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24/10/2025

Dangote becomes first African to hit $30bn net worth

The wealth of Aliko Dangote, the president of the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has reached a new milestone, as the billionaire’s net worth hit the $30 billion mark on Friday.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dangote’s net worth increased by $2.25 billion to $30.3 billion as at October 24.

The billionaire businessman moved up to the 75th position, making him the only African on the top 100 billionaires’ list.

The feat comes two weeks after Dangote Cement, a subsidiary of the Dangote Group, officially launched its operations in Attingué, an industrial area in Côte d’Ivoire.

According to a statement by the group, the plant, covering an area of 50 hectares, has a production capacity of 3 million tonnes of cement per year, making it one of the conglomerate’s largest facilities outside Nigeria.

While the plant expands the industrialist’s assets, back home, Dangote has been bullish in Nigeria’s oil industry in the last year, since his multibillion-dollar oil refinery became operational.

24/10/2025

Davido Meets French President Macron in Paris

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday, in what many have described as another proud moment for African entertainment.

The Grammy-nominated singer shared photos from the meeting on his X handle, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the French leader. “It was an honour meeting President Emmanuel Macron and sharing our visions for a better world,” Davido wrote.

The meeting, which took place in Paris, highlights the growing bond between Nigeria and France, particularly in culture and entertainment. Macron, who has shown consistent interest in Africa’s creative industries, discussed areas of mutual collaboration with the award-winning musician.

Davido was joined by his manager, Asa Asika, and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest. The encounter adds to the singer’s expanding global influence and reinforces his image as one of Africa’s foremost cultural ambassadors.

Macron had earlier hosted President Bola Tinubu in Paris, as both countries continue to deepen diplomatic and cultural relations.

24/10/2025

Police Re-Arrest Sowore Moments After Being Granted Bail

Human rights activist and campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, has been re-arrested by the Nigerian Police shortly after being granted bail by a Kuje Magistrate Court on Friday.

Sowore and 12 others, including Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, were arraigned on charges of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace following a protest demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The court granted them bail of ₦500,000 each with two sureties residing in the FCT, but Sowore was reportedly picked up again moments after fulfilling his bail conditions.

He is expected to be arraigned again on Monday, October 27.

His re-arrest comes amid an ongoing five-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged false and inciting statements against President Bola Tinubu on social media.

24/10/2025

Wike faults Diri’s resignation from PDP, calls it embarrassing

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the resignation of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as “very embarrassing” and a reflection of the party’s deepening internal crisis.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Friday, Wike said Diri’s decision was disappointing, especially since he was serving as chairman of the party’s zoning committee for its upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 before quitting.

Wike said he was not surprised by the development, noting that he had repeatedly warned that the PDP would continue to lose key members if its leaders failed to address internal issues and uphold fairness.

“Have I not said that so many governors will leave? From the beginning, I made it clear that if things are not done properly, PDP will keep losing — and we will regret it,” he stated.

When asked if the defections would favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the former Rivers governor said, “I don’t know whether the political tsunami is in favour of the APC. All I know is that there will be a political tsunami.”

Wike also dismissed claims that his criticism of the PDP stems from losing the 2022 presidential ticket to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that his position is based on principle rather than personal grievance.

“Which house (PDP) do they say I want to pull down? The house that has already died?” he quipped, while accusing some PDP governors of impunity and disregard for due process — acts he said have contributed to the party’s steady decline.

24/10/2025

ADC demands explanation from Tinubu over sudden change of service chiefs

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to provide clear explanations to Nigerians over the sudden overhaul of the military leadership amid rumours of an attempted coup.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the decision as “abrupt and worrisome,” saying it comes at a time when stability and transparency are needed within the armed forces.

Abdullahi noted that most of the affected service chiefs were appointed less than three years ago, while the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff served only a year as Chief of Army Staff before his promotion.

He said although the President has the constitutional right to appoint or remove military heads, the timing and manner of the announcement have raised public anxiety and fueled speculations about internal unrest.

The ADC spokesperson urged the federal government to come clean with Nigerians on the reasons behind the shake-up, warning that silence or vague explanations could further undermine public confidence.

“As an opposition party, our concern remains the peace, stability, and unity of Nigeria,” Abdullahi said, adding that the party is alarmed by recent political and military instability in neighbouring countries like Chad and other Sahel states.

He cautioned that Nigeria cannot afford any internal disarray within its armed forces at a time the region is battling insecurity and political uncertainty.

24/10/2025

FG releases N32.9bn to strengthen primary healthcare

The federal government has released the sum of N32.9 billion to boost healthcare delivery at the grassroots under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, announced the release in a “Red Letter” statement on Wednesday, noting that it marks the third disbursement of the fund in 2025.

Established under section 11 of the National Health Act (NHAct) 2014, the BHCPF aims to support the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) and improve overall health sector financing.

It is financed by an annual grant of not less than one percent of the consolidated revenue fund (CRF) from the federal government, grants by international donor partners, private sector or other sources.

The fund is jointly managed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the federal ministry of health, and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

urged Nigerians to track the utilisation of the funds to ensure transparency and impact at the community level.

He said the government has observed that communities do not demand accountability on how the money is used, adding that silence leads to loss.

“This money is not sitting in Abuja. It has already begun its journey into the commercial bank accounts of primary health care facilities in every ward across Nigeria,” Pate said.

“It is your clinic’s money. It is your community’s chance. It is your country’s promise. Every facility now holds the power to plan and spend, not alone, but together with the community it serves.”

24/10/2025

Super Falcons Secure 2-0 Victory Over Benin Republic in WAFCON Qualifier

The Super Falcons of Nigeria began their campaign for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on a strong note with a 2-0 win over the Republic of Benin in the first leg of their qualifying tie.

Chinwendu Ihezuo opened the scoring, while Esther Okoronkwo doubled the lead to seal a comfortable victory for Nigeria at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, on Friday.

The Falcons dominated proceedings throughout the encounter as they kicked off their title defense in style. Benin, who played their home fixture on neutral ground due to their stadiums not meeting CAF standards, struggled to contain the Nigerians’ attacking flair.

24/10/2025

Wike Accuses PDP Governors of Marginalizing Him, Warns of Imminent Party Collapse

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sidelining him in key party activities, warning that such actions could lead to the party’s downfall.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike lamented that despite his years of service and contributions to the PDP, he has continued to face exclusion from major decisions.

“From the onset, I have said that if the PDP continues on this path, it will keep losing. Things are not being done properly, and we will all regret it,” Wike said. “I warned that the trap being set would eventually consume the party. The way these current governors are operating, they will end up burying the PDP.”

The former Rivers State governor expressed concern over being excluded from party meetings simply because he is no longer a sitting governor.

“I am the FCT Minister. Does that mean because I am not a governor, I should be left out of PDP stakeholders’ meetings? How can the party survive that way?” he asked.

“Even if I were not a minister, with the role I have played in building this party, it would still be wrong not to consult me on key decisions.”

Wike dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was behind the PDP’s internal problems, saying the party’s woes were self-inflicted.

“All these talks about APC being responsible are baseless. Is it APC that forces you to make wrong decisions?” he queried. “You have two or three governors who think because they receive large allocations, they can decide for everyone. How do you expect people to follow that?”

24/10/2025

Tinubu Replaces Defence Chief, Other Service Heads

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

According to a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the changes are part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

The statement, titled “Tinubu Changes Service Chiefs,” announced that General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

Other newly appointed Service Chiefs include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

President Tinubu commended the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership, expressing gratitude for their contributions to national security.

He also charged the new military heads to justify the confidence reposed in them by upholding professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

All appointments, the statement added, take immediate effect.

23/10/2025

Okowa’s defection to APC won’t stop corruption probe - EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is still investigating corruption allegations against Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta state, despite his recent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In November 2024, the anti-graft agency arrested Okowa over an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion during his eight-year tenure as governor of the state.

He was also accused of using public funds to acquire properties in Asaba, the state capital, and Abuja.

In April 2025, Okowa, who was the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, defected to the APC alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and several political officeholders in the state.

Speaking during a press briefing to mark the second anniversary of chairman Ola Olukoyede in office, Sylvanus Tahir, the commission’s director of legal and prosecution, refuted claims that Okowa was being shielded following his defection.

Tahir noted that no suspect is immune from investigation or prosecution because of political alignment.

“Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true,” he said.

“I think the reference was made to the case of a former governor of Delta state. To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served.”

23/10/2025

Today, we celebrate a remarkable media mind and public servant — Nasif Sholagberu anipr, founder of Sho pen online and Special Assistant on Media to the Senator representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly, Senator Saliu Mustapha Turaki of Ilorin.

Your journey reflects excellence, integrity, and commitment to impactful storytelling and public service. Through your platform and your work in governance, you’ve continued to give voice to the people, promote transparency, and inspire a new generation of media professionals.

As you mark another year of purpose and progress, may your path be filled with divine favor, wisdom, and greater accomplishments. Keep leading with vision, passion, and dedication.

Happy Birthday, NASIF Sholagberu — a shining example of service, intellect, and media excellence! 🥂

22/10/2025

No one can separate me from Kwankwaso — Kano gov

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dismissed insinuations of a rift between him and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying those attempting to sow discord between them will not succeed.

Speaking on Tuesday in Madobi during an event marking the 69th birthday of the former governor, Yusuf reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Kwankwaso and pledged to continue upholding the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya movement in the state.

“Those within and outside trying to create a quarrel between me and our leader, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will not succeed.

“We will continue to follow the legacy and principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement because Kwankwaso is a God-given leader.”

The governor also prayed for the long life and robust health of the NNPP leader, describing him as a visionary whose leadership continues to guide the state’s progress.

Months ago, there was an alleged movement known as “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba Stand on Your Feet), reportedly led by the former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Baffa Bichi, and the former Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Salisu Digol.

The group was said to be pushing for greater autonomy for Governor Yusuf’s administration, a development many observers believed could strain relations between the governor and Kwankwaso.

However, the governor’s latest comments appear to put those rumours to rest, reinforcing his commitment to Kwankwaso’s political ideology and the continued partnership that brought the New Nigeria People’s Party to power in Kano.

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