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Ruth Kadiri Laments Soaring Food Prices in Lagos, Questions Impact on Ordinary Nigerians

Nollywood actress cites ₦5,000 spent on tomatoes as NBS data shows food inflation hits 16.06% in April 2026

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Nollywood actress cites ₦5,000 spent on tomatoes as NBS data shows food inflation hits 16.06% in April 2026

Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has raised alarm over the rising cost of food in Lagos, saying on Monday that if someone like her is feeling the pinch, she fears for the plight of ordinary Nigerians. Kadiri made the remarks in a video posted online, highlighting that basic ingredients such as pepper and tomatoes now cost up to ₦5,000 per purchase.

Kadiri said she was troubled by how quickly prices have escalated and expressed concern about families struggling to cope. ‘Cost of tomatoes is so high. Somebody will use ₦5,000 to buy pepper and tomatoes. ₦5,000, while somebody else out there is probably earning ₦25,000, ₦40,000, ₦50,000,’ she stated. Her comments resonated widely among Nigerians online, with many saying she spoke for millions facing similar hardship.

Her public outcry comes amid new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which reported that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose from 15.69% to 16.06% in April 2026—the highest since November 2025. The spike has been driven mainly by surging food costs, with key staples such as pepper, beef, yam flour and garri recording significant increases. The NBS Cost of Healthy Diet indicator now puts daily nutrition needs at a minimum of ₦1,513 per adult—a jump of 12.4% compared to last year.

Kadiri also spoke on the psychological toll of prolonged hardship. ‘Poverty—what poverty does to people’s minds is like cancer; it eats away,’ she said in her video message. She warned that frustration over living costs could spill over into family tensions and general anger in society.

The United Nations has projected that up to 35 million Nigerians risk facing severe food insecurity during the peak lean season in 2026. In some states such as Ekiti and Abia, households reportedly spend more than 87% of the minimum wage on food alone. Labour leaders have warned that rising prices are eroding workers’ purchasing power nationwide.

Kadiri concluded: ‘If somebody like me can start to feel the brunt of the heaviness of being a human being, I wonder what other people are going through.’ With inflation still climbing and no immediate relief in sight, stakeholders say urgent policy action will be needed to address worsening food affordability across Nigeria.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ruth-kadiri-rising-food-prices-nigeria-2026061111100952325

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Nigeria News (Standard)

DSS, Army Thwart Kidnap Plot Targeting WAEC Students in Enugu, Anambra and Imo States

Security agencies recover arms, NYSC uniforms and arrest suspects linked to planned attacks on examination centres

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June 11, 2026

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Security agencies recover arms, NYSC uniforms and arrest suspects linked to planned attacks on examination centres

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and soldiers from the Nigerian Army have foiled a coordinated attempt to kidnap students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in parts of Enugu, Anambra and Imo states. The operation took place on Wednesday, following credible intelligence about the planned abductions by members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN).

According to a statement released by the DSS on Thursday, security agents raided an ESN armoury located in the Agbani axis of Enugu State. The statement said intelligence revealed that ESN members intended to disguise themselves in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniforms while launching attacks on selected schools during the WASSCE period. During the raid, security operatives recovered eight AK-47 rifles, 12 AK-47 magazines, 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, as well as NYSC clothing items including trousers, T-shirts and lanyards.

The DSS noted that the motive behind the planned attack was to create panic and give an impression that bandits had infiltrated the South-East region. The targeted schools were identified across multiple locations in Enugu, Anambra and Imo states. Security operatives also confirmed that several suspects were arrested during the operation.

Further operations continued on Tuesday in the Garki area of Enugu State where another ESN armoury was raided. This led to additional recoveries including a rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade warheads, three RPG chargers and three AK-47 rifles. Other items seized include six AK-47 magazines, two handheld grenades, a teargas gun with canisters, a baton and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Security agencies have increased surveillance around examination centres in affected states as at Thursday. The DSS stated it will continue working with other security outfits to ensure safety for students sitting for national examinations across Nigeria’s South-East zone. No casualties were reported from these operations as at press time.

Source: https://punchng.com/dss-military-foil-kidnap-of-waec-students-in-south-east-recover-weapons/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Reps Appoint Bayelsa Lawmaker as Minority Leader in Abuja Announcement

House leadership reveals new minority caucus team; opposition parties expected to respond to appointments in coming days

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June 11, 2026

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House leadership reveals new minority caucus team; opposition parties expected to respond to appointments in coming days

The House of Representatives on Thursday in Abuja named a Bayelsa State lawmaker as the new Minority Leader, unveiling the full minority leadership team at its plenary session. The announcement marks a significant development in the lower chamber’s leadership structure following recent deliberations among opposition parties.

During the plenary held at the National Assembly complex, Speaker of the House announced the appointments, confirming the Bayelsa lawmaker’s elevation alongside other opposition members who will form the core of the minority caucus. The changes are aimed at strengthening coordination among non-majority parties and enhancing their influence on legislative debates and oversight functions.

The appointment comes at a crucial moment for Nigeria’s political landscape, as intra-party negotiations and shifting alliances have heightened competition for key leadership roles within both chambers of the National Assembly. The new minority leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in articulating alternative policy positions and representing diverse interests from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

No official statement was immediately available from opposition party leaders reacting to the appointments. However, sources within the chamber indicated that some aggrieved lawmakers may contest aspects of the process or seek clarifications regarding portfolio allocations in subsequent sittings. The Speaker emphasised that all appointments were made in line with House rules and existing power-sharing agreements among recognised opposition blocs.

With these new appointments, attention will now turn to how the minority caucus will approach its legislative duties, including scrutiny of executive bills and collaboration with majority party counterparts. Political analysts believe that effective minority leadership could shape debate outcomes on critical national issues as the Tenth National Assembly continues its work.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/886821-just-in-reps-announce-minority-leadership-name-bayelsa-lawmaker-as-leader.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

FIFA President Infantino Condemns US Denial of Entry to Somali Referee Ahead of World Cup

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, first Somali official selected for World Cup, blocked despite valid FIFA credentials; global football bodies express concern

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June 11, 2026

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Omar Abdulkadir Artan, first Somali official selected for World Cup, blocked despite valid FIFA credentials; global football bodies express concern

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described as “unfortunate” the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan by United States authorities ahead of the 2026 World Cup, raising fresh concerns over visa and travel challenges facing African officials. The incident occurred in the build-up to the tournament scheduled to begin in June across several US cities.

Artan, who was set to make history as the first-ever Somali referee appointed for a FIFA World Cup, was reportedly stopped at a US port of entry despite possessing all necessary FIFA credentials. The move has triggered worry among stakeholders in African football and renewed scrutiny of procedures affecting officials participating in international competitions.

The exclusion comes as Nigeria and other African nations look forward to representation at the global event. Observers note that such incidents could discourage officials from emerging football nations, impacting broader efforts to increase African presence at the highest levels of international sport.

In a statement on Tuesday, Infantino called the situation “unfortunate,” highlighting the need for improved support and coordination between host countries and FIFA. He said, “We are working closely with relevant authorities to address such challenges and ensure all qualified officials are able to participate without hindrance.” No immediate response was available from US immigration authorities as at press time.

Football analysts say Artan’s case underscores longstanding concerns about travel restrictions facing African sports professionals. With the World Cup approaching, FIFA is expected to engage both US officials and affected federations to prevent further disruptions. Meanwhile, Nigerian football authorities have not commented publicly on the matter but are monitoring developments closely.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/somalia-referees-case-is-unfortunate-fifa-boss-infantino/

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