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If you’re jetting off to the United States this week, the ongoing government shutdown may not just be another headline, it could hit your trip hard.

Flights first. Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are still on duty, but they’re working without pay. The last time this happened, many called in sick, leaving travellers stranded in long queues and delayed flights. Don’t be surprised if the same chaos returns at airports.

Trains and buses safe. for now. Amtrak and local transit like subways, buses and ferries, are expected to run normally since they aren’t federally funded.

Tourist spots under threat. The US Interior Department says national parks will stay ‘partially’ open. In Washington and New York, the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo have only enough cash to stay open for one more week.

Back in 2018, a similar shutdown cost the Smithsonian nearly a million visitors.

For Nigerians heading to the US for holidays, studies or business, the message is simple: plan ahead, expect delays, and check if the attractions on your bucket list will even be open.

It all started in the early hours of Tuesday, as chaos swept through Washington after the United States government officially shut down after budget negotiations collapsed on Capitol Hill.

The shutdown, the first under President Donald Trump’s second term, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees in limbo. From defense to health, workers were told to stay home, while essential services grind on under strained resources.

Trump doubled down on threats of sweeping job cuts if Congress fails to pass a spending bill that aligns with his administration’s priorities. The impasse has now thrown America into another round of political brinkmanship, with the lives of ordinary workers hanging in the balance.

Some farmers’ associations have lauded the Federal Government’s efforts in stabilising food prices since last year but urged increased welfare and a better environment for local farmers.

The associations’ leaders made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Southwest and Lagos State, Mr Femi Oke, praised government efforts but sought stronger policies to boost productivity.

‘Looking at the food sector itself, we can say prices of commodities slightly went down. This was because the present administration was able to take some measures.

‘The import waivers by the President and other measures helped crack down some prices.

‘But apart from the prices going down, we farmers are not too happy, because we cannot sustain the food sector through imports.

‘It will not sustain us in farming, if more importation is being done.

‘The government still needs to take some measures, and the measures should recognise farmers, especially in provision of necessary inputs to all,’ Oke said.

According to him, provision of farm inputs, opening rural roads and creating an enabling environment will enhance productivity and ensure food security across the country.

‘The state governors should align with farmers, particularly heads of farmers’ associations, so they can identify critical routes in bad condition affecting produce transportation.

‘Also, the abandoned farm extension offices should be revived,’ he added.

On his part, Mr Godwin Egbebe, National Publicity Secretary, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), said achievements of the administration in agriculture carry two sides.

‘Basically, in the food sector prices have gone down. But the assessment is twofold, because not everybody has the purchasing power to buy produce.

‘As a sector, we used to experience egg gluts due to high productivity. Presently, many farmers are out of business because of costly inputs, so gluts no longer occur.

‘When people are out of business, scarcity of food results from reduced cultivation. Though prices are stable, many people cannot afford food,’ Egbebe said.

He explained that price stability was largely government-driven but remains artificial, as farmers still cannot produce as much as expected.

‘Our farmers need to return to farming. We cannot rely on food import waivers.

‘We can say food inflation is coming down, yet many still cannot afford to eat. The government must follow through on its policies.

‘Let people themselves testify to the impact of government policies on food, and not government declaring results when citizens cannot confirm them,’ he added.

Victor Osimhen was named Man of the Match after helping Galatasaray shock Premier League champions Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

His 16th-minute penalty gave the Turkish champions a famous 1-0 victory in Istanbul.

‘Congratulations to the team. It was a very tough game against a strong opponent. Many people didn’t believe we could win, except for the players you see here,’ said the Super Eagles striker.

‘I’ve been away from the team for a while, but for me, this is the biggest club in the world!

‘We achieved a huge victory for Galatasaray and for me personally. The fans were the main reason I came here. Their support pushes me to give my best.

‘I love Galatasaray and the fans.’

The win was an impressive comeback for Galatasaray, who had lost 5-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt in their opening group game last month.

Nigerian reality star Cross Okonkwo, popularly known as Cross Da Boss, is officially engaged.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate popped the question to his girlfriend, Chinonso, in a romantic ceremony attended by friends and a few former BBNaija stars.

Following the proposal, the couple celebrated with an intimate dinner alongside their guests.

Sharing the moment on Snapchat, Cross wrote: ‘Guys, my love of my life said yes.’

The engagement marks a new chapter for the reality star as he and Chinonso begin their journey towards marriage.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, declared that the country has emerged from its most turbulent years and is now firmly on the path to recovery.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, in a nationwide brodacast, the President reassured citizens that the painful reforms of the last two years were beginning to bear fruit.

‘I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding,’ he told Nigerians in his address.

Tinubu said the economy had begun to stabilise with encouraging indicators, pointing to the nation’s strongest growth in recent years.

According to him, the Gross Domestic Product rose by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest pace in four years and well above the International Monetary Fund’s projection of 3.4 percent.

He noted that inflation had slowed to 20.12 percent in August, its lowest level in three years, while food costs were gradually easing due to improvements in agricultural production.

The President also underlined what he described as ‘remarkable economic milestones’ achieved under his watch, including a healthier fiscal position, rising foreign reserves, a return to trade surpluses, and a stable exchange rate.

He said Nigeria’s external reserves had risen to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019, while the country had posted five consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with non-oil exports almost on par with oil exports.

Tinubu further drew attention to the rebound in oil production and the stabilisation of the naira.

‘The multiple exchange rates which fostered corruption and arbitrage are now part of history. Our currency rate is no longer dictated solely by fluctuations in crude oil prices. Nigeria is selling more to the world than it is buying, and this is strengthening our economy,’ he explained.

The President said his government had redirected billions of naira saved from the removal of fuel subsidy into investments in infrastructure and social welfare.

He announced that N330 billion had already been disbursed to eight million vulnerable households across the country, while rail and highway projects were progressing in every region.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s position in the global economy, Tinubu argued that the reforms had restored investor confidence.

‘The world is taking notice of our efforts. Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is booming, and for the first time in years, the Central Bank has cut interest rates, signalling confidence in our macroeconomic stability,’ he said.

Tinubu reassured citizens that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain.

‘We are building a Nigeria that works. The journey ahead is brighter than the days behind. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you have reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour,’ he declared.

Kogi Governor Ahmed Ododo has conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families and the entire Ibaji community over the recent boat mishap that claimed many lives.

The Governor expressed the sympathy during his visit to the Ejeh of Ibaji, HRM, John Egwemi on Wednesday.

Ododo was represented by his Deputy Joel Salifu, during the condolence visit to the palace of the Ejeh.

It would be recalled that a boat carrying scores of passengers on Sept. 30 capsized on the River Niger, leading to the death of over 20 persons with several others yet to be accounted for.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency and other critical stakeholders have been mobilised to the scene for fact-finding and rescue operations.

The governor assured the community that the state government would not relent until all efforts to rescue the remaining victims were fully exhausted.

‘We want to assure you that Ibaji is not alone; the government stands firmly with you in this trying period,’ he said.

He disclosed that a government delegation had already been dispatched to the scene of the incident to ascertain the level of casualties and provide immediate intervention.

Responding, the Ejeh of Ibaji, who is also the Chairman of Ibaji Area Traditional Council, described the tragedy as devastating, noting that accidents often occur without warning but leave behind deep scars.

Egwemi expressed gratitude to the governor for the visit and assured that the traditional council would continue to brief the state government on developments.

He confirmed that although many lives were lost in the mishap, some victims were rescued, while efforts were ongoing to recover others still missing.

Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has broken new ground in her international career, becoming the first Nigerian female artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States.

The feat was confirmed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by Chart Data on X, which announced that her Grammy-winning collaboration with Future and Drake, WAIT FOR U, had officially crossed the 10 million sales mark.

The record places Tems in rare company, further solidifying her influence on the global stage. She has also etched another first, recently becoming the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.

Her rise to global stardom began in 2020 after her breakout feature on Wizkid’s Essence, and she has since amassed a string of accolades while embarking on a world tour that spans Africa, South America, and the United States.

For perspective, Wizkid remains the first Nigerian male artist to achieve a similar feat, after Drake’s One Dance hit Diamond certification in 2022.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has stirred heated controversy after accusing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, of having an affair with his ex-wife while they were still married.

In a viral video shared on his Instagram page, the outspoken monarch alleged that his former wife was introduced to him from Canada as part of a grand conspiracy to end his life and destabilize his reign.

‘My things are hidden. None of you can endure what these people have done to me. They packaged a woman for me. I didn’t know her from Canada. It was a setup. She was in my house for over three years, communicating with them and plotting my death,’ Oba Akanbi said.

He further claimed that the woman, who bore a child during their marriage, poisoned him twice and made multiple assassination attempts while secretly working with the Ooni of Ife and his allies.

‘She had a child, whom I don’t even know if he’s my child now. I have to confirm that through DNA,’ the monarch declared.

Oba Akanbi also alleged that after he sent the woman away, the Ooni arranged accommodation for her and the child and was allegedly with her at a hotel.

The monarch concluded by warning that his feud with the Ooni of Ife would ‘never end.’

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructural strides, while congratulating the nation at 65.

Umahi gave the commendation in his Independence congratulatory message on Wednesday in Abuja.

He felicitated all Nigerians on the 2025 anniversary, adding that the anniversary is a celebration of the sacrifices and vision of the nation’s heroic leaders.

He said the leaders play prominent role in shaping the trajectory of Nigeria’s journey towards independence and national development.

Umahi added that the Independence celebration should also inspire citizen’s reflections on the milestones achieved and the challenges that confront the nation.

‘The coming on board of the Renewed Hope administration of our dear President has provided a turning point to the wheels of the developmental progress of our nation.

‘The President is changing the developmental trajectory of our nation through his Renewed Hope Agenda designed to turn our challenges into opportunities and our diversities into prosperity.

‘Today, the benefits are manifest. He has returned our country to the part of glory through massive investment in the critical infrastructure across the six geopolitical zones and through other social economic interventions.’ he said

Umahi said the strides would now stimulate progressive and sustainable economic growth.

He explained that in the works sector, a lot had been done by the President to address the burden of inherited road infrastructural deficits across Nigeria.

The minister added that the four Renewed Hope legacy projects were a part of measures to expand the frontiers of the economic ecosystems and stimulate the geometric growth of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to him, Nigerians are witnesses to the progress he has made so far on road infrastructural development.

‘As we celebrate a new dawn in our journey of nationhood, may the spirit of freedom and unity continue to inspire every Nigerian to strive for a brighter future.

‘May the liberties we cherish inspire us to keep the integrity of our nation.

‘Let’s take a pledge to protect the peace, diversity, harmony, and unity of our great nation. Once again, congratulations to all Nigerians and have a blissful Independence Day celebration.’

The Federal High Court in Enugu has ordered the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to suspend all admission activities for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The ruling came from Justice A.T. Segun-Bello after a group of students took the matter to court.

The applicants Chibuzor Success, Oyeleye Zainab Ayomide, Adedeji John Samuel, Monsura Aliat Aduragbem, and Bassey Daniel Nsikak filed the case on behalf of many other candidates who sat for the post-UTME examinations in the two universities.

They asked the court to issue an urgent order to stop the institutions and JAMB from releasing or approving admission lists until their complaints are heard.

According to them, allowing the schools to continue with the process would affect their chances and make the case useless.

Justice Segun-Bello agreed that the issue raised by the students was important and needed to be carefully considered.

The judge therefore directed that both the universities and JAMB must be formally notified to respond.

Meanwhile, he ordered that all parties should maintain the current situation and not take any further steps with the admission list until the case is resolved.

This means that no admission list for the 2025/2026 academic year can be released or finalized by UNILAG, OAU, or JAMB until the court gives a final decision.

The case has been adjourned to October 28, 2025, when both sides are expected to present their arguments.