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 Bandits Kill Resident, Abduct Nine In Chikun Community Suspected bandits have killed a resident and abducted nine people, including his wife and two children, in Babban Saura (PW) community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday when the assailants invaded three houses in the community. A community source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the attackers first stormed the home of an elderly man and abducted two of his children. The source said the assailants later moved to the residence of a man identified as Sikiru, broke through the fence and gained entry into the compound. According to the source, Sikiru confronted the attackers after they entered his parlour, resulting in a struggle between him and some of the assailants. He was eventually shot dead, after which the attackers abducted his wife and two children. The bandits also reportedly invaded a neighbouring house, where they abducted a woman ident...

Messi to receive honorary doctorate from Argentine university The University of Buenos Aires has announced that it will award Argentina captain Lionel Messi an honorary doctorate for his professional career and contribution to the country. According to a statement posted on its website on Wednesday, the university’s Higher Council unanimously approved the decision, with the honorary degree scheduled to be presented to Messi on Tuesday, October 6, before Argentina’s farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium. The university said the honour was its highest honorary degree and recognised Messi’s career, describing him as an example of “excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical practice” as well as a figure committed to representing Argentina. According to the university, Messi will be recognised for leading the Argentine national team to major international titles, including the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América. The university...

 Patient dies after ambulance stopped for governor’s convoy to pass in India A critically ill patient died after the ambulance conveying him was stopped by police to allow the convoy of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to pass through Silchar, India. The patient, identified as 42-year-old Rasaraj Chakraborty from Sribhumi district, died at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital on Thursday morning after being taken there for treatment. India Today NE reported on Thursday that the ambulance carrying Chakraborty was stopped at the Ramnagar ISBT point in Silchar on Wednesday as police cleared the road for Sarma’s convoy. According to the report, Chakraborty had been brought from Sribhumi to Silchar for advanced treatment after his condition became critical due to a liver-related ailment. Footage showing the ambulance waiting while the Chief Minister’s convoy passed through the area later circulated on social media, drawing public criticism. NDTV reported that four police per...

 Music producer arrested after being accused of exposing artist to HIV A New Orleans music producer was arrested on a count of intentional exposure to HIV after he allegedly infected a bounce artist whose albums he had produced. According to NOLA, Mykel “MykelOnTheBeat” Cook, 33, was booked into Orleans Justice Center on Sept. 18, court records show. Initially, he was held without bond pending a Gwen’s Law hearing. Magistrate Commissioner Joyce Sallah set Cook’s bond at $250,000 and issued a domestic protective order for the victim. Cook has since been released on bond. He also has domestic violence convictions dating back to 2021 and 2023 in St. Charles and Jefferson parishes, respectively. The artist, Jayvonda Bazile, 38, who performs as BOG Vonnie, asked NOLA.com to identify her publicly. She told the outlet that she decided to speak because she wants people in the music community to take HIV testing seriously and believes others could potentially have been exposed. According to...

 Corps members, driver, and other passengers kidnapped while travelling. An unspecified number of travellers have been kidnapped on Nigeria's independence day. According to reports, at least 2 commercial buses were affected. The passengers and drivers were reportedly taken away by armed kidnappers. According to an eyewitness report, the incident happened along the Onitsha–Owerri Road in Imo State.  Other vehicles travelling along the road were also reportedly affected, with passengers in some of the vehicles allegedly taken away by the kidnappers.  The exact number of people kidnapped is not yet clear. A video shared online shows loved ones stating that some of those kidnapped are corps members who left with Uko Akwa Ibom Motors from Ibadan to travel to the places they were posted to in various states in the south-east and south-south zones.  The passengers boarded a bus at Samonda, Ibadan, with the aim of travelling to orientation camps in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Imo, and...

 CRITICISMS OF WASTE MANAGEMENT, FLASH FLOOD PREVENTION MEASURES, MISLEADING - LASG Lagos State Government on Tuesday described as misleading criticisms that the state has no plans for waste management beyond clearing refuse after it accumulates and that flooding issues are being ignored. Responding to erroneous assertions on the State's waste management measures and flash flooding issues by a governorship candidate in the 2027 elections during a recent popular TV programme, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, asserted that it is vital to distinguish between identifying challenges and acknowledging the concrete efforts being made to address them. “Beyond emergency interventions, Lagos is investing in Modern Transfer Loading Stations, Material Recovery Facilities, recycling, composting and the Epe waste-to-energy project. The objective is to transition from decades of pick-and-dump practices to a sustainable system where waste becomes a resource for ...

 GOV. SANWO-OLU, DEPUTY GOV. HAMZAT, OTHERS AT INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE, HELD AT MOBOLAJI JOHNSON SPORTS ARENA, ONIKAN ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026   Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a motorcade during the Independence Day Parade at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan, on Thursday, October 1, 2026. l-r: Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Opeluwa of Lagos, High Chief Yusuf Aderibigbe; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy and APC Governorship candidate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; APC Lagos chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro; a dignitary and Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu during the Independence Day Parade at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan, on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu observing the march past of members of the Boys Scout of Nigeria (BSN) and Nigerian Girl Guides during the Independence Day Parade...

 KEBBI APC REINSTATES KANA-ZURU AS STATE CHAIRMAN The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kebbi State has reinstated its State Chairman, Abubakar Muhammad Kana-Zuru, three months after his suspension. A statement by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Isah Abubakar Assalafi indicates the State Working Committee, SWC, reviewed the circumstances surrounding the suspension at its meeting on October 1 and resolved to revoke it with immediate effect. Kana-Zuru was suspended by the SWC on June 20, 2026. It adds that the party also terminated the interim arrangement under which Adamu Mudi Augie served as Acting State Chairman, directing him to resume his substantive position as Deputy State Chairman. The APC said Kana-Zuru is to immediately resume the full functions and responsibilities of State Chairman.

 OPHK TROOPS RECORD MAJOR INDEPENDENCE DAY OPERATIONAL SUCCESSES IN SECTOR 4…Neutralise Terrorists, Recover Arms In a series of decisive operational encounters executed between 30 September and 1 October 2026, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), recorded significant tactical breakthroughs across Sector 4 Area of Operations in Adamawa State. The coordinated engagements comprising a lethal ground ambush, a precision air strike, and successful defensive counter-operations culminated in the neutralisation of multiple terrorists, the recovery of an assortment of arms and ammunition, and the frustration of hostile incursions. The operational momentum commenced in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, where troops conducted a well-coordinated ambush against a terrorist enclave. The swift tactical action resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists. A subsequent exploitation of the engagement site led to the recovery of three AK-47 r...

 OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA TROOPS RESCUE ABDUCTED WOMEN IN KATSINA, RECOVER RUSTLED LIVESTOCK IN SOKOTO Troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA In separate swift and decisive operations driven by intelligence and local support,  have successfully rescued 5 abducted women in Katsina State and repelled a terrorist attack while recovering rustled livestock in Sokoto State. In Katsina State, troops  acted on timely information indicating the movement of terrorists around the Madaci Forest area of Sabuwa Local Government Area. The troops rapidly mobilized and intercepted the criminals through effective tactical maneuvers. The decisive action caused confusion in the enemy camp, leading to the safe rescue of five female victims,including a mother and her infant, alongside three other minors and young adults, all originally from Danja and Funtua LGAs. The rescued individuals have been safely handed over to the Chairman of Bakori LGA, Hon. Abubakar Musa, for reunification with thei...

 Witness Says Christa Pike Complained Her Arm Was “About to Burst Open” During Failed Execution Christa Pike reportedly described pain in her arm during Tennessee’s failed attempt to execute her on September 30, according to a journalist who witnessed the procedure. “My arm feels like it’s about to burst open,” Pike said, according to WKRN reporter Tori Gessner’s account, as reported by PEOPLE. Other witnesses described Pike questioning whether the burning sensation she was experiencing was normal. Pike, 50, survived the lethal injection attempt and was transported to an off-site medical facility. Her attorneys said officials administered two doses of the execution drug without causing her death. The failed procedure prompted Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to suspend executions for the remainder of 2026 and order an independent review into what happened. Pike had been sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, a 19-year-old fellow student at Knoxville’s Job Corps program. ...

 Kylie Kelce Apologizes to Kate Middleton After Podcast Invitation Sparks Royal Etiquette Correction Kylie Kelce is revisiting her invitation to Kate Middleton with an apology over how she addressed the royal. On the October 1 episode of *Not Gonna Lie*, Kelce said she had learned more about the Princess of Wales’s name and title and would adjust her language accordingly. “I apologize for the mistake,” she said, according to PEOPLE. Kelce said her intention was to address people respectfully. Her apology followed a September 24 invitation in which she called the royal “Princess Kate, Duchess of Cambridge.” The invitation began with Kelce praising Kate’s sporting skills during a visit to Scotland. Although the royal was playing shinty, Kelce enthusiastically connected her performance to her background in field hockey—a sport Kelce also loves. That shared interest inspired the podcast host to suggest a conversation about sports and raising children. “We’d love to have you, no pressur...

  Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee Halts Executions, Orders Review After Christa Pike’s Failed Lethal Injection Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has suspended executions for the remainder of 2026 and ordered an independent investigation after the state failed to execute Christa Pike on September 30. Pike, 50, was transported to a hospital after receiving two doses of a lethal injection drug, according to her attorneys. Officials have not established why the procedure failed. Lee announced a “comprehensive, third-party review to determine exactly what occurred,” according to reporting by PEOPLE. His decision pauses the state’s remaining scheduled execution this year. The Tennessee Department of Correction defended its handling of the procedure in a statement issued late Wednesday. The department said staff followed the execution protocol approved by the attorney general’s office. It also said the protocol did not authorize further procedures beyond those already performed, and confirmed that Pike had...

 Joy Behar Misses Live Episode of ‘The View’ After Dislocating Her Shoulder Joy Behar was absent from the October 1 broadcast of *The View* after dislocating her shoulder, leaving Sunny Hostin to lead Thursday’s discussion. Hostin explained the unexpected change at the opening of the show, according to Entertainment Weekly. She told viewers that Behar was recovering and would return soon, although no specific date was announced. Whoopi Goldberg was also away filming a movie, making Hostin’s appearance in the moderator’s chair an unusual change for the daytime panel. Former cohost Sherri Shepherd joined as a guest host—a visit that had already been scheduled. Behar, 83, has been a familiar presence on the ABC program since its debut in 1997. Her humor and outspoken commentary have made her one of its most recognizable personalities. This is not the first time an injury has interrupted her hosting duties. In November 2025, Behar missed several episodes after dropping an iPad on her f...

 California Governor Newsom Rejects Trump Renaming of AI with Executive Order California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order directing state agencies to continue using the terms "artificial intelligence" and "AI," directly mocking President Donald Trump's recent push to rename the technology "Super Intelligence." The executive order, signed on September 30, 2024, mandates that all departments and agencies under the governor's authority stick to the conventional industry terminology. The directive applies regardless of any rebranded terms introduced by the federal government, provided it remains consistent with existing laws. A Tongue-in-Cheek Declaration on Social Media Newsom highlighted the policy shift on social media, joking that he had permanently secured the term for his state. "I just signed an executive order permanently declaring Artificial Intelligence 'Artificial Intelligence' in California. You're wel...

 Nigeria Labour Congress Demands Fuel Price Cut and New Minimum Wage Negotiations The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong challenge to the federal government, demanding an immediate reduction in petrol prices and the prompt initiation of negotiations for a new national minimum wage to cushion workers against the rising cost of living. In an Independence Day address issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted that Nigerian workers are facing a severe survival crisis. Inflation has significantly eroded the purchasing power of wages, while skyrocketing fuel prices continue to drive up the cost of basic items, including food, transportation, housing, and school fees. A Systemic Assault on the Working Class The labour union strongly criticized the continuous increase in fuel prices, describing the hikes that started in May 2023 as a systematic assault on the working class. The NLC urged the federal government to explain how the savings fro...

 Tension in Benue as Hoodlums Kill NDC Ward Chairman Igbu Terhemen Tension is brewing in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, following the brutal murder of Igbu Terhemen, the ward chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the Fiidi Council Ward. A Tragic Discovery Near His Residence Terhemen was found dead and bound in a bushy area close to his home. According to sources close to the family, the deceased had left his residence to watch a local football match in the Kanshio suburb of Makurdi. When he failed to return home, his anxious family members and friends initiated a search party. The search ended in tragedy when his lifeless body was discovered around 2:00 AM near his residence, close to the NNPC Depot along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road. Investigators and witnesses noted a suspicious needle mark on his body, sparking fears that his attackers may have injected him with a lethal substance before abandoning him. Outrage and Calls for Justice The Benue State chapter of the Nige...

 Explosions heard in Ethiopia's capital as war waged in north Explosions were heard overnight in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, three diplomatic sources said on Thursday, adding to anxiety about the possible spread ‌of renewed conflict in the country's north. A source linked to the opposition alliance fighting government forces in northern Ethiopia since last week said the alliance had carried out several drone strikes in Addis Ababa, including some targeting the military's headquarters, Reuters reported. The sources, who gave scant details of the blasts, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. If confirmed, it would be the first known drone attack by anti-government forces on the Ethiopian capital, which is hundreds of kilometres from the front lines in the northern regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar.

 **Lauryn Hill Fans Are Still Waiting for a New Album—and at This Point, We Should Earn Loyalty Points** *Entertainment commentary* Waiting for another Lauryn Hill solo studio album has become a lifelong commitment. Some people collect stamps. Some run marathons. We refresh music news and whisper, “Maybe this year.” Hill released *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill* in 1998, delivering a debut so powerful that fans have spent nearly three decades asking for seconds. People who weren’t even born when it arrived now have jobs, mortgages, and opinions about air fryers. Meanwhile, the rest of us are still mentally standing outside the record store. To be fair, Hill hasn’t disappeared. She has performed, collaborated, and released the live project *MTV Unplugged No. 2.0*. But another solo studio album? That particular seat at the dinner table remains empty. Hill has also explained that creating meaningful music requires artistic freedom and an environment where she can work with integrity....

 Charles Kelley of Lady A diagnosed with rare blood cancer Charles Kelley, founding member and co-lead vocalist of country group Lady A, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. Kelley shared the news Tuesday in a video with his wife, Cassie McConnell Kelley, explaining that doctors discovered the cancer after he experienced several unexplained rib fractures and underwent a series of blood tests. Multiple myeloma develops when abnormal plasma cells build up in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. The condition can develop in the bone marrow and spread to other parts of the body. Despite his diagnosis, Kelley said he remains hopeful and feels healthy. He said treatments for the disease have advanced significantly in recent years and that he has spoken with a friend who is also living with multiple myeloma. Kelley said he plans to continue performing with Lady A, including upcoming shows and Christ...

 Parent arrested after toddler found with loaded gun at Michigan daycare     A parent has been arrested after a toddler was found with a loaded gun inside a daycare facility in Canton, Michigan. A teacher noticed the firearm Monday morning and immediately intervened. Police were called to the daycare, located just outside Detroit, and secured the weapon. No injuries were reported. The specific charges against the parent had not been announced. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said the parent is expected to be arraigned Thursday. Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy emphasized that firearm owners have a responsibility to safely secure their weapons, regardless of how busy their lives may be. The incident has renewed concerns about children gaining access to unsecured firearms. Guns are the leading cause of death among children in the United States.

 Casey Affleck says childhood friend Matt Damon was a 'show-off' when they were kids Casey Affleck said there was no doubt Matt Damon would make it in Hollywood, because as a kid he never let anyone forget it. During a masterclass at the Zurich Film Festival, the Oscar winner, whose older brother Ben was Damon's childhood best friend growing up in Cambridge, shared a lighthearted story about their school days and called Damon a bit of a show-off. He recalled that they all had the same great theater teacher in a big public school who made kids fall in love with acting, and Damon was the outgoing one who would do talent shows and stand out.  He said it was clear where Damon was headed while the rest of them were still trying to figure it out. Damon and Ben Affleck famously grew up blocks apart and chased Hollywood together, later writing and starring in 1997's Good Will Hunting which won them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Casey, just a few years younger, ...

 Charles Barkley 'disappointed' by LeBron James move to end career Charles Barkley admitted he was less than thrilled about where LeBron James decided to take his talents for the final chapter of his career.  This offseason James shocked the NBA world by announcing he was signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, right after the team traded for Jaylen Brown in exchange for Paul George to form one of the best starting fives in the league. The move came after the New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA Finals. Barkley, a Sixers legend, said in an interview with Casino.guru that he was surprised and disappointed by the move to Philly and was hoping James would go back to Cleveland to finish his career.  With James, 41, joining a core of Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe, Barkley said Philadelphia will probably be the favorite but has a lot of questions to answer.  Number one is health, noting LeBron hasn't played a full season in probably six years and Embi...

 Penn Badgley’s wife Domino Kirke-Badgley denies asking him to stop doing sex scenes Domino Kirke-Badgley says she is still getting DMs about her husband Penn Badgley's decision to step away from filming sex scenes.  Penn, 39, first shared on his podcast Podcrushed in February 2023 that he wanted to limit intimate scenes in Netflix's You, saying he questioned whether he wanted to stay on a path where he was always the romantic lead.  He added that fidelity in every relationship, especially in a marriage, is important to him, referring to his wife whom he married in February 2017. Weeks later he told GQ his comments were blown out of proportion, saying he was talking about the culture around filming those scenes and Hollywood's history of exploitation and abuse.  Kirke-Badgley, 42, a professional birth doula, said in an Instagram post Monday, Sept. 28 that three years later fans still message her and speculate about her role in the decision.  She said it was his ...

 Concerned Chikun Resident Writes LG Chairman, Demands Urgent Security Action Amid Repeated Kidnapping Reports A concerned resident of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Grace Ndi Bamaiyi, has called on the Chairman of the council, Hon. Engr. Salasi Nuhu Musa, to take urgent and concrete measures to support security efforts amid reported cases of kidnapping and attacks across communities in the area. Bamaiyi made the call in an open letter addressed to the chairman, in which she raised concerns over what she described as repeated attacks on communities including Maraban Rido and Bagado. According to her, about four families were reportedly kidnapped in Bagado, an area between Karji and Kamazou, two days before the publication of the letter. She further alleged that additional abductions were reported in Bagado and Maraban Rido the following day. Bamaiyi also referred to an earlier incident around Kujama, where, according to her, bandits reportedly blocked a highway in br...

 HOUSE OF REPS CALLS FOR RENEWED COMMITMENT, COLLECTIVE FAITH IN NIGERIA The House of Representatives has joined Nigerians at home and abroad in marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for renewed commitment and collective faith in the nation. In a statement by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and the possibilities that lie ahead. The statement describes Nigeria’s 66 years of independence as both a legacy to honour and a responsibility to uphold. It further adds that the House would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of legislation, oversight and representation, while working to strengthen institutions, advance the welfare and security of citizens, and uphold a democracy worthy of public trust.

 BORNO POLICE COMMAND  PRESS RELEASE  POLITICAL THUGGERY:  CLARIFICATION ON THE ARREST AND PROSECUTION OF FIVE SUSPECTS The attention of the Borno State Police Command has been drawn to the viral reports and widespread public discourse concerning the arrest and subsequent prosecution of five suspects in connection with allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and being in possession of drug substance. Brief of the Case: On 25 September, 2026, at about 1800hrs, officers of the Command, while on a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout area Maiduguri, apprehended five suspects allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance. The suspects were found in possession of :  1. 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp  2. ⁠100 tablets suspected to be D5 3. ⁠One shisha pot 4. ⁠One Scissors   5. ⁠Two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.” The suspects were subsequently subje...

 South Africa summons US ambassador for third time over 'undiplomatic conduct' South Africa's foreign affairs ministry called in US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III for a third time over what it described as "undiplomatic conduct," a senior government official told Reuters, but did not elaborate on what the conduct was. "We can confirm that we demarched Ambassador Bozell. The third demarche since he started his duties nine months ago," a senior official at South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) told Reuters late on Tuesday. A demarche is a formal diplomatic protest from one government to another. Relations between the two countries have been strained by US President Donald Trump's repeated false claims that white South Africans face systemic persecution. White South Africans are, on average, wealthier and more likely to be employed than Black South Africans. The government policies criticised by Trump are inte...

 Burundi agrees to accept third-country U.S deportees Burundi has become the latest African nation to agree to accept people deported by the United States to countries that are not their own. The announcement came hours after the US Supreme Court said it would allow “third-country” deportation to continue pending a formal ruling on the policy. A Burundi presidential spokesperson told government officials attending an event that they would have heard the announcement made by the president in an interview with French TV chain, France 24. “But he made it clear that Burundi would accept only people who are not facing criminal prosecution and have no links to terrorism,” said Nancy Ninette Mutoni. She said preparations were underway to provide accommodation and help the deportees live in local communities, adding that this required serious planning.

 U.S ceasefire plan for Sudan could lead to Libya-style partition, adviser says A US ceasefire proposal to pause Sudan's civil war ​could push the country towards a Libya-style partition in its current form, a top adviser to Sudan's ‌army-led authorities told Reuters, in some of the strongest criticism by a Sudanese official of the plan so far. The remarks come a week after Reuters reported that army leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's visa to attend the UN General Assembly in New York had been withheld because he had ​not yet accepted the proposal. The proposal, put forward by US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos, would impose a 90-day ​ceasefire, followed by negotiations to end the war and resume the move to civilian rule. Amjad Farid, an adviser to Burhan on political ​and international affairs, told Reuters that the army-led government had presented its proposed changes to the deal, chief among them an internationally monitored withdrawal of ...

 PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE  HAILS NIGERIANS' RESILIENCE, PREACHES UNITY AT INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Nigerians on the nation's 66th Independence Anniversary. In a goodwill message  by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described Nigeria as "our destiny, our duty, our future," as he honoured the founding fathers whose sacrifice birthed the nation. The statement maintains that despite triumphs and trials, Nigerians have remained resilient, striving and believing in the country. Akpabio said Nigeria lives in the farmer, the teacher, the entrepreneur and the youth, and urged Nigerians to renew  love for one another, in unity across faith and culture. The Senate President saluted the Armed Forces for their sacrifice  assuring that the National Assembly will continue to support President Tinubu's efforts to strengthen the nation.

 NIGERIA, U.S. DEEPEN MILITARY COOPERATION TO COMBAT TERRORISM Nigeria and the United States are strengthening military cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing. A statement by the Special Assistant to Minister on Media, Leah Katung Babatunde says the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, stated this in Abuja while receiving the Commander of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, Major General Matthew Brown. The statement reviews ongoing joint security initiatives and explored a more result-oriented framework for future defence collaboration. General Musa identified specialised training for Special Forces, intelligence sharing, border surveillance, counter-IED support and defence infrastructure modernisation as key areas for enhanced cooperation. The Minister also acknowledged U.S. support to counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin, while Major General Matthew Brown commended...

 Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has fulfilled his promise by visiting his Ghanaian colleague and longtime friend Emmanuel Armah, and the reunion turned into an emotional one as he saw the actor’s condition after more than a decade of illness. Pete had earlier expressed his desire to visit Emmanuel during his stay in Ghana, and he followed through on that promise. During the visit, Emmanuel’s wife, Stella Amina Armah, narrated how the veteran Ghanaian actor’s health problems began, leaving Pete visibly emotional. Stella told Pete that November 2026 will mark 11 years since Emmanuel began battling the condition. According to her, the illness started while Emmanuel was in the United States for work. She said he had high blood pressure without knowing it, while his cholesterol levels also became elevated. “He was working in the US when it happened. He had pressure he did not know and the cholesterol also went high. That was how the whole thing started. I wasn't there by then, I w...

 Nigeria has passed through its own Red Sea, Prosperity is Next--President Tinubu TEXT OF INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, WITH THE THEME, FROM REFORMS TO PROSPERITY   My fellow Nigerians,   Sixty-six years ago today, our flag was raised, for the first time, over a free and sovereign nation. Since then, we have journeyed together as one nation, bound by our collective trust in the great promise of Nigeria: that a country of our size, our bountiful resources, our cultural diversity and, above all, our extraordinary people can build a giant in Africa;  that in this blessed and fertile land we can build a united, strong and prosperous nation; a land of regional authority and global consequence.   Our journey has not always been easy. In truth, it has generally been too hard for too many. We have known moments of great hope and periods of profound disappointment. We have endured war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political up...