1. Social Media anger compels the withdrawal of a history book
Social media outrage over a policy issue increased pressure on the Federal Ministry of Education, which capitulated on Tuesday, 3 February. The ministry, in a statement, denied any knowledge of or endorsement of the book Living History.
Citizens from the South-East, in particular, previously protested the book’s presence, arguing that it omitted the history of the South-East from what was claimed to be Nigerian history.
“To clarify, the book was never submitted to the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) — the statutory body responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and approving instructional materials for assessment under the national curriculum. As a result, it was not recommended by NERDC and does not appear on the official list of approved History textbooks by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, reiterated: “The Ministry wishes to state clearly, firmly, and unequivocally that ‘Living History’ is NOT an approved textbook and has not been recommended for use in any Nigerian school by the Federal Ministry of Education.
It stated, “Following consultations with the leadership of NERDC and a review of the officially endorsed list of textbooks aligned with the new curriculum, it has been confirmed that ‘Living History’ does not form part of the approved instructional materials for nationwide use.” It further urged unity, saying, “Education thrives on truth. Unity thrives on understanding.”
Citizens are not applauding yet. One stated on Facebook: “The statement is not enough. They should investigate which schools are using these vexatious textbooks.”
2. Adams Oshiomhole in social media crosshairs
Edo Senator and former governor Adams Oshiomhole is trending and under scrutiny on social media largely because of a viral video of a private jet showing intimate behaviour that many see as symbolic of elite excess, especially when juxtaposed with recent controversial statements about economic conditions. Even as his team claims the video is AI-manipulated, public debate continues, reflecting broader frustrations with political privilege and authenticity in Nigerian public life.
What Sparked the Online Outrage
Viral Foot Massage Video Inside Private Jet
A short clip showing Senator Adams Oshiomhole apparently giving a foot massage to a woman aboard a private jet has gone viral across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, sparking widespread discussion and criticism online.
• The video was first shared on TikTok before the original uploader deleted it amid backlash, but screen recordings continue to circulate.
• Reports have identified the woman in the clip as a South African lifestyle influencer and adult content creator, not as Oshiomhole’s wife.
Why It’s Resonating on Social Media
3. Perceived Disconnection From Ordinary Citizens
Many Nigerians online highlighted images of luxury—such as a private jet and personal attention—as symbols of elite detachment amid economic hardship, inflation, and rising living costs.
• Critics argued that the optics starkly clash with his past remarks — notably that food prices were “too cheap” in Nigeria, a comment widely regarded as out of touch with real experience.
• Activists like Omoyele Sowore criticised the senator’s behaviour as insensitive, arguing that someone living in such luxury cannot credibly represent the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Scorn Over Wealth Sources and Public Conduct
Social media commentators and critics online have gone beyond mocking the video to question:
• How a politician transitions from labour activism (“Comrade” figure) to ostentatious displays of wealth with little transparency on income sources.
• Why would a serving legislator willingly appear in a clip that many see as emblematic of political elites’ privilege and detachment?
Official Response and Claims of Falsification
Oshiomhole’s media office denied the video’s authenticity, asserting it is a fabricated, AI-generated deepfake designed to damage his reputation and disseminate misinformation.
Their statement points to supposed editing inconsistencies and accuses content creators of malicious intent, urging public scepticism of such viral posts.
Broader Social Media Repercussions
• The clip has become a lightning rod for wider conversations about elitism, accountability, and political conduct in Nigeria. Some users called for his resignation.
• Importantly, the debate isn’t purely about the footage itself but what it represents to many Nigerians — a perceived gap between political elites and everyday realities.
