China has introduced a new policy that grants citizens from five Latin American countries visa-free access for up to one year, in a bid to deepen regional partnerships.
Effective June 1, nationals from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay can travel to China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, according to an announcement made by China’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday. This is part of a one-year trial arrangement.
“We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, to experience the colorful and vibrant China,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily briefing.
Earlier this week, Beijing hosted the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, reinforcing its push to build stronger relationships in the region and serve as a strategic counterbalance to U.S. influence.
In recent months, China has relaxed visa policies for several countries — including most European nations, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia — to help stimulate economic recovery following strict pandemic-era restrictions. Additionally, mutual visa-free access between China and Uzbekistan for up to 30 days will begin on the same date, as confirmed by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mount Sakurajima, a well-known active volcano in Japan, erupted repeatedly on May 15 and 16, launching ash clouds as high as 3,000 meters and leading to the cancellation of 25 flights at Kagoshima Airport.
These cancellations left many travelers stranded, while airlines struggled to accommodate a sharp increase in rebooking and refund demands.
Flight disruptions as ash fills the skies The volcanic activity, which started early on May 15, released dense ash clouds that drifted toward Kagoshima Airport. As a result, operations were halted from 5 pm.
Several major airlines, such as Japan Airlines (JAL) and Skymark Airlines, were forced to cancel flights connecting Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Itami, and Amami airports. One of JAL’s aircraft had to change course mid-flight to steer clear of the ash.
ANA All Nippon Airways proactively called off some services scheduled for May 16. Meanwhile, airport authorities stated they would monitor runway conditions throughout the night and use sweeping machines if necessary to remove volcanic material.
Passengers Stranded As planes were grounded, many passengers turned to buses heading to Kagoshima City, causing significant crowding at bus terminals.
Staff at the airport noted an unusually high number of people at help desks, with many tourists frantically searching for accommodation and alternative transportation.
“This level of chaos is something we usually only see during typhoon season,” said an airport employee. “But unlike typhoons, volcanic eruptions are unpredictable, so we couldn’t prepare in advance.”
Extended eruption sparks safety alerts The third eruption, which began at 10:45 a.m. on May 15, was the strongest and lasted over 12 hours, with loud explosive sounds continuing into the night.
Officials from Kagoshima’s meteorological office cautioned that if the eruptions extended beyond 3 a.m. on May 16, significant ash could fall over the mainland area. They advised motorists to be especially careful.
It’s the first occurrence since November 2019 that Sakurajima has continuously emitted smoke for more than ten hours. The ash plume soared as high as 3,000 meters.
Under the guidance of German coach Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona clinched the 2024/25 La Liga title, marking their 28th league championship. The decisive moment came with a 2–0 victory over Espanyol in the Catalan derby, featuring goals from Lamine Yamal and Fermín López. This win was part of an impressive campaign that also saw Barcelona secure the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey, achieving a domestic treble.
Despite facing challenges mid-season, including a dip in form during November, the team demonstrated resilience by embarking on an unbeaten run of over 30 matches. This consistency, combined with pivotal victories in all Clásico matches against Real Madrid, underscored Barcelona’s dominance in Spanish football.
Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s Teenage Sensation
Born on July 13, 2007, in Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, Lamine Yamal is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. He made his senior debut for the club at just 15 years old in April 2023. Standing at 1.80 meters, Yamal plays as a winger and is known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and creativity on the field.
Internationally, Yamal has represented Spain across various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2023, becoming the youngest player to represent and score for the national team at age 16. He played a significant role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 victory, earning the tournament’s Young Player Award.
His rapid rise has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, with Messi himself acknowledging Yamal’s potential, stating, “He has a huge future.”
Lamine Yamal’s Impact and Barcelona’s Future
Yamal’s influence on Barcelona’s attacking dynamics has been profound. His ability to challenge defenders and create opportunities has not only led to personal accolades but also opened up spaces for teammates, enhancing the team’s overall performance.
However, this reliance has raised concerns about over-dependence. Statistics indicate that Barcelona’s win percentage drops significantly in matches where Yamal is absent, highlighting the need for strategic planning to ensure team resilience.
Looking ahead, Yamal’s commitment to the club is evident. He has expressed a desire to remain with Barcelona long-term, aspiring to become a club legend.
Lamine Yamal’s emergence signals a promising future for FC Barcelona. His talent, coupled with the team’s recent successes, suggests a new era of potential dominance in both domestic and European competitions. As Yamal continues to develop, his journey will be pivotal in shaping the club’s trajectory in the coming years.
After some of the heaviest fighting Tripoli has seen in years, calm returned to the Libyan capital on Wednesday following a government-declared ceasefire. Residents reported a reduction in violence, though no official casualty figures have been released.
The clashes began late Monday night after a prominent militia leader, Abdulghani Kikli—also known as Ghaniwa—was killed. Although the situation briefly stabilized on Tuesday morning, intense fighting resumed overnight, engulfing several districts across the city.
According to the defense ministry, “regular forces, in coordination with relevant security agencies, have begun implementing necessary steps to maintain order,” which includes deploying neutral police units without heavy weaponry around key infrastructure points.
Scenes from the aftermath showed scorched vehicles and buildings riddled with bullet holes. The violence highlighted the fragile state of security in Tripoli, with many fearing a broader conflict could emerge if external factions intervene.
The recent violence appears to have consolidated power under Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, head of Libya’s internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU). Dbeibah, aligned with Turkey, moved swiftly to dismantle irregular militias following Ghaniwa’s death and the defeat of his Stabilisation Support Apparatus (SSA) by the 444 and 111 Brigades—both allied with the prime minister.
One significant holdout remains: the Special Deterrence Force (Rada), the last major Tripoli militia not aligned with Dbeibah. According to The Libyan Observer, intense battles unfolded between Rada and the 444 Brigade on Wednesday.
Fighting also spread to Tripoli’s western outskirts, traditionally an entry point for militias from the town of Zawiya, west of the capital. These developments have raised concerns about the potential for broader escalation beyond the capital.
In reaction to the unrest, Dbeibah ordered the disbandment of all irregular armed groups operating within the city.
The recent turmoil terrified many residents. “It’s terrifying to witness all this intense fighting. I kept my family in one room to stay safe from the shelling,” said a father of three from Dahra. Another resident, Mohanad Juma from Saraj, described brief pauses in gunfire followed by renewed outbreaks: “Each time it stops, we breathe a little easier—but then the shooting starts again.”
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed deep concern over the violence in densely populated areas and urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire.
Libya has remained unstable since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. The country has since been divided between rival eastern and western administrations, with Tripoli often at the heart of clashes among competing militias.
Despite the recent fighting, Libya’s major oil infrastructure—located in the southern and eastern regions—has not been impacted. Several oil engineers confirmed to Reuters that production remained steady. However, Sirte Oil Company, a National Oil Corporation (NOC) subsidiary, has suspended land transport to the west, including Tripoli, pending restoration of stability.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Burkina Faso’s military and allied militia of carrying out a massacre that claimed the lives of at least 130 civilians in March, near the western town of Solenzo. The rights group detailed the findings in a report released Monday, attributing the killings to a counterinsurgency operation led by Burkinabè special forces.
The victims were primarily members of the Fulani community—a pastoralist, predominantly Muslim ethnic group that has frequently been accused by the government of supporting Islamist insurgents, a claim strongly rejected by Fulani leaders.
The HRW report links the military operation to widespread displacement and civilian deaths, stating that the massacre followed long-standing patterns of targeting ethnic communities under suspicion of militant affiliations.
Currently, around 40% of Burkina Faso’s territory is believed to be under the control of extremist groups aligned with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, particularly in the Sahel region. Despite assurances from the ruling military junta to end the insurgency, attacks persist, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced.
Unconfirmed reports over the weekend suggested fresh militant attacks resulting in numerous military and civilian casualties. The BBC has not independently verified these claims, and the Burkina Faso authorities have not issued any statements.
Previously, the Burkinabè government dismissed HRW’s 2023 report—which accused the military of killing 223 villagers—as “baseless,” insisting that any human rights abuse allegations are subject to formal investigation.
In compiling its latest report, HRW says it interviewed eyewitnesses, members of local militias, journalists, and civil society actors. The organization also analyzed video footage circulated on social media, leading to its conclusion that the Burkinabè military was directly responsible for the March killings.
The group further reported that in April, jihadist groups killed at least 100 civilians in retaliatory attacks against communities perceived as aiding government forces.
“Mass killings by state forces, local militias, and Islamist groups constitute war crimes and potentially other atrocity crimes,” HRW said. The organization has called for immediate and thorough investigations and the prosecution of all perpetrators.
The report’s release coincides with junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s return from a diplomatic visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss security cooperation in the Sahel. Since seizing power, the military-led government has shifted away from its former colonial partner France and increasingly aligned itself with Russia in its battle against insurgency.
The Federal Executive Council has approved the launch of four new satellites aimed at improving Earth observation and strengthening Nigeria’s national security efforts. This announcement was made by Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, during the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST) held in Abuja from May 12 to May 14. Themed “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity,” the event underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging innovation for development.
Minister Nnaji explained that the satellite initiative comprises three Earth Observation satellites and one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. The SAR satellite, in particular, will provide high-resolution imagery in all weather conditions—day or night—offering critical support to military operations and security surveillance.
“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is actively addressing its challenges. The approval for the launch of these four multi-million-dollar satellites marks a significant leap in our technological capabilities,” Nnaji stated.
He noted that the new technology will help reduce reliance on foreign satellite data, especially for surveillance in high-risk zones like the Sambisa Forest.
On the policy front, Nnaji highlighted the ongoing review of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. He said an inter-ministerial committee is currently working on strategies to establish a National Research and Innovation Fund aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.
“As a nation, we can no longer afford the disconnect between research and real-world implementation,” Nnaji emphasized. “Despite our wealth of academic research, much of it remains unused due to a lack of support systems, funding, and industry linkage.”
He expressed hope that the resolutions from the council meeting would trigger a new era where innovation becomes a viable career path and inventions transition seamlessly from concept to commercialization.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the minister called on the private sector to invest in research and development (R&D) while urging the government to strengthen regulations that support innovation ecosystems.
He also confirmed that the council’s outcomes would be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for adoption. The 22nd NCIST meeting, originally slated for 2024, was postponed to 2025 due to unforeseen challenges, but preparations for the 23rd edition are already underway to realign with the regular schedule.
Permanent Secretary Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye described the council as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration across sectors. She noted that the council received 109 memoranda covering a broad spectrum of national issues—from climate change and unemployment to economic diversification and technological capacity building.
“These submissions present innovative proposals and practical recommendations that will strengthen the role of science, technology, and innovation in driving national development,” she said. “Key focus areas include commercializing indigenous research, enhancing R&D funding, and building innovation capacity in emerging sectors like health, agriculture, energy, and education.”
She added that the depth and diversity of the submissions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of science and technology in Nigeria’s sustainable growth.
In his remarks, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Dr. Morris Mbaeri, stressed the urgency of building a strong innovation ecosystem to ensure sustainable development.
“This cycle of research, development, innovation, and commercialization is vital to solving real-world problems and unlocking long-term prosperity,” Akume noted, calling for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, President of the African University of Science and Technology, echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to increase its R&D spending to at least three percent of GDP. He also advocated for more innovation clusters that bring together universities, industries, and startups to drive project implementation.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant milestone in its energy sector—over $8 billion in investments secured within a year for deepwater and gas projects. This surpasses the earlier reported $6.7 billion investment projection for 2024.
Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, shared this development at the 2025 Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. In a speech obtained by our correspondent, Verheijen attributed this achievement to a series of government-led reforms aimed at enhancing investor confidence.
Key reforms include improved fiscal policies, faster project approval processes, clearer regulations, and targeted reforms in the power sector, particularly those that enhance the commercial viability of gas-to-power initiatives.
“In under a year, Nigeria unlocked over $8 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) for deepwater and gas projects,” Verheijen stated. “This was achieved through bold presidential actions that improved fiscal terms, shortened contracting timelines, and reformed power sector regulations. Investors responded positively—we moved from gridlock to greenlight.”
Recent major FIDs include the Bonga North Deepwater Project and the Ubeta Gas Field, signaling increased investor trust in Nigeria’s energy landscape and regulatory stability.
Despite this progress, the demand for gas infrastructure remains high. Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, noted that Nigeria needs $20 billion annually over the next decade to meet its gas infrastructure goals.
Verheijen urged African policymakers to adopt a commercially driven mindset rather than relying on emotional appeals to “African capital.” She emphasized that capital is globally opportunistic and seeks competitive, risk-adjusted returns.
“Capital has no passport,” she said. “It is neither African nor foreign—it is rational. Emotional appeals distract from the core issue: competitiveness.”
She cited data showing that Africa attracted $340 billion in upstream investment from 2011–2015, but forecasts suggest a sharp decline to below $130 billion between 2026 and 2030—a trend she described as a “structural decimation.”
To counter this, she called for mutually beneficial partnerships, stable policies, and enhanced project economics. She referenced successful examples of global capital flow to regions like the Permian Basin, Guyana, and Brazil—regions known for strong returns, low emissions, and regulatory clarity.
“If Africa wants a slice of the $500 billion spent annually on upstream projects globally, we must be clear, competitive, and investor-ready,” Verheijen said.
She also called on domestic financial institutions—development banks, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds—to bridge the financing gap left by retreating international oil companies. She emphasized that African investors have a unique edge in domestic gas, shelf, and onshore operations due to their familiarity with local dynamics.
Highlighting the growing role of African private sector leaders, she referenced the Renaissance Africa Energy Consortium’s acquisition of Shell’s onshore JV and the operational success of the Dangote Refinery as signs of a broader shift toward indigenous control.
She further noted a leap in local ownership, with indigenous equity in Nigeria’s gas sector rising from 69% to 83%, describing it as a “seismic shift in ownership and control.”
However, Verheijen acknowledged the continued importance of international capital, especially as major oil companies shift focus from volume to value—targeting low-cost, low-carbon, de-risked assets.
“Africa must align with this shift,” she said. “We can’t negotiate on capital that hasn’t arrived. Investment must come first, then the returns.”
In conclusion, Verheijen urged African nations to become intentional investment destinations. “We must move from requesting support to designing environments that attract capital,” she said. “When we get it right, capital won’t hesitate—it will chase us. The future of Africa must be built deliberately and unapologetically.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a lawsuit against Prof. Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of establishing an illegal shadow government.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, lists Utomi, the 2007 African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, as the sole defendant, alleging that his actions aim to unlawfully challenge the executive authority of President Bola Tinubu.
Utomi recently announced the creation of a 39-member shadow government, claiming it was a response to the alleged mismanagement of governance by the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
While the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress criticized the initiative, Utomi maintained that his actions were within his constitutional rights.
In the suit filed by its lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS labeled Utomi’s shadow government as unlawful, asserting that it seeks to incite public discontent against President Tinubu.
The agency argued that Utomi’s creation of a parallel cabinet violates the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The DSS alleged that Utomi used public statements, social media, and other platforms to promote his shadow government, positioning it as a challenge to the legitimacy of Tinubu’s democratically elected administration.
According to the DSS, during the inauguration of the ‘shadow cabinet’, Utomi reportedly stated that it includes the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be led by Dele Farotimi; a Policy Delivery Unit team comprising Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga; as well as a Council of Economic Advisers.
The DSS stated: “Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection.”
The agency warned that, if not addressed, the shadow government could destabilize Nigeria, provoke political unrest, and jeopardize national security by fostering chaos.
The agency further contended that such a structure risks escalating inter-group tensions and encouraging unlawful actors or separatist movements to establish similar parallel systems, posing a significant threat to national security.
“The plaintiff, in the discharge of its statutory duties, has gathered intelligence confirming that the defendant’s actions pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy,” the DSS stated.
The DSS argued that Utomi’s actions constitute an attempt to mimic or usurp executive powers, violating Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which vest governance exclusively in institutions established through democratic elections.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has made several efforts to engage the defendant to dissuade him from this unconstitutional path, including statements made by the Minister of Information, but the defendant has remained defiant,” the agency noted.
The DSS urged the court to declare Utomi’s shadow government unconstitutional, describing it as a severe assault on the Nigerian Constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government.
“It is in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law for this honourable court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal,” the DSS submitted.
The agency requested that the court rule the “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” unconstitutional, asserting that it represents an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognized by the 1999 Constitution.
The DSS also sought a judicial affirmation that, under Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the constitution, any governmental structure or authority operating outside constitutional provisions is null and void.
Additionally, the DSS asked for “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, his agents, and associates from taking any steps towards establishing or operating a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet,’ or any similar entity not recognised by the Constitution.”
The agency supported its claims by citing Section 1(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which establishes the Constitution’s supremacy, Section 1(2), which prohibits unconstitutional governance, and Section 14(2)(a), which affirms the sovereignty of the people.
In an affidavit accompanying the suit, the DSS identified itself as Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence and security agency, tasked with detecting and preventing internal threats, including subversive activities that could undermine national unity.
The agency emphasized its responsibility to protect the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its institutions.
The DSS reiterated that Utomi had publicly declared the formation of a shadow government, assigning individuals to various ministerial roles.
A hearing date for the case has yet to be scheduled by the court.
The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Wednesday as the South-East Zonal Caucus issued a stern warning of potential mass defections if the party continues to disregard its nomination of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary.
The threat, delivered in a communiqué following a Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) meeting at the Government House in Enugu, underscores growing frustration over what the region perceives as sustained marginalization by the party leadership.
The communiqué, read by Zonal Chairman Chief Ali Odefa, reaffirmed the South-East’s unanimous support for Udeh-Okoye to complete the term of the National Secretary, in line with the directive of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) during its 600th meeting on April 29. Odefa emphasized that ratifying Udeh-Okoye’s nomination would pave the way for “peace, unity, stability, and progress” within the party.
“The South-East ZEC exhaustively deliberated on the directive of the NWC and came to the conclusion that it offered a sure pathway to peace, unity, stability, and progress of our party. Consequently, the ZEC unanimously recommended Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the candidate to complete the term of office of the National Secretary,” Odefa stated.
The South-East caucus expressed frustration that it has repeatedly nominated Udeh-Okoye since October 2023, only to face delays and resistance from the party’s national leadership.
The region urged the NWC to immediately ratify Udeh-Okoye’s nomination and allow Arch. Setonji Koshoedo, currently recognized by the NWC as Acting National Secretary, to continue in an acting capacity pending formal ratification at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27.
The caucus highlighted its long-standing loyalty to the PDP, noting that the South-East has been a stronghold for the party since its inception nearly three decades ago.
It pointed to recent efforts to bolster the party’s ranks in the region, such as in Enugu, where the Labour Party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, two House of Representatives members, and several state assembly members have defected to the PDP.
“The South-East has consistently served as a stronghold of the PDP from inception. In PDP’s near three-decade existence, we have given our loyalty and all to the party,” the communiqué read.
“Currently, while the party has been losing key members post-2023 general elections, the South-East PDP is at the vanguard of strengthening the party by rallying major opposition figures.”
However, the caucus warned that failure to honor its demand for Udeh-Okoye’s ratification could force the region to reconsider its relationship with the PDP.
“We hope that this time, the position of the South-East PDP regarding the Office of the National Secretary is accorded the honour and immediacy it deserves. Otherwise, the South-East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the communiqué concluded.
Enugu State Governor and PDP leader in the zone, Dr. Peter Mbah, called for unity, urging the South-East to speak with one voice.
“The South-East must stand together,” Mbah declared, emphasizing the need for the region to assert its influence within the party.
PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, expressed outrage at what he described as the party’s persistent marginalization of the South-East.
“We have been trampled upon, not taken seriously. If such a position were vacant in the South-South, it would not be like this. The usual thing is to play politics with the Igbo man,” Wabara said.
“Yes, we may have to reconsider our stand as far as the party is concerned. But I trust the NWC.”
Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, echoed Wabara’s sentiments, demanding an end to the region’s marginalization.
“We are expecting that this issue will be finally ironed out once and for all. We do not want to be taken for granted by anybody again,” Udenwa stated.
The dispute over the National Secretary position stems from a leadership tussle that intensified after the 2023 general elections.
In December 2024, a lower court and the South-East caucus endorsed Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader, for the role. Although the PDP governors, Board of Trustees, and NWC initially accepted the ruling, Senator Samuel Anyanwu challenged it in court. The Supreme Court, on March 21, 2025, dismissed the case, ruling that internal party matters should not be adjudicated by courts.
In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum, on April 14, directed the South-East to nominate a new candidate and endorsed Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary, a decision ratified by the NWC on April 29.
However, the South-East has remained steadfast in its support for Udeh-Okoye, deepening the rift within the party.
To address the crisis, serving and former PDP governors recently appointed former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki to lead a seven-member reconciliation committee ahead of the NEC meeting and the party’s elective convention in August.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, PDP National Secretariat staff in Abuja publicly aligned with the Governors’ Forum and NWC, recognizing Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary.
Speaking on behalf of 83 staff members, Director of Administration Gurama Bawa described the decision as essential for preserving party unity and administrative stability.
As the PDP prepares for its critical NEC meeting, the South-East’s threat of defection looms large, posing a significant challenge to the party’s cohesion and its prospects in future elections. Attempts to reach Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba for comments were unsuccessful.
The coming weeks will be pivotal as the PDP navigates this internal crisis and seeks to avert a potential exodus from one of its strongest regional bases.
The Nigerian entertainment industry is reeling from the sudden death of Nollywood actress, media personality, and body positivity advocate Monalisa Ayobami Stephen, popularly known as Gabacci.
The 33-year-old passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Lagos, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues.
According to reports, her death was linked to complications from low blood sugar and internal bleeding, as confirmed by her immediate younger sister and Seun Oloketuyi, CEO of Best of Nollywood (BON).
Who Is Monalisa Stephen?
Monalisa Stephen was a vibrant Nigerian plus-size model, actress, fashion designer, stylist, and content creator born on March 13, 1992, in Lagos State.
Launching her modeling career at 19, she gained recognition for her curvy figure and confident presence, appearing as a video vixen in numerous music videos.
Stephen starred in Nollywood films such as Mami Wata (2023) and Breaded Life (2021), and her comedic skits and social media presence earned her a loyal following.
A vocal advocate for body positivity, mental health, and self-love, Stephen used her platform to challenge societal norms around body image, often sparking debates with her candid views.
Her last Instagram post on April 29, 2025, featured her dancing to Davido’s 10 Kilo, reflecting her vibrant spirit. Known for her resilience despite controversies, she inspired many to embrace their authentic selves.
What Killed Monalisa Stephen?
Monalisa Stephen succumbed to health complications involving low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and internal bleeding on May 13, 2025, in Lagos.
The exact medical sequence remains unclear, but reports suggest she battled these conditions before her death.
Her younger sister confirmed the tragic news, and Seun Oloketuyi announced it on Instagram, stating,
“Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead, she died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against low sugar and internal bleeding.”
Hypoglycemia, a condition where blood glucose drops below normal levels, can be life-threatening if untreated, especially in severe cases.
Internal bleeding, potentially from an intestinal hemorrhage as one source noted, could indicate a separate or compounding issue, such as a gastrointestinal condition.
Without official medical reports, the interplay between these conditions remains speculative, but their combination likely overwhelmed her system.
Some online speculation suggested extreme dieting or slimming trends may have contributed to her low blood sugar, but no evidence supports this claim.
The lack of detailed medical disclosure underscores the need for caution in attributing causes beyond what has been confirmed.
What Is Low Blood Sugar?
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL, depriving the body of its primary energy source.
It is most commonly associated with diabetes management, particularly as a side effect of insulin or medications that stimulate insulin release. Other causes include insufficient carbohydrate intake, excessive physical activity, or alcohol consumption without food.
Hypoglycemia can range from mild to severe, with severe cases (below 55 mg/dL) potentially leading to unconsciousness or seizures.
While typically manageable, untreated hypoglycemia can be dangerous, especially if compounded by other health issues, as may have been the case with Stephen.
How to Treat Low Blood Sugar
Prompt treatment is critical for hypoglycemia to prevent serious complications.
For mild to moderate cases (blood sugar below 70 mg/dL), the 15-15 Rule is recommended:
•Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as:
•4 oz (½ cup) of juice or regular soda.
•1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup.
•3–4 glucose tablets or 1 tube of glucose gel.
•Hard candies or jellybeans (check labels for quantity).
•Wait 15 minutes, then recheck blood sugar. If still below 70 mg/dL, repeat.
•Once stabilized, eat a balanced snack or meal with protein and carbs (e.g., crackers with cheese).
For severe hypoglycemia (below 55 mg/dL), where a person may be unable to self-treat:
•Administer injectable glucagon (prescription required) and seek emergency medical help immediately.
•If conscious after glucagon, provide fast-acting sugars (e.g., juice), followed by a long-acting carb with protein (e.g., a sandwich).
•If unresponsive after 15 minutes, administer another glucagon dose and contact emergency services.
Always avoid high-fiber or high-fat foods during treatment, as they slow sugar absorption. Keeping fast-acting carbs accessible is essential for at-risk individuals.
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia symptoms vary by severity and can escalate quickly. Common signs include:
•Mild to Moderate: Paleness, shakiness, sweating, headache, hunger, nausea, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, or tingling in the lips, tongue, or cheeks.
•Severe: Confusion, unusual behavior, loss of coordination, slurred speech, blurry or tunnel vision, nightmares (if asleep), unresponsiveness, or seizures.
Recognizing personal symptoms early allows for faster intervention, potentially preventing fatal outcomes.
How to Prevent Low Blood Sugar
Preventing hypoglycemia requires proactive monitoring and lifestyle management, particularly for those with diabetes or other risk factors:
•Frequent Monitoring: Use a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track levels, especially before and after meals, exercise, or sleep, and during changes like travel or new medication routines.
•Stable Glucose Levels: Eat regular, balanced meals with adequate carbohydrates, avoid excessive alcohol, and adjust medications only under medical supervision.
•Recognize Patterns: Log blood sugar, activity, and diet to identify trends, sharing data with healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans.
•Emergency Preparedness: Carry fast-acting carbs and, if prescribed, a glucagon kit. Inform family or friends about hypoglycemia protocols.
Regular check-ins with a diabetes care team can help tailor prevention strategies, reducing the risk of severe episodes.
Monalisa Stephen’s death has left a void in Nollywood and the body positivity movement. Fans and colleagues, including actress Toyin Abraham, have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating her as a hardworking and vibrant soul who encouraged plus-size women to live boldly.
Her passing highlights the dangers of hypoglycemia and the need for greater awareness about managing chronic health conditions.
As investigations into her death continue, the industry mourns a trailblazer whose advocacy for self-love will endure.
For now, her fans are urged to honor her memory by embracing her message of confidence and resilience while staying vigilant about their health.
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Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
