Author: Nouman Ali

Substitute Enes Unal struck a late equaliser as Bournemouth came back from two goals down to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw with West Ham in the Premier League.

West Ham led 2-0 at half-time, courtesy of a double from Callum Wilson against his old club, but Marcus Tavernier reduced the deficit in the 69th minute before Unal rescued a point a minute after coming off the bench.

Unal could have then won the game for the hosts in the closing stages but the Turkish forward was denied by a brilliant save from West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola.

Wilson fired the visitors ahead at a rain-soaked Vitality Stadium after just 12 minutes with a superb goal – chesting down a long ball from Areola before drilling a low 25-yard drive past a wrong-footed Djordje Petrovic.

The 33-year-old forward added a second 13 minutes later after Jarrod Bowen flicked on a ball into the box towards Jean-Clair Todibo, who headed it down for Wilson to produce a sublime finish on the turn into the top corner.

Adi Wali is a writer, one of the very firebrand authors from Rivers State. He was once the chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Rivers State chapter. A vocal and great advocate of the rights of every writer, he was one of the authors admitted into the college of fellows of ANA at the just concluded 44th edition of the international convention of the association in Abuja.

As usual, Wali was happy; he was excited to be so recognised and honoured by Nigeria’s highest body of writers. And in an interview with The Nation, he made it clear that what he got is good for him and for the people of Rivers State for whom he worked many years to help build and stabilize ANA in the state.

‘I feel good. It is a very rare honour bestowed on me at this time. And this is the dream of everything I have worked for all my life, to be among the people who has been writing to shape the nation, to shape the environment and shape myself. Indeed, it is a thing of joy. ANA is a formidable association where you find scholars and nationalists like Chinua Achebe and my late uncle, Elechi Amadi. ANA is a place where you find intellectuals, people of worthy character who have contributed a great deal to make literature great and ensure that the society keeps afloat. This is why I am happy today to be among these people. It gives me a great joy to be so honoured by the leadership of ANA.’

Wali is not only a great leader of people, he is known to have used his resources to touch lives. He loves to encourage writers the best way he can. His leadership style is drawn essentially from one of the masters of the Nigerian creative industry in the person of Elechi Amadi. Amadi belonged to the early generation of Nigerian authors who used simple stories of the people to craft some of the best novels in Nigerian history. One of them is titled The Concubine. So, Amadi influenced Wali a lot and helped to shape his worldview about literature, about story-telling, leadership and relationship with fellow authors.

He said: ‘Yes, the story of Nigerian authors proves that it is a historic organization. Today, my uncle in his grave is a happy man, a happy man for his own son is so honoured. I think he is happy for he worked hard to see me as a great writer. Before he passed on, he anointed me. He said, ‘my son, take up the mantle’. I never knew he was going to die. Before then, he invited me to his house to a private session. He now said to me in our local Ikwerre dialect – ‘do you know you will do more than I am doing?’ Keep writing; keep writing. Never give up. So even if I die today, I have left a son. Not just anybody, but a worthy son who can take over the mantle and take it to far places’.

Wali is therefore on the right track. To be admitted as a member of fellows by ANA is the highest honour bestowed on a member who has consistently done well for himself, for the clan and for the sake of literature generally. ‘Amadi believed that through my works, I will represent him anywhere in the literary world. He confessed that my works were better than what he did for literature. He said I shouldn’t relax or allow anybody to stop or disturb me. And so, here we are today. It is a glorious moment for me to have lived to see the blessing come true’.

Wali had more opportunities of having several other discussions with Amadi that snowballed into greater zeal for him to write without stop. ‘You know we had those sessions over and over’, he said with a smile on his face. ‘So, I will say over and over again, today is a great day in my life as a writer. Yes, it is! That whatever happens, I am happy. I also want to thank ANA for this opportunity. I also thank my friends in the media who have always been there for me. It has been a wonderful journey so far. So far, so good.

‘I want to tell Nigerians like I have always said, that literature should be taken serious. Yes, it has to be taken serious by everyone. We grew up with it; it is here and it will continue to be here. Read. Find time to read, to see how literature can shape your life. Literature is our history. Literature is life. It is one thing you cannot control or fiddle with. It is the conscience of the people. It is time to continue to read, whether you use electronics or whatever means, please keep reading.

‘Those writing, should keep writing. There is need to impact reading in our society, in the system generally. Go to physical and not ICT library. Get hold of books and read. Get ideas and issues into your head. Expand your knowledge-base. Get to see the world through books. The world out there is in the books people write. History does not die when you keep it physical.

‘I have always advocated for it. Literature should be made compulsory at all levels, from primary, secondary through the university. I have been a vanguard of reading and promoting literature. This honour will spur me on to do more, to write more, to also advocate more and write more’.

Renowned Fuji maestro, Alhaji Abass Akande, popularly known as ‘Obesere,’ has narrated his ordeal at the hands of armed hoodlums who attacked him over the weekend in Ondo state.

Akande was violently attacked during a burial ceremony held at the government field in Okitipupa, while his band team, who were set to entertain guests at the ceremony, were also assaulted.

During the attack, it was gathered that one of Akande’s band boys was allegedly stabbed by the hoodlums while trying to repel the attack.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his media manager, Ayonla Obesere Althentic, said, ‘After Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere (Papa) concluded his performance and while we were preparing to leave the venue, large groups of touts surrounded the area.

‘One group converged on my location because I was carrying the bag of money. Despite our efforts to leave peacefully, my principal and I were aggressively confronted. The assailants demanded that I hand over the bag; when I refused, a violent struggle ensued.

‘During the attack, I was beaten, and my shoulder was dislocated as a result of the struggle. I was also struck with a knife while attempting to get into the car; I cannot confirm a stabbing wound, but I sustained several blows and am in significant pain,’ he said.

He added that the attackers eventually overpowered him and escaped with the bag of money while another group continued to assault Akande despite his attempts to placate them with cash.

He condemned the attack, describing it as ‘criminal and violent behaviour’ that should not occur at any public event, let alone a burial ceremony.

‘The attackers overpowered me and made away with the bag of money. At the same time, another group continued to manhandle Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere even after he attempted to placate them by giving money. I later guided Alhaji into our vehicle, and we left the scene to seek safety and medical attention.

‘We condemn this criminal and violent behaviour in the strongest terms. Such attacks on performers, their teams, and mourners at a burial ceremony are unacceptable.

‘Actions taken and requests we have reported the incident to the Okitipupa Police Division. We call on local authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible and to take measures to prevent similar incidents at public events.

‘We appeal to fans, event organizers, and the public to refrain from violence and to respect the safety of performers, their teams, and mourners.

The Fuji star appreciated ‘the assistance of those who helped us at the scene and the prompt attention of local security personnel and health services. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.’

Recall that LGA chairman, Hon. Adrew Ogunsakin, had described the attack as unfortunate and unacceptable.

Ogunsakin said his administration would not tolerate acts capable of undermining the peace and reputation of the community, assuring that measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.

‘I received the news of the unfortunate mistreatment meted out to Abass Akande Obesere and his team with deep disappointment and utmost distaste. This incident is unacceptable and does not reflect the values we uphold as a people.

‘I will be personally reaching out to Obesere and his team to convey our regrets. We are looking into the matter thoroughly to ensure such an incident does not repeat itself,’ he added.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested two ‘key suspects’ in connection with the violent attack on Akande

Confirming the arrest in a statement released on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ondo Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, listed the two suspects as Michael Abbey a.k.a ‘Emir’ and Oniye Oke.

Ayanlade, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the breakthrough followed the command’s prompt response to credible intelligence, indicating that Mr Akande was assaulted during the event.

‘Further investigations revealed that on 21st November 2025, a group of suspected hoodlums led by one Michael Abbey, popularly known as ‘Emir’, allegedly attacked the musician while he was performing.

‘During the assault, the suspects reportedly stole a bag containing N4,000,000, as well as a gold chain, handset, and wristwatch. The situation escalated when the victim’s manager sustained an injury to the hand after being stabbed with a broken bottle while attempting to intervene.

‘During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal operation. A total sum of N479,100 was recovered as part of the stolen proceeds. Efforts are currently being intensified to track down the remaining fleeing suspects and recover the outstanding exhibits linked to the case,’ Ayanlade said.

He explained that the command acknowledged and appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his unwavering support and strategic guidance, which continue to bolster operational efficiency across Ondo State.

‘This encouragement has further strengthened the Command’s resolve to deliver effectively on its mandate.’

In line with this commitment, Ayanlade said the state commissioner of police, Adebowale Lawal, has reiterated that the command will not tolerate any act of hooliganism, thuggery, or violent conduct – especially as the state approaches the festive period.

The Southwest Arewa Community for Asiwaju 2027 has pledged 600,000 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should he seeks re-election in 2027.

The group made this promise during South-West Stakeholders’ Summit. held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, hailed the community for supporting President Tinubu’s bid to turn around the country.

Masari praised the South-West Arewa initiative for its loyalty and its strategic efforts towards the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The venue brimmed as thousands of enthusiastic Arewa residents from across the Southwest, showcasing an impressive display of unity, commitment and renewed loyalty to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said, ‘Your presence reflects our collective commitment to unity, development and constructive engagement across our communities.

‘Today’s gathering brings together representatives from government, traditional institutions, market leadership and the Arewa community across the South-West. This diversity shows our strength and shared dedication to regional cooperation. We also acknowledge the ongoing national reforms and recent achievements under President Tinubu. Many here consider this summit as part of a continued partnership built on appreciation for his longstanding contributions to Nigeria and his support for communities across borders. Our structure has engaged deeply with grassroots networks, youth groups and community clusters, contributing significantly to civic awareness-reaching over 600,000 individuals across the South-West.

‘As we begin this programme, I encourage active participation, open dialogue and a united spirit. Thank you for being part of this important even.’

Represented by Alhaji Kabiru Magaji Gozaki, the Acting Chairman of Kafur Local Government in Katsina State, Masari commended the group for strengthening the long-standing bond between Arewa residents and their Yoruba hosts. He described their pledge to deliver over 600,000 committed votes for Tinubu in 2027 as a testament to trust, harmony and shared political vision.

One of the leaders of the group, Alhaji Shehu Usman ‘Sampam’, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to peaceful coexistence, civic participation and political continuity. He emphasised that the Arewa community remains an integral part of the political development of Lagos and the broader South-West.

The Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan, has assured Nigerians that the Agency’s target is to build a tourism industry that generates income, sustains jobs, and promotes national pride.

Awakan explained that Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy remain a driving force of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He spoke in Abuja at the official unveiling of Naija Flavour, destination December 2025.

Destination December 2025 is a creative tourism event scheduled for 13 December 2025 to showcase Nigerian food, fashion, theatre, music, and a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) marketplace to promote tourism and the Nigerian economy.

The event, Awakan said, will provide a visibility platform for culture, entrepreneurship, food, fashion, games, musical concerts, and live theatre to thrive.

Awakan stressed that it will be a space where businesses meet opportunities, where SMEs gain customers and partners, and where tourism becomes a real economic force.

He added, ‘Naija Flavour is not just entertainment; it is economic empowerment.’ He noted that through Naija Flavour, ‘we are giving these businesses visibility, access, and platforms to thrive.’

‘Naija Flavour has been conceptualized to generate wealth, empower local businesses, strengthen our creative economy, and build a tourism experience that sustains itself and stimulates national growth,’ he added.

He also stressed that Nigeria is not just a country, ‘We are a global vibe, especially in December. Our December has become world-famous. ‘Detty December’ is a period when the world comes to us to taste our culture, feel our music, eat our food, wear our fashion, and immerse ourselves in the energy that makes Nigeria unforgettable.

‘Naija Flavour is a taste of our diversity. It is a toast to our creativity. It is a stage for innovation. A celebration of tourism powered by the people. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we will continue to build a tourism industry that generates income, sustains jobs, and promotes national pride.’

Some of the programs outlined for the event, according to him, include a theatrical production titled ‘Echoes of the Drums.’ This is a celebration of communal life, unity, eco-tourism, spirituality, supernatural folklore, and our rich ancestral heritage. ‘The drum is not only an instrument; it is communication, identity, celebration, and a spiritual pulse that connects generations.

‘Echoes of the Drums’ is written by my humble self. Ola Awakan, directed by the renowned Isioma Williams, and produced through a strategic NTDA collaboration with the Guild of Theatre Arts Drummers (GOTHAD), together, we are using theatre as a tool for tourism storytelling and cultural preservation.’

He therefore urged Small and Medium Entrepreneurs and creative entrepreneurs to use the opportunity to showcase their brilliance.

The digital world is evolving rapidly, and so are the expectations of users who contribute to its growth. In a major announcement that’s catching the attention of tech enthusiasts and creators across Africa, Klouto, one of Nigeria’s most promising social media innovations, has officially unveiled its new brand identity, a sleek, futuristic ‘K’ logo that signals the start of a new chapter.

The rebrand, which isn’t just cosmetic, represents Klouto’s deeper commitment to redefining how users interact, create, and earn online.

Founded by Chukwuemeka Martins Osuofia, Klouto was designed around one revolutionary belief- that your time and engagement online should have real value.

A statement signed by Klupto Social Media Manager, Didi Edem, said: ‘Klouto isn’t just another social app. It’s a reward-driven social platform built to give back to the very people who keep digital communities alive. Users earn points and rewards based on their activities, from posting original content to engaging with others through comments, reactions, and shares.’

Since its beta launch, Klouto has seen steady growth with thousands of users already taking advantage of its earning model. The platform is gaining attention not just as an app, but as a movement, one that prioritises African creators and everyday users who contribute to online culture.

Users can track their growth using an intuitive dashboard, monitor engagement insights, and see in real time how their consistency translates into rewards.

According to the statement, Osuofia’s vision for ‘Klouto is to build Africa’s first global social media economy. Beyond financial rewards, Klouto is creating an ecosystem that supports creators, entrepreneurs, and influencers, giving them a space to grow both their audience and their income.

With its new logo, updated features, and expanding user base, Klouto is positioning itself as the future of social networking, one that values participation, not just presence.

Bayelsa state Head of Service (HoS), Dr Wisdom Sawyer, at the weekend, stopped about seven non-indigene directors in the state’s civil service from writing a competency test.

It was gathered that the affected directors were already seated at the Rooftop Auditorium, Bayelsa Medical University, the venue of the test in Yenagoa, when Sawyer gave an order that non-indigenes were not allowed to write the examination.

The competency test, according to the announcement by Sawyer, was held on Friday and Saturday for directors on Grade levels 16 and 17 between 9 am to 4 pm.

It was learnt that the test was in preparation for the appointments of some of them as permanent secretaries by the state Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

The action of Sawyer was said to have caused disaffection among other directors, who frowned on the embarrassment the development caused their colleagues.

Sawyer was said to have acted on his own, as there was no indication that Governor Diri gave such a directive.

Sources, who spoke in confidence, said the order asking non-indigenes, who were also shortlisted for the examination, to leave the hall came to them as a rude shock.

One of them said, ‘We were all shocked at the development. These same non-indigenes have given their all in the state’s civil service, growing through the ranks to become directors. Why will anyone think of stopping them from writing a competency test in such an embarrassing manner? Why were they shortlisted for the test in the first place?

‘Besides, not everybody who sat for the test will have the privilege of being appointed a permanent secretary by the governor. Appointment of permanent secretaries is the prerogative of the governor. The HoS should have allowed the non-indigenes to write the test and then allowed the governor to decide on the issue of permanent secretaries’ appointment’.

Another source wondered where Sawyer derived his powers, faulted the claims, saying it ran afoul of the civil service rule on non-discrimination.

‘We all know that Governor Diri did not give this directive. The way they were asked to leave the hall was demeaning and dehumanizing. The civil service rule does not allow for this kind of discrimination’, he said.

The sources called for Diri’s intervention to avert the rancour and bickering already created by Sawyer’s discriminatory order.

Absolving Diri of any blame, one of the sources, who is close to the governor, said, ‘Gov. Diri is a detribalised leader and can never give such an anti-Nigerian directive, it’s dehumanizing to those affected, calling them out of the hall. This is a governor who has a cabinet Commissioner, Mazi Onuma Johnson, from Abia State; he is a detribalised leader. The HoS wants to give him a bad image’.

But Sawyer, who confirmed the development during a telephone interview, immediately countered his critics, insisting that the office of the permanent secretary in Bayelsa was reserved for indigenes only.

He said the pre-qualification examination for permanent secretaries was done according to the local government of origin.

Sawyer said, ‘The Permanent Secretary is for people who are indigenes of Bayelsa State by local government, that is, our own state guidelines. Which LGA are they from? For permanent secretaries, you write per LGA, which LGA will they write? I acted according to the public service rule.

‘In the federal level, if you are from Kogi and married in Rivers, it is the Kogi State slot that you will use for permanent Secretary, and the permanent Secretary thing is per LGA in Bayelsa. As a permanent Secretary, you are representing your LGA and constituency. So, which LGA and which constituency am I replacing?

‘But we employed them (non-indigenes) and made them directors. It is okay. They can manage with that. Everybody must not become a permanent Secretary. So, it is correct, I did that, and if you give me another opportunity, I will still do it because I am here for Bayelsans and not for non-indigenes.

‘The guidelines said it must be indigenes. It could also be indigene by marriage, and it must be captured in the records when you entered the civil service.

‘Normally, if you enter the civil service, if you are from Brass, you will indicate Brass LGA, which will remain in your record till you retire. One person filled Sagbama LGA, but his mother is from Brass. Towards the exam, he came to say he is from Brass, but we said no, what you fill is what you will use’.

He described the competency test conducted by his administration as the best and most professional in the state, saying everybody was given a fair playing field.

Sawyer said even the physically challenged were allowed to write the test, adding that for the first time, all level 16 directors from all the local government areas were allowed to sit for the examination.

Sawyer said part of the examination required the candidates to draft a memo for the governor, and wondered why some people were not comfortable with the questions.

The Archbishop on Special Duties of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Sunday Onuoha, on Sunday raised the alarm over recent kidnappings and insecurity in the country.

Onuoha warned that Nigeria must seek urgent help before the situation deteriorates further.

The clergyman spoke in Abuja during a thanksgiving service for his investiture as Archbishop on Special Duties, lamenting that the nation borrows money and technology needed for survival, adding that it’s time to seek help from foreign countries to also tackle insecurity.

In his sermon, Onuoha said Nigeria should not continue ‘pretending that all is well’ when citizens are being abducted and vulnerable groups are attacked across communities.

According to him, ‘Nigeria is facing a serious security crisis. Wherever we come from, it is time to stand up and say: enough.’

The cleric warned that denial is worsening the national condition, stressing that people must stop ‘saying peace when there is no peace’.

Onuoha, who served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Assistant on Privatization Matters, said, ‘Our young people are being taken; our women are assaulted. When we lack the skills to fix what is wrong, someone who can do it must step forward. If there is anyone who can help, please come and help us.’

He said government officials often struggled to speak openly because of diplomatic constraints, adding that citizens must therefore take responsibility for speaking the truth.

‘On behalf of the government, the church, and every ordinary worker, let help come immediately – not tomorrow. Now. Right now,’ he appealed.

The Archbishop also warned that unresolved violence would shape the next generation, insisting that healing would only come when Nigerians rise above ethnic, religious, and class divisions.

He noted that hunger, sickness, sunshine, and rainfall had no tribe or religion, stressing that ‘we are one family under God’.

Onuoha said national progress had been crippled by selfishness and deceit, adding that, ‘righteousness exalts a nation, but wrongdoing breaks it’.

He urged Nigerians to confront the truth, discard bitterness, and embrace a fresh start.

‘When our national teams play football, no one cares about the tribe. When you board an aircraft, you don’t ask the pilot’s religion. Safety is always on the mind of everyone,’ he said.

Onuoha reminded leaders that power was temporary, warning against pride and arrogance.

‘Look at our nation today: when people enjoy power, they become unreachable. But when power leaves, they become ordinary again. Even phones that once rang nonstop suddenly stop ringing,’ he said.

He emphasised that God had not abandoned Nigeria, but was calling the country to repentance, justice, and unity.

‘Something is wrong. Something is not right. As a country, we are hiding wounds instead of healing them,’ he added.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is set to take centre stage at this year’s All Maritime Journalists Retreat, where it will lead strategic discussions on accelerating the digital transformation of Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.

Scheduled for December 4, 2025 in Lagos, the retreat will bring together key players across maritime, trade, finance, and technology to examine how emerging technologies can boost Nigeria’s import-export efficiency.

The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) said the FIRS will deliver a technical paper titled ‘Onboarding on the National Single Window Platform: A Step-by-Step Guide’, offering stakeholders a practical breakdown of how to integrate into the National Single Window (NSW)-a government-driven platform expected to streamline documentation, enhance transparency, and modernise trade processes.

In a statement jointly signed by Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Paul Ogbuokiri, and Secretary, Adaku Onyenucheya, MARCON said the FIRS’ participation reflects its central role in technology-enabled trade facilitation, especially with the NSW Secretariat domiciled in the agency.

According to the organisers, the retreat comes at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for the NSW to go fully live in the first quarter of 2026.

‘The platform is a transformative tool for documentation and compliance, and stakeholders need clear guidance on onboarding requirements,’ the statement noted.

MARCON explained that the retreat will serve as a direct interface for industry players to receive clarifications on compliance expectations, digital integration, and the operational workflow of the new trade system.

‘This year’s theme, ‘Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade’, reflects our commitment to helping the media understand the fast-evolving digital frameworks shaping the maritime sector,’ the committee said.

Beyond the technical sessions, the retreat aims to deepen maritime journalists’ understanding of the digital tools transforming Nigeria’s trade environment. Participants will gain access to expert-led analyses, practical demonstrations, and use cases that will support more informed and development-oriented reportage.

MARCON said the gathering will also promote closer collaboration between the media and regulatory agencies. ‘Strengthening this relationship is critical to driving accurate, accountable, and forward-looking reporting that supports national trade reforms,’ the organisers added.

With the NSW expected to significantly cut transaction delays, reduce human interface, and boost government revenue, stakeholders believe this year’s retreat could not be timelier.

The conference is also expected to set the tone for broader national conversations around building a competitive, technology-driven maritime sector capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.

Social Media Platform X (formerly Twitter) has introduced a new feature allowing users to view the country of origin for other accounts, aiming to increase transparency and combat foreign interference and misinformation.

The feature, currently being rolled out on a limited basis, enables users to navigate to an account’s bio, select the join date, and access information, including the country where the account was created, its verification status, and the number of username changes.

According to X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, the update is designed to help users verify content authenticity and stay informed about global issues.

He wrote, ‘In a couple of hours, we’ll be rolling out About This Account globally, allowing you to see the country or region where an account is based. This will be accessible by tapping the signup date on profiles.

‘This is an important first step to securing the integrity of the global town square. We plan to provide many more ways for users to verify the authenticity of the content they see on X.

‘And for those in countries where speech has penalties, we’ve included privacy toggles to only show your region.’

The feature will initially be tested with a small group of users, including X team members, before being expanded to a broader audience.

While supporters argue that the feature will aid in identifying accounts spreading misinformation, critics have raised concerns about user privacy, citing potential risks for individuals who may not wish to publicly disclose their location.

In response, X has provided an option for users to display a broader geographical region or continent, rather than a specific country.

This development forms part of X’s ongoing efforts to enhance content verification and provide users with greater context for the information they encounter on the platform.