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The Ologba of Ogba, Lagos State, Oba Abdul-Lateef Egbeyemi (Madarikan I), has commended the Elephant Cup Grassroots Annual League Competition, which has been held at Ashade Palace, Agege, for the past 28 years.

Speaking at the opening match on Sunday, Oba Egbeyemi described the tournament as a ‘progressive and talent-discovery competition’ that has continued to inspire young people and promote community development.

‘This has been a talent hub for 28 years, where many footballers have been discovered and gone on to play for major clubs abroad and even for the Super Eagles,’ the monarch said. ‘I pray that more talents will continue to emerge from this tournament. As traditional rulers, we will keep supporting this annual football league.’

Hip-hop musician Temitope Adekunle, popularly known as Small Doctor, also lauded the initiative, describing it as a unifying force for youths in the community.

‘You can imagine, I came from London just to witness this annual tournament because I’ve been part of the Elephant Club of Agege for many years,’ he said. ‘This is a true grassroots football platform where youths from Agege and beyond can showcase their talents for better opportunities.’

Chairman of the Football Committee, Elephant Club of Agege, Mr. Felix Ajanaku, announced that a total prize of N2 million has been set aside for winners of the 2025/2026 league season.

He added that this year’s edition features the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to ensure fair play.

‘The overall winner will receive N1 million, the runner-up N500,000, while other individual awards such as ‘Man of the Match’ will also be presented throughout the tournament,’ Ajanaku said.

The Matron of the club, Alhaja Khadijat Adeyemi, encouraged more youths to participate in the competition, describing the Ashade playing ground as ‘a land of talent discovery’ for nearly three decades.

‘This competition has positively shaped the lives of youths in the Agege community over the years,’ she said. ‘We will continue to add value to their lives through football and other developmental initiatives.’

In the opening matches, Mago FC defeated Justice FC 2-1, Pepe FC beat Messitee 2-0, while Bright FC and Portvale FC played a 1-1 draw.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disowned a timetable for its 2025 nationwide congresses currently circulating on social media, describing it as fake and unauthorised.

In a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said it had no hand in the purported ‘APC 2025 Schedule of Nationwide Congresses and Related Activities.’

According to the statement, the timetable did not originate from the party and should be disregarded by members and the general public.

‘Our great party wishes to clarify that the purported Schedule of Activities for Congresses was neither made nor authorised by the Party and should be disregarded as fake news,’ the statement read.

The APC urged its members and supporters to rely solely on official communications from the party’s National Secretariat for authentic information regarding party activities.

The Ondo State Government, in partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, is set to host the Federal Government/South-West Citizen-Government Engagement Summit in Akure, the state capital.

The summit, with the theme: ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,’ is scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure on Wednesday and Thursday, October 29-30, 2025.

According to a statement on Monday in Akure by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on behalf of the Local Organising Committee, the summit aims to create a robust platform for citizens and government to engage in constructive dialogue on critical issues affecting the South-West region.

The statement quoted the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, as saying that preparations had been concluded to host delegates from the six states of the South-West.

Governor Aiyedatiwa will serve as the Chief Host of the summit, which will bring together South-West Governors, Ministers and federal appointees of South-West origin, federal legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, private sector players, youth and student bodies, women groups, and other key stakeholders across the region.

The event will feature six thematic sessions, focusing on Fiscal Reforms and National Planning, Economic Development and Job Creation, Social Services and Social Development, Infrastructure and Transportation, Human Capital Development and Security and Governance.

The two-day engagement is expected to strengthen collaboration between governments and citizens, promote inclusive dialogue, and advance sustainable development across the South-West region.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted varying weather conditions, including dust haze and rainfall, across different parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday, urging residents to stay alert.

In its weather outlook released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected slight dust haze with good visibility over Borno, Zamfara, northern Kaduna, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States on Monday.

The agency added that isolated thunderstorms with light rain were likely in parts of Taraba and Adamawa States during the afternoon or evening hours on Monday.

NiMet forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the central region, with prospects of isolated thunderstorms and light rain in the FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi States later in the day.

‘Cloudy conditions are expected in the southern region on Monday morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.

‘Later in the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are anticipated in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.

‘On Tuesday, NiMet forecast continued slight dust haze in good visibility over northern states, while Taraba and Adamawa may experience isolated thunderstorms and light rain throughout the day.

‘Sunny skies with intermittent clouds are predicted in the central region, alongside chances of early morning thunderstorms in Benue and later moderate rain across FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi States.’

NiMet also projected cloudy skies across the southern states, with moderate rainfall over Rivers, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom in the morning, intensifying later in the day.

The agency warned of possible flooding in parts of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River States, urging local authorities to activate emergency response measures where necessary.

For Wednesday, NiMet anticipated sunny skies across the northern region, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain expected later in the day, particularly over parts of Taraba State.

‘The central region will experience sunny skies with patches of clouds, while isolated thunderstorms with light rain are likely over Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.

‘In the south, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning, followed by thunderstorms with moderate rains later in the afternoon and evening across Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.’

NiMet reiterated a high risk of flash floods, urging motorists to exercise caution when driving in rain and for authorities in vulnerable areas to implement flood response measures immediately.

The agency also advised individuals with asthma and respiratory conditions to limit outdoor exposure due to dust particles suspended in the atmosphere over the northern parts of the country.

Airline operators were urged to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for flight planning, while the public was encouraged to follow updates via the agency’s website and communication channels.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, gave Nnamdi Kanu seven days to file his final written address in the ongoing trial on alleged terrorism offences.

Justice Omotosho granted Kanu’s request for a week to file his final written address following his decision not to open his defence after his no-case submission was refused.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had earlier sought to call no fewer than 23 witnesses in his defence against the ongoing alleged terrorism offences.

Kanu, in a motion filed on Oct. 21, listed the names of prominent Nigerians and foreigners he intended to call as witnesses to defend himself.

Kanu, in the application he personally signed, informed the court of his plan to call witnesses who were divided into two categories.

The first category, he said, would be those he called ‘ordinary but material witnesses.’

He further informed the court that his second category of witnesses would be ‘vital and compellable’ and shall be ‘summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.’

He prayed the court that, in view of the number of witnesses he intended to call, the court should consider granting a 90-day timeframe to enable him conclude his defence.

The leader of the IPOB, however, disengaged his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice on Thursday.

He told the court he was ready to defend himself and the judge adjourned until Friday.

But his commencement of defence could not proceed on Friday, following his complaint that the case file was yet to be handed over to him by his former lawyers and the judge fixed today for the case.

Meanwhile, with the believe that Kanu would open his defence on Monday, the court reserved about five seats, with each labelled ‘summoned witness.’

When the case was called Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced appearance for the prosecution.

Kanu also announced his name and said he was representing himself.

Awomolo then told the the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to open his defence.

Responding, Kanu, who earlier sat in the dock, stood up and said he had gone through the case files and found that ‘there is actually no charge against me.’

Kanu argued that there is no extant law in the country on which the prosecution could premise its case.

‘There is no case against me. If there is no case against me, it will be futile for me to enter any defence,’ he said.

Justice Omotosho then intervened and took time to explain to the IPOB leader that in a criminal trial, the defendant only has three options after the prosecution has closed its case.

The judge said the first option was for the defendant to make a no-case submission and when overruled, the defendant is then required to enter a defence.

He said where a defendant chose not to open his or her defence or conduct any defence at all, such a defendant can decide to rest on the prosecution’s case.

He said the defendant can then file a written address, to which the prosecution will be required to reply and the court delivers judgment.

After listening to the judge’s explanation, Kanu said: ‘my position is that there is no charge against me.

‘There is no need for me to enter a defence. What I’m saying is that there is no case against me.’

Justice Omotosho reminded Kanu that he had earlier ruled on his no-case submission and held that he had a case to answer.

According to the judge, that ruling still subsists.

Kanu then applied to the court for a week adjournment to enable him file a written address to support why he insisted that no valid charge was pending against him.

He argued that he was subjected to needless trial and detention.

‘I need a week to file a written address to the effect that there is no charge against me.

‘If there is no extant law in Nigeria on which the charge could stand, there cannot be a case.

‘You must please release me today or grant bail,’ he said.

Responding, Awomolo said from what the defendant had said and the option he had taken, the court should adjourn for judgment.

‘I take it that the defendant said he is not putting in any defence, because there is no valid charge against him.

‘I want to submit that this position is conclusive of the defendant’s defence.

‘I know that he took a plea to counts against him and he pleaded not guilty.

‘We led evidence and he cross-examined our witnesses.

‘Now that he said he has no defence, the case has been brought to a close,’ the senior lawyer said.

Awomolo, therefore, urged the court to adjourn for judgment right away.

He said that at this stage, there was only one option for the defendant.

According to him, if he (Kanu) takes his objection as his defence, the prosecution will respond and the court will give its judgment subsequently.

The prosecuting lawyer said the option chosen by Kanu implied that he had opted to address the court on points of law as his defence in the case.

In his intervention, Justice Omotosho observed that the defendant was not outrightly saying he had no defence, but that the charge against him cannot be.

‘That is also a defence. In that case, he will have to put that down in a written submission that will be served on the prosecution, who will also respond,’ the judge said.

The judge then proceeded to advise Kanu to consult experts before he decides on how to proceed henceforth.

Justice Omotosho said: ‘There is need for you (Kanu) to consultant people, who are knowledgeable in criminal prosecution to advise you on how to proceed.

‘I am begging you in the name of God Almighty, to consult properly. I am inclined to grant you the adjournment you seek.

‘I am inclined to give him the opportunity to consult those, who are knowledgeable in criminal law.

‘I know you are educated, but you are not a lawyer.

‘You need to consult experts in the field. Please make adequate consultation.

‘This is not economics. This is criminal prosecution.

‘Please, my brother, make adequate consultation.

‘Criminal cases are not like every other cases. I took the opportunity to explain to the defendant because he is not a lawyer,’ he said.

The judge added that he had a duty to explain to the defendant the consequences of his decision not to enter a defence.

Justice Omotosho said after Kanu sacked his lawyers, he had wanted to refer the case to the Legal Aid Council or any lawyer, who was willing to take the case pro bono, but the defendant refused and said he was going to defend himself.

‘Even at that, I still have a duty to explain the consequences of his option to him because he is not a lawyer.

‘Please, make consultation,’ the judge said.

Justice Omotosho then gave Kanu four days from Monday within which he should file his written address and serve on the prosecution to enable the prosecution file its reply.

The judge adjourned the matter until Nov. 4, Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 for either the adoption of the written addresses or for Kanu to open his defence should he chose to change his mind.

Shortage of dentists has been described as a challenge affecting access to quality dental care.

Speaking at the inauguration of a branch of Toothmine Dental Clinic in Lekki, Lagos, Lead Doctor and Chief Executive, Dr. Abraham Akinbami, called for increased investment in education to attract more students into dentistry.

Akinbami, who said the clinic had been meeting the dental needs of residents through its office in Gbagada, noted that his passion for the profession was ignited in his childhood.

He said the organisation is embracing digital technology to enhance service delivery, improve communication with partners globally, and expand access to quality dental care.

‘We are moving into telemedicine, although tools for that is not yet widely available.

‘We organise outreach programmes where we offer preventive care and basic treatment. We restore, fill, or extract teeth where necessary. This is the digital age, and social media is a powerful tool,’ he said.

Akinbami added that affordability is a concern in dental care, but that his organisation provides flexible and extended payment plans to enable more people to access treatment.

‘Affordability is dicey, but we try to get as many people as possible covered. Many dentists engage in public health awareness.

‘We also visit schools to educate children early so they can influence their parents’ dental habits. Even during my youth service, I used to go to schools to offer free dental care,’ he explained.

Describing the dearth of dentists as a major barrier to effective healthcare delivery, Akinbami said more investment in educational infrastructure would help bridge the gap.

‘The shortage of dentists is a huge challenge in Nigeria. If we have more investment in education, we will definitely have more professionals in the field,’ he said.

Speaking further, the Toothmine boss disclosed that the new Lekki office is well-equipped to cater to the growing needs of residents on the Island.

On how the organisation manages equipment importation challenges, Akinbami said they had built strong relationships with suppliers who offer flexible payment terms.

He also emphasized the clinic’s commitment to maintaining a patient-friendly environment, adding that staff are trained to prioritize patient satisfaction.

‘We want to change the narrative about dentistry. We make the environment friendly and comfortable for our patients, and it’s considered a serious issue if a patient complains about any staff member.

‘We ensure patients understand every procedure before it begins, and we continue to seek partnerships and opportunities to give back to the community,’ he said.

The commissioning event was attended by Dr. Hilda Akinbami, a Director of the organisation; Mr. Akinnubi Olatomiwa, Business Development Manager; Mr. Babajide Williams, Administrative Officer; and a partner of the organisation, Mr. Ikenna Chima, among others.

ROTARY International District 9111 has chartered Rotary Club of lkeja Cosmopolitan as its newest baby.

It also installed Rotarian Daniella-Joy Solomon as its pioneer president as well as 28 other members.

At the event in Rotary Centre, lkeja GRA, Lagos, an elated District 9111 Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, while presenting the charter certificate and inaugurating Rotarian Solomon, noted the importance of the ceremony, saying that the charter of a club is very significance to Rotary as it marks the birth of a baby and expansion of the district. It is historical, he declared.

He charged the members to be alive to their responsibilities, adding that they were on the verge of making history with the growth and development of the club. ‘Be involved in your club activities. Make it one of the foremost in the district,’ he further said.

Congratulating the newly sworn in Board members on the club’s charter, Akinyele urged them to imbibe team spirit and assist their leader in moving the club forward. ‘Let’s do what is good and develop the club and play by the rules,’ he said.

Specifically, he thanked the Chairman, District Membership Committee, Past Distruct Governor Bola Oyebade; Past Assistant Governor (AG) Benedict Okhumale; the club’s Adviser; AG Adeleke Yusuf; AG Adetayo Hassan, president-elect, Olusogo Ogundare; the club’s Rotary Foundation Chairman, Rotarian Rasaq Salau and its Learning Facilitator, Oluyinka Adeogun, for a good job.

Akinyele told guests that Rotary membership could be interesting as its programmes and projects as well as fellowships involved travelling and making friends.

Rot. Solomon, a sales expert, thanked Rotary for the honour to serve. She unfolded projects worth N15.25 million that she would execute during her one year tenure, which covered the seven focal areas of Rotary international.

These include the provision of a N6million borehole with treatment plant at Agidingbi Technical School, donation of N2million maternal and children items to two health centres in Ikeja as well as the provision of N2million micro credit to indigent market women and men.

In his presentation, the guest speaker, Dr. Adeyinka Adewusi, charged Rotarians on commitment, resilience and sincerity of purpose.

Adewusi, who is the Director, Alternative Credit and Assets Limited (ACAL), submitted that Rotary would make more impact on lives through relationships and that this would only come through the sacrifice of members’ time, energy and finance.

He advised them to tailor their projects toward their environments to cut costs.

At the event were the special guest of honour, Dr Oluwasegun Musa; DG-Elect, Bukola Bakare, PDG Omotunde Lawson; club’s Vice President, Temidayo Adewuyi and Secretary, Omolola Sorinolu, among others.

Residents of Jebba in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State are excited over the availability of potable water in the community.

The community, surrounded by water, River Niger, has suffered water scarcity for over three decades.

But with the launch of Jebba Water Works in May last year, water now flows in the taps of residents of the riverine community.

The water works currently produces about 200,000 litres of water daily, supplying 150,000 litres to the overhead tank for distribution across the community.

An indigene of the community, Sulaiman Abdulwaheed, told reporters during a media tour, that residents now have access to clean, drinking water for at least four hours on a daily basis.

Abdulwaheed, a causal operator of the water facility, said the plant sourced its water from River Niger, which passed through purification stages before reaching consumers.

‘We get the water from River Niger to the pressure house where sediments are removed, then to the filter where the water becomes about 70 per cent clean,’ he said.

He says the water is later transferred to another tank where chlorine and alum are added and left for between 15 and 30 hours before being released to the overhead tank for public use.

Abdulwaheed said the community could enjoy up to 12 hours of daily water supply if the mainline pipe, overhead tank and power support systems were upgraded.

‘We currently pump water for about two to three hours daily because the mainline pipe cannot withstand higher pressure.

‘With a larger pipeline, an increased overhead tank capacity, and a standby generator to tackle power challenges, the community can have up to 12 hours of steady water supply.’

Abdulwaheed hailed the state government for easing the community’s long struggle with water scarcity. He, however, appealed for further intervention to ensure sustainability.

‘The governor has truly relieved us of many years of hardship without water,’ he said.

He added: ‘We only ask that the government help increase the tank capacity from 200,000 litres to 300,000 litres and provide a standby generator, so our people can have regular access to clean water.’

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said one person had died while 26 others have been rescued after a two-storey building collapsed at Coast Street, Oyingbo, Lagos, in the early hours of Monday.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in Lagos.

Oke-Osanyintolu, who led the coordinated rescue operation, told newsmen the agency received a distress call at 12:11 am. and immediately mobilised emergency responders to the scene.

‘Under the watch of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, when we received the distress call, all emergency responders, including members of the Local Emergency Management Committee, moved swiftly to the scene,’ he said.

‘Our response was not only effective but efficient. We moved strategically and systematically. So far, we have evacuated 21 people to various General Hospitals, and they are receiving adequate treatment.

`In Lagos State, victims of emergencies are treated free of charge and that policy is being implemented right now,’ he said.

He added that five other victims were treated on the spot by the LASEMA Ambulance team and discharged after medical attention.

He said that one fatality was recorded and the body had been deposited at the mortuary.

The permanent secretary said that rescue operations were ongoing with precision and coordination to avoid further casualties.

‘We have divided the disaster scene into four quadrants. At the inner quadrants, we are using light-duty equipment to avoid additional harm, while at the outer quadrants, we are deploying our heavy-duty equipment.

‘We are going strategically and steadily to ground zero,’ he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu emphasised that the agency was being deliberate in its approach to avoid technical or accidental mortalities.

‘It is not that any of our equipment broke down or stopped working; it is part of our strategic operation plan.

‘We are working carefully based on information we received from different sources to ensure that no trapped person is endangered by heavy-duty machinery,’ he said.

He assured Lagos residents that the state government remained in full control of the situation.

‘I need to assure the good people of Lagos State that we are in control. We are already on top of all challenges and moving strategically to ground zero,’ Oke-Osanyintolu said.

Meanwhile, Mr Mohammed Olatunde, Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos, confirmed that federal and state emergency teams were working in synergy to ensure an effective response.

`We have been on the ground, and resources have been fully deployed.

‘Officers and materials are on site, and rescue operations are ongoing in collaboration with LASEMA and other stakeholders,’ Olatunde said.

He appealed for calm among affected residents and relatives of victims, urging them to cooperate with rescue teams as operations continue.

‘The incident is unfortunate, and we understand the emotions of families who have loved ones trapped inside.

However, I assure you that every effort is being made to rescue everyone alive, by God’s Grace,’ he said.

Olatunde also disclosed that NEMA would provide relief and support to displaced victims after the rescue phase.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that search and rescue operations were still ongoing at the site, with combined teams of LASEMA, NEMA as well as the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

Other members of the team are Lagos State Ambulance Service, police, and other first responders working to clear the debris and ensure public safety.

Cameroonian authorities have detained about 30 politicians and activists linked to opposition presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma, his campaign said yesterday, heightening tensions ahead of today’s announcement of results of an October 12 election.

Among those detained are Anicet Ekane, leader of the MANIDEM party, and Djeukam Tchameni, a prominent figure in the Union for Change movement. Both had supported Tchiroma’s candidacy.

The arrests come amid mounting clashes between security forces and Tchiroma’s supporters in the cocoa- and oil-producing Central African nation. Tchiroma yesterday called for further nationwide protests.

Paul Atanga Nji, Cameroon’s interior minister, confirmed during a press conference on Saturday that arrests had been made in connection with what he described as an ‘insurrectional movement,’ although he did not disclose the identities or total number of detainees.

‘Calls for protests by certain politicians with an obsession for power undoubtedly create conditions for a security crisis and contribute to the implementation of the insurrection scheme,’ Nji said.

In a post on his campaign’s Facebook page yesterday, Tchiroma rejected accusations of insurrection and alleged that government officials had sought to negotiate with some of those arrested before their detention.

‘They refused your proposals, and now you arrest them? So, when you were seeking to negotiate with them, they were not terrorists?’ Tchiroma wrote.

Tchiroma, a former minister and once an ally of President Paul Biya, has claimed victory in the election and stated he will not accept any other result.

Protests have flared in several cities during the past week after partial election results reported by local media showed Biya was on course to be declared the winner.

Biya, aged 92, in power in Cameroon since 1982 and currently world’s oldest ruling president, could continue for another seven years if the Constitutional Council declares him winner today.