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The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has dismissed reports circulating about the existence of an interim leadership within the association, insisting that its current National President, Dr Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, remains the duly elected and recognised leader.

In a statement issued by the association, NCAN described the claims made at a recent press briefing by an unnamed group as misleading, stressing that the purported interim executives do not represent the cashew industry.

According to the association, its national election was held on 23 November 2024 at the FACAN Headquarters in Abuja, where Dr Ajanaku was elected and sworn in by the Board of Trustees.

It noted that any insinuation of a leadership crisis was an attempt to misinform stakeholders and distract from ongoing efforts to develop the cashew subsector.

On allegations that NCAN had stalled the cashew industry road map, the association clarified that the document in question was produced by an international development partner and was being reviewed in consultation with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS). NCAN explained that the review was necessary to ensure the policy framework aligns with national interests.

‘The association remains united and focused on promoting Nigeria’s cashew industry. We assure Nigerians and international partners that NCAN, under the leadership of Dr Ajanaku, is open for business and committed to supporting the sector’s growth,’ a statement from NCAN read.

While urging stakeholders to disregard the claims of the self-acclaimed interim executives, NCAN reiterated its commitment to working with government and private sector players to strengthen cashew production, processing and export in Nigeria.

Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history by becoming the first female Nigerian artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States.

The feat was confirmed on Tuesday by Chart Data on X, which announced that ‘WAIT FOR U,’ Tems’ collaborative hit with American stars Future and Drake, had officially crossed the 10 million sales mark in the US.

The track, which won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, adds to her growing list of international achievements. Tems had earlier become the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, underlining her dominance on the global stage.

Rising to international prominence after featuring on Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ in 2020, Tems has since established herself as one of Africa’s most influential voices.

She began her career in 2018 with her debut single ‘Mr Rebel’ and has since earned multiple accolades, including BET Awards and NAACP Image Awards.

Currently on her 2025-2026 world tour, which began on September 28, Tems is performing across cities such as Nairobi, Salvador (Brazil), and Los Angeles, where she will headline at Dodger Stadium.

Her record-breaking achievement follows Wizkid’s, who remains the first Nigerian male artist to hit the milestone when his feature on Drake’s ‘One Dance’ was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2022.

Tems’ latest triumph cements her status as a trailblazer for African women in music, inspiring a new generation of artists and further solidifying Nigeria’s global presence in the entertainment industry.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the nation is set to host, for the first time, a galaxy of the world’s biggest beauty queens in Lagos as part of the E1 Championship Fashion Showcase X Experience Lagos 2025 VIP Humanitourism Campaign.

The queens, including Miss Universe Continental Queens, Miss Universe Americas, Miss Universe Europe and the Middle East, alongside the reigning Miss Earth and Miss Earth Water, will be among the high-profile participants and guests at the Lagos leg of the second season of the UIM E1 World Championship – the world’s premier all-electric powerboat racing series, tagged: ‘E1 Lagos GP’.

As the elite marine sport lights up Africa at the Lagos Lagoon this weekend, 4 and 5 October, the E1 Championship Fashion Show – an initiative of Dr Maryam Elisha and Ambassador Tomi Salami – will take centre stage on the breathtaking ocean-facing terrace of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Speaking, Maryam Elisha said the E1 Championship Grand Prix is a landmark fusion of sport, style, culture and social impact, taking place from 2-7 October.

According to the award-winning designer and sustainability advocate, fashion will meet beauty and beauty will collide with purpose, as leading fashion brand Rikaoto by Me spotlights the world’s biggest queens and its exceptional craftsmanship on a global stage.

At the event, guests will experience an immersive runway, Afro-cosmopolitan glamour and a celebration of humanitourism, raising awareness and support for environmental advocacy and community initiatives.

‘This is more than fashion and beauty; it is an experience where glamour meets purpose, legacy inspires impact and queens unite for change. A fashion showcase at the all-electric international powerboat racing competition will see the oceans electrified as we celebrate our culture,’ Elisha said.

The international beauty queens expected in Nigeria include Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Universe 2023; Olivia Yacé, reigning Miss Universe Côte d’Ivoire 2025 and Tourism Ambassador for Côte d’Ivoire; Jessica Lane, reigning Miss Earth; Beatrice Millan-Windorski, Miss Earth Water; Onyinyechi Basil, Miss Universe Nigeria 2025; Damilola Bolarinde, Miss Universe Lagos and first runner-up, Miss Universe Nigeria 2025; as well as Divine Ekemini Nelson, Miss Earth Nigeria 2025.

Major highlights of the event include an exclusive runway show in which Rikaoto by Me will stage a stunning showcase of different made-to-measure fashion pieces.

There will also be the VIP Humanitourism Experience, a curated cultural activation, and Philanthropy with Purpose, a strategic support for Aurora International Charity Foundation’s advocacy and community impact initiatives.

Also on display is a strategic collaboration with celebrity make-up artists such as Bibiyoncé and Bimpe Onokoya, along with various stylists, who will showcase the state’s styling, artistry and production excellence.

Oyo State government on Tuesday joined the rest of the country in commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, with a call for national unity and renewed hope.

Speaking at the event held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, described the theme of the celebration, ‘Unity and Rebuilding’, as timely and necessary.

Lawal emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united despite current economic and social challenges, stating that national cohesion is critical to progress.

‘We rarely come together these days to celebrate Independence. We must emphasise unity among ourselves across ethnic nationalities. United we stand, divided we fall. We must remain united to move forward,’ he said.

He also urged citizens not to lose hope in the country’s future.

‘We must keep hope alive. We must not be despondent,’ he added.

The event featured a quiz and debate competition among pupils and students from different educational zones across the state.

In the primary school category, Lawal Anjola (Ibadan Zone 2) came first, followed by Oladokun Christianah (Kajola Zone), and Joseph Tijesunimi (Ibarapa Zone) in second and third place, respectively.

At the secondary school level, Morenikeji Oluwadarasimi (Zone 3) emerged the winner, with Akinsola Teniola (Zone 1) and Raheem Mercy (Oyo Zone) taking second and third positions.

The celebration also featured a march past competition. In the primary school individual performance, Ayodele Samuel secured first place with 98 per cent. Saint James, Iyana Church, came second with 64 per cent, while Saint Anthony, Ejioku, took third place with 62 per cent.

Among secondary schools, Ibadan Boys’ High School came first with 86 per cent, Government College Ibadan placed second with 84 per cent, while Saint Anne’s School, Molete, and Queen’s School followed with 80 and 70 per cent, respectively.

Dignitaries at the event included top government officials, traditional rulers, education stakeholders, and members of the public.

As Nigerians celebrate the 65th year of our dear country, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has granted amnesty to six prisoners serving various jail terms in Adamawa State.

The Governor, who granted the amnesty in his speech at the march past ceremony by the police and other paramilitary organisations at the Ribadu Square, said, ‘Nigeria stands at the proud threshold of sixty-five years of independence, a moment not just for celebration, but for deep reflection. On 1 October 1960, the chains of colonial rule were broken, and our people took their destiny into their own hands. That day was filled with promises, the dream of a Nigeria united in vision, rich in justice, and rising in prosperity.’

But he noted that ‘sixty-five years later, we must ask ourselves with courage and honesty, how far have we travelled on that journey? As a nation, we have walked through fire, we weathered the storms of civil war, endured the shadows of dictatorship, and stood firm through waves of poverty and insecurity. Yet, we endured, not by luck, but by the unwavering spirit of our people.’

‘Still, we must acknowledge a truth: survival is not success, independence without progress is only a symbol, but the real freedom is measured by how it transforms everyday lives.’

‘In Adamawa, we strive to turn that truth into action. We believe independence means a child in Michika learning under a proper roof and not a crumbling structure, it means a farmer in Demsa reaching the market on a safe, motorable road. It means a mother in Guyuk receiving health care close to home. It means the youth of Yola finding hope through opportunity, not hopelessness through crime,’ the Governor noted.

‘For us in Adamawa, we have rebuilt classrooms and reimagined education, we have revitalised healthcare because a healthy society is a strong one. We have also connected communities with roads and bridges, and pursued peace as a precondition for growth. Are we perfect? No.’

Fintiri also announced that 12,000 qualified candidates are currently undergoing processes for recruitment into the Adamawa State Civil Service.

‘This includes 5,000 positions in MDAs, 5,000 in post-primary education, and 2,000 in the health sector. This is not just a job drive; it is an investment in efficiency, public service, and the future of our youth.

‘Today, through fiscal discipline, digital reforms, and accountability, our IGR has grown to ?16.2 billion, nearly tripling in just five years. Nigeria’s freedom also demands responsibility. Governance must be anchored on justice, fairness, and transparency. And citizens must stand on pillars of discipline, truth, and hard work.’

‘Our greatest treasure is our unity. In Adamawa, we are a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and faiths. That diversity must never be our weakness; it must be our strength. Like rivers that flow into one mighty stream, our differences must flow into one shared destiny.

‘Our administration will stay the course, expanding infrastructure, deepening healthcare, empowering education, and securing every corner of our state. We will lead with justice and humility, always mindful that power is not privilege, but a sacred trust before God and humanity.’

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has described the nation’s capital, Abuja, as one of the most peaceful places to reside in Nigeria, citing both security measures and residents’ intolerance for insecurity.

This was contained in his Independence Day anniversary message to residents on Wednesday. Wike used the occasion to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its unity, and catalogue his administration’s achievements in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

The Minister, who emphasised the FCT’s symbolic role, describing it as Nigeria’s symbol of unity and nationhood, urged residents to continue to embody the faith that they are greater together and to ensure that the labour of the nation’s founding fathers is not in vain.

Wike noted that the anniversary was a time for sober reflection and stock-taking, necessary to look ahead with renewed hope towards a better future.

The Minister expressed gratitude for residents’ support for the President’s agenda, which centres on economic growth, national security, food security, sustainable development and infrastructure development.

He used the opportunity to lay bare his vision and the progress the FCT Administration had been able to make on several fronts under his watch.

‘The FCT Administration, with your unflinching support, will continue to work to provide first-class infrastructure and public utilities as demonstrated in the completion and commissioning of strategic roads.

‘It is our firm belief that no city can be said to be a city without a good network of roads, hence our focus on road construction.

‘We have reconstructed most of our schools and hospitals and provided much-needed equipment and personnel,’ he said.

He also pointed to support for farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of efforts to empower the nation’s youths and women and reinvigorate the economy.

The Minister further addressed the upcoming Area Council elections in February 2026, marking the formal start of the country’s electioneering process.

‘I implore residents to go about campaigning for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner and to vote for leaders who evidently have their interest at heart; leaders who have vision and capacity to attract development and prosperity to the people,’ he stated.

He assured residents of the Administration’s partnership with law enforcement to ensure security, law and order in the FCT at all times, while appealing to citizens to be watchful over their neighbourhoods and to report all suspicious movements to security agents.

The Minister praised President Tinubu as a leader who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and called for continued collective effort to ensure that the ‘FCT’s potentials and our collective aspirations are realised to the fullest.’

‘Amidst the various challenges we face as a nation, we are very optimistic that the future is brighter,’ he said.

A former Chief of Defence Staff and retired army general, Lucky Irabor, will on October 3, 2025, release his new book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,’ a book reviewers said is ‘destined to change the Boko Haram narrative.’

According to the organisers, the book, which is a compelling revelation of the complex dynamics of Boko Haram terrorist organisation, would be unveiled in Abuja.

Chairman, Book Launch Organising Committee, Jonah Ejenavi, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been invited to the book presentation as Special Guest of Honour, while former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is the chairman of the occasion.

Also, Most Rev (Dr) Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, will serve as book reviewer.

Boko Haram’s emergence in 2002 ushered in an unprecedented era of bloodbath, destruction of property, and devastation of economies, not just in Nigeria, but also across the West African belt, with far-reaching regional, continental, and global consequences.

In Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, Gen Irabor dissects the Boko Haram conundrum, while proposing solutions to a challenge that threatens the future of Nigeria and other West African states.

The bird’s-eye view of Gen Irabor, who led Nigerian forces against one of the biggest threats to his country, offers a deeper understanding of Boko Haram and the insurgency challenge.

Ejenavi, in the statement, said the 330-page book has 14 chapters divided into three parts. The parts explore Nigeria’s historical past while unravelling the roots of the country’s security challenges, the conundrum caused by Boko Haram, and the paradigm shift required to establish peace in Nigerian society despite the threat of insurgency.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has begun nationwide enforcement against foreigners who overstayed their visas or violated immigration rules after the Federal Government’s visa amnesty closed at midnight on September 30, 2025.

The amnesty, introduced on July 5, 2025, gave non-citizens with expired documents an opportunity to regularise their status without facing penalties.

In a statement released late Tuesday, minutes before the deadline, NIS spokesperson ACI Akinsola Akinlabi confirmed that officers would commence operations on October 1.

The enforcement will target holders of expired Visa on Arrival, expired single or multiple-entry short-visit and business visas, and those with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permits and Automated Cards (CERPAC).

Offenders now face removal from Nigeria, daily fines, and bans on future entry.

According to the Service’s penalty framework: ‘Three months to one year: removal, payment of $15 per day, or a five-year entry ban. One year and above: removal and a 10-year or permanent entry ban.’

The NIS explained that the measure is part of efforts to ensure compliance with migration laws.

NIS added that the crackdown on Visa overstayers is expected to promote lawful residence, safeguard national security, and support transparency in Nigeria’s immigration processes.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured citizens that his administration is delivering tangible results across key sectors of governance, with more progress to come in the months ahead.

Speaking at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, the governor said the state was witnessing a remarkable transformation under his ‘OUR EASE’ policy framework.

According to him, the government is executing projects simultaneously in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and security, which include the dualisation of Akure-Idanre, Akungba-Ikare and Okitipupa-Igbokoda roads, the construction of jetties and walkways in the riverine areas, and the rehabilitation of five kilometres of roads in each of the 18 local government areas.

‘Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people,’ he said.

On healthcare, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that his government had expanded the contributory health scheme, completed a pharma-grade warehouse to guarantee a steady supply of medicines, renovated hospitals and prioritised recruitment into the health sector.

‘Our people in rural areas will no longer need to travel far to access basic healthcare. Beyond this, we have resolved that all health facilities in the state would be upgraded to meet global medical standards,’ he added.

The governor also highlighted strides in education, including classroom rehabilitation, provision of instructional materials, bursaries and scholarships, digital learning opportunities, as well as the continued operation of free shuttle buses and boats for students.

In agriculture, he announced that the state had secured 26,000 hectares of land and earmarked ?7.5 billion for development to strengthen food security and create jobs.

On security, Aiyedatiwa said: ‘We have provided not less than 75 high-grade Hilux vehicles equipped with modern security gadgets to our security agencies to help them respond quickly and effectively to threats.

‘Our goal is that every citizen of Ondo State should feel safe in their homes, farms, markets, schools and places of work.’

Commending citizens for their trust and resilience, he pledged: ‘In the coming months, you will see more progress. Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; and nothing is beyond our reach.’

Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, said the anniversary celebration was not only a reminder of Nigeria’s historical struggles for freedom, but also an occasion to highlight the achievements of the current administration.

‘In recent times, the state has witnessed unprecedented socio-economic revival and restoration. Mr. Governor has deliberately provided an ambience that opened up the industrial and economic frontiers of development in the state, thus strategically placing Ondo State on the world map,’ Fasoranti said.

He lauded Aiyedatiwa’s fiscal transparency and accountability, describing them as enablers of reforms and transformational programmes.

The colourful event featured a parade mounted by the Nigeria Police, schools, political and non-political groups, and was attended by top government officials, royal fathers, religious leaders, and other dignitaries, including Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief Judge, Justice A.O. Odusola, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye.

South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya have emerged as the top-performing parliaments in Africa, according to the 2025 Africa Open Parliament Index (OPI) report launched by the Africa Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations Network (APMON).

The OPI provides a comprehensive assessment of 33 African national parliaments, measuring their performance across three critical dimensions: transparency, civic participation, and public accountability.

According to the Secretary General of APMON, Sammy Obeng, ‘The OPI is not just a ranking – it is a roadmap. It challenges parliaments to open up their work, engage citizens meaningfully, and demonstrate accountability.’ Obeng emphasised that the index highlights areas where urgent reforms are needed, while also showing encouraging progress in many countries.

The South African Parliament ranked first with an overall score of 79.69%, making it the most open parliament in Southern Africa. Ghana’s Parliament followed closely, ranking second with an overall score of 77.60%, and leading in West Africa. Kenya’s Parliament took third place with an overall score of 73.96%, and leading in East Africa.

In contrast, the Parliament of Comoros ranked 31st with an overall score of 29.69%, while the Parliament of South Sudan ranked 32nd with an overall score of 28.65%. The Parliament of Guinea-Bissau ranked lowest, with an overall score of 28.13%.

The launch event featured a panel discussion with civil society leaders, who shared strategies for co-creating reforms that will make African parliaments more open, responsive, and citizen-centred. APMON and its partners are calling on governments, parliaments, and development partners to work together to implement evidence-based reforms inspired by the index.

The OPI 2025 report is now available for download on (link unavailable). APMON will be engaging with individual parliaments, civil society organisations, and regional bodies to present country-specific findings and support the development of action plans that advance parliamentary openness.