Welcome to NowNowNaija! Child trafficking horrors surface in Plateau as exploitation networks tighten their grip. Political defections surge under economic strain, the naira weakens, and integrity questions hit sports—leaving communities confronting fear, instability, and uncertain accountability.

TOP STORY

Over the past few years, Plateau State has become Nigeria’s central hub for child trafficking. Vulnerable children, mostly from the Langtang area, are exploited for labor, sex slavery, and even organ harvesting. Syndicates, including fake religious leaders and relatives, lure parents with false promises of better lives for their children.

This crisis is deeply personal for many Nigerian families, especially those in Plateau. Children as young as two are trafficked into harsh labor or worse, with some sacrificed for organ harvesting. Poverty, insecurity, and parental neglect make many kids vulnerable to these syndicates. Understanding this helps communities protect their children and encourages stronger government and societal action to end the trafficking networks.

Source: Daily Post
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says millions of Nigerians are changing political loyalties because they are focused on survival amid tough economic conditions. His comments followed Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s move from PDP to APC, highlighting a growing trend of defections fuelled by political pressure and intimidation under the Tinubu administration.

This shift matters to you because it reflects the deep economic struggles many Nigerians face daily, including rising food prices, joblessness, and poverty. The political defections are less about support for policies and more about navigating hardship and safety in a tense political environment. Your community’s voice may feel disrupted as party loyalty shifts amid these survival pressures, affecting how local issues are addressed and resources are allocated.

Source: Daily Post
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What else is happening:

Lebara Nigeria has officially entered the Nigerian telecom market as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), partnering with Airtel to offer innovative, affordable services. The launch highlights regulatory reforms that open the market to new players and aims to enhance connectivity and inclusion for over 140 million subscribers.

This new entry means more competition, which can lead to better prices and improved service quality for you. Lebara’s focus on affordable data and transparent pricing could reduce the need to juggle multiple SIM cards. Expect more digital options tailored to consumer needs, stronger network reach especially in underserved areas, and enhanced access to global markets and opportunities. This move also signals growing international investment and support for Nigeria’s digital economy, benefiting the whole sector.

Source: This Day Live
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The naira weakened significantly against the US dollar last week in both official and black markets. The Central Bank of Nigeria reported the naira fell to 1,363.39 per dollar officially, down from 1,359.81 the day before. In the parallel market, it slipped to 1,375 per dollar from 1,317 the previous week.

This decline means imported goods and foreign services will likely cost more, pushing up prices for everyday consumers. Businesses relying on imports may face higher costs, affecting profit margins and possibly leading to price increases. The dip also signals potential pressure on your savings and financial plans if you deal with foreign currency or overseas transactions. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s external reserves rose to $49.51 billion as of late February, which may help stabilize the market if managed well.

Source: Daily Post
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What else is happening:

Marketing strategist Oghogho Osemwegie warns that entertainment brands are losing originality because they focus more on algorithm-driven visibility than meaningful content. The shift from traditional advertising to social media has changed how audiences engage, often favoring viral trends over strong storytelling.

This shift means you might see less original storytelling and more viral-driven content that prioritizes quick attention rather than depth. For creators and fans, it could lead to audience fatigue and skepticism, as music, film, and media campaigns chase social media metrics instead of authentic engagement. For industry professionals, budget cuts to traditional media impact creative freedom and brand identity, while digital teams invest heavily in algorithms and viral tactics. Understanding these changes can help you critically engage with current entertainment trends and demand more meaningful content.

Source: Punch
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The Social Feed:

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has been suspended for three months by Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars SC amid allegations of match manipulation. The club announced this suspension following internal investigations, while emphasizing that Obasogie is still under inquiry and can respond to the allegations.

This suspension affects more than just Obasogie's career; it raises concerns about integrity in football, which can influence fans' trust and the reputation of Nigerian players abroad. For communities supporting the Super Eagles, ongoing investigations add tension, especially as Obasogie was part of Nigeria’s Bronze-winning 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad. The case underscores the importance of transparency in sports and could impact how Nigerian players and clubs approach ethics going forward.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
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Sports Spotlight:

Quote of the Day

“We should end exploitation of our children now and this is a message to everybody that NAPTIP is still alive and watching whoever will involve in the issue of human trafficking.” — Vivienne Ngene