*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 25/05/2025*

NNPC announces Port Harcourt refinery shutdown for maintenance

Mass burial in Taraba as herders slaughter scores

Varsity unions threaten strike over N50bn allowances

Borno offers scholarships to female UTME candidates scoring over 250

Gombe defends 14-year-old girl fleeing forced marriage in Taraba

NAPS demands explanation on overnight WAEC exams in Asaba

Osimhen agrees three-year deal with Al-Hilal

Arsenal join race to sign ‘star boy’ Lookman

Facebook deletes old live videos, gives users 90-day window to save content

After brief X outage, Musk says refocusing on businesses

N. Korea detains three over warship launch accident

Sierra Leone reports more than 3,000 mpox cases, 14 deaths

UAE national to face charges in Nigeria over $307,500 scam

How I was sold for prostitution in Mali – Actress Jumoke George’s daughter


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*DID YOU KNOW?*

* The Sistine Chapel in Vatican is a historic building of such acclaim that over five million people come to visit it every year. It takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who commissioned its construction on the foundations of the original Capella Magna in 1477.

* The only apps that were on the first iPhone in 2007 were all only Apple’s apps. These days, there are over 1.4 million apps for iPhone.
--------------------------

Tinubu appoints Nnamani, Anyim, Shema, 18 others into federal agencies

Tinubu hails pro-democracy activist Ayo Obe at 70

Obasanjo, Shettima, Adeleke, Abiodun light up Ogun Games

Tinubu’s Inclusion Of 12 Northerners In New Appointments Good Omen – Ndume

Ondo gov tribunal delivers judgment June 4

P-Square’s Peter cross-examined in alleged $1m fraud case

Military arrests five foreigners in Plateau

Police extradite fugitive over multi-million dollar fraud

One killed as troops raid ESN camp

Troops stop oil theft of N533.5m, arrest 51, deactivate 18 illegal refineries

Tinubu’s reforms drive customs revenue to record ₦1.3tr in Q1 2025 – Adeniyi

FG begins repairs on Lagos-Ibadan bridges

753 Emefiele’s forfeited duplexes not yet for sale, FG warns Nigerians

Ilorin crash: NSIB recovers data card as onsite probe begins

FX inflows through money transfer operators hit $4.76bn – CBN

FG probes night examination in Unity School Asaba

FG to unveil three cancer centres May 29

FG eyes 15,000 jobs as minister inspects steel facility

Osun jailbreak: FG intensifies border watch after murder suspect recapture

REA adds 120 job opportunities to renewable energy space

N56.85bn Disbursed As NELFUND Marks 1 Year

NELFUND celebrates first anniversary with over 550,000 applications

NCAA to meet Kenya Airways over fine, passenger maltreatment

Hajj: NAHCON team holds prayer in S’Arabia for Tinubu, Nigeria

First Lady expands food security drive to vulnerable groups nationwide

ASUU laments neglect of universities, demands fulfilment of promises

UI student wins Amnesty International’s 2025 inter-varsity debate

Metering: MOJEC backs Tinubu’s ban on importation

Establishing agency won’t eradicate malaria without political will – Physicians

Most Nigerian pastors are extremely poor – Bishop Ighele

Biafra: Under Tinubu, Southeast has only one minister, 3 assistant ministers -Uwazurike

Nigeria won’t slip into one-party state – Abba Moro

2027: ADC leaders split over takeover by anti-Tinubu coalition

Atiku shuns Adeleke, visits Aregbesola amid setbacks for coalition

I may not contest again after 2027, says Obi

Adeleke eases curfew in Osun communities ahead Eid El Kabir

Gombe gov kicks as northern coalition faults anti-terror efforts

Ibas promises to revamp Rivers technical, vocational centre

Uzodimma demands swift probe of JAMB website hackers

Hajj 2025: Kaduna Airlifts Over 3,700 Pilgrims To Saudi Arabia

Defection report leak: A’bom bars Channels crew from govt house

Kogi not under siege – State gov’t

Police neutralise bandit, rescue 5 kidnapped victims in Katsina

Suspected herdsmen abduct two siblings in Imo community

Gunmen kill family of four in Anambra

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

*TODAY IN HISTORY*

* On this day in 1963, 32 African countries formed a coalition against white rule. The Organisation of African Unity was founded to promote decolonization and end white minority governments in Africa. The OAU was replaced by the African Union in 2002.

* On this day in 1977, the first Star Wars film was released. George Lucas’ epic space opera is one of the most popular works in movie history.

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

Believe in yourself and believe in love. Love something. – Andrew Wyeth

Good morning


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

I'm just a hotel waiter. I met Madam Iruoma when I went to deliver her dinner to her.

Madam Iruoma booked a VIP room in our hotel. It was literally the first time I met her. When I saw her that night, I noticed the worry on her face. Something was bothering her.

After serving her food, I left. I went to my colleague Mike. Mike is my paddy paddy in the hotel.

Bro did you observe anything strange with the woman that booked the room 002 VIP. I asked Mike.

Something like what? Bro I don't look at anybody's face in this hotel o, my work is to serve food. Mike said. That's bad bro, something is troubling her. I said.

Ayochidi I know you just newly started working here about a week ago, to keep your job, I suggest you mind your business. Anything troubling her will not pass her boyfriend or husband cheated on her. So she just come to relax her mind. Mike said to me. Really? I asked Mike. Or? Mike said.

Or she haven't received serious knacking for a long time. Mike said and let out a laugh. That's not funny bro. I said.

Few hours later Madam Iruoma called and I went and took her dishes away. I wanted to ask her what was bothering her, but Mike already told me it wasn't on my jurisdiction.

After work that night because I was on night shift, I went home the following morning. When I got home. My landlord was already outside waiting for me.

Ayochidi, you think you can hide forever abi? My landlord asked me. No sir, I started a new job a week ago, that's where I'm coming from. I said to my landlord.

Ayochidi! You have three days to come up with my rent. Three days. If I don't see my rent. When you return from where ever you go at night. You will see your things outside. My landlord said.

Sir give me till month end. I promise to pay by month end. I said. Three days! My landlord said and angrily left my house.

I went into my house and sat down. I was thinking of where to raise my rent in three days when a call came in from my mother in the village.

Hello brother; that was my baby sister calling. She used my mother's phone to call me. Brother, Waec will soon be closing registration. My little sister reminded me. Mma I will send the money soon. I said. And even Mommy's medicine has finish, we have to buy another set. My sister said. I will send the money. I said.

Life was really difficult, from thinking how to raise money. I slept off. I have been awake all night.

Again It was night; I went to the hotel. Madam Iruoma was still in the hotel. She had orderd for dinner. I went and served her dinner.

I was about to leave when she called me back. Can I speak with you? She asked me. Please come and sit. She said. Is there a problem? I asked her. No there's No problem at all. I just want someone to talk to. I have lodged here to two days now and I feel bored. She said.

Is everything okay? I asked her. Firstly what's your name? She asked me. My Name is Ayochidi. I replied. Ayochidi? Is that not like Igbo and Yoruba? She asked me. It is ma. I replied.

My name is Iruoma. She said. Nice to meet you ma. I said. Enough with the ma's. Call me Iruoma. She said.

She came close to me and started touching me. Ma, I don't think this is proper. I said. Are you a baby. She said. I don't understand. I said.

Just make me feel like a woman. Iruoma said. I think I have to go now. I said.

That day I left her room. But for the next two days she kept insisting that I personally continued delivering her food to her.

I have really thought about it. On the third day, when I went to deliver her food. She asked me what was it I wanted. I should name anything. And she would do it for me.

That was the very moment my entire life changed.

Your shares is my biggest motivation to continue...

To Be Continued.

Title: Room Service 1

My Name is Ayochidi and Writing Choose Me...002

Helping people is good, but when it becomes frequent, that's dependency right there and it can form codependency patterns. Help people but much more:

Empower people to help themselves, that helps them evolve and break patterns and they can stand apart.
This could look like,
Getting them a job instead of sending them money always
It could be teaching them or paying for them to learn a trade
It could be supporting them to start their own business until it picks speed
It could be cutting off hand downs and teaching them to create
It could be telling the truth to them in love about their flaws
It could be paying for therapy or counseling sessions for them, to help them gain clarity, work out healthy coping skills and strategies to deal to everyday life's stresses and challenges etc ...

How have you empowered someone to help themselves?

Keep unveiling your uniqueness because it is within you that BLISS is found. I love you

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #stellaeyabi

During a robbery in Zimbabwe, the bank robber shouted to everyone in the bank: "Don't move. The money belongs to the State. Your life belongs to you."

Everyone in the bank laid down quietly. This is called "Mind Changing Concept” Changing the conventional way of thinking.

When a lady lay on the table provocatively, the robber shouted at her: "Please be civilized! This is a robbery and not a rape!"

This is called "Being Professional” Focus only on what you are trained to do!

When the bank robbers returned home, the younger robber (MBA-trained) told the older robber (who has only completed Year 6 in primary school): "Big brother, let's count how much we got."

The older robber rebutted and said: "You are very ******. There is so much money it will take us a long time to count. Tonight, the TV news will tell us how much we robbed from the bank!"

This is called "Experience.” Nowadays, experience is more important than paper qualifications!

After the robbers had left, the bank manager told the bank supervisor to call the police quickly. But the supervisor said to him: "Wait! Let us take out $10 million from the bank for ourselves and add it to the $70 million that we have previously embezzled from the bank”.

This is called "Swim with the tide.” Converting an unfavorable situation to your advantage!

The supervisor says: "It will be good if there is a robbery every month."

This is called "Killing Boredom.” Personal Happiness is more important than your job.

The next day, the TV news reported that $100 million was taken from the bank. The robbers counted and counted and counted, but they could only count $20 million. The robbers were very angry and complained: "We risked our lives and only took $20 million. The bank manager took $80 million with a snap of his fingers. It looks like it is better to be educated than to be a thief!"

This is called "Knowledge is worth as much as gold!"

The bank manager was smiling and happy because his losses in the share market are now covered by this robbery.

This is called "Seizing the opportunity.” Daring to take risks!

So who are the real robbers here?

If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.

Skip breakfast and own your day from 11am upward.

Your body thrives when you wait.

No food.
No distractions.
Then see energy sustained.

Whether going to the office or job site—it doesn’t matter.

Morning meals are a myth.

Eat later. Perform better.

The Story of Saturdays

Once upon a time, in the heart of a busy little town, lived a boy named Theo who believed Saturdays were magic.

To everyone else, Saturday was just a day off. But for Theo, Saturdays were treasure chests of possibility. Every Saturday morning, he'd wake before the sun, pull on his favorite red hoodie, and tiptoe past his still-sleeping parents.

His adventures changed every week—some days he’d ride his bike to the farthest hill and pretend it was a mountain summit. Other Saturdays, he'd sit by the old oak tree with his sketchbook, drawing fantastical creatures no one had ever seen. Once, he even built a tiny city out of pebbles and twigs behind the library and named it "Theopolis."

The townsfolk often saw Theo running with the wind or staring at clouds like they were ancient maps. They'd chuckle and say, “There goes Saturday’s child.”

Years passed, and Theo grew up. He went to college, then to a job in a tall glass building, where days blurred into one another. But every Saturday, no matter what, he’d wake early, pull out his red hoodie—now a little worn—and let the magic begin again.

For Theo knew what few remembered:
Saturdays are not just breaks from the week. They're invitations to dream.

THE COCKROACH's CHOICE

Three hungry cockroaches came to a farmer and asked him for food. He willingly offered them some bread and some cheese. They ate to satisfaction and saved food to take home to their families.

Upon leaving, the farmer told them,
"Listen roaches, instead of begging for food as you always do, why don't I offer you a job in my farm? We offer good pay, food, and protection for your families."

The cockroaches asked,
"What work do we have to do, and how much salary do we get?"

The farmer answered,
"There are four positions available in my farm, with each having a different pay. It's up to you to choose which of them you prefer! The worker whose job is to inform my chickens that food is ready gets paid $3,000 every month. The worker whose job is to peel and slice my garlic gets $5,000 monthly. The worker whose job is to chase pesky lizards out of the farm gets $4,000 every month. And lastly, the worker whose job is to sing and dance for my goats gets only $250 monthly. You can make your choice now!"

The first cockroach exclaimed,
"I choose the $5,000 job! I want to peel and slice your garlic!"

The second cockroach chorused,
"I want the $4,000 job! Let me chase the pesky lizards out of the farm!

The third cockroach thought for a long moment, then said surprisingly,
"I would prefer the $250 job! I want to sing and dance for your goats!"

For a moment, the two other cockroaches glared at her and thought she was very dumb.
"How could she have chosen the lowest paying job in the farm? Is she that silly and unreasonable?" they thought within themselves.

The following morning, the three cockroaches arrived for their first day of work. However, as they began their duties, the first and the second cockroaches died all of a sudden.

The curious farmer then called the third cockroach and asked,
"Tell me, why did you choose the lowest paying job?"

She took a deep breath and answered,
"Firstly, chickens favourite food is cockroaches- why would I choose a job where I have to go close to chickens? Secondly, the pungent smell of garlic can quickly kill a cockroach- why would I choose a job where I have to peel and slice garlic? Thirdly, lizards love to snack and prey on cockroaches- why would I choose a job where I have to chase lizards out of the farm? It's not about the money at all, it's about putting my life into consideration."

LESSON TO LEARN:
Be careful of the deals you accept from people. Don't jump into every offer made to you. Don't be so blinded by money and material things that you refuse to pause and carefully consider the ramifications before taking a decision. Be wise!

*REASONS WHY YOU'RE ALWAYS BROKE EVEN THOUGH YOU WORK HARD*




(Hard work alone no be enough. You need sense, strategy, and discipline to win.)

You wake up early every morning, hustle till your body complain, but at the end of the month, your bank balance still looks like an empty pocket thief struck. You ask yourself, “Why are rich like those guys?”

I get news for you:your habits and mindset does not sabotage your grind. Village people are not your problem, your own lifestyle is.

1. YOU WORK HARD, BUT YOU DON’T WORK SMART
You hustle physically, you run errands, you do odd jobs, but you never think about how to multiply that hustle. You run like rat with no cheese.

Meanwhile, other guys are using their brains to invest small small, learn skills, start side hustles, build passive income.

Working hard is good. But working smart is the key to escape a poverty trap.

What to do: Learn skills that pay well. Invest in knowledge, not just sweat.

2. YOUR MONEY HAS NO PLAN, NO TRACKING
When salary enter, you just spend anyhowly—no budget, no savings, no investment.

This is why every month, you are broke before payday.

What to do: Budget your money like a CEO. Know where every coin will go.

3. YOU CARRY TOO MANY PEOPLE ON YOUR BACK
Your salary is not just for you — it’s for mama, uncle, cousin, friend, street people... you are playing6 Minister of Finance for everybody.

But no one does the same for you.

Reality: You can’t build wealth carrying 10 people. You must build yourself first.

What to do: Help when you fit, but put your future first.

4. YOU’RE ADDICTED TO SPENDING, NOT INVESTING
You spend on luxury, new gadgets, slay queen maintenance, designer labels… but when time to invest come, you suddenly “have no money again.”

This lifestyle is a silent killer. You build others’ businesses, not yours.

What to do: Switch your mindset from consume to invest. Use money to grow assets.6

5. YOU LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK WITH NO EMERGENCY FUND
Every little emergency crashes your finances—no backup, no plan B.

So when things go wrong, you borrow, borrow, borrow until you fall into debt trap.

What to do: Save at least 3 months salary as emergency fund. Build cushion.

6. YOU FAIL TO MULTIPLY YOUR INCOME SOURCES
Relying on one salary? That’s like sitting on one leg and expecting to run marathon.

True wealth comes from multiple income streams—business, investments, side hustles.

What to do: Start small side hustles. Learn to create money streams outside salary.

7. YOU WAIT FOR MIRACLE WHILE DOING NOTHING
You pray and wait for miracle money. But no action follows.

Prayers without hustle and procrastination with spiritual flavour.

What to do: Pray with your legs and hands. Action is the partner of blessing.

FINAL TRUTH:

Hard work is important, but without planning, discipline, and smart decisions, you will remain broke.

Village people are not the cause of your poverty; your habits and choices are.

If you want to escape the poverty cycle:

Hustle smart, not just hard.

Budget and track your money.

Cut unnecessary spending.

Build emergency funds.

Multiply your income sources.

Stop carrying unnecessary financial burdens.

Pair prayer with action.

If this post hit you hard, don’t just scroll. Change your mindset, change your life.

Class dismissed.

People abroad are working very hard, doing multiple jobs just to buy land back home .
While;Those at home are busy selling their lands just to relocate abroad.
This life no balance