News
Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu make Forbes’ world’s most powerful women 2025
Two Nigerian women, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu, have been listed among Forbes’ 100 World’s Most Powerful Women for 2025.
The list, published on the magazine’s website on Wednesday, recognises women who hold significant influence in business, politics, culture, and global leadership.
It also highlights the growing impact of both Nigerian women in global trade and media.
They appear alongside world figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (No. 1), European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde (No. 2), Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi (No. 3), Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum (No. 5), and Namibia’s Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (No. 79).
Okonjo-Iweala, ranked 92nd, is the current Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
She is the first woman and first African to hold the position, which she assumed in March 2021.
Forbes described her as “an economist and international development professional” with “more than 30 years of experience working in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America.”
She previously served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister from 2003 to 2006 and 2011 to 2015 and briefly acted as Foreign Minister in 2006.
She also chaired the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has “immunised more than 760 million children globally.”
Okonjo-Iweala holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The 71-year-old mother of four is recognized for her belief in the power of trade to lift developing countries out of poverty and promote sustainable development.
Mo Abudu, ranked 98th, is a media entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of EbonyLife Media.
She launched EbonyLife TV in 2006; the network now airs in more than 49 countries, including the UK and the Caribbean.
According to Forbes, she helped EbonyLife secure major partnership deals with Sony Pictures Television, AMC Networks, and Netflix, the first African media company to sign a multi-title film and TV agreement with the streaming giant.
In November 2025, the company launched a new digital platform, EbonyLife ON Plus, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Born in London, Abudu spent part of her childhood in Nigeria with her grandmother before returning to the UK.
She is described by Forbes as “one of the most influential women in global media.”
This year’s list also reflects women’s rising influence in technology and artificial intelligence, including Lisa Su, CEO of AMD (No. 10); Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet (No. 12); Colette Kress of Nvidia (No. 37); Susan Li of Meta (No. 41); and Amy Hood of Microsoft (No. 16).
Other notable figures include Daniela Amodei (No. 73), co-founder and president of Anthropic, who became a self-made billionaire after the company’s valuation reached $183 billion, and Sarah Friar (No. 50), CFO of OpenAI.
In entertainment, newcomer Kim Kardashian (No. 71) made the list after raising $225 million for Skims at a $5 billion valuation and launching NikeSKIMS with Nike.
Forbes also recognised the women of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters (No. 100), who command a global fan base that transcends age, gender, and geography.
News
FACT CHECK: Did Osisioma Flyover in Aba Collapse?
THIS DAWN — A viral report circulating on social media alleges that the Osisioma Flyover in Aba, Abia State collapsed after a heavily loaded cement truck passed over it, killing “at least 10 people,” mostly street vendors.
The posts further link the incident to alleged poor construction quality under the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Verdict: FALSE
Summary:
There is no evidence, from official authorities or credible media outlets, that the Osisioma Flyover collapsed or that any fatalities occurred as a result of a structural failure.
The claim is based solely on unverified social media posts and has been directly contradicted by local sources in Abia State.
What the Viral Claims Said
The circulating posts—mainly on Facebook and Instagram—state that:
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The Osisioma Flyover “collapsed earlier today.”
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A cement truck triggered the collapse.
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At least 10 people died in the incident.
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The alleged collapse proves the flyover was poorly constructed under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
These posts have been widely shared, often accompanied by political commentary calling for the former governor’s arrest or removal from ambassadorial consideration.
However, none of the posts include:
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Photos of the alleged collapse
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Videos from the scene
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Eyewitness accounts with verifiable identities
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Timestamps or locations
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Any confirmation from emergency responders, state authorities, or journalists
What Research Shows
1. No credible media outlet has reported a collapse.
A thorough scan of major Nigerian news organisations shows zero reports of collapsed Osisioma Flyover or mass casualties in Aba on the date claimed.
In Nigeria, an event of this scale—structural collapse with multiple fatalities—would generate immediate national coverage. That has not occurred.
2. No official statement acknowledges any collapse.
As of the time this report was prepared:
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The Abia State Government
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The Ministry of Works
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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
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The Nigerian Police Force (NPF)
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The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have issued no alerts, warnings, or confirmations of any incident at the Osisioma Flyover.
3. Local confirmations contradict the claim.
Verified social-media posts from Aba residents and government-linked pages directly state that the flyover did not collapse.
Some even posted real-time videos of the structure standing intact to debunk the rumour.
4. The Osisioma Flyover was recently subject to maintenance—not collapse.
In 2024 and 2025, the Abia State Government announced reinforcement and repair work on the flyover due to concerns about its finishing quality.
This legitimate maintenance activity appears to have been misinterpreted—or exploited—to fuel the false collapse narrative.
Likely Motivation Behind the False Report
The political commentary appended to many versions of the Osisioma Flyover claim suggests the rumour may be part of:
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Political smear attempts against former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu
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Amplification of existing dissatisfaction with the flyover’s original construction
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Efforts to generate engagement through sensational, unverified news
The combination of political rivalry and public scrutiny of infrastructure quality in Abia State makes the region prone to such misinformation spikes.
Conclusion
There is no evidence that the Osisioma Flyover collapsed or that 10 people died in any accident related to the structure.
All available facts indicate that the claim is false, unverified, and politically charged.
Residents are advised to rely on credible news sources and official government channels for updates on infrastructure and public safety.
News
GOVERNOR OTTI NAMES DR. EMMANUEL MERIBOLE AS ACTING SECRETARY TO THE ABA STATE GOVERNMENT.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
12- DEC- 2025
The Government of Abia State has announced a key administrative adjustment following Governor Alex Otti’s approval for the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu (FCA), to embark on a leave of absence. In line with this development, the Governor has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Meribole as the Acting Secretary to the State Government, effective January 1, 2026.
Dr. Meribole, who currently serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, will assume the responsibilities of the SSG in an acting capacity. The administration emphasized that a structured transition plan is in place to guarantee continuity. To this end, the official handover procedure will begin on Monday, December 15, 2025, allowing Professor Kalu and Dr. Meribole to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted flow of government activities.
A medical doctor by training, Dr. Meribole brings a distinguished record of public service and administrative leadership to his new role. His extensive career includes serving as Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development before his retirement. Since joining the Abia State Government as Special Adviser on Projects, he has played a pivotal role in implementing transformative initiatives that align with the administration’s development objectives.
The decision to appoint him as Acting Secretary to the State Government underscores the confidence Governor Otti places in his expertise, work ethic, and capacity to further advance the government’s reform agenda.
Governor Otti also expressed his sincere appreciation to Professor Kenneth Kalu for his remarkable dedication and contributions to the progress of Abia State. The Governor commended Professor Kalu’s steadfast service and assured that his efforts will continue to reflect in the administration’s ongoing reforms.
The announcement was issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, on December 12, 2025.
News
“I Can Afford Any Bail Condition, Let Me Go Home, I Have Health Challenges” – Chris Ngige Cries Out In Court As Judge Remands The Former Minister To Kuje Prison
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, broke down in court today, pleading with the judge to grant him bail due to his health challenges. “I can afford any bail condition, please let me go home, I have health issues,” he said, visibly shaken.
Ngige was remanded to Kuje Prison by Justice Mariam Hassan after pleading not guilty to an eight-count charge of alleged contract fraud and abuse of office, totaling over N2.2 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed his bail application, citing concerns he might flee.
The judge has adjourned the hearing on Ngige’s bail application to Monday, December 15, 2025. Until then, Ngige will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre, where he will have access to medical practitioners.
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GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
