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 Fresh Ebola outbreak: FG tightens border control The Federal Government said it had intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all points of entry in response to the ongoing outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Akpan Nse, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday. Nse also noted that additional staff had been employed to strengthen border surveillance in the country. Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths, including four health workers, had been reported as of September 5, 2025. The outbreak comes at a time when much of Central and West Africa is grappling with overlapping health and humanitarian crises, including cholera, malnutrition, and population displacement. The DRC’s last outbreak of Ebola vir...

 2027: Northern politicians pushing personal agendas, not speaking for region – Okai Austin Usman Okai-Austin, a political activist and former Peoples Democratic Party’s House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, has claimed that many northern leaders are using the region’s name to advance their personal political interests rather than genuinely representing its people. Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Thursday, Okai-Austin revealed that nobody is speaking on behalf of the North yet.  According to him, people are hiding in the name of the North to push their own agenda. He argued that the perceived division in northern Nigeria over political matters, including the 2027 presidential race, is largely overstated.  “The North has not taken any decision yet. Before we can say it is divided, there has not been any united force or collaborative decision from the North,” he said. Okai-Austin also touched on...

 Cryptocurrency Ecosystem Needs Proper Regulation-Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has observed that cryptocurrency as an innovation and transactional technology in the global economy requires  governing rules to regulate its ecosystem in the country in order to prevent  its fraudulent abuse. He made the observation in Abuja on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 when Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria, SIBAN, led by their president, Obinna Iwuno paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s corporate headquarters. Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede stated that “Crypto is the new oil. There's so much money in crypto. The ecosystem is something that needs to be properly regulated. If that regulation is not done, even the genuine actors will run into big problems. The truth is that there's a thin line between the genuine cry...

 Anambra Assembly Passed Bill to Establish State Correctional Service By Chizoba Okeke  In a significant stride toward reforming the justice sector, the Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a landmark bill establishing the Anambra State Correctional Service. The bill, which seeks to regulate and enhance the humane and effective management of offenders, was approved during Thursday’s plenary session following a rigorous clause by clause review. The executive bill provides a legal framework for both custodial and non-custodial correctional services in the state, signaling a bold shift toward modern rehabilitation practices and efficient justice administration. Announcing its passage, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, declared that the new law will officially take effect on September 18, 2025. He described the legislation as "a major milestone in strengthening Anambra’s correctional and judicial systems." Supporting the motion, the Majority Leader, Hon....

 A Fairfield, Illinois pastor and coach has been arrested and charged with multiple S/A charges after allegedly restraining and forcing himself on a teenage male.  I have spoken to individuals close to the case. Chet Snyder is a 51-year-old resident of Fairfield, Illinois. He is the pastor at the Journey Church in Fairfield as well as a current coach for Frontier Community College.  The teenage male victim sought and was granted a no contact order against Chet Snyder after the forcible assault that occurred on Chet Snyder's property in Fairfield in late August. This order of protection was quickly granted by the Wayne County Circuit Court on August 20th after evidence and details of the assault were shared with the court. After an investigation, Chet Snyder was arrested on September 4th, Thursday night by the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and the Fairfield Police Department. The sheriff's department and city police also worked in a joint operation to search Chet Snyde...

 Mr. Beast offers to acquire Nigerian artist’s piece American YouTuber and media personality James Stephen Donaldson popularly known as Mr. Beast has offered to acquire a Nigerian artwork’s sketch of him. Mr. Beast announced this on X. He had earlier posted an AI generated picture on X sent to him by his partner hinting that she wanted something in exchange. “My fiancé sent me this AI generated image of us with two kids. I can’t quite pit my finger on it, but something tells me she wants something,” he wrote. The Nigerian artist Ifure Usen, then took the picture and sketched a drawing on it, posted it on X, and tagged Mr. Beast, “I did it guys!!! @MrBeast.” In response, Mr. Beast wrote: “Love it, I’ll shoot you a dm. Would love to put this on my wall!”

 Heatwave concerns cloud FIFA’s plans for 2026 World Cup FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny over the 2026 World Cup amid concerns that extreme heat could threaten player welfare and fan safety, following experiences at the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States. During the Club World Cup, Borussia Dortmund coach, Niko Kovac, cautioned after his team’s opening game that the competition’s schedule was taking a toll on players. He said, “These athletes had to bring top performance, but again that’s the tournament mode and we will see the same next year during the World Cup. “We have to consider the players. This is very hard for someone, and the players, they must play these games. “But OK, this is the tournament, we need to play. It’s my suggestion that the kickoff time would be a little bit later. We played in Atlanta (at 9 p.m. ET) so the intensity is also much higher. “As a spectator, you would like to see intensive, aggressive, up and down football, so when it’s too hot, then it’s...

 APC defends Tinubu’s foreign travel against Obi’s scrutiny The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has fired back at Peter Obi over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s overseas holiday, insisting that governance continues despite the president taking a break. Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, had taken a swipe at Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, suggesting they give the impression that the president is growing uncomfortable at home “at a time Nigeria is in dire need of his presence.” Responding via statement on Saturday, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo accused Obi of “opportunistic commentary” and warned him against commenting on routine presidential activities. He questioned: “Must Peter Obi comment on everything or anything?” Oladejo continued, “Let us be clear: President Tinubu, like any responsible leader, remains fully briefed and in active communication with his security and intelligence teams – even while on a brief vacation. Governance ...

Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta loses son The 54-year-old actor shared the heartbreaking news in a post on his Instagram page on Saturday, though he did not provide details about his son’s passing. Sharing a photo of the late boy, Chatta wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Ya Allah, You are the Knower of all things. Rest on, Dear son, champ.” Following the announcement, Chatta’s colleagues and fans flooded the comments section with messages of condolence. The development comes days after veteran actress, Peju Ogunmola, also lost her only son, Ayomikun. Ayomikun, who was in his early 30s, died in Ibadan earlier this week. The two incidents have thrown the Nollywood community into mourning, with colleagues and fans expressing shock at the double tragedies. Chatta had in June recounted how he lost his first child, a daughter, years ago. He attributed her passing to financial hardship and inadequate medical care. Chatta revealed that he had to bury his daughter in an old wooden Coc...

 Nnamdi Azikiwe University Cracks Down on Admission Racketeering, Sanctions Staff The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi, has taken decisive action against admission racketeering, ordering disciplinary measures against a staff member, Nnaji Kenneth, for alleged fraudulent practices.

 'It's crazy' - Mbappe equals Henry's France tally France captain Kylian Mbappe said equalling Thierry Henry's number of France goals at the age of 26 is "crazy". The Real Madrid forward moved level with the Arsenal legend on 51 goals for his country as he scored a brilliant solo effort in the 82nd minute to double France's lead in Friday's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine. It leaves the 26-year-old six goals behind former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud's all-time France record of 57 goals. "Big up to Titi [Henry], but now I want to surpass him," said Mbappe. "It's an honour to equal a player like Henry, everyone knows what he means to us French people, even more so to strikers. He's someone who paved the way, and I have a lot of respect and admiration for him." Henry was part of the France squad that won the 1998 World Cup on home soil at the age of 20, while Mbappe was only 19 when Les Bleus wo...

 Covenant University Bans Phones and Cooking on Campus Covenant University has introduced new rules banning mobile phones with SIM cards and cooking in hostels as part of its 2025 reform agenda to boost discipline and academic performance. Students may still use laptops and tablets without SIM capabilities, while the university plans to expand cafeteria services to meet dining needs.  Management says the policies, effective next session, aim to curb distractions and promote a focused learning environment. One more photo below. 

 NSCDC Confirms Attack on Personnel The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, says it has confirmed the killing of eight of its operatives in an ambush by armed men in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The incident which occurred September 5, 2025, targeted NSCDC operatives on routine patrol to protect Chinese expatriates working at the facility.  Confirming the incident, NSCDC Spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale said of the 5 expatriates in the factory, 4 were unhurt in the fracas while one is missing but efforts are being made to locate and rescue him.

 NCAA DIRECTS IBOM AIR TO COMPENSATE PASSENGERS AFFECTED BY FLIGHT CANCELATION  The Nigerian civil aviation authority (NCAA) has directed Ibom air to compensate passengers affected by the cancellation of a scheduled flight on Friday september 5th, 2025,  following complaints of poor service from some customers.  The directive came after a passenger took to social media platform 'x' to decry the airline's handling of the disruption. The passenger alleged that the airline first rescheduled the 3:30 p.M. Flight to 5:20 p.M. Before, later asking passengers to return for their luggage. Responding through his x handle, the  director of public affairs and consumer protection of the ncaa Michael Achimugu  explained that the disruption was triggered by a technical issue with the aircraft operating the route earlier in the day.   This he said is considered force majeure. The delay had a knock-on effect on all other routes serviced by that aircraft noting th...

 Fire razes petrol station, destroys vehicles in Anambra. The Okeb Filling Station on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway near the Amawbia Flyover in Awka, Anambra State, has been destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire which razed the filling station on Friday, could not be determined immediately. The fire destroyed three vehicles as well as other objects. Although firefighters came quickly and battled to control and extinguish the fire after many hours, they also kept it from spreading further, with no fatalities reported. More photos below. 

 Hope Uzodinnma and Francis Nwifuru are the Co-Chairman of APC election council for Anambra Election. APC releases list of the National Campaign Council for Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu his Deputy  Iyom Uche Ekwunife Campaign Organisation. The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu is the chairman, and Governor of Imo and Ebonyi state, Hope Uzodimma and Francis Nwifuru respectively are the Co chairman. most importantly, Gov Hope Uzodimma is the Chairman of Election Management for November 8th, Anambra Guber Election

 In obedience to the doctor’s advice, I will not be able to meet up with all my scheduled engagements within and outside the country- Peter Obi  The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has announced that he will be taking a brief break from public engagements following medical advice. Obi made the disclosure on his official X handle on Saturday, explaining that he had not been feeling well while attending an event in Enugu. “In obedience to the doctor’s advice, I will not be able to meet up with all my scheduled engagements within and outside the country this weekend. I sincerely apologise for any inconveniences this might cause and humbly plead for understanding,”  The former Anambra State governor also highlighted his recent activities, including attending a tourism event in Enugu and visiting Good Hope Specialist Hospital, Isulo, in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State.

 Until the structural problems in Nigeria are addressed, the dream of an Igbo presidency will remain far away- Bar Ifeanyi Ejiofor Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor, a well-known lawyer and human rights defender, has spoken strongly about the continued political and structural challenges faced by the Igbo people in Nigeria. He said that the dream of an Igbo person becoming president is almost impossible, comparing it to “an elephant trying to pass through the eye of a needle.” In his interview with The Sun, Ejiofor explained that the Igbo have been systematically excluded from national leadership positions for decades. According to him, this exclusion has left many Igbo people frustrated and feeling alienated from the system. “The pattern of exclusion is clear, National leadership roles are set up in a way that sidelines the South-East, and that has created anger and hopelessness among our people.” He said the Nigerian Civil War may have officially ended in 1970, but its effects are still shaping...

 Internet Blackout in Zamfara North, Residents Appeal To NCC For Urgent Intervention The people of Zamfara North Senatorial District are passionately appealing to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for urgent intervention as the area has been completely cut-off from internet services. The zone has been without the services of major telecom service providers for over three months and no official reason has been given to subscribers. The appeal by the residents contained in an open letter to NCC Chief Executive, said the disturbing situation has plunged the zone, comprising Birnin Magaji, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, and Zurmi local government areas with a combined population of over 1.78 million into digital darkness. They said people of the zone are counting on his timely and decisive action to safeguard the future, restore trust, and uphold the NCC’s mandate as a true regulator for the people. The statement added that the situation has deprived talented and innovative youths ...

 Burgersfort Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Raping Schoolgirl On Wednesday, 3 September 2025, the Burgersfort Regional Court sentenced 28-year-old Makofane Matala Tolerate to 17 years in prison for raping a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The court also ordered his name to be added to the Child Sexual Offences Register. The incident occurred on 15 May 2024, around 17:00, near Ikhwezi village in the Burgersfort policing area. The victim, unable to board her regular scholar transport due to it being full, accepted a ride from Tolerate, who operated as another school transport driver. After she entered his vehicle, Tolerate made inappropriate advances. Despite her protests, he drove to a secluded area, locked the doors, and raped her. When she resisted, he strangled her, forcing her to submit out of fear for her life. Afterward, he drove her home. The victim disclosed the assault to her sister on 16 May 2024, who informed their mother. The following day, her parents took her to Dilokong Thuthu...

 Airstrikes on Al-Shabaab training camp in Somalia kill 12 terrorists Forces of the Horn of Africa nation of Somalia, in collaboration with international partners, on Saturday carried out a planned operation on terrorists in the country’s central state of Galmudug, AA reported. The operation involving airstrikes killed 12 members of the terrorist group al-Shabaab, including senior ringleaders, while 13 sustained life-threatening injuries, said the Somalia National Intelligence and Security Agency in a statement. It said the strike targeted a facility where more than 400 terrorists “were getting ready” in the area of El-Dhiqo Weyne, located between the towns of El-lahelay and El-Garas in the Galguduud region. “Efforts are underway to pursue the remainder of the militants, who fled toward the district of Ceelbuur,” the statement said. Stepped up operations Since July, the Somali army, with the support of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and other international partners...

 ODODO GOVT DEPLOYS INFRASTRUCTURE TO CHECK FLOODING, EROSION IN KOGI 6th September, 2025     The Kogi State Government has intensified efforts to tackle flooding and erosion through new infrastructure projects across the state. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said in Lokoja on Saturday that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration is committed to sustainable solutions that ensure safety and improved living conditions. He noted that new drainage systems in Etahi, Omigbo and Olubojo (Ankpa LGA) are already reducing flood risks by efficiently channeling rainwater. Fanwo added that the government is also leveraging the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to strengthen flood control and reclaim degraded land. According to him, the initiatives reflect the governor’s vision of building resilient communities and proactively preventing ecological disasters. More photos below. 

 Over 21,000 Kaduna Residents Gain Access To Clean Water As State Commissions Rural Projects More than 21,000 residents of rural communities in Kaduna State now have improved access to safe drinking water, following the commissioning of new solar-powered and hand pump boreholes across Giwa and Kudan Local Government Areas. The projects, executed by the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), form part of Governor Uba Sani’s broader rural development agenda. RUWASA’s Director General, Engr. Mubarak Shehu Ladan, who inaugurated the facilities, said the intervention was designed to tackle acute water shortages and improve community health. “Water is a basic necessity of life. These projects are about more than infrastructure—they are about health, productivity, and dignity for our rural people,” he said. The installations include solar-powered boreholes in Tudun Wada (Shika Ward, Giwa LGA) and at Hunkuyi General Hospital, as well as hand pump boreholes in Ungwa...

 SECURITY INFORMATION IN ANAMBRA ON RIVAL CULT ATTACKS: POLICE STEP UP PATROLS AND SURVEILLANCE IN THE STATE Following credible intelligence about a planned cult rivalry clash especially in Awka, Police Operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugwu-Ukwu, have intensified patrols and surveillance to forestall any breakdown of law and order. The Command has also activated necessary non-kinetic approaches in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Anti-Cultism and the State Coordinator of Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), to ensure a coordinated strategy in tackling cultism and its associated crimes. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, reassures residents of the Command’s readiness to respond swiftly to any threat to public safety. He urges parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against involvement in cult activities, while also encouraging the public t...

Nasir El-Rufai Urges South-East Nigerians, Especially Women, to Prioritize Voter Registration Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on residents of Nigeria’s South-East region, particularly women, to actively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Speaking at an event in Imo State on Saturday, El-Rufai emphasized the importance of voter registration as a civic duty essential for democratic participation. Addressing the audience, El-Rufai highlighted the South-East’s lag in voter registration compared to other regions of Nigeria. “Looking at the numbers of the continuous voter registry in Nigeria in the last two weeks, the South East, including Imo State, of course, are lagging behind the rest of Nigeria,” he stated. He specifically urged Igbo mothers, sisters, and daughters to lead efforts in encouraging eligible voters, particularly those aged 16 and above who will be 18 by the next election, to register. “Because the governance of ...

 Nigerian Army Debunks False Recruitment Claims, Warns Against Fraudsters The Nigerian Army has refuted social media reports claiming it is recruiting applicants for the 90th Regular Intake, labeling the advertisements as false and misleading. In a statement issued on Saturday by Captain AU Hammanga, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations Directorate of Recruitment, the Army urged the public to disregard the viral recruitment notices entirely. Captain Hammanga emphasized that the Nigerian Army has not announced any ongoing recruitment and advised applicants to await official announcements through verified channels. “The Nigerian Army maintains a clean and clear website for all recruitment-related information,” the statement read, urging prospective applicants to rely only on credible sources to avoid falling victim to scams. The Army also issued a stern warning to fraudsters exploiting the fake recruitment advertisements, stating they should desist or face consequences....

 Police promise adequate security for Nigeria/Rwanda World Cup Qualifiers The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, has assured football fans and visitors of adequate security during the World Cup Qualifiers between Nigeria and Rwanda. Azare gave the assurance while addressing a news conference on Thursday in Uyo. The match is slated for September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo at 5 p.m. Azare said that the police were fully prepared to host the match and ensure that it was hitch-free security-wise. “On Saturday, by God’s grace, we have an international match between Nigeria and Rwanda here in Akwa Ibom. “I want to inform you that our men are going to use their total strength in policing the game”, he said. The CP guaranteed the safety of all visitors coming in and going out of the state during and after the match, assuring it would be peaceful. Azare, however, warned hoodlums who might be planning to foment trouble to steer clear of the state, sa...

 Six dead and up to 20 trapped in Sudan gold mine collapse Six people have been killed and up to 20 others are feared trapped after a gold mine collapsed in northern Sudan, authorities said on Saturday. The accident occurred on Friday in the Um Aud area, west of the city of Berber in River Nile state, said Hassan Ibrahim Karar, executive director of the Berber locality. "Efforts are ongoing to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble," Karar said, without specifying the cause of the collapse of the artisanal mine.

 Gbajabiamila hails military, unveils 1,200-seater auditorium at Lagos Army Barracks The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila on Friday inaugurated a 1,200-capacity auditorium he facilitated at Abalti Army Barracks, Surulere, Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that, the auditorium, named Bola Tinubu Hall, is one the projects facilitated by the Chief of Staff at the barracks. At the inauguration, Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the military deserved better recognition and dividends of democracy even when they do not ask like the electorate. He said, “The military has done so well in stabilising this country and this democracy. “And that is why when you talk about dividends of democracy, normally it is the civilians, our people, our electorate that talk about and ask for dividends of democracy. “But you guys don’t ask for it. It is given to you naturally because we understand the role you play in Nigeria. “If you are...

 Tinubu kicked against Obasanjo’s fuel tax policy in 2003 — Rufai Oseni A prominent Nigerian journalist, Rufai Oseni, has reignited debate over President Bola Tinubu’s past and present stances on fuel taxation. Rufai Oseni, in a post on Friday, highlighted an apparent contradiction between Tinubu’s opposition to a 2003 fuel tax proposal under President Olusegun Obasanjo and former’s recent introduction of a 5% fuel surcharge in 2025. Oseni’s remarks, posted on his verified X handle, have fueled criticism from opposition figures and civil society, who accuse Tinubu of imposing the same economic burdens he once opposed. “The same President Tinubu that said he will challenge the legality of fuel tax under Obasanjo now wants to give us fuel tax in Nigeria!” Oseni wrote. The same President Tinubu that said he will challenge the legality of fuel tax under Obasanjo now wants to give us fuel tax in Nigeria! pic.twitter.com/KMRT8MTJqT In 2003, as governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu vocally...

 I prefer Atiku to Wike as president – Tambuwal A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has declared that he would rather support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar than Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to become the country’s leader. Speaking during a current affairs programme, Politics Today, on Channels Television, on Friday, Tambuwal, who also served as Governor of Sokoto State, clarified that his political choices have always been based on principles and national interest, not personal grudges. “You have never heard me taking on Tinubu on personal grounds, and you have never heard me attacking Wike personally. “Our disagreements are purely based on principle and the direction in which the country is heading,” he said. Tambuwal is a bigwig in the Peoples Democratic Party. In the build-up to the 2023 general election, Atiku defeated Wike in the party’s primary, a development that led to a major crack in the party, leading the no...