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Four housemates recently evicted from the Big Brother Naija house, Thelma, Kuture, Joanna, and Bright Morgan, have shared thoughts about the connections and relationships they built inside the house.

Bright Morgan, while speaking alongside others in an interview with Tribune Online, clarified his stance with fellow housemate Dede. According to him, his actions were about setting boundaries rather than hatred.

‘Mide and Dede are close, so I just wanted to set boundaries. I don’t dislike her, but we had an issue the other day. Moving forward, I know I don’t have to be friends with everyone. I’m intentional about my relationships. When I have eyes on someone, I just focus on them,’ he explained.

Responding to questions on whether there was more to their connection with KayBobo, especially after a ‘kissing spree’ during her time in the BBNaija House, which apparently shocked other evicted housemates, Thelma revealed she values trust above all else.

She recalled feeling uncomfortable when she learned Isabella had shared KayBobo’s bed before he moved to hers, which created a wrong impression.

She said, ‘I didn’t see the need to explain to anyone, but I wasn’t cool with how things looked. I’d rather KayBobo come outside the house and explain the context, especially after he told housemates when asked about him and Thelma that the house is a social experiment. I don’t owe them an explanation. I just want clarity.’

On her part, Joanna addressed her relationship with Faith, explaining that what viewers saw on the reality show was not a serious relationship but just a friendship.

‘Faith isn’t a relationship person, and we decided to remain true friends. For me, mental connection comes first before anything else,’ she said.

On another relationship drama, Kuture recalled an outburst involving Isabella and Imisi, where things got heated to the point that Isabella poured pepper on Sultana before it was later resolved in a surprising way.

‘They called me to be a witness when they decided to settle their fight with a kiss,’ Kuture added.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Tuesday, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the call to the security agencies, especially the Police, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Arise TV anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

In a statement, Hon. Kalu extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, Arise TV and the entire media community in Nigeria.

Maduagwu, 29, reportedly lost her life during a robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe district of Abuja metropolis, Federal Capital Territory.

Expressing shock and sadness over the incident, the Deputy Speaker said that the perpetrators of the dastardly act that cut short a promising lawyer and broadcaster in her prime should immediately be apprehended and brought to justice.

He described Maduagwu as a stellar news anchor, extolling her display of brilliance and professionalism in her covering and reporting of the reserved seats bill that is before the National Assembly.

Hon. Kalu who sympathized with the bereaved family also prayed for the repose of Maduagwu’s soul.

He said: ‘I am shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a young and promising lawyer and journalist, who tragically lost her life in Abuja.

‘Maduagwu, who at the time of her death was a news anchor with Arise TV, distinguished herself with brilliance and professionalism. Her covering and reporting of the reserved seats bill was extraordinary. Her death is not only a painful loss to her family and loved ones but also to the media community, where she had already begun to make an indelible mark.

‘I join His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the call to all security agencies to thoroughly investigate this tragic incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

‘I extend my heartfelt condolences to her immediate family, friends, Arise TV family and entire media community. May the Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.’

The Ogun State Government, on Tuesday, suspended the principals of Ilugun High School, both Junior and Senior schools, Mrs. Olukoga Adeyemi and Mrs. Ladipo Temitope, over illegal fees, which led to students’ protests.

Students of the school were seen in a video destroying school property.

Addressing newsmen, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, said the Ministry is conducting a preliminary investigation over the death of a yet-to-be-identified person whose death might have sparked the protest.

He explained that the deceased might have been illegally enrolled into the school, saying he was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola.

The Commissioner stated that the Principal of the Junior School, Olukoga, had been involved in collecting illegal fees.

‘We have all become aware of the incident that took place at Ilugun High School (Junior), Elega. I stand before you this afternoon to confirm that the incident did happen in the school.

‘First, let me, on behalf of the State Government, express condolences to the parents and family of the deceased.

‘Our preliminary investigations have revealed a twist. The young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a student of the school.

‘He was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola. Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, the OGSERA platform, which authenticates all school enrolments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrolment.

‘In addition, we also discovered that the Principal of Ilugun High School (Junior) had been involved in the collection of illegal fees. In light of these findings, government has decided to place both the Junior and Senior Principals of Ilugun High School on suspension while we conduct an investigation into the causes of this incident.

‘Also, in order to keep abreast of happenings in schools, a scheme called Whistle Blowers has been established by the government through the Teaching Service Commission to control illegalities and wrongdoings.

‘Let me assure the people of Ogun State that the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, remains committed to provide free education for every school-age child in this State, irrespective of where they live, their gender, economic status, religious belief, or political affiliation,’ he said.

The Federal Government on Tuesday officially launched the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), designed to support the country in erosion control, flood management, and watershed restoration.

Minister of Environment and Chairman Steering Committee of NEWMAP-EIB, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, inaugurated the project in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s climate resilience project efforts.

He announced that the European Investment Bank approved a facility of pound 175 million for the project that would be implemented over a period of five (5) years across twenty-three (23) states, namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto.

The Minister revealed that the Federal Government had released ?750 million as the first tranche of counterpart funding to the Federal Project Management Unit.

He explained that this was to enable preparatory activities such as office setup, equipment, and other operations necessary for the project’s take-off.

He added that the participating states have shown commitment by also providing counterpart funds to their State Project Implementing Units, further ensuring the initiative’s success and sustainability of the climate resilience project.

He expressed delight that the Federal Government of Nigeria has fulfilled all the outlined conditions precedent for the implementation of the project.

‘Consequently, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) is now disbursement-effective,’ he said.

The Minister recalled that in 2010, the Federal Government, with support from the World Bank, launched the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-IDA) to address soil degradation, food insecurity, and land remediation under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

According to him, the multi-sectoral NEWMAP-IDA project stabilized gully erosion sites, improved livelihoods, and strengthened institutions, noting that it commenced in 2013 with seven (7) states and later expanded to 23 states. The project closed in June 2022.

‘In 2020, the Federal Government secured additional financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand the scope of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

‘The EIB approved a facility of pound 175 million aimed at building upon and deepening the achievements recorded under NEWMAP-IDA, using the Strategic Watershed Management approach,’ Lawal stated.

He added that the project became technically effective in 2023 and now disbursement-effective in 2025.

He underscored the importance of effective implementation of the project in tackling flooding, saying Nigeria, like many nations, faces worsening climate disasters. This underscores the need for a robust climate resilience project.

‘Gully erosion and annual flooding continue to cause havoc and loss of lives, destruction of property as well as severe environmental degradation, particularly across rural communities, urban centres, and farmlands,’ he stated.

Lawal, however, noted the success of the project would largely depend on the commitments from state governments, urging State Governors to increase their counterpart fund contributions just as the Federal Government is also processing another tranche of disbursement.

He thanked the European Investment Bank for providing Nigeria with a vital lifeline for erosion control, flood management, and watershed restoration, integral aspects of the climate resilience project.

He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes climate-smart resilient cities.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, said the partnership reflects the kind of transformative collaboration the world needs, one that prioritizes people, planet, and prosperity.

National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, while presenting an overview of the project noted that The NEWMAP-EIB initiative is a strategic extension of the longstanding efforts to address land degradation, strengthen institutional capacity, and empower communities to adapt to the changing climate through the climate resilience project.

He disclosed that like its predecessor, the NEWMAP-EIB is overseen by the Federal Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Environment and comprising members from various MDAs. At the Technical Committee level, it is chaired by the Permanent Secretary.

Yalaks added that the project is driven by a Federal Project Management Unit under the coordination of a National Project Coordinator and that this institutional arrangement is being replicated at the state level.

According to him, the NEWMAP-EIB have been restructured into two key components: Erosion and Watershed Management Infrastructure Investment and Project Management.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has named a 31-member Caretaker Committee to oversee the affairs of its Akwa Ibom State chapter.

The development followed the dissolution of the State Executive Committee by the National Working Committee (NWC) on Tuesday, in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

‘Consequently, the NWC approved the composition of a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of our Party from today, Tuesday, 30th September 2025, for a period not exceeding three months, or until such a time a new State Executive Committee will be elected in the State,’ the National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Caretaker Committee is chaired by Igwat Umoren. His Deputy is Harrison Ekpo, while the Secretary of the Committee is Borono Bassey.

‘The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Akwa Ibom State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party,’ the statement added.

The Niger State Government, through the Niger Food Security System and Logistics Company Limited, has signed a land lease agreement with communities in Wushishi Local Government Area, aimed at boosting rice production and strengthening food security.

The land lease agreement, signed on Tuesday at the Niger Foods office in Minna, brings together over 100 communities represented by their District Heads, Hakimis, and Village Heads, signalling strong grassroots support for the initiative.

Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr Sammy Adigun, who addressed journalists immediately after the signing, described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a transformative step for both the state and Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He explained that the project targets an annual production of about 360,000 tons of rice, representing between 7 to 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total rice demand.

‘This development is not just about food production; it is a complete value chain that will create job opportunities, especially for young people. It will also drive community development through the provision of infrastructure such as roads, power supply, and schools,’ Adigun said.

He stressed that the initiative aligns with the national goal of achieving food sovereignty and enhancing agricultural capacity, while also empowering communities through employment across the value chain, from farming to factory operations.

Chairman of Wushishi Local Government, Hon. Mohammed Yelwa, commended the state government and Niger Foods for bringing the project to his constituency, pledging his support and commitment to ensuring its success.

In separate remarks, the District Heads of Akera and Zungeru assured of their communities’ readiness to cooperate fully to ensure the project’s success, describing it as a dream that would benefit not just Nigerlites but Nigeria as a whole.

The project is expected to significantly boost rice production, strengthen food security, and deliver socio-economic benefits across Niger State and beyond.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria faces the risk of instability, insecurity and economic hardship if urgent steps are not taken to invest in education, skill acquisition, and national unity.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Bakhita ICT Centre in Sokoto on Tuesday, Obasanjo said the neglect of millions of out-of-school children poses a direct threat to national stability.

‘Twenty-four million children who should be in school are not in school,’ he said. ‘You don’t need an oracle to know they will become the recruiting ground for Boko Haram of tomorrow.’

The centre was built by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah with the support of legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola.

Obasanjo, who has remained one of Nigeria’s most outspoken elder statesmen, urged the nation to prioritise ‘human development, skill acquisition, empowerment and employment,’ stressing that the country’s diversity should be harnessed as a strength rather than a division.

‘It is not unity in diversity alone, but unity of purpose for our country, in spite of our diversity,’ he said.

He commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Bishop Kukah for promoting dialogue across faiths and cultures. Describing Kukah as ‘a different sort of Bishop,’ he added: ‘When he talks, he talks sense; when he shouts, he shouts against evil, misconduct and oppression.’

Obasanjo warned that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, projected to reach 400 million by 2050, could become unmanageable if leaders fail to plan ahead. ‘If we fail to prepare now, Boko Haram of today will be child’s play compared with what we may face in the future,’ he cautioned.

The former president also highlighted the impact of technology and artificial intelligence, which he said would displace many jobs unless Nigeria equips its people with the right digital skills. ‘AI will take over many jobs. We must prepare our people with the right knowledge and skills,’ he said.

On the economy, he lamented the nation’s dependence on food imports despite vast agricultural potential. ‘Why should we import our staple food? If farmers cannot make a profit, they will stop planting,’ he warned.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Obasanjo recalled how the late Sultan of Sokoto supported universal adult suffrage in 1979 by encouraging women to vote – a move he described as a milestone in the country’s political history.

He concluded with a message to current leaders: ‘Nigeria is not a difficult country to govern if we are honest with ourselves, with God, and with the people.’