Hard Facts

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Seun Aiyedatiwa, have called for increased efforts to empower women and girls, describing it as critical to national development and societal progress.

The United Nations has said that no country in the world has yet achieved full gender equality, warning that progress toward equal rights for women and girls remains slow despite decades of advocacy and reforms.

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"No leader in this country will be permitted to get healthcare outside of this country."

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"The Nigerian government knows that crude oil theft in Nigeria without the connivance of the gatekeepers, cannot happen."

Going by the constitution, "if the president wants to spend N1 billion on SUVs for the government next door, he can only do it if the National Assembly specifically approves that expense in the budget."

A report by the credit rating agency Agusto & Co. notes that the federal government's borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will increase to N23.2 trillion by the end of 2022.

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"Don't pay ransom, but when you don't pay ransom, make sure that the security agencies are ready to deal with any case of kidnapping." 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company's recent conversion to a limited liability company has generated several reactions to how the newly formed NNPC Limited will operate.

Terrorists have again targeted the seat of governance, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Students seeking a place in Nigerian tertiary institutions may not have to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) every other year.

Nigerians will be paying more for petrol after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited announced an official increase in the pump price of petrol from N165 per litre.

As commendations continue to pour in on the INEC's success in the just concluded Osun governorship election, INEC has said the success it achieved is tantamount to constantly reviewing previous elections.

There appears to be growing speculations over the petrol price in Nigeria.

Nigeria's commercial and entertainment capital, Lagos, ranks 171 out of 172 cities on the list of the world's most liveable cities in the latest Global Liveability Index.

Reactions surrounding the selection of Kashim Shettima as the running mate to APC's Bola Tinubu appear not to be ending anytime soon.

As the security situation in the country steadily deteriorates, Nigerians are showing their dissatisfaction with the assurances of President Muhammadu Buhari.

It is no news the level of difficulty Nigerians are dealing with at the moment. 

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Hard Facts host Sandra Ezekwesili has frowned at the fact that just one major road connects the Third Mainland Bridge to Epe.

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'We should restructure the country before conducting any elections."

The inclusion of 'morality' in the draft Code of Practice for online platforms is just an attempt to ensure that the things we put out there comply with Nigerian local laws.

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The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, says no coalition will succeed if Nigerians fail to exercise their right to vote.

Reactions continue to trail the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the 2023 presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress.

As the drums of the 2023 general election get louder, Nigerians are urged to ask critical questions to the candidates.

There have been increased speculations about whether former President Goodluck Jonathan will run for his old office in the 2023 General Election and there have been calls for him to do so.

Nigerians are still reacting to the news that former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan may join the race for the presidency.

Ahead of the 2023 general election, Nigerians across various socio-political groups are beginning to make clear their positions on where the presidency should go.

Hard Facts host Sandra Ezekwesili has frowned at the online sharing of video footage of students of Chrisland school on their trip to Dubai.

The state of insecurity in the country continues to generate reactions from Nigerians.

The zoning debate in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) isn’t going away soon.

Nigerians are still reacting to the presidential declaration of transport minister, Rotimi Amaechi.

Nigeria Info’s Sandra Ezekwesili wants parents to stop pushing their daughters into marriage, as it could prevent them from recognising signs of abuse in a partner.

The head of intelligence at Stears Business, Michael Famoroti thinks the Nigerian Senate has no business regulating the subscription prices of Digital Satellite Television (DStv) and GOtv.

Participants of the Lagos State Monthly Rent Payment Scheme will be required to verify that not more than 33 percent of their monthly income is used for rent.

Gynaecologist, Dr Abayomi Ajayi says that menstrual pain that interferes with your normal chores is not normal and could be Endometriosis.

Broadcast journalist and Hard Facts show host Sandra Ezekwesili has reacted angrily to the response Dr Chinelo Nwando Megafu received when she tweeted, “I’m in the train. I have been shot. Please pray for me.”

The 'I BEG TO DIFFER' debate tournament semifinals kicked off with Deborah Pamzat, 15, and Oladipupo Ramadan, 15, competing for a chance at the tournament's finals.

14-year-old Ruth Okorocha is through to the semifinal stage of the ‘I Beg To Differ’ debate tournament after an intense debate with 14-year-old Abayomi Ogunleye.

16-year-old Oye Titioluwa secured the final quarterfinal spot at the ongoing I Beg To Differ student debate tournament.

14-year-old Abayomi Ogunleye is through to the quarterfinal stage of the ‘I Beg To Differ’ debate tournament after an intense debate with 16-year-old Kelechi Deborah Ikoro.

The second edition of the 'I Beg To Differ' student debate began on Monday on Nigeria Info's Hard Facts.

The co-founder of ImpactHer, Efe Ukala wants women in entrepreneurship to consider running a business as a marathon and not a sprint.

"It is extremely important for women to stick together and continue to leverage each other's strengths."

The battle to win =N=1,000,000 at the second edition of the 'I Beg To Differ' student debate tournament began with two contestants battling for a spot at the round of 16.

Winner and first runner-up of the maiden edition of 'I Beg To Differ' student debate tournament are advising contestants of the second edition to keep their heads high and put in their best in the student debate tournament

In case you have been pondering, if you should stop washing your vagina, the answer is a resounding yes!

Several academic research indicates that between 10% and 18% of women in Nigeria have been diagnosed with Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

As the world marks International Mother Language Day, Hard Facts host, Sandra Ezekwesili asked callers on Nigeria Info to say in their mother tongue, her notable show startup phrase; "Hello Lagos, I am Sandra Ezekwesili and these are your Hard Facts."

Gbenga Adewoyin, a social media activist is throwing open a challenge to anyone who can prove the existence of juju for a price of N2.5 million.

John, a caller on Nigeria Info's Hard Facts, says if the Federal Government is serious about prosecuting Abba Kyari, he should be extradited to the U.S. over his alleged connection to Raymond Abass (HushPuppi).

The Director of Population Management at the National Population Commission(NPC), Margaret Edison says more attention should be given to the quality of children and not the number of children.

Reactions continue to trail the recent crash of the  National Identity Management Commission(NIMC) portal.

Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, believes progress can be made on the fight against corruption if the federal government refuses to be selective in its fight against corruption.

As the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria draws closer, political parties are beginning to size up one another on the abilities and prospects of potential candidates. 

"Nigerians have disoriented values such that whenever they see a rich man, they applaud without knowing the source of their wealth."

The decision by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to impose a rolling ban on alcohol in small pet bottles or sachets has led to several reactions from some Nigerians.

The Nigerian Fintech space is growing exponentially, attracting the attention of both foreign and local investors and drawing new entrants into the diverse sub-sectors within the ecosystem.

Barely 24 hours after the Lagos State Government cleared five students and five employees of Dowen College of any role in the death of Sylvester Oromoni Junior, his sister, Anabel, insists the family is not aware of a second autopsy report conducted by Lagos State Government.

Reactions continue to trail the face-off between Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and a yet to be identified Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

'The Commissioner of Police cannot just enter anywhere without a warrant.'

Cutting ties with family members is one hard decision we may face in life because we are conditioned to believe that terminating relationships with "family" is morally and inherently wrong. 

Callers on Nigeria Info's HardFacts had diverse reactions to the invasion of Magodo by Shangisha Landlords.

A court cannot give an order that is incapable of enforcement.

The recent decision of the Federal Government to increase, by 20 percent, the salary of police personnel in the country has been met with mixed reactions by Nigerians.

Legal practitioner Tunde Kolawole believes the action of the Lagos State Government is in sync with past antecedents of elites when it comes to implementing panel reports.

13-year-old Tanvita Koushik emerged winner of the first edition of the I Beg to Differ' student debate tournament.

12-year-old Emmanuella Nnadi is through to the finals of the 'I Beg To Differ' debate tournament after an intense debate with 15-year-old Uchechukwu Golden.

12-year-old Emmanuella Nnadi secures the last semifinal spot at the ongoing 'I Beg To Differ' student debate tournament on Nigeria Info.

12-year-old Emmanuel Afolarin Busari is through to the semifinal stage of the 'I Beg To Differ' debate tournament after an intense debate with 15-year-old Oluchi Akwarandu.

The quarterfinals of the 'I BEG TO DIFFER' debate tournament kicked off with 11-year-old Timothy Ebuka Ebule and 15-year-old Uchechukwu Golden going head-to-head for a chance to reach the semi-finals.

The 'I Beg To Differ' debate tournament on Nigeria Info’s Hard Facts, saw 12-year-old Emmanuella Nnadi qualifying for the final quarterfinal spot.

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Day 4 of the 'I Beg To Differ' debate tournament on Nigeria Info’s Hard Facts, saw contestants squaring up for a chance to advance to the quarterfinal stage.

The second debate session on day 4 of the 'I Beg To Differ' debate tournament on Nigeria Info’s Hard Facts saw 12-year-old Afolarin Emmanuel Busari advancing to the quarterfinal stage of the debate tournament.

15-year-old Hameed Olarenwaju and 13-year-old Tanvita Koushik emerged winners of day 3 of the 'I Beg To Differ' tournament on Nigeria Info’s Hard Facts.

Day 2 of the 'I Beg To Differ' tournament on Nigeria Info’s Hard Facts, saw contestants competing for a chance to progress to the next round of the debate tournament. 

The secondary school students edition of the 'I Beg To Differ' tournament began on Monday on Nigeria Info's Hard Facts.

Nigeria's economic system is structured to put the employee at a disadvantaged position.

Lack of citizen participation and citizen inclusion in governance, are major factors behind abandoned projects across the country.

As far back as 2007, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that there were 197,000 domestic workers in Nigeria.

Ahead of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra state, the federal government is expanding its Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program in the state.

The co-founder of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde Onigbinde has urged the federal government to revive its tax architecture to better fund its budget.

A fixed exchange rate regime where the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) controls the supply of foreign currency in the market is needed in a commodity-exporting country like Nigeria.

As the price of foodstuffs continues to increase, some industries are gradually feeling the brunt of the increase.

As the 2023 general election draws close, the question of who should lead and the age of those who end up as leaders is gradually getting loud amongst Nigerians as they prepare to decide who governs them.

'After serving as a teacher for 35 years in level seventeen, my monthly pension is less than 70,000.'

An Analyst at SBM Intelligence has blamed insecurity, the ban on some food items and forex restrictions for skyrocketing food prices

Cancers caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is transmitted sexually can be prevented by avoiding anal and oral sex.

'I have no sympathy whatsoever for pensioners. They are aware the system is faulty, yet they continue to hobnob with politicians' Alex, a caller on Hard Facts says.

Effiong, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said the Contributory Pensions Scheme (CPS) is "making us die younger than our age."

Journalist at CoinDesk, Sandali Handagama, says The E-naira is to improve financial inclusion, speed up transactions and aid sending and receiving funds to help streamline financial services. 

The Head of Edo State COVID-19 Enforcement Team, Haruna Yusuf says the vaccination order by the state governor is yielding positive results.

Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PwC, Taiwo Oyedele says States will not suddenly become creative if allowed to collect Value Added Tax(VAT) but will instead become aggressive.

Fiscal Policy Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Taiwo Oyedele says Value Added Tax (VAT) is not included in the constitution.

"Let us restructure this country and make the federating units strong" Paul, a caller on Hard Facts says.

The Director for Disease Control & Immunization, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency(NPHCDA) Bassey Okposen says pregnant women and persons with HIV can get the COVID vaccine.

It is not civilised for officials of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to chase after individuals to get permits before building.

'Minister of Defence, Head of DSS, Head of NSA and the Head of DIA should also be sacked' Maleek, a caller on Hard Facts says.

Former Deputy Director, Department of State Services, Dennis Amachree says the activities of those we refer to as bandits, indicate that they are indeed terrorists.

If colonization did not happen, Africans would majorly still be into their traditional way of worship.

Callers on Nigeria Info's #HardFacts say corporal punishment in schools does not instil any form of discipline in an individual.

Paul, a caller on Nigeria Info’s Hard Facts says no one can camouflage and penetrate Nigeria's Defence Academy without an insider.

No law stops the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from effecting arrest on any premises.

All those who are sick should be "treated in front of Aso Rock" Dr Aino, a caller on Hard Facts says

CEO, Enej Insights, Osato Guobadia believes the focus of the Federal Government should be to improve the income and purchasing power of Nigerians as against focusing on the affordability of petrol.

Nigerian human rights lawyer, Abdul Mahmud says an extradition request by the United States will not in any way violate the rights of suspended DCP Abba Kyari under the African Charter.

Nigeria Country Director Amnesty International, Osai Ojigho says the Federal Government as a matter of urgency, should set up an investigation on the killings happening in the SouthEast.

The increase in violence in the Southeast is due to the failure of the Nigerian justice system to bring perpetrators to book. This is the position of the Nigeria Country Director Amnesty International, Osai Ojigho, while speaking on Hard Facts.

President, National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, says it is rather obvious the priority of Nigeria as health workers are paid 5,000 naira as Hazard Allowance as against the 1.2 million naira Hardship Allowance for senators.

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have outlined the reasons why indirect primary is preferred over direct primaries.

Communications Manager, Stand To End Rape Initiative (STER), Bisayo Aderibigbe, says the rise in cases of workplace sexual harassment is majorly a result of underreporting. 

The statement credited to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari on alleged connection with Ramon Abbas(Hushpuppi), is simply "an insult to Nigerians," Chinedu, a caller on Hard Facts says.

Financial Journalist at Stears Business, Gbemisola Alonge has stated that the Central Bank of Nigeria's crackdown on Bureau De Change operators will in the short term lead to an increase in the exchange rate.

Following the low voter turnout in the just concluded local government election in Lagos, Nigeria Info callers discuss the reasons behind the voter apathy on Hard Facts.

...it is absolutely impossible for the ministry of information to impose a code of conduct for the media

...economic liberalism is the economic ideology of the PDP.

I have been married for 22 years and it has been filled with pains...

"Spending what little revenue we have to look for oil in places that it doesn't exist is a waste of money...

Some Lawmakers are a threat to our democracy by wanting to retain the old system that manipulates the electoral process...

PDP and APC disagree over defections

We should be buying a bag of maize if...

Former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in the 2019 elections, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, says it is ‘’unconstitutional” for Nigerians to be restricted from expressing themselves on Twitter.

LASTMA officers do not need consent to get into your car - LASTMA GM

Any regulation of the media should uphold media freedom and freedom of expression

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'They went as far as telling me if you don't have money, do a transfer:' Callers speak on insecurity