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Why teenage pregnancy is on the rise in Nigeria – Expert explains

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By Prosper Mene 

A growing crisis of teenage pregnancy in Nigeria has sparked concern, with medical expert Mrs. Roseline Akinlabi, Adolescent Desk Officer at the Osun State Primary Healthcare Board, sounding the alarm on its causes and consequences. Speaking at an enlightenment program organized by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in Osogbo, Akinlabi attributed the surge to a combination of social, cultural, and systemic factors, urging a comprehensive response to curb the trend.

Akinlabi identified child marriage, peer pressure, early onset of menstruation (menarche), and sexual violence, including rape, as primary drivers of the rising rates. She referenced UNICEF data indicating that Nigeria has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates globally, with one in ten girls projected to become mothers before age 18, particularly in the North Central and North-West regions like Bauchi and Gombe.

The health risks are severe, with complications such as eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and systemic infections posing significant threats to young mothers. Beyond physical dangers, teenage pregnancy often leads to school dropouts, limited career prospects, and profound emotional and psychological impacts, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.

“Teenage pregnancy can cause stress and traumatic experiences, potentially leading to mental health issues,” Akinlabi noted, emphasizing additional risks like unsafe abortions and physical abuse. She stressed that preaching abstinence, especially during early adolescence, remains the safest preventive measure.

To address the crisis, Akinlabi advocated for multifaceted solutions, including combating gender-based violence, empowering girls through education, providing comprehensive sex education, and improving access to contraception. She called for a structured, holistic approach to tackle the root causes and mitigate the long-term consequences.

The issue is compounded by systemic challenges in Nigeria, such as limited access to healthcare and education, particularly in rural areas. UNICEF has committed $1 billion over the next five years to address adolescent health issues, including teenage pregnancy, signaling a renewed focus on the crisis.

 

 

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Nurses Protest at UCTH Over Arrest of Colleagues in Calabar

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By Prosper Mene 

The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) was thrown into chaos on Monday as over 200 nurses staged a protest, barricading the hospital’s main gate and halting vehicular movement. The demonstration was sparked by the arrest of three nurses, identified as Joy, Mary, and Deborah by the Nigeria Police Force following the death of a patient and the alleged theft of the deceased’s SIM card.

The incident began when a patient, brought to the hospital by an unidentified Good Samaritan, died during the night. According to reports, the nurses failed to record the Good Samaritan’s details, a lapse deemed unethical by some observers. When the patient’s relatives arrived, they discovered the missing SIM card and demanded information about the Good Samaritan. Unable to provide answers, the nurses faced accusations of theft, leading to their arrest.

Outraged by what they called an “unfair” and “humiliating” detention, nurses marched to the Cross River State Police Command, demanding the immediate release of their colleagues. The protest disrupted medical services, leaving patients unable to access treatment and causing tension at the facility. In one reported incident, protesting nurses allegedly assaulted a visitor attempting to enter the hospital morgue.

The UCTH chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives condemned the arrests, describing the police’s actions as “unlawful” and “dehumanizing.” They called for a full investigation into the conduct of the officers involved and the unconditional release of the detained nurses.

Efforts to obtain a response from UCTH management were unsuccessful, as the chief medical director’s office did not respond to inquiries. The hospital’s silence has fueled frustration among staff, with one nurse, speaking anonymously, expressing dismay at the administration’s failure to address the issue before it escalated.

The protest has raised questions about hospital protocols for patient admission and the treatment of healthcare workers in Nigeria.The public awaits further developments on the nurses’ release and the investigation into the patient’s death

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Zamfara Government Denies False Claims of Sharia Trial for Woman Allegedly Converting to Christianity

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By Prosper Mene 

The Zamfara State Government has strongly refuted viral social media reports claiming that a 22-year-old woman, Zainab Muhamadu, faces trial in a Sharia court for converting from Islam to Christianity. In an official statement released on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for Governor Dauda Lawal, described the story as “mischievous fake news” spread by individuals aiming to incite religious tension.

The government clarified that no such case exists before any Sharia court in Zamfara State, emphasizing that the claims are entirely fabricated. Authorities, including the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara Sharia Court of Appeal, were consulted to verify the story, which was confirmed to be false. The statement also revealed that the image accompanying the viral report, falsely presented as Zainab, was of an American woman named Aalia from Texas, misappropriated to fuel the narrative.

“The Zamfara State Government has acted swiftly by summoning all relevant authorities and security agencies to verify the authenticity of the story, which ultimately proved to be a blatant falsehood,” Idris said, attributing the report to an online platform notorious for spreading unverified content, specifically naming Sahara Reporters as the source.

The government condemned the spread of misinformation, criticizing media platforms for republishing unverified social media content without due diligence. “This is a clear example of yellow journalism that should be condemned by all well-meaning citizens,” the statement noted, highlighting the potential of such reports to disrupt peace and stir religious tension in Zamfara and Nigeria at large.

Zamfara authorities have called on security agencies to investigate the origins of the false report and prosecute those responsible, aiming to deter future misinformation. The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and urged the public to verify information before sharing.

 

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Senator Natasha Alleges Police Bias in Handling Petitions Against Akpabio, Yahaya Bello

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) of bias and favoritism in their handling of multiple petitions she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The allegations, detailed in a letter by her legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sen. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, cites what the senator describes as deliberate stalling of investigations into her complaints while the police swiftly acted on a counter-petition against her.

According to the letter, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions include a March 25 report alleging threats to her life, a March 31 complaint regarding the unauthorized withdrawal of her police security detail, and an April 4 petition accusing Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. Despite her cooperation, West-Idahosa claims her original petitions and evidence were excluded from the case file concerning Akpabio’s counter-petition, which alleges defamation by the senator. The legal team was also recently informed that the police had concluded their investigation into Akpabio’s petition without addressing her claims.

“It is obvious that this unwillingness to thoroughly and impartially investigate the petitions may be due to the high political office occupied by Senator Godswill Akpabio,” West-Idahosa stated, adding that Bello, no longer protected by gubernatorial immunity, should also be subject to a full criminal investigation. The senator described the police’s response as “discriminatory” and “preferential,” suggesting their actions were influenced by the political stature of the accused.

Both Akpabio and Bello have filed counter-petitions with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing the senator of defamation and incitement.

Akpabio, in a petition dated April 3, 2025, called Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations “heinous lies” aimed at tarnishing his reputation and inciting unrest. Bello’s legal team similarly labeled her statements as “false, reckless, and inciting,” demanding her prosecution for criminal defamation. The senator, however, insists she has evidence to support her claims and has urged the police to investigate her petitions thoroughly rather than prioritizing those against her.

The ongoing feud has increased political tensions, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month Senate suspension, linked to a dispute over seating arrangements, adding fuel to her claims of political victimization. She has also raised concerns about an attack on her family home in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi State, which she attributes to Akpabio, Bello, and Ododo.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the Inspector General to restore her security detail and conduct an impartial investigation into her allegations. The Nigeria Police Force has yet to respond publicly to the senator’s accusations of bias.

 

 

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Chelsea Women Celebrate FA Cup Triumph with Viral ‘Shake Body’ Dance

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By Prosper Mene 

Chelsea FC Women marked their emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final with a vibrant locker room celebration, dancing to the 2014 Nigerian Afrobeats hit “Shake Body” by Skales. The joyous moment, captured in a video shared on the team’s official X page, has gone viral, showcasing the players’ exuberance and camaraderie following their dominant performance at Wembley.

The celebration, which saw the squad grooving to the upbeat track, resonated widely, with fans and media praising the team’s spirit. The choice of “Shake Body” aligns with its recent global resurgence, sparked by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal incorporating the song’s dance into his celebrations. Nigerian artist Skales, whose real name is Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, expressed delight at the renewed attention, noting his ambition to elevate the song’s global reach.

Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph, sealed with a commanding performance, showing their dominance in women’s football, with the viral dance video adding a lively chapter to their victory narrative. The celebration has also spotlighted Nigerian music’s growing influence, with “Shake Body” becoming an anthem for joyous moments in sport.

 

 

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Nollywood Actress Jumoke George Reunites with Daughter After Four-Year Ordeal in Mali

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By Prosper Mene 

Veteran Yoruba actress Jumoke George has been reunited with her 41-year-old daughter, Adeola, who returned to Nigeria after being trafficked to Mali four years ago. The emotional reunion, facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), marks the end of a harrowing chapter for the George family, sparking widespread relief and celebration among fans and well-wishers.

Jumoke George first brought attention to her daughter’s disappearance during a heartfelt interview on the “Talk to B” YouTube podcast, hosted by actress Biola Adebayo. George revealed that Adeola, who had been living with her grandmother in Ibadan, vanished after informing her family she was traveling to Lagos. Despite exhaustive efforts to locate her, George spent four years without contact, adding to the actress’s ongoing struggles with health and financial challenges.

“I try to find her with any money I get,” a tearful George shared on the podcast, highlighting the toll the search had taken. “I have never ruined anyone’s life. I am tired, I can no longer bear it.”

The breakthrough came when Adebayo, moved by George’s plea, contacted Adeola and confirmed she was in Mali. Adebayo alerted the Nigerian Embassy in Mali and worked with NiDCOM, led by Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to secure Adeola’s return. On May 19, 2025, Dabiri-Erewa announced on X that Adeola had been safely repatriated, writing, “Breaking! Adeola, daughter of popular actress Jumoke George, is back home from Mali, where she was trafficked to. Just received her, with Biola Adebayo who broke the story and Niyi Johnson.”

In a video shared by Adebayo, a visibly emotional George reunited with her daughter, tearfully asking, “Adeola, what did I do to you?” Adeola revealed she had been trafficked to Mali and sold to another person upon arrival, with demands to pay N1.5 million to her captors. The emotional exchange captured the pain of their separation and the joy of their reunion.

NiDCOM’s swift action, supported by the Nigerian Embassy in Mali, was praised for coordinating Adeola’s rescue. Dabiri-Erewa also issued a warning against deceptive job offers abroad, stating, “They were all a journey to slavery.”

George, currently undergoing medical treatment in Lagos, expressed gratitude to NiDCOM, Adebayo, and all who supported her family’s cause. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, celebrating the reunion while calling for increased awareness of human trafficking.

 

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Mercy Johnson Debunks Cancer Rumors, Confirms Thyroid Issue Resolved

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By Prosper Mene 

Renowned Nollywood actress and producer Mercy Johnson-Okojie has publicly debunked circulating rumors that she is battling cancer, bringing relief to her millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond. In a heartfelt statement released on her social media platforms, the 40-year-old star clarified that she is in good health, addressing speculations that stemmed from a misinterpretation of a past discussion about a health scare involving a thyroid condition.

The controversy originated from a resurfaced clip from her TV show, where Johnson discussed a previous health challenge. Some viewers misunderstood her remarks, leading to widespread claims on social media that the actress was suffering from cancer. The rumors gained traction in recent weeks, prompting concern among fans and entertainment outlets.

In her response, Mercy Johnson set the record straight: “I do NOT have cancer. I had a thyroid issue, which was a scare at the time, but it has long been resolved. I’m healthy and grateful for life.” She urged fans to revisit the original video for context, emphasizing that the misinformation was a misunderstanding blown out of proportion. “I appreciate the love and prayers, but please, let’s stop the rumors. I’m fine,” she added, reassuring her audience.

Sources close to the actress, confirmed that Johnson’s health scare occurred years ago and was successfully managed. The thyroid issue, which initially raised concerns due to its severity, was treated, and the actress has since maintained her vibrant career and personal life.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie, a household name in Nollywood, is celebrated for her roles in films like Dumebi: The Dirty Girl and The Legend of Inikpi, as well as her work as a producer and TV personality. The mother of four has consistently used her platform to connect with her audience, often sharing glimpses of her family life and professional endeavors.

This is not the first time a Nigerian celebrity has faced health-related rumors, showcasing the challenges of misinformation in the digital age.

Johnson’s swift response has been lauded as a step to curb speculation and reassure her global fanbase.

 

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Senator Natasha Petitions IGP, AGF, Accuses Senate President Akpabio, Sandra Duru of Defamation and Blackmail

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a formal petition with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, demanding an urgent investigation into what she describes as a coordinated campaign of defamation, cyberstalking, and blackmail orchestrated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and U.S.-based activist Sandra Duru, also known as Professor Mgbeke. The petition, dated May 15, 2025, alleges serious criminal acts, including conspiracy and attempted assassination, aimed at destroying the senator’s reputation and silencing her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

The controversy stems from a February 2025 television interview where Senator Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming he made inappropriate remarks and linked her legislative bill’s progress to personal favors. The allegations sparked a legal and political firestorm, culminating in Natasha’s suspension from the Senate in March 2025 for alleged misconduct, despite a court order restraining disciplinary actions. Akpabio has denied the accusations and filed a contempt claim against Natasha, with a Federal High Court hearing adjourned to May 13, 2025.

The petition centers on a May 1, 2025, Facebook Live broadcast by Sandra Duru, who allegedly presented manipulated voice recordings and call logs to claim Natasha fabricated the harassment allegations to destabilize the Nigerian government. Duru further accused Natasha of offering her ₦200 million to falsely implicate Akpabio in organ harvesting and the 2021 murder of Iniubong Umoren. Natasha has vehemently denied these claims, describing the broadcast as a “criminal act” intended to incite violence and ruin her reputation. Her legal team, led by Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), argues that Duru’s broadcast violated multiple Nigerian laws, including those on cyberstalking and defamation.

A key point of contention is Duru’s call log, inadvertently displayed during the broadcast, which included contacts labeled “Senator Akpabio,” “IGP Kayode,” and “My Daddy Directline.” Natasha’s petition suggests these contacts indicate a conspiracy involving Akpabio and possibly senior security officials. The petition also highlights Duru’s use of the alias “Professor Mgbeke,” which Natasha claims was a deceptive persona used to manipulate public opinion and launch a “treasonous smear campaign.”

Further complicating the saga, Nigerian journalist Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya recently accused Duru of paying her ₦300,000 to manipulate audio recordings against Natasha. Ogbonnaya claimed she edited out defamatory content, leading Duru to reject the final product. While Ogbonnaya called for a police investigation, she clarified there is no direct evidence linking Akpabio to Duru’s actions.

Natasha’s petition urges the IGP and AGF to investigate Akpabio, Duru, and their associates thoroughly, prosecute those found culpable, and ensure her protection amid escalating threats.

The Senate President’s office has yet to respond to the latest petition, though Akpabio previously dismissed Natasha’s allegations as baseless. Duru, who has petitioned international and Nigerian authorities to probe Natasha’s claims, maintains her accusations are supported by evidence. The Nigeria Police Force and AGF’s office have not publicly commented on the petitions.

As the legal battle intensifies, public reactions remain two sided. Some groups, like the Afenifere Youth Stakeholders Forum, have called on Akpabio to clarify his alleged ties to Duru, while others, including the Arewa Youths Progressive Assembly, have labeled Duru a “serial blackmailer” and demanded her deportation from the UK.

 

 

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Actress Mercy Aigbe Pens Heartfelt Apology to Daughter for Harsh Upbringing

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By Prosper Mene 

Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has publicly apologized to her daughter, Michelle, for the strict and sometimes harsh parenting style she employed during her upbringing. The emotional revelation, which has sparked widespread discussion on social media, cites the actress’s reflections on her journey as a single mother and her desire to mend past wounds with her daughter.

In a recent video shared across platforms, Aigbe opened up about the challenges of raising Michelle single-handedly, admitting that her disciplinary methods were often severe. “For years, I was a single mom to my daughter, Michelle, and just three days ago, I had to send an apology text to her for the harsh upbringing I gave her,” Aigbe shared, as reported in posts across social media platforms like X. She recounted a particularly striking moment when Michelle, now studying in Canada, revealed she was “traumatized” after recalling an incident where Aigbe struck her with a bucket. “I said, ‘Are you mad?’” Aigbe recounted with a mix of humor and regret, acknowledging the intensity of her past actions.

The actress’s apology comes from her realization that her strict approach, rooted in traditional African parenting values, may have left lasting emotional scars. “I was harsh, but I raised a vessel for God,” Aigbe said, expressing pride in Michelle’s growth while recognizing the need to address the pain caused by her methods. The heartfelt gesture has resonated with many, with fans and observers praising Aigbe’s vulnerability and accountability.

Social media reactions, reflect a mix of admiration and empathy. One user described the apology as “beautiful,” noting the courage it takes for a parent to publicly own their mistakes. Others have sparked conversations about the implications of African parenting styles, with Aigbe’s story prompting debates on balancing discipline with emotional nurture.

Aigbe’s apology not only humanizes her as a mother but also underscores the evolving dynamics of parent-child relationships in modern African families.

Her apology serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reflection, forgiveness, and growth in family bonds.

 

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Suspected Rapist Machetes 14-Year-Old Girl into Coma in Abia

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By Prosper Mene 

Obete Nchina Village, Ntighauzo community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, was thrown into shock on when a suspected rapist, identified as Chinazum Ubani, allegedly attacked a 14-year-old girl, leaving her in a coma. The victim, identified as Felicia, suffered severe machete wounds after reportedly resisting an attempted rape by the suspect.

According to reports, the incident occurred when Ubani allegedly lured Felicia to a bush area in the village. When she resisted his advances, he attacked her with a machete, inflicting deep cuts that caused significant blood loss. A search party later found the girl unconscious in the bush and rushed her to a hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

The victim’s father expressed his anguish, stating, “My daughter had fallen into a coma when she was rescued by the search party in the bush.” He appealed to the wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for assistance, noting that his daughter may face permanent disability due to the severity of her injuries.

Local authorities have launched an investigation, and the suspect is reportedly in custody. The brutal attack has sparked outrage in the community, with residents calling for justice and increased security measures to protect vulnerable individuals.

This tragic incident sheds light on the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in the region, ganarring renewed calls for stronger interventions to ensure the safety of women and girls.

 

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