge critical gaps in prenatal care, emergency response, and data tracking, offering a lifeline to expectant mothers in hard-to-reach areas.

The announcement came during a vibrant innovation showcase at the Ogun State University of Agriculture and Technology (OGUNTECH) in Ilesa-Remo, where over 200 students, health experts, and government officials gathered to witness the unveiling. Led by 22-year-old computer science major Aisha Adebayo and her interdisciplinary team from Babcock University and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), MamaSafe integrates AI-powered symptom monitoring, geolocation for ambulance dispatching, and a community-driven telemedicine network.

“Nigeria loses over 800 women daily to pregnancy-related complications, with Ogun State bearing a disproportionate burden due to poor infrastructure and limited access to skilled care,” Adebayo explained in her keynote address. “MamaSafe isn’t just an app, it’s a ecosystem that empowers women with real-time health insights, connects them to midwives via chat, and alerts healthcare providers to high-risk cases before they escalate. We’ve piloted it in three rural clinics in Ikenne and Obafemi-Owode local governments, where we’ve already reduced response times to obstetric emergencies by 40%.”

The app’s core features include:

Personalized Health Tracker: Using simple smartphone inputs, it analyzes symptoms like swelling or severe headaches—early indicators of pre-eclampsia and provides instant advice or escalates to nearby facilities.

Virtual Consult Hub: Video calls with certified midwives, integrated with Ogun State’s health registry for seamless record-sharing.

Data Dashboard for Providers: Aggregates anonymized user data to spot trends, such as seasonal spikes in anemia, aiding proactive interventions.

This student-led effort draws inspiration from broader digital health movements in Nigeria, including the recently launched Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) in Ogun and Bauchi states. MAMII emphasizes sustainable financing and community involvement, but MamaSafe adds a youth-driven layer by leveraging open-source AI tools and partnerships with local tech hubs like CcHUB.

The initiative emerges against a stark backdrop: Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for two-thirds of global maternal deaths, with Nigeria’s rate hovering at 512 per 100,000 live births—far above the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal target of under 70 by 2030. In Ogun, factors like delayed transport and overburdened facilities exacerbate the issue, as highlighted in recent studies on digital interventions in the region.0ba6e7 Yet, as Adebayo’s team demonstrates, technology can foster lasting change. Early pilot data shows a 25% uptick in antenatal clinic attendance among users, echoing successes from similar eHealth projects that boost service utilization and data-driven decision-making.

Dr. Folake Olatunji, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Health, praised the students’ ingenuity at the event. “This is the future of healthcare—innovative, accessible, and homegrown,” she said. “We’re committing N50 million in seed funding to scale MamaSafe statewide, aligning it with MAMII’s digital pillars.” The commissioner also announced plans to train 500 community health workers on the platform by mid-2026.

The students’ journey began six months ago as part of a university hackathon sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s maternal health grant program. “We interviewed over 100 mothers in Ijebu-Ode who shared stories of lost pregnancies due to simple delays,” recalled team member Tunde Olawale, a 21-year-old biomedical engineering student. “That’s when we knew: tech could be the equalizer.”

Challenges remain, including smartphone penetration in rural areas (currently at 45% in Ogun) and data privacy concerns. The team is addressing these by developing a USSD version for feature phones and partnering with telecom giant MTN for zero-rated access.

With endorsements pouring in from NGOs like 2MyBelle Digital Maternal and Child Health Organisation, the app’s rollout could soon extend beyond Ogun, inspiring similar efforts nationwide.

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Baby Food Too Expensive: Mothers Grind Local Grains to Feed Babies

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By Prosper Mene 

A small tin of baby cereal now costs between N20,000 and N50,000 in markets across Nigeria. That is more than double what it was two years ago. For many families, this price is impossible. Nursing mothers are now turning to local grains like millet, sorghum, and guinea corn to feed their babies.

Aisha Bello, 28, lives in Ikeja and works as a clerk. She has two young children. “I used to buy one tin of Cerelac every two weeks,” she said. “Now, that money can pay for rice and beans for the whole family for a month. So I buy guinea corn from the market, soak it overnight, grind it with a mortar and pestle, and cook it into smooth pap. My baby loves it and grows well.”

Years ago, most Nigerian mothers fed babies only breast milk for the first six months to one year. After that, they added soft porridge made from maize, millet, or fonio. These foods were cheap and easy to find. But in the 1970s and 1980s, television ads showed shiny tins of baby food from big companies. Many mothers, especially in cities, switched to buying them. It felt modern and fast.

Today, the high cost has pushed families back to the old ways. A bag of millet costs N2,000 and can make food for a baby for two weeks. Adding groundnuts or ripe banana makes it richer. One mother in Oshodi said, “With N500, I feed my child for three days. A tin of baby food finishes in less than a week and costs twenty times more.”

Doctors say this change can be good if done right. Dr. Fatima Adebayo works at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. She said, “Local grains have plenty of iron, fiber, and energy. But the grinding tools and pots must be very clean to avoid germs. We are seeing more mothers bring healthy babies who eat homemade food.” Her hospital now runs free weekly classes to teach safe food making.

Community groups are also helping. The Nigerian Mothers’ Network holds workshops in churches and markets. They show how to wash grains, dry them in the sun, grind finely, and cook slowly. One teacher said, “We are bringing back our grandmothers’ knowledge. It saves money and keeps culture alive.” Despite the hard work, mothers say they feel proud to feed their children well without depending on costly tins.

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Ngozi Nwosu: “Marriage Is Not Do-or-Die” –Actress Reveals Abuse Nightmare ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu has opened up about the harrowing domestic violence she endured in her marriage, urging women to prioritize their safety over societal pressures.

‎Speaking on the podcast Real Life Matters With Aunty Ayo, hosted by her colleague Ayo Adesanya, Nwosu declared that marriage should never be treated as a “do-or-die affair,” emphasizing that no one deserves to live in fear.

‎The 62-year-old star, best known for her iconic role as “Peace” in the long-running sitcom Fuji House of Commotion, shared details of the physical abuse she suffered, including brutal beatings even during her pregnancy. “I don’t believe marriage is a do-or-die affair,” Nwosu stated firmly, her voice steady despite the pain etched in her words.

‎ “When the domestic violence is too much, you’ve got to move. It’s your life we’re talking about, not that person’s life.”

‎Nwosu’s story began with a near-escape, Just a day before her wedding, she walked away from the ceremony after an explosive incident of violence from her then-fiancé. “I saw the domestic violence coming from his side, and I refused to sign the registrar,” she recounted, describing how her partner dragged her by the hair, leaving her bleeding and ready to fight back with lethal force.

‎Despite her resolve, family pressure, particularly from her elder sister, convinced her to proceed, with assurances that things would improve. “She begged me not to discontinue the marriage plans,” Nwosu revealed, a decision she now regrets.

‎The abuse persisted into the marriage, escalating to the point where Nwosu endured punches while pregnant. “He beat me even in pregnancy,” she said, her tone laced with disbelief at her own endurance.

‎For years, she suffered in silence, shielding her ordeal from the public eye. “Even when the press came after me, I told them I didn’t want to wash my dirty linen in public. It was well while it lasted, but I don’t want to talk about it,” she admitted.

‎Her late husband’s violence became a pattern she couldn’t ignore, culminating in a moment of clarity: “Once beaten, always beaten. If you take it once, you just be ready to take it for the rest of your life.”

‎Nwosu’s testimony comes amid a growing national conversation on gender-based violence in Nigeria, where reports indicate that one in three women experiences some form of intimate partner abuse.

‎By sharing her story now, Nwosu hopes to empower others. “People go on social media to say, ‘He slapped me, he did this.’ But when you experience real beating, proper pummeling, you won’t remember social media. You’ll only be struggling for your life,” she warned, dismantling the myth that minor incidents are isolated.

‎The podcast episode, released late last month, has garnered widespread praise from fans and industry peers for its unfiltered honesty. “Ngozi’s courage could save lives,” one viewer commented online, while another hailed her as a “beacon for abused women everywhere.”

‎Nwosu, who has starred in over 100 films and remains a Nollywood stalwart, has long been admired for her resilience, qualities she now channels into advocacy.

‎Nwosu’s message is clear: Apologies from abusers are traps, and second chances often lead to more pain. “Don’t fall for any man who beats you and begs you later,” she advised. “Walk away before it’s too late.”

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Taraba Women and NEDC Launch Groundbreaking Cancer Awareness Campaign to Empower Communities

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By Prosper Mene 

The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Taraba State Chapter, in partnership with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), unveiled a comprehensive Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign today. The initiative, themed “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” urges women across the region to prioritize regular screenings for early detection, aiming to slash the alarming mortality rates from these preventable diseases.

The flag-off event, held at a vibrant community gathering in Jalingo, drew hundreds of attendees, including healthcare professionals, local leaders, and women from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Echuseh Audu, President of MWAN Taraba State Chapter, opened the proceedings with a passionate address, emphasizing the campaign’s role in bridging gaps in women’s health education. “This is more than an event, it’s a commitment to saving lives through awareness, collaboration, and accessible care,” Dr. Audu declared. She highlighted how breast and cervical cancers claim countless lives annually in Nigeria due to late diagnoses, particularly among women over 50, and stressed that routine screenings could dramatically improve outcomes.

Representing the NEDC, Amahdy Gagwi Tarfa praised MWAN’s dedication and reaffirmed the commission’s unwavering support for health initiatives in the North East. “By joining forces, we are not just raising awareness; we are building resilient communities equipped to fight back,” Tarfa said. The NEDC’s involvement underscores its broader mandate to foster development in the region, including bolstering healthcare infrastructure amid ongoing recovery efforts from environmental and social challenges.

The launch featured expert-led health talks that demystified the diseases. Dr. Maryam Musa Haruna, a leading oncologist, delivered an engaging session on “Understanding Breast Cancer: Signs, Prevention, and Early Detection,” covering self-examination techniques, lifestyle factors, and the red flags like lumps or unusual discharge. Complementing this, Dr. Rakiya Jibril addressed “Cervical Cancer Awareness: The Role of Vaccination and Screening,” spotlighting the HPV vaccine’s preventive power and Pap smear tests as game-changers for at-risk groups.

Dr. Aisha Adamu, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, hailed the campaign as a “landmark effort” for Taraba’s health sector. “We’ve seen too many stories end too soon because of silence and stigma. This partnership empowers women to own their health narratives,” she noted, calling for sustained government funding to expand screening facilities statewide.

Organizers announced that the campaign will roll out across Taraba’s rural and urban communities in the coming weeks, offering free screenings, educational workshops, and support resources. Early feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many vowing to schedule check-ups and spread the word in their networks. One attendee, a mother of three from a nearby village, shared, “I never knew a simple test could save my life. Today, I feel seen and strong.”

This initiative arrives at a critical juncture, as studies from the region indicate that while knowledge of cervical cancer risks hovers around 88% among Taraba women, screening uptake remains low due to access barriers and misconceptions.

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Clears Air: Invitation to Akpabio and Senators ‘Procedural Courtesy,’ Not Reconciliation Bid

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By Prosper Mene 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has emphasized that her recent invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and fellow lawmakers for a project inauguration in her constituency was strictly a matter of legislative protocol, not a personal overture amid their past tensions.

The clarification comes just days after Akpabio publicly read Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter during Thursday’s Senate plenary session, extending an invitation to her colleagues to join the commissioning of several constituency projects in Kogi State. The event, timed to coincide with her second anniversary as a senator, was framed in the letter as an opportunity to showcase “what the Lord has done in my life” through public service initiatives.

However, the gesture quickly sparked online chatter and media interpretations suggesting it was an attempt at reconciliation, especially given the senator’s rocky history with Akpabio. Their clashes date back to February 20, when a heated exchange over chamber seating arrangements escalated into a broader confrontation, and more recently on October 22, during debates over amendments to the Criminal Code Bill. Akpoti-Uduaghan was also suspended earlier this year before her reinstatement in August, with ongoing court cases related to her election victory still pending.

Taking to her social media platforms, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the rumors with a mix of frustration and resolve. “Announcement by protocol don turn to ‘Olive Branch, Reconciliation’. If I didn’t invite you all to ‘see what the Lord has done in my life’, you’d say I’m ignoring the institution,” she posted cryptically, underscoring the no-win scenario she faced.

In a detailed statement, the senator elaborated that the invitation adhered to standard National Assembly practices: routing the letter through the presiding officer for official reading on the floor. “Today, as is customary for announcements of this nature, I submitted my letter through the presiding officer for the Senate President to read on the floor,” she explained. “This is not about personal recognition but about celebrating the achievements of public service.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her advocacy on women’s rights and community development, stressed her commitment to institutional norms despite personal and legal hurdles. “I’m a progressive person. Even with ongoing court cases, I continue to carry out my duties in the chamber and follow proper procedures,” she affirmed, positioning the event as a testament to collaborative governance rather than rivalry.

The projects slated for inauguration include infrastructure and social initiatives aimed at bolstering Kogi Central’s development, reflecting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s focus on tangible deliverables for her constituents. Her approach, she noted, avoids the isolation of solo celebrations while upholding due process, a nod to the collegial ethos of the Senate.

Political observers see this as a mature pivot from confrontation to cooperation, though Akpoti-Uduaghan’s words leave little room for misinterpretation: protocol first, personalities second.

The event is scheduled for the coming weeks in Kogi State, with invitations open to all senators as a gesture of inclusivity. Whether Akpabio attends remains to be seen, but for now, Akpoti-Uduaghan has reclaimed the narrative on her terms.

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Invites Akpabio, Colleagues to Commission Constituency Projects in Kogi

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By Prosper Mene

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has formally invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio and all senators to the official commissioning of her constituency projects in Kogi State, marking her second anniversary in office.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area. The central gathering point will be her residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street. Senators traveling by air are advised to use the Obajana Airstrip, followed by a short road trip to the venue.

During Thursday’s plenary session, Senate President Akpabio personally read the senator’s handwritten invitation letter to the chamber. “In celebration of my two years as a serving Senator, I warmly invite my distinguished colleagues to join me in commissioning development projects in Kogi Central,” the letter stated.

Akpabio responded with a smile: “Congratulations in advance, Senator Natasha. We wish you a successful event.”

The invitation comes just two months after Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to the Senate on September 24, 2025, following a controversial six-month suspension imposed on March 6, 2025. The suspension stemmed from a heated dispute over her assigned seat in the chamber, which she claimed was changed without due process. Critics called the action politically motivated to silence her outspoken advocacy.

Since her return, the senator has been actively engaged in legislative work. She recently:

Sponsored an amendment to the Criminal Code Act (2025) to strengthen penalties for gender-based violence.

Introduced a bill to establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centers for early diagnosis and support.

The projects to be commissioned include:

Solar-powered boreholes for rural communities

Women’s skills acquisition and training centers

Youth empowerment and vocational programs

Political observers view the invitation as a strategic gesture of reconciliation. “By bringing the Senate President to her home state, Senator Natasha is not just showcasing results, she’s rebuilding bridges,” said a senior legislative aide.

The event will highlight her focus on grassroots development despite past political battles. Elected in 2023 amid legal challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for women, youth, and rural infrastructure in Kogi Central.

Whether Senate President Akpabio will attend remains to be seen, but the invitation has already sparked positive reactions in the Red Chamber.

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Tinubu Reverses Maryam Sanda’s Pardon Amid Public Backlash

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By Prosper Mene 

 In a response to widespread public outrage, President Bola Tinubu has revoked the presidential pardon granted to Maryam Sanda, a woman convicted of killing her husband.

Sanda, who faced a death sentence, will now serve a total of 12 years in prison, meaning she has about six more years left to complete her term.The decision came just days after the initial pardon list sparked fierce criticism across Nigeria.

Maryam Sanda, 37, was sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020 by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. She was found guilty of culpable homicide in the 2017 stabbing death of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Haliru Bello. The case drew national attention due to its tragic details and the high-profile family involved. Sanda has been held at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre since her conviction, where she has spent six years and eight months so far.

The controversy began earlier this month when President Tinubu approved clemency for 175 convicts, including Sanda, on the advice of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. Her family had appealed for mercy, citing her good behavior in prison, remorse, and the needs of her two young children. The pardon was seen as a compassionate act, but it quickly ignited a firestorm of anger from victims’ families, opposition leaders, and ordinary Nigerians who viewed it as a slap in the face to justice.

Public reaction was swift and intense. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the pardons, calling them a “grave setback to Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign” and an “affront to justice,” especially since the list included people convicted of drug trafficking and other serious crimes. The African Democratic Congress and human rights groups, like the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law, also slammed the decision as a “mockery of justice.”6040e7 Social media exploded with hashtags and posts demanding accountability, with many arguing that freeing a convicted murderer undermined trust in the legal system.

Facing the mounting pressure, President Tinubu acted quickly. On Wednesday, October 29, an official gazette announced the reversal, signed off by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Sanda’s full pardon was scrapped, and her sentence was commuted to 12 years instead, based on “compassionate grounds” like her role as a mother and model prisoner behavior. The updated list also removed 68 other names tied to crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms possession. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi confirmed the changes followed consultations with the Council of State.

In a statement, the presidency thanked Nigerians for their “constructive feedback” and stressed the administration’s dedication to fair justice reforms.bf7075 To prevent future missteps, Tinubu ordered the Advisory Committee’s secretariat moved from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice for better oversight. He also issued posthumous pardons to historical figures like environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and poet Mamman Jiya Vatsa, honoring their legacies without stirring controversy.

The reversal has brought some relief to critics, but questions linger about the pardon process. Bilyaminu Bello’s family, despite earlier forgiveness from the victim’s father, welcomed the tougher stance as a win for accountability. Women’s rights advocates praised the balance of mercy and punishment, noting it protects Sanda’s children while honoring the victim’s memory.

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Nigeria Police Force Gears Up to Honor 70 Years of Women in Policing

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By Prosper Mene

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is preparing to mark a historic milestone by celebrating 70 years of women’s contributions to law enforcement. The event, announced by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, honors the courage and dedication of female officers since their first enlistment in 1955.

Scheduled for December 3-4, 2025, the two-day commemoration will bring together serving and retired policewomen to reflect on their transformative impact on national security.

Over the decades, women have joined the ranks of the NPF in growing numbers, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. From handling administrative duties to leading tactical operations and investigations, female officers have proven their mettle in diverse roles. Their entry in 1955 marked the beginning of a gradual shift toward gender inclusivity, helping to build a more balanced and empathetic police service.

IGP Egbetokun praised the women as “pillars of integrity, empathy, and excellence,” crediting them with enhancing the force’s operational success and public trust. He highlighted how their compassionate approach has redefined policing, fostering stronger community ties and improving responses to sensitive issues like gender-based violence. This anniversary underscores the NPF’s progress in empowering women to rise to leadership positions.

The celebration will feature a lineup of engaging activities designed to educate and inspire. Highlights include a national lecture on the evolution of women in policing, an exhibition showcasing historical artifacts and milestones, and interactive panel discussions with veteran officers. These sessions will explore challenges faced and lessons learned, offering insights for future generations.

A community outreach program will cap the events, focusing on mentoring young women interested in law enforcement careers. This initiative aligns with the IGP’s vision for ongoing training and development, ensuring female officers receive the tools to excel. By promoting professionalism and inclusivity, the NPF aims to attract more diverse talent to its ranks.

This 70th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of women’s enduring role in safeguarding the nation. The NPF’s commitment to their advancement not only strengthens the force but also inspires broader societal change.

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