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 OTEDOLA BRIDGE, LAGOS TANKER FIRE PUT-OFF, TRAFFIC RESTORED Traffic flow along the Otedola Bridge corridor in Lagos has been restored following effort to put out  a fire involving a fallen tanker carrying thirty-three thousand litres of diesel. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, confirmed that two adult males who sustained second- and third-degree burns in the incident were evacuated for further medical treatment. In a statement, the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the fire was extinguished through the coordinated efforts of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA Response Team, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and Lagos State Ambulance Service. He added that the victims received immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported for further treatment. LASEMA disclosed that dampening-down operations were eighty per cent complete at the time of filing this repor...

Alleged $6b Mambilla Project Fraud: FEC DID NOT APPROVE AGUNLOYE'S MEMO FOR CONTRACT AWARD to SUNRISE - Liyel Imoke The Sixth prosecution witness, PW6, Liyel Imoke, in the trial of a former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, on Monday, October 19, 2026 told Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja that the Federal Executive Council, FEC did not approve the memo for the award of contract presented by the former Minister to Sunrise Power & Transmission Company Limited for the construction of the Mambilla Hydro Power Project. Agunloye is facing prosecution on an amended seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion United States Dollars) to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited while in office as Minister of Power and Steel between 2002 and 2003. Imoke, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Abba...

  Christiane Amanpour announced on October 19, 2026 that she will leave CNN in June 2027 after 43 years with the network.  The 68-year-old chief international anchor said in a statement, "After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!" She also urged colleagues to "always be truthful, not neutral."   Her exit will be phased. She already reduced her schedule to a few days a week in January 2025. Starting January 2027 her nightly CNN International program Amanpour will move to once a week and end in May, and her PBS show Amanpour & Company will conclude in December 2026. She will continue reporting and traveling for CNN until her final sign-off in June 2027. CNN Chairman Mark Thompson said in a memo to staff that they had discussed the decision for months and called her one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere."  Amanpour, who joined CNN in 1983 as a news desk ass...

 NBA Women Forum Organises Cancer Awareness Walk, Free Screening in Awka ‎By Ukpa Ewa ‎ ‎The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF), Anambra State Chapter, on October 17, organised a cancer awareness walk in Awka to promote early detection, regular medical screening and healthy living. ‎ ‎The walk began at the NBA premises in Awka, proceeded through Quarter Junction and ended at Solution Fun City, Awka. The exercise was part of the forum's efforts to sensitise the public to cancer prevention, the importance of early diagnosis and the adoption of healthy lifestyles. ‎ ‎Speaking to journalists, Chairman of the NBA Awka Branch, Barr. Nnamdi Raphael Anagor, said the walk was organised as part of activities marking Cancer Awareness Week, which commenced with health talks and lectures. He explained that the initiative was designed to educate the public on cancer and encourage individuals to take proactive steps towards protecting their health. ‎ ‎Anagor highlighted the need for inc...

 UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor Pays Homage to Obi of Onitsha at 25th Ofala Festival ‎ ‎By Nkiru Anakor ‎ ‎The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, on October 16, paid a courtesy visit to the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), in honour of the monarch's 25th Ofala Festival. ‎ ‎The visit, which took place at the royal palace, Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, brought together representatives of the university community and the traditional institution to celebrate cultural heritage, strengthen mutual respect and honour the monarch. ‎ ‎Speaking on the significance of the festival, Prof. Anyaehie described Ofala Onitsha as a centuries-old royal celebration that marks the annual emergence of the Obi of Onitsha from seclusion. ‎ ‎He explained that the festival represents spiritual renewal, communal unity and the preservation of Igbo cultural heritage, while providing an opportunity to showcase the rich cus...

 Nnewi North Councillors Sworn In As Hon. Nneka Ubajaka Takes Oath For Otolo Ward 1 By Enoch Uzuegbunam Hon. Nneka Ubajaka was on 19th October sworn in as the Councillor representing Otolo Ward 1 at the Nnewi North Local Government Area Secretariat, alongside other newly elected Councillors. Her inauguration marks a new era of grassroots development and effective representation for the people of Otolo Ward 1. The newly inaugurated Councillors are expected to work with the Mayor, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, to drive development across the local government. More photos below. 

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Adunni Ade has announced the passing of her mother, after a prolonged illness.  The screen star shared the somber news, through an emotional tribute on her official Instagram page. She wrote: "lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return. With a heavy heart and submission to the will of Almighty Allah, I announce the passing of my beloved mother, who returned to her Creator after long battle with illness. She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, sisters and loved ones, who will forever hold her memory close. Ya Allah, forgive her shortcomings, have mercy upon her, make her grave spacious and filled with light, and grant her A-Jannah Firdaus. Grant us sabr and strength as we navigate this painful loss. Ameen. Details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. Mum, I love you. May Allah grant you eternal peace and reunite us in Jannah. Ameen"

 ANAMBRA POLICE CLARIFIES PRESENCE AT ST. FAITH ANGLICAN CHURCH, URGES RESPONSIBLE REPORTING AMID ECCLESIASTICAL DISPUTE The Anambra State Police Command has described reports concerning police presence at St. Faith Anglican Church as misleading, cautioning against the misrepresentation of security interventions in ways that could heighten tensions surrounding the alleged ecclesiastical dispute. The Command wishes to clarify that the deployment of police personnel to any location is guided by the need to maintain law and order, prevent a breakdown of peace, protect lives and property, and ensure the safety of all concerned, irrespective of their affiliations or positions in the dispute. The Command emphasises that police presence should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any party or position in an ecclesiastical disagreement. The Nigeria Police Force remains a neutral institution committed to enforcing the law, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and preventing disputes from escal...

 Speaker Abbas Empowers Zaria Youths, Women With Vehicles, Motorcycles To Boost Businesses Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for empowering youths, women and other residents of Zaria with vehicles, motorcycles and other equipment to boost their businesses. Sani, represented by the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Dr Abdulkadir Mu'azu Meyere, gave the commendation at the distribution of the empowerment items in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He said the initiative demonstrated Abbas' commitment to improving residents' welfare, promoting self-reliance and supporting community development. The governor urged the beneficiaries to use the items responsibly to establish and sustain businesses, improve their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy. He also called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen the party and mobilise support ahead of the 2027 genera...

 Ikeja Electric Explains Power Supply Drop Across Network Due to Grid Shortfall Ikeja Electric Plc has cited a significant drop in power allocation from the national grid as the primary reason behind reduced electricity supply hours across its distribution network. In an official statement issued on October 19, 2026, the electricity distribution company informed consumers that the lower power supply currently experienced across its coverage zones is beyond its direct operational control. National Grid Allocation Deficit According to the utility firm, the ongoing power rationing is directly tied to the reduced quantity of electricity dispatched from the national grid to its distribution points. Because electricity distribution companies rely entirely on grid allocations to meet consumer demand, any transmission deficit translates to reduced availability for end users. The management expressed sincere regret over the inconvenience caused to residential and commercial subscribers, app...

 OONI RECEIVES APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL, COMMENDS TINUBU The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja- II, has received members of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The visit was an opportunity for members of the council to seek the royal blessings of the Ooni as they intensify preparations and mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. A statement by  the Ooni’s Palace Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare indicates that the delegation was led by the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Other members including serving and former governors who are part of the council. Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who serves as the state coordinator of the council, was represented at the event by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi. Senator Abdulaziz Yari said the dele...

 HOUSE OF REPS SEEKS 90-DAY FUEL RESERVE FOR NIGERIA The House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has backed plans to increase Nigeria’s strategic petroleum reserve from 20 days to 90 days by 2027. Chairman of the Committee, Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, disclosed this in Abuja during a technical briefing, where the committee passed a vote of confidence in the Tinubu administration over pipeline security. Ugochinyere said the plan to increase the reserve was supported by sustained domestic supply. The committee also noted that contributions from local refineries to national petrol supply have increased by over 75 per cent, with more than 25 days of supply sufficiency and no reported shortfalls so far. Two subcommittees have been set up to investigate two petitions concerning gas distribution licences issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and allegations of abuse of office against the Executive Vice President, Downstream, of NNPC Limited...

 JAMB WARNS UNIVERSITIES AGAINST ISSUING ADMISSION LETTERS  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has warned universities and other tertiary institutions against issuing admission letters to candidates, insisting that the responsibility rests solely with the board. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, gave the warning when he received  delegation from a private University in his office. The registrar noted that the Board is the only body statutorily empowered to issue official admission letters to candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. While expressing concerns that candidates often assume admission letters issued by individual institutions are genuine, stressing that such practices could mislead applicants into believing they had secured valid admission. The registrar however urged institutions involved in such practice to desist and ensure that candidates obtain the appropriate admission documents from JAMB as ...

 NEWS UPDATE NAF SUSTAINS INTENSIVE RECOVERY EFFORTS AT IGBOKODA AS WATER LEVEL DROPS SIGNIFICANTLY The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has sustained intensive recovery operations at the site of the crashed ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, as operations entered Day Fourteen on 19 October 2026. Continuous pumping has significantly reduced the water level at the site, with the recovery team working towards removing most of the remaining water, subject to prevailing conditions. Reinforcement of the embankment with sandbags is also ongoing to prevent collapse and maintain stability as dewatering continues. The operation requires sustained engineering and dewatering efforts under challenging conditions, underscoring the scale and complexity of the recovery mission. The NAF commends the dedication of all recovery personnel and partner agencies, with special appreciation to Hitech Construction Company for its invaluable support to the ongoing operation. The Chief of the Air...

 Egypt parliament to vote on possible military involvement in Saudi-Yemen conflict Egypt's parliament is expected to vote this week on whether to authorise the armed forces to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen's Houthis if Riyadh requests its support. The move would bring the Arab world's most populous country closer to direct military involvement in the widening conflicts unleashed by the US-Israeli air assault on Iran in February. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi requested the approval in a speech on Saturday, saying Egypt would "never, never forget our brothers in the Gulf" and telling Saudi Arabia's leaders that Cairo would "take any measure to protect you".

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE CONDOLENCE MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON THE PASSING OF FORMER DELTA STATE GOVERNOR, DR EMMANUEL EWETA UDUAGHAN It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to the Uduaghan family, the government, and the people of Delta State on the passing of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, at 71.   Dr Uduaghan was a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State's development and service to our nation.   He served as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and was elected Governor of Delta State in 2007.  His two-term tenure, which ended in 2015, placed him at the centre of the state's political and developmental journey.   During this period, he pursued developmental strides to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and the overall welfare of Deltans.   After his tenure as governor, Dr Uduaghan continued to feature prominently in Delta State's political and socio-economi...

Gunmen Shoot Bollywood Actor Tiger Shroff In Mumbai, Three Suspects Held Police in India have detained three suspects following a shooting incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai's upscale Juhu district on Sunday evening. Assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on the 36-year-old actor's vehicle as he was leaving a venue. While Shroff escaped without gunshot injuries, two people, including his driver, sustained wounds and were admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Mumbai Police Deputy Commissioner Mohit Garg confirmed that Shroff is safe under police protection and that multiple specialized teams have been deployed to investigate the attack. Authorities in Rajasthan detained three suspects at Kota railway station while they were traveling on a Pune-Jaipur train. Police Superintendent Tejaswani Gautam stated that preliminary questioning revealed two of the detained individuals have prior criminal records involving theft and firearms offenses. Investigators...

 Saudi Arabia Executes Two Bangladeshis For Alleged Immoral Acts In Mecca Mosque Saudi authorities have executed two Bangladeshi nationals for allegedly committing indecent acts inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca. According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, reported by Gulf News and other Middle Eastern outlets on Friday, the executions of Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Siti Akhtar were carried out in the Mecca region on Wednesday, October 14. The pair were arrested for reportedly engaging in "immoral and obscene acts" that desecrated the sanctity of the mosque. After investigation and indictment, a court sentenced them to death under Ta'zir — a discretionary punishment in Islamic law where judges weigh the gravity and circumstances of an offense. The ministry said the sentence was reviewed by higher judicial authorities and enforced by royal decree in line with Sharia law, as a demonstration of the Kingdom's resolve to protect the sanctity of mosques. ...

 Trump Slams Zelensky After Ukraine Defies U.S President With Major Attack On Russia US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after Ukrainian forces launched a major drone attack against energy infrastructure in Saint Petersburg, defying White House requests to halt strikes on Russian oil facilities. Writing on Truth Social, Trump expressed concern that deep strikes into Russian territory could disrupt peace negotiations. He stated that he does not want to drive Moscow away from the bargaining table and accused Zelensky of resisting efforts to conclude the war. The diplomatic rift expanded after Trump signed an executive order waiving Congressional economic sanctions against Russia. Speaking on NBC's Meet the Press, Zelensky warned that waiving sanctions would strengthen Moscow's war effort and described potential US alignment with Russia as a "historic mistake". Overnight, Ukrainian long-range drones struck the Saint Pet...

  Three Nigerian Nationals Arrested Over Cocaine Trafficking And Visa Overstay Immigration police have arrested two Nigerian men in a cocaine trafficking crackdown in Bangkok, Thailand. Police seized 103 grammes of the drug and equipment allegedly used to dilute it with chalk and baking soda. Pol Maj Gen Kongchat Leangsomsap, chief of Immigration Division 1, said on Saturday, October 17, 2026 that the operation was conducted with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board. The first suspect, aged 42, was arrested on October 16 after allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover agent in the Nawamin area. He allegedly told police he had obtained the drug from another Nigerian man, aged 43, who was subsequently arrested at a nearby apartment. A search of the second suspect's room uncovered about 101g of cocaine. He allegedly admitted buying chalk and baking soda to mix with cocaine to maximise profits. Police also arrested a third Nigerian man, aged 21, at a restaurant in Nawamin for all...

 Rapper Drake Denies He Stole 'Janice STFU' Hook After Being Sued For Copyright Infringement Canadian rapper Drake denies the accusations that he stole the "Janice STFU" hook after being sued for copyright infringement. The rapper's representatives described the allegations as baseless, insisting that Drake wrote the song himself and had no connection with the person accusing him of copying the work. The lawsuit was filed on October 16, 2026, by songwriter and producer Aviel Calev Hirschfield in a federal court in California. It names Drake, his OVO Sound label, UMG Recordings, and Universal Music Publishing as defendants. Hirschfield alleges that the chorus of Janice STFU, released as part of Drake's Iceman album in May 2026, is virtually identical to a demo he wrote and recorded earlier in the year. According to the complaint, Hirschfield completed his recording around January 25, 2026, and sent it to FnZ, the production duo of Michael Mulé and Isaac De Boni...

 LASG, NCF CALL FOR URGENT CLIMATE ACTION  … As Sanwo-Olu Urges Residents To Protect Wetlands, Curb Plastic Pollution The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Saturday intensified calls for urgent climate action, commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience, asking residents to take urgent and collective action against plastic pollution and degradation of natural ecosystems.  Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 20th edition of the annual Walk for Nature, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), held at Makanjuola Hall, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.  The Governor, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, said the 20th edition provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in raising environmental awareness and renew th...

 Actor Charles Born recounts embarrassing moment after being asked to change seats in Abuja church over his outfit Nigerian actor Charles Born has recounted his experience at Celebration Church in Abuja after he was allegedly asked to change seats during a service because of his outfit. In a video shared online, the actor said he attended the church's second service on Sunday, October 18, but was left embarrassed after a man approached him during the service and asked him to move to another row. According to him, the man initially suggested that the seat might be reserved before adding that there could be an issue with how he was dressed. Born, who wore trousers, sandals and a vest, said he was confused by the request, especially as an usher had directed him to the seat. He explained that he preferred sitting by the aisle to have enough room to move freely during worship and prayers. However, following the exchange, he decided to leave the service. The actor expressed disappointmen...

 TROOPS OF 12 COMPOSITE BRIGADE FOIL KIDNAP ATTEMPT, RESCUE 11 VICTIMS IN KOGI STATE Troops of 12 Composite Brigade under 5 Division Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued 11 passengers along Kabba Ayere Road in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident occurred on 18 October 2026 when troops deployed at the patrol base in Kabba, while on routine patrol, responded to credible information on the activities of terrorists attempting to abduct passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle along the route. On arrival, the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bush. Consequently, 9 passengers, including the driver of the commercial vehicle, were rescued. The driver and 2 other passengers who sustained injuries were evacuated for proper medical attention, while the commercial vehicle was handed over to the appropriate authority. In a follow up operation on 19 Octobe...