Vice President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Tinubu saved Nigeria’s economy from collapsing, defending the administration’s economic reforms amid criticism over the hardship facing Nigerians.  Speaking during a Western Times interview on October 3, Shettima said the economy was “teetering on the brink of collapse” when the Tinubu administration assumed office, adding that “he saved our economy.”  He acknowledged the hardship caused by the reforms but said the government was rolling out measures to cushion their impact.  “Tough times do not last forever. Tough people do,” Shettima said, highlighting planned e-mobility initiatives, including 10,600 electric tricycles for the North-East and 300 buses and taxis.  He also described NELFUND as “a master stroke” aimed at helping students from low-income families access education.  Shettima said Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at just $3.9 billion when the administration took over, which he claime...

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not win Rivers State in the 2027 general elections, directing his remarks at former governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi. Speaking at a gathering organised by Uzugbani Ekpeye in Ahoada, Wike challenged Amaechi’s claims about losing elections in Rivers State, recalling their political history and his own role as campaign director in 2011. Wike argued that Amaechi had failed to secure victories in subsequent elections, despite holding influential political positions. He also dismissed the former governor’s concerns about alleged manipulation of election results. “The result will always be written; he will not win again,” Wike said, referring to Amaechi and the forthcoming election. The minister urged the people of Ekpeye to assess politicians based on their records and contributions rather than political claims. During the event, Uzugbani Ekpeye President-General Dr. A...

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that his political alignment with President Bola Tinubu remains unshakable, as he mobilised Rivers State stakeholders to support the President ahead of the 2027 presidential election.  Wike spoke on October 2 while addressing stakeholders of Akpor Kingdom in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State, where he called for a broader political structure ahead of the election.  “My interest in Rivers State is for God to use me as a vessel to help our people. I am back here not for what I will get, but for what I will be to raise my people,” Wike said.  He maintained that political differences should not prevent stakeholders from working together, stressing that collective interest should come first.  “There is no permanent enemy in politics. What we have is permanent collective interest,” he said.  Wike also reiterated his pledge to resign as FCT minister if Tinubu fails to win Rivers State and the FCT in 2027.  He urged poli...

Abductors who seized 19 prospective NYSC members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states have reportedly demanded N950m for their release.  The victims were travelling in two buses when g+nmen att@cked them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on Thursday.  The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, said the abductors demanded N50m for each victim.  According to him, the buses left Bodija/Samonda Park in Ibadan on Wednesday but were delayed by traffic around Benin before reaching Onitsha late in the day. The passengers spent the night in Oba and resumed their journey around 5am on Thursday.  Akpan said they had barely entered Imo State when g+nmen emerged from the bush.  “They blocked the two vehicles and took 19 passengers, all corps members, into the bush,” he said.  The drivers reportedly escaped and alerted security personnel, prompting police...

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has blamed the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the death of his mother, claiming that the rising cost of medication made it increasingly difficult to provide for her healthcare. Speaking during an interview, Amaechi disclosed that his mother was healthy before Tinubu assumed office, insisting that her death could not simply be attributed to old age. When the interviewer suggested that his mother had lived to an advanced age and questioned whether the responsibility of caring for her rested solely on him, Amaechi pushed back, saying he had done everything within his means to look after her. “My mother was healthy!” he declared, adding that after Tinubu came into power, purchasing medication for her became difficult. He further argued that the rising cost of living and economic hardship had affected many households, leaving people struggling to afford essential medicines and healthcare. Defending hi...

A burial ceremony in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, turned into a sad and shocking incident on Friday, after a pastor suddenly collapsed while preaching. The Resident Pastor of Redeemed Church, Aleto, Deacon Steve Eyo, was preaching to more than 300 people on the topic, “The Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond.” The pastor spoke about the fact that death can come at any time and urged people to live their lives wisely. At about 1:25 p.m., while concluding his message, he suddenly collapsed in front of the gathering. His last words were reportedly, “Number your days and prepare, for it can happen anytime.” He then fell, with the microphone hitting the floor. He was quickly taken aside and given first aid, while church ministers and members prayed for him. He was later rushed to a nearby hospital in the same ambulance conveying the remains of the deceased. The pastor was reportedly confirmed dead at the hospital and taken to the mortuary. His sudden death ...

Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has said the party will work towards delivering 2.5 million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  Tenebe made the statement on October 2, 2026, in Benin, Edo State, while addressing APC supporters at a party gathering following the recently held local government council election.  He said Governor Monday Okpebholo had promised Tinubu 2.5 million votes from the state and that the party intended to prove the promise could be fulfilled.  Tenebe also claimed APC scored 2,158,600 votes in the recent local government election, describing it as a feat he said had never happened in a state before.  However, while addressing those he said might try to frustrate the party’s plans, Tenebe made a controversial reference to f+rearms.  “Those who do not wish us well, who want to create an obstacle for us, I have a prayer for you,” he said.  He added: “So anybody who refuses, who wants...

Public service workers across Nigeria have announced a three-day warning strike scheduled for October 2 to 4, 2026, to protest worsening economic conditions and demand improved welfare. The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) directed its national and state executives to immediately mobilise workers for the industrial action, which will begin at midnight on Friday and end on Sunday. The directive was contained in a circular dated October 1, 2026, and signed by the council’s National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga. The council said the decision followed the Federal Government’s alleged failure to respond to demands submitted to President Bola Tinubu in a letter dated September 21. It also called on employees across federal, state and local government establishments to participate, insisting that workers and their dependants were bearing the brunt of the economic crisis. “In the same vein, all public servants in the services of Federal, State and Local Gover...

American rapper, Rick Ross was arrested on domestic violence charges in Miami-Dade on Thursday, October 1. Ross, 50, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:10 a.m. on charges of battery and battery by strangulation, records show. Both charges are listed as involving domestic violence. He was arrested by Miami Beach Police. The arrest comes days after his ex-girlfriend Jazzma Kendrick took to Instagram to publicly accuse him of physically abusing her. Last weekend, Kendrick posted an Instagram Story, sharing a DM from a fan who told her, “I’m seeing what Rick is seeing your (sic) so gorgeous.” Kendrick responded, “He saw a punching bag.” She also shared photos showing an injured and swollen lip.    It’s unclear whether Ross’ arrest stems from the accusations made by Kendrick or from another lady. Per TMZ, citing sources, the woman told police that Ross questioned her about lying to him and the...

The Ogoni Liberation Initiative has declared that the creation of Bori State remains the only condition for the resumption of oil exploration and production activities in Ogoni, Rivers State. The group made the position known in a statement signed by its President and CEO, Dr. Fabeke Douglas, following what it described as renewed engagements with relevant agencies and the Federal Government over the Ogoni question. Douglas said he was recently presented with an official summary document on the proposed creation of Bori State, noting that a copy of the document had previously been submitted to former United States President Barack Obama and former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. According to him, the agitation for Bori State dates back several decades and is rooted in historical records and government reports. He cited the 1958 Willink Commission, which was established to examine the fears of minority groups ahead of Nigeria's independence, as part of the hi...

Every Nigerian, including newborn babies, is now carrying an estimated debt burden of about ₦700,000, according to Tolulope, a presenter with Nairametrics. Speaking on Nigeria’s rising debt profile, Tolulope said the country’s external debt had climbed from approximately $43.1 billion when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office to about $54.5 billion by June 2024, representing an increase of roughly $11.4 billion. She added that domestic debt also jumped from around ₦59 trillion to ₦91.5 trillion. Combined, Nigeria’s total public debt currently stands at ₦166.79 trillion. According to the presenter, the Federal Government also projected borrowing an additional ₦29.2 trillion under the 2025 budget. The government has maintained that the funds being borrowed are largely being channelled into economic reforms, infrastructure and other development initiatives. However, Tolulope noted that the growing debt raises questions about its impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly...

The Borno State Police Command has clarified that the five men arrested in Maiduguri over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” were also found in possession of suspected Indian h£mp, D5 tablets, a shisha pot and a pair of scissors. According to the statement, the suspects had 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian h£mp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one pair of scissors and two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has said neither former Vice President Atiku Abubakar nor Peter Obi has the possibility of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.  Speaking on the Miconpodcast, Sule made the statement while responding to questions about the possibility of either Atiku or Obi defeating Tinubu in the coming election.  When asked what he would say if either Atiku or Obi defeated President Tinubu, the governor said, “I will say it’s election.”  When asked whether he believed such a possibility existed, Sule said, “no, none of them is a possibility in my conviction.”  Asked if he sees it happening, the Nasarawa governor replied, “well, i said none of them is a possibility as far as I am concerned. Not even based on the fact on ground or based on the performance of the elections we have seen so far.”

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.  The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, on Wednesday.  Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, urging citizens to use the occasion to demonstrate unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.  He also called on Nigerians to emulate the nation’s founding fathers by showing love for the country and working towards building a Nigeria that future generations would be proud of.  “As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” he said.  The Min...

A man in Plateau State has reportedly disconnected electricity and water supplies from his community after losing an election, allegedly because he personally financed the projects. According to reports circulating online, the man allegedly removed the transformer he had installed in the community and took away electrical cables, leaving residents without power. He was also said to have disconnected the community’s water supply, reportedly removing pipes, tanks and submersible pumps that he had personally provided. In an alleged message to the residents, the man reportedly told them to approach the person they voted for to provide electricity and water for them. The controversy reportedly extended to education, with claims that he terminated scholarship support for about 60 students whom he had previously sponsored. According to the account, he blamed the parents of the beneficiaries for failing to support him during the election, which he subsequently lost. The development...

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama has ordered Jordan Ezenwo Nyesom-Wike, son of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to produce his American passport in court as proceedings continue in a $2.1 million land-related suit.  Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order on Tuesday after counsel to the claimants, Hamza Dantani, made the application during Jordan’s cross-examination.  The suit, marked CV/008/2026, was filed by Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited. The claimants allege that Jordan agreed to facilitate the acquisition of 30 hectares each in Katampe and Guzape for $2.1 million, which they said was paid in cash.  Jordan denied the allegations and maintained that he did not know the claimants. When asked where he was on September 26, 2025, he told the court he was outside Nigeria and had travelled with his American passport.  The claimants’ lawyer subsequently asked the court to order him to produce the passport, which J...

Apostle Michael Orokpo has issued a strong warning and educate those criticising Apostle Arome Osayi amid the ongoing backlash surrounding his comments on the prophetic destiny of Nigeria.  Reacting to the controversy, Orokpo questioned the ethical values of those att@cking the cleric, particularly those mocking another person’s physical challenges.  “Apostle Arome was talking about the prophetic destiny of Nigeria. Instead of asking questions, he jumps on a blog and is now trying to challenge that wisdom,” Orokpo said.  He added, “The person who wants to tell Nigerians how to live does not have ethical values. You are making mockery of somebody’s physical issues, and then you want to advise Nigerians. If you don’t have ethical values, how can you even begin to tell us how to live?”  Orokpo further argued that Nigeria’s future should not be viewed solely through physical or economic development, stressing the role of Christian values and spiritual foundat...

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after an extended stay in Europe, dismissing concerns about his health and insisting that he is fit and ready to resume his duties. Tinubu spoke briefly with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday evening shortly after his aircraft landed at about 6pm. Asked how his vacation went, the President simply replied, “I enjoyed myself.” Addressing speculation about his health during his time outside the country, Tinubu said, “Rumours will always emanate from politics. The fact remains that I’m here, healthy, sound and ready to go. Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong.” He was received at the airport by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abas Tajudeen, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The Borno State Police Command has arrested and charged five men accused of printing and wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” in Maiduguri.  The suspects were identified as Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21.  According to a First Information Report (FIR) dated September 29, 2026, and issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Maiduguri, the men were accused of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.  The police alleged that on September 25, the five men conspired to print T-shirts carrying the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” with the intention of causing a breach of public peace around the West End Roundabout community in Maiduguri.  The alleged offences were said to contravene Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code. The officer in charge subsequently directed that the ...

An Ogoni filmmaker, Idum Felix, has narrated how he rejected a $40,000 deal to produce adult-content films after discovering the true nature of the project. Felix, while sharing his experience, said the opportunity began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when he met a man on Facebook who introduced himself as a filmmaker. According to him, they remained in contact until 2021, when the man offered him a production contract. Felix said the offer initially appeared attractive because he was expected to produce about 10 minutes of a series every week. «“It was indeed a nice deal. I needed money, and I needed to make that money with my craft,” he said.» He explained that after a video call to confirm his identity, they finalised the deal, after which the man sent him $355 along with an agreement. Felix admitted that, excited about the opportunity, he did not initially read the agreement carefully. He said the producer later sent him details of the type of actors he wanted for...

Tanzania has officially removed Nigerian passport holders from its referred visa category, meaning Nigerians traveling to the country will no longer be required to undergo the additional visa referral process.  The change took effect on September 25, 2026, following amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026.  According to Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department, Nigerian nationals traveling to the United Republic of Tanzania will now follow the country’s standard visa application procedures.  Nigerians can apply through Tanzania’s official immigration online portal or designated entry points, without being subjected to the previous referred visa restrictions.  The development was announced by Tanzania Immigration Services Department Chief Spokesperson, ACI Paul J. Mselle, who said the removal was in line with the recently published amendments.  The change means Nigerian travelers to Tanzania can now access the standard visa proces...

Registered dietician-nutritionists have urged Nigerians to stop boiling unpeeled eggs and rice together in the same pot, warning that the practice could increase the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne infections. The experts explained that Salmonella and E. coli may be present on eggshells and could contaminate rice as both foods cook together. They noted that bacteria may survive while the water is still warming before reaching boiling point. Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist James Oloyede said rice begins absorbing water as soon as it is placed in the pot, meaning bacteria in contaminated water could be absorbed along with it. Oloyede said, “Cooking egg and rice together in the same pot has been found to be a risk factor in cross-contamination of certain bacteria, especially Salmonella, that can be found on the shell of the egg even after washing with the rice that is being cooked.” “The safest way of cooking egg and rice is to boil ...

A Special Criminal Court in Edo State has sentenced four  to de@th for their involvement in the k+dnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City. Justice Aigbona Momodu delivered the judgment on Tuesday in the court’s maiden k+dnapping case, sentencing Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael on an 11-count charge bordering on k+dnapping, conspiracy, armed ro%%ery, c¥ltism and unlawful possession of f+rearms. The case stemmed from the broad-daylight abd¥ction of a woman on June 14, 2026. Delivering the judgment, Justice Momodu said he had no discretion because the law prescribed the punishment for the offences. “My hands are tied under the law. I wish I have the law permit me to exercise my discretion. I would have, but my hands are tied. I will just impose the sentence as prescribed by the law,” he said. Isaac was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on count one, de@th by hanging or l+thal injection on counts ...

. The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to reinstate petroleum subsidy if elected president in 2027, saying his administration would first tackle corruption in the sector. Obi made the statement on Monday at a town hall meeting organised for the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto. His latest position comes after previous statements in which he said he would not restore the subsidy but would instead ensure savings from its removal were deployed to meet Nigerians’ needs. Speaking at the meeting, the former Anambra State governor identified corruption as a major challenge confronting Nigeria and said his administration would tackle it across all sectors. “People are talking about subsidy but what is all about it is corruption. By removing the corruption, I assure you that we will bring back subsidy. “The problem of Nigeria is corruption, as such, if elected, we will stop all forms of corruption in every sector of t...

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has said Nigeria has one of the smallest national budgets among the world’s 10 most populous countries, despite its population and development needs. Bagudu made the remarks on Monday at the Senate Press Corps Capacity-Building Workshop in Abuja, where he called for a broader conversation on revenue mobilisation and expanding the country’s fiscal space. He said, “I would like to say that out of the top 10 most populous countries in the world, we have the smallest national budget. “Should we continue with a budget that leaves our populace with one of the smallest budgets, or should we consider how we can mobilise more resources?” The minister said the country’s budget conversation should begin with the question,“What is the national budget, and what should it be?” He urged journalists to scrutinise budget provisions thoroughly and avoid assuming that unfamiliar provisions were unlawful insertions without ...

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared his intention to lead what he described as a “reset” of Nigeria, saying his proposed RESET agenda can be achieved within four years if he becomes president in 2027. Speaking to supporters, Makinde described himself as a resetter and asked the audience whether they were also ready to reset the country, receiving an affirmative response. He said the country could be transformed within four years, citing the example of a former head of state who, according to him, spent 10 months in office and was able to end military rule and usher in the democratic system Nigeria currently operates. Makinde said his agenda would focus on security, education, the economy and the socio-political environment. “So, we can reset this country reset and give Nigeria a new security architecture, reset and give Nigeria a new path for education, reset our economy utilizing data, science, and logic, and reset our socio-political environment in four y...

A Ghanaian cleric, Prophet John Papa Jesus, has announced a new minimum offering of GH₵50 for members of his church, citing the recent increase in transport fares as part of the reason for the decision. The prophet made the announcement in a video shared on X on Monday, September 28, 2026, where he explained that he had increased the church’s offering rate by 20%. “I’ve increased the church offering rate to 20%. I will accept only offerings of GH₵50 and above,” he said. According to him, the decision was influenced by the recent increase in transport fares, noting that he would also adjust his church’s offering expectations in response. “I’m not the same as Mahama, so I will increase my offering by 20%. Because transport fares have been increased by 8%,” the prophet said. He further stressed that offerings below the newly announced GH₵50 minimum would not be accepted.

Evangelist Linda Paul Rika sparked outrage online after recounting a disturbing spiritual revelation in which she claimed to see several prominent pastors and ministers crying and facing divine judgment. Rika shared the story in a viral video, claiming that she witnessed the revelation alongside Pastor Paul Enenche, Bishop David Oyedepo, the late Evangelist Uma Ukpai, and several other pastors. Rika stated that she initially did not recognize one of the men she saw because she could not recall his name. However, after waking up, she stated that she went to YouTube and discovered that the individual was the late Evangelist Uma Ukpai. Additionally, she reported seeing the General Overseer of Dunamis International Christian Center, Pastor Paul Enenche, and his spouse in red dresses. According to Rika, the revelation also included pastors, bishops wearing their caps, and individuals with various ministerial titles, many of whom were reportedly sobbing bitterly. According to Rik...

Political Activist Kenneth Okonkwo has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) formed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to lure Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, away from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).  Speaking on TVC News, Okonkwo claimed that the NDC was a “contraption” created by the APC and used to attract Obi away from the opposition coalition.  According to him, “APC give it to them. They formed a contraption called NDC and used it to lure Peter Obi, who likes free things.”  During the interview, the presenter also raised the issue of a prominent opposition leader in the National Assembly who was alleged to be doing the bidding of the APC, as well as the movement of some politicians from the ADC to the NDC at the closing time of nomination.  Okonkwo, in response, said, “The only thing I will tell you is that whoever is in NDC is a suspect as a surrogate of APC, because there was no reason for any of them ...

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of wanting to be addressed as “Mr President” despite never having occupied the office.  Lawal made the remarks while speaking on the JKD Media Podcast, where he also compared the length of Atiku’s convoy with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  “He is too full of himself. Atiku always wants people to call him Mr President, even though he will never be one, and Atiku’s convoy is longer than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s,” Lawal said.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general election, stating that INEC has no candidate or political party to favour.  Amupitan made the statement during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of INEC’s stakeholder engagement and preparations for the 2027 elections.  The INEC chairman described traditional institutions as key stakeholders in the electoral process, citing their influence and reach across communities. He also stressed the importance of public trust in strengthening democracy.  According to him, the commission began preparations early because of the scale and complexity of conducting elections across the country. He said INEC was testing, auditing and strengthening its systems ahead of the polls rather than waiting until the last minute.  Amupitan assured the Emir that the commission would remain...

The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify Kingsley Chinda as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 election. The group made the demand in a letter dated September 26 and signed by its Executive Secretary, Tonye Jaja. According to the association, its request is connected to a pending legal challenge over aspects of Chinda’s nomination as the APC governorship candidate. ALDRAP also urged INEC to convene an urgent meeting involving the association, the APC and Chinda, with a view to exploring an out-of-court settlement of the matter. The group said such a meeting would provide an opportunity for the parties to address the issues surrounding the nomination and potentially resolve the dispute without further litigation. The development comes against the backdrop of a recent Supreme Court judgment referenced b...

Dr. Fabeke Douglas has clarified that his recent engagement with Senator Olaka Nwogu should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the senator’s political ambition ahead of the 2027 Rivers South-East Senatorial election. In a statement, Dr. Douglas said the meeting with Senator Nwogu was focused on critical issues concerning the Ogoni people, including development, welfare, the future of the people and other matters of collective interest. He stressed that there is a clear distinction between engaging a political stakeholder on issues affecting the people and endorsing that individual’s political aspirations. According to him, his commitment to Ogoni development transcends partisan politics, adding that engaging political actors on matters affecting the people should not automatically be interpreted as a declaration of political support. “Let development remain development. Let endorsement remain endorsement. And let the truth remain the truth,” the statement said. Dr. Dou...

Ogoni State Creation: Deemor Says Constitutional Hurdles Make Immediate Creation Difficult, Urges Focus on Economic Opportunities. Lawyer, and practising engineer, Dr. Gideon Deemor, has called for a realistic assessment of the demand for the creation of Bori/Ogoni State, arguing that the constitutional requirements involved make the process highly demanding. Deemor, in a statement dated September 27, 2026, explained that the creation of a new state under Nigeria’s constitutional framework requires several stages of approval, including a referendum in the affected area, legislative approval at the federal level and concurrence by the State Houses of Assembly. According to him, the referendum must receive the required two-thirds support of voters in the affected area. The proposal must then secure the constitutionally prescribed majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, followed by approval from at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly.  Th...

A woman, identified as Shobowale Balikis, has reportedly been arrested after attempting to sm¥ggle alcohol disguised as bottled drinking water to an inmate at the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The incident occurred at about 3:50 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, when vigilant correctional officers intercepted the woman during a routine search and discovered eth@nol concealed inside a bottled water pack. Confirming the incident to DAILY POST, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Odukoya Olayinka, said the officers’ swift action prevented the illicit substance from reaching the inmate population. At about 15:50 hours on September 26, 2026, officials at the facility intercepted Balikis while she attempted to sm¥ggle contraband into the custodial centre. “She was caught concealing eth@nol inside a bottled water pack, disguising it as drinking water intended for an inmate,” Olayinka said. The PRO disclosed that the suspect had since been ...

Europe-bound newlywed man excretes 72 wraps of c%caine at Enugu Airport as NDLEA intercepts over N3bn worth of op+oids at Lagos Airport, arrests Togolese tr@ffickers, others The National dr¥g Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 25-year-old newlywed businessman, Lovely Chukwulobelu, for attempting to traffic 72 wraps of coc@ine to Portugal, where he resides. Chukwulobelu was intercepted at the departure hall of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Thursday, September 25, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal via Addis Ababa. The suspect, who had the coc@ine in his stomach and his wedding ring on his finger, was placed under excretion observation and subsequently egested all 72 wraps of the Class A d. According to the NDLEA, Chukwulobelu said he previously operated a car decoration business at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, before relocating to Portugal in May 2023. He returned to Nigeria and got married on Septemb...

Old Trafford, the iconic 74,000-capacity home of Manchester United, was transformed into a house of worship on Saturday, September 26, as Nigerian pastor Jerry Eze led the NSPPD UK Prayer Conference that drew thousands of believers. The event, hosted by Streams of Joy International, featured several well-known gospel ministers alongside Eze, including Sunmisola Agbebi, Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, and Kaestrings.  Together, they led attendees in prayer, worship, and fellowship, turning the football arena into a theatre of praise and worship. Prior to the event, local media reports say ticket demand for the event surpassed availability, with many turning to TikTok in search of spare tickets. The event is a physical manifestation of online influence exerted by Pastor Jerry Eze. Through his New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) platform, Eze built a global following by hosting daily prayer streams that attracted millions of viewers across social media. What...

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged residents to continue supporting his administration, attributing the development projects being carried out in the state to financial support from President Bola Tinubu. Okpebholo made the remarks on Friday during a visit to traders at the Uwelu Spare Parts Market, where he assessed the challenges affecting their businesses and discussed ways to improve commercial activities. Describing Nigeria as a vehicle that needs a capable driver, the governor said, “Nigeria is big, and the country is like a vehicle that needs a good and qualified driver, and President Tinubu is the right driver to take the nation to the right destination.” He also said the president’s financial support had made it possible for his administration to carry out development projects in Edo, stating, “All the good things that are happening in Edo State are possible because of the money President Tinubu is giving to us in the state.” The governor promised to giv...