Siya Kolisi's heart-warming gesture: young fan receives captain's shorts

 Siya Kolisi has once again shown why he is loved both on and off the field. After the Springboks’ hard-fought win in Dublin, the captain spent time greeting supporters who had stayed behind to see him. 

In a short video shared by TNT Sports across their social media platforms, fans can be heard cheering, calling out Kolisi’s name. As he took selfies with people along the sideline. 

One young supporter did not have a phone for a selfie, so he tried his luck and asked Kolisi for something a little unusual.

He asked for the captain’s sweaty shorts that he was wearing, and Kolisi did not think twice. He pulled them off and handed them over. 

The boy’s face lit up in disbelief as he watched Kolisi take the shorts off. “Thank you, bro,” he replied as he took the shorts from him.

It was a small moment, but it captured exactly how Kolisi treats the people who support him. He always gives more than what anyone expects.

The moment seems to have taken place after South Africa’s 24-13 victory over Ireland in the Autumn Nations Series. As reported by ECHOCLIQUE, it was the Springboks’ first win in Dublin since 2012. 

Ireland struggled with discipline throughout the game and even went down to 12 men at one point after a series of cards, including a long red card for James Ryan. 

Despite Ireland staying competitive for long periods, the Springboks controlled the match with tries from Damian Willemse, Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, along with a penalty try that pushed them further ahead. 

Even after such a demanding match, Kolisi still made time for those who look up to him. As expected, the videos gained traction on social media shortly after, and fans were impressed by the captain’s kindness.

On TikTok, one fan @Frances wrote, “Oh man, he is the real Grootman, funny, loving and caring. That was not easy, but he did not hesitate.” 

Another fan, @AngelsAbove, added, “Siya Kolisi will stand out in history as one of our best captains.” And @Men-E called him “a humble and truly inspirational leader.”

One thing about Kolisi he stays stepping in for his young fans. One of the most memorable examples was when he came to the defence of a young boy named Darren, also known as Magyva, from the Western Cape.

Darren had reached out for help after struggling with bullies at school, and Kolisi responded by joining his class on a video call. He spoke directly to the bullies and told them he would come speak to them himself if the harassment continued. The classroom erupted with cheers.

The message seemed to have a real impact as Darren’s marks improved, he stopped missing school, and he told his mother he was going to dream about meeting his hero.

Even one of the bullies’ parents later apologised after seeing the story unfold online. 

Source: IOL

President Tinubu Takes Decisive Action on National Security: Orders Immediate Withdrawal of Police Officers from VIP Protection to Bolster Community Policing Amid Escalating Threats

 In a bold and far-reaching directive aimed at fortifying Nigeria's internal security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police officers currently assigned to provide protection for Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country. This sweeping reform, announced on the heels of a high-level security summit, mandates the redeployment of these personnel to frontline core policing duties, signaling a paradigm shift toward prioritizing community safety over elite security in the face of mounting national challenges.

The presidential order, issued during a closed-door security meeting on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, underscores President Tinubu's administration's zero-tolerance stance on the overstretched resources of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Attended by top brass including Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Tosin Adeola Ajayi, the session highlighted the urgent need to recalibrate security deployments amid a surge in banditry, kidnappings, and insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions in 2025 alone.

"Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote and underserved areas, have been left perilously under-policed, rendering the sacred duty of protecting ordinary citizens an uphill battle," stated Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in an official release. "In view of the current security challenges facing our beloved nation, President Tinubu is resolute in boosting police presence in all communities, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in our collective pursuit of peace and prosperity."

This move addresses a longstanding systemic bottleneck: estimates from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) indicate that over 100,000 police officers—nearly a third of the NPF's total strength of approximately 400,000—are tied up in VIP protection details. This includes high-profile politicians, business magnates, religious leaders, and expatriates, leaving just over 200,000 officers to safeguard a population exceeding 250 million. The imbalance has exacerbated vulnerabilities in rural outposts, where police stations often operate with skeletal staff, contributing to a 45% rise in reported crimes in northern and central regions between January and October 2025, per data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Under the new framework, VIPs seeking personal security will be redirected to request well-armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a paramilitary agency equipped for such roles with over 80,000 personnel trained in close protection and rapid response. "This is not a diminishment of VIP safety but an elevation of public security," Onanuga emphasized. "The NSCDC's specialized units stand ready to fill this niche, allowing our police to reclaim their foundational mandate: crime prevention, investigation, and community engagement."

Complementing the withdrawal, President Tinubu has greenlit the recruitment of 30,000 additional police constables, a strategic infusion aimed at expanding the force by 7.5% within the next fiscal year. This follows a comprehensive audit of training infrastructure, with the federal government partnering with state administrations to modernize facilities at key academies in Lagos, Kaduna, and Enugu. Upgrades will incorporate advanced modules on intelligence-led policing, cybercrime detection, and counter-terrorism, drawing on international best practices from collaborations with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Interpol.

The directive arrives at a critical juncture for Nigeria's security landscape. Recent months have witnessed a spike in high-impact incidents, including the abduction of over 300 schoolchildren in Niger State last week, coordinated bandit raids in Zamfara claiming 150 lives, and urban unrest in Lagos tied to economic hardships. According to a joint ONSA-DSS report released in October 2025, under-policing in non-urban areas accounts for 62% of successful terrorist operations, with response times averaging 48 hours in remote communities. By freeing up VIP-assigned officers—many of whom have been on extended details for years—President Tinubu's administration projects a 25% increase in patrol coverage nationwide within 90 days, potentially averting thousands of incidents.

Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with #TinubuSecurityReform trending across social media platforms since the announcement. Civil society leaders, including the Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), hailed the move as "a game-changer for equitable justice." "For too long, the elite have monopolized our thin blue line, leaving the masses exposed," said CDD's Dr. Fatima Ahmad. "This is restorative policing at its finest—putting the people first." Prominent voices like Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka echoed the sentiment in a statement: "In reallocating guardians from palaces to streets, we reclaim the soul of service."

Industry stakeholders anticipate ripple effects beyond security. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) projects a 15% uptick in investor confidence, citing reduced risks to supply chains in previously vulnerable industrial hubs. "Secure communities mean thriving economies," noted MAN President Dr. Segun Ajayi Kadir. Meanwhile, the NSCDC has pledged seamless transitions, with Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi announcing the activation of 5,000 dedicated VIP response teams by December 15, 2025.

President Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda has prioritized security as a cornerstone since his May 2023 inauguration, reaffirmed his personal commitment during the meeting. "I will not rest until every Nigerian can walk their streets without fear," he declared, invoking his campaign pledge to overhaul the nation's defense posture. This order builds on prior reforms, including the 2024 Police Trust Fund Act and enhanced border surveillance under the ECOWAS framework, positioning Nigeria as a regional bulwark against transnational threats.

As implementation commences under the Inspector General's oversight—with a 30-day grace period for VIPs to secure NSCDC alternatives—this directive marks a pivotal step toward a more resilient republic. In an era where security is the bedrock of progress, President Tinubu's vision ensures that Nigeria's watchmen serve all, not the few.

Federal High Court of Nigeria Delivers Landmark Judgment: Nnamdi Kanu Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Terrorism Convictions, Citing Decade of Separatist Violence and National Security Imperative

  In a ruling that underscores Nigeria's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and preserving national unity, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, today sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after convicting him on all seven counts of terrorism-related charges. The decision, delivered at the culmination of a protracted decade-long trial marked by procedural complexities and heightened regional tensions, serves as a resolute affirmation of the rule of law and the sanctity of Nigeria's indivisible sovereignty.

The charges against Kanu, a dual Nigerian-British citizen and self-exiled activist arrested in 2015 and controversially re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021, encompassed a spectrum of grave offenses under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (as amended). These included incitement to violence, membership in a terrorist organization, management of an unlawful society, and perpetuation of falsehoods aimed at destabilizing the state. Central to the prosecution's case was Kanu's foundational role in IPOB, designated a terrorist entity by the Nigerian government in December 2017 and upheld by a Federal High Court in 2018. Evidence presented through five key witnesses detailed Kanu's orchestration of inflammatory broadcasts via the pirate Radio Biafra, which prosecutors argued fomented widespread unrest, including the violent enforcement of "sit-at-home" orders in southeastern Nigeria that paralyzed commerce, education, and daily life.

Justice Omotosho, the fifth judge to preside over this high-stakes matter since its inception in an Abuja Magistrate Court in 2015, meticulously outlined the rationale for the conviction in a 45-page judgment spanning two hours of delivery. "The defendant's actions were not mere rhetoric but a calculated blueprint for anarchy, resulting in the needless loss of lives, destruction of public infrastructure, and erosion of investor confidence in the Southeast," the judge stated, emphasizing the evidentiary threshold met by the prosecution. Key among the substantiated claims was Kanu's alleged directive to IPOB's armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), formed in December 2020 ostensibly to counter farmer-herder clashes but swiftly implicated in ambushes on security forces. Notable incidents included the October 2020 massacre of 28 soldiers and civilians in Obingwa, Abia State, and the April 2021 assassination of three policemen in Imo State—attacks forensic links traced directly to ESN operatives under Kanu's influence.

The court's findings further highlighted Kanu's role in exacerbating the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, where IPOB elements hijacked peaceful demonstrations, leading to arson attacks on police stations, banks, and government buildings in Lagos and Enugu. "These were not spontaneous outbursts but premeditated escalations, with Kanu publicly urging followers to 'burn down the house' if their demands were unmet," Justice Omotosho noted, citing intercepted communications and social media analyses as irrefutable proof. The judgment rejected Kanu's no-case submission, dismissing arguments that the Terrorism (Prevention) Act had been repealed or that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya invalidated jurisdiction. "The invocation of Section 108(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, preserves the integrity of ongoing proceedings," the judge ruled, affirming the Supreme Court's December 2023 reinstatement of charges following the Court of Appeal's 2022 discharge order.

In opting for life imprisonment over the death penalty sought by prosecutors, Justice Omotosho invoked a principle of tempered justice: "While the gravity of these offenses warrants the severest sanction, mercy tempers the blade, allowing room for remorse that the defendant has yet to exhibit." Concurrent sentences of 10 years each on two counts for illegal broadcasting and unlawful assembly will run alongside the life term, with no fine option. Kanu, who represented himself after dismissing his legal team in September 2025 and was ejected from the courtroom for disruptive outbursts, retains a 90-day window to appeal. His defense consortium, led by barrister Aloy Ejimakor, has already signaled intentions to challenge the verdict, decrying it as "void for jurisdictional overreach and reliance on a defunct statute."

This sentencing arrives amid a surge in southeastern insecurity, with IPOB-linked violence claiming over 200 lives in 2025 alone, according to the International Crisis Group. Economic fallout has been stark: the region, Nigeria's food basket, recorded a 35% drop in agricultural output due to enforced lockdowns, while FDI inflows plummeted by 28% year-on-year. Government data from the Office of the National Security Adviser attributes 60% of attacks on soft targets—schools, markets, and churches—to ESN militants, underscoring the existential threat posed by separatist ideologies cloaked in ethnic grievances.

Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, hailed the verdict as "a triumph for collective security and a deterrent to those who weaponize division for personal gain." He reiterated the administration's olive branches, including the 2023 Southeast Development Commission Bill, aimed at addressing marginalization through infrastructure and youth empowerment. "Nigeria remains a tapestry of diverse threads; no single strand can unravel it," Fagbemi affirmed, calling on IPOB sympathizers to embrace dialogue over destruction.

The trial's odyssey—from Kanu's 2015 arrest in Lagos for "treasonable felony" to his 2017 bail jump and 2021 rendition—has polarized public opinion. Supporters view Kanu as a symbol of Igbo self-determination, echoing the 1967-1970 Biafran War's unresolved scars, while critics decry his tactics as akin to those of global extremists. International observers, including the UK Foreign Office and Amnesty International, have monitored proceedings, with the latter expressing "grave concerns over fair trial standards." Yet, the court's exhaustive process—spanning 47 adjournments, four prior judges, and rigorous evidence scrutiny—bolsters claims of judicial impartiality.

As Kanu is transferred to a maximum-security facility (amid family protests over an unconfirmed move to Sokoto Prison), this chapter closes not with finality but with a clarion call for reconciliation. Nigeria's path forward demands not vengeance, but vigilance: investing in equitable governance to heal the fissures that separatists exploit. In sentencing Kanu to life, Justice Omotosho did not merely punish a man; he safeguarded a nation, reminding all that the pursuit of freedom must never trample the freedoms of others.

2Baba and Natasha Idibia Joyfully Welcome First Child Together: A Baby Girl Marks New Chapter for Music Icon and Edo Lawmaker

 Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, affectionately known as 2Baba, and his wife, Natasha Osawaru Idibia, are basking in the glow of parenthood as they announce the arrival of their first child together—a beautiful baby girl. The newborn, whose name has yet to be revealed, arrived safely in a Lagos hospital on Friday, November 21, 2025, just four months after the couple's intimate traditional wedding ceremony. This bundle of joy becomes 2Baba's eighth child, adding another layer of love and legacy to the Idibia family dynasty.

The news, first hinted at through social media whispers and confirmed by close family sources, has unleashed a torrent of heartfelt congratulations from fans, fellow artists, and public figures across Nigeria and the diaspora. "God bless this new life and the beautiful family it joins," posted Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy on Instagram, while Nollywood icon Genevieve Nnaji shared, "Welcome, little princess! May your life be filled with melody and strength like your parents." Hashtags like #IdibiaBaby8 and #2BabaNewborn are trending nationwide, with viral videos of Natasha's hospital exit—adorned in a flowing white gown and cradling her daughter—garnering millions of views.

For 2Baba, a five-time Grammy nominee whose career spans over two decades with timeless hits like "African Queen," "Umbrella," and "No Shaking," this milestone comes at a reflective time. The 50-year-old singer, celebrated for his 50th birthday in September amid lavish tributes, has often spoken about the profound joys and responsibilities of fatherhood. With seven children from previous relationships—including daughters Isabel and Olivia, and sons Innocent Jr., Joey, and Pablo from his marriage to Annie Macaulay Idibia—this new addition symbolizes fresh beginnings. "Fatherhood teaches you humility, resilience, and the true rhythm of life," 2Baba shared in a recent interview, hinting at the "blessing on the way" without specifics. Sources close to the family reveal that the couple, who kept the pregnancy private to savor the journey, opted for a low-key delivery surrounded by immediate loved ones.

Natasha Idibia, 38, a trailblazing Edo State lawmaker and advocate for women's rights and youth empowerment, radiated strength throughout her pregnancy, which was first rumored in February 2025 and officially speculated by August. As the founder of the Natasha Idibia Foundation, which supports education and healthcare for underprivileged girls in Edo communities, she balanced legislative duties with prenatal care, often seen at the Edo State House of Assembly in elegant maternity attire that sparked online buzz. "Motherhood is my greatest honor yet—a divine call to nurture the future," Natasha posted on her Instagram bio update in March, subtly adding "Idibia" to her name amid the couple's deepening bond. Her mother-in-law, Philomena Osawaru, had playfully voiced her excitement for a grandchild during 2Baba's birthday festivities in September, saying, "I want to see a baby on my next visit!"—a wish now gloriously fulfilled.

The couple's love story, which blossomed publicly in early 2025, has been a beacon of redemption and romance for many. After 2Baba's high-profile separation from Annie Macaulay Idibia in 2024, his courtship with Natasha—a poised politician known for her sharp intellect and community-driven initiatives—captivated the nation. Their July 25, 2025, traditional wedding in Benin City, attended by 2Baba's parents and a select circle of intimates, was a culturally rich affair blending Edo traditions with heartfelt vows. "In Natasha, I've found a partner who sees the man behind the music," 2Baba reflected in a pre-wedding statement. The pregnancy announcement rumors, fueled by Natasha's glowing appearances, only heightened anticipation, with netizens dubbing the unborn child "Baby Number 8" in playful speculation.

This joyous event arrives against the backdrop of 2Baba's enduring cultural impact. As co-founder of Hypertek Digital and a UN Youth Ambassador, he continues to champion peace, anti-corruption efforts, and musical innovation through his HyperNation Festival. Natasha, elected to the Edo House in 2023 on a platform of inclusive governance, has pushed landmark bills on gender parity and rural development. Together, they represent a power couple redefining family, fame, and public service in modern Nigeria. "Our daughter enters a world of endless possibilities," a family spokesperson said. "She'll grow up knowing the power of voice—through song, policy, and unyielding love."

As the Idibias settle into their new family rhythm, the outpouring of support underscores the couple's widespread admiration. From street anthems to legislative halls, 2Baba and Natasha's union proves that love, like a hit single, can harmonize life's most unexpected verses. Welcoming their baby girl is not just a personal triumph but a celebration of hope, heritage, and harmony.

Nigerian Singer Mr Real Issues Urgent Warning: Prophetic Dream Foresees Bandits Infiltrating Lagos Amid Escalating National Security Crisis

 In a chilling revelation that has sent shockwaves through social media and beyond, acclaimed Nigerian rapper and singer Okafor Uchenna Victor, popularly known as Mr Real, has publicly shared a haunting dream depicting armed bandits storming Lagos State. The vision, described as a divine alert to an impending threat, warns of terrorists expanding their reign of terror from rural strongholds to Nigeria's bustling commercial capital, targeting not just places of worship but everyday hotspots like clubs and offices.

Mr Real, whose hit tracks like "Legbegbe" have made him a household name in Afrobeats, took to his Instagram page on November 23, 2025, to recount the nightmare that has left him "unsettled" and compelled to speak out. "My mind has been unsettled since yesterday because of the things I’ve been seeing," he wrote in a lengthy post accompanied by a video. "I dreamt that bandits entered Lagos. They will no longer be going only after churches; they will start attacking Nigerians in clubs and offices."

The artist, who has built a career blending street anthems with social commentary, emphasized the prophetic nature of his dreams, claiming that "70% of [his] dreams always come to pass." He referenced a 2015 vision of civil war in Nigeria that he believes has partially materialized in the ongoing banditry and insurgency plaguing the nation. This latest disclosure arrives at a precarious moment, as Nigeria grapples with a surge in bandit attacks. Just days prior, on November 19, 2025, gunmen stormed a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti State, killing two worshippers and abducting 38 others. In Niger State, over 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were recently kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School, with 50 escaping amid the chaos.

Mr Real's warning paints a grim picture of bandits—armed rural gangs notorious for cattle rustling, mass kidnappings, and village raids—breaching urban defenses. These groups, estimated at over 30,000 fighters across 100+ camps in the northwest, have evolved from opportunistic criminals into a sophisticated insurgency. Controlling lucrative gold mines in Zamfara and Kaduna, they reportedly generate up to N1 billion monthly through illicit mining, forced labor, and extortion "taxes" on communities. Sales of plundered gold in Dubai and ransoms from high-profile abductions further fuel their arsenal, including AK-47s and anti-aircraft weapons smuggled via Nigeria's porous borders.

Experts echo the urgency of Mr Real's call. Security analyst Fola Aina of the Royal United Services Institute notes that bandits' economic opportunism, coupled with ideological overlaps with jihadist factions like Boko Haram, poses a hybrid threat. "They are no longer confined to 'ungoverned spaces' in the northwest; intelligence suggests reconnaissance in southern rainforests," Aina warned. A Nigerian soldier's recent viral outburst on November 22, 2025, amplified the frustration: "24 hours is enough for us to end these bandits; just give us the order." Yet, operational restraints, alleged sponsorship by political elites, and reintegration of repentant terrorists into the military have stymied decisive action.

The dream has ignited a firestorm online, with #BanditsInLagos trending as celebrities, influencers, and everyday Nigerians share fears and prayers. "God literally sent you this vision, Mr Real—Lagos must wake up," one commenter wrote, while another urged, "From Zamfara to Lagos? This is a national emergency." Supporters praise the singer's courage, drawing parallels to his past advocacy, including a recent public feud with D'banj over industry ethics. Critics, however, dismiss it as sensationalism, though recent events—like bandits imposing millions in "taxes" on Zamfara's Tsafe community on November 14—lend credence to the peril.

Mr Real concluded his post with a plea for vigilance and prayer: "I had to share this because it's a warning. We can't wait for it to happen." As Nigeria's security apparatus launches fresh operations, including aerial strikes that neutralized scores of bandits in Zamfara last August, voices like Mr Real's underscore a deeper truth: true defense begins with awareness and unity. In a nation where over 2,600 civilians were killed by bandits in 2021 alone—a 250% spike from the previous year—this revelation serves as a stark reminder that complacency could cost lives.

For Mr Real, whose journey from the streets of Lagos to global stages embodies resilience, this is more than a dream—it's a duty. "Around the year 2015, I had a revelation dream and there was war," he reflected. Today, that war feels closer than ever.

About Mr Real

Okafor Uchenna Victor, known as Mr Real, is a Nigerian Afrobeats sensation whose breakout single "Legbegbe" in 2017 captivated audiences with its infectious energy and raw storytelling. With millions of streams and a growing discography, he continues to champion youth empowerment and social justice through his music and public platform.

"I had a dream this morning where these båndits and terrørists had already entered Lagos State. They will no longer be going only after churches, they will start att@cking Nigerians in clubs. Since I started dreaming, 70% of my dreams always come to pass,"

-Mr. Real said. pic.twitter.com/2vG8XBRYyS

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 23, 2025