Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Former Oyo State First Lady and wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, has donated over N2 million in cash and several million worth of items to at least 16 orphanages and care homes for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD) as part of activities marking her 70th birthday.

She urged government at all levels, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to be more responsive to the challenges faced by PLWDs, stressing that they deserve love, care, and opportunities rather than discrimination.

Ayaba Ladoja added that many PLWDs possess untapped potential that can be nurtured through scholarships and other forms of support to help them achieve greatness in life.

She said, ‘I started associating with the Persons Living with Disabilities 30 years ago. I have been using the few resources that God blesses me with to assist them.

‘They deserve our attention, love, and care. Rather than looking down on them, we should identify their potential and build on it.

‘We should let them have a sense of belonging. They are part of society. The government at all levels, corporate organisations, and individuals should intensify their efforts towards them.

‘Disabilities can come in any form. It comes with age. It can come through accident and any other forms, hence the reason we must not look down on them. We all have our disabilities.

‘When they want to cross the road, assist them instead of making a mockery of their situation. Also, assist them with the little that you have. Don’t wait until you have millions of naira in your account

‘I started what we are witnessing today 30 years ago. It has become my way of life, and I thank the likes of Babs Oduyoye for sharing the vision.

‘Today, I will be giving N100,000 to 15 Homes, two wheelchairs, two bags of rice each, two cartons of Indomie each, and cartons of soap

‘Also, five vulnerable people will be assisted with Deep chest freezers and grinding machines to start their businesses.

‘My message to us is that we should show them love, attention, and care.’

More than 200 PLD attended the birthday celebrations with members of the PLD community on the live band stand.

Delivering a public lecture earlier at the event, the Chief Imam, Oluyole Estate Extension, Southwest, Ring Road, Ibadan, Alhaji Mudashiru Bada quoted various philosophers and views of scholars that have shaped the thinking of people on perseverance and resilience.

Speaking on the topic: ‘Celebrating the woman of substance at 70’, the guest lecturer noted that Ayaba Ladoja, despite being out of government for years, has never withdrawn her support for a pet project she started while in office as the First Lady.

He described the monarch’s wife as a landscape of charity in the eyes of a discerning mind, urging her not to relent in her vision of giving succour to humanity within the limit of her visionary capacity to the glory of God and admiration of mankind.

Bada said, ‘This summarises my definitions of our dear mama of substance. Her Excellency Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, who, despite that she is no longer in governance, has never withdrawn her profound and unwavering commitment in respect of her Idera De Pet project, her servitude to God through succor to humanity.

‘A woman of vision and a landscape in the eye of a discerning mind she is, allowing others to see the hope inside and beyond.’

‘Are they (the umbelievers) claiming the possession of the right to distribute the bounties of your Lord? It is ‘We’ (Allah) that distribute among people their sources of livelihood in this world and ‘We’ exalt some in rank above others so that some may employ the services of others. Your Lord’s mercy is better by far than all their hoarded treasures’. Q. 43: 32

Preamble

History is resplendent with lessons for people whose steps in life are in tandem or not with Allah’s guidance. There is no life’s odyssey without a divine warning. Heeding or shunning such a warning is however a matter of choice. And the consequences or otherwise of such a choice will eventually become the heritage of the concerned person.

We live in a world, today, that is quite different from that of the centuries past when the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). But surprisingly, nothing in the contemporary world has run counter to the predictions of that sacred Book or those of the last Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

For instance, business transactions in the time of the Prophet might not involve high technology or the sophistication of transport as of today but the norms which guided business in those days are still as vital today as they were then. Not even the introduction of mundane ideologies like capitalism, socialism, and communism has altered those norms. So far, the source of the wealth of the world has not changed from what it was in the past millennia. That source is the earth from which every atom of wealth emanates. Even the materials used to manufacture satellites or space shuttle aircraft are from the earth.

Thus, from agriculture to nuclear device, no new norm has been introduced to warrant any new world order that can affect the faith of the Muslims. As a matter of fact, the world has witnessed the collapse of communism and that of socialism within a period of 74 years despite their overbearing influence when they held sway. It is just a matter of time for the current pervading capitalism to go the way of socialism and communism.

Economic ideology

An unlettered personality like Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not need to formulate any mundane economic ideology to run a great Islamic government. He was not just a political leader but also an economic expert, a great law giver and an army general of impeccable status.

Without necessarily going into details on how he managed the economy of the Islamic state which he established and ruled from the scratch, it is obvious that even his ascension to the seven planets which paved way for modern man’s exploration of the space is of immense economic value to the contemporary world which no sensible critic can logically dispute. Although the Quran which was revealed to an unlettered Muhammad (SAW) is seen by some ignorant people as a mere religious Book, the economic value of that Book has remained unquantifiable and will remain so forever. The fast-spreading Islamic banking in the West today is a clear evidence of that fact.

Being the most read book in the world, the Quran has been translated into hundreds of languages making it possible for millions of people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to be employed at the various segments of the world’s economy. For instance, the writing of the Qur’an, its recitation, its proof-reading, its printing, its marketing, its teaching, its translation, its interpretation and even its criticism by unbelievers are all sources of economic survival for millions of people in the world irrespective of their religions. The global engagement in research on that glorious Book by various scholars and intellectuals either for acknowledgement of facts or for criticism are an attestation to the above assertion. There was no book like the Qur’an before its revelation and there will never be a book like it till the world will come to an end. The mounting hostility to it in certain quaters is largely due to ignorance about it. But that cannot continue forever.

Islam as employer of labour

If only one quarter of a billion people is gainfully employed in the workings of the Quran alone, today’s world economy would have been remarkably upheld by the religion of Islam. Yet, apart from the Qur’an, millions of people are engaged in various businesses relating to Hadith (Prophetic Tradition), Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Tarikh (Islamic History), Tawhid (Faith in the oneness of Allah) and Thaqafah (Islamic Culture) among others. All such specialized books which emanated from the Qur’an itself were advanced to compliment the sacred Book of Allah.

Even, for hundreds of years that the Orientalists were busy citicising Islam through their satanic publications, it was undeniable that those destroyers were benefiting from the economic legacy of that divine religion through the sale of their evil publications.

Today, even as the same Orientalists are busy reversing themselves on what they had maliciously published about Islam in the past they are still benefiting economically from that great religion.

However, despite the vast economic advantages provided by Islam, some unscrupulous Muslims including Nigerians still engage in illegal businesses that contravene the tenets of that divine religion. Some of such Muslims are among the thousands of Nigerians who are now languishing in various prisons around the world. Some others are even sentenced to death, by various means, as punishment for their crimes. Incidentally, some of such people often commit their atrocities under the cover of Islam. This happened even during the time Hajj rites.

This reminds yours sincerely of a fortuitous encounter with one of them as far back as 1981 which keeps my heart quivered even today. I had once relayed that ugly encounter in this column through an article entitled ‘Business made in Prison’. But I decided to repeat it here today because it was an experience from which young Nigerian Muslim men and women of today can draw a lesson from.

Illicit act

A Nigerian youth of about 30 years of age called Akram (not real name) did not have anything like poultry in his dream when he was going into Saudi Arabian prison as a convict in 1981. His only prayer was for Allah to influence the minds of the Saudi Authorities to have mercy for him and grant him amnesty after two or three years in prison. His service term was 15 years. He had earned the sentence through drug trafficking engendered by blind ambition to be quickly rich by all means.

Akram is a quiet, easy-going young man from one of the Southwest Nigerian cities. He graduated from the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. I first met him in 1978 when I went for a first degree in that country. His University was in Madinah while mine was in Jeddah. He left Saudi Arabia after graduating in 1980 and settled down in Nigeria following a one year compulsory national service to the nation. In his plan, Akram did not want to work for anybody. His ambition was to be a big merchant of automobile and electronics. However, since there was no ready-made capital with which to start off such a business, he decided to take a short cut, typical of Nigerian style and he found Saudi Arabia, the country that funded his University education, as most suitable for such a dirty business. Thus, he embarked on his first illicit ‘business trip’ to the country of his Alma Mata in 1981.

It was on my way back to school from a summer holiday of the same year that I met him at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. After embracing and exchanging pleasantries, we decided to sit together in the aircraft (of the then Nigerian Airways) in order to have a chat on the good old days and our expected future. Thus, from Lagos to Jeddah (a journey of five and a half hours), we really chatted to our fill. Then It was as if we had not spent one hour when we arrived at King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah after five and a half hours.

Youthful dream

As bachelors, we discussed various issues ranging from marriage, bearing of children to monogamy and polygamy as well as family structure. We gossiped on the political trend in our country as championed by the then ruling party, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). We compared Nigeria’s pace of development with that of Saudi Arabia and concluded that our government had neither focus nor plan a situation which made Nigerian youths abroad feel like orphans.

We also talked about world peace, the then cold war between the Western Capitalist World championed by the United States and the Eastern Socialist Block championed by the now defunct Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) and the future of Islam in Africa and the Middle East. We analysed the Middle East crises and the role of the two opposing world powers in those crises. We also veered into Nigeria’s micro economy by discussing the role of small and middle scale businesses in our country compared to those of other countries with similar status like Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, Singapore, India, Pakistan and Egypt.

Without gazing through any crystal ball, we concluded that with no middle class in place, our country might have no hope except through an accidental miracle. We also reviewed the use to which Nigerian oil was put vis-a-vis that of Saudi Arabia, Libya or Algeria. On this, we concluded that oil in Nigeria was a blessing from Allah which the country’s ruling class turned into a curse. But we were not experienced enough to suggest tangible solution.

Thus, in that long conversation which touched virtually all issues affecting the corporate life of Nigeria and her citizens, we agreed on some and disagreed on some. However, we were satisfied to have delivered our minds of their pregnancies if only to broaden our horizon.

Point of departure

On arrival at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, my friend quickly dashed into the toilet and requested me to help push his baggage to the security desk for checking. He promised to join me shortly. It was almost my turn for security check before an instinct gingered me into consciousness. For more than 30 minutes after he entrusted his baggage to me and went into the toilet, my friend did not resurface. Something just told me to abandon his baggage as I was approaching the checking desk and I did. My own baggage was checked and I went out of the arrival hall to wait for him at the taxi garage. After about one hour of waiting and Akram did not surface, I decided to proceed to my hostel where he was to pass the night in my room as we had earlier agreed.

Breaking News

While I was still expecting him in my hostel, the electronic waves throbbed with breaking news. The Saudi Television reported the arrest of a Nigerian who smuggled drugs into the holy land. His name was ‘Akram’. That was at 9pm Saudi local time. We had arrived in Jeddah at about 9.00am that day. About one hour after the breaking news, my friend was brought to the gleer of the nation through the tube and paraded on the Saudi national television as the suspected culprit in the illicit drug trafficking. That was one of the most frightening moments of my life. Akram wanted to be rich and I was to pay the cost of his richness.

Rumination

What would have happened if I had not heeded the warning of my instinct? Who could have imagined that a seeming gentleman like ‘Akram’ would ever think of trafficking in drug for whatever reason? If I had been caught with Akram’s baggage, what explanation could have exonerated me? Those were some of the questions that immediately ran through me like milk runs through water and changed my mind about sentimental friendship with people, no matter how innocent they might look. There and then, I decided never to assist anybody again in carrying his or her baggage while on a journey.

After about three months of trial, Akram was sentenced to fifteen years in jail. He was lucky that drug trafficking at that time in Saudi Arabia had not attracted death as punishment. If it were now, the punishment would have been death sentence by beheading. I was also lucky that at that time the Saudi immigration authorities had not adopted the use of secret camera to monitor passengers.

Prison for reformation

For 15 years thereafter (from 1981 to 1996), Akram remained behind bars languishing in Saudi Arabian prison as an inmate among criminals as he anxiously expected to be let off the hook one day. But one good thing about Saudi Arabia as a country or any other Islamic country for that matter is the concept of reformation which imprisonment entails. Inmates are not just imprisoned as punishment for crimes they are also prepared for a better post-prison life and re-orientated for better world outlook.

Besides, prisoners are paid a specific amount of money daily for their labour in prison. And that gives them hope of reintegration into the society after leaving the prison. Such money is kept in a special bank account opened for them. The total amount is paid to each inmate after his or her prison term.

Thus, when Akram left the prison in 1996, the post-prison money paid to him by Saudi government became his main lot in life. He was deported to Nigeria but not without that prison labour reward that became his capital for a poultry business. Thus, within a couple of years thereafter, he had become a big poultry farmer but whether or not he learnt any lesson from that incident is another matter.

Qur’anic admonition

Most of the young men and women of today do not seem to believe in crawling before walking. To them, what matters most in their lives is how to quickly get money to spend and not how such money is made. That is the main cause of the high rate of crimes witnessed around the world today and the entailed short life span for those youths. In Qur’an, Chapter 43, Verse 32 quoted above, Allah had warned Muslims against desperate accumulation of wealth over 1,400 years ago even when desperate quest for wealth was unfashionable. However, the refusal by today’s youths to heed that warning and the aggressive greed of the privileged elders in power constitute the main cause of restiveness and insurrection around the world today.

In Islam, desperation for accumulation of wealth is prohibited because it encourages a focus on the end result rather than the means and its entailed immorality. In the past decades, Nigeria had sunk so deep into the valley of corruption that no one cared to ask about the source of any wealth even as corruption became the taproot of Nigeria’s tree of existence. Now, with parents, teachers and even legislators getting so desperate to become rich even right before their pupils and children what future is expected for those wards?

Parochial wealth estimation

Desperation is not what fetched Nigeria the enormous oil wealth of today. If desperation ever had any role to play in accumulating wealth, perhaps Nigeria would have long become a country in penury. This is because people who were more desperate in this same country and had lived and died some centuries back would have discovered this oil wealth and they would have exhausted it long before our own generation. But in consonance with the above quoted Qur’anic verse, Allah deliberately preserved it (oil) for our own generation for a reason best known to Him. Yes, oil may be the source of wealth at this time it is surely not the last source of wealth in this country.

There are other sources of wealth preserved for the future generations which no desperate ‘awks’ in this generation can discover. Those who see oil as the climax of wealth and want to own its control or die for it should engage in a rethink. You can only have the privilege of presiding over the wealth of a nation for a while and not for all time. The experience of some past regimes in Nigeria should serve as a sufficient lesson. And those in government today should also note this very well. The privilege of the past did not extend to the present and that of the present will not extend to the future. Every era is a transit. And every transit has a term.

Veteran Nollywood actor Duro Michael has died after a prolonged illness.

He reportedly died of diabetes, an illness that kept him bedridden for months.

Movie producer Stanley Ontop announced his death.

He wrote on Instagram: ‘Nollywood actor Duro Michael has kicked the bucket. He died a few days ago after battling a terminal illness. May his soul rest in peace. Omo, it’s well ooo. We don’t help ourselves in this Nollywood, and it’s too bad. No synergy.’

Duro Michael was a renowned figure in Nollywood, widely recognized for his roles in several films.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said the process for the appointment of judicial officers has become more transparent than before.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is also the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), said this while presenting a paper, titled: Innovations in Judicial Practice: Embracing Change for A Better Future, at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association Triennial Conference in Banjul, The Gambia.

The NJC, at the 108th meeting of the association on April 29 and 30, approved a landmark policy to publish the names of candidates under consideration for appointment as judicial officers, and to invite public input.

In her presentation, she explained that the policy adopted by the NJC was to introduce an additional layer of transparency into the process of appointing judges by ensuring that members of the public and other relevant stakeholders can raise objections, provide information, or endorse nominees before appointments are finalised.

According to her, this is a deliberate effort to strengthen accountability, enhance public trust, and align Nigeria’s appointment procedures more closely with international best practices, including those recommended in the Constitution Hill Guidelines.

The Constitution Hill Global Guidelines on Apex Court Appointments, published in September 2024, provide globally for a set of baseline principles tailored to the singular role of apex courts as the final arbiters of constitutional interpretation and guardians of democratic governance.

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that members of the public are already taking advantage of the initiative, as shown in the last exercise for the appointment of judicial officers conducted by the NJC.

The CJN averred that ‘in a plural society, such as Nigeria, with over 200 million citizens across different ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities, the visibility of diversity on the Supreme Court bench strengthens public confidence and assures citizens that the judiciary reflects the society it serves’.

She stressed that despite several efforts to strengthen the process of appointing judicial officers, some challenges linger.

Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations has hailed President Bola Tinubu for rekindling hope in the Nigerian people through purposeful leadership and the appointment of competent ministers, with particular reference to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The Coalition, in a statement by its leaders, Chisom Ochiaga and Obaseyi Ogunrinde, emphasised that the President’s Independence Day address resonated with Nigerians not only because of its frank assessment of the nation’s challenges but also because it showcased tangible progress already recorded in critical areas of governance.

The group described the mention of Hon. Tunji-Ojo in the President’s speech as a ‘classical example of what Nigeria gains when competence, dedication, and vision are placed above politics in leadership appointments.’

According to the coalition, Tinubu’s recognition of the Interior Minister’s stellar performance has further confirmed that the administration’s reformist agenda is on the right track.

‘The President’s acknowledgement of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s achievements in the Interior Ministry is a reflection of how the government’s bold reforms are resolving the nation’s long-standing challenges. Nigerians now see how effective governance can transform institutions once regarded as stumbling blocks,’ the coalition stated.

The group cited sweeping reforms championed by the Ministry of Interior under Tunji-Ojo, including the digitization of passport application and processing systems, the drastic reduction in bureaucratic bottlenecks within immigration services, and a renewed efficiency in the handling of correctional facilities.

These reforms, it noted, have restored public confidence in the ministry and demonstrated the tangible benefits of President Tinubu’s commitment to appointing the right people into leadership positions.

The coalition further noted that Tunji-Ojo’s drive to sanitize the operations of agencies under his ministry, ensure transparency, and deploy technology in service delivery has endeared the Tinubu administration to even its staunchest critics.

‘The Interior Ministry has become a model of reform, efficiency, and innovation, thanks to the leadership of Hon. Tunji-Ojo.

‘This is why Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, including those once skeptical of the administration, are beginning to rally behind the President’s vision,’ the coalition remarked.

Reaffirming its stance, the Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations pledged unrelenting support for the progress of Nigeria under President Tinubu.

‘As far as the policies of this administration remain pro-people, we will continue to stand firmly behind President Tinubu and the reformist ministers like Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

‘His example must be replicated across other sectors to deepen the dividends of democracy,’ the statement concluded.

The coalition’s endorsement reflects growing acknowledgment within civic spaces that Tinubu’s reforms, as exemplified by the Interior Ministry, are rekindling faith in governance and opening a new chapter of hope for Nigeria.

The Kano State chapter of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for collaboration amng all stakeholders to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.

In his Independence anniversary speech, the chapter’s Chairman, Goni Faruk Umar, said the challenges before the country were formidable, including pervasive poverty.

Umar identified the challenges as pervasive poverty, widespread unemployment, insecurity, drug abuse, declining education standards, and the erosion of moral values.

But the ACF state chairman noted that the challenges could be surmounted with the citizens showing commitment to purposeful action.

He said: ‘As a forum consecrated to dialogue, unity, and service, the ACF asserts that our collective strength lies in our ability to build bridges across divides, nurture the potentials of our youth, and harness the abundant human and natural resources entrusted to us by Providence.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our visionary founding fathers, through uncommon courage and sacrifice, secured for us the priceless gift of sovereignty. They bequeathed a nation consecrated to the ideals of liberty, dignity, and collective destiny.

‘Today, as we commemorate their triumph, we must not merely luxuriate in nostalgia but renew our sacred covenant to safeguard their legacy and bequeath to posterity a Nigeria worthy of their dreams.

‘The narrative of our nation is one of resilience and renaissance; a people who, despite trials of adversity and the tremors of division, have remained indivisible and resolute.

‘Yet, independence will find its truest expression not in ceremonial remembrance but in the tangible realities of peace, prosperity, equity, and justice for every citizen, irrespective of creed, culture, or circumstance.’

Umar advised parents and guardians to prioritise the upbringing of their children and wards, stressing that the crucible of Nigeria’s future is in their homes.

‘Guard your children, mentor them with love, and instill in them the virtues of discipline, honesty, and service. To our youth, we affirm: you are the pulsating heart of this Republic. Reject the snares of drugs and despair; embrace the path of knowledge, creativity, and productivity.

‘And to our leaders, we appeal: let integrity, vision, and statesmanship govern your stewardship, for history will measure us not by lofty rhetoric but by the lives we uplift and the destinies we transform.

‘The ACF Kano State chapter remains unwavering in its resolve to empower communities, advance education, preserve our cultural heritage, and safeguard the peace and security of our people. We shall continue to be a voice of conscience, a pillar of unity, and a beacon of hope.

‘As we hoist our cherished green-white-green standard this day, let it be a solemn reminder that independence is not an end but an eternal journey of vigilance, sacrifice, and renewal,’ Umar said.

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge will celebrate the first anniversary of his ascension to the throne with a significant five-kilometre fitness walk on Saturday, October 4.

The event is organised by the Asaba Long Distance Race Media Committee, led by Wing Commander Peter Iweze (rtd).

The fitness walk is set for Saturday, with the procession starting at 7:00 a.m. from the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Participants will walk to the Traffic Light junction and back, plus an additional 400 meters around the stadium track.

The Asagba will personally lead the walk, accompanied by nobles and Obis from surrounding communities, emphasizing community involvement and support.

A 10-kilometre road race that was initially planned alongside the anniversary celebrations has been rescheduled for December 6, 2025, adhering to international standards set by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF).

The fitness walk is not only a royal celebration but also aimed at promoting healthy living among the residents of Asaba.

Dr. Moses Nwanze, the event consultant, assured participants of thorough preparations for a successful and enjoyable exercise.

Nwanze said the event underscored the commitment of the Asagba to foster community health and engagement while celebrating his first year as the traditional ruler.

The Labour Writers’ Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) will hold its yearly conference on October 10 at Golden Tulip, Ibadan.

The event’s theme is: ‘Future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence: A wake-up call for stakeholders’.

In a statement, the association’s Chairman, Toba Agboola and Secretary, Adenike Ajiboye, said the programme is aimed at achieving a plan for securing mutual accountability and investment plans, which is crucial for Nigeria’s growth and development.

According to the chairman, the event will bring together technocrats and speakers from various sectors.The duo stated that the speakers would discuss various topics such as ‘Employers’ Preparation and Response to the AI Revolution in the workplace’; ‘Job security and the future of trade unions in the AI Era’, and also ‘Social security and protection for journalists amid AI disruption’, among others.

Expected at the event are the President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Festus Osifo; Managing Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, and Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, among others.

The conference is expected to be chaired by the General Secretary, Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU), Peters Adeyemi.

After disqualification from Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), housemates are immediately evicted from the show and forfeit all prizes and privileges they won while in the house.

The housemates are required to leave the house without a farewell and the rest of the game continues without them.

Recently disqualified season 10 housemate, Faith Adewale got into a violent altercation with fellow contestant Sultana and shortly after, he was immediately removed from the house and forced to forfeit all prizes he had won.

The incident, which happened just days before the finale, served as a stark reminder of the show’s strict rules and the immediate consequences for any housemate who breaks them.

1. Forfeiture of winnings: According to the housemate contract, all gifts, money, and prizes won from sponsored tasks and games are taken away. For example, after his disqualification in Season 10, Faith was made to forfeit a car he had won in a sponsored task.

2. Mandatory immediate exit: Disqualified housemates are asked to pack their belongings and leave the house right away. Big Brother does not give them a chance to say goodbye to other contestants.

3. No return: Unlike evicted housemates, a disqualified housemate cannot return to the house or participate in any further activities related to the season.

The Long-term aftermath for disqualified housemates is often mixed, with potential career setbacks and public backlash, but some manage to rebuild their public image and find success.

1. Public opinion: Disqualified housemates often face intense criticism and negative judgment from the public and show fans on social media.

2. Career setbacks: Some housemates may initially face difficulty securing brand endorsements or other opportunities, as some brands may be hesitant to be associated with controversy.

3. Building a platform: Many disqualified housemates use the publicity from their controversial exit to launch or build their careers.

4. Post-show success: Notable examples like Tacha and Erica, who were disqualified in earlier seasons, have since achieved success in business and entertainment. They have become brand ambassadors and social media influencers with large followings.

The common reasons for disqualification are similar to those of other Big Brother franchises globally.

1. Physical violence: Any form of physical aggression toward a fellow housemate is grounds for immediate disqualification. Past housemates like Faith (Season 10), Beauty Tukura (Season 7), and Tacha (Season 4) were all removed for violent behavior.

2. Threatening behavior: Threats of violence or any behavior that makes other housemates feel unsafe is prohibited.

3. Aggressive and abusive language: Repeated use of abusive, insulting, or confrontational language can lead to disqualification, as seen in the case of Erica in Season 5.

4. Repeated rule-breaking: Some housemates receive strikes for minor rule infractions, such as whispering or failing to use their microphone properly. Accumulating multiple strikes can also result in disqualification.

Pupils in selected schools in Abuja displayed brilliance at the annual spelling bee hosted by My Hero Community Development Initiative (MHCDI) in Maitama.

Nine schools and over 200 participants were present, making it a vibrant educational gathering in FCT this year.

The schools included JSS Garki Area 10, JSS Wuse Zone 3, JSS Kado Kuchi, JSS Gwarinpa, JSS Garki II, and JSS Jabi.

It served not only as a test of spelling ability but also as a platform for pupils to showcase confidence, mental alertness, and eloquence.

Winners included first runner-up, Oluwasina Eunice from JSS Garki Area 10; second runner-up: Agwara David from JSS Wuse Zone 3 and third runner-up Omojola Zion Akorede from JSS Kado Kuchi.

Organisers, Damilola Fabolu and Chris Olusa, noted importance of nurturing literacy and self-confidence in young Nigerians.

They noted that competitions like this go beyond spelling, as they instill life skills such as perseverance, discipline, and public speaking in participants.

The atmosphere at Merit House was filled with excitement, cheers, and applause as the pupils rose to the challenge, proving that ‘every letter counts.’ The event underscored MHCDI’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and building a brighter future for the next generation.