🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Presidential aide Tope Fasua claims Nigeria safer from phone snatching than UK, Cameroon, sparking online mockery
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, stated that phone snatching is no longer a significant issue in Nigeria, asserting the country's safety compared to the United Kingdom and Cameroon. This claim was made during a Coffee Hangout organized by Kay Hikers Club in Abuja and led to immediate online mockery after a video of the event was posted. A woman at the event confronted Fasua about unaffordable ride-hailing services, rampant phone robberies, and the general lack of safety, linking economic hardship to street crime. She urged Fasua to convey the severity of these conditions to President Tinubu, questioning how technocrats could understand grassroots realities. Fasua, in response, downplayed the phone-snatching concerns by referencing similar incidents abroad, citing a Cameroonian vlogger who allegedly stated that one cannot hold a phone openly in Cameroon. He insisted that the situation in Nigeria had improved and that phone snatching is not a major crisis. Another attendee challenged Fasua, accusing him of spiritualizing structural problems by suggesting a change in "mindset" as a solution. Fasua maintained that individuals could still improve their circumstances regardless of government performance.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was screened by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress on Friday for the party’s primaries for the Ogun East Senatorial District. This information was shared in a Facebook post by Emmanuel Ojo, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun Governor on New Media. The screening, conducted by the APC NWC Screening Committee at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, is part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. Abiodun stated that his aspiration is driven by a desire to deepen development and effective representation for Ogun East, reaffirming his commitment to quality representation, grassroots development, economic growth, and sustained progress. He also expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for their support and commitment to the APC's ideals. The screening is an internal APC procedure to vet aspirants for elective positions. Abiodun assured the committee of his readiness to serve with responsibility, experience, and integrity. His screening follows his adoption as a consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial race during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders, including former Senator Lekan Mustapha, backed him. Abiodun had previously submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, indicating his intention to transition to the legislative arm of government after his current tenure. He has stated his administration will
Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, has urged Nigerians to align their spending with their income, emphasizing the need for households to "cut their coat according to their size" amidst rising economic challenges. This advice came during a Coffee Hangout organized by Kay Hikers Club in Abuja, where Fasua engaged in a heated discussion with an attendee who highlighted the escalating cost of living, insecurity, and diminishing purchasing power. The attendee questioned the affordability of basic necessities, citing the increased prices of food items and linking rising street crime to economic hardship. Fasua acknowledged the price increases but maintained that households could still manage resources effectively, suggesting that 10,000 Naira could feed a modest family for several days. He also dismissed dollar-based comparisons of living standards, advocating for local realities as the benchmark. While another attendee accused Fasua of oversimplifying structural issues, Fasua asserted that individuals could still adjust their survival strategies and improve personal economic resilience despite national challenges.
Must ReadThe Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, announced that the agency has intensified disease surveillance across Nigeria. This action follows reports of an international Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel involving multiple countries. Dr. Idris reassured Nigerians that there are currently no confirmed cases of Hantavirus in the country and that the overall risk to the public remains low. The advisory was issued due to growing global concern and the need for vigilance against emerging infectious diseases. Hantaviruses are primarily spread through rodents, and human infection can occur through exposure to infected rodents, their excretions, or contaminated dust. Symptoms can include fever, gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases, respiratory complications. The current cluster is linked to the Andes virus strain, which has shown limited human-to-human transmission through close contact. The NCDC has activated enhanced surveillance measures to prevent importation and ensure early detection. Nigerians are advised to maintain clean surroundings, prevent rodent infestation, store food properly, dispose of waste safely, avoid contact with rodents, and practice good hand hygiene. The NCDC continues to monitor global developments in emerging infectious diseases.
Must ReadBianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu officially took office as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on Friday, following her elevation by President Bola Tinubu. She previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and was promoted after the resignation of former minister Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down on March 30 to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State for the 2027 elections. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that Odumegwu-Ojukwu was welcomed by senior directors, led by Permanent Secretary Dunoma Ahmed, and heads of agencies including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. Ahmed described her appointment as a reflection of her dedication and professionalism, expressing confidence in her ability to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and international partnerships. He also assured her of the ministry’s support in advancing foreign policy priorities, such as protecting Nigerians abroad, promoting peace and security, and attracting foreign investment. Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked the staff and pledged to consolidate the ministry's achievements under the Tinubu administration, emphasizing professionalism, institutional efficiency, innovation, and unity in addressing global challenges and advancing Nigeria’s international interests.