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 Ballon d'Or  2025 KOPA TROPHY Lamine Yamal Wins 2025 Kopa Trophy. The 18-year-old Spanish wonderboy becomes the first to win back-to-back titles! ✨🇪🇸

 48 Rustled Cows Recovered In Yobe State  The Yobe State Government Standing Committee on Recovery of Rustled Cattle and other Livestock has announced the recovery of 48 stranded cows without a trace of a the owner.  The cows were found  between Mafa and Sassawa general area of Tarmuwa and Damaturu LGAs respectively on Friday, 19th September 2025. A statement by the Special Adviser Security  Matters and  Chairman  Standing committee  on Recorey of Rustled cattle and other livestock Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd) says. A combined team of operatives from the Nigerian Army and Hunters Group on operation in the area, recovered the stranded cows. It therefore calls on the owner(s) to come forward with proof of ownership to claim their livestock.

Four People Confirmed  Dead Following an Accident in Yobe State  The incident according to a statement by the PPRO  Yobe state police command  SP Dungus Abdukarim involved an 18-seater bus colliding with a trailer in Zangon Kanwa, Karasuwa local government. More photos below. 

 INEC RELEASES FINAL VOTERS LIST; CLEARS 17 POLITICAL PARTIES FOR FEBRUARY 21ST 2026 FCT COUNCILS POLLS, INEC has published the final list of candidates for the February 21, 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council Elections, confirming that 17 political parties were cleared to contest. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement. The Commission notes that the publication of the final list of candidates followed the expiration of the window for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.

 Alleged N3.1b Fraud:  Suswan' s Trial Stalled for Failure to Commence Defence The trial of former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswan before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja was on Monday, September 22, 2025 stalled due to defendant’s inability to commence his defence. Suswan, alongside his then Commissioner of Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on amended 11-count charges for allegedly diverting N3.1 billion, being part of proceeds from the sale of the Benue State shares, held on its behalf by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, through  Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited. Justice Lifu had on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 dismissed a no-case submission made by Suswan on the matter, ordering him to commence his defence. Rather than commence his defence at Monday's proceedings, Suswan,  through his counsel, J.B Daudu, SAN, asked...

 Poor Parenting Driving Youths’ Involvement in Financial Crimes, Olukoyede   The Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has attributed youths’ involvement in economic and financial crimes to parenting failures and neglect by members of the family unit. He made the observation in Kaduna on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, while speaking on “Family Neglect and Youth Involvement in Economic Offences."   Speaking through the Acting Director of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, he stated that “Family neglect impacts dire consequences on the lives of young people, including increased exposure and vulnerability to financial and economic crimes. By addressing the root causes of family neglect and providing support services, education and job opportunities, we will be working towards reducing youth involvement in econom...

  President Tinubu on Monday evening received Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, behind closed doors. Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, days after his reinstatement. The governor, who arrived at the State House on Monday evening at about 6:25 p.m., was received by senior aides before proceeding to the President’s office for a closed-door meeting. This is his first visit to the Villa since President Tinubu, in a statement on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, lifted the six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers State. The emergency arrangement had installed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), as sole administrator. President Tinubu’s directive restored democratic structures in the state, asking Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule to return to their offices from Thursday, September 18, 20...

 3rd term: Bugaje counters Obasanjo, says money, threats were used Dr. Usman Bugaje, a Political activist and former federal lawmaker, has contradicted former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s denial of seeking a third term in office. Obasanjo, while speaking at a democracy dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Ghana last week, had dismissed the issue. He added that he could have gotten it if he wanted to. “I’m not a fool. If I wanted a third term, I know how to go about it. And there is no Nigerian dead or alive that would say I called him and told him I wanted a third term,” the former president said during the event. However, Bugaje, appearing on Arise Television, maintained that Obasanjo did everything within his power to extend his stay. The former NASS member during Obasanjo’s administration, said his colleagues then had direct knowledge of the extension plot. “I can confirm to you that Obasanjo looked for a third term. He did everything that he could within his ...

 Hundreds of Women Rally in Abuja for Special Seats Bill to Boost Female Representation Hundreds of women took to the streets of Nigeria’s capital on Monday, demanding the passage of the “Special Seats Bill” to create women-only seats in the Senate and House of Representatives. The proposed legislation aims to address Nigeria’s stark gender imbalance in politics by adding one women-only seat for both chambers in each of the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, requiring a constitutional amendment. The demonstration, which organizer Dorothy Njemanze estimated drew over 1,000 participants, saw women’s groups from across Nigeria converge in a vibrant caravan of buses, vans, and a truck blasting Afrobeats music through Abuja’s boulevards. The protest culminated with the delivery of signatures supporting the bill to a House committee on constitutional reform. “We want the legislature to work for women,” Njemanze told reporters, highlighting the need for systemic change...

 CAPACITY BUILDING: NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, SOCIETY FOR PEACE STUDIES AND PRACTICE HOLD EXECUTIVE WORKSHOP FOR POLICE STRATEGIC OFFICERS - AS IGP CALLS FOR TRANSFORMED MINDSET TOWARDS EFFECTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION The Nigeria Police Force, in partnership with the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), today, 22nd September 2025, held a-day Executive Capacity Building Workshop for the top leadership of the Force at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja. The workshop themed “Managing Fast-Paced Security Challenges in a Protracted Conflict Environment”, brought together the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, other senior Police Officers, SPSP leadership including Founder, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert, FSPSP, President Mr. Nathaniel Awuapiala, FSPSP, and Board Chairman Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, FSPSP, alongside other distinguished members. The workshop was designed to further strengthen the capacity of senior officers in conflict ...

 Badagry General Hospital’s Lagos Medical School Director, Dr. Oladapo, Dies The Director of the Lagos State School of Anaesthetic Studies at Badagry General Hospital, Dr. O. O. Oladapo, has passed away. The news of his death was shared in a Facebook post.  Tributes have since poured in for the late medical expert, with many describing him as a remarkable individual who touched countless lives through his dedication, compassion, and leadership. Colleagues and residents noted that his selflessness, kindness, and professional excellence would be deeply missed, adding that “Badagry will surely miss him.”

 22nd September 2025 PRESS RELEASE  DELTA SECURITY: DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS FOUR SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVERS ONE AK-47 RIFLE, VICTIM’S VEHICLE AND THEIR OPERATIONAL VEHICLE ARREST OF NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBERY SYNDICATE  RECOVERY OF ONE  AK-47 RIFLE 1. ARREST OF A SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER/ ARMED ROBBER AND RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE. Acting on intelligence, on 12th September 2025, a team led by the DPO Ekpan, CSP Labe Joseph, arrested two suspects: Elvis Ebroghro (male, aged 36) and Abiola Adegore (male, aged 34), both residents of Ometan. Preliminary findings indicate that on 11 September 2025, a community security guard, Abdullahi Mohammed (male), sighted the duo attempting to steal a vehicle battery. When he challenged them, the suspects allegedly threatened to kill him if he reported the incident. Following Elvis Ebroghro's confessional statement, operatives intensified their operations, leading to the arrest of another key suspect, Lucky Ebroghro. During ...

 FOUR DEATHS TOO MANY Odunbaku Bacculala It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on the painful reality before us. Just on the 27th of July, 2025, we joyfully witnessed the inauguration of newly elected Council Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councillors across Lagos State.  Sadly, in less than two months, the cold hands of death have taken away four of these vibrant leaders, all women, all dedicated to service. 1. Hon. Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor, Ward C, Ibeju-Lekki, passed on 13th August, 2025 (just 17 days after inauguration). 2. Hon. Zainab Shotayo, Councillor, Ward C (Chief Whip), Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, passed on 18th August, 2025 (22 days after inauguration). 3. Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose, Vice Chairman, Badagry West LCDA, passed on 20th September, 2025 (55 days after inauguration). 4. Hon. Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan, Councillor, Ward F, Shomolu, passed on 21st September, 2025 (56 days after inauguration). There are moments when words are too frail to carry the weight ...

 Otedola to DAPPMAN: Your business model outdated, Dangote transforming petroleum sector Nigeria’s billionaire businessman, Mr Femi Otedola, yesterday waded into the ongoing fuel supply disagreement between the Dangote Refinery and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), advising the association to innovate or perish. The philanthropist stressed that he had followed the debate around the fuel supply issues between both parties recently, the billionaire entrepreneur noted that he felt compelled to provide some perspective, especially as it relates to the future of the country. In a statement on recent issues in the oil and gas sector, especially in the downstream, Otedola also congratulated Aliko Dangote on the success achieved so far since his refinery commenced operations, describing it as a historic leap for Nigeria’s energy independence and economic future. Otedola posited that Nigeria remains threatened by entrenched cabals who still believe...

 Botswana claims gold in men's 4x400m in Tokyo When US anchor leg runner #Rai_Benjamin🇺🇸, the 400m hurdles champion, carried a two-metre lead into the final straight it, seemed as if the USA – despite what looked like a catastrophic start to this competition in the previous day’s heats – were set for another visit to the top of the podium. Behind him, 🥉#South_Africa🇿🇦 – winners at the World Athletics Relays – and Olympic silver medallists Botswana appeared to be contesting silver. And when #Zakithi_Nene🇿🇦, added to the team having finished fifth in the individual final, came on strong on the outside, it looked as if South Africa 🇿🇦 would win that contest and perhaps even put final pressure on Benjamin🇺🇸. But there was one final twist remaining on a track glistening with rain under the aptly named floodlights as the slight figure of #Collen_Kebinatshipi 🇧🇼somehow floated through the middle of his two challengers, just as he had in winning the individual 400m title, to b...

 End Of An Era: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Passes the Baton for the last time Jamaican sprint legend, ten-time world champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has officially drawn the curtain on her illustrious career. The 38-year-old confirmed that the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, marked her final appearance on the global stage, bringing an end to nearly two decades of dominance in women’s sprinting. In her farewell campaign, Fraser-Pryce reached the 100m final, finishing sixth in 11.03 seconds.  She had earlier placed second in her heat (11.09) and maintained the same position in the semifinals with 11.00 seconds. She also anchored Team Jamaica’s 4x100m relay squad, delivering a flawless opening leg that helped secure the silver medal. Reflecting on her decision, the sprint queen said “My son needs me. My husband Jason and I have been together since before I won in Beijing 2008. He has sacrificed so much for me. We’re a partnership, a team. A...

 Trump hails Charlie Kirk as ‘Martyr for American freedom’ at memorial At the memorial event for slain US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday, President Donald Trump and his supporters celebrated the 31-year-old’s life with language steeped in religious fervour. “He’s a martyr now for American freedom,” Trump declared of Kirk, who was killed on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, at a Utah university campus. Trump was the final speaker to address nearly 65,000 people at the gathering, held in a stadium in Arizona, where mourners travelled from far and wide to pay their respects. “I look at him as a Christ martyr, definitely,” said Monica Mirelez, a 44-year-old nurse who drove more than 12 hours from Texas to attend. She said she had watched Kirk’s videos on Instagram every day. “He was a perfect example of what we should be doing as Christians, we should be bold and speak up,” she added. “It’s so sad that he was silenced like this. It feels like losing a brother.” The crowd was ado...

 French media giant Canal+ takes control of South Africa’s MultiChoice French media powerhouse Canal+ on Monday confirmed it has taken effective control of South African television and streaming company MultiChoice, creating a combined group with a presence in nearly 70 countries across Africa, Europe and Asia. In a joint statement, the companies announced that the new entity will employ 17,000 staff and serve over 40 million subscribers worldwide. Describing the acquisition as “the largest transaction ever undertaken” by Canal+, the company said the deal cements its dominance in French-speaking Africa while giving it control of what it called the leading broadcaster in English- and Portuguese-speaking parts of the continent. “This acquisition allows us to strengthen our position as a leader in Africa, one of the most dynamic pay-TV markets in the world,” said Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada. The buyout received final approval from South Africa’s competition authority in late J...

  Rotimi Amaechi celebrates son’s traditional marriage Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, celebrated the traditional marriage of his son, Chikamkpa Amaechi, to Anita. In a post on X, Amaechi described the event as “a beautiful ceremony,” thanking family, friends, and well-wishers who attended. “It was a beautiful ceremony. I’m thankful to all who showed up to celebrate with us. Proud father, now father-in-law. “P/S: My son, Chikamkpa Amaechi, and Anita’s traditional marriage ceremony,” he wrote. More photos below. 

 Gov. Eno Declares Tuesday, Sept.23rd  Work-Free Day to Celebrate Akwa Ibom at 38 Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo  Eno, PhD, has declared Tuesday, September 23, 2025, a work-free day to mark the 38th Anniversary of the creation of the State. According to a statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the holiday will be observed across government offices and other public institutions in the State. The Governor, while felicitating with citizens and residents, wished them joyful and peaceful celebrations as the State marks another milestone in its history. @ Ministry of Information,  AKS /22/9/25

 U.S HAPPY TO PARTNER NIGERIA IN NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP EMPOWERMENT   The United States says it is proud to partner with Nigeria in empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators and change-makers. Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja,  Brian Neubert stated this at the 2025 Education USA annual College Fair holding in Abuja, stressing that the Embassy's Education USA team offers free counselling services to help prospective students navigate the application process. He urged those to be found eligible for student visa, to responsibly maintain their student visa status by complying with all regulations in order to make most of their time in the United States, and bring back their cherished experiences in developing Nigeria.  With the Theme: Empowering Future, Discover American Excellence In Education And Innovation, the Fair had representatives from 28 American colleges and universities in attendance, with over one thousand Nigerian st...

 Shehu Sani Calls For Change Of LG ‘Chairman’ Title to ‘Mayor’ Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has appealed to the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to replace the designation of Local Government “Chairman” with the title “Mayor.” Sani, in a Facebook post on Sunday, argued that the term “Chairman” is more suited to a committee role than an executive office, stressing that it diminishes the importance of local governments as the country’s third tier of governance. “The title of Local Government ‘Chairman’ should be changed to ‘Mayor.’ The current nomenclature doesn’t capture the executive nature of the position and makes little sense,” he wrote. According to him, adopting the title “Mayor,” as practised in many democracies, would elevate the dignity of the office and bring Nigeria’s local government system closer to international standards. His call comes amid renewed debates across the country over local government autonomy, funding, and effectiveness. Th...

 Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road Project To Cost N761bn - FG The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revealed that the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway will cost N761 billion upon completion. Speaking during an inspection tour on Saturday, Umahi said President Bola Tinubu had already been briefed on the project timeline, adding that all three sections of the road are expected to be completed within 14 months. “For sections 1 and 3, covering a total of 118 kilometers at a cost of N252 billion, the President has already released 30 percent, which is about N60 billion,” he explained. On Section 2, Umahi noted that it spans about 72 kilometers, with 15 kilometers built on flexible pavement. “This section costs N507 billion, and 30 percent — over N150 billion — has also been paid,” he added. According to the minister, the combined cost of the project stands at N761 billion. He commended President Tinubu for prioritizing the road, describing it as a courageous investmen...

 LASG MANDATES REFLECTIVE JACKETS FOR COURIER RIDERS FOR NIGHT DELIVERIES … As GLOVO Set To Distribute 3,000 Free Jackets to Its Riders … Other Operators Urged To Comply In line with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing the risks of accidents involving dispatch riders, the Ministry of Transportation has announced the compulsory use of reflective jackets and visibility tapes by all courier and delivery service providers operating within the state during evening and nighttime hours. According to a statement, issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport Education and Innovation, Mr. Oluwatobi Idowu, on the directive of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa, all riders operating between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. must wear reflective jackets, while all delivery motorcycles and bicycles must be fitted with reflective tapes or markers to ensure clear visibility on the road. The statement also enjoined delive...

 BENUE: APC CHIEFTAIN HON.EJEH UDEH ASSASSINATED IN OTUKPO 22nd September, 2025  The Idoma nation is in mourning following the assassination of Hon. Ejeh Udeh, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was gunned down in the early hours of Monday. The tragic incident occurred shortly after midnight at his residence in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Eyewitnesses reported that armed men, arriving on motorcycles, laid an ambush and shot him at close range as he entered his compound. His remains have since been taken to the Otukpo morgue. Hon. Udeh, said to be the brother of a former local government chairman, was a respected political figure and a familiar face in the Idoma political landscape. His untimely death has thrown Ugboju and the wider Otukpo community into shock and grief, with residents describing the assassination as a devastating blow to the people. By Udoh Idoko

 Alleged cybercrime case against Senator Natasha stalled, adjourned to Oct 20 The trial against the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over alleged cybercrime before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was stalled following an objection raised by the defendant. Akpoti-Uduaghan had been arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She was granted bail, following which Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned till September 22 for the commencement of the trial. But at the resumed hearing, counsel for the prosecution, David Kaswe, who had a Television mounted, told the court that they were ready to proceed with the trial, and the first witness was already present in court. Responding, counsel for the defendant, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), expressed concern about the possibility of the prosecution opening its case. He added that his client had filed a notice of prelim...

  EL-RUFAI’S FALSEHOOD: PRESIDENT TINUBU IS A DEMOCRAT, NOT A LIFE PRESIDENT The attention of the Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a mischievous and reckless statement credited to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is plotting a “life presidency.” Ordinarily, such careless talk would be ignored, but for the purpose of clarity and truth, we respond as follows:  President Tinubu is a lifelong democrat. His political journey is rooted in the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s when he stood shoulder to shoulder with other patriots in NADECO, risking his freedom and safety to end military dictatorship. To now suggest that the same man who resisted tyranny is scheming to perpetuate himself in office is both laughable and shameful.  Tinubu has consistently defended constitutionalism. At no time in his long public service record has he ever supported tenure elongation. On the...

 Igbos are Not Victimised Or Treated As Second Class Citizens In Lagos - APC(Lagos Chapter) The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations that Igbos and other ethnic groups are being victimised or treated as second class citizens in the state. Speaking in an interview with DAILY INDEPENDENT on Sunday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, described such claims as baseless blackmail being promoted by politicians who lost elections and are looking for scapegoats. Oladejo insisted that Lagos has always provided a level playing field for all Nigerians regardless of their ethnic origin, adding that the successes recorded by Igbos and other nationalities in the state are clear evidence of its accommodating nature. He said:  “That’s cheap blackmail. Lagos has always been and remains the most accommodating state in Nigeria. No one is treated as a second class citizen here. The Igbos and other ethnic groups thrive in Lagos beca...

 Ukachukwu Support group plans to sue Soludo's aide, Mazi Ejimofor for false accusations and defamation over the 1billion Naira debt allegations  Pressure group within the All Progressives Congress, APC Digital Force has clarified a recent video of governorship candidates of the party, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, being harassed by some people over allegation N1 billion indebtedness. The group in a press release signed by its Team Leader, Ikeagwuonwu Chinedu Klinsmann, said the legal team of the candidate may sue media aides of Anambra State Governor, Dr Ejimofor Opara and others for circulating the video and making the accusation. The video which trended on social media early last week saw some people accusing Ukachukwu of indebtedness while blocking him from entering his car in a hotel in Abuja. The video was circulated widely by most aides of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. But in a press release, Ikeagwuonwu said:  “Ndi Anambra knows Governor Soludo’s style of politics, more ...

 I cannot and will not step down for anyone. No candidate in this election represents the people of Anambra like I do.I have no intention of stepping down or collaborating with anyone whose standards and principles do not align with mine- Chioma Ifemeludike ( AAC Governorship candidate) The African Action Congress (AAC) candidate in the forthcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election on November 8, 2025, Comrade Chioma Ifemeludike, has denied reports claiming she has withdrawn from the race. According to the Nigerian Tribune, Ifemeludike dismissed the speculation circulating in some quarters that she had stepped down. Speaking to journalists shortly after unveiling her football tournament, tagged the “Chioma 4 Governor Tournament 2025” for Anambra youth, held at Saint Faith Anglican Church Field in Awka on Saturday, Ifemeludike stated that she remains very much in the race. She described the alleged withdrawal as fake news orchestrated by individuals who do not want the state to p...