Author: Nouman Ali

Talented artist, Shalom Terem aka Shamzydane, has hit the airwaves with a sensational single entitled ‘Alone.’

Alone is an Afrobeat song with a brand known as Afro Soul and Afro Swing.

According to the artist behind the song, ‘Alone puts listeners in a solemn type of vibe. A listener goes into meditation because of the deep lyrics. It is all about my lifestyle, my experiences and my general feelings.’

Speaking on the creative path of the song released on August, 20, 2026, the 22-year old says, ‘It is basically talking about my phase of life, the pressure coming as a result of what is happening to me in my current state. It is all about my being. It is trying to figure out myself as I move forward and explaining that I am trying to do my best and move ahead.’

Shamzydane’s first attempt into the firmament of music is his being featured by Tomi Tribe, a US-based artiste on a track, ‘Loba Tan,’ a vibrant Afrobeat and party song.

Before ‘Alone’ the singer from Ogoja, Cross River State had released ‘Link Me Up’ a love and party song expressing his emotions towards a girl he wants to win. His third remarkable experience is Yawa, a duet by him and Jaypopah.

Shamzydane envisages a society that is united, progressive and ready to grow and be there for its people.

Big Brother Naija star Bella Okagbue has addressed her breakup with fellow reality TV star Sheggz, saying she decided to speak out after watching others control the narrative.

In a series of posts on her Instagram Story on Friday, Bella said she initially stayed quiet to protect certain aspects of their relationship.

‘For the past few days, I have watched people tell my story for me. I stayed silent because I believed some things deserved to remain private, but my silence should never be mistaken for guilt,’ she wrote.

Bella said she genuinely loved Sheggz and stood by the relationship because she believed in it.

She added that she gave him a second chance because she believes people can grow.

‘I loved genuinely. I defended the relationship because I believed in it at the time, and I chose to give someone I loved a second chance because I believe people can grow and change. That was my choice, and I own it,’ she stated.

However, she noted that believing in someone’s growth does not mean waiting forever.

She also drew a line between Sheggz’s public image and who he was in private.

‘The person everyone experiences publicly isn’t always the person you experience privately,’ she said.

On speculation about marriage, Bella clarified that wanting marriage was not desperation, but knowing when to walk away was wisdom.

‘On marriage and the ring, let me be clear: wanting marriage with someone you love is not desperation. Knowing when not to marry them is discernment. Sometimes, it takes more courage to walk away than to stay. A ring doesn’t fix what made a relationship impossible.’

She acknowledged that different versions of events were circulating online, but said some parts of her experience would remain private for now.

‘I gave love a chance. I gave change a chance. I gave loyalty in abundance. But even loyalty has an expiry date when trust, respect and peace can no longer coexist with it,’ she wrote.

Bella concluded that she has no regrets but has now decided to prioritise herself.

‘I don’t regret being the woman who chose to try again. I respect the woman I am today enough to know when trying again is no longer the answer. So today, I choose myself. I choose differently, regardless of what comes with it,’ she concluded.

The Hausa Community in Ondo State has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima remain the best leadership option for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

They made the declaration on Friday in Akure during a mobilisation programme organised by the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), a political support group backed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Speaking at the event, the State Leader of the Hausa Community in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Bala Umaru, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s administration’s ongoing reforms in agriculture, security, infrastructure and other sectors.

Umaru said the Hausa community, from the 18 local government areas of Ondo, has endorsed President Tinubu and his Vice President, Shettima, to reposition the country for sustainable development.

He observed that the administration inherited significant economic and social challenges but had demonstrated commitment to addressing them through reforms and interventions targeted at food security, infrastructure, transport, investment, job creation and economic growth.

‘Today is more than a political gathering. It is an opportunity for us to speak with one voice about the Nigeria we want, and the kind of leadership we believe can take us there.

‘The leader is none other than His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our decision as the Hausa community in Ondo State is to support his administration and endorse him alongside our Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, for a second term in office,’ Umaru said.

He also lauded the Federal government’s road construction projects, saying improved road infrastructure was essential to the economic activities of northern Nigerians who transport agricultural produce to different parts of the country.

‘In the history of Nigeria, there is no President who has embarked on massive road construction like the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘Good roads play a significant role in the economy of we northerners. They make it easier for us to transport our goods, especially farm produce, to any part of the country,’ he said.

Umaru also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration, stressing that some of the reforms would require time before their full impact could be felt.

He further cited Tinubu’s contribution to the political emergence of former President Muhammadu Buhari as one reason the Hausa community should reciprocate the support.

‘These are not things that can be achieved overnight. They require patience, consistency and cooperation from all Nigerians.’

‘President Tinubu also played a significant role in installing the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is just natural for any northerner to support President Tinubu’s second-term bid,’ he said.

Umaru said the community’s decision was also motivated by its desire for a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.

He applauded the Minister of Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo, for his leadership, commitment and development initiatives.

The Director-General of GMT, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the Hausa endorsement was part of the group’s wider mobilisation of ethnic communities and non-indigenes across Ondo State for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

Yusuf-Ogunleye said the group had previously secured endorsements from the Ebira and Igbo communities, adding that the Hausa community had now joined the campaign.

‘Different ethnic groups in Ondo State have been endorsing President Tinubu. We started with the Ebira community. Last week, the Igbo community did their own. Today, the Hausa people from all 18 local government areas are here to endorse the President’s second-term bid,’ he said.

He said the Hausa community had acknowledged what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration and decided to support the President despite the possibility of other aspirants from the northern region contesting the presidency.

‘That is the spirit of sportsmanship. That is the spirit of oneness,’ he said.

Yusuf-Ogunleye added that the Hausa community, which he described as committed and loyal, supported Tinubu in the 2023 election and had resolved to back him again in 2027.

He also commended Tunji-Ojo for providing resources to mobilise residents and non-indigenes across the state in support of the President.

Similarly, a member of the GMT Board of Trustees, Hon. Adekola Olawoye, SAN, described the gathering as a significant mobilisation event and expressed satisfaction with the turnout of Hausa residents from the 18 local government areas.

Olawoye said the group had been engaging different ethnic communities in the state as part of its mobilisation strategy.

‘We have been mobilising non-indigenes in the state, different ethnic groups, to support the President. Our target is one million votes for the President,’ he said.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said yesterday that Nigeria recorded about 45,000 new HIV infections in 2025.

The agency attributed the development partly to inadequate prevention information among young people.

Its Director-General, Dr Temitope Ilori, said during the opening of a two-day workshop for media executives on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Lagos that although new infections had been on the decline, recent figures indicated the need to intensify prevention efforts, particularly among young Nigerians.

The workshop, organised by NACA in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), was designed to strengthen media professionals’ capacity to accurately report and communicate information on HIV prevention.

Ilori said:’Last year we had about 45,000 new infections because it’s reported across the federation.

”I’m happy to say that it is declining but recent times, we’re beginning to see some new figures popping up, and it’s because, particularly among our young people, they do not have the right information about HIV.’

She said NACA decided to engage journalists, social media influencers and other media officials to improve HIV information available to the public.

‘We’re still gathering information regarding this year, and therefore AIDS is real, HIV is real, people come down with HIV, but the good news is that it’s not a death sentence,’ Ilori said.

She stressed that HIV has no cure but can be effectively treated and prevented through several options, including PrEP, condoms, abstinence and mutual faithfulness.

‘We don’t want to emphasise medicalisation of PrEP,’ Ilori said

Ilori said PrEP, intended for HIV-negative people at higher risk of infection ,is not a universal medication.

‘We are not saying every Nigerian should use PREP, but we’re saying those that are most at risk, most vulnerable to contracting HIV will have this option of using PREP and staying safe,’ she said.

She said LEN-PrEP remained in pilot implementation in selected states and was not yet commercially available.

‘It is not available on the market because, as we said, it’s still a pilot study. We are working together with partners, donor partners, international partners, to bring in these injections into the country,’ Ilori added.

According to her, the injectable PrEP, provided under the pilot programme, is free.

WHO Technical Officer for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STI, Dr Oluwafunke Odunlade, said PrEP uses antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV from establishing infection when taken correctly by an HIV-negative person.

She stressed that people must test for HIV before starting PrEP because those already living with the virus require treatment rather than PrEP.

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to deepen bilateral relations. Presently, the bilateral trade between both countries as of 2025 stood at $5 billion.

The commitment was made in Abuja when Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received in audience the, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed, which was signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the meeting centred on strengthening the longstanding and mutually beneficial relations between both counties.

The meeting, Ebienfa stated ‘reviewed developments in bilateral trade and investment, economic cooperation, connectivity, emerging technologies and people-to-people relations.’

The UAE Ambassador in his remarks congratulated the Minister of State on his appointment and reaffirmed the Embassy’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry in advancing shared interests.

The envoy also highlighted the significant growth in bilateral trade, which increased from approximately $3 billion to $4.3 billion in 2024 and about $5 billion in 2025, and expressed optimism that stronger political relations would continue to support increased trade and investment.

Discussions also focused on the UAE-Nigeria Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The Ambassador noted that the agreement had been ratified by the UAE and expressed hope that its completion on the Nigerian side would further expand bilateral trade and investment. He also highlighted the proposed commencement of Emirates Airline operations in Abuja and ongoing consultations with relevant Nigerian authorities towards strengthening aviation connectivity between both countries.

The Minister of State on his part expressed appreciation for the UAE’s continued commitment to Nigeria and welcomed the growth in non-oil trade and investment.

He noted that stronger economic relations were consistent with Nigeria’s economic diplomacy priorities, particularly the diversification of export markets and the promotion of manufacturing, services, technology and fintech.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to concluding the necessary processes for CEPA implementation and called for the early convening of the Nigeria-UAE Joint Commission to address outstanding issues and identify new areas of cooperation.

‘Both sides also recognised the growing potential for cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital technology and other emerging technologies. The Nigerian side expressed interest in knowledge transfer, skills development and capacity building, particularly for young Nigerians, while welcoming increased UAE investment in Nigeria’s priority sectors, including infrastructure, technology, energy and financial services.

‘The meeting further underscored the importance of people-to-people relations and welcomed progress in resolving previous visa-related challenges, which would facilitate increased movement between both countries for business, investment, tourism and other purposes.

‘The Minister of State reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the UAE to consolidate bilateral relations, while both sides expressed confidence that sustained political engagement, stronger economic cooperation and closer institutional collaboration would translate the cordial Nigeria-UAE relationship into greater benefits for the peoples of both countries,’ the statement further added.

Cape Verde have named Humberto Bettencourt as coach, replacing Bubista ?who took them to the of-32 at the World Cup last month.

The 51-year-old Bettencourt was previously assistant coach ?of the small island nation ?team, who were one of ?the revelations of the tournament in ?North America, going out in ?extra time to Argentina after getting past the first round on their debut.

Bettencourt has ?worked with the team over ?the last six years.

No details of any contract ?were announced by the Cape Verdean FA.

Bubista left the job after the World Cup to take over ?at ?Renaissance Berkane, ?the Moroccan club who reached the African Champions ?League semi-finals last season.

Cape Verde ?begin ?the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month away to Mali ?on ?September 25 and?host Rwanda four days later.

Nigerian-American gospel artist, Evangelist John Kola-Idowu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject attempts by politicians and other interest groups to use them to perpetrate violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kola-Idowu warned that involvement in electoral violence could jeopardise the future of young Nigerians and undermine the country’s democratic process.

He spoke in Osogbo, Osun State, at the launch of the Psalms 1-150 Global Concert, Global Choir and Global Indigenous Worship Project.

The clergy urged youths not to trade their future for financial inducements from politicians, calling on them to embrace values that promote peace and peaceful coexistence.

‘At a time when our world faces conflicts, insecurity, social division and economic challenges, we need initiatives that encourage love, understanding, hope and peaceful coexistence,’ he said.

Kola-Idowu described spiritual songs as a potential tool for addressing insecurity, social division, hopelessness and moral decline.

He said the messages contained in the Psalms could inspire young people to choose hope over despair, unity over division and positive engagement over destructive behaviour.

The gospel artist also called on governments at all levels and world leaders to prioritise peace-building, youth empowerment, cultural inclusion and moral development in efforts to tackle insecurity.

‘The fight against insecurity should go beyond security operations to address the social and moral conditions that contribute to violence, including hopelessness, intolerance and hatred,’ he said.

He added that the Psalms could provide spiritual encouragement and moral inspiration while promoting peace, justice, righteousness and love.

‘We must pray that the 2027 general election will not divide us, but rather strengthen our commitment to unity, justice and peaceful coexistence,’ he said.

Kola-Idowu also urged religious leaders to preach peace and discourage their followers from participating in electoral violence.

He said the Psalms 1-150 Global Concert, Global Choir and Global Indigenous Worship Project was designed not only as a musical initiative but also as a platform to preserve languages, empower young people, promote peace, celebrate diversity and foster unity through worship.

According to him, the global concert will feature established and emerging gospel singers, worship leaders and choirs from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and other parts of the world.

He said the project would begin with online participation before expanding to physical concerts in different countries.

The initiative will feature gospel ministers including Evangelist Bola Are, Yinka Alaseyori, Woli Agba and Mike Abdul, alongside other gospel singers.

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.’

FirstBank has announced the inaugural public lecture of the FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair in Business Ethics and Governance scheduled to hold at the University of Lagos on September 3, 2026.

The lecture, themed: ‘Business Ethics and the Future of Nigeria’s Economy,’ will bring together academics, students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other stakeholders to examine the critical role of ethics, integrity, accountability, and sustainability in shaping Nigeria’s economic future and fostering long-term national development.

The Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair in Business Ethics and Governance was created in honour of Samuel Asabia, the Bank’s first indigenous Managing Director. The Chair has served as a platform for promoting scholarly research, teaching, and thought leadership in business ethics, corporate governance, responsible leadership, and sustainable business practices.

In recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s financial services sector, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, will serve as Chairman of the Lecture.

Speaking on the significance of the lecture, Olusegun Alebiosu stated: At FirstBank, we believe that sustainable economic progress is anchored on ethical leadership, strong governance, and responsible enterprise. The Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair represents our enduring commitment to advancing thought leadership and fostering meaningful dialogue on issues that shape the future of business and society. Through this inaugural public lecture, we are bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and other stakeholders to explore how integrity-driven leadership can strengthen institutions, enhance economic resilience, and accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. We are proud to support this important platform for knowledge exchange and nation-building.’

The initiative further reflects FirstBank’s belief that sustainable development extends beyond financial performance to encompass ethical decision-making, responsible corporate citizenship, strong governance, and the development of future leaders capable of driving positive societal change.

The Chair is currently occupied by Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, an internationally recognised scholar whose work spans Sustainable Finance, Corporate Governance, Business Ethics, and Economic Development.

Through enduring investments in education, research, and thought leadership initiatives such as the Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair, FirstBank continues to contribute to the development of ideas, institutions, and leadership principles that support a more prosperous, ethical, and sustainable Nigeria.

The Premier League season begins this weekend as defending champions Arsenal begin their title defence, while City, Liverpool, United and Chelsea also start their campaigns. All the action will be live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

Arsenal open proceedings tonight at 9:00 pm when they host newly promoted Coventry City. The Gunners begin their pursuit of consecutive league titles against a Coventry side making its return to the top flight and eager to start with a statement result.

Manchester United are in action on Saturday at 12:30 pm with a trip to Hull City. Both teams will look to make a strong start.

At 3:00 pm, Ipswich Town host Sunderland, while Everton welcome Crystal Palace in the other afternoon fixture at the same time. The Everton-Palace clash will be live on SuperSport Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206). Tottenham Hotspur then visit Brentford at 5:30 pm in an all-London contest.

Sunday begins with Manchester City travelling to Bournemouth at 2:00 pm. The fixture marks City’s first Premier League game under new manager Enzo Maresca, following Pep Guardiola’s departure, giving the visitors an early opportunity to show what the new era could bring.

At 4:30 pm, Newcastle United host Liverpool in one of the weekend’s standout fixtures. Liverpool also begin a new chapter under head coach Andoni Iraola, while Newcastle will look to make home advantage count against the reigning Premier League challengers.

All the action will be live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. All Premier League matches air live on SuperSport Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). The opening round concludes on Monday at 8:00 pm with Chelsea visiting Fulham in a West London derby.