STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
AT THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN COMMEMORATION OF
DEMOCRACY DAY, 2025

THURSDAY, 12TH JUNE 2025

Protocol:

With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of the Nigerian people.

2. Today, as I entered this grand edifice built from the sweat and toil of our democratic yearning, my heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve.

3. I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. Since 1999, democracy has risen from the ashes and destitution of military rule to take its rightful place as the only mode of governance of our resilient and beloved people.

4. With every footstep I took through these hallowed halls up to the moment I now stand before you, I remembered that we still have much further to go.

5. To achieve this progress, we sought an elective office to lead this nation forward. Thus, I hereby affirm before our Merciful and Almighty God and all men my resolve to do all that I can to safeguard and build our democracy as the Divine hand intends for us to do.

6. Since 2018, we have celebrated Democracy Day on this day; to commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who fought to restore democratic governance to Nigeria.

7. Let me pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed by making June 12 Democracy Day and by officially acknowledging Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the victors and thus duly elected President and Vice President respectively of Nigeria after the June 12, 1993 elections.

8. Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead of battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preserve the institutions of democracy. More importantly, we weave the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.

9. Whilst Chief MKO Abiola is June 12's central figure, we must not forget the long list of those who equally deserve to be called heroes of Nigerian democracy.

10. We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.

11. We remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, the journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu. I mention these names not to exclude or degrade the profound contributions of anyone else, but to illustrate, through these few heroes, the universality of our pursuit of democracy.

12. The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country, it was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan- Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.

13. It is fitting that I come to this chamber. You are the authors of the people's law, and I must be their faithful implementer. While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what democracy demands of us. I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you do the same for the good of our people.

14. Mr. Chairman, the National Assembly has acted to uphold democratic ideals at every critical moment in our national history. In 2006, the 5th National Assembly protected our democracy against an unseemly third-term bid that would have ripped our constitution apart. In 2010, the National Assembly, through the doctrine of necessity, opened the door for then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to become the acting President following the illness of his predecessor.

15. Even under the military, the National Assembly tried to protect our democracy. After General Abacha took over power on November 17, 1993, and dissolved the National Assembly, some of us, led by Senator Ameh Ebute, the Senate President in the 3rd Republic, defied the General and his goons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos. We were jailed or our defiance.

16. On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend your invaluable role in lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation.

17. At this point, I plead for your indulgence so that I may put a terrible rumour to bed.

18. To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error. At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.

19. Look at my political history. I would be the last person to advocate such a scheme. In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region.

20. In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not governing, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?

21. Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry. Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now.

22. The failed effort to create a one-party state placed progressive political forces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the trajectory which has brought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach.

23. A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National Assembly.

24. Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist. For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.

25. We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population. Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible.

26. One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in the legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, is that of economic and social development.

27. Upon assuming office, my team and I moved to reform our ailing economy. We introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural imbalances that prevented maximum growth.

28. We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6 per cent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade. Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice and beans. Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira exchange rate has stabilised. Our balance of payments position is positive; our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil and non-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay salaries.

29. In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials. This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.

30. We are committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development. Through such programs as NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready and
future-ready.

31. In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity. This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionize how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected. By extending this critical infrastructure, we are empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalized world.

32. Our "Nigeria First" policy will further enhance progress as we consolidate market-driven growth. The improved economic performance is encouraging and validates the soundness of our policy measures. Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 per cent clip with a stronger manufacturing base. We must learn to produce and grow most of our food and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty.

33. These and other reforms have placed the economy on a more rational footing where critical decisions regarding large-scale investment can now be made.

34. I ask you, the legislature, to join me as we enter the second half of our term to put forth innovative legislation that further encourages industrial development and job creation in our urban centres while also drafting laws that improve food security and production.

35. To further underpin our economic vision, we introduced a comprehensive Tax Reform Package, a vital component of our economic re- engineering. I am deeply grateful to both chambers for your thorough consideration and deliberation of these bills, and I look forward to signing them into law soon.

36. Again, your collaboration across party lines on these bills has been a model of democratic partnership.

37. As elected leaders, we must continue to do more to make real the dream of Nigeria's political and economic democracy.

38. We must be vigilant in expanding the political space. We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties.

39. Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents. We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.

40. While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.

41. Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.

42. Mr. Chairman, Nigeria is at an inflexion point, undergoing structural and fundamental change toward a secure future.

43. Our administration is fully committed to boosting the economy's productive base. Through investment in critical infrastructure, roads, expansion of port operations, rail, and power we are creating a new environment in which industry and manufacturing can thrive. Our tax and fiscal policy reforms will streamline tax administration and eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes enabling our industrialists and entrepreneurs to operate in a more conducive environment.

44. Governance must work and deliver value to the people. As part of our tax reforms, we have provided small businesses with an exemption and established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to ensure transparency and protect taxpayer rights. Digital tools now help us track performance and reduce waste. The Diaspora Bond and Non-Resident BVN are bringing Nigerians abroad into the national development fold.

45. In line with my promise during my New Year address to the nation, I recently appointed the board of directors of the newly established National Credit Guarantee Company. The company backed with 100 billion naira in initial capital; with BOI, which, by the way, is performing very well in supporting SMEs, NSIA, CreditCorp, and MOFI as stakeholders, will play a significant role in transforming the nation's industrial landscape and reducing corruption.

46. National Security is the foundation of peace and progress. We have intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists. We are better at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved. Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country.

47. Let us take this opportunity to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery in service of the nation. Their selfless dedication to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens should serve as an inspiration to us all. As we celebrate the progress of our democracy, we must not forget the pivotal role they play in safeguarding our freedoms. For their courage and commitment, they deserve not only our gratitude but
also our continued support, prayers and recognition.

48. Fellow compatriots, our achievements are not the work of one man. They are the result of a collective effort to make possible the Nigerian Dream. Yet, the journey is not over. We must work even harder to translate broad macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. We must stay the course, reject cynicism, and believe Nigeria can and will rise again.

49. As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.

50. In this light, I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle.

51. I also confer posthumous national honours on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).

52. I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ameh Ebute (CFR), General Alani Akinrinade, GCON.

53. Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.

54. Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON). I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.

55. Finally, it is my great privilege to now decorate the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours earlier conferred upon them last year:

Presiding National Assembly Officers

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – SENATE PRESIDENT
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON - Speaker
Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR - Deputy Speaker

56. In conclusion, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12; freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.

57. Happy Democracy Day, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

*SHARED AS RCVD*

*Translation of what Dr. Rayyan says in Arabic in respect of TEACHERS.*

"When the teacher becomes the poorest of government employees, don't ask about the future.

In every nation, there is a standard that never fails to measure its future: look at the state of its teachers, and you will know where it is headed. If the teacher is honored, the nation is heading towards prosperity, and if they are marginalized, then know that the society is heading towards the abyss of ignorance and decline.

The teacher is not just an employee who performs a daily duty, but rather the foundation upon which generations are built, and the basis upon which civilizations are established. So, what if this foundation is fragile, struggling to make ends meet, and fighting harsh conditions that show no mercy? What if the profession of shaping minds becomes synonymous with poverty and deprivation?

When you see a teacher suffering, know that the nation has abandoned its glory, and the society has begun to lose its way. The teacher is not just an individual in society, but rather the builder of civilizations, the guardian of identity, and the bearer of the torch of knowledge in the paths of ignorance. A state that ignores its teachers is destroying its own foundation with its own hands, and digging the grave of its future in deadly silence.

The strength of nations is not in their high walls, nor in their treasure troves filled with gold, nor in their equipment, but in the minds of their children, which are shaped by the teacher. When states neglect their teachers, they are compromising their true security, because knowledge alone is the weapon that does not rust, and the power that is not defeated.

Schools are not just buildings made of brick and mortar, but factories for minds, and laboratories for revival. What is the use of walls if there is no thought that illuminates, and no knowledge that changes? A nation that makes the teacher just a marginalized employee is destroying the pillars of its future with its own hands, and condemning itself to remain in the shadows.

When the teacher's salary is the lowest on the state's salary scale, barely enough to last two or three days, know that the state has chosen ignorance over knowledge, and decline over progress. The teacher is not just an employee who performs daily tasks, but rather a leader who shapes minds, and an engineer who builds the future.

What if the state neglects its teachers, and thereby destroys the future of its people with its own hands? How can a nation prosper when its teachers are begging for respect before rights? How can a society progress when its role model is crushed under the weight of poverty and neglect? When the teacher is unable to secure their most basic needs, education becomes a trade, and schools turn into centers for grades rather than minds.

The teacher is the torch that lights the way for generations, and if the state extinguishes this torch, it will plunge into the darkness of ignorance and backwardness. And when the dignity of the teacher is broken, it is not just an individual who collapses, but an entire nation.

We have two choices, and there is no third option: either we make the teacher the foundation for progress, or we continue to fall into the swamp of backwardness. Nations that respected their teachers built their civilizations, and nations that neglected them became a thing of the past.

There is no revival without education, and no education without a noble teacher. If we want to build a future that is worthy of pride, let us start by preserving the dignity of those who shape minds.

The true homeland is not just land and borders...

The homeland is a mind that thinks, a child who reads, and a teacher who burns to illuminate the path of generations..."

Today in History - The Throne That Was Never Sat On

M.K.O. Abiola went to the street on June 11, 1994.

Not just any street, but Epetedo, the beating heart of Lagos Island, where dust rises with every footstep and the people speak truth without fear. He went not with an army, but with a mandate. Not with guns, but with courage.

It was the eve of the first anniversary of June 12, 1993, the day Abiola won Nigeria's freest and fairest presidential election. Running under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), he secured 58.36% of the votes, winning 20 out of 30 states and uniting a country divided by tribe, tongue, and faith.

Nigerians chose him.

The world watched and cheered.

But the military had other plans.

General Ibrahim Babangida, then Head of State, annulled the election without warning. He crushed the voice of the people with silence. Chaos followed. Students marched. Journalists fought censorship. Human rights lawyers resisted. Out of the fire came NADECO, a movement born to demand democracy.

Babangida, under pressure, stepped aside and installed an interim government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan. But it was a name without power. And by November 1993, General Sani Abacha swept in like a storm and took control by force.

The country held its breath.

But Abiola refused to vanish into the shadows.

On June 11, 1994, he rose again. In the streets of Epetedo, surrounded by the very people who gave him their votes, Abiola declared himself the democratically elected President of Nigeria.

That same evening, the regime struck.

Two hundred police vehicles stormed Lagos like thunder. Abiola was arrested, charged with treason, and locked away. The man with the loudest democratic mandate in Nigeria's history was silenced, not by the people, but by power.

He never came out alive.

Four years later, on July 7, 1998, just before his expected release, M.K.O. Abiola died in detention, under suspicious and bitter circumstances.

But what he stood for never died.

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 12/06/2025*

Democracy Day tension: Protesters mobilise as Tinubu addresses NASS

JUNE 12: Police, CSOs agree on peaceful protest, single venue in Lagos

Nigeria records N5.17 trn trade surplus in Q1

Floods ravage 180,000 farms across 30 states

Mokwa flood: NHRC seeks enhanced disaster preparedness, IDPs’ protection

OPS pushes for refinery sell-off after $2.4bn wobbly repairs

Plateau Attacks: 8 killed, dozens of homes razed in Mangu

Air Peace extorting Nigerians, Oshiomhole speaks on airport incident

UN flags 138 million kids in global child labour crisis

Protests spread across US despite Trump threats

Nigeria defaults in UN contributions, pays only 36%

Ethiopia, Turkey deny owing ground rent in Abuja, pledge cooperation

US court jails Nigerian for deadly sextortion of teen girl

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*DID YOU KNOW?*

* If you live in the northern hemisphere, then June 21st is the longest day of the year. If you live in the southern hemisphere, then the 21st is the shortest day of the year.

* All clown fish are born male and can become female later in life.
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Tinubu woos Wike to join APC

Tourism has potential to enhance local entrepreneurship – Shettima

National Assembly mulls extension of 2024 budget capital vote

Democracy strongest when people are involved, says Abbas

Natasha: Appeal Court strikes out Akpabio’s motions, imposes N100,000 fine

Court orders Eko Disco to restore power to Lagos hotel

11 to face trial for Internet fraud in Kaduna

Insecurity: Police arrest 42 armed herders, bandits in Benue

Federal Civil Service to go paperless by December 2025, says FG

Blackout alert: FG commences crucial grid servicing

Fed Govt reviewing legislations to address child labour – Minister

N5bn oil-backed deal with Aramco has not collapsed, says FG

No extension of BDC recapitalisation deadline – CBN

FCCPC inaugurates joint market monitoring task force

Container congestion: NPA enforces use of holding bays

CBEX remains banned in Nigeria – SEC

UBEC raises quality assurance matching grant to 5%

NIHOTOUR enforces certification law, targets non-compliant hotels in Lagos

ABUAD secures N480m research equipment boost

Abiola Ajimobi Technical University secures full NUC accreditation for all six programmes

UNILAG, Bakare’s CSG launch leadership diploma, slash tuition

Democracy declining under APC — PDP, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, ACF, others

Southern Kaduna leaders demand judicial probe of El-Rufai over alleged abuses

Civil rule has come to stay, says Falae

Democracy Day: Utomi urges Nigerians to reject ‘thugs masquerading as leaders’

Amaechi slams Tinubu’s policies in fresh outburst

₦39bn ICC renovation misplaced priority — Peter Obi

June 12: Bode George urges Tinubu to reinstate Fubara

Eno defection illegal, says A’Ibom PDP chieftain

2027: Anti-Tinubu’s coalition will fail, Wike declares

Sanwo-Olu unveils housing estate, 400m road in Ibeju-Lekki

Rivers 2025 budget plans for Fubara’s return – Ibas

Nasarawa not involved in Benue killings – Sule

Our intervention on Benin-Abuja highway reduced travel time, says Okpebholo

Makinde approves N1bn gratuity for retired LG staff, others

Nigeria not where it should be – Niger gov

Delta commissioner bags Kwame Nkrumah award

Cross River plans new airport to boost tourism

LASG slams N20m fine on unlicensed electricity firms

Jigawa, Kano, Katsina join forces against polio

Anambra 2025: Govt agency imposes N50m on 16 governorship candidates

Anambra CP orders detention of three policemen over corruption

Katsina suspends NURTW chair over road closure alert

Kaduna vows crackdown on criminal gangs

New 7.5kv solar power system inaugurated in A’Ibom community

Anioma group donates 50 solar streetlights to Delta community

Edo community protests removal, appointment of new king

Lamentation as night fire destroys goods in Rivers market

Two killed, one injured in Kwara hotel collapse

Petrol tanker catches fire near NASFAT camp on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

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*TODAY IN HISTORY*

* On this day in 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison. The South African anti-apartheid activist spent 27 years in prison. In 1993, he received the Nobel Peace Prize and one year later, he became President of South Africa.

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If there is no struggle, there is no progress. – Frederick Douglass

Happy Democracy Day


*Compiled by Hon. Osuji George [email protected], +234-8122200446*

A LONG READ

How do we choose the people we fall in love with?

The Romantic answer is that our instincts naturally guide us to individuals who are kind and good for us.

Love is a sort of ecstasy that descends when we feel ourselves in the presence of a benign and nourishing soul, who will answer our emotional needs, understand our sadness and strengthen us for the hard tasks of our lives.

In order to locate our lover, we must let our instincts carry us along, taking care never to impede them through pedantic psychological analysis and introspection or else considerations of status, wealth or lineage.

Our feelings will tell us clearly enough when we have reached our destiny. To ask someone with any degree of rigour why exactly they have chosen a particular partner is – in the Romantic world-view – simply an unnecessary and offensive misunderstanding of love: true love is an instinct that accurately and naturally settles on those with a capacity to make us happy.

The Romantic attitude sounds warm and kind. Its originators certainly imagined that it would bring an end to the sort of unhappy relationships previously brokered by parents and society. The only difficulty is that our obedience to instinct has, very often, proved to be a disaster of its own.

Respecting the special feelings we get around certain people in nightclubs and train stations, parties and websites and that Romanticism so ably celebrated in art appears not to have led us to be any happier in our unions than a Medieval couple shackled into marriage by two royal courts keen to preserve the sovereignty of a slice of ancestral land. ‘Instinct’ has been little better than ‘calculation’ in underwriting the quality of our love stories.

Romanticism would not at this point, however, give up the argument quite so easily. It would simply ascribe the difficulties we often have in love to not having looked hard enough for that central fixture of Romantic reverie: the right person. This being is inevitably still out there (every soul must have its soulmate, Romanticism assures us), it is just that we haven’t managed to track them down – yet.

So we must continue the search, with all the technology and tenacity necessary, and maybe, once the divorce has come through and the house has been sold, we’ll get it right. But there’s another school of thought, this one influenced by psychoanalysis, which challenges the notion that instinct invariably draws us to those who will make us happy.

The theory insists that we don’t fall in love first and foremost with those who care for us in ideal ways, we fall in love with those who care for us in familiar ways. Adult love emerges from a template of how we should be loved that was created in childhood and is likely to be entwined with a range of problematic compulsions that militate in key ways against our chances of growth.

We may believe we are seeking happiness in love, but what we are really after is familiarity. We are looking to re-create, within our adult relationships, the very feelings we knew so well in childhood – and which were rarely limited to just tenderness and care.

The love most of us will have tasted early on was confused with other, more destructive dynamics: feelings of wanting to help an adult who was out of control, of being deprived of a parent’s warmth or scared of his or her anger, or of not feeling secure enough to communicate our trickier wishes.

How logical, then, that we should as adults find ourselves rejecting certain candidates not because they are wrong but because they are a little too right – in the sense of seeming somehow excessively balanced, mature, understanding and reliable – given that in our hearts, such rightness feels foreign and unearned.

We chase after more exciting others, not in the belief that life with them will be more harmonious, but out of an unconscious sense that it will be reassuringly familiar in its patterns of frustration. Psychoanalysis calls the process whereby we identify our partners ‘object choice’ – and recommends that we try to understand the factors semi-consciously governing our attractions in order to interrupt the unhealthier patterns that might be at play.

Our instincts – our strong undercurrents of attraction and revulsion – stem from complicated experiences we had when we were far too young to understand them, and which linger in the antechambers of our minds.

Psychoanalysis doesn’t wish to suggest that everything about our attractions will be deformed. We may have quite legitimate aspirations to positive qualities: intelligence, charm, generosity… But we are also liable to be fatefully drawn towards trickier tendencies: someone who is often absent, or treats us with a little disdain, or needs to be surrounded all the time by friends, or cannot master their finances.

However paradoxical it can sound, without these tricky behaviours, we may simply not be able to feel passionate or tender with someone.

Alternatively, we may have been so traumatised by a parental figure, we cannot approach any partner who shares qualities with them of any kind, even ones disconnected from their negative sides. We might in love be rigidly intolerant of anyone who is intelligent, or punctual or interested in science, simply because these were the traits of someone who caused us a great deal of difficulty early on.

To choose our partners wisely, we need to tease out how our compulsions to suffering or our rigid flights from trauma may be playing themselves out in our feelings of attraction. A useful starting place is to ask ourselves (perhaps in the company of a large sheet of paper, a pen and a free afternoon) what sort of people really put us off.

Revulsion and disgust are useful first guides because we are likely to recognize that some of the traits that make us shiver are not objectively negative and yet feel to us distinctly off-putting. We might, for example, sense that someone who asks us too much about ourselves, or is very tender or dependable, will seem extremely eerie and frightening.

And we might equally well, along the way, recognize that a degree of cruelty or distance belong to an odd list of the things we appear genuinely to need in order to love. It can be tricky to avoid self-censorship here, but the point isn’t to represent ourselves as reassuring, predictable people, but to get to know the curious quirks of our own psyches.

We’ll tend to find that some ostensibly pretty nice things are getting caught in our love filters: people who are eloquent, clever, reliable, sunny can set off loud alarms. This is vital knowledge. We should pause and try to fathom where the aversions come from, what aspects of our past have made it so hard for us to accept certain sorts of emotional nourishment.

Each time we recognize a negative, we’re discovering a crucial association in our own minds: we’re alighting on an impossibility of love based on associations from the past projected onto the present. An additional way we can get at the associations which circulate powerfully in the less noticed corners of our brains is to finish stub-sentences, that invite us to respond to things that might charm or repel us about someone.

We get to see our own reactions more clearly when we write things down without thinking too much about our answers, catching the mind’s unconscious at work.

For instance, we can deliberately jot the first things that come into our heads when we read the following:
• If I tell a partner how much I need them, they will…
• When someone tells me they really need me, I…
• If someone can’t cope, I…
• When someone tells me to get my act together, I …
• If I were to be frank about my anxieties …
• If my partner told me not to worry, I’d…
• When someone blames me unfairly, I …

Our honestly described reactions are legacies. They are revealing underlying assumptions we have acquired about what love can look like. We may start to get a clearer picture that our vision of what we are looking for in another person might not be an especially good guide to our personal or mutual happiness.

Examining our emotional histories, we see that we can’t be attracted to just anyone. Getting to know the past, we come to recognise our earlier associations for what they are: generalisations we formed – entirely understandably – on the basis of just one or, hugely impressive, examples.

We’ve unknowingly turned some local associations into strict rules for relationships. Even if we can’t radically shift the pattern, it’s useful to know that we are carrying a ball and chain. It can make us more careful of ourselves when we feel overwhelmed by a certainty that we’ve met the one, after a few minutes chatting at the bar.

Ultimately, we stand to be liberated to love different people to our initial ‘types’, because we find that the qualities we like, and the ones we very much fear, are found in different constellations from those we encountered in the people who first taught us about affection, long ago in a childhood we are starting at last to understand and free ourselves from.

The Counsellor

How to Show Love Without Words

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Love is a language that goes beyond words. While verbal expressions are important, the most profound ways of showing love often lie in our actions. Sometimes, your gestures, attention, and thoughtfulness can speak volumes about your feelings, building a deeper connection with your partner. Here’s how you can express love without saying a single word.

1. Be Present and Attentive

One of the greatest gifts you can give your partner is your undivided attention. In a world filled with distractions, being present in the moment is a powerful act of love. Put down your phone, look into their eyes, and truly listen. When you show that you value their thoughts and emotions, it communicates care and respect more effectively than words ever could.

2. Perform Small Acts of Kindness

It’s the little things that count. Bringing them their favourite coffee, cooking a meal, or simply doing a chore they dislike can brighten their day. These acts of kindness show that you pay attention to their needs and want to make their life easier.

3. Physical Touch

Non-verbal communication through physical touch is a cornerstone of expressing love. A warm hug, holding hands, or a gentle pat on the back can convey comfort, security, and affection. These simple gestures remind your partner that you are there for them, offering support and love.

4. Quality Time

Spending quality time together strengthens the bond between you and your partner. Plan activities they enjoy, go for a walk or watch a movie together. By dedicating time to shared experiences, you show that their presence is a priority in your life.

5. Thoughtful Surprises

Surprises, big or small, are wonderful ways to express love. It could be as simple as leaving a handwritten note or as elaborate as planning a surprise date. These thoughtful gestures show that you’ve been thinking about them and want to make them feel special.

6. Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes. A loving glance, a soft smile, or even sitting close during a quiet moment can express feelings of love and comfort. Non-verbal cues are subtle but powerful ways to show how much you care.

7. Support Their Dreams

Encourage your partner’s passions and goals. Being their cheerleader and offering your support, whether it’s attending their events, helping them prepare, or simply showing interest, is a profound way to demonstrate your love. Your belief in their abilities can inspire confidence and strengthen your connection.

8. Be Thoughtful and Observant

Noticing the little things about your partner shows how much you care. Remember their preferences, pay attention to their mood, and anticipate their needs. For example, offering comfort when they’re stressed or celebrating their small achievements shows that you’re attuned to their life.

9. Acts of Service

Actions often speak louder than words, especially when it comes to love. Help them with a task, run an errand, or fix something around the house. These acts of service show your partner that you’re willing to put in the effort to make their life easier and happier.

10. Respect Their Space

Sometimes, love means giving space. Respect their boundaries and allow them time to recharge when needed. This shows that you value their individuality and understand their need for balance in the relationship.

11. Express Gratitude

Showing appreciation is a beautiful way to convey love. A genuine smile, a nod of acknowledgment, or a small token of gratitude can mean the world to your partner. Gratitude fosters positivity and strengthens emotional intimacy.

12. Be Consistent

Love is not just about grand gestures but also about consistent efforts. Small, daily acts of love build a foundation of trust and affection. Whether it’s making them a morning coffee or simply being there when they need you, consistency reassures your partner of your unwavering love.

Final Thoughts

Love is an art that doesn’t always require words. Through actions, attentiveness, and thoughtfulness, you can create a relationship that thrives on mutual respect and understanding.

At the end of the day, love is about making your partner feel cherished, secure, and valued. Speak through your actions, and you’ll discover that the language of love is truly universal.

LADIES, CHERISH THIS KIND OF MAN:

1. Cherish the man who loves his mum. He has been brought up well.

2. Cherish the man who loves you deeply.

3. Cherish the man who is funny. You will never be bored.

4. Cherish the man who treats strangers and the less privileged with dignity. He has a kind heart.

5. Cherish the man who listens. You will be understood.

6. Cherish the man whose idea of fun is constructive, not endless drinking and clubbing. He is mature.

7. Cherish the man who is a family man ready for the responsibility and clear about what he wants with you. Your time will not be wasted.

8. Cherish the man who respects his father no matter how his dad is. He has learned true manhood.

9. Cherish the man who doesn't insult his ex or your ex even if the breakup was messy. He is someone who enters into love for the right reasons.

10. Cherish the man who needs you. He will hold on to you.

11. Cherish the man who lets you love him, who lets you see the nakedness of his weaknesses and strengths. He trusts you.

12. Cherish the man who accepts correction and changes his ways if he offends you. He will make himself better to love you.

13. Cherish the man who prays for you. He knows you are a gift from God.

14. Cherish the man who treats other women with respect. He will show you even more respect.

15. Cherish the man who loves the children you and also is a father figure to those not his. That man will have an honorable legacy.

16. Cherish the man with a vision. He will challenge and build you, he knows where he is going.

17. Cherish the man who has a good set of friends. You can tell the character of a man by the friends he keeps.

18. Cherish the man who values intimacy above sex. He will be faithful to you.

19. Cherish the man who is interested in your dreams. He cares about your future.

20. Cherish the man who respects your decisions and doesn't rush you. He sees you as a life partner, not someone to dominate.

21. Cherish the man who corrects you when you are wrong and inspires and pushes you to do better. He sees your potential and will not rest until your potential is lived out. That man is a keeper.

22. Cherish the man who has been consistent in his focus. You can depend on him.

23. Cherish the man who works hard, is self-motivated, and is diligent even when he has little. That man is going places and one day he will make you proud

24. Cherish the man who is not intimidated by other men when they notice your beauty. He is a secure man

➥𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐤𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐰𝐞𝐲𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐌𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐰𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐳𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐨❤‍🩹

“Tinubu’s Government Has Become More Oppressive, Insecure Than Abacha’s Military Rule” Says Odinkalu parallelfactsnews.com/tinubus-gov-mo… via @ParallelFacts

Property Solutions: Building a house in Lagos requires several government approvals to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid legal issues. Here are the key approvals needed:

*1. Land Ownership & Title Documentation*

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent to confirm legal ownership.

Registered Survey Plan to define land boundaries. So you that you won't be on someone's property thinking it's your own
Property Solutions: *2. Building Plan Approval*

Submit architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical drawings to the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPA) for review.

Obtain approval from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) before construction
If you're buying the house....you should be able to see these documents with whoever is selling to you
*3. Environmental & Safety Approvals*
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for large-scale projects.

Fire Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Fire Service.

Drainage Clearance from the Ministry of Environment.
*4. Construction Permits & Compliance*

Soil Test Report to ensure structural stability.

Structural Integrity Letter signed by a COREN-registered engineer.

Final Inspection & Compliance Certificate from LASBCA after construction.
*Final Steps*

Once all approvals are secured, construction can legally commence. Regular inspections ensure compliance with zoning laws and safety regulations.
Many of these documents are available with the developers, which can be part of documents given to you. If you don't see any of these, you can request it.
You need to ask.... because if violation is observed in future, the developer may not be available to defend you.

20 LIES WOMEN USE TO CONTROL MEN — AND WHY MOST MEN NEVER SEE THEM COMING

INTRO MESSAGE: Most men don’t get destroyed by one big betrayal.
They get chipped away little by little — by words disguised as care, guilt wrapped as love, and manipulation dressed up as “concern.”

You start doubting your instincts.
You stop enforcing your standards.
You let things slide.

And before you know it…
You’re a shell of who you used to be.

This isn’t about blaming women.
It’s about seeing the game for what it is and refusing to be a pawn.

Here’s the raw truth most men never hear:

BRUTAL THREAD:

1️⃣ “You’re overthinking it.”
A classic gaslight. It makes you doubt your gut so she can set the narrative.

2️⃣ “All my exes were toxic.”
If everyone she dated was a demon, she’s either lying, the problem, or both.

3️⃣ “I’ve never felt this way before.”
Translation: Let me hit you with intense love bombing so you won’t notice the games later.

4️⃣ “Why ruin this with labels?”
She wants the benefits of loyalty without the burden of accountability.

5️⃣ “You’re too good for me.”
Fake vulnerability that pressures you to work harder for her bare minimum.

6️⃣ “I need time to figure things out.”
Stalling tactic. She’s buying time while keeping you hooked.

7️⃣ “I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”
She wants boyfriend benefits without boyfriend responsibility.

8️⃣ “I didn’t mean it like that.”
A get-out-of-jail-free card to avoid owning her words or actions.

9️⃣ “You’re insecure.”
A way to shame you into silence when you question shady behavior.

“You should trust me.”
Trust is earned, not demanded. Red flag when there’s nothing to back it up.

1️⃣1️⃣ “I’ve never done this before.”
Faking innocence so you’ll excuse reckless behavior.

1️⃣2️⃣ “I just want communication.”
Many don’t want truth — they want ammo. Watch what you give them.

1️⃣3️⃣ “I was just busy.”
Once is life. Repeatedly is a pattern. Don’t ignore patterns.

1️⃣4️⃣ “I would never do that to you.”
If you didn’t accuse her, why’s she defending herself? Unprompted means something’s up.

1️⃣5️⃣ “My phone died.”
Phones die. Batteries recharge. Patterns don’t lie.

1️⃣6️⃣ “You’re so much better than my ex.”
Flattery disguised as manipulation. Now you’re competing with a ghost.

1️⃣7️⃣ “My last relationship really hurt me.”
Her pain isn’t your burden. You’re not her therapist.

1️⃣8️⃣ “I don’t care about money.”
Wait ‘til the expectations creep in. Watch actions, not cheap words.

1️⃣9️⃣ “I’m fine.”
Passive-aggressive silence to make you chase and fold first.

2️⃣0️⃣ “I’m not like other girls.”
Every manipulator swears she’s different. Real quality never needs to announce itself.

FINAL WARNING:

Every man has two choices: Wake up and take control of his mind, standards, and peace.
Or get quietly dismantled by subtle lies and fake sweetness disguised as love.

This isn’t about bitterness. It’s about wisdom.

A man who stands on his truth — unshaken, unmanipulated, and unapologetic — becomes untouchable in a world that profits off weak men.

Guard your mind. Respect your instincts. Enforce your standards.

Your peace is non-negotiable.

➥𝐼𝑓 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡 & 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒⇅

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 09/06/2025*

FG declares June 12 public holiday

History as indigenous firm exports first oil from Otakikpo onshore terminal

Confusion As Farmers, Herders Are Ambushed, Killed In Plateau

Scam Alert: SEC warns Nigerians against investing in punisher coin

Petrol subsidy removal yields $84bn gain, 40 roads – Report

Dangote refinery should sell petrol below N800/litre – Marketers

Miyetti Allah alleges 1,000 cows rustled in Benue

Matawalle, Zamfara gov face off over defection plot

NGO donates over 2,000 sanitary pads to 500 Imo schoolgirls

Trump deploys 2000 troops to Los Angeles amid protest over immigration raid

AU body tackles Fitch over Afreximbank downgrade

Ground rent: 34 embassies risk closure Tuesday

US jails Nigerian five years for $2.5m fraud

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*DID YOU KNOW?*

* The tradition of exchanging gold wedding rings began in ancient Egypt. Couples would give each other rings to symbolise their never ending love. This tradition was adopted by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

* Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is a type of coffee made from beans that have been partially digested and excreted by civets.
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Tinubu receives Sanwo-Olu, GAC members in Lagos

Tinubu to address NASS joint session on Democracy Day

Mining marshals appeal ruling barring access to Nasarawa site

Troops arrest 43 oil thieves, destroy 27 illegal refineries

NDLEA intercepts drugs disguised as tea at Lagos airport

FEC approves revised urban development policy

FG Set To Revive Ajaokuta Steel Plant

Viral video: FG investigates FMC Abuja emergency unit

FG to provide free housing for IDPs, vulnerable Nigerians

FG partners Australian varsity to train mining professionals

NiMet forecasts thunderstorms, rain for three days

Why FG’s linking Nigeria to Niger by rail — NRC MD

59,786 inmates captured in ongoing NIN registration – NCoS

3,012 kidnappings, 3,584 killings recorded in 15 months – NHRC

Pollution: NDDC launches tree planting campaign in 9 states

FERMA chief gives Tinubu kudos on road infrastructure

Ojude Oba 2025: FG vows to harness culture for national prosperity

Kano demands reparation from FG over Durbar cancellation

UNIPORT demands probe into killing of 300-level student by security personnel

Implement welfare packages for teachers, NUT urges Tinubu

Enugu agog as Tinubu’s wife visits Monday

ACF blasts Tinubu for prioritising 2027 campaign over national issues

Ogoni group faults FG over commissioning of incomplete Eleme section of East-West road

Akume not silent on Benue killings, SGF’s aide counters Alia’s claim

I did not point firearm at anyone, Paul Adefarasin addresses viral video

Barau donates N200m gadgets to victims of Kano phone market inferno

Naira to stabilise at N1,600–N1,650/$ – Rewane

Discos raise bills 107% despite poor power

Cornerstone grows profit to N25bn

Bankit MFB offers free transfers, biometric security features

Klinserv secures $100m development deal for cleaning project

Palton Morgan unveils twin towers in Lagos

Firm, military join forces for Ondo waterways safety

Ganduje receives Enugu LP Reps member, others into APC

2027: Katsina PDP faction plans coalition to oust APC

Delta APC endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027 re-elections

APC kicks as PDP alleges Aiyedatiwa abandoned Akeredolu’s projects

Atiku’s ally, Segun Showunmi, visits Tinubu in Lagos

Tinubu saved Nigeria’s economy from collapse – Ohakim

Ibas calls for collaboration, unity to return democratic governance

Sanwo-Olu lauds Tinubu as Blue Line Rail gets new trains

Sokoto Gov splashes 1,000 Riyals each on 3,200 pilgrims as sallah gift

Bayelsa gov urges joint action against ocean rise threat

There will be steady power supply in Ndokwa land, says Delta D/Gov

Kara Fire: Property worth ₦191m lost as Kebbi Dep Gov donates ₦10m to victims

Ondo, Bauchi, three others drive 90% of Lassa fever surge

Delta approves N6.7bn UBEC fund

Kano to establish circular economy hub for plastic waste recycling

Massive police deployment on Delta communities to stem kidnapping – CP

Ondo Amotekun arrests 170 anti-open grazing law violators

Ondo community panic as land owners paste fresh demand notices

Ooni lauds Tinubu’s Forest Guard initiative

Why we buried my father 24hrs after his death – Mike Ejeagha’s son

Aggrieved women protest alleged disappearance of 26 children in Delta community

Ogun mob kills suspect accused of stabbing female trader to death

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*TODAY IN HISTORY*

* On this day in 1934, Donald Duck made his film debut in The Wise Little Hen. The duck typically wearing a sailor suit is one of Walt Disney’s most famous cartoon characters. Donald’s first book appearance was in The Adventures of Mickey Mouse, which was published in 1931.

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All good thoughts and ideas mean nothing without action. – Mahatma Gandhi

Good morning


*Compiled by Hon. Osuji George [email protected], +234-8122200446*