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In cinema, a MacGuffin is a plot device-an object or a goal-that exists solely to set the story in motion. It is often a detail irrelevant in itself, yet essential to the journey.

For the artist, the ‘MacGuffin’ is the quiet, daily ritual: the discarded sketches, the shifting light in a studio, or the moment of frustration that forces a sudden change in direction.

People often get caught up in the fast-paced rhythm of life, overlooking minute details; yet these details are the silent architects of narratives. ‘MacGuffin Untold’ is an art exhibition dedicated to the ‘in-between’ moments-fragments that seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of things but are instrumental in moving a creator from one point to the next.

Behind the exhibit is Plastiq Zoo, a thriving ecosystem where art and community collide-born of a shared lineage at University of the Philippines Diliman, covering diverse disciplines, such as illustration, advertising, painting, toy design and sculpture.

‘MacGuffin Untold’ will feature the works of Joven Alcala, Nubbin Beldia, Mike D’Arkangel, Erwin Teves-Pascual, Jan Calleja, Candice Arellano, Pam Liban-Sarmiento, and Gelo Bato.

The show will be held at Gallery 119 in Sikatuna, Quezon City, from May 9 to May 31.

Malacañang has issued a travel authority allowing Vice President Sara Duterte to embark on overseas travels May 2 to May 15.

Palace press officer Claire Castro confirmed the approval of Duterte’s request to travel to several European and Asian destinations.

Her original itinerary included visits to the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom from April 23 to May 15.

However, her schedule was later adjusted purportedly because of the tardiness of the travel authority.

Castro said she was not privy to the exact date when the Office of the President (OP) approved Duterte’s latest request for a revised travel authority. Based on the previous authorization by the OP, Duterte was permitted to travel ‘while on leave of absence, at no cost to the government.’

The OBIdient Movement has clarified the political situation surrounding former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that he is still engaged in extensive consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the group said a clear direction is beginning to emerge following a series of high-level engagements with key stakeholders, allies and potential political partners.

The statement, signed by the Interim National Coordinator of the movement, Yunusa Tanko, urged supporters to remain calm and avoid speculation, describing the ongoing consultations as deliberate and strategic.

‘We wish to reassure all supporters and members of the movement across Nigeria and in the diaspora that His Excellency, Peter Gregory Obi, is currently engaged in extensive, high-level consultations with key stakeholders, political allies, and aligned movements,’ Tanko said.

He explained that the consultations are aimed at determining the most effective path forward in the interest of Nigerians and the movement’s vision.

‘These engagements are focused on determining the most strategic and effective path forward in the best interest of the Nigerian people and our shared mission to build a New Nigeria,’ he added.

Tanko stressed that the movement remains committed to its core values of integrity, accountability and active citizen participation, noting that all decisions would reflect its long-term vision for the country.

According to him, Obi remains central to ongoing opposition alignments, as political realignments intensify ahead of 2027.

He, however, cautioned supporters against being misled by unverified reports.

‘We urge all Obidients to remain calm, patient and focused. Do not be swayed by speculative reports,’ he said.

Tanko assured that Obi would, in due course, formally address the movement and the general public to provide clarity on his next political move.

‘Peter Obi remains fully committed to this mission and will, in due course, formally address the Obidient Movement and Nigerians at large to provide clarity on the current situation and the direction ahead.

‘Our strength lies in our unity and focus. Let us remain steadfast as we await further communication,’ he said.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to its social contract with Nigerians, declaring that key promises on security, economic reform and poverty reduction remain on course.

The President made this known on Saturday in Abuja at the 10th anniversary memorial lecture of late legal icon and political activist, Dr Olatunji Akintunde Braithwaite.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Tinubu said his government was implementing policies and programmes designed to improve the welfare of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.

‘Our social contract is very clear. From conditional cash transfers to support for the poorest of the poor, to cultural development and rural growth initiatives that help farmers move their produce from farms to markets, we are taking deliberate steps to improve lives,’ the president said.

He highlighted ongoing reforms in the education and healthcare sectors, noting that the government had introduced measures to expand access to university education for underprivileged but talented students.

According to him, financial support systems, including student loans, are now in place to ensure that lack of resources does not prevent qualified Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

Tinubu also pointed to interventions in the health sector, particularly for pregnant women, as well as funding initiatives targeted at small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), describing them as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty.

‘The list is endless,’ he said, adding that the administration remained focused on delivering inclusive development.

The President used the occasion to reflect on the life and legacy of the late Braithwaite, describing him as a principled advocate for justice, equity and true federalism.

He noted that Braithwaite consistently challenged the status quo through activism and public engagement and was a strong voice for restructuring Nigeria’s governance system.

‘In 2014, he was a revived voice at the National Conference, advocating for a more equitable and united Nigeria,’ Tinubu said. ‘His contributions were not limited to politics alone but extended to broader national discourse.’

The President added that Braithwaite’s intellect and commitment to national development would have made him a valuable contributor to ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and deepen democratic values.

Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, called on political leaders to emulate the ideals of the late elder statesman, stressing the need for integrity and courage in leadership.

‘As we honor Dr. Braithwaite, we must ask ourselves difficult questions,’ Akande said. ‘Where are the leaders who will speak truth without calculation? Where are those who will serve without seeking reward?’

He emphasised that Nigeria’s future would depend not only on policies but also on the character of its leaders, urging public office holders to see power as a trust rather than an entitlement.

Akande described Braithwaite as a man who stood firmly by his convictions, even in the face of adversity, and whose legacy should inspire a new generation of leaders.

‘He showed us that leadership is not about winning elections, but about earning the trust of history,’ he said. ‘That is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.’

In an emotional tribute, the late Braithwaite’s daughter, Omowunmi, said the memorial lecture was an opportunity to reconnect with her father’s legacy through shared memories and reflections.

‘I want to know him through stories, through public records, and through the impact of what he did,’ she said. ‘This gathering brings together those threads and allows us to revisit the ideas he stood for.’

She explained that the event aimed to preserve and celebrate Braithwaite’s contributions to national development while inspiring continued dialogue on the values he championed.

The memorial lecture brought together political leaders, legal practitioners, academics and civil society actors, many of whom paid glowing tributes to Braithwaite’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

The event also served as a platform for renewed calls for principled leadership and sustained commitment to national development, echoing the ideals that defined the late elder statesman’s life and work.

Three people have been confirmed dead in a lone accident along the Oke-Onigbin and Omu-Aran road after the Workers’ Day celebration in Kwara State.

The Tribune gathered that those involved in the accident were members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara Command, Kabir Kazeem, who confirmed the incident, said it occurred around 3 p.m. when the celebrants were returning to their local government from Ilorin, the state capital.

‘A commercial bus, a black Mazda with registration number ARP627KY, was on May 1 involved in a lone accident due to overspeeding.

‘Seven people were involved in the accident, comprising three males and four females, but unfortunately, three females died on the spot,’ he said.

Kazeem noted that FRSC officers rushed to the scene and evacuated the injured passengers and the bodies of the deceased to the nearest hospital in Omu-Aran.

He added that the driver lost control after one of the vehicle’s tyres burst at high speed, leading to the fatal crash.

The Sector Commander said the FRSC would continue to sensitise drivers on road safety and urged passengers to caution drivers where necessary.

The Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Mr Awelewa Gabriel, described the incident as a painful blow to the council, the health sector, and the state as a whole.

‘Our hearts are heavy. These were dedicated professionals who left their homes to celebrate the dignity of labour, only to meet this unfortunate fate on their way back.

‘We have lost patriots who served our communities with compassion and commitment,’ he said.

The Chairman assured that the local government would work with the state government and relevant agencies to support the affected families and assist with medical expenses.

The Grade A Customary Court sitting at Mapo in Ibadan, Oyo State, has adjourned a divorce case filed by a woman, Morenike, against her husband, Abdulmatin, whom she accused of irresponsibility, abuse, battery, and domestic violence.

Morenike told the court that her husband neglected his responsibilities at home, leaving her to shoulder most of the burden.

She stated that she single-handedly catered to the needs of their only child and was also responsible for paying the house rent.

She further described Abdulmatin as violent and abusive, alleging that he frequently beat her and sometimes threatened her with a knife during fights.

She stated that on one occasion, he attempted to suffocate her.

According to her, he was verbally abusive, often insulting and humiliating her in public by calling her a prostitute.

Morenike asked the court to grant her custody of their child and to compel her husband to take responsibility for their child’s welfare, giving attention to feeding, education, and healthcare.

She also requested an order preventing him from threatening or interfering with her private life.

In his response, Abdulmatin denied all the allegations but agreed to the dissolution of their marriage.

Morenike, in her testimony, said, ‘My husband and I began living together shortly after meeting.

‘We did not hold any formal marital rites, neither did my husband pay my bride price.

‘Our relationship was troubled from the beginning of our union.

‘My husband was irresponsible throughout the marriage.

‘I was the one who provided for the family the entire time we were together.

‘He failed in his duties as a father and contributed nothing to our child’s welfare or education.

‘I enrolled her in school and paid most of her fees.

‘My husband was verbally and physically abusive.

‘Instead of appreciating my efforts, he constantly insulted me, even in public.

‘He beat me over trivial issues and once tried to suffocate me.

‘He also threatened me with a knife.

‘I eventually left our marriage out of fear that my husband would one day butcher me.

‘My lord, I am ready to move on with my life.

‘I plead that this relationship be dissolved.’

Morenike begged the court for custody of their child.

She further entreated the court to enforce that her husband assume full responsibility for their child’s upkeep, giving feeding, education and health care preference.

The plaintiff, in addition, requested an order preventing the defendant from threatening and infringing on her private life.

The president of the court, Mrs. S. M. Akintayo, adjourned the case until May 12 for the defence.

The political equation in Kogi East took a new turn on Saturday as former SDP governorship candidate in the November 2023 Kogi election, Alhaji Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, officially announced his bid for the Senate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing his decision to mounting appeals from leaders and residents across the district.

In a statement, Ajaka explained that his entry into the race followed prolonged consultations with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including elders, youth organisations, political allies, and community members.

He noted that the calls for him to contest were persistent and unified, driven by a shared desire to strengthen the district’s voice and reposition it for greater political relevance at the National Assembly.

Ajaka revealed that a recent visit by a delegation of respected Kogi East elders proved pivotal in shaping his final decision, describing the engagement as both symbolic and compelling.

‘Their guidance and sense of unity underscored the responsibility we owe our people in advancing development across the district,’ he said.

Accepting what he described as a collective mandate, Ajaka declared his readiness to represent the district in the Senate.

‘I have resolved to answer this call to serve the people of Kogi East Senatorial District,’ he stated.

He also linked his ambition to broader political dynamics, stressing the importance of fostering unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) while supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Observers believe this approach reflects a calculated effort to balance grassroots representation with alignment to national political interests as the 2027 general elections approach.

‘This aspiration goes beyond representation,’ Ajaka added. ‘It is about rallying support for the success of President Tinubu’s administration and contributing to the consolidation of his mandate ahead of 2027.’

He disclosed that further consultations are underway, including planned engagements with key figures such as Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, aimed at building consensus and strengthening collaboration.

Ajaka assured that his campaign would prioritise inclusiveness, accountability, and sustained interaction with constituents.

‘I remain committed to ensuring that every decision reflects the collective interest of our people,’ he said. ‘Their welfare will always come first.’

With his declaration, political watchers anticipate heightened activity and possible realignments within Kogi East as aspirants and stakeholders begin strategising for what is expected to be a keenly contested senatorial election.

THE United States is moving to withhold 50 per cent of its aid to Nigeria under a new legislative proposal that ties continued support to measurable progress on security, civilian protection, and accountability.

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved the measure as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programmes appropriations bill, reflecting growing concern in Washington over persistent violence in Africa’s most populous nation.

The broader bill allocates about $47.32 billion for foreign aid and diplomacy, a reduction of roughly six per cent from the previous year.

If enacted, the proposal would require the Secretary of State to certify that Nigeria is taking ‘effective steps’ to address insecurity, protect civilians, and prosecute perpetrators before half of the allocated aid can be released.

Lawmakers linked the conditions to continued attacks by militant groups and violence affecting vulnerable communities.

The legislation also directs Nigerian authorities to prioritise support for victims, particularly internally displaced persons, and to facilitate the safe return and reconstruction of affected communities.

It calls for investigations and prosecutions tied to armed groups.

In addition, Nigeria would be required to match U.S. funding for supported programmes, effectively introducing a dollar-for-dollar framework that could increase pressure on government finances.

A committee statement said the bill aims to ‘hold foreign governments accountable for persecuting people of faith’, adding that assistance to Nigeria would remain restricted until ‘measurable actions are taken’ to protect vulnerable populations.

The proposal also places Nigeria under heightened congressional scrutiny, requiring the U.S. administration to notify Congress at least 15 days before any funds are disbursed.

The bill, however, is yet to become law and must still pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the U.S. president.

Nigeria has previously rejected claims that violence in the country is driven by religious persecution, arguing instead that insecurity reflects a complex mix of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.

Nonetheless, the proposed measure signals a shift toward stricter U.S. oversight of foreign assistance and could reshape bilateral relations if approved.

Ibadan was treated to a night of nonstop entertainment on April 25th as the Jameson Whiskey City Takeover made a vibrant stop at the iconic Ibadan Polo Club, Eleyele, pulling a massive crowd for an all-night celebration of music, culture, and lifestyle.

The event opened on a high note with an energetic performance from The Flaming Brothers, who set the tone for the night with their dynamic stage presence and crowd engagement.

They were followed by a thrilling live set from Terry Apala, who brought his unique sound and rhythm to the stage, keeping the momentum alive as DJ sets from DJ YK Mule, DJ Mass, DJ Tizzy, DJ Sharon, DJ Qlown, and DJ Gabi kept the energy flowing between performances.

A standout moment of the night came when reality TV stars Wanni and Handi took to the stage, delighting the crowd with a lively dance performance that sparked cheers and excitement across the venue.

The atmosphere continued to build as DJs rotated seamlessly, leading into one of the night’s biggest highlights-an electrifying performance by Afropop star Young John. His set had the audience singing along and fully immersed in the closing stretch of the event.

With additional DJ sets carrying the night into the early hours, guests enjoyed a full festival experience complete with music, games, food, and drinks in a high-energy, celebratory atmosphere.

The Ibadan edition once again reinforced the Jameson City Takeover as a major force in Nigeria’s lifestyle and entertainment scene, further cementing the city’s reputation as a growing hub for youth-driven cultural experiences.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has formally declared his intention to contest the Zamfara North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections after picking up his expression of interest and nomination forms.

The forms were obtained on April 30 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, one of the designated venues for the sale of nomination forms to aspirants seeking elective offices under the ruling party.

Shinkafi’s decision to enter the senatorial race follows what his supporters described as mounting pressure from stakeholders and residents of Zamfara North Senatorial District, who are seeking what they termed ‘bold and progressive representation’ at the National Assembly.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Barrister Yazid Salihu Aliyu, the APC stalwart said his decision was driven by the need to address longstanding concerns about representation in the district.

According to the statement, Zamfara North has, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, lacked ‘effective, efficient and purposeful representation’ in the Senate, a situation the campaign believes has limited the district’s access to the dividends of democracy.

The statement further raised concerns over what it described as an imbalance in the zoning of the senatorial seat within the district, noting that the position has remained concentrated in a particular area, thereby excluding other local government areas from producing a senator.

‘The indigenes of Zamfara North are demanding that the senatorial seat be zoned to Shinkafi Local Government Area in the interest of justice, fairness, equity and inclusivity,’ the statement said.

It added that such an arrangement would promote unity, peace, and development across the district, which it claimed had experienced years of marginalisation.

Shinkafi, who previously contested for the governorship of Zamfara State, said he accepted the call to run for the Senate in order to contribute to lawmaking and facilitate development projects that would directly benefit his constituency.

He also pledged to focus on addressing security challenges in the region, including armed banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and the displacement of communities.

The APC chieftain said his legislative agenda would align with efforts to improve governance and bring relief to residents affected by years of insecurity.

Shinkafi, who served as Patron of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in 2023, expressed confidence in the APC’s electoral strength in Zamfara State, describing it as a stronghold of the ruling party.

He said the party was well-positioned to win all elective positions in the state in 2027, including delivering victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as it did in the 2023 presidential election.

A seasoned politician, Shinkafi has held several positions across party structures and political campaigns. He is a former national secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and also served as secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees.

He was deputy chairman of the Matawalle Governorship Campaign Council in 2023 and currently serves as executive secretary of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development.

His supporters say his experience in both national and state politics positions him to provide effective representation for Zamfara North and to attract development projects in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

They also described him as a grassroots politician with a track record of advocacy for marginalised communities in the state.

‘As a voice for the voiceless, he has consistently championed the cause of the people and deserves a seat in the Senate for inclusive governance,’ the statement added.

With the 2027 elections still months away, political activities across the state are gradually intensifying, with aspirants positioning themselves for what is expected to be a competitive contest for legislative seats.