RWGBLOG NEWS - Keeping You Informed

Italy is preparing to introduce new school rules that would ban face veils such as burqas and niqabs and limit the number of foreign students in each classroom, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Sunday.  Speaking at an annual youth event organised by her Brothers of Italy party, Meloni said a measure would soon be presented to the Cabinet. The proposed rules would also require parents of foreign students facing serious difficulties integrating into the Italian school system to learn Italian.  “If there is only one child in a class who doesn’t understand Italian, that child will likely be able to learn the language and integrate quickly with the help of classmates and teachers. However, if the number of children who don’t understand the language becomes large – or even the majority – that is no longer integration; it is neglect,” Meloni said.  She did not specify the maximum number of foreign students that would be allowed in a class. According to rese...

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and the party have dragged Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other state authorities before the Abia State High Court over an alleged N200 million mandatory fee imposed on presidential candidates seeking to display campaign materials in the state.  The suit, marked HC/214/2026 and filed through their lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, also lists the Abia State Attorney-General, Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ASAA), and the State House of Assembly as defendants.  Makinde and the APM are challenging the fee as unconstitutional and contrary to the Electoral Act 2026. They are asking the court to set aside ASAA’s regulations imposing the N200 million charge and stop the defendants from enforcing the fee or removing, defacing, destroying or obstructing their campaign billboards and outdoor advertisements.  The plaintiffs argue that Section 99(2) of the Elector...

The Ogoni Youth Stakeholders Forum has welcomed reported developments in the ongoing Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) process, saying concerns previously raised by Ogoni youths and other stakeholders are beginning to receive attention. The forum, in a statement signed by its leader, Comr. (Dr.) Nwisabari Bani Samuel, said the reported outcomes of a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, September 17, 2026, could represent a significant step towards restoring transparency, confidence and inclusiveness in the dialogue process. According to the forum, the reported decision to review the approach to the dialogue process, reconstitute the harmonisation committee, improve access to information, disclose the names of the 40 Ogoni youths associated with NNPCL employment opportunities and publish the contractors handling the Confidence Building Projects are developments that could help address some of the concerns raised by stakeholders. The group also congratulated Distinguished Senator ...

Ogoni leader and political stakeholder, Victor Tombari  Pidomson, has called on Ogoni youths to channel the same energy and determination being demonstrated in discussions around oil resumption towards achieving greater political representation and liberation for the Ogoni people. Sir Tombari made the call following his recent comments concerning the KAGOTE body, which attracted significant attention across Ogoni. He had urged KAGOTE to support the emergence of an Ogoni governor, arguing that such a position would demonstrate its commitment to the political and economic interests of the Ogoni people. “Ogoni youths should funnel the same vitality and grit we are exhibiting on oil resumption towards political liberation,” he said. According to Victor, securing greater political power is essential to achieving sustainable economic development in Ogoniland. He further stressed that having an Ogoni person occupy the governorship would provide the people with greater access t...

A fierce political storm is brewing in Rivers State as Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo, a prominent loyalist of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has launched a blistering attack on Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declaring him a persona non grata among his own people. Speaking forcefully on the ongoing power struggle, Ihunwo accused Wike—along with House of Representatives member O.K. Chinda and their allies—of acting as "enemies of Rivers State" whom the populace has outrightly rejected. "Wike has disgraced my people, for God's sake," Ihunwo stated, asserting that the former governor's actions bring embarrassment to both the Ikwerre ethnic nationality and the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. In an emotional appeal, he urged Wike’s father to "call him to order." Firmly rejecting any attempt by the FCT Minister to control the state's governance, Ihunwo insisted that "Wike cannot be governor by proxy" and argu...

Prince Divine Manson Barifodum has called on the Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, to address allegations concerning the presence of armed men and suspected bandits around Agbalor/Ebubu, amid growing security concerns in communities along the Eleme–Tai axis. Barifodum, in a statement on the security situation, alleged that armed groups operating around Agbalor/Ebubu may have been involved in attacks on neighbouring Ogoni communities. He called for an immediate investigation into the allegations, stressing that the claims should not be ignored or treated as established facts without proper investigation by the relevant authorities. According to him, communities around the Eleme–Tai axis have continued to face concerns over alleged armed attacks, killings and displacement, with community accounts claiming that more than 30 Ogoni people may have lost their lives in incidents allegedly linked to armed herders or bandits. Barifodum said the report...

The Ogoni National Youth Congress calls on the public to remain calm and vigilant as misguided claims gain traction on social media, specifically allegations that Professor Don Baridam has been removed as Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) and replaced by Senator Olaka Nwogu. Rather than relying on the reports making the rounds online, the Congress undertook checks and consultations with relevant stakeholders, participants in the Abuja engagement and individuals familiar with the dialogue process to establish what actually transpired. Our findings indicate that Professor Don Baridam remains Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee and that no official decision has been communicated removing or replacing him. The investigation further established that the Abuja meeting was part of the ongoing engagement between the Federal Government and the ODC. The meeting focused on harmonising areas of agreement and discussing the implementation of accepted demands contained ...

Thirty children, comprising boys and girls aged between two and 15, have been rescued from Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home in Odota, Ilorin, Kwara State. The children were rescued by the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development following concerns raised by community members about their living conditions at the facility. They have since been moved to another facility under the supervision of the ministry, where they are undergoing post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation. The Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Imam, said the ministry is assessing the children’s immediate needs, including their health and educational conditions. She added that officials are also working to trace their families and reunite them with relatives where appropriate. According to her, children who cannot be reunited with their families will be considered for placement in approved care facilities. The commissioner also directed all orphanages, children’s homes and other child...

A tragic incident occurred in Lagos after a man driving a hospital ambulance reportedly died while stuck in traffic. According to eyewitnesses, the driver was noticed to be motionless inside the ambulance after traffic eased, but the vehicle remained stationary, causing another gridlock. Concerned motorists behind the ambulance reportedly approached the vehicle to find out why it had not moved despite other vehicles proceeding. They were said to have discovered that the driver had died inside the ambulance. The cause of death could not be immediately ascertained at the time of filing this report. The ambulance was identified as belonging to Swift-Med Hospitals. Efforts to reach the hospital management for comments were unsuccessful, as no contact telephone number was visibly displayed on the ambulance. Further details surrounding the incident are expected as authorities and the hospital management respond.

Sound Palace Events is set to host IBOM FEAST 2026, a major cultural and entertainment festival described by the organisers as one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in Rivers State. The event will bring together Akwa Ibom indigenes and non-Akwa Ibomites for a memorable celebration filled with food, culture, entertainment and togetherness. According to the organisers, IBOM FEAST 2026 will feature exciting entertainment, traditional cultural displays, live musical performances, food and other activities designed to create an unforgettable experience for attendees. The festival is scheduled to hold on November 22, 2026, at Verde Garden, opposite Elekahia Stadium, by Elekahia Housing Estate, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. For enquiries and more information, call: +234 803 689 8060

Survivors of the incident that saw 37 suspected illegal gold miners d+e while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have recounted how they struggled to breathe inside their cell.  One of the survivors said 17 people were initially locked inside a small room before more detainees were brought in. He said they complained about the size of the room and the intense heat but were still kept inside.  “They locked us in a very small room. We were 17 in number, then they added more people, and we started complaining that the room was small,” he said.  According to him, the situation worsened as the room was about to be locked and an unidentified substance, which he said looked like perfume, was sprayed inside.  “As they were about to lock the room, they sprayed something that looked like perfume, and the smell started disturbing everyone in the room,” he said.  The survivor said people subsequently began falli...

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has ordered the immediate suspension of Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, following the de@ths of 37 alleged illegal miners detained in the corps’ custody. A statement issued on Friday by Alao Babatunde, the spokesperson for the minister, said the suspension followed the de@ths of the alleged illegal miners in the Wushishi-Lukoto axis of Minna. According to the statement, the incident occurred after the suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of the state between Tuesday and Wednesday. “It is an unfortunate incident. However, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended. We run a government whose ultimate priority is the security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this,” Tunji-Ojo said. The minister urged members of the public to remain calm ...

AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has said he would not travel abroad for medical treatment if he becomes president, insisting that any illness he cannot treat in Nigeria should be left to fate.  Sowore made the statement during an interview on Channels Television after he was asked whether he would go abroad for medical treatment if elected president.  “Any illness that I have in Nigeria when I become president that I can’t treat in Nigeria, that illness better k+ll me. I can tell you that for free,” he said.  Asked whether his children would also school abroad if he becomes president, Sowore said his children were born abroad and would likely have completed their education by the time he assumes office.  “My children were born abroad so by the time I become president my children would probably be almost done from school so I’m not bringing them as a liability back to Nigeria because I have already worked for them here,” he said.  He further...

A 13-year-old boy from Long Island, New York, Joe Petraro-Hyppolite, is set to begin a master’s programme at New York University (NYU), despite being years younger than the typical graduate student. Petraro-Hyppolite, who has an IQ of 168, scored 1,590 on the SAT at age 10 and earned his high school diploma at 11. He has also attended Louisiana State University and is currently completing his undergraduate degree. He has been accepted into an NYU master’s programme in sports management, with additional studies in kinesiology and biology. He plans to complete his undergraduate degree in May next year. Speaking about his achievements, Petraro-Hyppolite said, “My IQ is 168.” When asked if that meant he was considered a genius, he replied, “I am not biased, but, yeah, if you say so.” He admitted he is nervous but excited about starting at NYU, saying, “Yeah, I mean, who wouldn’t be? But then again, I am also excited, because new doors are opening.” His mother, Anne Petraro-Hypp...

The Apena of Egbaland and Oluwo of Iporo-Ake, Chief Alani Bankole, has said only lazy people are hungry in Nigeria, insisting there are enough opportunities to make money. Speaking on Wednesday, the 85-year-old blamed parents and the system for encouraging laziness among youths. “There are too many opportunities in Nigeria for us not to be hungry. Most people who are hungry today are lazy people,” he said. Bankole urged parents to expose children to productive activities and teach them the dignity of labour instead of pampering them. “Teach people how to make money, don’t give them money. Salary jobs are only meant to eat. When you learn how to create wealth, you become rich,” he said. He blamed the system for the country’s problems, saying the British handed over a faulty system that Nigerians have continued to use to oppress others. “The system has encouraged a lot of nonsense. The system is responsible for our everyday calamity. Is it Tinubu that will go and farm for you...

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has revealed that some Nigerians asked him to “slow down” efforts to improve electricity supply because their freezers were now working continuously.  Tegbe made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while commissioning a 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja.  According to the Minister, some areas that previously went without electricity for months are now enjoying up to 18 hours of supply.  “Places that didn’t have light at all for three months are now having 18 hours light. Some areas called me to say, look, I should slow down, that everything in their freezer is freezing. That is what freezer is meant to do. Let it freeze the food that needs to be frozen”, Tegbe said.  He recalled promising during his Senate screening that Nigerians would begin to notice improvements in electricity supply within three to six months.  However, Tegbe acknowledged that agein...

Nigerian content creator, Judas The Bead Maker, has reflected on the perceived decline in the benefits associated with having a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in recent years. Judas, while speaking about people who underwent the procedure between 2024 and 2026, said those who got their BBLs years ago had more opportunities to enjoy the attention and financial benefits that came with having a curvier figure. “Nobody has suffered as much as those of us who did BBL in 2024, 2025 and 2026. All we do now is to explain and explain because the streets are no longer the same. There’s no gain anymore,” she said. She added “You see the people who did their BBL way back? Those are the ones who enjoyed it because at that time, boys were hot, ballers were around. You could do your BBL, enter the streets and enjoy,” she said. According to her, people who undergo the procedure now have to create content and find other ways to make money from their appearance. “But now, there’s nothing anymore....

Veteran Nollywood actor and theatre icon, Olu Jacobs, has reportedly passed away at the age of 84. According to an announcement attributed to his family, the legendary actor died on September 16, 2026, with the family appealing to the public and the media to respect their privacy as they mourn their beloved patriarch. Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film. Renowned for his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and memorable performances, he became one of the most recognisable figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Over the years, Jacobs featured in numerous Nigerian and international productions and received several honours in recognition of his contribution to acting and the creative industry. His remarkable career and influence helped shape generations of Nigerian actors and contributed significantly to the growth of Nollywood and Nigerian theatre. May his soul res...

I will stop my presidential campaign if you can prove my administration owed money- Peter Obi dares Anambra state government Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has challenged Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led Anambra state government to produce evidence that he left debts owed to contractors, suppliers, workers or pensioners when he left office. Obi said this in a statement reeacting to recent claims made by the Anambra State Government that it is still servicing loans obtained by previous administrations, including that of Obi and his successor, Governor Willie Obiano. The state Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, had said deductions were still being made from Anambra’s monthly federal allocation to service loans inherited from past administrations including that of Obi. Okafor disclosed this during an interview on the Voice of Ndi Anambra Podcast, a video clip of which was posted on the Facebook page of Anambra State New Media...

Joshua James Lozano, a 42-year-old hospital worker, reportedly fainted in a Phoenix courtroom on Monday after learning that he could spend up to 100 years in prison if convicted of alleged child s+x crimes.  Lozano was brought to court following a Glendale Police investigation into alleged child expl%itation, Fox 10 reported.  Court documents revealed that investigators were alerted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children after explicit content was allegedly accessed through an internet service connected to Lozano. Authorities subsequently traced an account, phone number and IP address to him before arresting him last Thursday.  During Monday’s hearing, Maricopa County prosecutor Ashley Stetson requested $150,000 bail and told the court that Lozano could potentially face 10 consecutive felony counts of s+xual expl%itation of a minor.  Each count carries a possible 10-year prison sentence, with the terms to run consecutively, meaning Loza...

Sound foreign used 2015 Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle ( EV ) for sale at N15.5M Slightly negotiable  Location: New GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Contact/Enquiries: 08158925672 Electric system, Automatic Transmission & Air conditioner in perfect condition, Fabric interior and exterior in great condition, Can drive up 85-90 miles ( 135KM )  after full charge Buy and drive

Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has said having a male heir to carry on his family name and legacy is not a priority for him, despite the traditional expectation for male heirs in Kano society. The 69-year-old businessman made this known during an interview with ARISE News, when he was asked if he still hoped to have a son. Responding, Dangote said, “That one, I think is not my priority. Let me say it bluntly. It’s not really my priority because today as we speak, God controls everything.” He explained that while people may pray for a son, having one does not necessarily mean the family’s name and legacy would be preserved. “And for me really you know, sometimes you can pray for God to give you a son, but that son might be the one that will take down the name of the family down. So sometimes, when God doesn’t give you something don’t push.” Dangote, who has three daughters, added that he does not believe having a son would necessarily have produced a better o...

An Ogoni innovator has developed what is being described as Rivers State’s first indigenous fuel-free tricycle, introducing a homegrown innovation with the potential to contribute to the future of transportation in the state and beyond. Known as the Nwinnabu Electric Tricycle, the innovation is designed to operate without conventional petrol fuel, offering an alternative approach to mobility while highlighting the possibilities of locally developed technology. The development is attracting attention not only because of its fuel-free operation, but also because it demonstrates the growing capacity of indigenous innovators in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta to develop practical solutions to everyday challenges. The Nwinnabu Electric Tricycle represents an effort to explore cleaner and potentially more economical transportation options at a time when the cost of petrol and transportation continues to affect individuals, businesses and communities. Beyond transportation, th...

American filmmaker, actor, playwright and producer Tyler Perry has revealed that he has no plans to get married, citing the financial consequences he has seen people face after divorce. Speaking on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Perry said marriage itself does not bother him, but the possibility of divorce does. “It’s not the marriage that bothers me. It’s the divorce. Everybody that I know that did well and went broke, it was because of a divorce, so I’m good just being free” he said.

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert over intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terr%rist elements for possible coordinated att@cks on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations. The warning was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, obtained by SaharaReporters and issued by the Force Department of Operations in Abuja. It was circulated to police formations and Commissioners of Police nationwide. According to the message, the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West are areas of concern. Police said intelligence revealed the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, while suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and local collaborators were conducting surveillance of potential targets. The Force said the thre@t to learning institutions was particularly concerning, warning that att@cks coul...

A seven-year-old boy has been injured after a police officer allegedly discharged a firearm during a stop-and-search operation along Abak Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while the child was inside a vehicle with his parents. The incident, which occurred on September 11, 2026, has triggered renewed concerns over the use of firearms at police checkpoints and the safety of innocent civilians during routine security operations. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it has arrested, disarmed and detained Inspector Monday Okonta, the officer allegedly involved in the shooting, pending the outcome of an investigation. According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Timfon John, the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. when police personnel attached to the Quick Response Squad were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along Abak Road. The command said preliminary information indicated that officers stopped a vehicle conveying members of a family. “Durin...

Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has urged wealthy Nigerians who spend millions of dollars on private aircraft to channel more of their wealth into productive businesses. Reflecting on his career, Dangote said he had his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half, adding that he is now open to commercial opportunities. “In my career as a businessman, I had great times. I was telling somebody that right now, I don’t mind. I can take commercial, I can take anything. I had my first private jet at 22 years and a half,” he said. Dangote said he encourages people who own aircraft worth $90 million or $100 million to invest their money in businesses that can contribute to the country’s development. “So I try as much as possible to encourage people who are riding 90, 100 million dollars aircraft, please go and put that into business. We are not going to create a great nation without doing something productive,” he said. He also recalled spending 30 minutes looking ...

Edo lawmaker Honourable Natasha Osawaru has vowed to become the President of Nigeria before the de@th of her grandfather, businessman Gabriel Igbinedion, as she celebrated his 92nd birthday. Speaking during the celebration, Osawaru expressed her love for her grandfather Gabriel Igbinedion, describing him as someone who had become “sweeter and better” with age. She said it was amazing to be around him and that she sometimes felt like crying because of how much he means to her. “I promise you that I will be the president of this country before you d+e, amen in Jesus name. And I’ll make you very, very proud. And I promise to do better, better, better every day,” she said. Osawaru also prayed for her grandfather to live long, saying they would celebrate his 94th, 95th, 96th, 97th, 98th, 99th and 100th birthdays, “up to 150 in the name of Jesus.” She further prayed for God’s protection over him, adding, “I cannot live without you. May God bless you, my grandfather. I love you so...

Chief Executive Officer and leader, Tambari Steve, joined Hon. Ezebunwo Ichemati, popularly known as Sugar Meyor; Rt. Hon. Promise Reginald; Hon. David West; the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon. (Dr.) Anabrabra F. Benibo; Hon. Prince John Tamunokuro, ADC State Chairman, and other distinguished dignitaries to pay their last respects to the late Miss Joy P. Amachree, sister of Hon. Orolosama. The dignitaries gathered to honour the memory of the deceased and stand in solidarity with the Amachree family during this difficult period. In his message of condolence, Tambari Steve expressed his deepest sympathy to Hon. Orolosama and the entire Amachree family, praying God to grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss. He encouraged Hon. Orolosama to remain strong and continue moving forward, noting that the best way to honour the memory of his late sister is to remain courageous and committed to the values and aspirations she would have been proud of. He al...