BREAKING: Obi slams FG over 70% crash in foreign investments, faults weak leadership

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s dwindling Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), blaming it on poor leadership, weak governance, and uncoordinated reforms.

He noted that Nigeria’s poor performance in key governance indicators, such as the rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and voice and accountability, undermines the country’s attractiveness to sustainable foreign capital.

In a statement on Friday, Obi criticised the Federal Government’s frequent overseas trips in search of investment, describing them as “global galivanting” that fails to address the root causes of investor apathy.

He noted that Nigeria’s poor performance in key governance indicators, such as the rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and voice and accountability, undermines the country’s attractiveness to sustainable foreign capital.

Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Obi revealed that FDI fell by about 70% in the first quarter of 2025, dropping to $126.29 million from $421.8 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.

He added that of the total $5.64 billion capital imported in Q1 2025, FDI made up just 2.24%, down from 8.2% in the previous quarter.

Disturbingly, about 90% of the imported capital went into speculative money market instruments, which have little to no impact on industrial growth or job creation.

This ‘hot money’ can leave the economy just as quickly as it came in,” he warned.

Obi further pointed out that investment in the manufacturing sector declined by 32.1%, falling to $129.92 million in Q1 2025 from $191.92 million in the same period of 2023—an indicator of declining investor trust in the government’s economic direction.

While global FDI to Africa rose by 75% to $97 billion in 2024, Nigeria attracted only $1.08 billion—about 1% of the continent’s total and a 42% drop from 2023.

In contrast, Egypt led the continent with $46.58 billion, followed by Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Uganda, DR Congo, South Africa, Namibia, Senegal, Guinea, and Morocco.

After a 42% drop in FDI between 2023 and 2024, Nigeria has now suffered another 75% decline between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025.

We cannot achieve sustainable growth and development with ineffective leadership and weak governance,” Obi stressed.

Mercy Chinwo, husband welcome second child

Gospel music star Mercy Chinwo and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, are celebrating as they prepare to welcome their second child

Sharing the news on Instagram, Mercy thanked God for adding to their joy and blessing them with “the precious gift of a second baby.”

She wrote, “Generations from us will walk in His light. Through us, many will be blessed, and the nations will call us blessed. To the glory of God… Welcome, our precious gift.”

The singer also celebrated her husband, calling him “an amazing father of two” and expressing gratitude for God’s goodness in their family.

Military aiding armed herdsmen to attack Benue indigenes” – Catholic priest

A Catholic priest has accused the military of complicity in the recent attack on St. Paul’s Catholic Parish in Ikobi, Apa LGA of Benue State.

The priest, identified as Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, said armed Fulani herdsmen razed the parish rectory and looted worship items on Monday.

The attack also displaced dozens of residents, with many fleeing into the bushes.

Ihyula, who serves as the Director of Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, alleged that the attackers moved freely and operated in full view of military personnel.

He said the Church and its humanitarian partners had supported displaced communities for years but are now targets of escalating violence.

St. Paul’s Parish Ikobi, established in 2014, has been reduced to rubble. My life’s work has been destroyed,” Ihyula said.

He added that no community in Apa LGA is safe, and accused the Nigerian military of backing the invaders.

Intersociety, a human rights group, said more than 7,000 Christians have been killed across Nigeria in 2025 alone.

The group warned that Christians could go extinct in Nigeria if the killings are not stopped.

Photos of Alleged Dangote Truck Driver in Phyna’s Sister Crash Surface Online

Photos claiming to show the Dangote truck driver allegedly involved in the accident that injured BBNaija star Phyna’s younger sister have surfaced online, sparking widespread discussion.

The images, which began circulating on social media on Thursday, were reportedly shared by activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) and quickly drew public attention.

The driver, whose identity has not been officially confirmed by authorities, is alleged to have been behind the wheel during the incident that left Phyna’s sister hospitalised.

Meanwhile ObasEmpire reported that Nollywood star Kate Henshaw has joined the list of public figures reacting to news of a road accident in Edo State involving a truck reportedly linked to billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote.

The incident gained widespread attention after BBNaija winner Phyna took to social media to accuse Dangote following the crash that left her younger sister, Otabor Bodon Ruth, critically injured in Auchi.

Activist VeryDarkMan also backed Phyna’s outcry, posting a video that showed Ruth lying in a hospital bed in a severe condition.

In her reaction, Kate Henshaw revealed that one of Ruth’s legs had already been amputated and warned that the second leg was also at risk. The actress noted that the tragic accident occurred just six days after Ruth graduated.

Henshaw further alleged that police officers had barred both the victim’s family and fellow students from gaining access.

This @DangoteGroup truck in police custody in Auchi has hit a young girl who just graduated 6 days ago. The driver didn’t stop. He was chased down by an eyewitness lecturer who went after him. The license plate has been removed. Police are refusing the family n students access. One leg amputated already & the other one may soon be amputated as well. She is lying critical in hospital. She is the junior sister to @unusualphyna Whoever owns the truck should own up. Calling on @PoliceNG @BenHundeyin to make sure justice is served,” she wrote in a viral post on X.

Priscilla Ojo shares more maternity photos

Priscilla Ojo, Nigerian model and daughter of actress Iyabo Ojo, has shared stunning maternity throwback photos with her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, taken in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

In the photos, the couple are dressed in coordinated white-and-denim outfits, tenderly cradling Priscilla’s baby bump against the picturesque island backdrop.

She captioned the post simply

TBT Zanzibar.”

Ubi Franklin breaks silence on allegedly ‘stealing’ watch at Davido’s wedding

Music executive, Ubi Franklin, has denied stealing a luxury watch while in Miami, US, for Davido’s wedding over the weekend.

The rumours began circulating on social media on Wednesday following a report on a blog.

Franklin has now taken to his X account to clarify what really happened.

He wrote: “I am currently aware of the recent circulation on social media linking my name to an alleged theft. I wish to make it clear that these allegations are completely false and misleading.

Recently, I returned from my dear Friend/sister’s wedding and I am currently preparing for my sister’s funeral this coming weekend. It is an extremely difficult and sensitive time for me and my family, but I feel it is important to address this matter directly.

While in Miami, Benny met me and offered to sell me a wristwatch. After reviewing the item and confirming its previous ownership, I decided not to purchase it in order to avoid any potential complications. I clearly communicated with him.

During the wedding church service, Benny sent his brother another wristwatch to me which I had purchased and paid in full.

Given the busy circumstances surrounding the wedding, I was in possession of both wristwatches and wore the one he sent to me through his brother.

After the wedding, I had to leave Miami immediately to finalise my sister’s funeral coming up this weekend. While airborne, I was contacted by Benny regarding the other wristwatch.

I want to state clearly: I am not a thief. I have never stolen from anyone in my life. I purchased a wristwatch and paid in full from Benny.

Benny had earlier in the day debunked this news and yet it still kept spreading.”

JUST IN: President Tinubu Breaks Silence Following Anambra Governor Soludo’s Aso Rock Visit

President Bola Tinubu has commented on the visit of Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a statement posted on his official social media handles, Tinubu described Soludo as “a friend of over two decades” and expressed their shared commitment to deepening democracy, strengthening national security, and driving economic transformation.

We discussed the bold reforms underway, the need to stay the course, and the importance of tackling insecurity through both decisive action and inclusive opportunities for our teeming youth,” the President said. “Our administration will continue to partner with every state serious about human, social, and economic development because Nigeria’s progress is strongest when we work together.”

Earlier, Soludo, who is seeking a second term in November on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), defended his open support for Tinubu’s policies and 2027 re-election bid.

Wearing a fez cap featuring the President’s broken chain logo alongside photographs of himself and Tinubu, Soludo told reporters he had “no apologies” for the alliance.

President Tinubu is my friend — has been my friend for 20 years and counting. You don’t deny your friend,” he said. “I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the areas of the economy and structural reforms. We’re taking the right steps; we only need to stay the course.”

Congratulation Pour As Mr Eazi And Temi Otedola Tied The Knot In A Private Ceremony In Icelan

Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, better known as Mr Eazi, and model cum actress, Temi Otedola, are officially married.

The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in Iceland. Though the exact date of their wedding isn’t known, clips from the low-key wedding ceremony are making rounds online.

According to reports, the wedding was held at the Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik, which was adorned with flowers and closed to the public for the event.

The couple’s romance has been a subject of interest since announcing their engagement in April 2022, with Temi sharing a heartfelt video of the proposal on Instagram.

True to their hints of a private wedding, Mr. Eazi and Temi have kept the details of their special day largely under wraps, but the love and joy they share are evident.

Online videos captured Temi’s mother, Nana Otedola, and her famous sister, DJ Cuppy, leaving the church wedding in breathtaking outfits.

Comedian and skitmaker, Brodashaggi, hinted at the union as he shared clips on his Instagram page showing him with Me Eazi and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, in Iceland.

Refreshing your memory, Mr Eazi engaged his longtime lover, Temi Otedola, on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Speaking on why she accepted his proposal, Temi said she felt a sense of peace with him, like she had found her soulmate, and she had never felt it with anyone else.

The couple revealed, in an interview, that they would love to have only family members attend their wedding, with no more than ten people

Keeping to their words, Mr Eazi, in 2023, confirmed that they were married as he debunked reports of keeping their marriage/wedding secret. He said the Music video of his song, ‘Legalise’, was the footage of their wedding in Venice and was proof that he didn’t keep his wedding secret. He stated that their outfits in the video weren’t just costumes, as he urged people to rewatch the video.

BREAKING: Former Sokoto Governor Tambuwal Released After EFCC Detention

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, a day after he was summoned and interrogated at the agency’s Abuja headquarters.

Tambuwal, a political associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was taken into custody on Monday following his arrival at the commission’s office around 11:30 a.m.

He was grilled over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion.

According to EFCC sources, the investigation is centred on possible breaches of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The transactions under scrutiny were reportedly carried out during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.

CHAN 2024: Home Eagles eliminated after heavy loss to Sudan

The home-based Super Eagles have been eliminated from the 2024 African Nations Championship following a 4-0 defeat to Sudan.

It was their second loss in the competition, having earlier suffered a 1-0 defeat to Senegal.

Anthony Ijoma had a goal ruled out for offside in the 23rd minutes

Nigeria fell behind two minutes later when Leonard Ngenege put the ball into his own net.

Sudan were awarded a penalty one minute before the break after Ngenege handled the ball inside the box.

Walieldin Khidir coolly slotted the ball past Lawal Mustapha.

The Sudanese scored twice more in the second half through Abdel Raouf Yagoub in the 55th and 62nd minutes respectively.

The Home Eagles will face Congo in their final group game next Tuesday.