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Late Ruth Otabor, sister to Big Brother Naija star Phyna, has passed away, leaving a trail of heartbreak, unanswered questions, and a sense of loss that words struggle to hold.

The fresh graduate, a young mother, sister, and friend, was involved in a tragic accident on August 13, 2025, at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.

The crash, involving a Dangote Group truck, left her critically injured and eventually amputated. Yet, in those first days, there was hope, hope that she might survive, heal, and reclaim a piece of her life.

That hope was carried by her sister, Phyna, who became Ruth’s voice, her fiercest advocate. Outspoken, unrelenting, and deeply protective, Phyna demanded justice from the Dangote Group and called for immediate advanced treatment abroad.

Details about Ruth’s exact condition were never made public, but Phyna’s sporadic posts on X painted a picture of an unrelenting struggle behind hospital walls. In one of her posts, she pleaded.

“Anytime you remember Ruth, please say a prayer for her.”

On August 24, a video shared by PUNCH Online captured Phyna in a meeting with the management of the Dangote Group, where she insisted that her sister be flown abroad, specifically to India, for advanced medical treatment.

The Dangote Group, in a statement on August 16, had pledged,  “We are ensuring full support for Mrs. Otabor, including comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation, in line with Dangote Group’s welfare policy.

“Our thoughts remain with Mrs. Ruth Otabor and her loved ones, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.”

Talks for her transfer to India for specialist treatment dragged on. Just days before her death, Phyna shared an update from the Dangote group that felt both hopeful and haunting in hindsight.

“Please note we are ready to positively consider all options necessary for the treatment of Ruth as soon as she is certified to travel,” the group had assured her. That moment of clarity never came.

On Sunday morning, at about 6:30 a.m., Ruth’s fight ended.

Her family, through Eko Solicitors & Advocates, announced her passing with broken hearts. And almost instantly, celebrities, colleagues, and ordinary Nigerians flooded Phyna’s page with condolences.

Fellow BBNaija stars Nini Singh and Wanni wrote, “I’m so sorry, dear, please accept my condolences.”

“Oh no! I’m so pained… Ruth went through too much pain. May her soul rest in peace.”

Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, also expressed her sympathy,  “Ehhh God! May God comfort your family at this difficult time.”

And countless others — celebrities, ordinary Nigerians, and even the Dangote Group — shared prayers, tears, and words too heavy for the moment.

But beyond the outpouring of sympathy, a louder conversation is building: Could Ruth’s death have been prevented?

Some fans and public voices think so.

@IamMrBrain wrote, “It’s heartbreaking to hear about this loss. Despite the severity of her condition, she was denied proper care and the chance to seek treatment abroad. This shows how justice and quality healthcare often seem out of reach for the average person.”

Activist and former 2023 Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on X, went further, “This death was not inevitable; it could have been avoided if drivers were properly trained, if Nigeria’s terrible roads were fixed, and if there had been timely, humane medical intervention. Instead, another young life wasted, another family left grieving.”

For many, Ruth’s passing has become more than a personal tragedy; it is now a painful reminder of how bureaucracy, delay, and broken systems can turn survivable injuries into irreversible loss.

She fought. Her family fought. A promise was made. And now, only memories remain, along with a haunting question that refuses to fade. Could Ruth Otabor still be alive today?

 

 

Nigeria FG is pinning its hopes on artificial intelligence as part of President Bola Tinubu’s ambition to turn Africa’s most populous nation into a $1trn economy, according to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.

His remarks follow his inclusion in TIME magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 most influential personalities in AI, alongside Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk and OpenAI head Sam Altman, recognised for shaping the future of the technology worldwide.

He described recent progress in AI as transformative, citing a national strategy, research programmes and deals with foreign technology firms.

“We got over 120 experts of Nigerian descent to co-create the long-term strategy for the responsible use and development of AI,” Tijani said on LinkedIn. “This recognition further validates our belief that Nigeria can stand as a global leader in the responsible and inclusive deployment of AI for increased productivity.”

The framework for Nigeria’s $1trn economy target was announced and officially endorsed by the National Economic Council last week. Overall, Nigeria’s leadership shows clear intent and a roadmap toward realising this economic aspiration by 2030.

From the technology perspective, the government has been piloting AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, education and financial inclusion, areas it says will yield both social and economic returns. With support from partners including Google and the Gates Foundation, Nigeria is also helping scale mature AI solutions developed by local innovators by providing mentorship, resources and funding support.

To sustain the momentum, Tijani announced the creation of the AI Collective, a community of researchers and practitioners backed by philanthropic organisation Luminate, and the AI Trust, a body of national leaders tasked with steering long-term investments in the sector.

“Our commitment remains clear: to ensure AI not only drives innovation but also contributes to building a $1rn economy as envisioned by President Tinubu,” Tijani said.

Nigeria may lack extensive infrastructure, but the country is boosting its technical talent, which is the foundation for building a strong AI ecosystem with government participation and partnerships.

Tijani champions the 3 Million Technical Talent programme to equip Nigerians with AI and technical skills, and many graduates are deployed to digitise government operations and build datasets for AI systems.

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in the Rivers State Local Government Chairmanship and Councillorship elections, clinching 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the state.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, secured wins in only three LGAs, including Opobo-Nkoro, the home local government area of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The results were formally announced on Sunday afternoon by the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr Michael Odey, at the commission’s headquarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.

The outcome of the elections is expected to heighten the political tension in the state, where the rivalry between the APC and PDP has been intense, especially following the split in political loyalties among stakeholders.

Check out this touching throwback photo of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and his son, Leke Adeboye, has gone viral, sparking emotional reactions online.

The image which surfaced online recreates a childhood moment likely captured over three decades ago.

In the original photo, a youthful Pastor Adeboye is seen holding a tambourine in one hand while holding his then-young son, Leke, in the other.

The picture captures him in his vibrant days, actively “taking territories for Christ.”

In the recreated image, Pastor Adeboye still holds his tambourine, but this time his son, Leke, supports him on the other side, gently guiding his father as age catches up.

Netizens Reactions…

@explicitsod said: “You’re adorable Sir. And this is the best thing I have seen this week ❤️❤️🔥.”

@thecharacterbuilder said: “He holds Daddy’s Hands || Second, Daddy holds his hands. Life summarised in 1 picture. I celebrate Grace.💙🎉

@olawale2uk commented: “This is very emotional. One picture, many thoughts. May God grant me exceptional grace. AMEN 🙏.”

@adeponlebenard stated: “This is a typical example of train your child the way he should go so that when he is old he will not depart from it. Pastor Leke needed father’s support to grow and now daddy needs pastor Leke’s support to carry on. Daddy Adeboye is an example of true father. Pastor Leke is an example of true.”

@son.ernestapparel_ said: “The real definition of time and price.”

@the_mosopeoluwa wrote: “One thing was constant in both, the tambourine!!!!”

@famousforjesus said: “The bond between a conscious father and a receptive son is very strong! 🔥.”

@sunmisolaa_01 commented: “He has always been daddy’s boy😍❤️.”

@sunday_emma_nuel said: “Looking deep into these pictures I observed in the old Daddy was holding @lekeadeboye but in the recent daddy did not just hold him but he was more a guide to daddy this time. Lesson: If you don’t hold your children lifting them in the right way when they are young, what pillar will you be resting on when you’re old?”

@codewithpdev reacted: “Kaiiiiiii!!! 🔥 This picture speaks a lot.”

@adewealth17 added: “This picture is a very powerful message 😍😍🔥🔥”

 

The family of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has officially confirmed his death.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his son, Solomon Arase Jnr., the family said the former IGP died at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

“The Arase family of Benin-City, Edo State, hereby announces the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, Former Inspector General of Police. He passed on at about 9 a.m. on Sunday, 31st August 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was aged 69,” the statement read in part.

The family described Arase as a man who served Nigeria with distinction. Following his retirement as the 18th IGP in 2016, he went on to serve as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and was also a member of the Body of Benchers.

“The family seeks the understanding and prayers of friends, associates, and well-wishers at this difficult moment, as they make the necessary arrangements for his obsequies, which will be announced in due course,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it is preparing an official statement on the former IGP’s death.

Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, told PUNCH journalists: “We are working on a statement. You will get it shortly.”

Solomon Arase was appointed IGP in April 2015. During his tenure, he headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s top intelligence unit, and earned a reputation as a reform-minded officer dedicated to enhancing police welfare and operational efficiency.

Pain strikes as Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of BBNaija star and ex-winner, Phyna passes away.

Recall that Ruth was involved in an accident after being hit by a Dangote truck on August 13, 2025, days after her graduation from Auchi Polytechnic.

Notably, Phyna has been actively focused on pursuing justice for her younger sister, with a recent update from the reality TV star revealing that the Dangote Group is ready to cover her sister’s medical treatment.

The death of Ruth Otabor was announced in a statement released on Phyna’s Instagram account.

According to the statement, Ruth passed away on August 31, 2025, with her funeral arrangements to be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, condolences have begun pouring in for Phyna and her family from fans and industry colleagues.

See below….

The Dangote Group has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna.

Ruth died weeks after sustaining injuries in a road accident involving one of the company’s trucks near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.

In a statement issued shortly after her passing, the conglomerate said it had been actively supporting Ruth and her family since the incident.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth Otabor, who was injured in the recent road incident involving one of our trucks in Auchi, Edo State,” the company said.

The Dangote Group explained that since the accident, its officials and insurance partners had been covering all financial and medical expenses, including making arrangements to fly Ruth abroad for advanced treatment.

“Arrangements had been made for her to be flown to India for advanced treatment, pending medical clearance from her doctors. Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her today,” the statement read.

The company further reaffirmed its commitment to safety and accountability in its operations, while offering condolences to the Otabor family.

“At Dangote Group, safety, accountability, and compassion remain at the core of our operations. We remain committed to strengthening our safety systems and supporting those affected in moments of tragedy. May God grant her mercy and eternal rest,” it added.

Ruth’s death was earlier confirmed by Eko Solicitors & Advocates, who stated on behalf of the Otabor family.

Some Nigerian Varsity professors have demanded that their salaries be raised to a minimum of N2.5m per month, insisting that anything less was no longer tenable.

On Tuesday, protests rocked several campuses as members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities decried the Federal Government’s failure to implement the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement.

Lecturers have long decried poor remuneration and declining conditions in the academic environment.

With professors earning about N500,000 monthly, some have been forced to squat in quarters, while others compete with students for space in buses meant for undergraduates.

Documents obtained by Saturday PUNCH show that under the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure, Graduate Assistants earn between N125,000 and N138,020 monthly, while professors earn between N525,010 and N633,333.

Assistant Lecturers earn N150,000–N171,487; Lecturer II, N186,543–N209,693; Lecturer I, N239,292–N281,956; Senior Lecturer, N386,101–N480,780; and Readers, N436,392–N522,212.

In separate interviews with Saturday PUNCH, the professors insisted that their salaries should not fall below N2.5m.

A professor at the University of Ibadan, Remi Aiyede, said Nigerian professors were grossly underpaid compared to colleagues in other African countries.

He added that a government-commissioned report had already recommended similar figures.

He said, “If you want to benchmark it across countries, you will see that the monthly pay of an average professor across Africa is between $2,000 and $4,000.

“So, if you break that down to naira, then you will have an idea of what we are talking about. In fact, a million naira is conservative. Professors in Nigeria should not earn less than N2.5m monthly.

“After the Nimi-Briggs Commission, there was a committee set up by this government, which looked into the matter. The report was submitted to the President, and if I understand what was written in that document, a professor should be earning about N2.5m.”

At the University of Lagos, Prof. Abigail Ndizika-Ogwezzy of the Department of Mass Communication stressed that professors needed decent pay to deliver effectively.

She lamented that poor conditions was forcing lecturers to overwork themselves.

“Anything less than N2.5m for a professor at the bar is not it; look at the reality. If I want to get a house to live in this Akoka area, it’s not less than N3m per year. Then won’t I feed, pay my children’s fees, ride a good car and even take care of my health? Then when is my reward?

“We are carrying the burden of three, four, five people. It is impacting our health, our eyes. We have to read scripts, prepare notes, do community service, conduct research, publish, and attend conferences. Meanwhile, we are all buying from the same market as private sector workers, yet many lecturers cannot pay their children’s school fees,” she added.

Prof. Sheriffdeen Tela of Babcock University, Ogun State, also backed the N2.5m demand, saying the disparity between professors and political office holders was indefensible.

He said, “If you are saying that a professor receives not less than N1.2m in a month, that means that in a year it’s still less than what the legislature takes home in a month. Some people were advocating N2.5m monthly, and yes, even with the kind of economy that we are in now, it makes sense.

“Many professors live on loans because their salaries are not enough. Instead of giving them appropriate pay, the Federal government wants to give them loans, which is wrong.”

Former ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, also argued that professors should earn between N1m and N5m monthly.

“If Nigeria truly values education and wants its universities to compete globally, professors must be paid what they are worth. Anything short of this will only worsen the brain drain,” he said.

PUNCH