Category: Nigerian Tribune

It is a singular honour to have been invited to serve as the Mother of the Day at this eighth annual lecture, organised by Penpushing Media.

I warmly commend the organisers for sustaining a platform that enriches public discourse and deepens our collective reflection on the issues that define the future of our democracy.

The theme of today’s lecture, ‘Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability’, speaks directly to one of the defining challenges of our time.

Elections are not merely periodic political contests; they are the constitutional expression of the sovereignty of the people. Their integrity is therefore indispensable to the legitimacy of government and the stability of the state.

History teaches us that enduring nations are built not simply on the strength of their constitutions but on the fidelity with which their institutions and citizens uphold them.

Good governance and public accountability do not begin after elections; they begin with elections whose outcomes command public confidence.

I therefore congratulate the organisers for convening this important conversation.

At a time when democracies across the world are confronting new tests, thoughtful engagement such as this strengthens our institutions and renews our shared commitment to democratic ideals.

It is my hope that today’s deliberations will move us beyond diagnosis to renewed resolve so that future generations may inherit a democracy that is not only constitutionally sound but also worthy of the trust and aspirations of our people.

It is, therefore, my pleasure to welcome you all to what I am confident will be an enlightening and consequential lecture.

Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Being remarks of Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (as Mother of the Day) at the 8th Annual Lecture of Penpushing Media, held on Thursday, 23rd July, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Delta State Police Command has arrested 81 suspects during a Police raid on identified black spots across Asaba metropolis as part of efforts to tackle crime and dismantle criminal networks in the state.

The suspects, comprising 50 males and 31 females, were arrested for offences including the possession and sale of suspected illicit drugs and operating an illegal checkpoint at the Asaba-Onitsha Head Bridge.

The operation, led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police alongside tactical teams of the command, also led to the impoundment of five vehicles for various offences, including operating an unauthorised taxi park at Pinnacle Junction along Okpanam Road and facilitating the sale and distribution of suspected illicit drugs in the area.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued at the weekend, describing the operation as part of the command’s proactive strategy to dismantle criminal networks and deny offenders safe havens across the state.

According to him, exhibits recovered during the raid included large quantities of tramadol and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

In a related development, the command said it had arrested nine additional suspects as it commenced a statewide crackdown on illegal roadblocks and unauthorised revenue collection along highways in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive to eliminate extortion and criminal activities on Nigerian roads.

The suspects were apprehended at strategic locations, including the River Niger Head Bridge linking Delta and Anambra states and the Benin-Asaba Expressway near Agbor.

The enforcement exercise targeted notorious locations where illegal toll collection and unauthorised roadblocks had hindered the free movement of motorists and posed security risks.

The command reiterated its commitment to restoring safety and order on highways across the state, assuring residents that the ongoing operations would be sustained to curb criminal activities.

The Oyo State Ministry of Health and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), have intensified efforts to promote self-care as a critical strategy for improving individual and family health, reducing the burden of preventable diseases, and achieving universal health coverage (UHC).

The 2026 Self-Care Month commemoration began with a radio phone-in programme to let listeners know that self-care isn’t a luxury anymore but an all-round approach to daily survival.

Speaking during the medical outreach session, the Reproductive Health Coordinator of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs Folasade Olatunde, who represented both the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board and the Oyo State Ministry of Health, described self-care as a comprehensive approach to maintaining physical, mental and social well-being.

‘Self-care is about how an individual takes care of himself or herself. It starts with personal hygiene, a clean environment, healthy food preparation, adequate nutrition, regular exercise, and ensuring good mental, physical and social well-being. It is a holistic approach to health,’ she said.

Olatunde encouraged people living with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes to regularly monitor their blood pressure and blood glucose levels where possible, noting that early detection enables prompt medical intervention and better health outcomes.

On mental health, Olatunde called for an end to the stigma associated with mental illness, stressing that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.

She also urged women, in particular, to prioritise self-care despite their multiple responsibilities, warning that prolonged stress and inadequate rest could lead to serious health complications.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs. Anifat Romoke Adedeji, urged residents to take greater responsibility for their health through regular self-care practices, noting that self-care empowers individuals to identify health challenges early and seek timely medical attention.

Adedeji underscored the importance of self-care in family planning, explaining that women can safely use certain contraceptive methods independently after receiving proper guidance from trained healthcare providers. According to her, daily oral contraceptive pills and self-injectable contraceptives enable women to effectively space pregnancies and plan their families without unnecessary visits to health facilities.

She stressed that family planning does not prevent couples from having children but rather helps them decide when to have them and the number they can adequately cater for, thereby promoting healthier families and reducing economic pressures.

The Adolescent Desk Officer of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Mr Adeniyi Ademola, said self-care is equally important for adolescents, describing it as encompassing physical, emotional, social and mental well-being.

He encouraged young people to seek accurate information about their health, particularly sexual and reproductive health, instead of relying on misinformation from peers.

According to Ademola, simple practices such as getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water, recognising inappropriate behaviour and seeking help when necessary can significantly improve adolescents’ health outcomes.

He stressed that informed young people are better equipped to protect themselves, make healthy decisions and access appropriate care when needed.

The State Programme Officer for the Society for Family Health DISC 2.0 Project in Oyo State, Mrs Oluwabunmi Olajide, said the 2026 Self-Care Month celebration was designed to encourage individuals to take ownership of their health by knowing their health status, adopting preventive healthcare practices and making informed decisions about their well-being.

Olajide explained that the outreach focused on reintroducing the concept of self-care through self-care walks/exercise, community health education and free health services, including blood pressure checks, weight and height measurements, body mass index (BMI) assessments, malaria RDT screening, random blood sugar tests, HIV screening and family planning services.

She said the initiative places individuals at the centre of their healthcare, empowering them to take proactive steps to stay healthy rather than waiting until they become ill.

She added that the SFH programmes also cater to women of reproductive age, adolescents, and men by providing access to youth-friendly reproductive health information, family planning counselling and methods, and community and male engagement sessions, stressing that equipping individuals with accurate health information is essential to building healthier families and communities across Oyo State.

The medical outreach recorded an average attendance of close to 200 women and over 100 men, highlighting a rising intentionality among men regarding their health. Sustaining this momentum through occasional self-care campaigns will further encourage this positive shift, promoting proactive mental and physical healthcare habits.

While the underlying causes of chronic kidney disease can be treated and sometimes cured or corrected, chronic kidney disease itself does not have a cure. CKD means there is lasting damage, and that can’t really be reversed.

The progression of the damage can be slowed or even stopped, but the damage will remain in some form.

However, there are ways to treat and manage chronic kidney disease that can improve one’s quality of life with the disease.

As a first step toward diagnosis of kidney disease, your doctor discusses your personal and family history with you. Among other things, your doctor might ask questions about whether you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, if you’ve taken a medication that might affect kidney function, if you’ve noticed changes in your urinary habits and whether you have family members who have kidney disease.

Next, your doctor performs a physical exam, checking for signs of problems with your heart or blood vessels, and conducts a neurological exam. For kidney disease diagnosis, you might also need certain tests and procedures to determine how severe your kidney disease is (stage).

Tests might include: Blood tests. Kidney function tests look for the level of waste products, such as creatinine and urea, in your blood. Urine tests. Analyzing a sample of your urine can reveal abnormalities that point to chronic kidney failure and help identify the cause of chronic kidney disease. Imaging tests.

Your doctor might use ultrasound to assess your kidneys’ structure and size. Other imaging tests might be used in some cases. Removing a sample of kidney tissue for testing. Your doctor might recommend a kidney biopsy, which involves removing a sample of kidney tissue.

Kidney biopsy is often done with local anesthesia using a long, thin needle that’s inserted through your skin and into your kidney. The biopsy sample is sent to a lab for testing to help determine what’s causing your kidney problem.

Prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, has once again become the subject of public attention after sharing a cryptic message on social media that has set tongues wagging across political, business, and high society circles.

The post, which simply read, ‘Forward is still the only direction,’ immediately sparked widespread reactions, with many interpreting it as a message of resilience and determination amid the challenges and public scrutiny she has faced in recent months.

Although Achimugu did not provide any context or elaborate on the meaning behind the statement, the brief message quickly gained traction, prompting supporters and observers to speculate about its significance. While some viewed it as a declaration of strength and an affirmation of her resolve to remain focused on the future, others suggested it could signal a new phase in her personal or professional journey.

Known for her influential presence in Nigeria’s business and social landscape, Achimugu has remained a prominent figure despite the controversies surrounding her. Her latest post has therefore attracted considerable attention, with many closely watching for any further developments or clarifications.

The phrase has since resonated with many of her followers, who responded with messages of encouragement and optimism, urging her to remain steadfast regardless of prevailing circumstances.

Whether the statement was intended as a personal reflection, a response to ongoing public conversations, or simply a motivational expression, one thing is certain: Aisha Achimugu has once again succeeded in capturing public attention. For now, however, the true meaning behind the message remains known only to her, leaving room for continued speculation while the businesswoman keeps her focus firmly fixed on the road ahead.

As the rains continue and temperatures drop, many Nigerians are turning to one comforting meal – pepper soup. More than just a dish, pepper soup has become a seasonal favourite, offering warmth and comfort on chilly days. Served steaming hot with aromatic spices and pepper, it helps keep the body warm, clears nasal congestion, and provides a soothing experience. For many households, a bowl of pepper soup is not only a delicious meal but also a cherished traditional remedy.

Ingredients

Goat meat, chicken, catfish or any protein of your choice

Pepper soup spice

Scotch bonnet pepper

Onion

Garlic

Ginger

Stock cubes

Salt

Scent leaves or uziza leaves

Water

Preparation Method

Wash protein of your choice thoroughly and place it in a pot. Season with chopped onions, a stock cube, and little salt. Add little water and allow it to boil.

Add more water to pot, then stir in blended pepper, garlic, ginger, pepper soup spice, and remaining stock cube. Mix well and allow soup to cook.

Continue cooking until the meat or fish becomes tender, adding more water if necessary to maintain the soup’s consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add scent leaves or uziza leaves towards end of cooking to preserve their flavour and aroma.

Serve hot. Pepper soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with boiled yam, bread, plantain, potatoes, rice, agidi, or a chilled drink. It is best served while still steaming hot.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed appreciation to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, for his continued support and guidance to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since its inception.

She made the remarks at the Sultan’s Palace during her visit to the monarch in Sokoto.

The First Lady, who reflected on the longstanding relationship between their families, noted that the Sultan has consistently guided the administration in the right direction.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the visit was to personally thank the Sultan for his support.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, said leaders must continue to seek divine intervention, especially concerning those perpetrating evil across the country.

He prayed that such individuals would genuinely repent and embrace lawful conduct.

The Sultan also commended the First Lady for her various interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), noting that the programme has positively impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.

Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, thanked Senator Oluremi Tinubu for visiting the revered monarch and echoed the impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative on the lives of Nigerians.

He described the initiative’s interventions as people-centred, aimed at improving the lives of women, youths, children, and families across the country.

The Sultan of Sokoto later invited the Ulama to offer prayers for the nation, the President, the First Lady, the state governor, himself, and Sokoto State as a whole.

The Federal Government on Friday advanced its ‘brain gain’ agenda by unveiling a new Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative aimed at harnessing the expertise of Nigerian medical professionals abroad to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, insisting that migration should be seen as an opportunity for national development rather than a loss of talent.

The position was reinforced at the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced plans to institutionalise the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative (DHII), while the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the country’s growing diaspora community as a strategic asset driving innovation, investment and healthcare development.

The event, themed ‘Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,’ brought together Nigerian health professionals from across the world, government officials, lawmakers and development partners.

Speaking at the event, Enikanolaiye said the migration of skilled Nigerians should not be viewed as ‘brain drain’ but as ‘brain gain’ because professionals abroad continue to contribute significantly to both their host countries and Nigeria.

‘It is a case of talent circulation, brain gain rather than brain loss. Migration should not be criminalised, weaponised or demonised because Nigerians abroad continue to make significant contributions to both their host countries and Nigeria,’ he said.

The minister disclosed that Nigerians in the diaspora remit an estimated $21.8 billion annually, exceeding Nigeria’s official development assistance, and called for greater efforts to channel the funds into productive investments.

He also urged Nigerians abroad to remain united and continue projecting a positive image of the country.

In his address, President Tinubu said the Federal Government would institutionalise the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative to provide a structured platform connecting Nigerian healthcare institutions with doctors, researchers, nurses and other medical specialists living abroad.

Describing Nigerians in the diaspora as one of the country’s greatest assets, the President said their achievements in medicine, science and public health had positioned them to help transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

‘Our diaspora is a source of national pride. Across the world, Nigerian doctors, nurses and public health leaders are saving lives, advancing science and shaping global healthcare. Today, we celebrate not only your achievements abroad but also your enduring commitment to the homeland,’ Tinubu said.

He commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), led by Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for strengthening engagement between Nigeria and its citizens overseas.

Tinubu said the administration would expand diaspora medical missions, establish knowledge-transfer partnerships between teaching hospitals and foreign-based specialists, promote telemedicine, encourage diaspora investment in hospitals, pharmaceutical industries and research centres, and strengthen NiDCOM’s coordinating role.

‘To support this vision, we will create a platform that will institutionalise the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative to coordinate contributions, offer incentives for diaspora medical professionals who return to practise or invest, and ensure transparency so that every effort delivers measurable impact,’ the President said.

He urged Nigerian medical professionals abroad to contribute actively to building a resilient healthcare system.

‘Whether you are a surgeon in London, a researcher in Boston, a laboratory scientist in China or a nurse in Johannesburg, your skills are vital to building a resilient, inclusive and world-class healthcare system in Nigeria,’ he added.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the strong participation of Nigerian medical professionals from across the world reflected growing confidence in the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘The enthusiastic participation we have witnessed has attracted surgeons, infectious disease specialists, gynaecologists, specialist nurses and an array of health experts from virtually every continent of the world. It is another validation of the power and reach of the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ Salako said.

He noted that the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative had already delivered specialised healthcare services across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including complex procedures such as uterine fibroid embolisation, which ordinarily costs about ?8 million per patient but was provided free of charge during medical missions.

Salako described the partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NiDCOM as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, adding that the initiative would become an annual programme.

He also said maternal and infant mortality rates were declining while immunisation coverage continued to improve, although he acknowledged that healthcare worker migration remained a challenge requiring ethical migration policies and stronger international collaboration.

According to him, the Federal Government approved new allowances for health workers in November 2025 at an annual cost of about ?90 billion and launched a digital portal to enable Nigerian health professionals abroad to contribute to the country’s health sector.

In her remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the commission had transformed diaspora engagement from policy into measurable impact since its establishment in 2019.

‘Our mandate was clear: engage, empower and enable Nigerians in the diaspora. Today, we can say with pride that we have moved from policy to impact,’ she said.

She said NiDCOM had institutionalised diaspora engagement through the National Diaspora Policy, the appointment of diaspora focal-point officers across nearly all states and the development of a national database of Nigerian professionals abroad.

According to her, the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative has facilitated medical missions, telemedicine services and diaspora health investments in more than 20 states, with Nigerian specialists abroad conducting remote surgeries and training healthcare workers nationwide.

Dabiri-Erewa said diaspora medical associations from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Australia and South Africa had provided specialised healthcare services across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, covering maternal and neonatal healthcare, neurosurgery, emergency medicine, sickle cell management and interventional radiology.

‘Our diaspora medical groups have equipped hospitals and primary healthcare centres with medical equipment worth billions of naira,’ she said.

She disclosed that diaspora remittances had increased from $17 billion in 2019 to more than $21 billion in 2025, while the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit continued to attract investments into healthcare, agriculture, information technology, real estate and the creative economy.

The NiDCOM boss also announced plans to establish a Diaspora Investment Fund, launch a National Diaspora Health Corps expected to engage 1,000 diaspora health professionals annually, and continue advocacy for diaspora voting.

‘When NiDCOM was established in 2019, many people asked what the diaspora could do for Nigeria. Today, the answer is obvious. The diaspora are no longer just about remittances.

‘They are building hospitals, conducting medical missions, lecturing in our universities, investing in agriculture, SMEs, information technology and digital infrastructure, while defending Nigeria’s image globally. They are truly Nigeria’s ambassadors at large,’ she said.

I understand the notion behind the policy, as academic ability alone does not necessarily equate to readiness for the rigours of campus life. Emotional and social maturity are equally important considerations.

I got into the university at age 15, and despite being young, I finished with outstanding results. Worthy of note, however, is that what made this possible was discipline and a strong support system. Surviving the first few months of university was not as difficult as some might have thought. Having attended a boarding school, I was already familiar with being away from home and managing a degree of independence.

More importantly, I understood my primary assignment at the university and remained focused on it. My experience taught me that while age can be a factor in determining readiness for university life, it is not always the defining one. The presence of maturity, discipline, and the right support structure can make a significant difference.

How did you come to study mass communication? And why study it at Babcock University?

I have always been arts-inclined, with my interests growing up centred around speaking and writing. I represented my secondary school in essay writing competitions, which further strengthened my passion for communication and expression.

While exploring the various career opportunities within the arts, mass communication felt like a course I would genuinely enjoy, especially considering my strengths in writing. During the initial stage of university selection, I considered some public universities. However, after factoring in the distance, age requirements, and the unending ASUU strikes at the time, I opted for a private university, and Babcock was a good choice.

I also had family friends who were alumni of Babcock, and their testimonies about the conducive learning environment convinced me that it was an option worth exploring.

Many students start university with the dream of graduating with a First Class, but do not achieve it. How do you feel graduating with a First Class? And what did you do differently to attain the feat?

I feel fulfilled graduating with a first class. For me, it is proof that I can commit to excellence and achieve it. Students who graduate with outstanding results are those who understand that smart work often beats hard work.

I think it is important to mention that I did not aim for a first class from the get-go; I just wanted a 4.0 on a scale of 5.0, but getting a perfect GPA in my second semester of 100 level mirrored that excellence could be achieved. So, it was left to me to sustain it. I did not rely on just materials given by lecturers alone. I would download course materials from other universities, combined with what I was given in class, to give myself a wider perspective on a topic.

There are strategies to get a first class. You have to understand what works for different lecturers and different courses, and also rely on a divine source. I worked hard like there was no God, and I prayed hard like I never studied. My advice to students is to aim for one good result. Once to aim for it and get it, you will be encouraged that academic excellence is possible.

What aspects of mass communication interested you more, and why? Which of the courses did you do well in?

I majored in broadcasting because I was fascinated by the camera and interested in the process behind TV production. I did well in all my courses, exceptionally well in news writing and reporting, film criticism and appreciation, and international communication.

What was your final-year project work about, its findings, and its relevance to society?

My final-year research work is titled ‘Influence of Social media activism on knowledge, attitudes, and involvement in the #EndBadGovernanace protest among youths in Ikeja, Lagos’. Social media has become deeply integrated into our lives, influencing people’s social, economic and political behaviour.

Findings from my study revealed that Ikeja youths were exposed to social media activism content on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) regarding the protest, with their exposure to X being specifically higher. They showed some level of digital activism. However, their involvement did not extend to direct offline engagements.

The study concluded that the media performed its surveillance function by serving as our eyes and ears – helping us see what is happening and keeping us abreast of societal issues. Also, while digital activism offers new opportunities for participation, the effectiveness depends on various factors, including sustained offline engagements, among others.

Would you consider social media platforms and their content as a form of mass communication? And, do you see artificial intelligence (AI) as a threat to mass media content and business?

When we define mass communication, we describe it as the transmission of information through a channel to a large audience simultaneously. Drawing from this definition, social media platforms rightly fit within the scope of mass communication.

As for artificial intelligence, any form of technology has the potential to become a threat when used irresponsibly. AI is helping to detect cancer cells and streamline rigorous processes in business. However, my major concern with the use of AI in the media is the rise of deepfakes. It has become increasingly difficult to simply look at a piece of content and determine whether it is true or false, making stricter fact-checking more necessary than ever.

Individuals will also need to understand that media literacy is their responsibility. In an age where information can be easily manipulated, the ability to critically evaluate content is no longer optional – it is essential.

In your bio, you stated that, ‘I bring a unique blend of skills to the broadcasting and media industry.’ What are these unique skills that you bring to the media industry?

Having garnered experience in stage play productions, TV production, and presenting for radio, I have developed essential skills in content writing, creative fiction, storytelling, research and leadership. I understand that brands and broadcasters do not just need content; they need stories that stick, scripts that resonate, and productions that captivate.

Tell us about Student Evolve and why you founded it. You recently organised a webinar tagged ‘Mastering the attitude of excellence: Achieving a first-class mindset’. What are the major highlights of this programme?

After my convocation in July of 2025, I publicly documented my academic achievement, and that led to many students reaching out to ask how I achieved a first class. Through those conversations, I saw a deep hunger for excellence. I encountered students who genuinely desired academic success but lacked the mindset, strategies, and discipline required to achieve it.

Those interactions opened my eyes to a need that could not be ignored. In April 2026, I founded Student Evolve to help students develop the habits, mindset, and tools necessary for excellence. It was born from the conviction that every student has the capacity to excel when given the right guidance and support.

The highlight of the debut webinar was execution, as this was a vision I had long delayed from actualising.

If you were given a fully funded postgraduate scholarship to study in any university in the world, which course would you study and at which university?

The University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, to study film and television production.

What are your career aspirations after graduation? And where do you see yourself in five years?

This is a particularly interesting question. It is very hard for me to see myself as one thing. I have many interests – literature, filmmaking, journalism, etc.

In the next five years, I envision myself winning an award for best documentary film. One thing is certain: in the next five years, I would be among the global storytellers shaping the narrative about Africa. If we do not tell our own stories, then people would do it for us, but from a distorted lens.

You said the best advice you were given was when you were 15 years old. What was this advice, and how do you think it can impact young people and their studies and future?

The advice I got as a 15-year-old fresh undergraduate was to ask questions. There is a proverb my elders say: If you ask for directions on the road, you will get to your destination. Asking questions from my peers, seniors, and lecturers contributed to my academic success. It helps you avoid costly mistakes.

The bigger advice here would be: To be curious: do not lose your wonder. Be curious to know what would happen if you consistently invest in yourself. Be curious about what systems make successful individuals and countries.

An Upper Area Court in Kubwa, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dissolved a 10-year-old marriage between a woman, Rukaya Shuaibu and her husband, Shehu Zubair for lack of love.

The judge, Mohammed Wakili dissolved their marriage according to Islamic Law, following Rukaya’s prayer for divorce on the ground that their marriage lacked love.

Wakili ordered Rukaya to observe ‘Iddah,’ which is a three-month waiting period before contracting another marriage.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Rukaya had earlier told the court that she got married to the respondent under the Islamic Law, and that she was yet to have a child for him.

She said that their marriage had broken down irretrievably, saying, ‘I pray the court to grant my request for divorce due to lack of love.’

‘The respondent owes me N100,000, which I want him to pay back,’ she said.

Responding, Zubair asked the court to grant Rukayat’s request, saying, ‘I once divorced her in June, 2023. I consent to her request before the court.’

‘I borrowed the money she mentioned on behalf of a friend for his business, which unfortunately went bankrupt.

‘She is aware that I have been pestering my friend to pay back,’ he said.