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TikTok has banned the account of Nigerian digital creator Energy Goddess, also known as ‘Queenlight,’ in a move that has sparked debate about transparency in the platform’s moderation system.

The influencer, who built her following through a mix of dance, fashion, and lifestyle content, began posting on TikTok in 2021. Before the removal, her account had amassed more than 2.2 million followers and over 62 million likes, establishing her as one of Nigeria’s emerging voices in the creator economy.

Energy Goddess’s videos, often characterised by energetic performances and fashion showcases, attracted attention not only from fans but also from brands seeking collaborations. Her work reflected a growing trend in Nigeria, where young creators are increasingly using digital platforms to build careers in entertainment and marketing.

Fan Reactions

The ban came as a surprise to her supporters, many of whom expressed frustration at the loss of content and disappointment over the absence of an official explanation from TikTok. On social media, some fans described the action as ‘unfair’ and questioned the consistency of the platform’s enforcement.

Broader Criticism of TikTok

Her case adds to a series of account removals that have fuelled criticism of TikTok’s moderation practices. The company maintains that it enforces its rules to protect users and maintain community standards, but creators in Nigeria and other countries have often reported sudden suspensions without clear justification.

Digital analysts warn that such actions can disrupt the livelihoods of influencers who depend on social platforms for income and visibility. In Nigeria, where social media has become central to the entertainment industry, sudden bans highlight the vulnerability of creators working in a largely unregulated digital space.

Nigeria’s Expanding Creator Economy

Over the past five years, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have provided Nigerian influencers with unprecedented reach. Many have built significant careers through digital content, brand partnerships, and cross-platform promotion. Yet, industry observers point out that heavy dependence on private platforms leaves creators at risk of losing access to audiences overnight.

Outlook for Energy Goddess

While the loss of her TikTok account is a major setback, Energy Goddess has established herself as a versatile figure in dance, fashion, and digital content. Analysts suggest she may continue her career across other platforms, drawing on her visibility and experience in social media marketing.

Her case underscores both the opportunities and challenges of the growing creator economy in Nigeria, as platforms expand their influence but remain under scrutiny for how they enforce their rules.

Rent crisis in Nigeria, Can tenants afford to breathe? From Kaduna to Kogi, Abuja, and beyond, rent prices are skyrocketing, leaving many Nigerians struggling to keep a roof over their heads. We’re talking 150% increases and more!

But what’s driving this surge? Are landlords getting a free pass, or are there laws that can protect tenants? In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we’re diving deep into the rent crisis, exploring the reasons behind it, and uncovering the rights tenants really have. Join us as we ask the tough questions: Can tenants afford to pay up, or is it time for change?

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), has cautioned American comedian and commentator, Bill Maher, against orchestrating campaign of disinformation to paint Nigeria as a country indulged in Christian genocide.

Maher, also a talk show host, had claimed that over 100,000 Christians had been systematically killed in Nigeria and 18,000 Churches burnt, describing it as an attempt by Islamists to wipe out the Christian population.

Speaking on the September 26, 2025 edition of HBO talk show, ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’, Maher had said: ‘Nigeria, the fact that this issue has not gotten on people’s radar, it’s pretty amazing. If you don’t know what’s going on in Nigeria, your media sources suck. You are in a bubble.

However, reacting to the issue, the former Minister dismissed the claims as false and a campaign to divide Nigeria across religious lines.

He said, ‘A couple of days ago, Bill Maher, one of the top commentators and political pundits in the United States of America, with very massive following, a very powerful man with a powerful voice in America, together with Radio Genoa, which is also a very powerful medium, one of the most powerful in the United States, came up with some interesting observations, which of course are false. They said that 500,000 Christians were murdered in Nigeria by terrorists in the last one year. This is completely untrue, as you know, and it is what you call disinformation.

‘And it’s interesting that Bill Maher would do this just a few days after our Vice President went to the United Nations and made a historic and courageous speech, very inspiring speech, in which he condemned the things that were going on in Gaza, the murder, the genocide in Gaza, and in which he called for a two-state solution to the situation between the Palestinians and the Israelis as being the only way forward. That’s the stated position of our country. We are a sovereign country, and the speech was brilliant.

‘Evidently, this upset a few people in the American media and in the United States of America, and Bill Maher and those behind him now decided to organize an orchestrated campaign of disinformation to paint our country as a bunch of Christian haters and people that indulge in Christian genocide. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Their objective is to divide us, defame us, destroy us, cause us to turn against one another, and demonize us before the whole world as a precursor to now attempting to destabilize us, delegitimize us, decertify us, and call us a nation of interest in which they will now inflict and impose sanctions in order to bring us to our knees. Well, it’s not going to work.’

FFK added that while it is true that terrorists are unleashing deadly attacks in Nigeria, it is untrue to suggest that only Christians are being killed, noting that the criminals are not representatives of the Islamic faith.

‘Let me make this abundantly clear. We do have terrorists in this country, and people are being killed in this country, but it is not only Christians that are being killed. Christians and Muslims are being killed. They are being slaughtered by terrorists who are not even representative of the Islamic faith. They are nothing but criminals and terrorists, and our armed forces and security agencies are killing them in equal measure and fighting back.’

‘We are doing our very best, and I might add, without any help from the Americans or the French or the Brits or anybody else, we are doing it on our own. We’re doing a good job. We’re doing it as best as we can. The idea that only Christians are being slaughtered in our country is a complete falsehood. It’s not true.

‘It is a lie from the pit of hell, and no one will divide us on religious lines. We are fighting the terrorists as one, both Christians and Muslims.’

The Minister further stressed that Nigeria is a powerful nation capable of fighting its challenges without necessarily the help of the Americans, accusing Bill Maher of having an underlying motive behind his claims.

The Kogi State Government said it has enrolled a fresh 76,243 persons into its health insurance scheme.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who inaugurated access to the scheme on Monday at the Government House, Lokoja, described it as very necessary and deserving in improving the well-being of residents.

The governor said that out of the 76,243 enrolled, 28,056 were from the public sector, 44,760 were students, and 3,427 were under the pensioners’ contributory plan of the state.

He said the agency now has over 255,000 registered beneficiaries. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also commissioned the Government House Clinic, Medical equipment for Public Health Centres (PHCs) across the state and an additional two Toyota Hilux vehicles for the state Health Insurance Agency under the leadership of Dr Aledare Adekunle.

Ododo said, ‘We are also revitalising 70 primary healthcare centres, addressing human resource challenges, and ensuring our health workers are supported with the right policies, tools, and environment.

‘From today, all medical doctors working in our health facilities are to enjoy an additional allowance of N300,000 beginning from October.

‘We are working with our development partners, WHO, UNICEF, CIHP, AHF, Malaria Consortium, Marie Stopes International, and many to revitalise and upgrade over 200 PHCs across the state.’

He disclosed that pensioners earning below ?50,000 monthly will enjoy free health insurance coverage, while those earning between ?50,000 and ?100,000 will pay only ?625 monthly, subsidised by the state government.

‘Pensioners earning above ?100,000 will contribute only ?1,250 monthly, all in our commitment to cost-sharing strategies that can ease the burden on our people.’

The 20th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair has commenced with the launch of the Buy Africa, Build Africa Initiative (BABAFEST) targeted at encouraging indigenous patronage in the country.

Speaking at the event on Monday, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Emeka Obegolu described the fair as the celebration of a historic milestone, with 20 years of consistent commitment to trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.

He disclosed that in the past two decades, the Fair has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, attracted more than 1.5 million visitors across multiple sectors; and facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships.

He said the theme of the landmark edition, ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,’ reflects the collective resolve to address pressing economic and environmental challenges. He said, ‘A major highlight of the edition is the launch of BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa), a flagship ACCI initiative that celebrates African products, services, and creativity both on the continent and globally which will feature live performances by renowned African artists.

‘Also, it will feature fashion runways by top African designers; immersive art exhibitions; Exclusive investment and networking opportunities; Brand activations designed to highlight Africa’s global competitiveness.’

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has stated that electricity generation on the National Grid has dropped to 3,200 megawatts (MW) due to the industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

A statement by NISO said the disruptions by PENGASSAN triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW.

It, however, said it has deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid through strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

The statement reads, ‘There are now real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse. While continuous deployment of reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity is strengthened. ‘There is selective load shedding, applied as a last resort, to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution. These timely actions enabled the NISO NCC to minimize the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout.’

The agency assured its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the application of best-in-class practices to guarantee a secure and reliable electricity supply for the nation.

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government another 14-day ultimatum to resolve lingering issues affecting its members.

The union threatened to embark on an industrial action if its demands were not met at the end of the fresh ultimatum.

It explained that the notice, starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025, will first herald a two-week warning strike before embarking on a total and indefinite strike over the federal government’s attitude towards resolving pending issues.

The union made the decision on Monday following a National Executive Council meeting that was held on Sunday at its headquarters in the University of Abuja. President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, who made this known in a strike notice he signed, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Trust, said the union was tired of the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards education.

Daily Trust reports ASUU’s demands include renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, adequate revitalisation funds for universities, settlement of outstanding salary arrears, sustainable funding mechanisms, among others.

‘At the National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on the 28th of September, 2025, the Union decried the neglect of the University system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed to its demands.

‘Accordingly, ASUU has given the Federal Government of Nigeria an Ultimatum of fourteen (14) days within which to address these issues.

‘If at the end of the fourteen-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the Union may have no option but to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike,’ the notice partly read.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said that Nigeria is not yet where it is supposed to be in its journey through 65 years of independence.

However, he urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the persistent challenges of poverty, insecurity and mistrust.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Sulaiman Wali, spoke on Monday at a pre-independence public lecture held at the Coronation Hall, Kano Government House, as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

‘Nigeria at 65 is still far from the nation of our dreams. But this is not a reason to despair; it is a call to action. Unity is not about uniformity, but about celebrating our differences while working towards a common destiny,’ he said. He called on citizens to take ownership of nation-building by participating actively in democratic processes, supporting security initiatives, and embracing youth development programmes.

‘Security is not just the absence of war or crime; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and unity,’ he added.

As Nigeria marks its 65th independence anniversary, the governor said Kano is determined to chart a new course where its youth are seen as agents of peace, innovation, and development, rather than tools for violence and division.

He said Nigeria’s milestone anniversary should serve not just as a celebration but as a moment of sober reflection on how citizens and leaders alike can contribute to national unity, peace, and prosperity.

‘I stand before you today filled with pride, gratitude, and responsibility. Pride, because we are gathered to celebrate Nigeria at 65; gratitude, because it allows us to reflect on our journey; and responsibility, because as leaders and citizens, we must translate noble words into concrete actions,’ Yusuf said.

The governor stressed that security goes beyond deploying weapons or security forces but involves creating opportunities for justice, economic empowerment, and unity.

‘The Safe Corridor Initiative’s rehabilitation and reintegration approach can turn despair into hope and danger into opportunity. It teaches us that no life is beyond redemption if society chooses to guide rather than abandon,’ he added.

Earlier, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, presented a paper titled: ‘Safe Corridor Initiative – The Kano Model: A Special Intervention Project of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to Address Thuggery and Other Related Crimes in Kano State Through a Non-Kinetic Approach.’

The commissioner explained that the initiative targets repentant political thugs and drug users by providing counselling, de-radicalisation, skills acquisition, empowerment, and reintegration into society.

According to him, the programme is anchored on the recognition that the state’s youthful population is an asset that must be properly harnessed rather than allowed to drift into crime.

When Africa gathered in Addis Ababa from September 8 to 10, 2025, for the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS-2), the message was loud and clear: the continent wants climate investment, not climate aid. This second gathering of African leaders, experts, financiers, and activists was not just another diplomatic ritual. It was a defining moment in which Africa sought to reframe its role in the global climate economy-from a victim of climate disasters to an investment frontier rich with opportunities.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed captured the spirit of the summit when he declared: ‘It’s time to replace climate aid with climate investment.’ His words were echoed by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who lamented the persistent failure of wealthy nations to meet long-standing commitments-especially the pledge to double adaptation finance by 2025.

The frustration is justified. Africa contributes less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it shoulders some of the harshest climate impacts: devastating floods, prolonged droughts, creeping desertification, collapsing food systems, and recurring humanitarian crises. In spite of this, the continent attracts only about one per cent of global climate finance. This imbalance is not just unfair; it is unsustainable.

Where was Nigeria in all of this?

Vice President Kashim Shettima had earlier made a symbolic appearance in Addis Ababa in June during Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, where he pledged Nigeria’s readiness to ‘play our part to keep Africa green.’ That was a welcome gesture of solidarity. But when it came to the main stage of ACS-2 itself, Nigeria’s delegation was hardly visible. No major speeches, no prominent leadership roles, and no defining interventions were reported. For a country that has suffered catastrophic floods in the Niger Delta, desertification swallowing up the far north, and millions of internally displaced people struggling to survive climate shocks, this absence was both puzzling and troubling. In climate politics, showing up is as important as planning. Presence and visibility are strategic. By remaining quiet, Nigeria missed a crucial opportunity to influence Africa’s collective position and secure a bigger slice of the emerging climate investment pie.

The Addis summit was not merely a litany of complaints. It was a showcase of solutions and opportunities. Delegates highlighted: Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, especially solar, wind, and hydro; nature-based solutions such as Ethiopia’s tree-planting drive that is restoring degraded lands; Climate-smart agriculture that promises food production stability in the face of erratic rainfall and the push for fairer terms in exploiting critical minerals-like lithium, cobalt, and manganese-that are vital for the global green transition.

Africa presented itself not as a victim, but as a hub of opportunity and innovation. And yet, Nigeria-the continent’s largest economy and most populous nation-failed to project its voice. This is especially ironic given Nigeria’s recent climate policy advances.

Nigeria has validated its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and launched its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1). These documents are not just bureaucratic paperwork; they are meant to enhance our credibility with investors, signalling that Nigeria is serious about meeting its climate commitments. But credibility abroad requires visibility at the right forums. Addis was one of those moments-and we were quiet.

Yet, Nigeria’s climate challenges cannot be tackled with loans alone. With debt levels already stretching our fiscal limits, the Addis call for more grants, concessional finance, and direct investments should have been Nigeria’s rallying cry.

For instance, Nigeria’s sun-rich northern region is ideal for solar power projects that could electrify rural communities, reduce dependence on diesel generators, and unlock jobs in green industries. Climate-smart agriculture, demonstrated by several African countries at ACS-2, could transform the way Nigerian farmers cope with floods, droughts, and shifting planting seasons. For Nigeria, adaptation is not a luxury-it is a matter of food security and survival.

As the biggest economy and home to the continent’s largest youth population, Nigeria’s voice carries weight in shaping continental narratives. Yet our muted presence in Addis signalled either disinterest or lack of coordination. Neither is acceptable.

Africa’s youth and women were placed at the heart of the Addis conversations, emphasizing the need for inclusive climate strategies. With over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population under 30, our country could lead in channelling this demographic power into innovation, renewable energy entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient farming. Missing the chance to highlight this at Addis was a strategic misstep.

Nigeria’s quiet role at ACS-2 should be a wake-up call. Symbolism matters. When Africa presents a united front, Nigeria should not be in the shadows-it must be at the head table. Looking ahead to COP30 in Brazil next year, Nigeria must align itself fully with Africa’s demands for investment, fairness, and climate justice.

That requires action on several fronts: implementing NDCs and BTR commitments not just on paper, but through concrete projects that attract investors, strengthening renewable energy policies to reduce risks for private sector participation, supporting farmers with adaptation programmes-irrigation schemes, improved seeds, early warning systems-that translate global commitments into local survival strategies, and giving youth and women a central role in the climate economy, not as token participants but as drivers of innovation.

The Addis summit is a clear demonstration that Africa is no longer content with being portrayed as helpless. The continent wants to lead, not beg. For Nigeria, the lesson is unmistakable: solidarity speeches are not enough. Presence, visibility, and strategic engagement are essential.

Our farmers, who battle erratic rains and shrinking harvests, cannot afford rhetorical commitments. Our youth, who could either drive the green economy or drown in unemployment, need a clear roadmap. Our economy, struggling with energy deficits and environmental degradation, requires bold investments.

Africa is ready to move from climate aid to climate investment. Nigeria must help lead from the front-or risk being left behind. When Africa presents a united front, Nigeria must be at the head table-not quietly in the background.

Ahmad resides at FMA2, off Yaya {Petel) Abubakar Road, Fadamar Mada, Bauchi Email: masalihu@aol.com

The Kaduna State Council of National Association Of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives has commended Governor Uba Sani for implementing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure(CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure(CONMESS) for its members.

The commendation was conveyed in a letter signed by Comrade Ishaku Yakubu and Comrade Christiana Bawa, the State Chairman and State Secretary respectively, dated September 2, 2025.

The council noted that the ”singular act of magnanimity and fairness has rekindled the hope of many dedicated nurses in your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.”

NANNM added that the Governor ” has not only demonstrated your genuine commitment to the welfare of nurses and health workers but has also reaffirmed your passion for strengthening healthcare delivery in our dear state.”

The letter acknowledged that the implementation of both CONHESS and CONMESS came amidst competing demands on state resources, ”yet Your Excellency prioritized the wellbeing of health workers.

”This visionary leadership has boosted morale, improved productivity and positioned Kaduna State as a model of labour-friendly governance,” the council added.

The nurses and midwives pledged continuous loyalty, dedication and professional excellence in service of Kaduna state, as their modest contribution to the Governor’s transformative agenda in the health sector.