As Benue State marked its 50th anniversary with grand celebrations in Makurdi, concerns over insecurity, governance and development have continued to dominate public discourse.   In a commentary published by TheCable, journalist and public affairs analyst Yemi Itodo argued that the state’s golden jubilee came at a difficult time, with many residents grappling with insecurity, displacement and economic hardship. The anniversary event drew prominent dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, governors, ministers and traditional rulers. Despite the high-profile attendance, Itodo questioned what tangible achievements were being celebrated under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration. He noted the absence of major infrastructure projects, industrial hubs, modern healthcare facilities and agricultural processing centres that could showcase meaningful progress. The article highlighted worsening security concerns across Benue State, where repeated attacks by armed groups have displaced communities and forced many farmers away from their lands. This, Itodo argued, directly undermines the state’s long-standing reputation as Nigeria’s food basket. He also raised concerns over governance and political divisions, pointing to allegations of exclusion of the Idoma community from key government appointments and growing tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress. These disputes reportedly involve key figures such as George Akume and other party stakeholders. According to the commentary, Benue’s real progress should be measured not by ceremonies or public relations displays, but by improved security, functioning infrastructure, economic growth and inclusive governance. The article concluded that while the anniversary celebrations may have ended, many residents remain focused on pressing challenges, including insecurity, unemployment and displacement. For many citizens, the true celebration of Benue at 50 will only come when peace, development and stability become realities across the state.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), upholding former Senate President David Mark as the party’s National Chairman.   Justice Musa Liman dismissed a suit filed by Leke Abejide, ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter because it involved the internal affairs of a political party. According to the court, disputes relating to party leadership are non-justiciable unless clear legal violations are established. Justice Liman also held that Abejide lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, as he failed to show how his rights were infringed by the emergence of the current leadership. The judge further ruled that Abejide did not exhaust the ADC’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the court. The suit had challenged the legitimacy of the July 2, 2025 handover of party leadership by former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu to the current leadership. Justice Liman held that the transition complied with both the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026. He noted that the July 2, 2025 stakeholders’ meeting, where Nwosu handed over leadership, came before the National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025. That NEC meeting formally produced David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as ADC National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, under the supervision of Independent National Electoral Commission. The court resolved all issues raised in the substantive suit in favour of the defendants, reinforcing the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership structure. Justice Liman also imposed financial penalties on the claimant. He awarded ₦2 million each in costs against Abejide in favour of the defendants, while Abejide’s counsel was ordered to pay ₦10 million pursuant to the Electoral Act 2026. Abejide had sought orders restraining Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as ADC leaders and asked the court to stop INEC from recognising them. However, the court’s ruling effectively ends another chapter in the ongoing ADC leadership tussle.

Burna Boy has reclaimed the top spot as Africa’s most-streamed artist on Spotify, setting a new record of 46.84 million monthly listeners.   According to Channels Television, the Nigerian Grammy-winning star edged past Tyla, whose previous record stood at 46.58 million monthly listeners. The streaming milestone has been driven largely by the explosive success of Dai Dai, Burna Boy’s collaboration with Shakira. The song gained global attention after being featured as the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and performed during the tournament’s opening ceremony. The track’s global success has boosted Burna Boy’s streaming numbers across key international markets, with Dai Dai climbing major charts in Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Germany. Even before this latest surge, Burna Boy had built a formidable streaming catalogue. His hit single Last Last remains one of his biggest global successes, approaching 600 million streams on Spotify. The record-breaking moment also comes at a strategic time as Burna Boy prepares to release his next studio album and kick off his global Unity Tour later this year. Among African artists on Spotify, Burna Boy now leads Tems, who has 40.64 million monthly listeners. Ayra Starr and Rema also remain among Africa’s strongest streaming acts. Globally, Bruno Mars still holds Spotify’s all-time peak monthly listener record at 133.6 million. He is followed by Justin Bieber with 128.4 million, The Weeknd with 113.9 million, Rihanna with 110.3 million, and Michael Jackson with 109.6 million.

At least 17 people were killed after Russia launched its biggest aerial assault on Kyiv since the start of the war, in a devastating overnight barrage of drones and missiles that tore through residential neighbourhoods.   According to Channels Television, citing AFP, the large-scale attack began late Wednesday and continued into the early hours of Thursday, with explosions shaking multiple parts of the Ukrainian capital as residents rushed into shelters and underground metro stations. Russia fired 496 drones and 74 missiles, including ballistic projectiles, according to Ukrainian Air Force. Ukrainian authorities said air defence systems intercepted 476 drones and 48 missiles, but several strikes still caused severe destruction across the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the barrage as the most massive attack on the capital since Russia’s full-scale invasion began more than four years ago. Apartment buildings were ripped apart in multiple districts, leaving families trapped under rubble as emergency workers searched for survivors. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with smoke covering the skyline and residents fleeing with children and pets. Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to urgently strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, stressing the need for additional Patriot missile systems and licences to manufacture the missiles domestically. “Air defence supplies for Ukraine are an absolute and critical priority,” Zelensky said, while also appealing to the United States for support in boosting missile production. The attack forced around 52,000 people, including 4,500 children, to seek shelter in Kyiv’s metro system, marking one of the highest shelter counts in recent years. Meanwhile, the European Union signalled a tougher response. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said fresh sanctions against Moscow would be proposed following the deadly strike. Despite growing international pressure, the Kremlin signalled no change in strategy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would continue increasing pressure on Ukraine to achieve its military objectives. The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts led by the United States to end the conflict remain stalled, while both sides intensify attacks deep into each other’s territory.