• Ex-servicemen protest at the Ministry of Finance Office, Abuja, August 5,2025

ABUJA—A group of retired soldiers shut down the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja, yesterday, while protesting the non-payment of their gratuity, Security Debarment Allowance, SDA, and other entitlements.

The Vanguard reported that the angry protesters carried placards with messages such as: “We are 1st and 2nd Quarter Retirees of NA 2003. We are living heroes and deserve to be recognized and treated right—not celebrated as fallen heroes when we are no more,” and “We the voluntary discharged soldiers of 2024 demand full payment of our benefits, including shortfalls in gratuity, SDA, parking allowance and four months’ salary cuts.

The protest, which began at about 7 a.m., left ministry workers stranded for hours, as they were unable to access their offices as the aggrieved ex-servicemen, comprising men and women, demanded the immediate release of their outstanding allowances.

They claimed to be members of Voluntary Discharged Soldiers, who retired from the Nigerian Army in the first two quarters of 2024.

Men’s Mental Health Advocate and Founder of the Life After Abuse Foundation, Halima Layeni, announces the launch of her new book titled Dear Man: If You Carry The Weight, This Is Your Invitation, a timely, heart-stirring publication that boldly addresses the often-unspoken emotional and psychological struggles of men.

At a time when the mental health crisis among men continues to grow globally, Dear Man emerges as a deeply necessary resource that offers insight, empathy, and a call to healing.

The book invites men into a brave space of reflection and unlearning where emotional honesty is not only allowed but affirmed.

Structured in three parts; The Weight of Expectations, The Inner Battles, and The Healing Journey, Dear Man is not just a book; it is a movement.

With compelling narratives, practical reflections, and hope-filled affirmations, it challenges harmful societal norms, confronts silence, and calls for a future where men are empowered to feel, heal, and thrive.

“This book was born from years of witnessing the silent suffering of men in communities, in therapy sessions, and on the streets.

Dear Man is my heartfelt letter to them.

A reminder that they are seen, heard, and worthy of emotional freedom,” said Halima Layeni, Author and Executive Director of Life After Abuse Foundation.

Dear Man is suitable for men of all ages, professionals working in mental health, educators, faith leaders, partners, parents, and anyone passionate about promoting emotional well-being among men and boys.

The book is now available for order on Selar: https://selar.com/dear-man

About the Author: Halima Layeni is a passionate men’s mental health advocate, trauma healing facilitator, and founder of the Life After Abuse Foundation.

Through her work, she has supported over 10,000 boys and men across Africa with psychosocial support, advocacy, and education.

She has received several awards for her commitment to reshaping the narrative around masculinity, mental health, and gender equity.

For media inquiries, please contact: halimalayeni@gmail.com

The Head of Nigeria National Office, WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut, said that the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results have been released.

Dangut, during a press briefing on Monday disclosed that out of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat for the examination, only 754,545 candidates, representing 38.32%, obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

He stated that the Council withheld the results of 192,089 candidates, representing 9.75% of the total number of candidates who sat for the WASSCE for various reported cases of examination malpractices.

“A total of 1,973,365 candidates from 23,554 recognised secondary schools across Nigeria registered for the examination. Out of these, 1,969,313 candidates actually sat for the examination,” he said.

Notably, the examination was not limited to Nigeria, as candidates from schools in Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea, where the Nigerian curriculum is used, also participated.

Dangut explained that in comparison with the previous year’s results, there has been a 33.8% decrease in performance.

In the 2024 WASSCE, 72.12% of candidates obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. This year’s results show a significant decline in performance, with only 38.32% of candidates achieving the same feat