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Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Seyi Awolowo, has said Nigeria’s educational aspirations should have progressed beyond what he described as the “Akara and Kulikuli” stage, urging the country to focus on innovation and artificial intelligence instead of survival-driven thinking.

Awolowo, while appearing on Vanguard’s Nigeria Meter Podcast, said the world is rapidly advancing in artificial intelligence, with countries such as China and the United States competing for global leadership, while Nigeria has yet to establish its place in the innovation race.

According to him, businesses such as selling akara and kulikuli were once associated with petty traders, but the country’s educational and economic development should have created greater opportunities for people to aspire beyond them.

“KuliKuli and Akara, while I was growing up, were businesses for petty traders. There should have been an upgrade,” he said.

Awolowo questioned why Nigeria is still preoccupied with issues of basic survival at a time when other nations are investing heavily in cutting-edge technology.

“We are entering the AI race right now, where we are seeing the way China and America are going back to back with innovation. Where is our own? Why are we thinking of Akara and KuliKuli?”

He argued that the country’s educational system should have reached a point where citizens are encouraged to think beyond subsistence-level ambitions and compete in knowledge-driven industries.

“Why have we not crossed an educational threshold where KuliKuli and Akara are still in the frame? Why does it seem that some people are being kept in a box where they cannot grow further than that because of what they think or see?”

Awolowo also linked the issue to Nigeria’s political culture, saying politicians often appeal to voters through food and other material incentives instead of presenting ideas that promote education, innovation and long-term economic growth.

According to him, this dependence on “stomach infrastructure” has become a dominant feature of electioneering in the country.

“So, when it is now election season, they think of how to give people this or that because they are the ones that would come to vote. It seems that stomach infrastructure is the major means of campaign,” he said.

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Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has made an emotional appeal to Nigerians and well-wishers for financial assistance, revealing that she urgently needs ₦30 million to undergo life-saving surgeries.

The celebrated actress, known for her outstanding performances in several Nollywood productions, pleaded with the public not to allow her health condition to claim her life, saying the funds are critical to securing the medical procedures recommended by her doctors.

In a heartfelt appeal, Nwosu expressed hope that compassionate Nigerians, friends, colleagues, and fans would come to her aid by contributing towards the cost of the surgeries.

The actress, who has previously battled serious health challenges, said she remains optimistic that with the required medical intervention and public support, she can recover and continue pursuing her passion in the entertainment industry.

Her appeal has since sparked reactions across social media, with many fans and members of the Nollywood community expressing sympathy and calling for urgent support to help the veteran actress receive the treatment she needs.

Supporters have described Ngozi Nwosu as one of Nollywood’s respected veterans whose immense contributions to the Nigerian film industry deserve recognition and assistance during this difficult period.

The appeal comes as concern grows over the welfare of aging actors in the Nigerian entertainment industry, with many calling for stronger support systems to cater to veteran performers facing medical and financial challenges.

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Popular TikTok couple, Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, and his fiancée, Elizabeth Amadou, popularly called Jarvis, have shared fresh details about the foundation of their relationship, revealing the spiritual commitment they believe binds them together as they prepare to walk down the aisle.Time & Calendars

The couple, whose love story has captivated millions of followers on social media, are set to tie the knot on August 1, just months after Peller proposed to Jarvis in a widely celebrated engagement that sparked excitement among fans.

Ahead of their wedding, the duo appeared on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where they spoke candidly about trust, faith and the values guiding their relationship.

During the interview, Jarvis declared that infidelity has no place in their relationship, warning that either of them would face grave consequences if they ever betrayed the other’s trust.

Responding to a question on whether Peller had ever cheated on her, she replied, “No.”

Peller also dismissed the possibility of being unfaithful, asking, “Why would I cheat on her?”

Explaining her stance, Jarvis said their relationship is built on prayers, commitment and the fear of God.

“If you cheat, you die. It’s the rule of the relationship. Things will not go well for the person because we are in a commitment. We pray together. God is involved, and you now go and cheat. Will God just sit and be looking at you? I will swear for you,” she said.

When asked if God would forgive Peller should he repent after cheating, Jarvis acknowledged that divine forgiveness was possible but maintained that the commitment they had already made before God remained binding.

“The reassurance and commitment are already there. That’s why I said he will die if he cheats. The curse we have placed is already there. We love each other and there is no reason to cheat,” she added.

The conversation also revealed that Peller had once suggested a blood covenant as a way of sealing their relationship after coming across videos on social media promoting the idea.

“I told her we should do it. We were going to cut ourselves with a knife because I saw on TikTok that if anybody cheats after doing that, something will happen to the person. But she didn’t agree,” he said.

Jarvis confirmed she rejected the proposal, insisting that their faith in God was more than enough.

“The only blood covenant we have is with God. All those things are not what we should be doing. The reassurance and commitment are already there,” she said.

Ending the discussion on a lighter note, Peller jokingly praised his fiancée’s physical appearance, saying, “There is no reason. My baby has a big backside.”

Laughing off the comment, Jarvis responded by praying that such a situation would never arise, adding that their future remained in God’s hands as they look forward to their wedding day.