I am deeply saddened by the gruesome killing of 10 innocent citizens in Ogboji, Orumba South LGA of Anambra State. The murder of defenceless Nigerians by criminal elements must never be normalised. I condole with the families of the deceased and pray for the swift recovery of the injured.

This act of unprovoked violence is totally unacceptable. The freedom to live, move, and assemble peacefully anywhere in Nigeria is a fundamental right that must be protected. No individual or group should be allowed to operate above the law.

I call for a prompt and thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime. The authorities must act decisively. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done, to restore public confidence and deter future violence.

To all citizens, especially those living in volatile areas, I urge heightened vigilance. May the souls of the departed find eternal rest, and may God comfort their families in this time of sorrow. -PO

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 02/07/2025*

Nigeria’s economy grows 3.7% in H1

Day 4: Motorists lament as Lagos begins 101-Day Ogudu-Ifako bridge repairs

Students protest against renaming of Poly Ibadan

Marketers defy Dangote’s petrol slash, retain high pump prices

New national athletics coach Aliyu promises reforms

Naira depreciates to N1,585/$ in parallel market

Obi’s acceptance soaring in Northern Nigeria -Obidients

Super Eagles’ Osayi-Samuel announces exit from Fenerbahçe

Coco Gauff crashes out of Wimbledon

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart dies at 90 after cardiac arrest

Israel says intercepted missile launched from Yemen

Trump threatens to set DOGE on Musk

French PM Bayrou survives no-confidence vote

Police rescue trafficked Ghanaian, caution public against fraudulent travel offers
----------------------------
*DID YOU KNOW?*

* Remnants of liquor left in the bottom of a glass are referred to as the “heeltap.” When a toast is ended with “and no heel-taps!” it means to drain every last drop.

* People don’t sneeze in their sleep due to their brain shutting down the reflex.
----------------------------

Black race not lazy, says Tinubu

I’m committed to building inclusive, thriving Nigeria – Tinubu

2026 Commonwealth Games: Tinubu receives King’s baton

Senate hosts African forum on reparation, repatriation of stolen artifacts

79 senators, S’East monarchs endorse Anioma State

Senate Postpones N/West Constitution Review Hearing To Honour Dantata

Reps urge finance ministry to offset Nigeria’s debt to OACPS

Beninese jailed two years for importing 1,960kg cannabis

EFCC arrests 31 suspected internet fraudsters in Nasarawa

BDC operator narrates role in N3.4bn cybercrime, money laundering trial

Troops kill terror kingpin Yellow Danbokkolo

DHQ takes delivery of 84 CNG-powered vehicles to enhance operations

Speakers seek govs’ support for legislative autonomy

Fed Govt to drive investments with Africans for Africa Fund

FGN bonds account for 79% of domestic debt stock

FG moves to harmonise 273 oil, gas fees

FG reviews oil field licensing, halts pipeline vandalism

FG disburses N32bn to strengthen primary healthcare services

INEC to provide supplementary regulations for election declaration, review – Yakubu

FG pledges commitment to promoting restorative justice in rights protection

FG targets safer waterways with local boat manufacturing

CAC unveils AI-powered business registration portal

Oyo-Ogbomoso road to be completed ahead of 2026 deadline — New contractor assures

Apapa Customs rakes in N1.3trn in six months

Alleged land allocation to Wike’s children in FCT sponsored blackmail – Aide

CONUA petitions UNIZIK over unpaid allowances

Rescind your decision to rename our institution, Ibadan Poly Alumni begs Makinde

Tuteria rewards top UTME student with N1m scholarship

Afreximbank upsizes Oando loan to $375m

Investors lose N150bn as market opens July in red

PZ Cussons rebounds with N5.54bn profit

SAA engages Nigerian travel firms on Mauritius route

Temporary disruption hits SIM services nationwide

Aregbesola emerges ADC Interim National Secretary

Atiku, Mark hold closed-door meeting with PDP leaders

2027: Atiku, Mark, Secondus rally PDP members, others to join coalition

FG’s threats, blackmail, patronage made members defect to APC – PDP leaders

Hurricane Tinubu: Delta, Akwa Ibom defend APC defections amid fresh attacks

No coalition can stop Tinubu’s re-election, says Edo ex-Deputy Governor

Lagos monarch dethrones six chiefs for ‘impersonating’ him at Labour Party campaign

Oyebanji assures investors of business business-friendly environment

Gov Mutfwang promises business-friendly environment in Plateau

Corps members safe in Benue, security improved — Gov

Makinde urges calm as students, alumni reject Ibadan Poly renaming

Poly Ibadan renaming: Oyo dep gov, officials meet student leaders behind closed doors

Ondo Assembly clears Aiyedatiwa’s commissioner-designates

Assembly summons AG over Sanwo-Olu’s proposal to delay LG law

Tinubu’s health policies can curb brain drain — Ex-Ondo governor Mimiko

Sanitation: Abia lawmaker condemns arrest of offenders without arraignment

Akeredolu’s death probe sparks tension in Ondo

No going back on single-use plastics enforcement – Lagos

Ilubirin housing project ready 2026 – LASG

Lagos distributes 8m clean cookstoves, targets $1bn carbon

Dantata’s burial brings together warring Kano emirs in Saudi

Residents laud Soludo’s fare reduction efforts

Lagos task force arrests 14,087, impounds 16,625 vehicles in one year

FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers

30-year-old man kills mother in Jigawa

----------------------------

*TODAY IN HISTORY*

* On this day in 1900, the Zeppelin took off for the first time. The rigid aircraft named after Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the inventor of the dirigible and founder of the Zeppelin Airship Construction Company, made its first flight over Lake Constance in Germany.

----------------------------

Be open to learning new lessons, even if they contradict the lessons you learned yesterday. – Ellen DeGeneres


Good morning


*Compiled by Hon. Osuji George osujis@yahoo.com +234-8122200446*

THINGS HUSBANDS AND WIVES TRULY ENJOY IN MARRIAGE.


I watched a serious debate on Facebook between men and women about whether marriage favors one gender over the other. Some men argued that marriage primarily benefits women, claiming it is a punishment for men because they have to work tirelessly to provide for their wives and children for the rest of their lives. In contrast, women argued that marriage actually favors men because they are often expected to take care of their children and support their husbands emotionally. Some men even stated that if they had the understanding they possess today, they would choose not to get married.

The question is: Does marriage benefit both men and women?

A healthy, happy marriage is built on mutual love, trust, and intentional actions. While everyone is unique, most husbands and wives share common needs and joys in a loving relationship.

Here are things that both men and women typically enjoy in marriage — and how you can bring more of them into your home.

What Husbands Often Enjoy in Marriage:

1. Respect and Honor

> “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
— Ephesians 5:33

A man deeply enjoys being respected by his wife — it strengthens his confidence and role as leader. Men feel deeply fulfilled when they are respected, especially in front of others. Respect speaks louder than love for many husbands.

2. A Peaceful and Supportive Wife

> “It is better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
— Proverbs 21:9

A man enjoys peace at Home – A calm, loving environment helps him recharge and feel safe. A husband treasures peace in the home and a wife who uplifts him rather than constantly tears him down.

3. $exual Fulfillment and Delight

> “Let your fountain be blessed and rejoice in the wife of your youth… let her breasts satisfy you at all times.”
— Proverbs 5:18-19

God designed $ex as a gift in marriage, and a husband is to find joy and fulfillment in his wife.

4. Encouragement and Support

> “Two are better than one… If either of them falls, one can help the other up.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

A husband enjoys knowing his wife stands by him in struggles and supports his dreams.

Emotional Support – A wife who believes in him, listens without judgment, and cheers him on through both wins and losses.

5. Her Wisdom and Counsel

> “A prudent wife is from the Lord.”
— Proverbs 19:14

Men value a woman who is not just beautiful but also wise and spiritually discerning.

6. Physical & Emotional Intimacy – Beyond $ex, husbands value being touched, held, kissed, and emotionally connected.

7. Affirmation & Appreciation – Simple words like “Thank you for working hard” or “I’m proud of you” go a long way.

8. Companionship – Sharing fun, laughter, movies, meals, and hobbies helps him feel connected beyond just being a provider.

9. Shared Responsibilities – A wife who’s a teammate, not just a task-giver, makes marriage feel like a partnership.

10. Admiration – Husbands love to feel admired for who they are, not just what they do.

11. Freedom to Lead & Be Vulnerable – He thrives in a space where he can lead sometimes and still be vulnerable without shame.

12. Encouragement in His Dreams – A woman who supports his goals and celebrates his growth wins his heart repeatedly.

I marry early, just 20 years old.
My husband na 24 that time.

We love ourself well-well.

E no even reach one month for our marriage, I don carry belle.

We happy as young couple wey dey expect their first pikin. We prepare everything down for the baby.

But na for delivery room my joy begin turn to pain.

I labour for almost 3 days.
When I finally born, na baby boy, but the baby come weak.

Two hours later, my pikin d!e.
I cry tire.
My husband too cry.

But we encourage ourself say, "We go try again."

Six months later, I carry belle again.
After 9 months — another stillbirth.

Third belle, the same thing happen.

Na so my family say, “This marriage no be for you. Come out, go complete your university.”

But I refuse. I love my husband. I believe say better go still happen.

Some people say na spiritual matter.
We begin waka from church to prophet, prayer upon prayer.

Prophet assure us say “This time, e go work.” I carry belle again, the fourth one.

I born the baby, the baby even cry small, but by evening the baby d!e.

Doctor call am “sudden infant death.” No explanation. Just fear.

Na that period doctor advise say make we give gap before we try again.

I tell my husband make we try adopt for now.
Him agree.

I call my cousin wey say she dey work for one motherless home. We give her over 1.6 million. Na so she dupe us carry money vanish.

My husband vex.
Say him no even believe for adoption before, na just to please me. Him say make I no ask am money again.

I begin follow the matter spiritually again.
Different prophecies, no solution.

One day, my friend tell me about one doctor for East wey young girls dey born give away babies for money.

Baby Boy na 1.5 million, girl na 1 million.
She say e legit.

I tell my husband, he say, "I no dey interestedand i no get any money to bring out."

I go borrow money.
I give my friend 600k as first payment.

One week later, na online I see video of my friend—dem dey beat her say she thief her neighbor pikin wan carry come give me.

I shock.
My heart cut.

I run go show my husband. He say, "Better no involve me for this matter"

Next day, police land arrest me.

My husband say, “Follow them go. I go get lawyer.”

I call my family, dem say, “As you no hear word when we try rescue you, make Love bail you out now.”

Just like play, I land prison.
No lawyer.
No family.

My husband visit me only 3 times. After that, silence.

My friend wey thief the baby, her people raise money bail her.

She promise to help me too. Nothing happen.

I stay 5 years for prison for matter I no understand finish.

Just because say I want born, just because say I no get patience, just because say I trust wrong people.

Different NGO dey come prison.
Dem go give us food, tissue, pad — and hope.

Many promise to help me after I share my story. But nothing come out.

Until one day, one woman wey be women advocate listen to me.

She promise to help. I no believe, but she really help me comot from jail.

When I reach house, my husband don move.
Don remarry with three children already.

When I go see am, him say make I find peace. Say our fate no match.

That day, I wan just disappear. I tell the woman wey help me. She say, “Come stay with me.”

She encourage me. Enrol me back for catering school make I refresh my baking skills.
From there I start my small baking business.

But inside me, I still dey cry.
I no even fit look mirror.
I don lose shape, lose beauty, lose hope.

One day, I go deliver wedding cake.

As i reach the venue the people bounce me — say I no fit enter because I look “dirty.” That day, I cry reach house.

I tell myself, “I go change this story.”

I download Pinterest app, dey learn how to dress my body type.

I watch make-up beginners videos.
I start to buy small affordable good clothes.

I begin dey apply simple makeup.
I switch to skin care wey dey moisturize my skin.

I begin see my beauty again.

Customers begin notice.
Begin compliment me.

I start dey take pictures. I start dey smile.

My self-confidence begin return.

One day, I go deliver cake again.
I dress well.

The bride say I fine. Na there one man collect my number, say na for business.

But na love him come find.

Him fine, young, tall — and kind.
I open up tell am everything.

He say, “Your past no be your name.
Let’s build something new.”

Today, I don marry again.
I don born two boys through CS operation.

Dem survive.
My first son na 4 years, second one 2 years.

My husband say no need to born again — these ones complete us. And truly, I no need anything else again.

I don finally become mama.

Today I dey grateful say After all my tough challenges God still change my story.

---

To every woman wey don carry belle with joy but return house empty-handed — this message na for you.

The pain of stillbirth no be small thing.

Na one deep wound wey only God fit understand.

Sometimes you go dey ask, “Why me?” Sometimes the silence go loud, the tears go come uninvited.

But make you hear this one: you never fail.
Your womb no betray you.

Your heart still be the heart of a mother.

And even if the world no see your kind of pain, God see am, and He go still comfort you in ways wey go shock you.

To the women wey don lose their self-esteem because dem no get money take take care of their body, or childbirth don change the way dem look —

My sister, remember say your beauty no end for body.

Start small, love yourself again, dress well, start with your budget, manage your weight if necessary.

Self love dey build back self esteem

You go rise again and glow in your own time.

To the women wey their husband don abandon them —

No carry your life hang for one person wey walk away.

God never walk away from you.

Stand up, dust your pain, start again.
Look good, take care of yourself.
You still fit laugh again, love again, and shine again.

To Every Woman and Family wey dey fight silent battles —

May God surprise you with joy wey go wipe all your secret tears.
Amen.

@highlight

THE LAST PROMISE
PART 7
Mary hadn’t slept properly in days.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Andre leaning in, the warmth of his breath, the scent of his cologne—too close, too soon. She had replayed that moment in the restaurant over and over, her stomach twisting with guilt and something else she refused to name.
Her phone lay silent on the nightstand. She had turned it off after the fifth missed call from Andre. She couldn’t face him. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
But fate had other plans.
The sound startled her.
Mary frowned, setting down the cup of tea she had been nursing. Visitors were rare these days. Aunty Biola usually called before coming, and her neighbors had long stopped checking in.
She padded to the door in her slippers, pulling her wrapper tighter around her shoulders.
"Who is it?" she called.
No answer.
Then, another knock—firmer this time.
Cautiously, she peered through the peephole.
And froze.
Andre.
Dressed in a simple black shirt and jeans, his expression unreadable. He looked tired, his usual polished appearance slightly ruffled, as if he hadn’t slept either.
Mary’s heart pounded.
She shouldn’t open the door.
She wouldn’t.
But her traitorous hands moved before her mind could stop them.
The door creaked open.
for a long moment, they just stared at each other.
Andre broke the silence first.
"You’ve been ignoring me," he said quietly.
Mary crossed her arms. "I needed space."
"For three days?"
"Yes."
He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Mary, I’m sorry about what happened at the restaurant. I shouldn’t have—"
"No, you shouldn’t have," she cut in, her voice sharper than she intended. "That was *not* what I agreed to. I only went because of Kelvin’s letter. Not because I—" She stopped, swallowing hard.
"Not because you what?" Andre pressed, stepping closer.
Mary took a step back. "Andre, please. Just go."
"No."
The word was firm, final.
Before she could react, Andre closed the distance between them and pulled her into a hug.
Mary stiffened, her hands trapped between them. "Let go of me!"
But he didn’t. His arms were warm, solid, his heartbeat steady against her ear.
"Calm down," he murmured. "Just breathe."
And against her will, she did.
The tension seeped out of her slowly, her rigid posture softening. She hated how good it felt—how safe.
After a moment, Andre loosened his grip, just enough to look down at her.
"I like you, Mary," he said simply.
Her breath hitched.
"I know it’s too soon. I know you’re still grieving. And I’m not asking for anything more than you can give." He paused. "But at least let us be friends. That’s all. Just friends."
Mary searched his eyes, looking for any hint of deception. But all she saw was sincerity—and patience.
A small, traitorous part of her melted.
How long had it been since someone saw her? Since someone cared enough to chase her, even when she pushed them away?
She looked away, playing with the edge of her wrapper. "Just friends?"
Andre smiled—a real, relieved smile. "Just friends."
Mary hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. Friends."
But even as she said it, she knew she was lying.
And from the way Andre’s eyes crinkled at the corners, he knew it too.
Andre didn’t leave immediately.
He stayed for tea, filling the silence with easy conversation—about work, about the weather, about nothing important. Mary found herself laughing at something he said, then immediately clamping her mouth shut, as if surprised by the sound.
Andre noticed.
"You have a beautiful laugh," he said softly.
Mary’s cheeks warmed. "Don’t."
"Don’t what?"
"Don’t say things like that."
He leaned back in his chair, studying her. *"Why not? It’s true."
"Because we’re just friends, remember?" she said pointedly.
Andre held her gaze. "Friends can compliment each other."
Mary huffed, but there was no real annoyance behind it.
When Andre finally stood to leave, he paused at the door.
"I’ll call you tomorrow," he said.
Mary folded her arms. "I might not answer."
He grinned. "You will."
And with that infuriating confidence, he was gone.
Mary stood there long after the door closed, her heart racing.
She was in trouble.
Because for the first time since Kelvin’s death, she was excited for tomorrow.
TO BE CONTINUED...

My dear, let’s be real, looking sexy and having curves everywhere might attract men, but it won’t keep them. If that’s all you’re banking on, you’re only deceiving yourself. Being hot might get their attention, but it takes more than a banging body to build something lasting.

Men, the serious ones are looking for value. They want a woman who has sense, who can hold a meaningful conversation, who can contribute to growth and be a partner, not just a trophy. What happens when beauty fades or when they meet someone even hotter?

So instead of relying on your hips and fine face alone, work on your character. Build your mind. Add skills. Have something that gives you confidence beyond your looks. Let them stay because of how you make them feel, how you support them, how you handle life, not just how you look in a dress. Remember, beauty might catch the eye, but value keeps the heart. Don’t sell yourself short.

- Chioma Akpotha

THE LAST PROMISE
PART 3
.Six months had passed since Kelvin left, but for Mary, it felt like yesterday.
She still woke up reaching for him in the middle of the night. She still set two plates on the table out of habit before remembering. The house was too quiet, too empty, too full of memories that haunted her like ghosts.
Friends and family had stopped checking in as often. "Time will heal," they said. But time didn’t heal. It just made the pain duller, heavier—like a stone settled deep in her chest.
And then came the memorial service.
The church was filled with people dressed in white—Kelvin’s favorite color. His photo stood at the front, smiling that warm, familiar smile that made Mary’s throat tighten. She sat in the front row, clutching a folded handkerchief, her eyes dry only because she had no tears left.
People spoke about him—his kindness, his laughter, his courage during his illness. Mary listened, but their words felt distant, like they were talking about a man she used to know, not the one who had held her every night.
Then, a man she had never seen before stood up to speak.
Tall, well-dressed, with a quiet confidence that made people turn their heads. His voice was deep, steady.
"Kelvin was my closest friend," he said.
Mary stiffened.
Closest friend? She had known Kelvin since they were teenagers. She knew every friend, every story, every secret. But she had never—never—heard of this man.
After the service, people gathered outside, sharing stories and condolences. Mary watched as the stranger—Andre—moved through the crowd with ease, shaking hands, smiling softly at memories she wasn’t part of.
Her heart pounded. Who was he?
She waited until most people had left before approaching him.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice firmer than she expected. "I don’t think we’ve met."
He turned, his dark eyes meeting hers. For a second, something flickered in his gaze—something like guilt? Sadness?
"Mary," he said, as if he already knew her. "I’m Andre. Kelvin… he spoke about you all the time."
A cold knot formed in her stomach. "I’ve never heard of you."
Andre hesitated, then sighed. "We weren’t… public friends. But we were close. Very close."
Mary’s hands clenched. "How close?"
He looked away, then back at her, his expression unreadable. "Close enough that he asked me to check on you after…" He trailed off.
Mary’s breath caught.
Kelvin had sent him?
Andre reached into his pocket and pulled out a small envelope. "He asked me to give you this. Six months after."
Mary took it, her fingers trembling. Her name was written in Kelvin’s handwriting.
She looked up at Andre, her voice barely a whisper. "Who are you really?"
He held her gaze, his own filled with something she couldn’t name. "Someone who made a promise to a dying man."
And before she could ask anything else, he walked away, leaving her standing there with a letter that suddenly felt too heavy to open.
TO BE CONTINUED...

Dear Son,
One day you’ll have money in your hands. Maybe a lot. Maybe not. But I hope by then you’ve already learned that real wealth isn’t something you can hold.

You’ll meet people who have cars but no peace. Clothes but no confidence. A full house but an empty heart. And if you’re not careful, you’ll chase the same things and still feel like something’s missing.

So here’s what I’ll tell you early ; if you want to feel rich, count what you have that money can’t buy. A mind that’s calm. A heart that forgives. People who show up when you have nothing to give them back. Health that lets you move. Time that hasn’t been wasted.

Those are the things that matter. Everything else fades.

Dear Son,

One day you’ll have money in your hands. Maybe a lot. Maybe not. But I hope by then you’ve already learned that real wealth isn’t something you can hold.

You’ll meet people who have cars but no peace. Clothes but no confidence. A full house but an empty heart. And if you’re not careful, you’ll chase the same things and still feel like something’s missing.

So here’s what I’ll tell you early ; if you want to feel rich, count what you have that money can’t buy. A mind that’s calm. A heart that forgives. People who show up when you have nothing to give them back. Health that lets you move. Time that hasn’t been wasted.

Those are the things that matter. Everything else fades.

Dear girls, listen carefully...

Education is the only husband that will never cheat on you, never hit you with silence, never pack up and leave when life gets hard. It won’t gaslight you, betray you, or make you question your worth. Education won’t demand you shrink yourself, won’t get jealous of your growth, and it won’t make you beg for respect you already deserve. It’ll be your protection when life tries to humble you. Your confidence when the world tries to dim your light. Your backup plan when love fails, when people change, when life throws curveballs.
So, study. Focus. Build your mind like your life depends on it... because in so many ways, it does.
Let your degrees be your dowry. Let your knowledge be your security. Let your ambition be your standard.
Because a man can walk away .... even the one who promised forever. But your education? That’s yours. It won’t get up one morning and say, “I don’t love you anymore.” It won’t disappear when you're at your lowest. It grows with you... and it keeps on giving.
So, while you pray for love... pray harder for wisdom. Because education is the one commitment that will never break your heart