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As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, senior special assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on political and other matters, called on citizens to embrace unity and faith in the nation’s future.

In a statement, Masari expressed ‘unalloyed joy’ over how far Nigeria has come despite its diversity and challenges. He invoked the symbolism of the ‘broom principle’ to stress the importance of togetherness.

‘A strand of broom is easily broken, but a bunch of brooms is hardly broken. The important thing is that we are better and stronger together,’ he said, urging Nigerians to contribute positively towards the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers.

Masari praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing the Renewed Hope Agenda as transformative.

‘Our faith in a collective Nigeria where everyone’s future is assured should remain unshaken, more so as the leadership of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown strong capacity and commitment to returning the country to a path of progress with the Renewed Hope Agenda that is working beyond belief,’ he said.

He pointed to what he described as more inclusive governance, with development projects and appointments spread across political zones. ‘This is a time that all Nigerians are being carried along. so the spirit of divisiveness should die a natural death,’ Masari declared.

Highlighting improvements in education, security, infrastructure, health, finance, and the economy, Masari asserted that Tinubu’s administration had ‘brought back the coaches of our national derailment back on track.’

He encouraged citizens to rally behind government efforts to accelerate growth and catch up with developed nations.

Warning against political distractions, Masari urged Nigerians to remain steadfast. ‘Every scheme to draw us back by any political consideration should not only be thwarted but resisted,’ he said, before assuring that better days lie ahead.

‘Happy Independence Anniversary to all Nigerians,’ he concluded.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that more governors from the opposition parties were putting finishing touches in preparation to join President Bola Tinubu in the ruling party, just as he noted that Nigerians were already seeing the positive outcomes of the Tinubu-led administration.

Akpabio stated this on Tuesday in his goodwill message at the launch of a book, titled: ‘Ten Years of Impactful Leadership of the APC Administration in Nigeria,’ written by Governor Hope Uzodimma and commissioning of projects by President Bola Tinubu in Owerri, Imo State.

Akpabio, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, said, ‘Mr President, with what you have done in the last two years, get ready to receive more governors from the opposition parties. As I speak, there are several governors in Nigeria today who are ready to be received by you.’

He stated further that Nigerians were beginning to see the positive outcomes of President Bola Tinubu, and they are saying it.

‘The students, farmers, and businessmen are all speaking on the various reforms you have brought into governance, which are now yielding results, in the overall interest and benefit of the people.

‘If we say it, they will accuse us of rubber-stamping your achievements, but the beneficiaries are the ones talking about what you have done.

‘I believe strongly in development and progress. I thank Governor Uzodimma for deciding to put history in writing, in his 10 years of impactful leadership of the APC administration in Nigeria.

‘If you don’t tell your story, others will tell it for you. Progressiveness is not in words; it is in action. The quality of works done by the Governor is of high quality, and the people of Imo State must be very, very excited,’ the Senate President said.

Speaking further, he stressed that as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State 18 years ago, he was already a progressive based on the projects he executed.

Akpabio congratulated his host and the National leadership of the party for the achievements of the party in the last 10 years.’

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday advised the federal government to urgently tackle insecurity.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in his 65th independence anniversary message, also pleaded for a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

Okoh recalled the resilience of Nigerians who have endured civil war, years of instability, and recurring economic and social crises.

He said, despite these difficulties, people have shown remarkable courage and faith, sustaining hope in the promise of a better Nigeria.

Okoh, in a statement, said, ‘The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) joins all citizens in celebrating the 65th anniversary of our nation’s independence. This milestone offers us the opportunity to reflect with gratitude to Almighty God on how far we have come, to recognise the challenges we still face.

‘We acknowledge the undeniable progress recorded in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications, and other sectors over the decades. From a handful of schools and institutions at independence, our country today boasts thousands, producing generations of young men and women who continue to shape the nation’s future.

‘Yet, we must also be honest about the unfinished business of nation-building. Economic reforms, while necessary, have brought temporary hardship for millions. The rising cost of living, food insecurity, unemployment, and inflation continue to weigh heavily on households. True progress must be measured not only by statistics but by the food on every table, the security of every community, and the opportunities available to every child’.

Okoh prayed to God to grant our leaders the wisdom, courage, and strength to drive the reforms to a point where Nigerians will rejoice.

‘And may He protect them from sycophants who do not mean well for our nation.

‘Security remains an urgent concern. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts have caused deep pain and displacement. While strides have been made in restoring safety, more still needs to be done to guarantee the protection of lives and property. CAN urges sustained collaboration between security agencies, communities, and faith-based organisations to consolidate peace across the country.

‘We also recognise that young people are Nigeria’s greatest asset. Their energy, creativity, and determination hold the key to a better tomorrow. Yet, the persistent brain drain, where many of our brightest minds leave for opportunities abroad, remains a critical challenge’, he added.

The CAN boss said Nigeria must create the enabling environment that encourages its citizens, especially the youth, to stay, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Okoh said, ‘Investment in education, innovation, and youth empowerment must remain a national priority, ensuring that no young Nigerian is left behind.

‘As a faith community, CAN believes that the challenges we face can be overcome with collective sacrifice, patriotism, and trust in God. We therefore call on all Nigerians, leaders and citizens alike to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divides, and to work together for the common good.

‘On this anniversary, let us renew our commitment to justice, equity, and good governance. Let us embrace hard work, pay our taxes faithfully, support local production, and show love to one another as one people under God.

‘The dawn of a new Nigeria is possible. With God’s help and our shared determination, we shall build a nation where peace, prosperity, and unity flourish for generations to come’.

Former Nigerian international, Dimeji Lawal, has cautioned the Super Eagles not to get carried away by FIFA’s sanction against South Africa, stressing that the real challenge lies in their capability to win their remaining qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

The world soccer ruling body, FIFA, on Monday docked South Africa three points and overturned their previous 2-0 victory over Lesotho after fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a preliminary qualifier on March 21, 2025. The disciplinary ruling awarded Lesotho a 3-0 win, while South Africa was fined CHF 10,000. Mokoena also received a formal warning from football’s governing body.

Speaking on the development, Lawal acknowledged the significance of the ruling but insisted that Nigeria’s qualification hopes depend on the Super Eagles’ performances in their last two fixtures.

‘I don’t get excited about the sanction of South Africa because one thing is to get three points taken away from South Africa. Another thing is for us to be able to win our remaining games,’ Lawal posited. ‘The bottom line is: can we win the last two games?

‘That’s the question and this is the crucial part of it. I’m not so excited about removing South Africa’s points. What I am looking forward to is how we can prepare ourselves in a manner that we can win the next two games.’

Lawal, who represented Nigeria at both youth and senior levels before moving abroad to play in Spain, Belgium, and South Africa, emphasized that FIFA’s decision was expected given their long-standing stance on player eligibility.

‘They won’t bend their rules at that level. They will not like to undermine their own regulations. So for sure when South Africa made that mistake, I knew they were going to forfeit the three points and three goals,’ he added.

In only his first start for Atalanta in the on-going campaign, Ademola Lookman had an impressive performance as La Dea beat Club Brugge , 2-1.

Atalanta had to come from behind through Lazar Samardzic and Mario Pasalic to claim their first Champions League victory of the season over the Belgian side at the New Balance Arena last night.

There was no Isak Hien, Giorgio Scalvini or Sead Kolasinac in defence for La Dea, nor Charles De Ketelaere, Gianluca Scamacca or Nicola Zalewski further up the pitch.

That, however, meant that Ademola Lookman was called into the starting line-up for the first time this season, following his attempts to leave the club over the course of the summer transfer window. There was also a first start of the campaign for Brazilian midfielder, Ederson.

Atalanta threatened early on through Lorenzo Bernasconi, who thundered a fierce volley just wide of the target from 25 yards out after less than four minutes.

Ederson, Lookman and Mario Pasalic all tried their best to get Atalanta ahead, but it was the visitors who would claim the first-half lead.

Atalanta had to wait until the final 20 minutes to find the equaliser. Nordin Jackers did brilliantly to stop Musah while charging into the area, but the Brugge goalkeeper overcommitted and brought down Mario Pasalic on the follow-up.

Samardzic stepped up to convert the penalty just inside the right post to level for Atalanta with what was his first competitive goal this calendar year.

Then, with three minutes of regular time remaining, Pasalic stole the lead with a well-placed header from Samardzic’s corner delivery, sending the New Balance Arena into a frenzy.

Atalanta, who had been eliminated by Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round last season, are now off the mark with their first victory in Europe this season.

Incidentally before the game, Atalanta coach Ivan Juric said he called on Lookman and Emerson in the starting line-up for the match because they are ‘excellent athletes’.

‘They’re quality players. They’ve been training with us for a while, I think that today is a good opportunity for them to start playing in matches,’ Juric told Sky Sport Italia about the return of Lookman and Ederson to the starting line-up. ‘They’re two excellent athletes, we’ll see how they get on during the game.’

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s founding fathers envisioned the country as a global leader of the black race, given its vast human and material potential.

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ýThe President stated this on Wednesday during a televised address on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

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ýHe paid tribute to national icons such as Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

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ýOther heroes mentioned include Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

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ý’Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers accepted the instruments of self-government from colonial rule.

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ý’Let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be the beacon of light to the rest of the world.

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ý’Our founding heroes and heroines-believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.’

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ýTinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s path since independence has been shaped by deep social, political, and economic challenges.ý

‘While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them.’

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ýHe noted that in 65 years, Nigeria has made measurable progress in economic growth, infrastructure, and national cohesion.

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ý’Although, it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress.’

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ýTinubu highlighted key improvements in education, healthcare, and access to opportunities across the country.

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ý’Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000.

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ý’Available data indicate that, as of year 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country.

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ý’At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions.’

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ýHe reflected on Nigeria’s turbulent history, while commending its resilience and shared spirit through decades of challenges.

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ý’Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, as is normal for every nation and its people.

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ý’We fought a bitter and avoidable civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises. In all these, we weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination.’

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ýTinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unity, inclusion, and progress for all Nigerians.

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ý’We will continue to strive to build a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find better accommodation and find purpose and fulfilment.’

The new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has held a closed-door meeting with Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at his Bodija residence, promising to intervene in the activist’s ongoing challenges.

According to a statement from Igboho’s media office, the meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes on Monday, focused on insecurity in the southwest and emerging threats by bandits in parts of Kwara state.

A source disclosed that Oba Ladoja, who received Igboho and his supporters warmly, assured him of his intervention regarding his current ordeals with the federal government.

During the visit, Igboho congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne, describing him as a leader loved across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond.

He also expressed his willingness to work with the Federal Government to strengthen security in the South West, stressing that peace and stability are essential for development.

‘Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as the former governor of Oyo State. I commend Kabiyesi’s leadership qualities, humility, and enduring influence.

‘I have always seen Oba Ladoja as a father figure. His reign as Olubadan will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland.’

Actress Liz DaSilva has shared a harrowing experience where she nearly had an accident during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.

In a video posted on Instagram, DaSilva said she had almost forgotten to remove metal pins from her wig before entering the machine, which uses strong magnets that can pull metal objects, causing injury or affecting results.

Liz explained that she was initially scared about undergoing the scan and informed the medical staff about her fears.

She said after removing her earrings, bra, waist beads, and chain, she nearly proceeded with the scan without remembering the pins in her wig.

‘Yes. Some things have to be posted on social media. For people to know where to step on and where not to step on. I had an appointment this morning for 10.40am. And I also have another appointment for 2pm. I had my hair done. On getting to my appointment, it’s an MRI appointment. When I got in, I was scared. And I made it known to the person attending to me that I was scared.

‘I was almost ready to go in. But I remembered that there is pins in my hair. There is pins in my wig. So, I had to quickly remind her that my wig has pins. She said, oh, I was about to ask you,’ Liz said.

Overcome with emotion, Liz broke down in tears, expressing gratitude to God for saving her from a potentially fatal mistake.

She said in Yoruba, ‘Truly, God saved me, I can say it boldly, anywhere. What would have happened? If God had not protected me, who knows, maybe I would have died’.

Four players of the Golden Eaglets have been selected in the Group Stage’s Best X1 at the ongoing WAFU B U17 tournament by the competition’s Technical Study Group.

Captain David Edeh leads the quartet along with wing dynamite, Boluwatife Thompson, George Agha, the hat- trick hero against Benin Republic and defence marshal, Godwin Menyaga.

Agha won the MVP award in the game against Benin Republic, Thompson repeated same feat in the game against Burkina- Faso.

Yesterday night Nigeria filed out against the Black Starlets of Ghana with a place in the final and qualification for 2026 AFCON U17 tournament to be hosted by Morocco as a reward.

Meanwhile, Cote d’Ivoire booked the first ticket to the grand finale following a 2-1 win over the defending champions, the Young Etalons of Burkina- Faso in the first semi-final of the competition.

The Golden Eaglets lost 2-0 to Ghana’s Black Starlets in the second semi-final.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday listed 12 remarkable economic milestones recorded by his administration as a result of the implementation of sound fiscal and monetary policies.

Exuding confidence about the workability and potency of his bold socio-economic reforms, he reiterated that Nigeria had finally turned the corner, adding ‘the worst is over.’

‘In the last 28 months of my administration, like our founding fathers and leaders, who came before me, I have committed myself irrevocably to the unfinished nation-building business,’ he said in his Independence Anniversary broadcast to the nation this morning.

President Tinubu, who urged Nigerians to team up with his government in accomplishing the unfinished task, assured Nigerians of great relief after the transient pains of reforms.

He hailed the endurance, support and understanding of Nigerians as his administration redirected the economy towards a more visible path, noting that their patience was not in vain.

The 12 milestones highlighted by the President are:

Record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue;

Restoration of fiscal health as manifested in reduced debt service-to-revenue ratio;

Stronger Foreign Reserve, increased tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio;

Increased export drive leading to the strengthening of the currency and job creation;

Increased oil production up to I.6 million barrels per day, and domestic refining; and

N330 billion social investment programme for poor households.

Others are:

Rise in coal mining activities;

Expansion of rail, road, air and sea transport infrastructure;

Improved sovereign credit rating through boom in oil stock market; and

Slash in interest rate for the first time in five years by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

President Tinubu, who reflected on the journey to nationhood from October 1, 1960, when the country achieved Independence, paid tribute to the sacrifice, devotion and vision of the founding fathers who fought for self-rule.

He noted that progress has not been static since, judging by the growth in the sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, financial services, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence.

Tinubu said life has been full of ups-and-downs for Nigeria in its 65 years of nationhood, as shown by its experience of a bitter and avoidable civil war, military dictatorships and major political crises.

He lamented that the country suffered ‘because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago.’

President Tinubu said under his leadership, the economy is recovering fast because the reforms are delivering results.

He added: ‘In the second quarter of 2025, Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23 per cent- Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years – and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund.

‘Inflation declined to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, the lowest in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs.’

The President solicited patriotic spirit from Nigerians and canvassed civil engagements.

The President drew a relationship between security and economic growth, assuring that the anti-terror war would be fought with vigour.

He said: ‘The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe. They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.

‘We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in Northeast, IPOB/ESN terror in Southeast and banditry and kidnapping.

‘We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation. Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in Northwest and Northeast, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.’

To the youth, the President said: ‘You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.

‘Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high.

‘We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits. Approximately 510,000 students in 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.’

President Tinubu said under the Renewed Hope Agenda, equitable access to a better future has been guaranteed to Nigerians.

Acknowledging that the reforms are accompanied by temporary pains, he said ‘the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option.’

He assured that the resources saved and the stability built would be channelled into proper development.

President Tinubu said ‘we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing.’

He added: ‘In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes.

‘Let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation.’