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Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was captured in a light-hearted moment with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, jokingly claiming victory for his side in a video that went viral on Friday.

The clip, shared on Instagram by OfficialPrinceNwauzor, was recorded on Thursday during a visit by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to Wike’s office.

In the video, Davido, dressed in brown traditional attire, stood and repeatedly told the minister, ‘I won. I beat you guys.’

Wike, seated in a white shirt, responded with a smile, ‘No, no.’

‘I won! I beat you,’ Davido insisted.

‘You beat us?’ Wike asked.

‘I beat you,’ Davido replied, as laughter and shouts of ‘I beg o’ filled the background.

The exchange ended with Davido prostrating before Wike and embracing him, drawing cheers and applause from those present.

Governor Adeleke had earlier met President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa before proceeding to visit the FCT Minister.

Adeleke won the Osun governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party with 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

He won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University (KASU) chapter, has commended the Kaduna State Government for addressing some longstanding challenges facing the institution. The union however issued a two-week ultimatum over outstanding issues.

ASUU-KASU Chairman, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi, said at a press briefing in Kaduna that the union’s position was not to castigate the government but to highlight areas requiring further intervention. He noted that three of about 10 issues previously raised, including salaries and allowances, had been addressed, while seven were outstanding.

He commended the government’s reversal of school fees increase the union had opposed over its potential impact on students, stressing that ASUU’s interventions were aimed at protecting the university system, not just staff welfare.

Abdullahi praised KASU’s performance compared with other institutions, describing it as capable of serving Kaduna State ‘for the next 100 or 200 years’ if properly supported, and said the university had achieved results comparable to established federal universities.

He called for sustained government support, improved staff welfare and proper funding to help the institution retain its academic workforce.

On the ultimatum, Abdullahi said dialogue remained ASUU’s preferred option, stressing that the union was not eager to embark on industrial action. ‘Even if the government calls us now, we are ready to move. Anything that will bring peace to the system, stability, that is what we want,’ he said.

He urged the state government to implement the new Federal Government-ASUU agreement and fix outstanding challenges to strengthen KASU’s legacy in the education sector.

A group known as 9JA36+ has thrown its weight behind the economic reform strategies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, citing the prompt disbursement of funds across all levels of governance as a panacea for even development.

9JA36+, a movement of like-minded individuals passionate about Nigeria’s progress, charted a path for citizens to demand accountability from public office holders during its maiden press briefing on Wednesday.

The group’s Convener, Mr. Adebola Adeyemo Adigun (007 Director), explained to newsmen that the 9JA36+ concept was inspired by President Tinubu’s assertion regarding government funds. With sufficient accruals available at all levels of government – and especially with local government autonomy fully granted – public office holders must be held accountable by the people.

Adigun maintained that citizens often direct their questions about governance to the wrong quarters. Consequently, 9JA36+ intends to enlighten the public so they can ask the right questions to the appropriate officials.

Delivering the text of the conference, Nigerian actor and 9JA36+ co-convener Obatide Kelvin emphasised the group’s core goals, which centre on educating, sensitising, and conscientizing Nigerians on the ideal relationship between the government and the governed.

‘Our goal is to make Nigerians more informed about their government and confident to demand accountability from the right people. Democracy should not end at the polling booth; it must begin with knowledge, understanding, and absolute clarity,’ Kelvin said.

‘In Nigeria, we often focus solely on the President and the Federal Government, but the truth is that the President cannot do it alone. Nigeria runs a democratic system, and every elected office has a role to play.

‘From our councillors to local government chairmen, state legislators, governors, House of Representatives members, and Senators, each person elected or appointed into office carries a responsibility to the people. If those occupying these offices fail to deliver, Nigeria cannot work the way it should.’

A stakeholder in the 9JA36+ project, Mr. Adedeji Babalola, echoed the need to ensure public office holders align with the President’s vision of making funds available for even development and wealth distribution to ensure citizen well-being.

Renowned Nollywood actress and co-convener Madam Remi Oshodi (popularly known as Surutu) further outlined the group’s active role:

‘We will act on complaints where citizens are lacking resources within their jurisdictions. We will step up, visit these offices, and tell them, ‘This is what the citizens want; please respond to it.’ Whoever fails to respond will be exposed.’

She also charged the electorate to perform their civic obligations to actively contribute to good governance in Nigeria.

Other co-conveners of the initiative include Ibitayo Buhari, Temitope Tijani, Obasola Adigun, Rykardo Agbor, Kafaru Waheed, Sonaike Taiwo, and Bakare Olamide.

Transcorp Power Plc has won the Power Generation Excellence Company of the Year award at the Business Times Awards 2026 for its operational performance and contribution to Nigeria’s power generation sector.

The company received the award at the Grand Gala Award Ceremony on Thursday at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, where it received a golden plaque and an Award Certificate of Recognition.

The Business Times Awards Editorial Board cited Transcorp Power’s leadership, innovation and impact on the power sector as reasons for the recognition.

Speaking on the award, the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ikenga, said the recognition reflected the commitment of the company’s board and employees to maintaining reliable power generation.

‘This award belongs to the board and every member of the Transcorp Power team whose commitment keeps our turbines running and power flowing to homes and businesses across Nigeria,’ he said.

Ikenga said the company would continue to focus on improving generation reliability, strengthening relationships across the power value chain and creating sustainable value for shareholders and the country.

Transcorp Power Plc is a power generation subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), with investments across the power, hospitality and energy sectors.

An old video of actress Shaffy Bello discussing respect and how younger people address elders has resurfaced online amid debate over a viral exchange between UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and a young woman who called him ‘Tony’.

In the clip from a past podcast, Bello said she does not appreciate being called ‘Shaffy’ by people younger than her.

‘When a child calls me by my name, Shaffy, I pull them closer and tell them, ‘You haven’t earned the right, and you never will,” she said.

The actress explained that having children around the same age as those who address her casually makes it particularly uncomfortable.

‘I have a child as old as you are, and even if I do not have children, you have not earned the right, and you will never earn the right at your age to call me by name,’ she added.

Bello also questioned the use of casual greetings.

‘Whatever happened to Ma’am?’ she asked. ‘There is even something about this ‘Hi’; I can’t stand it.’

She attributed differences in address to upbringing and culture, noting that even children in the United States use respectful titles.

‘Even children in the U.S. call me ‘Ma,” she said, stressing that respect for elders remains important to her.

The video has gone viral again following the Elumelu clip, with many Nigerians debating generational etiquette and respect.

AK Media Concepts Ltd is set to unveil its latest family drama series entitled The Family Man.

The Family Man is a compelling production exploring love, betrayal, family, crime, redemption and second chances.

According to a statement by the production company, the new series expands the company’s portfolio, which includes Family Ties, Face2Face, ‘Nowhere to Be Found,’ ‘City Buster,’ ‘Liberty Villa’ and ‘Oyinmomo,’ a magazine talk show.

The 30-minute drama-crime series centres on Banjo Balogun, a brilliant civil engineer played by Olarotimi Fakunle, who returns home after serving 10 years of a 21-year prison sentence following the governor’s prerogative of mercy. Expecting to reconnect with his wife and three children, Banjo discovers that his family has changed considerably during his years away.

His return is further complicated by his struggle to secure employment because of his criminal record. Once a respected engineer and provider, Banjo now finds himself struggling to get the attention of his family, especially his wife, Chioma, who has built a successful career and become the principal provider. The situation becomes more explosive when Chioma is revealed to be romantically involved with Iredia, Banjo’s best friend and marriage counsellor.

The series features a strong ensemble cast comprising Joy Nmezi, Nifemi Lawal, Jasmine Olarotimi, Eze Ukwa, Femi Branch, Akin Lewis, Kunle Dada, Modola Osifuwa, Kenny Ayanfe, Babaseun Faseru, Halimah Ganiyu and Chy Nwakama, alongside Fakunle.

The inclusion of established actors such as Branch and Lewis adds further depth and experience to the production.

Directed by Tunde Olaoye and executive-produced by Olajumoke Akindeju-Asekun, ‘The Family Man’ is set in contemporary Lagos.

Speaking on the project, the MD/CEO of AK Media Concepts Ltd, Mrs Olajumoke Akindeju-Asekun, described The Family Man as a multi-million-naira production designed to meet contemporary cinematic standards.

‘I want to assure our media partners, and the general public that our new series, The Family Man,’is a content designed to keep viewers glued to their screens. It is our biggest project in recent times, and we have produced it in line with today’s cinematic standards.

‘What we have come up with this time, is a big difference and a blockbuster to reckon with.’

Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Rivers State Ministry of Health have sealed an illegal maternity facility in Port Harcourt used by a child-trafficking syndicate for selling three children for N13.5million.

The agency explained that the operation, which led to the arrest of three persons, followed intelligence on a criminal network allegedly involved in the procurement, sale, and unlawful transfer of children.

Those arrested are the owner of the facility, the facilitator in the alleged baby sale, and one other member of staff of the maternity.

The maternity is regarded as one of the high-profile health centres in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, the state capital.

In a statement, the Head of Press and Public Relations Unit at NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, said preliminary investigation indicates that a Liberian who resides in Belgium arrived in Nigeria with no evidence of pregnancy and allegedly took custody of three children in one month.

NAPTIP stated that intelligence available to it indicates that about N13.5 million was exchanged in connection with the transfer of the three children and other members of staff of the maternity.

On the status of the investigation, the statement reads: ‘Acting on intelligence, NAPTIP operatives in Abuja and Rivers State, and officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health carried out a coordinated operation at the suspected facility, sealing the premises to preserve the scene and safeguard potential evidence pending the outcome of investigations.

‘Investigators are now conducting forensic and documentary inquiries to establish the identities, whereabouts and welfare status of the children, determine their biological and legal parentage, identify all persons involved in their procurement and transfer; and trace the financial transactions and other circumstances surrounding their alleged procurement.’

NAPTIP added that it is also examining the possible role of medical personnel and other individuals who may have facilitated the suspected criminal enterprise.

The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, expressed worry over the fraudulent activities of operators of some maternity and health centres across the country, especially their suspected involvement in illegal adoption, child sale and trafficking.

She said: ‘I am particularly disturbed that foreign nationals now come to Nigeria to patronise these suspected criminal elements and procure children like a common object of trade across the border. This is sad and totally unacceptable.”

‘We have spread our dragnet to fish out all those involved in this case, and they shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.

‘I wish to reaffirm that the matter remains under active investigation and that all persons found connected to it will be subjected to due process under the law. The Agency will ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, while the safety and welfare of the affected children remain its foremost priority’.

The DG urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child trafficking, illegal adoption, baby-selling or other forms of exploitation to NAPTIP through its nearest zonal/state command.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Bill establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He also lauded Governor Umo Eno for promptly releasing the Obio Akpa campus of the Akwa Ibom State University to ensure the smooth take-off of the institution.

Akpabio made these remarks at the funeral service in honour of the former Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the late Hon (Elder) Imo Akpan Ibokette.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying, ‘I look forward to the admission of the first batch of students into the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in this Senatorial District. Let me thank President Bola Tinubu for signing the bill which established the University. Let me also thank our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for releasing a campus of the Akwa Ibom State University for the commencement of academic activities this year.’

‘Late Ibokette, we are laying to rest today, was the first to call and thank me on hearing of the passage of the bill establishing the University. His death is a personal loss to me. The Ibokette family and I share an intimate affinity that spans decades. Even the weight of political differences did not attenuate the relationship we shared. So, I personally mourn his demise,’ he stated.

The funeral service in honour of the late lawmaker was held at the Abak International Nursery/Primary School in Abak Local Government Area and was conducted by the Apostolic Church Nigeria.

Akpabio described him as a patriot, a selfless leader, a loving father, and a hardworking personality who braved the odds to achieve what he did before his demise, saying, ‘He did his best and witnessed the uncommon transformation which he fought and worked for before his departure.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for completing the 33.5km Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway.

Tinubu said the project would boost economic activities and development along the corridor.

The President, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made this known during the inauguration of the road which connects three council areas in the state yesterday.

Shettima said: ‘In that spirit, I bring greetings of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the government and the good people of Rivers State. Mr President shares your satisfaction with the completion of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway and the possibilities it opens along this corridor.

‘On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I commend His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for committing public resources to this project and bringing it to completion.’

He said that the project aligns with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to improving the security, welfare and economic opportunities available to Nigerians.

The Vice-President said the newly completed road would enable farmers to move their produce faster, give traders access to larger markets, reduce logistics costs for businesses and save travellers valuable time.

He said that the transformation of the road into a modern dual carriageway demonstrated the importance of continuity in governance.

The Vice-President described the roads as ‘the most democratic instruments of development,’ noting that their impact cuts across virtually every sector of society.

Shettima said: ‘They serve the farmer carrying produce to the market; the trader seeking customers; the worker travelling to work; the student going to school; and the patient seeking medical care. When the road works, society works.

‘This achievement reminds us that governance is a continuum. One administration lays the foundation and another strengthens it, and the people remain the final beneficiaries.’

He congratulated the communities along the corridor and urged residents to protect the road from vandalism, reckless use and other activities that could shorten its lifespan.

In his remarks, Fubara described the dual carriageway as a major infrastructure intervention that would improve security, stimulate economic activities and reconnect communities across three local government areas of the state.

The governor said the road would transform a corridor previously associated with insecurity.

According to him, the road, which includes a river-crossing bridge and street lighting along its entire length, would make movement easier while creating an environment where security agencies could operate more effectively.

‘It is not just a project; it is a statement that we have made to show our people in the three local government areas, the benefiting communities close to this project, that we care for you and your concerns are our concern,’ Fubara said.

The governor said the completion of the project was evidence of his administration’s commitment to delivering projects that directly impacted the lives of Rivers people, despite prevailing challenges.

Fubara described the completion of the project as the fulfilment of a promise to the people, saying: ‘A promise made is a promise fulfilled.’

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the celebration and urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and service exemplified in the life of Prophet Muhammad.

‘Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others.

‘These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,’ he said.

The minister also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for lasting peace, unity and national cohesion, stressing that preserving harmony remained a shared responsibility.

He urged citizens to celebrate the festival peacefully, with restraint and mutual respect, and to extend warm wishes to the Muslim faithful for a joyous and peaceful Eid ul Mawlid.

Tunji-Ojo further reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and to sustaining peace and security across the country.