The Ogun State Government has issued a strong alert to residents over a circulating fraudulent social media message falsely claiming that Governor Dapo Abiodun is offering a ₦20,000 Youth Empowerment Cash Transfer through an online registration link.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government described the message as “entirely false and fraudulent,” labelling it the handiwork of unscrupulous individuals attempting to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by exploiting the Governor’s name and image.

The government emphasised that no ₦20,000 cash transfer programme is currently being offered by the state. It clarified that the online link being circulated has no connection whatsoever with the Ogun State Government or the Office of the Governor.

Residents have been strongly advised to refrain from clicking the suspicious link, providing any personal or banking details, or forwarding the message to others, as doing so could expose them to financial fraud and identity theft.

“Members of the public should disregard the fake message completely and rely only on information released through the official communication channels for authentic announcements on government programmes and initiatives,” Akinmade said.

The statement further revealed that security agencies have been notified to track down and prosecute those behind the criminal impersonation.

The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents from such fraudulent schemes and urged the public to remain vigilant against online scams designed to exploit innocent citizens.

•Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour image credit: Instagram

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour.

Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.

The statement, issued on behalf of the family by Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, described the deceased as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother.

” With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the call to glory of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso). A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother. The epitome of love,” the statement read.

The Federal Government has suspended the recently approved increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), following widespread criticism from parents, students, education stakeholders, and civil society groups.

The suspension comes just days after the government approved a significant 82% hike, raising the uniform fee to ₦50,000 per candidate effective from the 2027 examination cycle. The decision to reverse the hike was announced on Monday amid mounting pressure over the potential impact on access to education for millions of Nigerian students, particularly from low-income families.

The fee increase, which was contained in a June 18, 2026 memo from the Federal Ministry of Education, had sparked immediate outrage. It raised WAEC fees from approximately ₦27,000–₦27,500 and NECO fees from ₦30,000 to the new flat rate of ₦50,000. Critics argued that the adjustment would place additional financial burdens on households already grappling with economic hardships and could lead to lower enrolment or increased examination malpractice.

Several groups, including education advocacy organisations, swiftly rejected the hike and called for its immediate reversal, highlighting concerns over state governments’ ability to continue subsidising exams and the ripple effects on secondary education completion rates.

A source at the Ministry of Education confirmed the suspension, stating that the government is committed to ensuring education remains accessible. “The welfare of Nigerian students and the need to address public concerns have been prioritised,” the source said.

Parents and guardians have welcomed the development. Many took to social media to express relief, with calls for a more sustainable funding model for examination bodies that does not rely heavily on direct fees from candidates.

WAEC and NECO officials are yet to issue official statements on the suspension, but stakeholders expect further consultations to find a balanced approach to addressing rising operational costs without compromising equity in education.

This marks a significant policy U-turn by the Federal Government in response to public sentiment. Further details on the next steps for examination fees are expected in the coming days.