LASG Rejects JAMB’s 150 Cut-Off, Sets 185 Minimum for State Universities

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu and JAMB

The Lagos State Government has officially drawn a line in the sand regarding academic standards, announcing that candidates who scored below 185 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will not be considered for admission into any of its three state-owned universities. 

This decision directly challenges the recent minimum benchmark of 150 set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Speaking on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, made it clear that Lagos State would not compromise on quality. The briefing, held to mark the third anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, served as a platform for the state to reaffirm its commitment to educational excellence.

“To us in Lagos State, the cut-off marks approved by JAMB look too low for our universities. None of our three universities is admitting any student who scored below 185 in the UTME,” Sule stated.

The Commissioner expressed concern that the national minimum of 150 out of a total of 400 obtainable marks undermines the competitive nature of higher education in a leading state like Lagos. He argued that the state's academic ecosystem should not be equated with regions that require lower bars to encourage enrollment.

“For JAMB to announce 150 as the cut-off mark... is very low. Lagos cannot be considered educationally disadvantaged to the extent of bringing its cut-off mark down to meet what Sokoto or Zamfara states require,” he added.

Despite the stricter entry requirements, the Sanwo-Olu administration has been aggressive in expanding the capacity of its tertiary institutions. Within the last three years, the number of state-run universities has grown from one to three, with a fourth institution already in the pipeline.

The Commissioner emphasized that while the government wants to provide more platforms for residents to obtain degrees, it will not do so by lowering the bar. He noted that the state is focusing on infrastructure investment and capacity building rather than "watering down" admission criteria.

In a move to further boost the state's human capital, Sule revealed that the Ministry of Tertiary Education is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Health on legislation for a new University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“Increasing our universities... is still part of what the state governor is doing to provide more educational platforms and opportunities for Lagos residents,” Sule explained.

Angry Investors Loot XM Future Music Group Office After Viral Ponzi Scheme Crashes

 By: Manoah Kikekon

The Apa area of Badagry was thrown into chaos on Thursday as a mob of enraged investors stormed and looted the physical office of the XM Future Music Group. 

The local headquarters of the digital platform, popularly known as "XM," was stripped bare after the investment scheme reportedly crashed overnight, trapping billions of naira belonging to thousands of Nigerians.

Videos surfacing on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok show a frantic scene where residents and victims carted away office equipment. In a desperate bid to recoup their losses, looters were seen hauling out power generators, standing fans, upholstered chairs, television sets, and desktop computers, leaving the building an empty shell.

The XM Future Music Group lured Nigerians with a business model that seemed too good to be true and ultimately was. Promoters claimed that users could earn massive profits simply by listening to music and completing online tasks. To join, investors were required to pay a "work deposit," with entry packages starting at ₦21,600 and scaling up to a staggering ₦93 million.

The promises were astronomical. One viral advertisement for the scheme suggested that a premium investment of ₦21 million could yield ₦327 million in just 30 days.

"I thought it was a legitimate music promotion deal because they showed us documents from the US," lamented one victim identified as Jimmy. "But when the withdrawal button stopped working and the Telegram group was deleted, I knew we had been scammed."

The crash follows a familiar pattern in the world of fraudulent financial schemes. Within the last 24 hours, the XM platform became inaccessible, and official customer support channels were abruptly shut down.

Financial experts had previously warned about the platform's claims of being registered in Colorado, USA a common tactic used by scammers to build a veneer of international credibility.

"These schemes thrive on the desperation created by economic hardship," a financial analyst noted. "When you see promises of 100% returns in 30 days, it is not an investment; it is a countdown to a crash."

Badagry Monarchs Endorse Hon. Sesi Whingan for Second Term as Reps Member

By: Manoah Kikekon 

The monarchs of Badagry Federal Constituency have officially endorsed the reelection bid of Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan. The royal fathers, gathered at a high-level meeting in Ibereko, threw their weight behind the lawmaker, citing his unprecedented track record of grassroots development and effective legislative representation since he took office in 2023.

The endorsement came on Thursday after series of engagement with the traditional rulers, this was more than a mere formality; it was a comprehensive review of Whingan’s tenure. The traditional rulers expressed deep satisfaction with the lawmaker's ability to bridge the gap between the National Assembly and the ancient city of Badagry.

"Honorable Sesi Whingan has proven to be a son in whom we are well pleased," a spokesperson for the monarchs noted during the gathering. "His projects are not just on paper; they are visible in our schools, our streets, and in the lives of our youths who have been empowered through his various initiatives."

The monarchs also specifically praised his legislative efforts regarding the Nigerian French Language Village in Ajara and his advocacy for improved infrastructure at ASCON and Topo.

Beyond his local achievements, the monarchs congratulated Whingan on his recent appointment as the Lagos State Coordinator of the City Boy Movement. They described the role as a fitting recognition of his capacity for grassroots mobilization and his unwavering loyalty to the progressive ideals of the state.

"This appointment is a testament to his rising profile and his dedication to the development of Lagos as a whole," the monarchs stated. "We are confident that his second term will bring even more federal presence to the Badagry constituency."

QNET: NSCDC Arrests 21 Foreigners in Badagry Over Fake Recruitment Plot

By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS – Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Command, have dismantled a sophisticated cross-border criminal syndicate, arresting 21 foreign nationals allegedly involved in a fraudulent recruitment and network marketing scam.

The suspects, comprising 16 males and five females from Togo, Benin Republic, and the Central African Republic, were apprehended during a targeted raid in the Torikoh area of Badagry. The group is accused of luring victims into Nigeria under false pretenses before subjecting them to extortion and unlawful confinement.

The operation was triggered by a daring complaint lodged on May 6, 2026, by Mr. Atokari Allah Iderim, a citizen of the Central African Republic. Iderim revealed that he was deceived into traveling to Nigeria with the promise of a lucrative job and safe passage to Cameroon.

Related News:

Ghanaian Fraud Ring Busted in Badagry, Polish Dream Turns into Qnet Nightmare

Upon his arrival, the reality was far grimmer. Iderim alleged that the syndicate seized his mobile phone, destroyed his foreign SIM cards, and held him captive. He and other victims were reportedly pressured to join a business scheme identified as QNET, with a staggering registration fee of 650,000 CFA francs (approximately ₦770,000).

"I was given only N10,000 for feeding and warned not to leave the premises until I could raise the money to register," the complainant stated in his report to the NSCDC.

Preliminary investigations suggest the group operated a multi-layered "network marketing" structure designed to exploit vulnerable job seekers from across Africa. The NSCDC discovered that the syndicate maintained several "camps" or branches strategically located in: Aradagun and Mowo, Badagry Town, Limca Area

Several of the arrested individuals have identified themselves as "leaders" and "trainers" within the organization. Their primary tactic involved promising better economic opportunities in Nigeria, only to restrict victims' movements and coerce them into high-interest debt schemes.

Due to the international nature of the crimes and the absence of valid travel documents among the suspects, the NSCDC has transferred the group to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for further processing.

A spokesperson for the NSCDC noted that the investigation is expanding to uncover the full scope of the syndicate’s network.

"We are working to identify other collaborators and establish formal charges including irregular migration, fraudulent recruitment, extortion, and unlawful restriction of movement," the agency confirmed.

From Badagry to Bujumbura: Konko Daniel Crowned Champion of Burundi with Aigle Noir FC

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

IKOGA ZEBBE, NIGERIA – Badagry buzzing with celebration as one of their own, Konko Daniel, has officially reached the pinnacle of East African football. The talented defender helped his club, Aigle Noir CS, secure the 2025/2026 Burundi Primus League title in a season defined by dominance and grit.

Aigle Noir clinched the championship after finishing at the summit of the table with a staggering 68 points, fending off intense pressure from rivals Musongati FC and Flambeau du Centre. The victory marks a significant milestone for the club and solidifies Daniel’s reputation as a rising star in African football.

Hailing from Ikoga Zebbe in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, Konko Daniel has become a symbol of hope for aspiring athletes in the division. His journey from local pitches to the professional stadiums of Burundi has captivated the hearts of his kinsmen.

"This is a proud moment for our entire community," said a representative of the Ikoga Zebbe youth council. "Seeing a son of the soil lift a trophy on the international stage proves that Badagry is a breeding ground for world-class talent."

Throughout the campaign, Daniel was a mainstay in the Aigle Noir backline, earning accolades for his tactical discipline and physical presence. Supporters in Bujumbura have nicknamed the Nigerian powerhouse for his consistency in high-stakes matches.

Konko Daniel’s triumph is a testament to the "export value" of Nigerian footballers within the African continent. As the Burundi Primus League continues to grow in competitiveness, the inclusion of technical players from West Africa has raised the standard of play significantly.

Reflecting on the victory, a close associate of the player said, "Daniel’s victory was well-deserved. He remained focused despite the challenges of playing abroad. To finish the league with 68 points is no small feat; it shows the level of work he and his teammates put in."

With this league title, Aigle Noir CS has secured its ticket to represent Burundi in the prestigious CAF Champions League. This presents another opportunity for Konko Daniel to showcase his skills against the best clubs in Africa, including potential matchups against Nigerian giants.

Nigeria Troops Intercept 400 Starlink Devices in Major North-East Crackdown

By: Manoah Kikekon 

MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA – In a significant blow to the communication infrastructure of insurgent groups, Nigerian troops have intercepted and seized over 400 Starlink satellite internet terminals used by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. 

The recovery is part of a massive "strangulation operation" aimed at severing the technological and logistics lifelines of militants across the North-East.

Brigadier-General Beyidi Martins, the Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed the breakthrough during a briefing with defence correspondents on Wednesday, 13th May 2026. He revealed that the devices, linked to Elon Musk's satellite internet service, were recovered from high-risk zones, including the Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle.

The seizure of high-speed satellite terminals highlights a shifting battlefield where terrorists increasingly rely on advanced technology for coordination. By utilizing Starlink, insurgents had been able to maintain secure, high-speed communication in remote enclaves where traditional cellular networks are non-existent.

“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom to move supplies, communication equipment, fuel, and other operational items across the theatre,” Brig.-Gen. Martins stated.

The commander noted that by intercepting these gadgets, the military is effectively blinding the enemy’s command and control structure.

Brig.-Gen. Martins raised concerns regarding the role of civilian collaborators who assist in smuggling these high-tech devices and other essential supplies into terrorist hideouts. He explained that while some residents are coerced into helping through threats, others do so voluntarily for financial gain.

> “There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists. Some do it willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” he revealed.

To counter this, troops have successfully infiltrated various transport and trade syndicates. This intelligence-led approach has led to the daily arrest of couriers and the disruption of over **400 logistics-related cases involving drugs, fuel (PMS), and motorcycle spare parts.

Beyond technology, the military is targeting the insurgents' financial engines. The North-East command has partnered with local market stakeholders to introduce strict livestock verification measures. This prevents terrorists from selling rustled cattle in local markets to fund their operations.

“If animals are not properly identified, they will not be sold. Through that arrangement, we are tracking and disrupting their sources of financing,” the Commander added.

The "strangulation" strategy combining the seizure of communication tech with the blocking of food and fuel corridors stretching from Kano through Nguru is yielding results. The military reports that the sustained pressure has led to a rise in the surrender of terrorists and their families, who can no longer survive the harsh conditions in the shrinking enclaves.

Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu Unveils 36 State Coordinators for National Mobilisation

 Bv: Manoah Kikekon

Samson Apata and Bola Tinubu 

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu (TVT) has formally unveiled its 36 State Coordinators. The move is designed to consolidate grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid while positioning the tourism sector as a pillar of the "Renewed Hope" Agenda.

In a statement released on Monday by the National Coordinator, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, the group revealed that the selection process was a rigorous exercise aimed at bringing together seasoned professionals to drive national advocacy.

The newly appointed coordinators are not merely political figures; they represent a distinguished pool of expertise from both the public and private sectors. The roster includes serving and retired State Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General of parastatals, and reputable private sector leaders.

"With the successful unveiling of the 36 State Coordinators, the entire structure of the TVT is now more strategic, more cohesive, and significantly stronger," Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon disclosed. "This development enhances our operational efficiency and deepens the movement’s capacity to drive its mandate across every corner of the Federation."

The coordinators are tasked with acting as "strategic ambassadors," responsible for bridging the gap between government policy and grassroots awareness regarding cultural diplomacy and economic diversification.

A significant highlight of the announcement was the endorsement of the movement by the Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism, Arts, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa. In recognition of her efforts to reposition Nigeria’s cultural assets, she has graciously accepted the role of National Matron of the TVT.

The TVT also honoured Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, a renowned religious and political leader, by appointing him as the National Patron. His two decades of promoting religious tourism are expected to provide the movement with a strong moral and cultural foundation.

The TVT unveiled a "Who's Who" of regional leadership to head state chapters. Notable coordinators include: Princess Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila (Lagos State) Amb. Akpekwu Christopher Imbufe (Rivers State), Sir Rustom Alexander (Akwa Ibom State), Dr. Blessing Anam (Cross River State), Engr. Akintunde Elisha Ejigbile (Oyo State), and Suleiman Samaila Nabame (Kebbi State)

Other key appointments span across states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Ekiti, and Delta, ensuring a truly national reach for the advocacy group.

The National Central Working Council (NCWC) reiterated that the TVT's mission is to align tourism advocacy with national development communication. By showcasing the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the creative industry and tourism sector, the group aims to ensure stability and inclusive growth heading into the next election cycle.

"This is a deliberate effort to reinforce grassroots mobilisation for continuity and stability," the statement read. "We have full confidence in our coordinators to discharge their duties with integrity and dedication to national service."