NAHCON warns Nigerian hajj pilgrims against cursing Tinubu, governors and other leaders in Mecca ... #Aidee #News

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 30/05/2025*

Gateway Games: Delta wins 22nd national sports festival

Tinubu’s intervention saved Rivers from anarchy — Fubara

Lassa fever, meningitis kill 366 in 24 states – NCDC

Cholera: LASG threatens to demolish buildings without toilet

Deaf students urge Makinde not to sell school land

Gombe unveils plans to tackle out-of-school, almajiri crisis

China condemns US plan to revoke student visas

At least 44 killed in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes intensify

Kenyan student faces trial for fake President Ruto death post

Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah elected new AfDB president

Cardoso named Central Bank governor of the year at African Banker Awards

Four Nigerians face deportation over drug trafficking, fraud in India


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*DID YOU KNOW?*

* Louboutins’ iconic red soles were inspired by Andy Warhol. The 60s pop artist’s drawing Flowers caught the eye of the famous designer which gave him the idea to add the infamous sole to his designs

* Iceland has a dating app that stops you hooking up with your cousin. The dating app called Íslendingabók (Book of Icelanders) saves Icelanders that embarrassment.
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Tinubu establishes National Credit Guarantee Company

Tinubu signs order to slash oil project costs

Tinubu, Akpabio, Obasanjo, others celebrate Abiodun at 65

Akpabio names Bayelsa senator Konbowei South-South commission committee chairman

Senate panel hails establishment of new universities

Senate grills PENCOM over recruitment irregularities

Reps give WAEC 24-hour ultimatum over SSCE irregularities

Reps to engage govs, media, CSOs in constitution review drive

Ground Rent: It’s Illegal To Take Over People’s Properties, Sen Kingibe Tackles Wike

Edo gov: Appeal Court upholds Okpebholo’s victory

Ighodalo heads for Supreme Court to challenge Okpebholo’s victory

Contempt: Court bars Kanu’s in-law, Favour, from further attending proceedings

32 Internet fraudsters jailed in Edo

NAPTIP summons singer Speed Darlington over alleged minor defilement

DSS, Military Kill Terror Kingpin, Dogo Gide Loyalists In Niger Forest

Navy builds officers’ accommodation to boost welfare, morale

NSA invites Amnesty over insecurity report

FG to concession infrastructure projects to repay loans — Edun

FG plans regional airline, rail firms in N’East

Tuggar hails Tinubu’s global strides in two years

Your bitterness won’t erase Tinubu’s achievements, Onanuga slams Atiku

Gombe, Bauchi meet NEPL, AOML over Kolmani oil field operations

FG rolls out CNG buses in 20 federal varsities

NNMDA unveils herbal medicines for ulcer, diarrhoea

HYPREP raises committee for 100-bed Ogoni hospital

32% of teachers fail professional qualifying TRCN exam, says council director

Tinubu’s performance in two years unprecedented – Wike

Wike knocks Senator Kingibe over Ground Rent saga

First Lady donates 7 buses to CAN youth wing

SWAN organises South, North football match to promote unity

TotalEnergies sells stake in Bonga field to Shell

Fidelity Bank awards scholarships on Children’s Day

FCMB reaffirms support for Ojude Oba festival

CinqTech sponsors Lagos Country Club swimming fiesta

Make ‘Nigeria First’ policy a law, MAN urges govt

PRP urges NASS to reject Tinubu’s fresh loan request

Enugu, Gov Mbah must remain PDP — Nwobodo

June 12: Military forced Nigerians to chose between Abiola, Tofa — Waziri

Tinubu’s $24bn loan request reckless, immoral — Atiku

WAEC exam in darkness, a national disgrace — Atiku

Mid-term: Tinubu has lifted gloom over Nigeria, says APC

Suswam blames PDP’s crisis on Damagum, Bala Mohammed

Rivers: Difficult decisions will be made, says Fubara

Adeleke rebukes NBA, Supreme Court over Osun council crisis, autonomy verdict

Katsina gov calls for information to arrest bandits

Sokoto more secure under Aliyu, says govt

Uzodimma merges two ministries, directs commissioner to hand over

Tinubu deserves second term in office, says Okpebholo

70–80% of insecurity perpetrators live within communities – Gov. Radda

I’ve Not Collected A Single Loan In Two Years – Uba Sani

Gombe gov builds N68.5bn secretariat

Fintiri begins N19.9bn Adamawa conference centre project

Zulum hails NEDC’s contributions to Borno’s post-insurgency recovery efforts

Yusuf unveils re-construction of Kano’s Zungeru road

Ogun traders fault Osun gov over Adire origin claim

Court acquits Jigawa man standing trial for armed robbery

SUBEB hails Alia’s educational strides in two years

Kwara unveils programme to promote healthy eating habits

Police arrest principal suspects in killing of Kano DPO

Police arrest 46 youths after Ondo cult clash

Police kill notorious kidnapper, murderer, M-Kaze, in Rivers

How my estranged husband rapes me – 14-year-old wife

21 corpses recovered as midnight flood sweeps 50 homes in Niger


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

*TODAY IN HISTORY*

* On this day in 1967, the Republic of Biafra was proclaimed. The short-lived state consisted of Nigeria’s Eastern Region. Its secession sparked the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted until 1970 and resulted in the region’s re-integration into Nigeria.

* On this day in 2011, Germany abandoned nuclear energy. The government’s decision followed the nuclear meltdown at Japan’s Fukushima power plant and years of hands-on protests and activism by Germany powerful anti-nuclear movement.

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

Don’t dream of winning, train for it. – Mohamed Farah

Good morning



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

*JUST IN*
*CROSS RIVER STATE COLLEGE OF NURSING SCIENCES, ITIGIBI RELEASES ND & HND NURSING ADMISSION FORM FOR 2025/2026 ACADEMIC SESSION*

This is to inform all prospective candidates for admission into Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi that forms for Past UTME screening are available at the College. Candidates are to pay a non-refundable fee of Twenty-Five Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N25.500) only into First Bank Account No: 2037884057 (College Utility Account). Evidence of payment shall be tendered at the Bursary Department of the College where candidates are to pay handling charges of Ten Thousand Naira (N10,000) only.

ELIGIBILITY TO PURCHASE FORM(S)

Applicants who chose the College as first choice at JAMB Examination of 2025 with an aggregate score of not less than 150.

Applicants with evidence(s) of Change of institution/Course to reflect the name of the College with 2025 JAMB aggregate score of not less than 150

Date for Screening Exercise:

Post UTME screening shall commence Wednesday 20th through Friday 22nd August, 2025. The schedule for the screening exercise which shall comprise both Computer Based Test (CBT) and Oral Forms will be communicated to all and sundry at a later date for your earliest information and necessary action please.

For more info visit-https://conmsit.edu.ng

Procurement of form(s) commences on MONDAY 2ND JUNE, 2025

Closing date for submission of forms is FRIDAY, 1ST AUGUST, 2025

REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN FORMS

Applicants must present evidence(s) of five (5) credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology obtained in WAEC or GCE NECO or NABTEB at not more than two (2) sittings. Note that NABTEB stands alone and cannot be combined with other results.

Evidence of 2025 JAMB score of not less than 150 and/or change of institution/Course reflecting the name of the College.

Evidence of RN or RM Certificate for those applying for Post Basic Nursing/Midwifery programme(s).
Two (2) recent passport sized photographs on white background.
First School Leaving Certificate and Sworn Affidavit of Date of Birth/Age Declaration.
Submission of two (2) phone numbers of sponsor(s)

For further enquires, please call:
08023841525 | 08032203204
08033448742

Signed. Sir Chief Aji E. Eko KS.JI, FCAI
______________________________________________________

The aesthetic atmosphere of the Administrative Headquarters of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority OYRTMA , was today engulfed with Joy and ecstasy as the duo of radio presenters Abolade Salami and Dr. Tunde Hamzat were invested into the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority OYRTMA Marshal.

The investiture was performed by the Executive Chairman of OYRTMA, Maj. Adesagba Adekoya Rtd in the presence of the Management Staff, Zonal Commanders, the unit Commanders and some of the Executives of the OYRTMA Marshals.

The duo of Abolade Salami and Dr. Tunde Hamzat were adore with investiture due to their meritorious and laborious positive efforts in sensitizing and educating the public on the ugly event of the WAEC school boy that lost his life

At a radio program title Agbami Oselu, the General Manager of the Authority was invited, giving an insight to what happened while also appreciating the duo for the opportunity of addressing the public.

Both presenter are now a renown ambassador of the Authority, OYRTMA which to a greater length will further give a good publicity to the good image of the Agency with their wider coverage on a popular radio station and indeed to the general motorist when it calls for it on the road.

Court Reopens Oyo Mosque After Three-Year Closure

A court has ordered the reopening of Ado-Awaye Central Mosque in Oyo State, three years after it was shut due to leadership disputes and security concerns.

Jum’ah prayers will resume Friday, May 30, following a May 20 ruling by Justice E.O. Ajayi affirming the constitutional right to worship. The mosque leadership urged members to remain peaceful and united.

#today #thursday #news #religión #oyostate

STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

WE HAVE MADE UNDENIABLE PROGRESS: PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU'S STATEMENT ON THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF HIS ADMINISTRATION ON MAY 29, 2025

Fellow Nigerians, as we mark the second anniversary of our administration, I salute your resilience and undaunted spirit. Two years ago, you entrusted me with the sacred responsibility to lead our nation at a time of historic challenges. Together, we have faced these headwinds with courage and determination.

The economic and general situation of the country I inherited required that we redirect the country's affairs with a bold and new vision. I immediately implemented two necessary policies to stop our country from further drifting into the precipice. It was apparent that if the federal government and the other two tiers of government must remain viable and cater to the citizens' welfare, we must do away with decades-long fuel subsidies and the corruption-ridden multiple foreign exchange windows. The two were no longer sustainable and have become a chokehold on our nation's neck, strangling our nation's future.

While our administration has implemented the reforms to restore and reinvigorate our national economy and strengthen our social fabric as a strong and united country, I must thank my fellow citizens for your unrelenting support and belief in the grand vision we share to uplift our nation and renew our collective hopes and aspirations.

We are halfway through the journey that began 24 months ago. Today, May 29, 2025, offers our administration the opportunity to share again how far we have gone and our progress in steering our country along the critical path of socio-economic development.


When we embarked on this journey, propelled by a burst of hope and abiding faith in Nigeria's unity and progress, I made a pledge before God and fellow countrymen and women to confront Nigeria's challenges head-on by rebuilding trust, fostering prosperity, and restoring our nation's economic health. Today, I proudly affirm that our economic reforms are working. We are on course to building a greater, more economically stable nation.

Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance, and lift our people out of poverty.

While implementing the reforms necessary to strengthen our economy and deliver shared prosperity, we have remained honest by acknowledging some of the difficulties experienced by our compatriots and families. We do not take your patience for granted. I must restate that the only alternative to the reforms our administration initiated was a fiscal crisis that would have bred runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging Naira, and an economy in a free-fall.

Despite the bump in the cost of living, we have made undeniable progress.

Inflation has begun to ease, with rice prices and other staples declining. The oil and gas sector is recovering; rig counts are up by over 400% in 2025 compared to 2021, and over $8 billion in new investments have been committed. We have stabilised our economy and are now better positioned for growth and prepared to withstand global shocks.

In 2025, we remain on track with our fiscal targets. Gross proceeds per barrel from crude oil are broadly aligned with our forecasts as we intensify our efforts to ramp up production. Our fiscal deficit has narrowed sharply from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. We achieved this through improved revenue generation and greater transparency in government finances. In the first quarter of this year, we recorded over N6 trillion in revenue.

We have discontinued Ways & Means financing, which has been a major contributor to high and sticky inflation. The NNPC, no longer burdened by unsustainable fuel subsidies, is now a net contributor to the Federation Account. We are also achieving fuel supply security through local refining.

Our debt position is improving. While foreign exchange revaluation pushed our debt-to-GDP ratio to around 53%, our debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. We paid off our IMF obligations and grew our net external reserves by almost 500% from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024.

Thanks to our reforms, state revenue increased by over N6 trillion in 2024, ensuring that subnational governments can reduce their debt burden, meet salaries and pension obligations on a timely basis, and invest more in critical infrastructure and human capital development.

One of our administration's most impactful achievements is our bold tax reform agenda, which is already yielding results. By the end of 2024, our tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 10% to over 13.5%, a remarkable leap in just one year. This was not by accident. It results from deliberate improvement in our tax administration and policies designed to make our tax system fairer, more efficient, and more growth-oriented.

We are eliminating the burden of multiple taxation, making it easier for small businesses to grow and join the formal economy. The tax reforms will protect low-income households and support workers by expanding their disposable income. Essential goods and services such as food, education, and healthcare will now attract 0% VAT. Rent, public transportation, and renewable energy will be fully exempted from VAT to reduce household costs further.

We are ending the era of wasteful and opaque tax waivers. Instead, we have introduced targeted and transparent incentives supporting high-impact manufacturing, technology, and agriculture sectors. These reforms are not just about revenue but about stimulating inclusive economic growth.

There is a deliberate focus on our youth, who a friendlier tax environment for digital jobs and remote work will empower. Through export incentives, Nigerian businesses will be able to compete globally. Our National Single Window project streamlines international trade, reduces delays, and enhances Nigeria's competitiveness.

To promote fairness and accountability, we are establishing a Tax Ombudsman, an independent institution that will protect vulnerable taxpayers and ensure the system works for everyone, especially small businesses.

Most importantly, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable future by introducing a new national fiscal policy. This strategic framework will guide our approach to fair taxation, responsible borrowing, and disciplined spending.

These reforms are designed to reduce the cost of living, promote economic justice, and build a business-friendly economy that attracts investment and supports every Nigerian. Together, we are creating a system where prosperity is shared, and no one is left behind.

We have breathed new life into the Solid Minerals sector as part of our efforts to diversify the economy. Revenue has increased phenomenally, and investors are setting up processing plants as the sector dumps the old pit-to-port policy and embraces a new value-added policy.

We have also repositioned our health sector despite all odds.

Over 1,000 Primary Health Centres are being revitalised nationwide. An additional 5,500 PHCs are being upgraded under our Renewed Hope Health Agenda. We are establishing Six new cancer treatment centres. Three are ready. We offer free dialysis services in pilot tertiary hospitals and subsidise the service in others. Under the Presidential Maternal Health Initiative, over 4,000 women have undergone free cesarean sections. Lastly, we have expanded Health Insurance Coverage from 16 million to 20 million within two years.

As a result of our bold and deliberate policies, the economy is growing stronger again. Real GDP rose by 4.6% in Q4 2024, with full-year growth of 3.4%. This is one of the strongest in a decade.

Without a responsive and reliable national security infrastructure that can protect lives and properties, our economy will not perform optimally, and those who seek to harm us will impair and disrupt our way of life. Our administration is committed to the security and safety of our people. For our government, protecting our people and their peaceful way of life is the utmost priority.

Since I assumed our country's leadership, our administration has improved collaboration among security agencies, increased intelligence-driven operations, and better ensured the welfare of our armed forces and security personnel. I use this opportunity to salute the courage and everyday sacrifice of our service men and women. We may not always witness the tremendous efforts they make to keep us safe, but we benefit every day from the results of their dedication. Even if we do not thank them often enough, they willingly face danger so we can go about our lives freely and without fear.

Our military, police, and intelligence agencies are committed to always responding to emerging security threats and new challenges because it is the patriotic duty they owe a grateful nation.

Amid the new security challenges, we can report some successes. In some areas of the northwest, hitherto under the control of bandits, our gallant armed forces have restored order, reducing and eliminating threats to lives and livelihoods. With the success achieved, farmers are back tilling the land to feed us. Highways, hitherto dangerous for travellers, have become safer. Our security agencies have succeeded many times in rescuing the abducted citizens from the hands of their tormentors. I promise you, we shall remain vigilant, as I told security chiefs during the last meeting to up their game and collaborate to end this plague of evil men. Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear.

Outside of Security, we have prioritised human capital development as a central pillar of our national development strategy.

To this end, we have significantly expanded access to quality education through infrastructure investments and the student loan scheme to support indigent students in tertiary institutions. Through the Renewed Hope Health initiative, our administration has begun equipping health facilities and deploying skilled personnel to unserved areas. We are also strengthening our response to public health threats and implementing targeted social investment schemes.

Our youth empowerment initiatives include access to funds, skill development, and creating employment opportunities. Through our MSME support, we empower the next generation and bridge inequality. In our mission to empower the next generation, we have taken bold steps to place young Nigerians at the heart of national development. Nowhere is this more evident than at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), where the current management is making giant strides. NASENI has embraced a digital-first approach, introduced real-time dashboards, and implemented end-to-end e-procurement through its Unified ERP System—setting a new governance benchmark for public institutions.

Through bold, high-impact programmes like Innovate Naija, Irrigate Nigeria, the Asset Restoration Programme, and the Renewable Energy and Innovation Park in Gora, NASENI drives inclusive industrialisation at scale. From assembling electric vehicles and reviving idle assets to launching Africa's most advanced Rapid Diagnostic Kit Factory and training female drone engineers through the NASCAV programme, these initiatives are creating jobs, restoring dignity to work, and opening up a future of possibilities for our youth. This is the movement we promised—a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians.

Agriculture and food security are top priorities of our Renewed Hope Agenda. We have launched aggressive initiatives to boost local food production, support farmers, and stabilise food prices. We have also invested in mechanised farming by procuring thousands of tractors, other farming tools, and fertilisers.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government has continued with major road construction and rehabilitation projects across all geopolitical zones, from the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, the 9th Mile-Oturkpo-Makurdi Road, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Oyo-OgbomosoRoad, Sokoto-Badagry Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Second Niger Bridge Access Road to Bodo-Bonny Road among hundreds of ongoing road projects across the country.

We have launched initiatives to improve electricity generation by upgrading generation and transmission infrastructure and investing in off-grid solar energy to power our homes, business premises, industries, schools and hospitals.

In the spirit of democracy and national renewal, we are preparing to welcome the world to Nigeria soon for the Motherland Festival. This landmark gathering will spotlight our rich heritage, dynamic creative industries, and the vibrant energy of our people. It will showcase Nigeria's beauty through tourism, culture, and innovation, inviting the world to rediscover our nation.

The Nigerian diaspora plays a vital role in our national transformation. Their expertise, investment, and global perspective are key to shaping the future we seek. In recognition, the government has introduced policies like the diaspora bond and the non-resident Bank Verification Number to make it easier for Nigerians abroad to invest, engage, and contribute meaningfully to the country's progress.

The Motherland Festival will bring together voices from across the continent and the diaspora in a decisive moment of unity and purpose, affirming that Nigeria is not only a leader in Africa but a committed global partner ready to engage, inspire, and lead.

Once again, I acknowledge the sacrifices many Nigerians have made and continue to make as we reposition our country, not just for today but for generations yet unborn. Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So is our resolve to tackle emerging challenges. By the Grace of God, we are confident that the worst is behind us. The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold. The future is bright, and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria that we can all be proud of.

Thank you all, and May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU,
ASO ROCK,
ABUJA
29/5/2025

Kaizen is a Japanese term that means "continuous improvement." It's made up of two words:

"Kai" (change)

"Zen" (good)

So, Kaizen = Change for the better.

Kaizen is the idea of constantly making small improvements over time, instead of waiting for a big breakthrough.

Where It's Used:

- In businesses: Improving processes, reducing waste, increasing efficiency.

- In personal life: Building better habits, learning news skills & being organised

Key Principles of Kaizen:

+ Small steps: Focus on small, consistent improvements.

+ Everyone involved: Improvement is everyone's responsibility.

+ No blame: Focus on the process, not the person.

+ Standardize and improve: Once something works, make it the new standard-then improve again.

Example:

Instead of overhauling a whole factory, a Kaizen approach might:

+ Rearrange tools for easier access.

+ Improve how tasks are handed over between workers.

+ Fix small quality issues before they become big problems.

+Over time, these small changes lead to major improvements.

#wellness #kaizen

*JUST IN*
*CROSS RIVER STATE COLLEGE OF NURSING SCIENCES, ITIGIBI RELEASES ND & HND NURSING ADMISSION FORM FOR 2025/2026 ACADEMIC SESSION*

This is to inform all prospective candidates for admission into Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi that forms for Past UTME screening are available at the College. Candidates are to pay a non-refundable fee of Twenty-Five Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N25.500) only into First Bank Account No: 2037884057 (College Utility Account). Evidence of payment shall be tendered at the Bursary Department of the College where candidates are to pay handling charges of Ten Thousand Naira (N10,000) only.

ELIGIBILITY TO PURCHASE FORM(S)

Applicants who chose the College as first choice at JAMB Examination of 2025 with an aggregate score of not less than 150.

Applicants with evidence(s) of Change of institution/Course to reflect the name of the College with 2025 JAMB aggregate score of not less than 150

Date for Screening Exercise:

Post UTME screening shall commence Wednesday 20th through Friday 22nd August, 2025. The schedule for the screening exercise which shall comprise both Computer Based Test (CBT) and Oral Forms will be communicated to all and sundry at a later date for your earliest information and necessary action please.

For more info visit-https://conmsit.edu.ng

Procurement of form(s) commences on MONDAY 2ND JUNE, 2025

Closing date for submission of forms is FRIDAY, 1ST AUGUST, 2025

REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN FORMS

Applicants must present evidence(s) of five (5) credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology obtained in WAEC or GCE NECO or NABTEB at not more than two (2) sittings. Note that NABTEB stands alone and cannot be combined with other results.

Evidence of 2025 JAMB score of not less than 150 and/or change of institution/Course reflecting the name of the College.

Evidence of RN or RM Certificate for those applying for Post Basic Nursing/Midwifery programme(s).
Two (2) recent passport sized photographs on white background.
First School Leaving Certificate and Sworn Affidavit of Date of Birth/Age Declaration.
Submission of two (2) phone numbers of sponsor(s)

For further enquires, please call:
08023841525 | 08032203204
08033448742

Signed. Sir Chief Aji E. Eko KS.JI, FCAI
______________________________________________________

She Was a Virgin Maid—Until the Billionaire Took What He Wanted
Episode 2

The silence in Alhaji Malik’s room was thick like smoke when Aishah entered. The curtains were drawn, soft lights glowed from golden wall lamps, and he was seated on the edge of the massive bed, dressed in a black kaftan, sipping something from a glass that looked like wine but smelled stronger. She kept her eyes on the floor, her arms trembling as she clutched the edge of her hijab. “Come closer,” he said calmly. She didn’t move. “I said come.” His voice was not raised, but it carried a weight that pushed her forward like invisible hands. Her heart was beating like a drum, her feet cold against the tiled floor, her mind racing with every verse of protection she could remember. When she reached him, he stood and walked around her slowly like a lion circling prey. “Do you know how beautiful you are?” he asked. She didn’t answer. “I’ve had models in this house. Politicians’ daughters. But none of them made me feel like this.” His words fell like acid on her skin. She wanted to run, scream, vanish—but she stood still, trapped in fear, her hands tightly gripped together. Then he touched her. Just her chin at first. Then her waist. Then the scarf around her neck. “Don’t be afraid,” he whispered. “I won’t hurt you if you just relax.” But there was no relaxing. There was only dread. Only betrayal. Only helplessness. And when he finally took her—without violence, without shouting, but with complete control—Aishah left her own body. She stared at the ceiling. She counted the lights. She tasted the salt of her tears. She did not scream, did not fight, did not speak. When it was over, he pulled the blanket over her like it was affection, like he had done her a favour. “I’ll take care of you now,” he said, stroking her hair. “No one else will touch you. You’re mine.” She got up slowly, her legs barely carrying her weight. Blood stained her gown. Pain bloomed between her thighs. Her soul felt hollow. She walked back to the servant quarters like a ghost. She scrubbed her body until it burned. She prayed until her knees gave out. But no matter how hard she cried, she couldn’t wash away what he took. The next morning, she was called to work like nothing happened. And so she worked. She scrubbed floors. She served food. She changed bedsheets. And each time she saw him, he smiled at her like they shared a secret. He would brush her waist when he passed, whisper her name like it was a pet, drop wads of cash in her locker. She never touched the money. She never spoke to him. But her silence didn’t stop him. Weeks passed. The others began to notice something had changed. Her smile disappeared. Her appetite vanished. And one morning, she collapsed while cleaning the hallway. A test was done. The result came back positive. She was pregnant. Malik didn’t flinch. “It’s mine,” he said. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything.” But Aishah didn’t want care. She wanted her old life back. She wanted her innocence, her safety, her faith. The head maid accused her of seducing the master. Some of the maids whispered that she planned it all to trap a rich man. But she said nothing. Not a word. Even when her aunt came crying, shouting, slapping her, she remained silent. Her mother was told, and the shame crushed the woman like illness never could. “You’ve disgraced me,” she said over the phone, coughing and sobbing. “You were supposed to help us—not end up with a bastard in your belly.” Aishah cried for days. She tried to abort. She starved herself. Drank strange herbs. But the baby stayed. And so she carried it. Through pain. Through shame. Through Malik’s constant presence. He decorated a room for her. Bought clothes. Paid nurses. Called it love. But love didn’t feel like this. Love didn’t taste like violation. When labour came, it came fast and wild. She screamed for hours in the private hospital he arranged. And when the child came—a girl—she stared at her daughter’s face and saw both beauty and trauma. The child looked like him. But her tiny fingers wrapped around Aishah’s hand like a lifeline. She named her Amatullah. Servant of Allah. Because only Allah had stayed with her. Malik came with gifts. He held the baby and called her perfect. He looked at Aishah with soft eyes and said, “I want to marry you. I’ll make you my second wife.” She stared at him, her face blank. “So that you can make it halal after already ruining me?” she whispered. “So that I will thank you for giving me what I never asked for?” He frowned. “Don’t be ungrateful. You could have been nothing. Look at your life now.” Her voice broke as she replied, “I was more than nothing before you touched me. I had dignity. I had peace.” She refused his offer. Took her baby. Left the mansion. He let her go, maybe out of guilt, maybe out of boredom. He transferred money into her account. Gave her a house in a quiet town. But she never answered his calls again. She built a small life with her daughter, opening a tailoring shop, staying close to the mosque, crying quietly at night. The child grew, smart and curious, always asking, “Mummy, who is my father?” And Aishah would answer, “Someone I never want you to become.” But the world is small. News spreads fast. One day, the TV screamed headlines: “Billionaire Malik Okoye Dies in Road Crash.” Aisha froze. Her daughter stood beside her. “That’s him, isn’t it?” she asked. Aishah nodded slowly. “Yes. That’s him.” And when the reporters came asking for statements, she gave none. She went to the mosque, prayed for his soul, and whispered, “Only Allah knows what you were.” Then she walked home, held her daughter close, and for the first time in years, slept without tears.