Marcos: Chinese ambassador’s force remark ‘sounds very much like a threat’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday, October 16, that Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s remark about China’s ability to use force ‘sounds very much like a threat and not a diplomatic statement to be made.’

Marcos told reporters the government would like to understand ‘what it is exactly he means.’ Asked if he would summon the envoy, the president said: ‘It deserves a discussion between the ambassador and myself.’

The president weighed in after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), late Thursday, October 15, rebuked Jing for a ‘poor choice of words’ that it said seemed to convey ‘a thinly veiled threat of the use of force.’ The department asked diplomats in Manila to watch their language.

‘The business of diplomacy requires tact and restraint in order to create space necessary for discourse, dialogue and engagement, regardless of the disparity in positions or perspectives,’ the DFA said in a statement released late Thursday, October 15. It called the remark ‘hardly helpful’ given the ‘complicated bilateral ties’ between the two countries.

Such language risks further eroding ‘mutual trust and confidence,” the DFA added.

Jing uttered the remarks in question to reporters on Thursday on the sidelines of the second Diliman Dialogues, organized by the Philippines-China Studies Center of Diliman College in Quezon City.

Rejecting the “troublemaker” tag for China, Jing said: “If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not use force. You know, we love peace.”

‘Who is the troublemaker?’ the Chinese diplomat asked. He cited efforts to ‘go after’ Chinese teachers, the use of the army to arrest ‘innocent’ Chinese workers, and daily ‘smear’ attacks that he said were meant to incite hatred between the two countries. He said the Philippines ‘should feel fortunate’ to have a neighbor like China in the region.

The exchange is the latest public clash between the Philippines and the Chinese Embassy since Jing arrived in Manila in December 2025.

In January, the department made firm representations to Jing over the embassy’s increasingly combative social media posts targeting senators. Since then, there has not been a let-up in the tone and frequency of the embassy’s public criticisms of Philippine officials expressing disagreement with Beijing’s stance on the 2016 arbitral ruling and Manila’s sea rights, among others.

‘Selective quotation’

The embassy on Friday morning publicly responded to the DFA and argued its ambassador was the subject of “selective quotation.” It said the DFA’s admonishment was “regrettable.”

‘This kind of selective quotation and overinterpretation demonstrates that there is still a long way to go in fostering effective communication and dialogue between China and the Philippines,’ the embassy said in a statement.

The embassy said relations were at ‘an extremely sensitive stage’ and that ‘certain individuals,’ whom it did not name, were trying to undermine exchanges between the two countries. It urged the DFA to ‘play a more responsible role’ in preventing such actions.

Jing’s remarks on teachers appeared to refer to the recent withdrawal of about 150 Chinese volunteer teachers from Chinese-language schools.

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. said the teachers were recalled at their parents’ request, with the approval of the federation and the embassy, after reports by Ray Powell of the monitoring group SeaLight raised suspicions about Chinese-language schools in the country.

The Chinese ambassador did not specify which worker arrests he meant, but Philippine authorities have detained hundreds of Chinese workers this year in raids targeting suspected human trafficking and illegal online gambling. The embassy has singled out a May raid on a steel plant in Misamis Oriental, insisting the Chinese workers held there had valid permits and blaming Teodoro for sending in the military to join the arrest.

Jing himself has warned that Manila faces a greater risk of confrontation unless direct military-to-military communication with Beijing, suspended by Teodoro, is restored. On October 12, the embassy accused Teodoro of shutting down those channels for ‘political self interests.’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has backed Teodoro’s action, saying this “direct communications has been used as a smokescreen by the Chinese Communist Party to perpetuate their illegal presence, coercive and aggressive actions and deceptive messaging not only on our maritime domain but even on land.”

Kim Kardashian marks 46th birthday early in the Philippines

Television personality and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian flew over to the Philippines for an early birthday celebration.

Kim shared on Instagram photos of her recent trip to the country, particularly a private island where she went scuba diving and enjoying the sunset.

“Philippines Birthday Adventures,” Kim wrote in her post’s caption, this as she turns 46 years old on October 21. The pictures also show the personality blowing out a birthday cake, watching fireworks over the sea and capturing on video turtles swimming.

Her sister Kourtney and their mom Kris Jenner both commented on Kim’s post, as did Anne Curtis and Ruffa Gutierrez.

Kim, who recently hard launched a relationship with Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, is gearing up for the Season 2 premiere of her show “All’s Fair” with Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, Teyana Taylor, Sarah Paulson and Glenn Close.

The man turning Tanzania’s heritage into pageant art

When Jihan Dimack and Rosemary Uisso step onto international beauty pageant stages in Thailand, their national costumes tell stories of Tanzania’s beauty and cultural heritage.

But behind the colours, intricate details and applause is Ramadhan Shagile alias Romy Jay, a Tanzanian designer whose imagination helps bring these stories to life.

As Tanzania celebrates Jihan’s Miss Grand International victory and Rosemary’s Best National Costume award at Miss Global, Romy has his own reasons to smile.

His journey from modelling to costume design shows how creativity can take local stories beyond the country’s borders.

You may not know his face, but his work is hard to miss.

Jihan’s costume celebrates Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage, while Rosemary’s award-winning outfit draws inspiration from the country’s tourism attractions, tribal history and identity.

Both creations reflect Romy’s belief that national costumes should do more than impress judges; they should introduce audiences to the country they represent.

For him, every design begins with a story. Turning that story into an outfit, however, requires research, imagination, technical skill and plenty of patience.

From the runway to the drawing board

Romy’s journey into fashion begins in 2015, when he participates in different fashion shows as a model. The experience introduces him to the industry and gradually sparks a passion that eventually takes him behind the scenes.

‘My love for fashion started when I was a model. I participated in different fashion shows, and that is where my passion for the industry grew, he tells The Beat.

His career takes a new direction after the Covid-19 pandemic, when he releases his first collection, African Beauty.

The collection marks the beginning of his journey into costume design, allowing him to combine fashion with his interest in Tanzania’s culture and heritage.

Over time, he works with beauty queens preparing to represent the country internationally, gaining opportunities to showcase his creativity on a bigger stage.

Each assignment presents a fresh challenge, finding a distinctive idea that celebrates Tanzania while meeting the expectations of an international competition.

‘I know my country very well, but I still spend time researching new things before presenting an idea. I always make sure I have enough information about Tanzania’s tourism attractions and cultural heritage,’ he says.

The vision behind Jihan’s costume

When Romy got the opportunity to work on Jihan’s national costume, he looked beyond the familiar images of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes. ‘I have showcased many tourist attractions through costumes worn by contestants at international competitions. For Jihan, I decided to focus on Maasai history and the beaches of Zanzibar,’ he explains.

The concept develops through discussions with Jihan’s management team.

Romy created the original idea and sketches, while Thailand-based designer Akarach Phusanaphong, popularly known as Artkarachi, produced the outfit.

The process is demanding, with Romy expected to spend a month in Thailand working on the costume.

His ambition is to bring Tanzania’s attractions to life through three-dimensional structures rather than simply decorating the outfit with pictures. He imagines Zanzibar’s traditional houses and Maasai cultural elements taking physical form, giving the audience something memorable to admire.

‘At international competitions, you are expected to show the beauty of your country or tell a story through your costume. But the stage is also about entertainment, so the costume must entertain the audience,’ he says.

However, some of his original ideas do not fully materialise in the finished design. Although Jihan’s costume attracts attention, it does not win the Best National Costume award.

‘I feel that may be one of the reasons the costume did not win. The idea was good, but I believe the final design did not fully bring out the creativity I had imagined,’ he says.

The experience teaches him an important lesson, a strong concept needs to survive every stage of production to achieve the designer’s original vision.

The costume that almost never makes it

Rosemary’s costume brings a different challenge, testing Romy’s patience and problem-solving skills.

This time, he wanted to explore more of Tanzania’s tourism attractions and tribal history, including inspiration from Tabora.

The original plan involved sending the sketches abroad for production, but complications forced the team to change direction and make the outfit locally.

With deadlines approaching, Romy found ways to turn the concept into a finished costume and ensure it reaches Thailand safely.

Even packing becomes a task of its own, as the detailed outfit must fit into a suitcase without damaging its distinctive features.

‘I spent days and nights thinking about what to do and how to make everything work,’ he recalls.

Unlike Jihan’s costume, the project receives no assistance from an overseas designer.

The team must find its own solutions, making the eventual victory particularly meaningful.

‘We did not have help from another designer, but I thank God everything worked out. In the end, we won the Best National Costume award at the international level,’ he says. What begins as a stressful assignment becomes one of his proudest moments, demonstrating that Tanzanian designers can produce work capable of earning international recognition.

Taking Tanzanian creativity further

For Romy, the difference between an attractive costume and a memorable one lies in the story it tells.

Countries compete not only through elaborate structures and expensive materials but also through the originality and authenticity of their ideas. ‘It is not easy for a country like Tanzania to become one of the winners at international competitions,’ he says, pointing to differences in resources and technical capacity.

Yet he believes Tanzania’s cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for designers willing to experiment and develop their skills.

His ambition extends beyond personal recognition. He wants to see more Tanzanian designers take responsibility for producing the costumes that represent their country, rather than depending on foreign expertise to complete their ideas.

‘These international platforms require skills. There is no magic involved. Designers in Tanzania need to keep improving themselves,’ he says.

Tanzania earns $181.6 million from fish exports as quality strengthens

Tanzania’s earnings from fish and fish product exports rose by 11.3 percent to $181.6 million in the year ending August 2026, thanks to an improvement in processing and preservation.

During the preceding year, the country earned $163.1 million from supplying fish and fish products to international markets.

According to the Bank of Tanzania’s September 2026 Monthly Economic Review, the increase amounted to $18.5 million, reflecting higher export earnings from the sector over the period. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Prof Mohamed Sheikh, told The Citizen that Tanzania exports between 57,000 and 60,000 metric tons of fish and fishery products annually, with its markets extending to China, Hong Kong, the United States, the European Union, and several African countries.

He said freshwater fisheries account for the bulk of the country’s fish exports, with Lake Victoria contributing an estimated 80 to 85 percent of export volumes.

‘The lake is a major source of Nile perch, whose fillets are exported to markets in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Other export products include sardines, harvested from lakes Victoria and Tanganyika, and fish maws, locally known as mabondo, which are in demand in China and Hong Kong,’ he said.

He noted that marine fisheries products, including crabs and lobsters from the Indian Ocean, account for an estimated 15 percent of national fish export volumes, according to the information provided by Professor Sheikh.

‘Marine catches from the Indian Ocean such as crabs and lobsters currently constitute roughly 15 percent of total national exports.’

He said Tanzania’s annual export volumes, which fluctuate between 57,000 and 59,000 metric tons per year (averaging 60,000 tons), position the nation well ahead of its East African neighbors.

He noted that to expand beyond the 60,000-ton mark, government strategies are focused on building modern fish landing sites, strategic ports, and dedicated fish markets equipped with advanced cold storage machinery. ‘Because marine fisheries currently contribute only 15 percent of total exports, the installation of cold chain infrastructure along the coast is expected to significantly boost high-value marine shipments from the Indian Ocean.’

A coordinator of the Fish for ACP project and a fisheries and aquaculture expert in Tanzania, Hashim Mumin, said on the sidelines of an event marking the completion of a phase of the Fish4ACP six-year initiative, “We introduced to improve fish-processing technologies and preservation facilities that international buyers of smoked fish prefer products processed using the improved stoves we introduced.”

He said the technologies are intended to reduce smoke exposure and contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chemical substances that can pose health risks when present in food above recommended limits.

‘The project has introduced improved smoking kilns and energy-efficient stoves as alternatives to traditional fish-processing methods. These methods can expose processors, particularly women, to excessive smoke and may compromise product quality.’

Mumin said the project had supported fish processing for products destined for export markets, including the European Union. The specific technologies used and their compliance with applicable export standards require confirmation.

He noted that the project has also focused on improving fish preservation around Lake Tanganyika, where unreliable electricity has constrained access to ice.

Working with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the initiative has supplied solar-powered freezers to fishing communities and supported the establishment of ice-making plants.

According to Mumin, two plants have been established in Kigoma and Uvinza, while a third is planned for Tanganyika District in Katavi Region.

Each plant has a production capacity of 15 tonnes of ice per day and uses electricity from the national grid alongside solar power.

Mumin said the use of solar energy had reduced production costs by 50 percent, enabling communities to purchase ice at lower prices.

Waste heat generated during ice production is also being used to dry dagaa, creating an additional use for energy that would otherwise be lost.

Reliable access to ice is important for preserving fish after landing, helping maintain quality.

Beyond infrastructure, he said the project has provided training in marketing, financial literacy, fisheries regulations, and awareness of gender-based violence.

‘It has also worked with financial institutions and the University of Dar es Salaam Business School to strengthen participants’ financial knowledge and access to credit. It has also conducted a fish-stock assessment in Lake Tanganyika to compare current conditions with findings from an assessment carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 1996.’

Mumin said the findings were being compiled for publication and would help inform the management of the lake’s fisheries resources.

The assessment is expected to provide updated information on fish stocks, supporting decisions on the sustainable use of the lake’s resources.

Tegbe insists no plan for electricity tariff hike, flags off mini-grids in Oyo

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe described reports of a planned hike of electricity tariffs circulating on social media as misinformation and urged Nigerians to disregard it.

Tegbe said on Thursday in Ibadan while flagging off the 17.7MW hybrid solar mini-grid project, with a 17.74MW Battery Energy Storage System for communities in Oyo State.

‘I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs.

‘What we are planning is a power sector that works round the clock,’ he said.

The Minister added that FG’s commitment to regular power supply starts with having three Energy Zones: the Lagos-Ogun corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, and the Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.

He explained that the 17.7MW project would serve communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State.

According to Tegbe, the interconnected mini grid would improve supply to homes and businesses, reduce dependence on generators and create better conditions for investment and jobs in the beneficiary communities.

Tegbe commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda and appreciated the Olubadan of Ibadanland for his support.

He also thanked the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Paras Energy, the World Bank, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and the Oyo State Government for their contributions.

He said the FG plans to build and improve the national grid across the eastern, western and central corridors to ensure stability and extend the 24/7 power vision to every part of Nigeria.

Mr Deolu Ijose, the Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IBEDC, said the new mini-grid project would provide electricity to 22,597 customers across five communities.

Ijose said the project, developed by Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, would provide 17.7MWp solar PV generation with battery storage to Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo-Oluwa, and Sooko-Elega clusters.

According to him, IBEDC’s existing distribution infrastructure will be used to integrate and deliver electricity generated by Paras Energy.

He said that this model would show how DisCos and private developers could collaborate to improve access.

Ijose added that the project builds on IBEDC’s previous innovative interventions such as the Mokoloki Mini-Grid in Ogun and the recently commissioned Oke-Oyi mini-grid in Kwara.

He then urged the host communities to protect the infrastructure.

The MD/CEO of REA, Abba Abubakar-Aliyu, said the project details are: 1.8 megawatts in Bola, Akinyele LGA and 3.5 megawatts in Jiboye, Ido LGA.

Others are 6.9 megawatts in Molade, Ibadan North LGA; 3.6 megawatts in Ogo Oluwa, Egbeda LGA, and 1.9 megawatts in Sooko, Lagelu LGA.

Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, lauded the minister for including rural and underserved communities in various power reform projects.

He urged the Oyo State Government to speed up work and complete its ongoing hybrid power project before 2027 for residents to start enjoying regular power supply.

Earlier, Gov. Seyi Makinde, represented by the state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, said the government would continue to pursue practical electricity interventions across the state.

He noted that the state government’s Hybrid Independent Power Project, meant to serve the state’s secretariat and other strategic public facilities, has a plant capacity of 11 MW.

He recalled that the 5 MW phase was commissioned in 2024.

‘Our wide agenda includes solar power for public facilities, rural electrification, mini-grids, as well as private sector-led generation and distribution.

‘Therefore, no single technology can meet every need,’ said Makinde.

He charged the developer and implementing institutions to maintain clear construction and commissioning mindsets, and comply with applicable licenses and technical standards.

Soyinka identifies problem he wants solved to ‘die a happy man’

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has said he will die a happy man of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) can solve the problems of lack of compliance to court judgments, especially by government agencies.

‘If you can solve that for me, believe me, I will die happy,’ Soyinka said while lamenting the gap between justice delivery and implementation. He spoke while delivering a goodwill message at the inaugural Nigerian Ombudsman Annual Conference organised by the PCC in Abuja on Thursday.

The conference has the theme: ‘System Building and Compliance: A Key Factor to Good Governance’.

Soyinka decried delays in implementing court judgments, warning that victims sometimes died without benefiting from decisions secured through years of legal battles.

‘Why is it that we cannot guarantee the implementation of the declaration of a judgment between the plaintiff, between the judgment itself, between the judges, the structure of justice and the victim?’ he asked.

He questioned why court decisions were ignored by government agencies in spite of being delivered publicly by competent courts.

‘Why is it that people we know have actually died without seeing the fruits of their endeavours for justice?’ he asked.

Soyinka cited cases where citizens waited years for government agencies to comply with court orders, including directives to return confiscated passports.

He described such delays as ‘medicine after death’ and challenged the PCC to make closing the enforcement gap a primary responsibility. The Nobel Laureate said addressing the problem would help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

Responding, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Sidi Bage Muhammad I, attributed the problem to indiscipline and poor leadership.

The retired Supreme Court Justice said enforcement rules already existed, but public officials should not require repeated reminders to obey court orders.

He described those in authority as the ‘real culprits who would not respect court orders and decisions of court’.

Bage said leaders must set an example by complying with judicial decisions if they expected ordinary citizens to do the same.

‘You do not need, after a pronouncement is made by court, to be reminded again that you are to comply with the decision of our courts,’ he said.

In his keynote address, PCC Chief Commissioner, Mr Bashir Abubakar, described the conference as historic, marking the first such gathering in the Commission’s 51-year history.

He said the event followed the Commission’s Golden Jubilee celebrations a year earlier and focused on building institutions that deliver justice beyond the personalities occupying public offices.

Abubakar disclosed that the Commission received 1,281,984 complaints in the last two years and resolved 716,688.

He said the figures reflected growing public confidence in the Ombudsman institution but also highlighted the substantial volume of unresolved complaints.

Describing the PCC as more than a complaints office, he called it ‘the conscience of democracy’, restoring public trust when institutions failed to follow their own rules.

Abubakar said the Commission had introduced reforms, including improved budgetary allocation, full implementation of the CONLESS salary structure, biometric staff verification and the creation of new directorates.

He called on the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, private sector and civil society to work together to promote compliance and make administrative justice accessible and predictable.

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, congratulated Abubakar on his leadership and for convening the inaugural conference.

Anyaoku called for greater public awareness of the PCC’s services, describing the Ombudsman as a less expensive and less cumbersome alternative to litigation.

He said many Nigerians experienced non-payment of gratuities and pensions, alongside unsatisfactory medical care in public and private institutions, without knowing where to seek redress.

He expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen the Ombudsman institution and improve access to its services.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, described the conference as timely and commended the PCC leadership for the initiative.

Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Mrs Augusta Beke, said the Commission was established in 1975 to address maladministration and provide accessible avenues for redress.

He said complaints should be treated not merely as criticism of government but as valuable information for identifying institutional weaknesses and preventing systemic failures.

Akume said good governance required strong systems, clear procedures, competent personnel and a culture of compliance rather than reliance on individual goodwill.

He added that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritised institutional reform, accountability and improved service delivery, areas complemented by the PCC’s work.

Also speaking, Sen. Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, called for a shift from personality-driven to system-driven institutions.

Imasuen, who represented the Senate President and the House of Representatives, said establishing systems was only part of the solution.

He warned that laws and policies could not deliver results if public officials routinely disregarded them without consequences.

Imasuen said the PCC provided citizens with a channel to challenge unlawful and unfair administrative actions, while complaint patterns could expose institutional weaknesses requiring reform.

He urged participants to develop practical recommendations for strengthening institutional capacity, improving compliance monitoring and translating lessons from complaints into measurable reforms.

I broke all stereotypes, showed myself to win BBNaija S11 – Temi Nkem

Congratulations on your win, how do you feel at the moment?

Thank you!! Honestly, I am still trying to soak it in as the winner of the show, I feel amazing most especially because I felt like I have broken all the stereotypes. I am the first of my kind and the youngest person to have won the show.

What stereotype did you think you broke?

When I showed interest for the show, I go discouraged by a lot of people because I came from abroad and people outrightly told me I don’t have a chance of winning the ultimate prize and with God on my side and my terminator fans outside, they made it possible for me to be able to break that notion and here I am 160M richer in prize.

What are you most grateful for at the moment?

First all, I am immensely grateful for the platform because it’s not an easy task been on the biggest reality show in Nigeria, I am happy I made new connections in the house. Aside from the winning the ultimate prize, I am equally grateful for the small and big wins during arena tasks and above all so much praise from Biggie and the entire production crew.

Are there times you ever doubted yourself in the house?

Maybe at few instances because it will get to you when other housemates begin to feel certain way towards you but trust me, I am my own critic too, when I feel am deviating from the plan, I correct myself even before others notice it. However, whenever I doubted myself, I just looked into the mirror, speak word of confidence and then I moved on.

What will you say was the highlight for you during your stay in Biggie’s house?

For me, the highlight of my experience was probably when I won my first ever BetPawa Friday Arena Night Game. Honestly, that was like an amazing moment for me because in my head I was thinking, guys, I don’t even know if I can do this. Because, obviously, going to the games… What do I tell you guys? As long as you participate, you try your best, that’s all that matters, I tired my best and I won

Was there any strategy that work out for you?

My behavior in the house was part of a deliberate strategy because most of what the viewers saw was my personality, not a carefully constructed game plan. ‘I would say maybe 30 per cent was a game, 70 per cent was actually me genuinely being curious. I often asked questions in the house because I genuinely wanted to understand situations, rather than because I was deliberately creating a character for the cameras.

At what point in the season were you convinced that you are winning?

Was I? To be honest, I didn’t know because I felt like everybody was showing themselves in a certain point. So, I felt like me, lowkey, I’m not going to lie, I thought I was sleeping beauty. I thought I was sleeping a lot. Waking up, going to the arena, sleeping again. I thought you guys hated that but it seems like you guys are still finding something. How I won still marvel me, Nigerians did it, they voted for me as their favorite and I won.

N90M in the bank, what are your plans for the prize money?

I started thinking about how to divide the money if I win even before leaving the Big Brother House. I will be investing a very big sum of my money because obviously, if everybody already knows, I already said that I studied a degree in Accounting and Finance, and I took an extra degree called Treasury.

So, I know how to work with my money and honestly, I want to get my money to grow. I’m going to back to school to finish up my university education. Also, very important I would support my parents with part of the money while also allowing myself some personal enjoyment after 70-day stint in Biggie’s house.

I know a lot of people will feel the urge to ask this when I said I was going to complete my education which is in the UK but the truth is I can complete the programme online so as to explore opportunities created by this new stardom. Just like I told a few housemates while in the house that will explore Nigeria for a minimum of two years, see what Africa has for me. See what Nigeria has for me. Build on that. And the sky’s the limit. I got good content, good vlogs.

For clarification’s sake, what relationship existed between you, Barry, Keivo and Tram?

Hmm! I initially found Barry attractive but stopped pursuing the connection after I felt he was not taking enough initiative in their conversations. For Keivo, I was attracted to him when he entered the house but eventually became frustrated by what I described as his attempts to tell me what I should or should not do.

On Tram, I was physically attracted to him but did not develop romantic feelings for him. I’ve been telling the people that I came for the fun.

What advice do you have for youngsters like you?

I want my victory to encourage young Nigerians who may feel that their background could prevent them from succeeding. If that is not determination to you guys, courage for you guys to do this, just do whatever you want to do. Do whatever you put your heart on. Keep doing what you need to do. Pray, everything. You’ll be sorted. You’ll be good.

For our NAF heroes who fell at Igbokoda

THE tragedy at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5 has plunged Nigeria into mourning. Twenty-five Nigerians, including five crew members and 20 passengers, reportedly died when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed while travelling from Benin to Lagos. Behind every casualty lies a grieving family, years of professional investment, and a future tragically cut short.

Yet, amid this sorrow emerged an extraordinary account of courage. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, citing eyewitnesses, reported that the pilot apparently manoeuvred the distressed aircraft away from residential buildings before crashing into a swamp. The traditional ruler of Igbokoda similarly acknowledged that the action may have prevented greater casualties. If confirmed by investigators, the captain and deserving crew members should receive appropriate posthumous national honours. Their final actions may have saved innocent lives.

Nigeria has suffered repeated military aviation accidents since 1999, losing aircraft, experienced pilots and valuable personnel. Each accident has peculiar circumstances, but their recurrence demands more than condolences and routine investigations. Reports of a loud bang preceding the Igbokoda crash deserve examination. However, suggestions of hostile fire or an explosion remain speculative without technical evidence. Investigators must consider mechanical failure, structural defects, maintenance deficiencies, operational circumstances and possible external interference. President Bola Tinubu should establish an independent military aviation safety inquiry involving accident investigators, aeronautical engineers, experienced retired aviators and, where necessary, international specialists. Operating outside the military chain of command while protecting sensitive information, its responsibility must be to establish facts, identify institutional weaknesses and prevent future tragedies.

Aircraft maintenance requires particular scrutiny. Who certifies aircraft airworthy? Are inspections conducted promptly? Are spare parts available? How many aircraft operate with unresolved technical defects? Every operational command should maintain a secure digital maintenance dashboard displaying aircraft condition, flying hours, inspection schedules, outstanding defects and serviceability. Air Force Headquarters should have an integrated fleet overview with automatic maintenance warnings. Operational pressure must never override mandatory grounding decisions. Aircraft acquisition policies deserve similar attention. Purchasing second-hand aircraft is not inherently wrong, provided their remaining service life, maintenance records, refurbishment standards and technical support meet acceptable requirements. Nigeria must never sacrifice airworthiness for cheaper procurement. Equipment that appears affordable today may become tragically expensive tomorrow.

Equally important is the retention of experienced pilots. Military aviation depends on accumulated knowledge, particularly in emergencies and demanding operations. Premature retirement, inappropriate postings and poor succession planning can deprive the Air Force of invaluable expertise. Qualified retired pilots could contribute through instruction, simulation, technical advice and other authorised roles. However, personnel attrition extends beyond aviation. Within the Nigerian Army, longstanding complaints concerning commissioning categories, premature retirement and unequal career opportunities require urgent examination. These concerns became particularly evident in 2019, when retirement decisions raised questions about the authority exercised by the then Chief of Army Staff. The fundamental issue is whether established procedures, commissioning terms and appropriate safeguards were respected. Allegations that retirement recommendations were effectively determined without adequate scrutiny deserve independent investigation. Successive Army administrations must not perpetuate questionable decisions merely to defend institutional precedents. Where mistakes occurred, they should have been corrected. The Presidency deserves accurate professional advice, not explanations designed to legitimise administrative irregularities. Another troubling allegation concerns disproportionate access to strategic appointments by Regular Combatant Commission officers, while qualified Short Service officers reportedly face exclusion. Posting records should establish the truth. Commissioning arrangements may legitimately determine service conditions, but competence, integrity and professional qualifications should guide appointments.

The Nigerian military belongs equally to all Nigerians who serve under its colours. No commissioning category should become an instrument of institutional prejudice. Particular attention should be paid to appointments within influential personnel management establishments, including the Military Secretary’s office. The wider consequences of attrition must be examined across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Compulsory retirements, voluntary departures, promotion-related disengagements and inappropriate postings can erode institutional knowledge and operational readiness. In June 2026, the House of Representatives questioned the automatic merger of service years across Short Service Combatant, Direct Short Service and Direct Regular Commissions, highlighting concerns about fairness, morale and premature retirement. Such legislative intervention underscores the national importance of military personnel management.

The United States provides a useful example. Under Title 10, Section 1552, civilian-led boards can facilitate corrections to military records involving errors or injustices. Nigeria should embrace the underlying principle that military discipline must coexist with lawful, independent remedies. President Tinubu should consequently establish a separate Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Military Personnel Management, Terms of Commission and Compulsory Retirement. Led by a respected retired judicial officer, it should include independent military legal experts, personnel specialists and experienced retired officers. The commission should examine the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service, disputed retirement decisions, pension grievances, compliance with judicial rulings and the distribution of strategic appointments. Where injustices are established, lawful remedies should include reconsideration of retirements, restoration of benefits and appropriate administrative corrections.

Military discipline must never become unquestionable personal authority. Civilian oversight must extend beyond defence budgets and service appointments to recruitment, promotions, career management and disengagement. The National Assembly must exercise its constitutional responsibilities without compromising legitimate military discipline. The connection between aviation safety and personnel management lies in institutional accountability. Reliable aircraft, competent maintenance, experienced personnel and fair administration are essential to military effectiveness. Nigeria should also establish structured opportunities for qualified veterans to contribute through training, mentoring, research and technical support.

The families of the Igbokoda victims deserve the truth, prompt settlement of entitlements, and assurance that lessons will be implemented. Those who may have sacrificed their lives to protect others deserve recognition grounded in the investigation’s findings. The greatest tribute to the fallen heroes is not the duration of mourning, but the reforms their sacrifice inspires. Nigeria must confront institutional weaknesses with courage, fairness and accountability. Nigeria’s Armed Forces will emerge stronger, not weaker, when mistakes are corrected, injustice is remedied, and experience is preserved.

Soyinka, Anyaoku, Bage decry poor compliance with courts’ decisions, other dispute resolution bodies

Nobel Laurette Prof. Wole Soyinka, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Sidi Bage, and other prominent Nigerians have expressed concerns over poor compliance with decisions of courts and other dispute resolution institutions in the country.

While Soyinka stated that such practice should urgently be stamped out, Bage blamed it on government agencies and those in positions of authority.

Prof. Soyinka and Justice Bage spoke yesterday in Abuja at the maiden Nigerian Ombudsman Annual Conference, with the theme: ‘System Building and Compliance: A Key Factor To Good Governance,’ organised by the Public Complaints Commission (PCC).

The Nobel Laureate said: ‘I will talk succinctly about a gap that has bothered me for decades. That is the gap, the abyss between decision, between judgment, between recognition, and the victim himself or herself.

‘Why is it that we cannot guarantee the implementation of a declaration, of a judgment? What is the problem with the structure of justice and the victim? Why is it that people who win cases die without seeing the fruit of their endeavours for justice?

‘Why is it that, for instance, when a judgment is delivered in court, in public, it is ignored by agencies of justice? If the court says, for instance, restore her passport, give her her passport back. Why is it that it still takes years, sometimes, even after the death of the plaintiff, the seeker of justice? What we commonly call here as medicine after death. What is the problem?

‘If the court says vacate that land, why is it that the next day, an informal court of justice, with cudgels, with machetes, sets out to contest that piece of land?

‘This is something, perhaps, the Public Complaints Commission can take on as a primary hope in the entire chain of the delivery of justice. This is a problematique that I want to give the commission as a priority even while the regular system is supposed to be taking place.

‘I wish to remind us, by the way, that many, many people have travelled along this path and I think it is about time we answer. It is about time we close this abyss. If you can solve that for me, believe me, I will die happy. I will like to see it implemented.’

Justice Bage, who is the Emir of Lafia in Nasarawa State, averred that the major problem with the dispute resolution mechanism in the country is judgment enforcement.

The retired jurist blamed the reluctance of people and institutions to obey court orders and decisions on a lack of discipline.

He said: ‘You do not need, after a judgment is pronounced by a court, to be reminded again that you need to comply with the decision of our court.

‘It is unfortunate. And this cuts across. Even the government and those of them in authority are the real culprits who would not respect court orders and decisions of courts.

‘The leaders of our country must learn to respect the decisions of our courts because they have to live by example. If you want the ordinary Nigerians to respect the decisions of the courts, it must start from the leadership; then, it will go down.

‘That is why today the ordinary person in the street does not simply obey the orders made by courts. He thinks, since the leadership at the top does not respect court orders, why should he, an ordinary person, obey the orders of courts? It is all a matter of discipline.

‘But it has to start from the leadership. We are often very disappointed when we roll out orders, and the first culprits are those in authority, those who refuse to obey the orders of courts. When they obey, the others in the street will have no business not obeying court orders,’ Justice Bage said.

PCC’s Chief Commissioner Bashir Abubakar stressed the importance of building strong systems in a democratic society, noting that the country has no shortage of laws, policies, or well-intentioned individuals.

Abubakar noted that what is lacking is the consistent application of those laws through durable systems, adding that over-reliance on the goodwill or authority of individuals, however noble, creates fragility.

The PCC boss, who spoke about the achievements of the agency under his leadership, said institutions that depend on personalities rather than processes do not outlast generations.

He stressed the need to transform the Ombudsman from a largely reactive complaints-handling body to a proactive institution that identifies systemic weaknesses, advises on policy gaps, and helps shape a culture of accountability.

Abubakar added: ‘Our vision remains to restore the dignity of the citizen through the enthronement of the rule of law and protection against administrative injustice.

‘Our mission is to deliver a service that is responsive, efficient, and free of charge to every Nigerian and resident who seeks redress.’

Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said from his experience working with member countries of the Commonwealth for the past three decades, the institution of the Ombudsman, as an independent mechanism for dealing with public complaints, is widely acknowledged as an important tool in the pursuit of good governance.

He said the institution plays an important role in ensuring that citizens avail themselves of justice when they experience a treatment they consider unjust.

He asked the PCC management to raise awareness about its activities, which provide less expensive and less cumbersome facilities and which serve as a refuge for the aggrieved common man and woman.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, assured the gathering that the Federal Government would continue to support the PCC in strengthening its capacity and modernising its operations because the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considered it ‘as a vital component of our democratic governance’.

Akume, who was represented by a director in his office, Mrs. Augusta Beke Warrens, said such support must be matched by performance.

He urged the PCC to maintain high ethical standards, deliver timely justice, and make its impact visible in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The SGF stressed the essence of the commission’s duty of ensuring a peaceful society.

Akume said: ‘Every unresolved grievance is a warning sign that we must not ignore. Every avoidable delay is a cost imposed on a citizen, and every act of administrative high-handedness weakens the social contract.’

The AGF, who dwelt on the need to build strong systems, said: ‘When we fail to build strong systems, discretion becomes tyranny. Delay becomes punishment. Connections replace competence.

‘The powerful escape accountability, while ordinary Nigerians bear the cost of inefficiency and indifference of government institutions and their officials.

‘But when we labour to build strong systems like this conference is calling on us to do, public service becomes predictable and people-centred because resources are utilised for their intended purposes and the people begin to believe rightly that the government truly works for them.’

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, praised the PCC for its good work and promised continued support.

Former President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, who moderated a discussion session, noted that the question should go beyond whether or not Nigeria has institutions, laws and regulations.

Justice Bulkachuwa said: ‘We should ask whether our institutions have sufficiently embedded the system that makes compliance routine, accountability effective and good governance sustainable.

‘We should also consider a deeper question: Do our institutions work because the systems are strong or because particular individuals are strong?

‘If an institution performs exceptionally under one leader and deteriorates when that leader leaves, then what is built was not yet a strong institution, but a successful administration.’

Senator Tinubu inaugurates 50 CNG-powered buses in Edo

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu yesterday in Benin, the Edo State capital, inaugurated 50 CNG-powered buses acquired by the state government to improve public transportation and ease the financial burden of commuting on residents.

She described the intervention as an important step towards making transportation more affordable, expanding economic opportunities and improving the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

‘Today, we are not merely commissioning buses; we are commissioning opportunity, mobility and hope, because behind every bus is a human story. There is a student who needs to get to school. There is a trader who needs to get to the market. There is a mother who needs to take her children to school and return to her business. There is a young person travelling to work. There is an artisan moving to a job site. There is a civil servant going to work,’ she said.

The First Lady noted that improved transportation would have a direct impact on productivity, commerce and household finances, particularly for low-income earners who depend heavily on public transport.

‘That is why today’s event is a story of Renewed Hope. When transportation becomes more affordable and accessible, economic opportunities become a reality,’ she added.

Beyond the immediate benefits of affordable transportation, Mrs. Tinubu identified the transition to CNG-powered vehicles as a significant opportunity for job creation and skills development among young Nigerians.

She explained that the expansion of CNG transportation would generate demand for specialised technical services, creating employment opportunities across several areas of the economy.

‘The CNG transition will require technicians, engineers, drivers, mechanics, safety personnel, fleet managers, and other skilled professionals. I see enormous opportunity for our young people. This means that beyond transportation, we are expanding economic opportunities and creating jobs in these sectors,’ Mrs. Tinubu said.

The First Lady urged the Edo State government to complement its investment in CNG transportation with appropriate technical training and capacity-building programmes.

‘I encourage the Edo State government to prioritise training and capacity building in these fields to unlock their full potential,’ she stated.

The First Lady also praised the state government for introducing a N1 billion financial empowerment programme to support 5,000 beneficiaries with grants of N200,000 each.

She explained that the intervention would strengthen small businesses, improve livelihoods and promote financial independence among beneficiaries, including women, young people and vulnerable residents.

‘I am also pleased to see that the Edo State Government is empowering 5,000 beneficiaries through a financial empowerment of N200,000 each to strengthen livelihoods, support small businesses and enable beneficiaries to become more self-reliant. This intervention, I am told will reach women, youth and the vulnerable,’ the First Lady stated.

She described the transportation and empowerment initiatives as practical examples of how government interventions could stimulate economic activity, promote inclusion and translate development policies into tangible benefits for citizens.

In Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu pledged to collaborate with traditional institutions and announced plans to partner with rural women through her Renewed Hope Initiative.

Delivering a message from the Presidency, the First Lady said: ‘He (President Bola Tinubu) asked me to appreciate your support and wish you well on your 10th coronation anniversary. We didn’t plan it this way, but it is divine.

‘I am truly happy, and I wish you long life, divine health, prosperity, joy, peace, and fruitfulness.’

Speaking at the inauguration of the CNG buses, Senator Tinubu said the initiatives to empower 5,000 vulnerable persons and buy CNG buses demonstrated Governor Monday Okpebholo’s love for the people of Edo and an important step towards improving livelihoods as well as supporting economic growth.

She said the state government’s empowerment of 5,000 beneficiaries with N200,000 each would strengthen their livelihoods, support small businesses, and promote financial independence.

‘I pray that the monies received will prosper in your hands and grow your businesses,’ Mrs. Tinubu said.

The First Lady inaugurated the 50 CNG buses and formally launched the N1 billion economic empowerment programme for the beneficiaries.

Governor Okpebholo described the First Lady’s visit as a demonstration of care, compassion, and commitment to the welfare of the people.

‘Your visit is not just a ceremonial engagement. It is a demonstration of care, compassion and our commitment to the growth of our people,’ he said.

Okpebholo said the initiatives addressed two critical needs of the people: affordable transportation and economic empowerment, particularly for women and small business operators.

The governor said the CNG buses would make public transportation more accessible, affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly, while the empowerment programme would strengthen beneficiaries’ economic activities.

‘When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family, uplift a community and contribute to the prosperity of society,’ Okpebholo said.

Also, Mrs. Tinubu said the economic reforms and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in the last three years have laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s sustainable development and enduring prosperity.

She said the administration’s policies, though requiring difficult adjustments, were driven by a long-term vision of building a stronger and more comfortable country for present and future generations.

Mrs. Tinubu said this when she visited the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, at his palace, as part of her one-day working visit to Edo State.

Also yesterday, Mrs. Tinubu called for increased investment in rural women across Nigeria, particularly through improved access to land, finance, training, technology and markets, to strengthen food security, accelerate economic growth and promote sustainable community development.

She noted that empowering rural women would not only improve their livelihoods but also enhance the prosperity of families, strengthen communities and contribute significantly to national development.

Mrs. Tinubu spoke in Abuja in her message to this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Rural Women, observed globally on October 15.

The First Lady, who inaugurated 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses procured by the Edo State government and flagged off a N1 billion empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Benin, said the Tinubu administration remained committed to creating opportunities that would improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

She noted that President Tinubu’s administration’s policies and programmes were designed to redirect the nation’s development trajectory and establish a foundation capable of sustaining progress long after its tenure.

Mrs. Tinubu maintained that the President’s greatest desire was to bequeath a formidable and prosperous nation in which Nigerians could enjoy improved living standards and greater economic opportunities.

Addressing the Benin monarch, she said: ‘Your tenure is a lifelong one while our period here is limited. So, we are doing all that we can to see that when we finish this assignment we too can go back to a Nigeria that is comfortable.’

The First Lady highlighted the contributions of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to the administration’s development agenda, particularly through interventions in agriculture, education, economic empowerment, healthcare, and social investment.

According to her, the initiative has continued to complement the Federal Government’s programmes by reaching vulnerable Nigerians and providing support to communities across the country.

Mrs. Tinubu announced plans to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions in implementing some of RHI’s social intervention programmes to ensure wider coverage at the grassroots.

She expressed the hope that traditional rulers would become more involved in the distribution of grants to persons with disabilities and the implementation of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Programme, scheduled for December.

The First Lady noted that the involvement of traditional institutions would enhance the effectiveness of the interventions by making them more accessible to intended beneficiaries, particularly those in underserved communities.

Mrs. Tinubu urged traditional rulers to support public awareness campaigns on critical healthcare issues, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and the importance of birth registration.

She stressed the need to leverage the influence of traditional institutions in promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging greater public participation in programmes designed to safeguard the wellbeing of women, children, and vulnerable populations.

In an address read by his eldest daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Aimiuwu-Ewuare, Oba Ewuare II prayed to God and called on the kingdom’s ancestors to grant President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders divine wisdom and strength to fulfill their responsibilities for Nigerians.

Oba Ewuare II said his reign has been a journey of service, reflection, renewal, and continued commitment to preserving Benin cultural heritage, while ‘strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace, unity, and the well-being of our people’.

The Benin monarch said Senator Tinubu has represented Nigeria gracefully on the global stage.

He urged the First Lady to consider collaborating with the Oba Ewuare II Foundation to strengthen initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women, children, young people, and vulnerable communities.

Oba Ewuare II said: ‘Empowering women, protecting children and providing young people with access to education and economic opportunities are essential to building stronger families and securing the nation’s future.’

He hailed the First Lady for her commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian women and children through the various interventions of the RHI.

The monarch described her as an exemplary figure whose contributions to women’s empowerment and girl-child education deserved recognition and support.

‘You are a worthy example to women and girls in Nigeria,’ Oba Ewuare said.

Emphasising the importance of investing in the education and development of girls, the monarch added: ‘The girl-child education is not a waste.’

He stressed that the ‘well-being of women and children deserves our collective attention’.

As a mark of honour and recognition of her contributions, the Benin Royal Court presented the First Lady with the traditional Benin royal beads, known as Ikele.

Senator Tinubu is the first Nigerian First Lady and the third prominent Nigerian woman to receive the Ikele traditional beads as an expression of appreciation for her goodwill towards the kingdom’s traditional institution.

Also, the First Lady described rural women as indispensable contributors to agricultural production, food security and the sustenance of local economies, stressing the need for deliberate efforts to expand opportunities available to them.

She noted that this year’s celebration was particularly significant because it coincided with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, which seeks to draw greater attention to the contributions of women to agricultural development and food systems.

According to her, the observance provides another opportunity for governments and other stakeholders to recognise the challenges confronting rural women and intensify efforts to improve their economic opportunities.

‘On this International Day of Rural Women 2026, we celebrate the resilience, dedication, and contributions of rural women to agriculture, food security, economic growth, and community development,’ Mrs. Tinubu said.

The First Lady emphasised the importance of recognising women farmers as critical participants in agricultural development and ensuring that they have access to the resources required to improve productivity and their economic circumstances.

‘This year’s observance is especially significant as it falls within the International Year of the Woman Farmer, drawing greater attention to the essential role women play in sustaining our food systems and rural economies,’ she stated.

The First Lady urged greater commitment to addressing the barriers limiting rural women’s access to productive resources and economic opportunities.

‘We should invest more in rural women by expanding their access to land, finance, training, technology and markets. When rural women are empowered, families prosper, communities flourish, and nations grow stronger,’ she said.

Mrs. Tinubu congratulated rural women on the occasion, acknowledging their resilience, dedication and contributions to the well-being of families, communities and the nation.