17th Headies Awards: Nominees Who Didn’t Win In 2025

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April 28, 2025

Arsenal’s pursuit of Premier League glory remains a formidable challenge, even amid a resurgence under manager Mikel Arteta. The North London club, last crowned champions during their iconic 2003–04 “Invincibles” campaign, has edged closer to the summit in recent seasons—but the title continues to elude them. A combination of factors helps explain why reclaiming the top spot remains a steep climb.

Fierce Competition at the Top

The Premier League has become more competitive than ever, with clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea consistently fielding squads packed with world-class talent. Manchester City, in particular, has set an exceptionally high standard, regularly finishing seasons with record-breaking points totals. This has raised the benchmark for what it takes to become champions—often leaving little margin for error.

Squad Depth and Experience Gaps

While Arteta has built a vibrant, youthful side, depth and experience remain areas of concern. Talents like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli have dazzled, but during high-stakes moments—especially in title run-ins—the absence of seasoned veterans has been telling. Experience can be the edge that turns draws into wins and keeps a title charge on track.

Injury Setbacks

Injuries have also undermined Arsenal’s campaigns. The physical demands of a full season can be brutal, and the loss of key players—particularly in defense and midfield—has disrupted the team’s rhythm at critical junctures. In contrast, rivals with more robust squads have often weathered similar storms with less disruption.

Psychological Pressure

The mental toll of leading a title race cannot be overstated. Arsenal’s faltering finish in the 2022–23 season, where they surrendered a commanding lead to Manchester City, underscored the importance of psychological resilience. Competing at the highest level requires not only technical excellence but also the mental fortitude to withstand pressure over a long season.

Financial Constraints

Despite increased spending in recent transfer windows, Arsenal’s financial muscle still falls short compared to heavyweights like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United. This disparity affects their ability to consistently invest in depth and top-tier talent—crucial elements for maintaining a title challenge across multiple competitions.

While there is genuine optimism surrounding Arsenal’s trajectory under Arteta, breaking their two-decade title drought will require more than just promising performances. Bridging the experience gap, building greater squad depth, managing injuries, and staying mentally tough—while continuing to invest wisely—will be critical if the Gunners are to finally reclaim Premier League glory.

World Malaria Day: 5 Dangers of Not Completing Your Anti-Malaria Dosage

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April 25, 2025

Every year on April 25, the world observes World Malaria Day—a moment to reflect, raise awareness, and galvanize global action against one of the deadliest diseases on the planet. Despite being preventable and treatable, malaria claimed an estimated 608,000 lives in 2022 alone, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with Africa bearing over 95% of the global malaria burden.

While significant progress has been made through preventive tools like insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying, effective treatment with antimalarial drugs remains critical to reducing deaths. Unfortunately, one of the most overlooked but dangerous practices is failing to complete a full course of malaria medication.

Why Many People Don’t Finish Their Malaria Medication

Several reasons contribute to this alarming trend:

Early Relief: Patients often feel better within a day or two and wrongly assume they’re cured.
Side Effects: Some drugs may cause nausea, dizziness, or fatigue, discouraging continuation.
Cost: In places without free access to healthcare, the full dosage can be unaffordable.
Misinformation: A lack of awareness about the importance of completing treatment.
Poor Access: Rural dwellers may not have easy access to healthcare facilities or pharmacies.

How Antimalarial Drugs Work

Antimalarial medications are designed to kill the malaria parasites (Plasmodium) in the bloodstream. Most treatments involve a combination of drugs (like Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies – ACTs), which work synergistically to:

Destroy parasites at different life cycle stages.
Reduce the risk of recurrence.
Prevent resistance buildup.

Stopping treatment early leaves surviving parasites in the body, which can come back stronger—and even more dangerous.

5 Dangers of Not Completing Your Malaria Dosage

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “completing the full course of treatment is essential—not only to cure malaria but also to stop its transmission and prevent drug resistance.”

Incomplete Parasite Clearance
- The malaria parasites may still be present in the bloodstream and can multiply rapidly, leading to a relapse.
Drug Resistance
- Surviving parasites can become resistant to current medications, making future treatment harder and costlier.
Severe Health Complications
- Malaria can escalate to cerebral malaria, organ failure, or severe anemia if not completely treated.
Risk to Others
- Infected individuals serve as a reservoir for mosquitoes to spread malaria to others in their community.
Higher Treatment Costs Later
- A relapse or resistant strain often requires longer and more expensive treatments, posing a heavier financial burden.

On this World Malaria Day, let’s remember that starting treatment is only half the battle—completing it is what truly saves lives. Whether you’re treating yourself or caring for someone with malaria, ensure the full dosage is taken, even after symptoms disappear. It’s a personal step that has public health consequences.

Together, through awareness, education, and responsible medication use, we can help eliminate malaria and protect the next generation.

FG Reaffirms Support for Nigerian Students Abroad

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April 25, 2025

Our correspondent, Yakub IKHELUWA, reports that the Federal Government has restated its unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.

The BEA Programme, a product of Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and international cooperation, allows qualified Nigerian students to pursue academic programmes in countries such as China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia.

These host countries provide free tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipends, while the Federal Government complements the support with take-off grants, monthly supplementation, and return tickets upon successful completion of their studies.

Speaking on the status of the programme, the Minister of Education, Marufu Tunji Alausa, disclosed that all supplementary allowances due to Nigerian scholars under the scheme have been fully paid up to December 2024. This, he said, underscores the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the needs of Nigerian students abroad.

The Ministry acknowledged that recent exchange rate fluctuations led to funding shortfalls in disbursements. To address this, the Minister has made a formal request for additional funds to cover the differentials and ensure that all affected students receive their full entitlements.

According to the Ministry, provisions for the scholarship programme have been included in the 2024 Capital Budget, and disbursement for the 2025 fiscal year will commence as soon as implementation begins.

The Ministry assured all stakeholders of its continued dedication to supporting Nigerian students overseas and fulfilling its responsibilities under the BEA scheme in a timely and effective manner.

It also extended sincere appreciation to all students and their families for their patience and understanding, reaffirming its commitment to the continued success of the Bilateral Education Agreement Programme.

NELFUND Surpasses 500,000 Student Loan Applications in First Year

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April 25, 2025

The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has marked a major milestone, receiving over 500,000 student loan applications within its first 11 months of operation. This significant achievement reflects the growing demand for accessible higher education financing across Nigeria.

Since the launch of its digital portal, students from various parts of the country have actively applied for both institutional and upkeep loans, showcasing the relevance and urgency of NELFUND’s mission to make tertiary education more inclusive and attainable.

“This is more than just a number — it’s a signal of hope for families across Nigeria. We are witnessing a nationwide demand for opportunity, and NELFUND is proud to be at the heart of this transformation,” said Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND.

The milestone highlights not only the necessity for student-focused funding but also the confidence Nigerians have placed in NELFUND’s transparent and efficient loan process.

As the application window remains open, NELFUND continues to emphasize transparency, accessibility, and efficiency, while urging all stakeholders to join in advancing the vision of equitable education for all.

For further information, visit www.nelf.gov.ng or contact the support team via clientsupport@nelf.gov.ng.

This report was filed by our correspondent, Yakub Ikheluowa.

Nigerian Fantasy Film Osamede to Premiere at 2025 Cannes Film Market

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April 25, 2025

The Nigerian historical fantasy film Osamede is set to screen at the prestigious Pavillon Afriques during the 2025 Cannes Film Market on May 17, marking a major milestone for African cinema on the global stage.

Directed by Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award winner James Omokwe—known for Chetam, Ajoche, Riona, and Itura—and executive produced by finance and investment expert Lilian Olubi, Osamede explores the mythology of the Benin Kingdom through the eyes of a young orphan girl in 1897 colonial Benin. Armed with supernatural powers and the mystical Aruosa stone, she rises to challenge British colonial forces and liberate her people.

The screening is a significant step in elevating African historical fantasy within the global film industry and further positions Nigeria as a creative powerhouse in the international fantasy genre.

Olubi, who is slated to speak on the Cannes panel “Beyond Budgets: Innovative Funding for Filmmakers,” remarked:

“Nigeria has exported music and films globally, but with Osamede, we’re transforming how African history is told—bringing the legend of the Benin Empire to life with production values and storytelling that rival Hollywood epics.”

Omokwe described the film as an ambitious reimagining of African history through fantasy:

“Osamede is more than just a fantasy film set in Africa—it’s a reclaiming of our historical narrative. What Black Panther did for Afrofuturism, we’re doing for African historical fantasy, blending authentic culture with cinematic spectacle.”

Originally produced as a stage play under Gold Lilies Productions, Osamede captivated audiences through 12 sold-out performances before being adapted for the screen. This proven narrative structure mirrors the success of Broadway-to-Hollywood hits.

“The global audience is hungry for authentic, culturally rich storytelling,” Omokwe added. “Osamede taps into this demand, delivering a powerful narrative rooted in the mythological legacy of the Benin Kingdom.”

The film also aligns with Nigeria’s Screen Nigeria initiative, which aims to expand the country’s cinematic influence globally. Osamede’s Cannes debut comes at a landmark moment for Nigerian film, coinciding with the selection of My Father’s Shadow—the first Nigerian movie to feature in Cannes’ Official Selection.

Osamede features a stellar cast including Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Imasuen, and Alexander Bud, and has drawn comparisons to global blockbusters like The Woman King for its empowering narrative and cinematic scale.

With its Cannes debut, Osamede not only showcases Nigeria’s filmmaking excellence but also brings African mythology into the spotlight—ushering in a new era for historical fantasy storytelling.

Oil Prices Set for Weekly Decline Amid Oversupply Concerns

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April 25, 2025

Global oil prices dropped on Friday and are on track for a weekly loss of over 2%, driven by fears of oversupply and heightened uncertainty surrounding trade relations between the United States and China.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell by 36 cents, settling at $62.43 per barrel, marking a 3.5% decline for the week.

According to Anh Pham, Senior Analyst at LSEG, “On a weekly basis, prices are down due to persistent concerns over excess supply from OPEC+, while the demand outlook remains shaky amid ongoing trade tensions. A stronger U.S. dollar has also weighed on crude prices.”

Earlier gains in the oil market were reversed after a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry stated that no active tariff negotiations were taking place with the United States. This contradicted U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim on Thursday that trade talks were still in progress.

Ole Hansen, an analyst at Saxo Bank, noted that “Traders now view further crude price gains as unlikely in the short term due to ongoing trade frictions between major global consumers and speculation that OPEC+ could accelerate output increases as early as June.”

In a move reflecting economic caution, China has exempted certain U.S. imports from its 125% tariffs, requesting businesses to identify essential goods for tariff waivers. This action signals Beijing’s increasing concern over the trade war’s economic toll.

The broader market remains jittery, with oversupply fears intensifying after several OPEC+ members hinted at the possibility of speeding up oil production hikes in June, according to a recent Reuters report.

Adding to the complexity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed in an interview with CBS News that progress is being made in peace efforts with the U.S. to end the war in Ukraine. While details remain unresolved, any easing of the conflict and lifting of sanctions could allow more Russian oil to enter the global market, potentially increasing supply pressures further.

Russia, a top oil producer and key member of OPEC+, alongside Saudi Arabia and the U.S., plays a major role in global energy dynamics.

As supply-side uncertainties grow and geopolitical tensions persist, oil markets may continue to face downward pressure in the short term.

Congo and Rwanda Set to Sign U.S.-Backed Peace Accord

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April 25, 2025

Congo and Rwanda are poised to sign a landmark agreement in the United States this Friday aimed at restoring peace and fostering economic development, according to sources cited by Reuters. The deal is expected to be finalized during a high-level ceremony in Washington, attended by the foreign ministers of both nations and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The accord seeks to bring an end to the persistent violence plaguing eastern Congo, fueled in part by the advance of the M23 rebel group, widely believed to be supported by Rwanda—a claim Kigali has consistently denied.

Beyond the pursuit of peace, the agreement comes amid active discussions with the U.S. over significant investments in Congo’s rich mineral resources. The country is home to vast deposits of copper, cobalt, and lithium—critical elements for mobile phones, electric vehicles, and other modern technologies. Rwanda has also confirmed ongoing talks with the U.S. regarding a potential minerals deal.

The renewed diplomatic momentum follows a surge in violence earlier this year when M23 rebels captured key eastern cities. In response, both the United Nations and Western governments accused Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to the rebel group. Rwanda maintains its military action was in self-defense against Congolese forces and militias linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.

Mediation efforts by Qatar and the U.S. have helped bring both parties to the negotiating table. In March, Qatar facilitated a surprise meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, resulting in a call for a ceasefire. Talks hosted in Qatar also led to a joint statement this week, with both Congo and M23 rebels pledging to cease hostilities and work toward a lasting peace.

A diplomatic source revealed that Friday’s agreement will act as a “declaration of principles”, outlining shared commitments to peace, regional stability, and economic collaboration. While the details are still being finalized, the accord aims to rebuild trust, boost investor confidence, and normalize diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.

Another source noted that a full peace deal is expected to follow in the coming months, with both parties working closely to finalize the terms.

This development comes as the U.S. continues exploring a potential minerals-for-security partnership with Congo—a proposal initially brought to Washington by a Congolese senator earlier this year, capturing the interest of the Trump administration.

If successful, the peace accord could mark a turning point in one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts, while unlocking economic opportunities in one of the world’s most mineral-rich regions.

Over 26,000 Lagos Students Failed 2024 WASSCE – Commissioner

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April 25, 2025

The Lagos State Government has revealed that 26,592 students from public schools failed the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), raising serious concerns about academic performance across the state.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, made the disclosure during a ministerial press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday.

“45.7% of the 58,188 public school students who sat for the examination did not pass,” he stated.

This failure rate is alarming, especially considering the state government’s significant investment of ₦1.577 billion to cover WAEC registration fees for students.

“The sum of ₦1,577,794,000 was paid by the state government as examination fees for 58,188 students captured for the 2024 WASSCE,” Alli-Balogun noted.

To address the issue and prevent further financial waste, the commissioner announced that biometric and image registration will be introduced for the 2025 WASSCE, to verify and track legitimate beneficiaries of government sponsorship.

So far, 56,134 students have been successfully verified and registered for future sponsorship.

Eko Learners’ Support Programme Launched to Improve Performance

As part of broader educational reforms, the state government has launched the Eko Learners’ Support Programme, aimed at boosting the performance of WASSCE and NECO candidates in public schools.

Launched on January 14, 2025, the initiative is designed to empower students through 320 lessons across 10 core subjects, including:

English
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Economics
Government
History
Literature-in-English
Yoruba

Each lesson, delivered in 30-minute episodes, will be broadcast on Lagos Television (LTV) and archived across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to ensure easy access and long-term academic support.

“This forward-thinking initiative supports academic excellence and encourages creativity and critical thinking. Every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their socio-economic background,” said Alli-Balogun.

He called on students—especially those in boarding schools—to fully embrace the programme.

“Education is a lifelong journey, and I encourage all students to take full advantage of this support system,” he added.

The Lagos State Government remains committed to transforming the education landscape by combining financial investment with digital learning innovations to improve student outcomes.

NBA Reveals 2024–25 Social Justice Champion Award Finalists

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April 25, 2025