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France’s highest court yesterday upheld former President Nicolas Sarkozy’s conviction for illegal campaign financing in his failed 2012 re-election bid, his latest legal setback after recently being jailed for nearly a month in another case.

Sarkozy, who served one term as president from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in 2021 and again in 2024 for illegal campaign financing related to the election.

Following an appeal, France’s Cour de Cassation yesterday confirmed the convictions, saying that illegal campaign financing had been established. It upheld Sarkozy’s one-year non-custodial sentence, half of which is suspended.

In a statement, Sarkozy’s lawyers said their client was considering bringing the case to the European Court of Human Rights.

The ruling comes after Sarkozy, 70, was sent to prison on October 21 after he was found guilty in a separate case for efforts by close aides to procure Libyan funds for his 2007 presidential bid. He was freed from jail earlier this month, pending appeal.

Sarkozy has denied accusations that his party, Les Republicains, then known as the UMP, in 2012 spent nearly double the 22.5 million euros ($26 million) allowed under electoral law on extravagant campaign rallies and then hired a friendly public relations firm to hide the cost.

He has said he was not involved in the logistics of his campaign or in how money was spent in the run-up to the election.

The 2021 ruling said Sarkozy was made aware of the overspending, that he did not act on it, and that it was not necessary for him to approve each individual expense to be responsible.

The respective tenures of the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of both the National Coordinating Office (NAC) of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo Jr., stood out as beacons of ultimate professionalism and patriotic duty, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s export architecture and development.

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), which made this known over the weekend, said the contributions of Awolowo Jr., a distinguished public servant and technocrat, strengthened the bridge between enterprise and national growth.

Awolowo Jr., who was a grandson of late foremost nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died at the age of 62, with NACCIMA President Jani Ibrahim expressing deep regret and sorrow at his demise.

The NACCIMA President, in a statement, stated that within the broader ecosystem of Nigeria’s private sector, policy institutions and development frameworks, his work echoed a legacy rooted in disciplined leadership and strategic foresight.

‘His voice, often calm, yet compelling, added depth to conversations that helped shaped our national economic outlook,’ he added.

According to Ibrahim, ‘NACCIMA extends heartfelt condolences to the entire Awolowo clan, his wife, children, grandchildren, staff of both NAC and NEPC and many other colleagues and compatriots who cherished his professionalism, wisdom and personal warmth.

‘His passage is a reminder of the beauty of stewardship and the enduring power of a fulfilled life lived purposefully.’

Certified parenting coach, Mrs. Bunmi Adeniran, has urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities.

She spoke at 2025 ‘I AM Bunmi Adeniran’ Parenting Conference: ‘Building generational faith, parenting eternal impact.’

Adeniran said parents must shift from passive observation to active engagement if they are to protect their children from harmful digital influences.

She noted that the fast pace of modern life leaves parents with limited time for hands-on involvement, allowing external influences to shape children’s values and behaviour.

Sharing her experience, she noted importance of parental presence on social media platforms used by their children.

‘There is no way you can do without social media. When my children joined Facebook years ago, I became their friend. My first son, asked why? I told him that as long as I pay for the phone and data, I have a right to know what goes on there. If I can’t know the password, then I can’t pay,’ she said.

Adeniran also addressed the balance between discipline and nurturing, saying love and compassion must remain central to raising well-rounded children.

She warned against punitive discipline, emphasising that its purpose should be to teach, not to instill fear.

‘The goal of discipline should be teaching,’ she said. ‘Parents should adopt correction methods that build skills, self-regulation, and problem-solving.’

She advised parents not to discipline children in moments of anger or emotional overwhelm, noting that waiting until calm allows for more constructive guidance.

According to her, effective parenting rooted in empathy, respect and healthy discipline supports the development of mentally, socially, morally and spiritually balanced adults.

She likened parenting to sowing seeds, saying children flourish when nurtured in the right environment.

Other speakers at the conference, including Pastor Oluwafemi Oyewunmi, Pastor Nifemi Olawande, Coach Femi Adisa, Rev. Tokunbo Adejuwon, and Pastor Elizabeth Olumuyiwa, echoed her message.

They emphasised the need for parents to work together, remain actively involved, and intentionally instil the right values, discipline, and emotional support in their children.

The event also featured a soul-lifting worship session by gospel singer Ernieola Olusoga.

Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has issued a landmark judgment affirming the constitutional validity, scope, and enforceability of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act 2022, over the outdoor advertising in Nigeria.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Isa Dashen, dismissed the suit filed by Godec Power Nigeria and upheld ARCON’s powers over advertising content on all platforms and targeted at the Nigerian market.

The ruling comes few days after a separate Federal High Court in Lagos reached a different conclusion in Massilia Motors v. ARCON case.

Godec approached the court seeking declarations that ARCON lacked powers to regulate or have oversight function on outdoor signage, arguing that these matters fall within the control of councils under paragraph 1(k)(i) of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.

Godec also argued that ARCON’s Notice of Violation which directed the company to comply with ARCON Act 2022, infringed on its rights to freedom of expression. The plaintiff sought 13 reliefs, including a perpetual injunction restraining ARCON from enforcing the Act; and N100 million in general damages.

The court in Lokoja rejected plaintiffs arguments, noting that advertising regulation is not exclusively a residual matter, and that National Assembly acted in its legitimate constitutional authority when it enacted the ARCON Act 2022.

The court also dismissed the plaintiff’s freedom-of-expression claim. Justice Dashen held that the ARCON Act’s pre-approval requirement is a lawful regulatory measure: ‘The regulatory pre-approval requirement does not suppress expression; it ensures that public communications conform to lawful standards of decency, truthfulness and fairness. Such regulation is a legitimate incident of state oversight.’

Justice Dashen was unequivocal that the plaintiff failed to prove any of its 13 reliefs and dismissed the suit. It also awarded ?500,000 costs in favour of each defendant, the Attorney-General of the Federation and ARCON.

In rejecting the plaintiff’s argument that ARCON’s powers apply only to professional advertisers, the Court also affirmed the broad applicability of the Act. It accepted ARCON’s position that advertising regulation applies to ‘any and every person who engages in, regulates, sponsors or takes benefit of advertising services.’

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) yesterday pleaded with the Federal Government to explore every means to curb insecurity.

Its President, Archishop Danial Okoh, made the plea at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wuse II, Abuja.

Speaking on the Assembly’s theme: ‘Demand for Justice and Righteousness,’ Rev Okoh said the current security situation threatens the nation’s soul and places fresh moral demands on the government.

He said: ‘The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians; without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses’.

The CAN President urged the CCN to continue standing with CAN in pushing for stronger national action, adding that the church must remain firm and consistent in demanding justice for affected communities.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted $2.2 million in undeclared cash at major airports across the country between January and July, this year.

The service also said its collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies has also led to the seizures of drones, arms, and endangered wildlife products.

It said in the first half of the year, it generated N3.7 trillion, exceeding budget targets by 12.5 per cent and outperforming 2024 collections by 25 per cent.

According to NCS, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Area Command alone contributed N97.16 billion.

The Officer in charge of Special Duties headquarters, Abuja, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, said this at the fourth quarter aviation stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja.

The Service said its operations this year at various airports have evolved into intelligence-driven missions, shaped by citizen insights and collaborative agency efforts, adding that every tip from the public has helped it intercept contraband, enforce currency declarations and protect the border.

On its security and enforcement, he said: ‘Between January and July 2025, the NCS intercepted $2.2 million in undeclared cash at major airports across the country. For instance, $193,000 concealed in a carton of yoghurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on March 20, 2025, $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in Saudi Riyals at the Kano airport from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia and $578,000 in falsely declared cash was intercepted from an inbound passenger arriving from South Africa at Lagos Airport’.

Oyo State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Babatunde Adeniyi as the chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

Also confirmed are Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr. Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Mr. Sunday Falana, Remi Ayoade, Mr. Olatunde Theophilus, Mrs. Adebayo Muriana and Mr. Babatunde Ige as members of the commission.

Their appointments were confirmed during plenary. The session was presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.

This was followed after the House adopted recommendations in the screening report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties and Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi.

The report indicated that the chairman and members responded to the questions put to them satisfactorily. They were found to be worthy of the appointments.

Egypt international Ramadan Sobhi, who helped Pyramids win their first CAF Champions League title last season and previously played in the English Premier League, has been banned for four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for an anti-doping rule violation, Egypt’s anti-doping authority has

‘We have received an official letter confirming Ramadan Sobhi’s four-year suspension in a doping case,’ Hazem Khamis, head of the Egyptian Anti-Doping Organisation, told reporters.

Sobhi’s suspension stems from allegations of doping and sample tampering, the body said.

Sobhi has not yet commented on the sanction. His lawyer was quoted by local media saying that an appeal to the Swiss Federal Court was being prepared.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the initial lifting of Sobhi’s provisional suspension, which had briefly allowed him to return to play, before the case was referred to CAS.

The 28-year-old remains in custody in a separate case. A Giza criminal court has ordered his detention pending trial over allegations of academic fraud, including forging documents and paying someone to sit exams on his behalf at a tourism and hotels institute. Sobhi has denied wrongdoing and the next hearing is scheduled for December 30.

Sobhi, who has played 37 times for Egypt, began his career at Al-Ahly before moving to England in 2016, where he played for Stoke City and Huddersfield Town.

He joined Pyramids in 2020 and played a key role in their continental triumph last term.

Heavenly Mother’s Crusader Ministries is to empower widows and offer free healthcare services at its Open Air Crusade.at Ikotun, Lagos.

The event, with theme: ‘Eternal Excellency,’ will combine spiritual revival with practical community support, targeting widows and those requiring medical attention.

The crusade will feature a free medical care. The Widow’s Mite Empowerment initiative will provide financial assistance, food, and essential items to widows.

The ministries said the initiative reflects a commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and promoting self-reliance.

Head, Prophetess Kikelomo Olowofela, said the programmes are central to the ministry’s mandate. ‘A key part of our mission is to care for the needy and provide support to the community.

The Free Medical Care and the Widow’s Mite initiatives are practical ways we can serve both spiritual and physical needs,’ she said.

A spokesperson for HMCM’s Outreach Directorate emphasised the broader purpose of the event. ‘Excellency, in the eyes of God, is not just about spiritual wealth; it is about extending compassion and practical help to our neighbours. We believe the message of ‘Eternal Excellency’ must be grounded in immediate, actionable relief.’

The Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board has facilitated the settlement of debts and subsequent release of 909 inmates over the last two years under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal.

This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Habib Muhammad Balarabe, during the 2025 End-of-Year Activities held at the Board’s premises, Bypass, Gusau.

According to him, the Board secured the freedom of 473 inmates last year and, this year, released N67,204,700 in settlement of debts owed by 436 inmates, bringing the total beneficiaries to 909 within two years.

In addition, 200 women small-scale business owners received ?50,000 each to strengthen their enterprises.

The board also presented starter packs to 100 women who completed a three-week poultry production training program to help them start their own businesses.

Furthermore, mini-computers were donated to orphans who underwent computer literacy training as part of the event.

Represented by the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, Governor of Zamfara state, Dr Dauda Lawal, expressed great pleasure to witness the impactful work of the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board.