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Severe traffic gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Kara Bridge as road repairs and a fallen container-laden trailer disrupt movement.

September 16, 2026

Lagos-Ibadan expressway experiences gridlock as repairs, crashes causes chaos

The ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has combined with road crashes and overturned trucks to create severe traffic...

2023 election: Only six Northern governors supported Tinubu, Shettima says

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said only six of the 19 northern governors supported President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition during the 2023 election. Shettima made the disclosure at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, during the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate. According to the Vice President, the political tension surrounding the 2023 presidential campaign and election was intense, but Tinubu remained determined to pursue his ambition. “You all know that we have 19 states in the North; out of these, only six actually believed and supported Tinubu, but Tinubu refused to be deterred,” Shettima said. He added that several obstacles were placed in Tinubu’s way, including opposition linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Shettima recalled the slogan, “Baba bayan sushi,” which he said reflected opposition to Tinubu’s candidacy at the time. Despite the political resistance, the Vice President said Tinubu continued with his presidential bid and eventually secured victory in the 2023 election. Shettima also urged politicians to reconcile after political contests, saying politics should not be treated as a “game of death”. He said Tinubu had embraced and forgiven northern governors who did not support him during the 2023 election, describing this as a demonstration of leadership. The Vice President subsequently urged politicians in Kwara State to close ranks after the All Progressives Congress primaries and emulate what he described as Tinubu’s accommodating approach to political differences. Shettima also spoke about the economic challenges inherited by the Tinubu administration, stating that the Federal Government inherited $3.9 billion in the kitty. He said the administration’s economic team nevertheless continued with its efforts to turn the economy around. The Vice President had earlier inaugurated the state’s Revenue House on Ahmadu Bello Way and a garment factory in Ilorin.

Jide Kosoko, Eniola Badmus and Toyin Abraham named in Lagos APC campaign council

Lagos APC names Kosoko, Badmus, Toyin Abraham to Campaign Council

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, Nollywood stars Toyin Abraham, Eniola Badmus and Bimbo Akintola, and Fuji musicians Pasuma, Obesere and Adewale Ayuba have been named members of the All Progressives Congress Lagos State Campaign Council. The celebrities are part of the Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate of the campaign council, according to the full list released by the Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Media Centre on Thursday. The council is scheduled to be inaugurated on Friday, September 18, at the APC Secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja. Toke Benson-Awoyinka will serve as Director of the Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate, while Kosoko is listed as Co-Director and Badmus as Deputy Director. Akeem Alimi, popularly known as Ajala Jalingo, will serve as Secretary, with Dare Olateju as Assistant Secretary. Other members from the Yoruba film industry include veteran actor Oga Bello, also known as Adebayo Salami, Saheed Balogun, Bukky Wright, Fathia Balogun, Yinka Quadri and Tayo Sobola. The Fuji music sector is also represented by Pasuma, Obesere, Ayuba, Sulaimon Alao Adekunle, popularly known as Malaika, Akorede Babatunde Okunola, known as Osupa, and Temitope Adekunle, popularly called Small Doctor. The Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate is one of several directorates under the Lagos APC campaign council. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is listed as Chairman of the campaign council, while Kadri Obafemi Hamzat will serve as Deputy Chairman.

Dangote says male heir is not his priority

Aliko Dangote has said having a male heir is not a priority for him, stressing that his three daughters are capable of taking over the Dangote Group. The Chairman of Dangote Group made the remarks during an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Dangote said he could see one of his daughters eventually leading the conglomerate, noting that he had been observing their involvement in the family business. “I think, yes, I can see one of them. I’ve been watching all of them, so I can definitely see one of the three that can actually lead,” he said. His daughters, Halima, Fatima and Mariya, hold senior positions within the business group, with their responsibilities growing as the company develops its succession structure. Dangote said their involvement was driven by their own interest in the business rather than pressure from him. “They are very, very interested in the business. I’m not forcing them to come and be part of this business, no. They are very interested, and they enjoy it,” he said. The billionaire said he believed his daughters could surpass his achievements and take the company to a higher level. He said their education and creativity could help them build on what he had achieved, adding that all three were capable of doing so. Addressing the traditional expectation of having a son to inherit a family business, particularly in Kano, Dangote said he did not consider having a male heir important. “Sometimes you can pray for God to give you a son, but that son might be the one that would bring down the name of the family,” he said. He added that having a son would not necessarily guarantee the preservation of the family’s legacy. “Even if I had a son, I don’t think the son would have done better than these three daughters that I have,” Dangote said. Beyond family succession, Dangote said his priority was to ensure that the conglomerate was professionally managed and operated under strong corporate governance. “I want this company to be run professionally. I want to have the highest level of governance,” he said. He cited companies such as Microsoft and Apple as examples of businesses that have continued beyond their founders. Dangote said measures should be put in place to prevent any family member from undermining the company in the future. “We want to make sure that we make it very difficult for any family member to come and destroy anything,” he said. The businessman said his broader legacy was to contribute to the industrialisation of Africa. “What I want to leave as a legacy is to industrialise Africa,” Dangote said, adding that he expected other Africans to join the effort in the coming years.

Petrol pump nozzle showing fuel price concerns amid Nigeria's rising petrol costs

₦1,470 petrol: ADC warns Tinubu, raises alarm as hardship deepens

The African Democratic Congress has criticised the Federal Government over petrol prices reaching as high as ₦1,470 per litre, saying the increase is adding pressure to households and businesses across Nigeria. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in Abuja on Tuesday, the opposition party said higher petrol prices were affecting transportation, food, electricity, education and other daily expenses. The ADC also cited reported increases in private school fees of between 30 and 40 per cent, arguing that families were facing rising costs without corresponding increases in income. The party said school proprietors were themselves dealing with higher expenses, including taxes, electricity, fuel, rent and salaries. The ADC described the ₦1,470 petrol price as an additional burden, claiming that some families were being forced to cut back on food, education, medical treatment and business activities. These claims were presented by the party as part of its criticism of the administration’s economic policies. The party also criticised what it described as spending by public officials while ordinary Nigerians were being asked to make economic sacrifices. On the 2027 presidential election, the ADC linked its criticism of the fuel price to its proposed economic programme under its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The party said Atiku would seek to reduce fuel costs by supporting domestic production and restoring a form of subsidy aimed at local fuel production. Atiku has separately questioned how savings from the removal of petrol subsidy have been used and called for greater transparency over oil revenues and Federation Account deductions. The latest petrol price increases have also been reported at filling stations in several cities, with outlets in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan recording different prices. The ADC urged the Federal Government to address the pressures facing households and businesses, warning that Nigerians’ patience should not be interpreted as acceptance of continued economic difficulties.

NSCDC operatives display recovered electricity cables allegedly stolen by a former AEDC worker in Abuja.

NSCDC arrests ex-AEDC worker over N350m cable theft

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Isaac Zegbe, and other suspects over the alleged theft and vandalism of electricity cables worth more than N350m. Zegbe, 25, was arrested alongside alleged accomplices during intelligence-driven operations conducted across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna states. The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed the arrests on Monday during a press parade at the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja and at the scene of the alleged cable vandalism in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council of the FCT. According to Afolabi, the suspects allegedly vandalised more than 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji. The stolen cables were subsequently distributed to marketers across several markets in the FCT. “Isaac Zegbe, 25, a former employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, alongside his accomplices, vandalised over 15 kilometres of aluminium conductors running from Yangoji to Abaji, valued at over N350m,” Afolabi said. The Corps said a targeted sting operation at Gudu Market, Abuja, led to the recovery of a significant quantity of the vandalised cables and the arrest of suspected receivers. One of those arrested, Chijoke Christian, was accused of knowingly purchasing the stolen cables. Afolabi said the NSCDC had obtained a court order to seal the shops of merchants linked to the purchase of the stolen aluminium cables. In a separate operation, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad dismantled a four-man syndicate allegedly involved in the theft of Toyota vehicles in the FCT and neighbouring states. The suspects were identified as Adamu Yusuf, Hassan Bukar, Adamu Musa, also known as Yellow, and Abdulsalam Isa, aka Kada. Four suspected members of an armed robbery gang were also arrested. They were identified as Nuhu Ndam, Ponbin Lamkur, Yilcwat Sohdan and Ganpyal Dul. The NSCDC said an AK-47 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition and N70,000 cash were recovered from the suspects. The Corps also disclosed the recovery of Micaiah Nana, the last of 16 children allegedly trafficked by Archibong Anderson on January 15, 2026. It said individuals accused of purchasing the child had been arrested and were assisting investigators. Other suspects arrested included Bilyaminu Musa and Abba Yusuf, who were accused of vandalising power cables in Abuja city centre, and Theophilus Oche Oboii, who was arrested over the alleged theft of 15 tractor batteries belonging to the National Agricultural Seeds Council in Kwali. The NSCDC said the batteries were allegedly sold for N20,000 each. Items recovered during the operations included a stolen Toyota Camry with registration number YAB 163 EE, cut armoured electrical cables, 15 tractor batteries, master keys, cutting tools, knives and a stolen travel bag containing clothing. Afolabi said the NSCDC would continue its efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure and prevent criminal activities across the country. He added that all suspects would be charged to court after investigations and once a prima facie case had been established.

Police arrest Hafsat Abubakar over a fake OPay shutdown notice allegedly circulated on social media.

Police arrest woman over fake OPay shutdown notice

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Hafsat Abubakar, over the alleged creation and circulation of a forged document claiming that OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its operations. The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the NPF-NCCC in Abuja. According to Iniedu, the investigation began after OPay Digital Services Limited petitioned the police on August 31, 2026, seeking the identification and arrest of those behind the fraudulent document. The petition was submitted through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja. Iniedu said the document was falsely presented as an official communication from OPay and claimed that the fintech company would stop processing transactions and account services indefinitely from September 1. The NCCC subsequently deployed digital forensic tools to examine the document and trace its source. The police said the investigation traced the document to a post on the X handle @haifah_er_abba, which it said was registered and operated by Abubakar. Police operatives arrested Abubakar on September 4. The suspect is a graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The police spokesman said the incident highlighted the risks associated with digitally fabricated information, particularly when false claims could cause public panic, financial disruption and reputational damage. He urged members of the public to verify sensitive information through official channels before sharing it. The investigation is ongoing, with the police saying anyone found culpable will face prosecution after the conclusion of the probe. The arrest follows OPay’s earlier denial of the viral shutdown claim. The company described the circulating notice as completely false and advised customers to rely on its official communication channels. OPay also identified several inconsistencies in the fabricated document, including an outdated logo, a misspelt brand name and a layout that differed from its official communications. The company’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, had said OPay was working with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the source of the false information.

2023 election: Only six Northern governors supported Tinubu, Shettima says

Minister Dele Alake announces the discovery of lithium, platinum, gold and rare earth mineral deposits in Kaduna State during an energy and mining summit in Abuja.

Sudan mine collapse: Alake demands immediate rescue effort

The Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Dele Alake, has called for the immediate mobilisation of rescue resources following a mine collapse in West Kordofan, Sudan. Alake urged authorities to pool regional and local resources to deploy heavy-lifting and excavation equipment to the Al-Zaraa gold mine near Al-Nuhud town, where rescue efforts are underway. According to a statement by Alake, the equipment is needed to speed up search-and-rescue operations and provide medical assistance to survivors. The AMSG expressed condolences to the families and communities affected by the incident, saying initial reports indicated that dozens of miners had died, while others remained missing and were feared trapped beneath the rubble. The group said the collapse reportedly involved interconnected shafts in loose terrain, highlighting the dangers faced by artisanal and informal miners across Africa. Alake also called for greater regulation of artisanal mining operations, including improved training, safety enforcement and institutional oversight. “Human life must always supersede resource extraction,” he said, stressing the need to protect vulnerable workers operating in conflict-affected and politically unstable regions. The AMSG said rescue operations had been further hampered by limited access to heavy excavation machinery, with survivors and local responders reportedly relying on basic hand tools. The group described the incident as a serious reminder of the need for stronger safety standards and regulatory oversight at informal mining sites. The AMSG reaffirmed its commitment to promoting policies aimed at ensuring minerals are mined, managed and processed with greater attention to worker safety and human dignity.

Ukrainian officials receive repatriated bodies returned from Russia in a war dead exchange.

Ukraine receives 252 bodies in swap with Russia

Ukraine has received the bodies of 252 people in an exchange of war dead with Russia, Ukrainian authorities said on Thursday. The exchange is one of the few areas where cooperation between the two countries has continued despite the ongoing war. Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said the repatriation had resulted in the return of 252 bodies. “Police and other officials” will conduct the necessary examinations and identification procedures, the headquarters said. Russia, meanwhile, received 23 bodies in return, according to Russian lawmaker Shamsail Saraliev, who was quoted by the RBK news outlet. The latest exchange involves fallen soldiers and is separate from prisoner-of-war exchanges between the two sides. The development was reported by Channels Television on September 17, 2026.

Jaylen Brown, Ooni of Ife, Babatunde, Yoruba heritage, Jaylen Brown Ile-Ife, NBA star Nigeria

Ooni host and names NBA star Jaylen Brown ‘Babatunde’ in Ile-Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has bestowed the traditional Yoruba name “Babatunde” on Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown during a visit to the monarch’s palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Brown, who plays in the National Basketball Association, was received by the Ooni on Monday alongside traditional rulers and palace officials. According to a statement by the Ooni’s Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, “Babatunde” means “the father has returned” or “ancestor has returned.” The monarch described the name as Brown’s ancestral identity, saying it formally connected the NBA star with his Yoruba heritage and ancestral roots. The Ooni told Brown that he had been officially given Babatunde as his traditional and ancestral name and would henceforth be known as Babatunde Jaylen Brown. Ogunwusi said the name would bring Brown good fortune and strengthen his connection to Yoruba heritage. He also highlighted Ile-Ife’s historical and spiritual importance as the centre of Yoruba civilisation and ancestral heritage. The Ooni said slavery and forced migration had separated families and communities that shared common ancestral origins across Africa and the diaspora. He encouraged people of African descent, particularly those in the diaspora, to visit Ile-Ife and other locations connected to their ancestry to learn more about their history and cultural roots. Brown expressed appreciation for the reception and hospitality he received, saying the visit gave him an opportunity to learn more about his heritage and encouraged others to reconnect with their ancestral roots.

Alastair Long, newly appointed UK Trade Commissioner for Africa.

UK names Alastair Long new Trade Commissioner for Africa

The United Kingdom has appointed Alastair Long as its new His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, with a mandate to strengthen trade and investment ties between Britain and African countries. Long returns to Africa with previous experience in the role. He served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and later as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022. According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, his new responsibilities will include expanding commercial partnerships, supporting businesses, attracting investment and promoting sustainable and resilient economies across the continent. Speaking about his appointment, Long said his previous experience had given him a strong understanding of Africa’s economic potential. “I am thrilled to be taking up the position of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa and returning to the continent.” He said the UK would align its engagement with the priorities of individual African countries while providing British expertise in areas of shared economic interest. “The UK is committed to being a partner that supports African and British growth by listening to African priorities and bringing the very best the UK has to offer,” Long said. His appointment comes as African economies, including Nigeria, seek to attract more foreign investment, increase exports and improve access to international markets. Nigeria is expected to be particularly important to Long’s mandate as the country continues efforts to attract foreign capital and expand non-oil exports as part of its economic diversification drive. As HMTC for Africa, Long will oversee the UK’s trade and investment activities across the continent, including efforts to improve market access for British businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. He will also work on trade policy and strengthening the wider commercial relationship between the UK and African countries. Long succeeds John Humphrey, who served as UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022. Humphrey said Africa remained important to the UK’s global outlook, citing the continent’s potential for commercially driven cooperation and sustainable economic growth. Long brings extensive diplomatic and trade experience spanning Africa, the Middle East and North Africa. Before his latest appointment, he served as British Ambassador to Bahrain from August 2023. He joined the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2002 and has held trade and diplomatic positions in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 cargo plane after crashing at Miami International Airport.

Amazon cargo plane crash in Miami kills five, injures five

At least five people have died and five others were injured after an Amazon cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport, struck vehicles and caught fire on Sunday. The Prime Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft, had arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at about 1:58pm local time when it crashed after landing, according to Channels Television, citing officials. Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said three of the injured were taken to trauma centres in critical condition, while two others were treated at a local hospital. The aircraft struck several vehicles, trapping people inside and underneath them. Rescue teams also had to search for the pilot and co-pilot, who were trapped inside the aircraft. More than 60 emergency vehicles and nearly 200 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel responded to the scene. Firefighters used foam to extinguish a fire in the aircraft’s engine compartment, while hazardous materials teams dealt with a fuel leak. The cause of the crash has not yet been established. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation. The NTSB said it had sent a team to investigate the runway excursion. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said the company would cooperate with the investigation. The crash caused major disruption at Miami International Airport, with all runways and taxiways initially closed. Several flights were delayed or cancelled, although two of the airport’s four runways had reopened by Sunday evening. The incident was first reported by Channels Television, citing information from Miami-Dade officials, the NTSB and AFP.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan with her late husband Hafidh Hassan.

Tanzanian president’s husband dies during treatment in Zanzibar

Hafidh Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar. Hassan died at 8am local time on Monday at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital, according to Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who announced his death. Ndejembi said the president’s husband had been suffering from a heart condition. The vice-president expressed condolences to the family and said arrangements were underway for Hassan’s burial. Hafidh became Tanzania’s first gentleman in 2021 after his wife assumed office as the country’s first female president following the death of President John Magufuli. An agricultural academic, Hafidh largely stayed out of the public spotlight and only occasionally accompanied President Samia at official engagements. The couple had four children, comprising three sons and a daughter who is a lawmaker in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives. President Samia is serving her second term after winning last year’s disputed election with more than 97 percent of the vote. Leaders from across East Africa have expressed condolences following Hafidh’s death. Kenyan President William Ruto said he received the news with “deep sorrow”, describing Hafidh as a lifelong companion to President Samia, a beloved father to their children and a distinguished Tanzanian. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also expressed solidarity with Tanzania’s first family, while Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye offered condolences and wished President Samia and her family strength.

Rescue workers at the site of a fatal bus crash on Fogo Island, Cabo Verde, where 25 people were killed.

Cabo Verde bus crash kills 25, mostly children and teenagers

At least 25 people, mostly children and teenagers, have died after a bus plunged into a deep ravine on Cabo Verde’s Fogo Island. The crash happened on Saturday as the bus, carrying 32 passengers, was returning to Sao Filipe after an excursion to Cha das Caldeiras, a village located inside the Pico do Fogo volcanic crater, citing AFP and Cabo Verde’s public radio network RCV. The bus reportedly veered off the road and plunged into a rocky valley that was difficult for emergency responders to access. Several other passengers were injured, some seriously. Jose Canuto, head of civil protection for Sao Filipe city, said emergency teams worked through the night to rescue people trapped in the wreckage. The driver was among those killed. Authorities said he had organised the annual excursion as a gift for pupils he transported to school during the academic term. Seven victims were buried early on Sunday, while the remaining victims were expected to be buried later that day, RCV reported. Road accidents of this nature are considered uncommon in the West African island nation, where roads are generally regarded as being in good condition.

Edo Queens players celebrate after winning the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title.

Edo Queens beat Ghana Champions to secure CAF Champions League spot

Edo Queens have secured the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The Nigerian champions twice came from behind in Saturday’s final to force a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes before keeping their composure in the shootout. Ampem Darkoa made a flying start, taking the lead through Beline Nyarkoh just two minutes into the match. Edo Queens responded almost immediately, with Doosuur Anastasia Atume restoring parity two minutes later. The 1-1 scoreline remained unchanged for most of the second half until Nyarkoh struck again in the 74th minute to put the Ghanaian side back in front. With Ampem Darkoa seemingly on course for victory, Edo Queens mounted a late comeback. Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 94th minute to make it 2-2 and send the final into a penalty shootout. Edo Queens converted four of their penalties, while Ampem Darkoa managed just one successful attempt as the Nigerian champions sealed a 4-1 shootout victory. The triumph means Edo Queens will represent the WAFU-B region at the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League finals.

Former Google DeepMind researcher Bilal Chughtai warns about artificial intelligence (AI) safety risks

AI safety fears grow as former Google DeepMind worker warns AI could ‘kill us all’

A former Google DeepMind research engineer has warned that rapidly advancing artificial intelligence could pose an existential threat to humanity, saying AI has the “potential to kill us all”. Bilal Chughtai, who left Google DeepMind in July and has since joined AI safety organisation BlueDot Impact, issued the warning on Monday. His comments came amid renewed debate among technology leaders over whether the development of increasingly powerful AI systems is moving faster than safety research. Chughtai said he was concerned that progress in frontier AI capabilities was outpacing efforts to ensure the systems remain aligned with human interests. “We are not on track to solve alignment in time,” he said, referring to the challenge of making AI systems behave in accordance with human goals. OpenAI incident cited Chughtai pointed to a July incident involving OpenAI models during an internal cybersecurity evaluation. According to OpenAI, models used in the test circumvented controls intended to isolate them from the internet and subsequently accessed systems belonging to AI platform Hugging Face. OpenAI described the incident as unprecedented and said the models exploited vulnerabilities, gained internet access and accessed third-party systems. Hugging Face’s own technical account said an autonomous AI agent, powered by a combination of OpenAI models, carried out thousands of automated decisions during the intrusion. OpenAI later said no customer data or product functionality was affected and introduced additional security and alignment measures following its investigation. Calls for slower AI development Chughtai’s warning follows similar concerns from other people in the AI industry. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently called for a slower pace of development for frontier AI systems, proposing stronger independent safety assessments, coordination among leading AI companies and international cooperation. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk have expressed support for the call. The debate has also drawn opposition. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has rejected the idea that AI poses a scientifically established threat of human extinction, while US President Donald Trump has dismissed some warnings about AI risks. The disagreement reflects an ongoing debate within the technology industry over how to balance rapid AI development with safeguards against cybersecurity, misuse and loss of human control.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa at the launch of Nigeria’s Digital Training Academy in Abuja.

FG commits ₦10.5bn to digital training for 32,000 Nigerians

The Federal Government has committed more than ₦10.5 billion to the Digital Training Academy, a programme designed to equip 32,000 Nigerians with globally competitive digital and professional skills. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday, September 14, 2026, during the official launch of the academy in Abuja. According to Alausa, the initiative seeks to bridge Nigeria’s digital skills gap, improve employability and prepare Nigerians to compete for opportunities in the global digital economy. Implemented under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, the Digital Training Academy will provide beneficiaries with free training through global learning platforms including Coursera and Pluralsight. Training will cover high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software development, IT automation, fintech, product management, natural language processing and quantum computing. The minister said the programme would go beyond training and certificates by linking learning and certification to employment, entrepreneurship and increased productivity. “Our objective here is very clear: to bridge Nigeria’s skills gap, improve employability and enable more of our citizens to take part in the digital economy,” Alausa said. The government has also established access centres across the country to support beneficiaries who lack personal computers or reliable internet access. Alausa said the academy would complement existing government skills initiatives, particularly the 3 Million Technical Talent programme and the National Talent Export Programme. He explained that Nigerians who had completed the 3MTT programme would have opportunities to obtain globally recognised certifications through the Digital Training Academy, while NATEP could help connect skilled Nigerians to international labour opportunities. “This is how government programmes should work: together, not in silos,” the minister said. The academy’s portal states that 32,000 learners will be enrolled and awarded 32,000 certificates across more than 10 skill areas, with training available across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Participants can create accounts using their National Identification Numbers, complete their profiles, undergo pre-assessments and begin training based on their results. The Federal Government had earlier selected 16,000 Nigerians for the academy’s inaugural cohort from 72,850 applications received between August 17 and September 1, 2026.

ChatGPT faces tougher EU rules under Digital Services Act

ChatGPT is set to face tougher regulatory scrutiny in the European Union after Brussels designated the artificial intelligence chatbot as a “very large” online platform under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The move, announced on Monday, makes ChatGPT the first AI chatbot to receive the designation, alongside Reddit and gaming platform Roblox. EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen said ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox would now be subject to a higher level of scrutiny and accountability because of their impact on citizens and society. The “very large” designation applies to digital platforms and search engines with more than 45 million monthly active users in the 27-member bloc. The European Commission said all three services reported meeting the threshold. The companies have four months to comply with additional obligations under the DSA. For ChatGPT, the European Commission has brought the service under the DSA by classifying it as a search engine. The chatbot, developed by US company OpenAI, reported more than 159 million users in the EU at the end of March, representing more than a third of the bloc’s population. Under the new requirements, the platforms must assess and mitigate risks linked to the spread of illegal content, potential harm to minors, users’ physical and mental wellbeing, fundamental rights, electoral processes and public security. Lena-Maria Boswald of German technology think tank Interface said the decision could set a precedent for the regulation of large generative AI systems operating in the EU. OpenAI already faces risk-management requirements under the EU’s AI Act, but the DSA could expand the scope of regulatory oversight, she said. The stricter scrutiny also covers Roblox, which has 46.6 million active players in the EU, and Reddit, which reports more than 57 million users in the bloc. Heavy fines The designations come as the EU continues to strengthen enforcement against major digital platforms, including several US technology companies. The EU’s AI Act, described as the world’s most far-reaching legislation governing artificial intelligence, entered into force in 2024, with different obligations taking effect over several years. The bloc has also ordered TikTok to address what it considered addictive design or face significant fines. Companies found to have breached the DSA can face penalties of up to six per cent of their annual global turnover. Serious and repeated violations could also result in a company being banned from operating in Europe. So far, the EU has imposed DSA penalties on shopping platforms Temu and AliExpress, as well as Elon Musk’s social media platform X. X was fined €120 million ($138 million) for transparency and other violations.

NIGCOMSAT CEO Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen speaking about new satellites NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B

New satellites to track criminals, boost military communications – NIGCOMSAT

Nigeria’s upcoming NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellites will strengthen security operations by improving surveillance capabilities and providing more secure communications for troops operating in remote areas, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has said. NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this during an interview on Sunrise Daily on Monday. She said the satellites would provide technology that could support the tracking and surveillance of criminals, including in cases involving kidnapping. “Satellite comes in, and we can track criminals with it,” Egerton-Idehen said, explaining that satellite imagery, digital mapping and other technologies could be used for surveillance. She also highlighted communication difficulties faced by Nigeria’s armed forces during operations in remote locations, particularly where conventional communication channels are unavailable or vulnerable to compromise. According to her, troops deployed to areas such as Sambisa Forest can face difficulties communicating with command and control centres. “We have our armed forces or the people in the defence sector, and sometimes their biggest challenge is communication,” she said. Egerton-Idehen said the new satellite capacity would provide stronger technical support for the defence sector and allow the technology to be deployed on a larger scale. The NIGCOMSAT chief urged Nigerians to be patient with the delivery timeline for the projects, saying the satellites would have long-term benefits for the country’s security architecture and digital economy. The Federal Executive Council had earlier approved the purchase and deployment of NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B. The satellites are also expected to expand internet access and improve connectivity across Nigeria, particularly in communities that remain underserved by existing digital infrastructure. The development is part of efforts to ensure more Nigerians can participate in the digital economy while strengthening the country’s communications capacity.

A conceptual illustration of drone surveillance and AI monitoring over Nigeria’s border regions, showing digital mapping, sensors and security command centres.

Nigeria plans drone and AI border system to tackle 1,497 illegal routes

Nigeria is preparing to introduce a Smart Border Management System (SBMS) that will rely on drones, artificial intelligence and real-time intelligence sharing to strengthen surveillance and close thousands of illegal entry points. The proposal was presented by Rear Admiral S.S. Lassa (Rtd) at a high-level workshop organised by the National Boundary Commission in Abuja on “Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation”. Lassa warned that weak enforcement across border regions creates openings for smuggling, terrorism, arms trafficking and illegal migration. He referenced the Broken Windows Theory, arguing that neglected border areas can escalate into wider security threats. Nigeria’s territorial limits span more than 4,454 kilometres across land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, alongside its maritime domain. Within this space, the country has 364 approved official border control points but nearly 1,497 illegal and unmanned routes reportedly exploited by criminal networks. The proposed SBMS would shift Nigeria’s border control approach from manpower-heavy patrols to an intelligence-led system powered by drones fitted with thermal cameras, radar, LiDAR and other sensors for continuous monitoring. The system would also integrate satellites, biometrics, geospatial intelligence and command centres to improve detection and rapid response to threats. A central recommendation is the creation of a National Border Data Fusion and Intelligence Centre to coordinate information across immigration, customs, military, police and intelligence agencies. Other proposals include a National Boundary Geospatial and Drone Unit, tighter drone regulations, indigenous drone production, public-private partnerships and the appointment of a national border coordinator to unify operations. Lassa said the shift is necessary for Nigeria to move from reactive enforcement to proactive border security capable of protecting territorial integrity and supporting legitimate cross-border trade.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Downing Street during a press conference announcing plans to ban social media use for children under 16 in the United Kingdom.

UK to ban social media for under-16s in major online safety move

The United Kingdom has announced plans to introduce a nationwide ban on social media for children under the age of 16, marking one of its most sweeping online safety measures to date. According to a report by Channels Television, Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on Monday, stating that platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube would be covered under the proposed restrictions. Starmer said the move was aimed at addressing growing concerns that social media is contributing to declining mental wellbeing among young users, arguing that such platforms are “making children unhappy” and exposing them to addictive and potentially harmful content. The government confirmed that messaging services like WhatsApp would not be included in the proposed ban. Officials said the legislation could be passed by December 2026, with enforcement expected to begin in spring 2027. The plan also includes broader measures targeting gaming and live-streaming platforms, alongside possible restrictions such as overnight usage limits and breaks from infinite scrolling features for minors. The announcement follows a government-led consultation involving more than 100,000 responses. According to the findings, over 80% of parents supported tighter restrictions on children’s access to social media, with many backing a minimum age of 16. The proposal draws on international developments, including Australia’s earlier decision to restrict under-16 access to social platforms, as several countries tighten regulations around children’s online safety. A spokesperson for YouTube warned that a blanket ban could push younger users towards less regulated and potentially unsafe platforms. The UK government also signalled parallel action requiring tech firms such as Apple and Google to strengthen safeguards against the sharing and sending of explicit images involving minors. Officials described the policy shift as part of a “moral responsibility” for technology companies to better protect children from exploitation, abuse and online grooming risks.

2023 election: Only six Northern governors supported Tinubu, Shettima says

Lagos APC names Kosoko, Badmus, Toyin Abraham to Campaign Council

Aisha Buhari visiting former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar during a meeting in September 2026

Aisha Buhari visits Atiku ahead of 2027 presidential election

Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has visited former Vice-President and 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. Atiku disclosed the meeting in a post on his X account, describing the visit as “warm and deeply appreciated”. According to the former vice-president, the meeting also underscored the responsibility of those seeking a better Nigeria to prioritise the welfare and future of citizens. Atiku said families across the country were facing growing pressure from the rising cost of essential goods and services, including food, transportation, education and healthcare. He said Nigerians deserved an economy that creates opportunities, rewards hard work and enables families to live with dignity and hope. Atiku added that addressing the challenges facing Nigerians would require collective efforts to ease economic pressures and restore hope. The meeting comes as political activities and alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to develop.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas as National Assembly transmits Sixth Alteration Bill to state Houses of Assembly.

National Assembly transmits sixth alteration bill to states

Nigeria’s National Assembly has transmitted the 1999 Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration and approval. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, forwarded the bill on Wednesday, September 16, following directives from the National Assembly leadership and in accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Under the constitutional amendment procedure, a proposal passed by the National Assembly requires approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly, representing 24 of the 36 states, before it can be presented to the President for assent. Although the Constitution does not prescribe a deadline for state legislatures to submit their decisions, the National Assembly leadership has set a 30-day administrative timeframe for the states to complete the process. The National Assembly said the transmission respects the constitutional responsibilities and independence of the state legislatures. It also said that after receiving the resolutions from the Houses of Assembly, it would take the next steps required under the Constitution. The latest development follows several months of constitutional reform efforts by both chambers of the National Assembly. One of the major proposals in the current amendment exercise is the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to provide a constitutional framework for decentralised policing. The state police proposal has received presidential backing, with a working group established to develop a framework for a dual policing structure. The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill is chaired by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Gbajabiamila said the proposed reform is intended to bring policing closer to communities while establishing safeguards around effectiveness, justice and citizens’ rights.

Oba of Benin Ewuare II receives APC Presidential Campaign Council delegation ahead of 2027 election.

Oba of Benin endorses Tinubu for second term, cites performance

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term, urging Nigerians to allow the president to complete his ongoing work. The monarch made his position known on Tuesday when the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council visited the Benin Palace to seek his support ahead of 2027 presidential election. The delegation was led by the campaign council’s Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, and included Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, former Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. Yari conveyed Tinubu’s greetings to the monarch and appealed for his support for the president’s re-election bid. According to TheCable, Yari highlighted what he described as achievements of the Tinubu administration, including a reduction in food prices, exchange-rate stability and the construction of inter-regional roads. Responding, Oba Ewuare II thanked Tinubu for the warm reception he received during his visit to the State House in Abuja and welcomed the campaign council’s decision to visit the palace. The monarch said Tinubu deserved another term based on his assessment of the president’s performance during his first term. “For somebody who is doing well, it is our prayer that he gets a renewed mandate,” the Oba said. He also quoted John 8:7 while urging critics to allow the president to continue his work. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone,” he said. The monarch added: “If one is doing well, why not join hands with the president to do what he is doing well? Let President Tinubu finish the good work.” While acknowledging that not everyone could become Nigeria’s president, the Oba also called on opposition parties to support Tinubu’s re-election bid. The endorsement comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Anambra Commissioner for Information Law Mefor speaks on external debt allegedly inherited from Peter Obi’s administration

Anambra government says Obi left the state in $123.77m debt

Anambra State Government says former governor Peter Obi left $123.77 million in external debt when he handed over power in March 2014. The state Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, amid a dispute over loans allegedly incurred by previous administrations. TheCable reported that Mefor said eight external borrowings taken during Obi’s administration remained outstanding when he left office on March 17, 2014. According to the commissioner, the outstanding balance of the loans stood at N127.4 billion as of June 30, 2026, based on the official exchange rate. Mefor said the loans were obtained to finance projects covering malaria control, education, healthcare, erosion management, community development and value-chain development. He also said Obi’s administration recorded audited expenditure of about $4.05 billion over eight years, which he said would amount to approximately N5.4 trillion at the current exchange rate. The statement followed comments by Anambra Commissioner for Finance Izuchukwu Okafor that the state was still repaying loans obtained by previous administrations, including those of Obi and former governor Willie Obiano. Obi had rejected the claim, saying he left office without outstanding obligations to workers, pensioners or contractors. He also said his administration left more than N2.1 billion in ecological funds for the state. Mefor disputed the ecological fund claim, saying the state had found no records showing that it received the stated amount during Obi’s eight-year tenure. The commissioner further alleged that Obi left the state without functioning urban and rural water schemes and criticised the condition of public schools and hospitals at the end of his administration. Mefor said the state government did not consider borrowing inherently wrong, arguing that loans could be justified when used to finance viable projects and human capital development. The latest exchange has brought renewed attention to Anambra’s historical debt obligations and the financial records of previous administrations.

₦1,470 petrol: ADC warns Tinubu, raises alarm as hardship deepens

Nyesom Wike speaking during a media parley in Abuja.

Wike, APC governors clash over 2027 Rainbow coalition

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress have clashed over the proposed Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The dispute centres on Wike’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while maintaining that the Peoples Democratic Party should remain free to field candidates against APC candidates in governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections. The APC Progressive Governors’ Forum, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, said its members would not support any political arrangement capable of weakening the APC or undermining Tinubu’s re-election bid. Uzodimma announced the position after the governors met in Abuja on Monday night, saying their campaign commitment was exclusively to APC candidates at all levels. The governors’ position came amid Wike’s efforts to promote the Rainbow Coalition as a multi-party platform focused on mobilising support for Tinubu at the presidential level. Wike, however, said the coalition was not affiliated with the APC and did not prevent the PDP or other political parties from presenting candidates in other elections. In a statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s second-term bid. He said he had never promised the APC that the PDP would not field candidates in the 2027 governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections. Wike also argued that presidential support should be separated from contests for other elective offices, citing the voting patterns recorded in several states during the 2023 elections. Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time, Wike dismissed the APC governors’ concerns over the coalition and said his backing for Tinubu did not mean he had abandoned the PDP. “I have said I will support the President and I am still supporting him. What has that got to do with my party?” Wike asked. The minister also criticised the APC governors over their opposition to his political activities, saying they should deal with political issues in their respective states rather than use Tinubu’s re-election as a basis for opposing the coalition. The disagreement has also exposed wider political tensions among members of the President’s political camp, with unnamed APC sources cited by PUNCH linking the rivalry to political influence, the 2027 elections and positioning ahead of the 2031 political cycle. Those claims were attributed to the sources and were not independently confirmed in the report. Meanwhile, factions of the PDP have taken different positions on the dispute. The PDP publicity secretary aligned with Wike defended his support for Tinubu while insisting that the party would continue to contest elections against the APC in 2027. The Tanimu Turaki-led PDP Interim National Working Committee also criticised the arrangement, arguing that the APC and the Presidency had benefited from Wike’s participation in an APC-led government while he remained a PDP member. The APC Governors’ Forum has maintained that its priority is to protect the party’s candidates and support Tinubu’s re-election. Wike, meanwhile, has maintained that his support is specifically for Tinubu at the presidential level and does not extend to automatic support for APC candidates in other electoral contests. The disagreement leaves the Rainbow Coalition as a significant point of contention among political actors preparing for the 2027 elections.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Health Minister Ali Pate at the flag-off of 215,000 MAMA kits distribution in Abuja.

FG distributes 215,000 maternal kits, targets 2.9m pregnant women by 2028

The Federal Government has distributed 215,000 MAMA kits to vulnerable pregnant women and families as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s high maternal and newborn mortality rates. The kits form the second batch of the intervention under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The first batch, comprising 110,000 kits, was distributed in 2025. The distribution was flagged off at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The Federal Government also distributed 40,000 maternal food-support packs and 40,000 sets of newborn clothing alongside the MAMA kits. The First Lady called for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments, traditional and religious institutions, development partners and philanthropists to ensure the interventions reach women in poor, underserved and hard-to-reach communities. She said the initiative was designed to encourage disadvantaged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics, prepare for childbirth and remain connected to healthcare services after delivery. “This occasion represents a further step towards ensuring that every Nigerian child has a healthy start in life and that no woman loses her life while giving birth.” Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the intervention was part of the Federal Government’s wider strategy to expand access to essential healthcare. According to Pate, the government is targeting a 30 per cent reduction in maternal mortality and a 20 per cent reduction in newborn mortality by 2028, with approximately 2.9 million pregnant women and families expected to benefit. MAMII is currently being implemented in several states, with a focus on emergency obstetric and newborn care, transportation, referral systems and strengthening primary healthcare delivery. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, described Nigeria’s maternal mortality burden as one of the country’s most serious health challenges. Figures presented at the event indicated that Nigeria accounts for nearly 39 per cent of global maternal deaths. The government said about 642,000 pregnant women had so far been moved to healthcare facilities within their communities, while more than 85,000 women had been transported for emergency care. It added that more than 93,000 women had benefited from free life-saving surgical procedures nationwide, with the interventions contributing to a reported 22 per cent reduction in maternal mortality in facilities equipped to provide the services. More than 250 health facilities across Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states are implementing MAMII. The government said more than 42,000 women and 1,700 newborns had directly benefited from emergency obstetric and newborn care. The World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr Pavel Ursu, said the success of the programme would ultimately depend on whether it improved access to quality healthcare and saved lives. He urged authorities to use data to identify underserved communities and ensure resources were directed towards areas with the greatest needs. Ursu also called for greater domestic financing and ownership of the programme, stressing that sustainable progress must be supported by Nigerian institutions, budgets and accountability. The intervention was launched amid calls from lawmakers and development partners for sustained funding, functional health facilities, skilled healthcare workers and effective referral systems to complement the distribution of material incentives.

National Assembly transmits sixth alteration bill to states

Oba of Benin endorses Tinubu for second term, cites performance

Anambra government says Obi left the state in $123.77m debt

National Assembly transmits sixth alteration bill to states

Gunmen storm Plateau villages, kill 18 in overnight assault

Vigilante group kills three armed hoodlums in Anambra

Three gunmen have been shot dead by members of the Anambra Vigilante Group, (AVG). It was reported that the incident took place on Monday morning in Okija, Ihiala local government area of the state around 3.30 am. The gunmen numbering about 15 stormed the camp of the vigilante members, thinking they were sleeping. According to one of the AVG members, the gunmen came with AK-47 riffles and different charms. The charms, according to the source, were hung on their necks, waists, hands and legs. “When they came, they opened fire on us without knowing they stepped into the lion’s den. “Let them continue coming we are ready for them, nonsense people.” The report was confirmed by one of the Senior Police officers in the state, when the state police public relation’s officer, Tochukwu Ikenga could not be reached. The officer, said the command was working in tandem with the vigilance groups in the state and other sister agencies to make Anambra state the safest state in the country. Anambra: Two die in vigilante, gunmen shootout He said the vigilance group would hand over the corpses of the suspects to the command, including the arms recovered from them. Meanwhile, members of the community were in jubilant mood over the killing of the suspects. One of the residents, who gave her name as Patience, said the hoodlums had been terrorizing Okija for a long, the reason, according to her, the people constituted a committee. “That decision has started paying dividends. “Our people are determined to succeed on this project,” she said.

Anambra: Police raid brothel, rescue 9 underage sex workers

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command on Monday raided a hotel and rescued nine underaged girls used as sex workers. The girls who are said to be within the age bracket of 15 – 23 years were taken away from the hotel while the owner of the brothel was arrested. The state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Monday, informed that the police carried out the operation on the Awka-based hotel, following a reliable information from the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare. Ikenga assured that the rescued girls found in the brothel will be rehabilitated before they repatriated to their various states of origin. He disclosed that the girls were lured with some money to Awka from Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states by the proprietor of the brothel, and with a promise to given them more money to send to their parents in the village. Ikenga stated, “Following the information received from Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare on Sunday at 6:00pm, police operatives stormed a hotel in Awka and rescued nine girls within the ages of 15-23years, used for sex slaves and arrested the proprietor of the hotel. “Meanwhile, further interrogations/confessions of the rescued girls, revealed that the respective persons that brought them to the brothel lured/enticed them on the assurances of giving them jobs to alleviate poverty/needs of their parents and dependents. Vigilante group kills three armed hoodlums in Anambra “They further confessed to being taken from Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, and Rivers States. Also, the Police Command is in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare to make sure the girls are taken care of and safely returned to their parents/guardians. “The Command has condemned the act and frowned at such persons who take advantage of vulnerable individuals to make money and describe such places as a den where criminals take refuge. “We urge the good people of Anambra to continue to provide the police with information about such places as the joint operations to weed such harbour has commenced,” he narrated. He police spokesman encouraged members of the public to call the Command’s control room number on 07039194332 or PRO on 08039334002 while assuring them that all information passed through these channels will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. “The case has since been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department Awka SCID, for comprehensive investigation and shall be charged to court afterwards,” he added.

Charly Boy to sue record company of breaching contract signed 35 yrs ago

Veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has threatened to sue Premier Records Limited over alleged violation of terms of an agreement in musical contracts signed about 35 years ago. He made this known in a letter written to the record label by his lawyer, Mr Rockson Igelige, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja. In the letter dated June 19, 2023, the lawyer said Charly Boy had signed Artists Recording Contracts with the company in 1988, 1990 and also recently. He, however, alleged that the contracts had since expired, but Premier Records was still breaching his client’s copyrights to the musical works. “On our client’s instructions, we demand that your company hand over our client’s master tapes, artworks, promo collateral for the music and other relevant and confidential information with your company within 30 days of the date of this letter. Sophia Momodu, Davido’s baby mama, hints at changing daughter’s surname “We also demand your company’s payment of our client’s outstanding royalties,” the letter read in parts. According to Igelige, the albums affected included, the one recorded in 1990 containing songs such as Big Bottom, Aids, Sexy Lady, Mama, and Nwata Miss. He also listed an album titled “U-Turn” with songs including Akula, Sheri, Comfort, Civilian Barrack, Akula (Instrumental). Also in the list is an album titled “Reality” which contains songs such as Monkey, Family Support, No.6 Man, Give Mv Life, Lagos Life and Baby Come Back. He contended that the terms of the contracts entered with the company as Polydor Record in 1988, Polygram Records Limited in 1990, and currently Premier Records Limited had ended by expiration of time. “In this wise, we have our client’s instructions to formally inform your company to stop further breach of our client’s copyrights to the musical works under the musical albums and single(s) produced during the aforesaid expired contract period. “This is a result of the fact that the condition precedent as well as the consideration for the contracts were not met and furnished. “This serves as a legal notice that further breach after the receipt of this letter will attract legal action.“We hope and trust that your company will comply with our client’s modest demands,” he said.

Dangote says male heir is not his priority

Dangote says refinery will be Africa’s biggest company by December

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has projected that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE will become the largest company in Africa by the end of December 2026. Dangote made the projection on Monday, September 14, during the formal opening of the refinery’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Nigerian Exchange trading floor in Lagos. The IPO comprises 4.1 billion new ordinary shares priced at ₦525 per share, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares valued at ₦5,250. The offer is scheduled to close on October 13, 2026, subject to the terms contained in the prospectus. Dangote said the offering was designed to give Nigerians and other investors an opportunity to own a stake in Africa’s largest refinery, rather than simply raise funds for the group. “By the end of this year, this is going to be the largest company in Africa, not in Nigeria,” Dangote said. He urged investors not to miss the opportunity, saying the IPO was intended to broaden participation in the wealth generated by the refinery. According to Dangote, the offer is also designed to benefit teachers, civil servants and Nigerians with financial obligations abroad. He said shareholders could potentially receive dividends in dollars, which he argued could help investors manage the impact of naira devaluation. Dangote said the decision to take the refinery to the capital market followed his earlier commitment to allow the wider public to benefit from the project once it became fully operational and financially de-risked. He said the group was not undertaking the IPO because it needed funds, noting that Dangote Group currently has about $46 billion in projects in its investment pipeline as it works towards its Vision 2030 objectives. The public offer is expected to raise approximately ₦2.15 trillion, potentially making it one of Africa’s largest equity offerings. The company said the funds would support the refinery’s long-term growth, operational expansion, strategic investments and further value creation for shareholders. The offering is open to retail, institutional and eligible African investors, with subscriptions available through approved channels, including NGX Invest, designated commercial banks and authorised investment platforms, in line with the prospectus. The IPO follows an earlier private placement through which Dangote said the group raised $2.5 billion, comprising $1 billion from the private placement and $1.5 billion from the IPO plan.

Vice President Kashim Shettima meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

India seeks more Nigerian crude as trade targets $15bn

Nigeria and India are seeking to restore bilateral trade to its previous peak of nearly $15 billion, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for stronger crude oil purchases from Nigeria. The commitment followed a bilateral meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. Trade between Nigeria and India reached $14.95 billion in 2021–2022 before falling to $7.13 billion in 2024–2025, largely due to a decline in India’s crude oil purchases from Nigeria. The figure later recovered to about $9 billion in 2025–2026. Modi emphasised the importance of restoring energy trade as both countries work to rebuild their commercial relationship. Shettima assured the Indian prime minister that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would review India’s request to resume stronger crude oil purchases from Nigeria. Beyond oil, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in fintech, digital public infrastructure and the creative industries. They also identified opportunities in defence technology, power generation, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and capacity building. Shettima said Nigeria wanted to move beyond traditional commodity exports by attracting investments that would support local manufacturing, create jobs and promote technology transfer, particularly for the country’s young population. The discussions also covered women’s economic empowerment. Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said Nigeria was adapting India’s women-led self-help group model through the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up. She said the initiative uses Women Affinity Groups to promote financial inclusion, grassroots enterprise and social protection as part of Nigeria’s broader ambition to build a $1 trillion economy. The meeting signals renewed efforts by both countries to expand trade beyond crude oil while strengthening investment and economic cooperation.

Dangote: Refinery dividends can pay children’s fees abroad

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has urged Nigerians and other eligible investors to take advantage of the Initial Public Offering of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, saying the investment could provide dollar-denominated dividends to help families with children studying abroad. Dangote made the remarks on Monday, September 14, 2026, during the formal opening of the refinery’s IPO on the Nigerian Exchange trading floor in Lagos. Channels Television reported the development. The offer comprises 4.1 billion new ordinary shares at ₦525 per share, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares valued at ₦5,250. The offer is scheduled to close on October 13, 2026, subject to the terms contained in the prospectus. Dangote said the opportunity was designed to extend ownership of the refinery beyond a small group of investors and allow ordinary Nigerians, including teachers and civil servants, to participate in the company’s growth. “The IPO provides opportunity for teachers, civil servants, people who even have their children abroad, to now have the confidence of keeping them abroad, so that even when there is devaluation, they will continue to pay their school fees because you will be getting your dividends in dollars,” he said. He also said the refinery’s listing was not primarily aimed at raising funds, noting that the Dangote Group already had sufficient resources for its planned investments. According to Dangote, the group has $46 billion in projects and investments in its pipeline as it works towards its Vision 2030 objectives. He described the IPO as an opportunity for Nigerians, Africans and investors globally to own a stake in the refinery, which he predicted would become the largest company in Africa by the end of 2026. The public offer is expected to raise approximately ₦2.15 trillion, with proceeds earmarked for the refinery’s long-term growth, operational expansion and strategic investments. The company said eligible investors can subscribe through approved channels, including NGX Invest, designated commercial banks and authorised investment platforms, subject to the prospectus. Dangote said the decision to open ownership to the public was intended to enable more people to share in the value created by the refinery and its future expansion.

Petrol pump price hits N1,450 in Abuja as Middle East tensions bite

Petrol prices have climbed across major Nigerian cities, with some filling stations in Abuja now selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for as much as N1,450 per litre amid rising crude oil prices and increased supply costs. According to TheCable, checks on Sunday showed several outlets in the Federal Capital Territory had adjusted their pump prices upwards. In Abuja, AY Shafa increased its price from N1,350 to N1,395 per litre, while Optima raised its price from N1,360 to N1,450. Empire filling station in Gwarinpa also moved from N1,370 to N1,450, while Mobil in Kubwa increased its price to N1,400 from N1,350. The increases were also recorded in Lagos. Conoil at Ikorodu Garage raised its price from N1,300 to N1,400 per litre, while an NNPC outlet at Berger moved from N1,299 to N1,380. Bovas in Berger increased its price from N1,280 to N1,400, while MRS in Okota moved from N1,310 to N1,395. TotalEnergies in Okota adjusted its price from N1,325 to N1,385, while AP in Ogba increased from N1,295 to N1,380. In Ibadan, Ocean Breeze filling station on Old Ife Road was selling petrol at N1,370 per litre, up from N1,300 a day earlier. The latest adjustments followed reported increases in ex-depot prices, including at the Dangote refinery, where the gantry price reportedly rose from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre. The price movement also comes as international crude oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude was reported at $104 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate stood at $99 as of September 13. The Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route, has faced growing disruption as tensions involving Iran, the United States and other countries in the Gulf region escalate. TheCable reported that Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts on September 12 after explosions were heard off the coast of Iran’s Qeshm Island. The development followed attacks and counterattacks involving Iran, US forces and Iran-aligned Houthi fighters in Yemen. Saudi Arabia had also reported attacks on energy facilities in its southern region on September 8, with the incidents causing fires and temporarily disrupting some operations.

Dangote refinery IPO: 32 approved channels to buy shares

Investors seeking to buy shares in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE public offer can subscribe through 32 approved banks, fintechs, mobile operators and investment platforms, according to the refinery. The approved channels were published on the refinery’s official IPO website, with investors warned against using unauthorised platforms. The list comprises 19 banks, 10 fintech companies, two mobile operators and NGX Invest. The approved banks are Access Bank, Ecobank, FCMB, Fidelity Bank, FirstBank, Globus Bank, GTCO, Jaiz Bank, Keystone Bank, Lotus Bank, PremiumTrust Bank, Providus Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, TAJ Bank, UBA, Union Bank, Wema Bank and Zenith Bank. The approved fintech platforms are Bamboo, Flutterwave, InvestNaija, Ladder, Moniepoint, Paga, Payaza, PiggyVest, Vetiva Invest and we.yan. Investors can also subscribe through Airtel SmartCash and MTN MoMo, while NGX Invest is the approved NGX platform. The refinery cautioned investors to use only the listed channels. “Only subscribe through the channels listed on this page. Do not subscribe through any channel not confirmed here,” the company stated. The Dangote Refinery website currently lists the offer price at ₦525 per share, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares, costing ₦5,250. The public offer is part of the refinery’s plan to raise capital from Nigerian investors through the sale of ordinary shares.

Lionel Messi waving after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup match in Dallas.

Messi set for farewell Argentina appearance against Benin

Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6, in what is expected to be his final appearance for the national team. The 39-year-old forward announced his retirement from international football in August, bringing an end to a two-decade career with Argentina that included World Cup glory in 2022 and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia said Messi had been invited to receive the farewell he deserves as the country’s captain and national-team symbol. The match will be played at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Tapia has also invited Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend the occasion. Argentina will play two friendlies before facing Benin. The team takes on Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 before meeting Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. Messi is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina against Benin. He is already the country’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals. The farewell comes after Argentina’s run at the 2026 World Cup, where the team lost the final to Spain. The squad has also faced FIFA disciplinary sanctions following incidents connected to the tournament. Channels Television, citing AFP, reported that midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension, while Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and Thiago Almada for one. Argentina’s next home match has also been ordered to take place with the stadium operating at 50 per cent capacity following a FIFA disciplinary ruling.

Nairobi to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships after Kenya beats bids from London, Munich and Rome.

Kenya beats London, Rome to secure 2029 World Athletics host

Nairobi, Kenya, will host the 2029 World Outdoor Athletics Championships, after beating bids from London, Munich and Rome, World Athletics announced on Tuesday. The decision makes Kenya the first African country to host the global outdoor athletics championships. The announcement was made following a World Athletics Council meeting in Budapest. Munich, Germany, was awarded the 2031 championships, while Beijing will host the 2027 edition. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said the decision followed four strong bids for the 2029 and 2031 championships. “Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic,” Coe said, describing Nairobi’s bid as compelling. He said Kenya had demonstrated that it was ready to host the event and that bringing the championships to Africa would help expand the sport’s reach across the continent. Kenya previously bid unsuccessfully to host the 2025 World Championships. It has, however, staged several major athletics events, including the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, the 2017 World Under-18 Championships and the 2021 World Under-20 Championships, both in Nairobi. Nairobi also hosted the 2010 African Athletics Championships. Renovated Kasarani Stadium Coe said Nairobi’s experience from its previous bid helped strengthen its latest proposal. He also pointed to the ongoing renovation of Kasarani Stadium, which is being upgraded ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. “Athletics is woven into the fabric of Kenya,” Coe said, highlighting the country’s strong athletics tradition and fan engagement. Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed the decision, saying it affirmed Kenya’s position within the global athletics community. “The world will come to a country where running is more than competition. It is our national story,” Mvurya said. Coe also praised Munich’s successful bid for 2031, noting Germany’s experience in hosting major athletics events. The three upcoming editions will take the World Athletics Championships to Asia in 2027, Africa in 2029 and Europe in 2031.

Nigeria’s Falconets celebrate during their 10-1 victory over New Caledonia at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Falconets thrash New Caledonia 10-1, face England next

Nigeria’s Falconets have stormed into the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in Poland. The emphatic victory at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź saw the Falconets produce a dominant attacking display, scoring four goals before half-time and adding six more after the break. Ramotalahi Kareem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Rebecca Adegbemile doubled Nigeria’s lead two minutes later. Seimeyeha Akekoromowei made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, while Kareem struck again in the 27th minute to give Nigeria a four-goal advantage at the interval. The Falconets continued their onslaught after the restart, with Winner David scoring in the 60th minute. Kareem completed her hat-trick four minutes later before David added another in the 75th minute. Tosin Rafiu and Adegbemile also got on the scoresheet as Nigeria extended their advantage, with Adegbemile scoring her second of the match. New Caledonia pulled one back through Joceline Kourevi in the 89th minute, but David completed her hat-trick a minute later to seal Nigeria’s 10-1 victory. The result moved the Falconets into second place in Group F and secured their qualification for the knockout stage. Nigeria had entered the final group game with only one point after a 2-0 defeat to Spain and a goalless draw against China. The Falconets will now face England in the round of 16 as they continue their campaign at the tournament. Spain finished top of Group F with nine points and had already secured qualification for the last 16.

D’Tigress players celebrate Nigeria’s fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title.

FG pays D’Tigress players $100,000 each after Afrobasket win

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have received the naira equivalent of $100,000 each from the Federal Government following their record fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title. The National Sports Commission confirmed that the players’ accounts were credited on September 9, 2026, as part of the Presidential Reward announced after their 2025 Afrobasket triumph. Team officials also received the naira equivalent of $50,000 each. The NSC said all recipients had confirmed receipt of the payments. D’Tigress secured their fifth straight Afrobasket crown and seventh title overall in 2025, further extending Nigeria’s dominance in the continental women’s basketball competition. The commission said the latest cash payment completed all components of the rewards promised to the team by President Bola Tinubu. The package included three-bedroom flats in Abuja, national honours of the Order of the Niger and cash payments of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each official. According to the NSC, the players and officials received the title documents for their Abuja apartments and certificates of national honours in February 2026 during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Lyon, France. The documents were signed by President Tinubu. The commission said the cash component was paid following D’Tigress’ participation in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany. The NSC also provided an update on the Presidential Rewards promised to the Super Falcons. The women’s football team have received title documents for their three-bedroom Abuja apartments and certificates of national honours. The documents were presented during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July and August 2026. The Falcons are also due to receive the naira equivalent of $100,000 per player and $50,000 per official. The NSC said the cash component is expected to be paid before their next official engagements. The commission described the rewards as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prioritise the welfare of Nigerian athletes. The NSC also credited the Ministries of Finance, the Federal Capital Territory, Housing and Urban Development, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, as well as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, for their roles in implementing the presidential rewards.

Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring for PSG during their Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava.

Champions League: PSG smash six as Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal win

Holders Paris Saint-Germain began their defence of the Champions League in emphatic fashion, thrashing Slovan Bratislava 6-1 on Wednesday as Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick. The result keeps PSG’s hopes of becoming only the fourth club to win Europe’s premier competition three consecutive times firmly on track. Ousmane Dembele struck twice inside the opening 22 minutes before Torres added his first shortly after the half-hour mark. The Spain international completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, while Fabian Ruiz also got on the scoresheet. Suleiman Camara scored Slovan’s consolation. At Anfield, Liverpool recovered from an early setback to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 and make it successive victories following their Premier League win at Ipswich. Atletico took the lead in the 17th minute when Marcos Llorente dinked the ball over Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson after being played through by Julian Alvarez. Liverpool levelled five minutes before half-time through Dominik Szoboszlai, who finished after Ronald Araujo’s clever backheeled pass. Alexis Mac Allister then completed the turnaround five minutes into the second half with a left-footed strike from outside the box. Odegaard sinks Napoli Arsenal also opened their European campaign with a victory, beating Napoli 1-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The English champions missed several opportunities before Martin Odegaard finally broke the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining. Odegaard exchanged passes with Christos Tzolis on the edge of the area before firing into the far corner. Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret had earlier produced an excellent save to deny Mikel Merino, while Piero Hincapie missed a close-range opportunity. Barcelona hit Feyenoord for five Barcelona also made an impressive start, defeating Feyenoord 5-1 at Camp Nou. Raphinha opened the scoring in the third minute before summer signing Karim Adeyemi equalised with a long-range strike. Raphinha restored Barcelona’s lead after the break to take his tally to eight goals for the season. Lamine Yamal then added a free-kick before Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to score his first Barcelona goal. Sem Steijn scored Feyenoord’s consolation. Barcelona have now won all five of their matches in all competitions this season, scoring five goals in four of those games. Elsewhere, Ermedin Demirovic scored a first-half hat-trick as Stuttgart beat Viking 3-1, while Sporting Lisbon defeated Galatasaray 3-1.

Edo Queens win WAFU-B title, secure CAF Champions League spot

Edo Queens have secured a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals after winning the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The Nigerian champions defeated Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4-1 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time. Ampem Darkoa took the lead just two minutes into the match through Beline Nyarkoh, but Edo Queens responded almost immediately, with Doosuur Atume restoring parity two minutes later. The Ghanaian champions regained the advantage in the 74th minute when Nyarkoh completed her brace. Edo Queens refused to surrender, however, and Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 94th minute to force the match into a penalty shootout. Edo Queens converted four of their penalties, while Ampem Darkoa managed only one, sealing the regional championship and qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The WAFU-B triumph caps an impressive season for Edo Queens, who had already won the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League title. They finished top of the league with nine points, ahead of Bayelsa Queens and Nasarawa Amazons, who both recorded eight points. It was the club’s second NWFL title in three years, following their maiden championship in 2024. Atume Doorsuur also finished the domestic campaign as joint Golden Boot winner after scoring 13 goals, sharing the award with Rivers Angels striker Abasiofoh Uwah. The club’s success has also received significant recognition from the Edo State Government. Governor Monday Okpebholo rewarded the team with ₦50 million after the players returned with both the 2025/26 NWFL and 2026 WAFU-B trophies. Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the Government House in Benin City, Okpebholo praised the players, coaching crew, technical team and officials for their resilience and determination. “For me, this cup matters to Edo people, and it matters to the country,” the governor said, according to Channels Television, before announcing the ₦50 million reward. Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, also praised the team, attributing its success to grit, unity, discipline and resilience. With the WAFU-B title secured, Edo Queens now turn their attention to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals, where they will represent Nigeria and West Africa on the continental stage. The achievement marks another significant step for a club that has rapidly established itself as one of Nigeria’s leading women’s football teams.

Akwa Ibom LG approves N20,000 monthly stipend for NYSC

The Urue-Offong/Oruko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has approved a monthly stipend of N20,000 for each National Youth Service Corps member serving in the area. The council chairman, Chief Uno Etim, announced the approval on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by corps members serving in the local government. Etim said the payment would take immediate effect, adding that the council would provide necessary support to enable the corps members to perform their duties effectively. “For the corps members serving here, we have approved a monthly stipend of N20,000 for each of the corps members, and the payment takes immediate effect,” he said. The chairman urged the corps members to regard Urue-Offong/Oruko as their home for the duration of their service year and assured them of the council’s support. He also directed the Works Department to inspect the accommodation provided for the corps members and identify areas requiring renovation or other interventions. Etim described the stipend as part of his administration’s support for young Nigerians deployed to contribute their skills and energy to the development of the local government. He further assured the corps members that their safety, welfare and peaceful completion of their service year remained priorities of the council. Speaking on behalf of the corps members, the Community Liaison Officer, Ukachukwu Ifeanyi, thanked the council chairman for the development initiatives in the area.

FG commits ₦10.5bn to digital training for 32,000 Nigerians

JAMB shifts 2027 UTME time over early-morning travel risks

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the schedule for the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), moving the candidate arrival time from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The examination will now begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., according to JAMB’s weekly bulletin released in Abuja. The board said the adjustment was prompted by safety and logistical concerns, particularly for candidates who travel long distances to their Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and may have previously been required to leave home before dawn. JAMB said the decision followed deliberations at its 2026 Management and IT Retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11. During the retreat, stakeholders considered concerns raised by members of the public about the challenges associated with the earlier arrival time, including the risks and difficulties of travelling in the early hours. According to JAMB, the later arrival time is expected to improve candidates’ safety and convenience while potentially reducing absenteeism caused by difficulties in reaching examination centres on time. The board said other examination sessions will continue to follow existing scheduling arrangements. Although the 2027 UTME is still months away, JAMB said preparations have already begun, with officials reviewing lessons from previous examinations and implementing decisions reached during the retreat. The board said its objective is to provide a more efficient, seamless and candidate-friendly examination. Candidates and the general public have been advised to take note of the adjustment and await further official communication on the complete 2027 UTME timetable and other arrangements.

ASUU threatens nationwide strike over unpaid salaries

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that Nigeria’s public universities could face another nationwide strike if the Federal and State Governments fail to resolve outstanding salary, welfare and agreement implementation issues. The warning followed an emergency National Executive Council meeting held at the union’s National Secretariat at the University of Abuja on September 5, 2026. ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, said the union would not accept responsibility for any disruption to academic activities if the outstanding issues remained unresolved. The union identified the non or haphazard implementation of the December 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries from the previous administration, unremitted third-party deductions and concerns over university autonomy as major issues. Piwuna said lecturers continued to face uncertainty over the payment of their monthly salaries, adding that the situation was creating growing industrial tension across public universities. He warned that ASUU could activate nationwide strike action within the shortest possible time if the government failed to take immediate and concrete steps to address the concerns. According to the union, three-and-a-half months out of seven-and-a-half months in withheld salaries from the Buhari administration remain unpaid. ASUU acknowledged that the President Bola Tinubu administration had paid four months of the arrears. The union said the outstanding payments had caused financial and psychological hardship for lecturers, while the value of the withheld income had declined by more than 50 per cent since 2022. Third-party deductions unresolved ASUU also raised concerns over pension contributions, cooperative society deductions and union check-off dues deducted from lecturers’ salaries but allegedly not remitted appropriately for several months. The union said engagements with the government had produced only limited progress on the issue and warned that it could call out its members if the matter remained unresolved. The warning comes days after the Federal Government announced steps to implement part of the 2025 agreement. On September 9, the government announced the release of funds for the full payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance to academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for January to August 2026. Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, said the payment was being implemented in line with the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement. ASUU, however, maintained that several core elements of the agreement remained outstanding. Strike action already spreading The union said unresolved disputes had already pushed some state university branches towards industrial action. ASUU chapters at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, and Plateau State University have declared indefinite strikes over unresolved demands, including the implementation of the 2025 agreement and payment of arrears. At Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, the ASUU branch announced a two-week warning strike beginning September 15 over unresolved issues with the Jigawa State Government, warning that the action could escalate into a total and indefinite strike. ASUU commended states including Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Benue, Yobe, Adamawa, Kebbi, Katsina and Borno for commencing implementation of the 2025 agreement. It also noted commitments to begin implementation in Kano, Edo, Plateau, Taraba, Gombe and Bayelsa in September or October. The union stressed that its latest statement was not an immediate declaration of a nationwide strike, but a warning that its suspended industrial action could be activated if the government fails to respond satisfactorily. ASUU said it remained open to negotiations with the Federal and State Governments, while calling on students, parents, labour leaders, the media and other Nigerians to intervene before the situation escalates.

Minister of Education Tunji Alausa announcing new drug testing measures for secondary school students in Nigeria.

FG pays university, polytechnic lecturers’ tools allowance

The Federal Government has released the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) for academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education covering January to August 2026. Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the payment on Wednesday after inaugurating the Ministerial Committee on Accreditation. CATA is an allowance designed to help academic staff purchase essential tools and materials needed for teaching, research and other academic activities. Alausa said the payment followed the provisions of the 2025 Federal Government–Academic Staff Union of Universities agreement and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the agreement. “The full CATA payment has now been released by the Federal Government from January to August 2026 to all universities, all polytechnics and colleges of education,” Alausa said. He added that the affected institutions had been notified to commence payment to eligible academic staff. The minister disclosed that payments for non-academic staff were also being processed, with the funds expected to become available in the coming weeks. According to Alausa, the payment formed part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve staff welfare across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. He also highlighted government investments in infrastructure across tertiary institutions, as well as in basic and postgraduate education. The minister said the administration remained committed to improving the quality of education in Nigeria and ensuring that Nigerian children receive education comparable with international standards.

WAEC results dispute: Police summon official over defamation

The controversy surrounding the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results has deepened after the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre invited a West African Examinations Council staff member, Olanrewaju Fadehan, over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation. Fadehan, Head of Examinations at WAEC’s office covering Anambra, was directed to appear before the cybercrime centre in Abuja at 10am on Wednesday for an interview. The police invitation follows an interim order by the Lagos State High Court restraining Fadehan from publishing or circulating alleged defamatory statements concerning WAEC and its Director-General, Dr Amos Dangut. Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the order on Monday in Suit No. LD/ADR/6656/2026. The injunction prevents Fadehan from publishing, broadcasting or disseminating alleged defamatory or injurious falsehoods about WAEC, its examinations, results and certificates, as well as Dangut’s character and integrity. The order applies to publications in written, audio and video formats across platforms including YouTube and WhatsApp. It will lapse after seven days unless renewed by the court. WAEC and Dangut are seeking N825m in damages from Fadehan. The claim comprises N500m in general damages, N300m in aggravated and exemplary damages and N25m in legal costs. They are also seeking a retraction, public apology and permanent removal of the alleged defamatory publications. Fadehan had attracted attention after releasing viral videos calling for a review of the recently released 2026 WAEC results. He alleged irregularities in the conduct and release of the examination results, including concerns over candidates who sat the computer-based examination. He also raised allegations involving the supply of calculators and identification cards, as well as charges imposed on candidates and other service users. Fadehan claimed some candidates were not provided with appropriate calculators during the examination, which he said affected their performance in Mathematics and other calculation-based subjects. He subsequently petitioned the WAEC Board, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examining Bodies, and the Minister of Education. Fadehan alleged that instead of addressing his complaints, WAEC subjected him to disciplinary proceedings and placed him on interdiction. WAEC, however, accused him of spreading falsehoods and sensational material against the council. Through its spokesperson, Moyosola Adesina, the examination body also linked Fadehan to allegations concerning the alleged misappropriation and attempted concealment of hundreds of litres of diesel at its Awka office. WAEC said an investigation had found his allegations to be false and maintained that he remained a staff member of the council and continued to receive his salary. Fadehan disputed the fuel-related allegations, saying an internal panel had concluded that no fuel was stolen and that the shortage resulted from leakage. He also maintained that the fuel matter was separate from the issue that led to his interdiction, which he said arose from allegations of defamation. The dispute has now moved across the police, courts and WAEC’s internal disciplinary process as the controversy over the 2026 examination results continues.

Lagos APC names Kosoko, Badmus, Toyin Abraham to Campaign Council

Tinubu mourns Olu Jacobs, hails veteran actor as creative giant

President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84. Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a major figure whose career spanned theatre, television and international film. The President said Jacobs contributed significantly to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, while inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers through his talent, discipline and dedication. Tinubu also praised the late actor for bringing depth, dignity and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, qualities that earned him recognition in Nigeria and internationally. “He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry,” the President said, adding that Jacobs’ death was a loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and lovers of the performing arts worldwide. According to the statement, Jacobs trained at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and built an acting career in British television and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became a prominent figure in the country’s film industry. He received several industry honours and awards and was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. Tinubu extended his condolences to Jacobs’ family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and the wider creative community.

Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, who has died at the age of 84.

BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs dies at 84

Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84. The actor’s death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Olusoji announced the passing of the veteran actor on behalf of the family, describing him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle. “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” he wrote. The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn the loss. “We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” Olusoji added. Jacobs, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, was born on July 11, 1942. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building a career across British television, international films and Nollywood. He appeared in several British productions and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the most recognised figures in the Nigerian film industry. Jacobs starred in more than 100 Nollywood productions during his decades-long career and received several honours for his contribution to acting, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour in 2011. He and fellow veteran actress Joke Silva also co-founded the Lufodo Group, which has interests in film, theatre and performing arts. Jacobs’ death comes just two months after Silva publicly celebrated his 84th birthday in July, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo”. The family has asked the public to respect its privacy while it mourns the veteran actor.

Lagos artist Uzoma Dunkwu wins Emmy for Marvel’s eyes of Wakanda

Nigerian artist Uzoma Dunkwu has won an Emmy Award for his character design work on Marvel Animation’s Eyes of Wakanda, marking a major international achievement for the Lagos-based creative. Dunkwu received the Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation, Character Design award for the episode Into the Lion’s Den of the Disney+ animated series. The Television Academy announced him among the 2026 juried Emmy winners in August, with the award presented during the Creative Arts Emmy ceremonies in Los Angeles in September. Unlike competitive Emmy categories, juried awards are decided by panels of industry professionals. According to Channels Television, Dunkwu has built his career from Lagos as a visual development artist, character designer, animation director and educator, with a portfolio that includes work for Marvel, Netflix and Disney. From engineering to global animation Dunkwu studied electrical and electronics engineering at the University of Benin but developed his artistic skills independently before moving into comics, illustration, concept art and animation. His professional credits include character design work on Eyes of Wakanda, as well as the animated series Iyanu and Iyanu: The Age of Wonders. His work on Eyes of Wakanda Dunkwu joined the production of Eyes of Wakanda in August 2021 as an early concept artist. He worked on initial character ideation under Todd Harris and developed early designs for five Dora Milaje characters, including Noni. The designs later helped guide character development across the series under the supervision of Joshua James Shaw. Dunkwu subsequently refined Noni and contributed to designs across all four episodes, working on characters including Old Noni, Kuda, Tafari, High Councilman Rakim, an 1885 Wakandan Queen, Lion Captain and crowd characters. The Emmy-winning episode, Into the Lion’s Den, focuses on a rogue Wakandan general known as the Lion. The series follows Wakandan warriors across different periods of history as they seek to recover vibranium artefacts and protect Wakanda. ‘This win is for Nigeria’ Following the announcement, Dunkwu dedicated the achievement to his family and emerging artists from Nigeria and the Global South. He said the recognition showed that Nigerian creatives could compete on the international stage. “Out of hundreds of entries, my work on Eyes Of Wakanda was selected as worthy for an Emmy win,” Dunkwu said in a social media post. He added that the award was “for the rising talents from Nigeria and the global south”, while thanking Marvel Studios, the Television Academy and the Eyes of Wakanda creative team. Dunkwu also described the award as a life-changing moment for himself and his family, dedicating it to rising artists from Nigeria and the Global South. Bringing African influences to Marvel Dunkwu’s contribution to Eyes of Wakanda is particularly notable given the series’ strong focus on African history, culture and visual influences. His character designs span different historical periods and settings within Wakanda. The wider production also involved artists from several African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt. The Emmy is not Dunkwu’s first major recognition for his work on the Marvel project. He previously received a Concept Art Association award for animated-series character concept art for Noni. Beyond production work, Dunkwu has shared tutorials, courses and educational content aimed at helping aspiring artists develop character-design skills, including work influenced by African aesthetics. His Emmy win adds to a growing list of achievements for Nigerian creatives contributing to major international film and animation productions.

Natasha Osawaru Idibia speaking at her grandfather Gabriel Igbinedion’s 92nd birthday celebration in Benin City

2Baba’s wife Natasha vows to become Nigeria’s president someday

Natasha Osawaru Idibia, wife of Nigerian music star 2Baba, has declared her ambition to become Nigeria’s president someday. The Edo State lawmaker made the declaration while celebrating the 92nd birthday of her grandfather, Gabriel Igbinedion, in Benin City. In a video from the ceremony that has gone viral, Natasha praised her grandfather and expressed her affection for him before promising to pursue the country’s highest political office during his lifetime. “You are amazing, you are like my baby right now, I love you so much. As you age, you become sweeter and better. It is so amazing to be around you, grandpa,” she said. “I promise you that I will be the president of this country before you go.” Natasha currently represents the Egor constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly and was recently appointed minority leader of the state legislature. She previously described the position as “not a title but a trust”. Her political declaration comes amid her growing public profile following her marriage to 2Baba in July 2025. The couple welcomed their first child together and held a dedication ceremony for the child in February. 2Baba has previously maintained that Natasha was not responsible for the breakdown of his previous marriage to Annie Macaulay Idibia.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis during closing arguments in his Tupac Shakur murder trial in Las Vegas.

Former gang leader Duane Davis found guilty of Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder

Duane “Keffe D” Davis, a former Los Angeles gang leader, has been found guilty of the 1996 murder of rap legend Tupac Shakur. A Las Vegas jury reached the verdict on Monday after deliberating for several hours, finding the 63-year-old guilty of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. Davis faces a possible sentence of life in prison without parole. He told Judge Carli Kierny after the verdict that he intends to appeal. His sentencing is scheduled for October 13. Prosecutors accused Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips, of organising the attack after his nephew was beaten by members of Shakur’s entourage at a Las Vegas casino. According to prosecutors, Davis obtained a firearm, gathered members of his group and went after Shakur. They alleged that he handed the weapon to someone in the back seat of a white Cadillac and ordered the person to shoot. Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, while sitting in the front passenger seat of a BMW driven by Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight. The rapper was in Las Vegas to attend a Mike Tyson heavyweight boxing match. Shakur died six days later at the age of 25. Knight survived the shooting with injuries. Davis was the only person in the Cadillac that night still alive and the only person charged in connection with Shakur’s killing. The case remained one of the most prominent unsolved murders in American music for decades before investigators revived it following the publication of Davis’s 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend. In the book, Davis acknowledged being in the front seat of the Cadillac and said he handed a pistol to people in the back, although he did not identify who fired the shots. Davis had also made statements over the years claiming involvement in the killing, including comments to law enforcement and the media. He later withdrew those claims and pleaded not guilty. During closing arguments, prosecutor Binu Palal presented recordings of Davis’s alleged confessions to the jury. Davis’s defence attorney, Michael Sanft, argued that the statements were lies and part of an attempt to promote Davis’s memoir. He maintained that there was no evidence linking his client to the murder beyond Davis’s own statements. Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was a central figure in the 1990s rivalry between hip-hop artists on the US East and West Coasts. He became one of the era’s most influential rappers after signing with Los Angeles-based Death Row Records. His best-known songs include “California Love” and “All Eyez on Me.” The verdict brings a major development in a case that has remained the subject of intense public interest for three decades.

FG distributes 215,000 maternal kits, targets 2.9m pregnant women by 2028

Health workers in protective equipment during Ebola response training in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo spreads to Seventh Province

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has spread to a seventh province, raising concerns over further transmission after a patient travelled across several regions. The South-Ubangi provincial government officially declared an outbreak on Friday after laboratory analysis confirmed a suspected case, according to Channels Television. The patient died after developing Ebola symptoms in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo Province, where cases have already been reported. Before reaching South-Ubangi, the patient had travelled through Rwanda, Uganda and Ituri Province in northeastern DR Congo before continuing by boat along the Congo River. South-Ubangi Acting Governor Jean-Rene Galekwa said the patient’s movements and the route taken by the boat could expose populations in North-Ubangi, Tshopo and Mongala provinces to the virus. Authorities have identified 38 people who came into contact with the patient, and they have been placed in quarantine. The outbreak was first detected in mid-May and had previously been reported in six provinces, mainly in the conflict-affected eastern and northeastern parts of the country, where armed groups and weak health infrastructure complicate disease-control efforts. According to the latest figures from Congolese authorities, the current outbreak, the country’s 17th, has recorded 6,843 confirmed cases and 3,310 deaths. Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe illness, including internal and external bleeding and organ failure. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain. Channels Television reports that there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically for the strain, although several vaccines and treatments are being tested.

KNCDC Director-General Muhammad Abbas discussing Kano’s diphtheria outbreak on Channels Television.

Kano diphtheria cases hit 32,633, death toll rises to 1,744

Kano State has recorded 32,633 confirmed cases of diphtheria and 1,744 deaths since the outbreak began, according to the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC). The KNCDC Director-General, Muhammad Abbas, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. Abbas said the state had recorded 39,536 suspected cases, with confirmed infections spread across all 44 local government areas. He added that 14.5 per cent of confirmed cases had been hospitalised, highlighting the scale of the outbreak and the pressure it has placed on the state’s healthcare system. The KNCDC chief said mass vaccination remains critical to containing the disease and urged communities to work with health authorities on surveillance and early detection. According to Abbas, health officials have also conducted active case searches in villages. He said such efforts had helped identify additional cases, including a child whose symptoms met the definition of diphtheria after officials investigated deaths in a community. He stressed the importance of reporting suspected cases early to help health authorities respond quickly and prevent further transmission. The development comes amid growing concern over diphtheria in Kano, with health authorities continuing efforts to strengthen vaccination, surveillance and case detection across the state.

Rivers Assembly moves to impeach Fubara, deputy over gross misconduct

Fubara commissions upgraded Neuro-Psychiatric, General Hospitals

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has commissioned an upgraded Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital and a newly built General Hospital within the same complex in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, originally conceived in 1970 and commissioned in 1977 with about 50 beds, has been transformed into a modern 100-bed rehabilitation centre. Fubara said the upgrade was driven by the growing challenge of drug abuse and the need to provide proper rehabilitation services. He also noted that the old facility had become inadequate for the area’s growing population and had faced concerns over drug trafficking to inmates. The governor said the new centre was built to modern standards and equipped to improve treatment and rehabilitation for mental health patients. The General Hospital was established to provide higher-level medical services to residents of the densely populated Obio/Akpor area, which had previously relied heavily on primary healthcare centres. Fubara said his administration had prioritised healthcare, education and housing, with the goal of improving residents’ access to essential services. Outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe, who commissioned the projects, commended the governor for addressing what he described as a neglected area of healthcare. The Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State Hospital Management Board, Bright Ogbonda, said improved facilities across the state had restored public confidence and increased hospital patronage. He added that patient numbers now exceed available staff capacity despite the employment of 2,000 health workers by the Fubara administration two years ago. The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Vincent Wachukeu, said the projects and medical equipment installed at the facilities are among the best available globally.

Israel donates ambulances, medical equipment and wheelchairs to Nigeria at Port of Ashdod

Israel donates first batch of ambulances, medical equipment to Nigeria

Israel has donated the first batch of ambulances, medical equipment and wheelchairs to Nigeria in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and emergency response. The donation was made by Israel’s national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, on behalf of the Israeli Government and received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Nkechi Ufochukwu, at the Port of Ashdod. According to Channels Television, Ufochukwu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for the donation, describing it as a timely intervention that would support healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities. The consignment includes fully equipped ambulances, modern medical devices and mobility aids such as wheelchairs. The equipment is expected to be deployed to hospitals and emergency centres across Nigeria to support patient care and disaster response efforts. Ufochukwu said the donation demonstrated Israel’s commitment to saving lives while strengthening bilateral relations between both countries. “We deeply appreciate Israel’s commitment to saving lives and deepening bilateral ties,” the ambassador said. Officials from Magen David Adom, representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Health and members of the Nigerian Embassy in Tel Aviv witnessed the handover. The initiative is expected to further cooperation between Nigeria and Israel in healthcare, humanitarian assistance and technology transfer, while supporting Nigeria’s efforts to build a more resilient health system.

Nigerians gathered at a polling unit during an election in Nigeria

Election season is harmful to your health, expert warns

As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, health communication expert Sylvester Ojenagbon has warned that the pressure, anxiety and constant political noise surrounding election periods can take a toll on people’s physical and mental wellbeing. In a viewpoint article published by TheCable on August 26, Ojenagbon said election seasons can bring chronic stress through relentless political discussions, social media arguments, uncertainty and disruptions to everyday routines. He noted that the effects may appear in subtle ways, including poor sleep, irritability, headaches and heightened anxiety. According to Ojenagbon, Nigerians should distinguish between staying informed and becoming overwhelmed by political content. He advised people to choose reliable sources, verify information and limit excessive exposure to political commentary, particularly late at night. The health communication expert also urged Nigerians to maintain basic health routines during the election period. He recommended staying hydrated, eating properly and continuing prescribed medication, particularly for people managing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Long queues and crowded political gatherings could also create additional challenges. Ojenagbon advised people attending election-related activities to carry water and prepare adequately for prolonged periods outdoors. He also highlighted the importance of mental health, saying persistent anxiety, sleeplessness, irritability or dread linked to political content should not be ignored. Reducing exposure to inflammatory content, speaking with trusted people and maintaining activities that provide emotional stability could help people manage election-related stress, he said. Ojenagbon further warned that political disagreements can damage friendships and family relationships, with the emotional consequences potentially lasting beyond the election period. While acknowledging that political decisions affect Nigeria’s economy, security and health systems, he stressed that individuals can still take steps to protect their wellbeing. The article’s message is not to avoid political participation but to balance civic engagement with healthy personal routines as the country approaches the 2027 elections. As Ojenagbon put it, Nigerians can follow political developments and participate in democracy while also making time for sleep, hydration, medication, relationships and breaks from the political noise.