A recent World Bank report (April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief) reveals a concerning trend of escalating poverty in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. The report indicates that a staggering 75.5% of rural Nigerians live below the poverty line, reflecting the deepening economic hardship within the nation’s hinterlands.

The report highlights several contributing factors, including economic stagnation, high inflation, and pervasive insecurity. These issues are compounded by existing regional disparities, with poverty rates significantly higher in northern geopolitical zones. Furthermore, lack of education and limited access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity contribute to widespread multidimensional poverty.

While acknowledging recent economic reforms, the World Bank emphasizes the need for urgent policy interventions to protect vulnerable populations from inflationary pressures and stimulate job creation in more productive sectors of the economy. Failure to address these challenges risks further exacerbating poverty and inequality across Nigeria.

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has officially announced the audition dates for its highly anticipated tenth season. Aspiring contestants can register online from May 3rd to May 7th, 2025, for a chance to participate in the reality television phenomenon.

The organizers have stated that successful online applicants will proceed to physical auditions, scheduled to take place in Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja between May 16th and 18th.

Interested individuals aged 21 and above are encouraged to visit the African Magic audition portal at africanmagic.tv/audition to complete the registration process. Applicants will need to provide their personal details, select their preferred audition time and location, and await confirmation.

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have successfully thwarted a bandit attack in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State. The operation, conducted under Operation Lafiyan Jama’a, resulted in the neutralization of one suspected bandit.

Acting on credible intelligence regarding bandit movement in the Fikyu axis, troops established an ambush near Gafar village. Upon sighting a group of bandits moving towards the village with apparent hostile intent, the troops engaged the suspects. One bandit was killed during the ensuing exchange, while others fled into the surrounding area.

A subsequent clearance operation yielded the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and a motorcycle, reportedly stolen from a local resident. The recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and action. This successful operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining security and combating banditry in the region.