All posts by RYNI Media

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen O.
10 July 2025

Three young women, aged between 21 and 26, were rescued from a nightmare in plain sight after operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) raided a well-known hotel in Katsina, exposing an active sex trafficking ring run by an interstate syndicate.

Punch News gathered that the victims—two from Benue State and one from Rivers State—were discovered in a cramped, poorly lit room within the hotel premises. Lured with promises of legitimate employment, the women were allegedly trafficked, confined, and coerced into prostitution, servicing as many as 20 men daily under deplorable conditions.

NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, in an official statement, disclosed that three suspected traffickers were apprehended during the operation. Among them were the hotel manager and two staff members, believed to be collaborators in the trafficking operation.

“This syndicate specialized in recruiting young women from other parts of the country, harboring them, and facilitating their sexual exploitation across the northern region,” the statement read.

One of the rescued victims described how she was misled into believing she was coming for a well-paying job. “I kept asking what the job was. The woman kept saying, ‘You’ll understand when we get there.’ When we arrived, they said we must sleep with men—every day, whether we’re tired, sick, or menstruating. Refusal wasn’t an option.”

Another victim revealed the psychological and physical toll: “They gave us energy drinks every evening so we wouldn’t collapse from exhaustion. They took all the money, left us to feed ourselves, and threatened us with watchers who kept tabs on us 24/7.”

Punch News gathered that the traffickers set up a surveillance network involving local men around the hotel who were paid to report any escape attempts. The syndicate head, a woman known as “Amarachi,” allegedly pocketed the proceeds from the forced sex work while the girls endured abuse in silence.

Reacting to the incident, NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, condemned the complicity of the hotel in enabling human trafficking. “We are not only going after the traffickers. Any establishment found aiding these crimes will face full legal consequences. This hotel will not be spared,” she vowed.

She also disclosed that legal proceedings are underway and urged other state commands to intensify surveillance of hotels, joints, and motor parks, describing them as common trafficking hubs.

“This is modern-day slavery,” Bello said. “But justice is catching up.”

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RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen O.
9 July 2025

In a policy reversal that has sent ripples through diplomatic and travel circles, the United States government has drastically cut visa durations for Nigerian citizens from five years to just three months. The change, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria on Tuesday evening, applies to non-immigrant visa categories such as tourism and business—those most commonly sought by Nigerians.

Citing reciprocity and concerns over visa overstays, the U.S. Department of State stated that the new policy aligns with how Nigeria treats American citizens entering its borders. Effective immediately, the decision signals a shift toward more rigid immigration enforcement and recalibrated foreign relations, especially with nations seen as misaligned with U.S. expectations on border control and diplomacy.

The embassy clarified that all visas issued before July 8 remain valid and unaffected. However, any new applicants seeking to visit the U.S. for short-term travel will now receive a visa valid for only 90 days.

This policy backtrack comes barely three years after the U.S. expanded Nigerian visa validity from two years to five, following long-standing complaints about excessive bureaucracy and travel constraints. The 2022 extension had been widely celebrated as a nod to growing economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

But optimism has now given way to frustration and confusion. For many Nigerians, this latest decision feels like a diplomatic slap, raising questions about whether the cost, time, and scrutiny of the U.S. visa process is still worth the effort.

While officials in Washington say the change is rooted in fairness and national security, critics argue it reflects a broader pattern of tightening access to the U.S. for African nations. The announcement follows a string of controversial moves by the Trump administration, including Nigeria’s inclusion on a visa restriction list and the recent proposal to hike tariffs on Nigerian exports by 10% due to its engagement with the BRICS alliance.

Analysts believe the reduced visa duration may have broader implications—stifling tourism, weakening academic and professional exchanges, and limiting opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs, students, and families with ties to the U.S.

“It feels punitive,” said a Lagos-based travel consultant. “People spend months preparing, paying high application fees, and attending interviews, only to be granted a three-month window? It’s discouraging.”

As Nigerians adjust to the new travel reality, many await a potential response from the Nigerian government. Will there be negotiations, retaliation, or quiet acceptance?

For now, one thing is clear: the visa window for Nigerians seeking the American dream just got a lot smaller—and far more uncertain.

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RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen O.
5 July 2025

As Nigeria faces the deepest exodus of healthcare professionals in its history, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), in collaboration with the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI), in timely and urgent response is setting the stage for a ground breaking summit, poised to reshape the conversation around the country’s ongoing healthcare crisis. . The National Healthcare Summit 2025, scheduled for Saturday, July 12 at 5:00 PM (WAT) via Zoom, is being hailed as the most consequential dialogue in Nigeria’s health sector this year.

At the helm of this crucial initiative is Dr. Osundare Tope, President of NARD, alongside Dr. Lawson Obazenu, CEO of RYNI and the summit’s lead moderator. Both figures have been vocal advocates for policy-driven change in the sector and are calling for an urgent national reckoning. Dr. Tope Osundare, President of NARD, emphasizes that the event is not just a webinar, but a national reflection point. “We must move beyond lamentation. Dr Obazenu remarked , “It is time to engage constructively with those at home and abroad on how to save the soul of our health system,”

The summit’s theme, “The JAPA Syndrome — Brain Gain or Brain Drain? Navigating the Future of Nigeria’s Health Sector,” captures the duality of the issue: while some view the migration trend as a devastating loss of human capital, others argue it could be repositioned as a strategic advantage—if harnessed wisely.

This landmark event brings together an impressive lineup of distinguished panelists, including medical luminaries from both within Nigeria and across the globe. Representing the Nigerian front are Prof. Bala Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, former President of the World Medical Association (WMA), and Prof. Temitope Esan, Registrar of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. Their insights are expected to provide a clear-eyed view of the systemic breakdowns within the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

From the diaspora, the event will feature perspectives from seasoned professionals like Dr. Sunday Fawole, a Consultant Family Physician based in Atlanta, Georgia; Dr. Elizabeth Fajemirokun, a UK-based Consultant Anaesthetist; Dr. Oyekunle Oke, President of the Nigerian Doctors in the UK (NDUK); and Dr. Babagana Abubakar, a Consultant Urologist practicing in Saudi Arabia. Together, these international panelists will provide a global lens on what Nigeria stands to gain—or lose—by continuing to export its brightest minds.

The summit is poised to tackle tough questions head-on: Is the Japa trend a hemorrhage of human capital, or a gateway to global influence? Can Nigeria convert brain drain into brain gain by forging strong diaspora partnerships and strengthening healthcare systems at home?

According to Dr. Obazenu, “This summit isn’t just about highlighting the crisis — it’s an intervention about shaping sustainable solutions that prioritize people, policy, and purpose that will tackle the national health emergency called Japa syndrome.

With mounting challenges across the system, from doctor shortages to ailing infrastructure, the summit offers a rare convergence of minds united by one mission: to reimagine and rebuild the future of Nigerian health.

Be part of the change. Show up. Speak up. Shape the future.

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RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen O.
4 July 2025

In a stunning diplomatic overture cloaked in controversy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized the deployment of Nigerian doctors and teachers to the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia — with the Nigerian government footing the bill for their first two years’ salary.

Channels TV gathered that under this bilateral arrangement, the Nigerian government will fully fund the salaries of the deployed professionals for their first two years of service. The policy, according to the presidency, represents a “strategic export of Nigeria’s human capital” and is aimed at reinforcing international cooperation in education and healthcare.

“We are not just rich in oil; we are rich in talent,” President Tinubu declared during a recent press briefing. “This is Nigeria supporting its allies while showcasing the world-class skills of our professionals.”

But the applause has been far from universal. Healthcare and education workers across Nigeria — many of whom are already grappling with underfunded facilities, delayed salaries, and worsening emigration pressures — have condemned the move as poorly timed and deeply disconnected from the reality on the ground.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) described the initiative as “a diplomatic gift wrapped in domestic neglect.”

“We are hemorrhaging doctors at an alarming rate. Now, we are officially sending more abroad — and paying for it — while our hospitals are gasping for staff,” an NMA spokesperson said.

Likewise, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) expressed concern that the deployment further undermines an already fragile educational system.

“How do we justify this when many teachers here haven’t been paid for months? Our schools are overcrowded, and qualified staff are in short supply,” an NUT official queried.

Public reactions have ranged from bewilderment to outrage. Critics argue that while diplomacy is essential, it must not come at the expense of national wellbeing. Many view the move as a symbolic victory for international relations, but a strategic misstep in terms of domestic priorities.

Saint Lucia, with a population of fewer than 200,000 people, stands to benefit enormously from the influx of Nigerian expertise. But for millions of Nigerians, the lingering question remains: At what cost to our already strained systems?

Although the presidency insists the initiative will “expand Nigeria’s influence and open new global economic doors,” pressure is mounting for a legislative review of the agreement.

As Nigeria battles rising insecurity, decaying public services, and the flight of its best minds, the question continues to divide the nation: Is Nigeria exporting excellence — or outsourcing its own crisis?

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By RYNI Media: Omotayo Stephen O.
3 July 2025

Abuja—In a dramatic political realignment that could reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-presidential contender Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark have emerged as the front-runners of a formidable coalition set to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has become the unlikely but strategic political vessel for this coalition, officially adopted on Wednesday as the opposition’s unified platform. The high-stakes unveiling, held in Abuja, saw the announcement of David Mark as the interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary — signaling a cross-party alliance with wide-reaching implications.

This move, orchestrated by leading voices from Nigeria’s fractured opposition landscape, is more than a routine political gambit. It represents a calculated attempt to halt what critics describe as the nation’s slide toward authoritarianism under the current APC-led administration.

“This coalition is not merely about capturing power,” declared Mark during his acceptance speech. “It is about restoring Nigeria’s battered democracy, reawakening its institutions, and giving our people real choices again.”

However, the announcement has not been without turbulence. Dumebi Kachikwu, ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, along with remnants of the party’s old guard, fiercely opposed the move, accusing Atiku and Obi of orchestrating a political takeover. The ruling All Progressives Congress quickly dismissed the development as the desperate cry of “retired politicians clinging to relevance.”

Still, the message from the new bloc was clear: the time for a fragmented opposition is over. Against the backdrop of widespread economic hardship, surging insecurity, and public frustration, the coalition aims to present a credible and united front capable of dislodging Tinubu’s administration at the polls.

Mark condemned the state of the nation under Tinubu’s leadership, citing unchecked executive overreach, a “rubber-stamp” National Assembly, and alarming levels of insecurity and poverty. “This is not governance — this is a government obsessed with power, indifferent to suffering,” he said.

The coalition, now officially flying the ADC flag, says it is not merely targeting the 2027 ballot but is laying the groundwork for a new Nigeria — one of institutional revival, social equity, and democratic accountability.

“This is not just a political coalition; it is a national rescue mission,” said Ralph Nwosu, the ADC’s founding chairman, who stepped aside to enable the transition. “With leaders like Mark and Aregbesola at the helm, we are not just planning an election — we are building a legacy.”

As the countdown to 2027 begins, Nigeria’s political terrain just got a lot more interesting.

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By RYNI Media | Omotayo Stephen . O

1 July 2025

In a bold declaration that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party standard bearer in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has confirmed he will be on the ballot again in 2027 — this time, with a renewed resolve and a stripped-down promise: “One term. One mission. A rescued Nigeria.”

Speaking during a global live session on X Spaces Sunday night, Obi addressed thousands of listeners both at home and abroad, unveiling a vision anchored on national healing, economic revival, and governance rooted in integrity.

“If elected, I will only serve a single four-year term. I don’t want power for its sake — I want to restore sanity to a nation at war with itself,” he declared.

Obi ruled out any merger based solely on political expediency, firmly dismissing rumours of a joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. However, he signaled openness to a coalition of purpose, one focused on tackling the urgent crises of insecurity, hunger, and economic collapse.

“If a coalition isn’t focused on stopping the killings in Zamfara and Benue, or putting food on people’s tables, count me out,” he said. “We are in a state of emergency. Nigeria is bleeding.”

The former governor outlined his top three priorities for his first 100 days in office: security, education, and poverty reduction — with a promise to stabilise the nation within two years.

On the ongoing internal crisis within the Labour Party, Obi revealed moves are underway to gain INEC’s recognition of the Nenadi Usman-led leadership, in line with Supreme Court directives.

Taking a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s reported 10-day stay in St. Lucia, Obi drew a sharp contrast between governance and globe-trotting. “Since taking office, the President has never spent a night in any Nigerian state outside Lagos. Meanwhile, Nigerians are dying in Borno and Benue,” he lamented.

Obi also pledged to end political defection and to build a disciplined party opposition that reflects democratic maturity. “There’ll be no carpet-crossing under my leadership,” he vowed.

Insisting on a non-violent campaign, he promised that in 2027, “Our votes will count — and we will ensure they count.”

“You can’t expect the world to take Nigeria seriously if we don’t fix Nigeria ourselves. Leadership is sacrifice. My record stands. My mission is clear.”

As the 2027 race quietly ignites, Peter Obi is not just asking for votes — he’s asking for a chance to save a crumbling nation.

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By RYNI Media | Omotayo Stephen . O

1 July 2025

MAIDUGURI — In a landmark move that has reignited hope across Borno State, the government has covered the 2025 WASSCE registration fees of 26,158 final-year public school students with a staggering ₦529.7 million payment — a strategic push toward inclusive education and youth empowerment.

Announced at a symbolic cheque presentation in Maiduguri, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, hailed the initiative as a cornerstone of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s education-first vision. According to Wakilbe, this gesture not only reflects fiscal commitment but also speaks volumes about the administration’s resolve to break the barriers hindering youth development in the region.

“This initiative underlines the governor’s unwavering dedication to rebuilding an inclusive educational landscape where no child is left behind,” Wakilbe said. “We’re not just paying for exams; we’re investing in futures.”

The state has consistently subsidised 75% of WASSCE registration costs for public school students — this year’s intervention extending to all 27 local government areas. With this latest allocation, Borno’s investment in external exams has soared to over ₦4.1 billion since 2019, empowering more than 165,000 students statewide.

Beyond the numbers lies a transformative impact. The move has eased financial burdens on families, many of whom are still recovering from the scars of insurgency. It has also driven a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children — from a staggering 1.8 million to 800,000 — in just a few years.

Wakilbe also commended the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for expanding access to underserved regions such as Askira Uba and Ngala, eliminating logistical barriers and offering students in remote communities a fair shot at academic success.

In line with this forward-thinking approach, the state government is set to establish 47 new schools before the next academic year — a major stride toward slashing the number of out-of-school children by another 50%.

The event saw praise from Mr Leonard Odoh, Deputy Registrar and Zonal WAEC Coordinator, who described Borno as a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. “The state’s commitment has not only enabled learning but inspired belief — even amid security challenges.”

This bold initiative has been hailed by the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI), which encourages this gesture as a strategic leap in youth empowerment. “When governments invest in education, they invest in a peaceful and prosperous future. This is how you rebuild lives and nations,” the group stated.

In a region once synonymous with despair, education is becoming the new symbol of hope — and Borno is leading the charge.

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By RYNI Media | Omotayo Stephen O.

29 June 2025

The All Progressives Congress was thrown into disarray on Friday as its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, abruptly resigned amid high-level manoeuvrings to bring his long-time political rival, Rabiu Kwankwaso, into the party fold.

PUNCH gathered that the sudden resignation was not primarily for health reasons, as claimed officially, but stemmed from deep-seated opposition to the reported reconciliation moves between President Bola Tinubu and the former Kano governor, Kwankwaso.

Multiple sources at the APC national secretariat disclosed that tensions had been brewing since early Friday afternoon, as word spread that Tinubu had struck an agreement to welcome Kwankwaso back into the ruling party — a move that reportedly sent Ganduje into a fit of fury.

“He didn’t see it coming,” a senior party official confided. “From the moment he heard of the deal, his mind was made up. By 3pm, we were already trying to talk him out of stepping down. But the bitterness runs deep.”

Ganduje, who ascended to the national chairmanship in August 2023, has a long and complicated history with Kwankwaso. Once political allies in the PDP — with Ganduje serving as Kwankwaso’s deputy during his 2011–2015 tenure as Kano governor — their relationship fractured irreparably when Ganduje succeeded him under the APC banner.

Their falling-out triggered one of Nigeria’s most acrimonious political rivalries. The battle for control of Kano’s political machinery has been relentless, culminating in Ganduje’s controversial deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II — an appointee and staunch ally of Kwankwaso. In a twist of fate, Emir Sanusi was reinstated May 23, 2024 by the Kwankwaso-backed NNPP-led Kano government, Governor Abba Yusuf , a move widely seen as a direct humiliation of Ganduje.

According to PUNCH findings, President Tinubu’s efforts to expand APC’s northern stronghold ahead of 2027 elections may have prompted overtures to Kwankwaso, viewed as a major grassroots mobilizer. However, that olive branch seems to have come at the cost of party unity.

By 4:15pm, confirmation of Ganduje’s resignation had spread across the secretariat. Attempts by key officers, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, to placate him had failed.

“There’s no crisis here per se,” said one staff member. “But the chairman has resigned and everyone is still in shock. This was not expected.”

As the APC braces for aftershocks, the question remains: Can a party torn between ambition and old grudges hold together long enough to chart its path forward? With Ganduje gone and Kwankwaso knocking, the storm in Kano has officially reached the national stage.

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By RYNI Media | Omotayo Stephen O.
June 28, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a landmark 6–3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has handed Donald Trump a sweeping legal victory, unlocking executive power and breathing life into his explosive plan to end birthright citizenship.

This decision doesn’t just validate one executive order — it reshapes presidential authority, limits lower court influence, and sets the stage for a new era of top-down governance. In short: the president now moves faster, with fewer legal roadblocks.

Trump didn’t hold back. Taking the White House podium with characteristic flair, he called it “a giant win for the Constitution and the American people,” declaring that the age of judges “blocking rightful executive action” is over.

The Court’s decision allows Trump’s executive order ending automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants to take effect in just 30 days. For decades, birthright citizenship has been rooted in the 14th Amendment. Now, that foundation is shaking — and states are bracing for impact.

Many Democratic-led states, which issue birth certificates and track vital records, are signaling resistance. They argue that the federal government can’t demand enforcement of a rule they see as unconstitutional and administratively unworkable.

But the implications go even further. The ruling severely restricts lower federal courts from issuing nationwide injunctions, a common legal weapon used to block presidential policies before they launch. Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s majority opinion left room for limited, case-specific challenges — but made it clear that sweeping injunctions are no longer the default.

“This isn’t just a ruling — it’s a recalibration of American power,” said a senior constitutional analyst. “The presidency has been supercharged.”

With the green light now flashing, Trump is preparing to revive several blocked policies, including those targeting immigration, environmental protections, and education reforms. “We’re back in charge,” he said with a grin. “And this time, the courts won’t stop us.”

The Supreme Court is expected to conduct a full constitutional review in October, setting up a high-stakes battle over the very definition of American citizenship.

But as of today, Trump holds the momentum — and the presidency, whether his or another’s, just got a lot more powerful.

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By RYNI Media | Omotayo Stephen O.

June 27, 2025

In a momentous stride toward economic revitalization, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has etched his name into Nigeria’s fiscal history by signing four landmark tax reform bills into law—an audacious move hailed as the cornerstone of a new national awakening.

At a ceremonial signing at the State House on Thursday, President Tinubu described the legislation as “the compass guiding Nigeria to lasting prosperity,” signalling a decisive shift from outdated systems to a streamlined, future-facing tax regime.

The bills include the Nigeria Tax Consolidation (Ease of Doing Business) Act, unifying Nigeria’s previously fragmented tax statutes; the Tax Administration Framework Act, which establishes a cohesive operational system for tax management across federal, state, and local governments; the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Act, replacing the FIRS with a more autonomous, efficient agency; and the Joint Revenue Board Act, designed to foster seamless intergovernmental fiscal cooperation.

“This is not just paperwork—it’s a passport to a better Nigeria,” President Tinubu declared. “We’re rewriting the rules to empower enterprise, attract investment, and ensure our children inherit a nation equipped to thrive.”

Acknowledging the political hurdles, he commended the National Assembly’s resilience. “Nation-building is never a straight road. But your courage has paved a bold new path,” he said, addressing lawmakers.

Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, praised the President’s visionary leadership, noting, “You didn’t micromanage us. You asked the right questions—and made history.”

Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue, described the moment as “the happiest day of my professional life,” while Senate President Godswill Akpabio applauded Tinubu’s intellectual rigour and national devotion. “This is not mere reform—it is legacy,” Akpabio said.

With these sweeping reforms, Nigeria signals to the world: it is open, ready, and rising. As President Tinubu charts this new course, the nation watches with hope, poised for an era of economic revival and global competitiveness.

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