A severe heatwave is affecting many parts of Nigeria, with rising temperatures and erratic electricity supply leaving households struggling to cope. The situation has forced residents to sleep outdoors, take repeated night-time baths, and spend more on alternative power sources. Many Nigerians have reported prolonged blackouts and inadequate water supply, making nights uncomfortable. The high cost of fuel, inadequate water supply, and the expense of rechargeable fans and solar installations have added to the challenges. The heatwave has raised concerns about the health of children, the elderly, and residents with underlying medical conditions.
An attack on activist Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti has sparked a dispute between him and the police over what happened. Sowore alleged that he and his associates were attacked by government-sponsored thugs, while the police said their personnel rescued him following an altercation at a restaurant and took him to the Police Hospital, where he received treatment for a minor injury. The Ekiti State Police Command and Sowore gave conflicting accounts of the incident, with the police saying they received information that Sowore was having issues with individuals at a restaurant in the state capital and immediately deployed operatives to the scene.
Organised labour is pushing state governments to adopt the Federal Government’s N70,000 transport allowance initiative, with the Lagos NLC proposing N100,000 monthly for workers. State chapters of organised labour have begun moves to commit state governors to adopt the initiative, with some considering allowances of between N40,000 and N70,000. Labour leaders in other states are also preparing to engage their governments, while some are awaiting directives from their national leadership. The move is aimed at providing relief to workers and mitigating the effects of the heatwave and economic challenges.
Lagos APC governorship candidate and Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Hamzat, has unveiled a 100-point manifesto ahead of the 2027 election. The manifesto, tagged The Lagos Promise (Ileri Eko), outlines plans to improve transportation, healthcare, education, housing, security, job creation, and government accountability. Hamzat, who is seeking to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made the pledges while unveiling his manifesto at an event held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, Lagos.
The family of Ondo businessman Kayode Akinbolusere has raised concerns over his death after he died by suicide at his office, questioning the circumstances surrounding the incident. Akinbolusere, the owner of Esther Estate in Ondo State, was said to have died after allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance. In a video that circulated on social media before his death, the businessman spoke about his struggles and said he was leaving his properties to his wife and their three children based in Canada.
Nigeria’s D’Tigers forward Precious Achiuwa scored 24 points for the Sacramento Kings, but his impressive performance was not enough to prevent a 132-120 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Kings had lost their first four games and travelled to New Orleans in search of their first win. However, the in-form Pelicans proved too strong for them, with Sacramento starting well and taking the first quarter 30-24.
The heatwave and economic challenges have had a significant impact on Nigerians, with many calling for relief measures from the government. The situation has highlighted the need for the government to invest in infrastructure, including power and water supply, to mitigate the effects of the heatwave and economic challenges. The government has been urged to take proactive measures to address the challenges facing Nigerians.
Key points
- The heatwave has forced residents to sleep outdoors and spend more on alternative power sources.
- An attack on activist Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti has sparked a dispute between him and the police.
- Organised labour is pushing state governments to adopt the Federal Government’s N70,000 transport allowance initiative.
