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Gunmen have abducted a nursing mother, her husband, and two other women in Ndegwu community, Umunwoha, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, on Wednesday.

One of the female victims, who later escaped from the abductors, disclosed that the hoodlums suspected to be herdsmen wore military camouflage, armed with an AK 47 riffle, besieged their shop located close to the farmland of the community at about 8 pm, shot sporadically before whisking them away.

According to the witness, as they dragged the four abducted individuals into a nearby bush, she managed to escape and ran while raising the alarm.

‘When they came, we initially thought they were military men. They approached us as if they wanted to buy something, but before we could understand what was happening, they pulled out their guns and ordered us to follow them. I mustered the courage to run into a nearby farmland. They even shot at me, but thankfully, I was not hit,’ she stated.

Further narrating her experience, the female victim, who wished to remain anonymous, said the abductors later released the nursing mother and took her husband away along with their neighbour, known only as Odinaka.

‘But the gunmen later released one of the victims after her husband abducted alongside with her pleaded they should release his wife because she’s nursing a baby.’

While the gunmen released the nursing mother, they took the husband and Odinaka to their hideout.

Efforts by a combined team of vigilantes from the community and neighboring areas to find them have so far been unsuccessful.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, was yet to respond to the incident.

Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has canvassed a succession model that encourages continuity in Ogun State as against the recurring political hostility that trails transitions of power in the State.

The diplomat decried the hostility witnessed in the State every eight years, especially when the tenure of an administration is winding off, lamenting that the development has stagnated the State from making formidable progress compared to her vast resources and location.

Isola, a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, who spoke during a Twitter Space session monitored in Abuja on Wednesday, expressed concerns that the State risks perpetual stagnation if the pattern continues in 2027.

The Abeokuta born ex-envoy noted that since 1999, each transition season in the State is marred by bitterness and political vendetta, preventing successive administrations from building on the achievements of their predecessors.

The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) lamented that no chief executive of the State has witnessed a smooth and cordial transfer of power from a predecessor.

Ogun State has witnessed a series of turbulent transitions since 1999. From the rift between Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel to the strained relations between Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun as well as the fallout between Amosun and Dapo Abiodun

Calling for a break in the pattern ahead of the 2027 general elections, Isola said: ‘What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and to put an end to hostile succession. So that wherever one government ends, another one can continue, building on the foundation that has been laid. That is the only way we are going to build our state. But, this issue of hostility every 8 years is really taking us backward.

‘So, let us join our hands. What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and an end to hostile succession. The issue is having good governance where every local, state person will be happy about.’

The former Diplomat lamented that the absence of continuity had prevented long-term planning and hindered sustainable development across key sectors in the state.

He prayed for a rancour-free transition and peaceful handover in 2027 when Governor Dapo Abiodun ends his tenure.

He predicted that should Abiodun succeed in ensuring a rancour-free transition, it would mark ‘a new chapter in Ogun’s political history’ and help entrench stability and trust in the state’s leadership process.

‘There is a good plan in Ogun State but what is truncating the plan is hostile transition, and that is why I want everyone, Muslims and Christians, to pray that Governor Abiodun becomes the first governor to hand over to his successor peacefully at the stadium.

‘Since 1999, no Governor has done that because transitions have always been hostile. No matter how beautiful a development plan is, you can’t complete it in eight years. So the bane of our problem today is this hostile succession. And if we don’t put a stop to it, we will not be able to move at the pace that we are supposed to.

‘Development must be sustainable. But when every government starts afresh and disowns the work of its predecessor, we lose time, resources, and progress

‘Any ongoing project in the state is financed with Ogun’s state revenue, hence the need for continuation and completion of ongoing projects of the preceding administration.

‘What we need is harmony. Let’s bring all our leaders together for the sake of orderly development. Even if you rule for eight years, can you fully develop a village in eight years to talk less of a state ?’ he asked.

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have recorded a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for technological self-reliance with the development of locally manufactured high-tech security equipment.

Speaking in Abuja, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the initiative, fully supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represents a decisive step towards advancing indigenous capacity in intelligence gathering and operational efficiency across the country’s security architecture.

Halilu disclosed that a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility jointly established by NASENI and the DSS in Abuja has been completed and equipped with modern security systems and technologies designed to transform national security operations.

According to him, the DSS Director General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, has consistently emphasized the President’s directive for security agencies to embrace local innovation and reduce dependence on imported equipment.

This vision, Halilu noted, inspired both agencies to train and develop technical expertise required for in-country production of the new security devices.

‘The President firmly believes that Nigeria has the capacity to manufacture its own security equipment and should minimize reliance on foreign imports. This strategic partnership leverages NASENI’s scientific and engineering expertise to enhance research and innovation tailored specifically to the needs of the security sector,’ he said.

While details of the equipment remain classified for operational reasons, Halilu stated that the collaboration marks the beginning of a new era in the domestication of critical security technology.

He expressed optimism that the innovation would soon position Nigeria as a regional hub for security technology manufacturing in West Africa, contributing not only to regional stability but also to the nation’s economic growth.

‘The initiative reflects the President’s broader priorities to promote self-reliance and technological advancement in security systems, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable security solutions,’ Halilu added.

The Organisation, Public, Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary this October, marking three decades of advocacy, early detection, and support for breast cancer survivors across Nigeria.

Established on the belief that no woman should face breast cancer alone, the organisation has grown into a nationwide movement that has impacted millions of lives.

Founded in 1995 by Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, after losing both parents to cancer and surviving her own breast cancer scare, C.O.P.E was born out of a deeply personal conviction. What started as one woman’s mission to create a place of credible information and care, and to ensure her parents’ deaths were not in vain, has become one of Nigeria’s most trusted voices in breast health advocacy and care.

Over the past three decades, C.O.P.E has redefined the landscape of breast cancer awareness and survivor support across Nigeria. The organisation has reached over 7.5 million women and families through awareness and education campaigns, conducted more than 100,000 free screenings, provided counselling to over 1,400 women, and supported more than 350 survivors with post-treatment care, therapy, and empowerment programmes.

Reflecting on this milestone, Mrs. Anozie said: ‘C.O.P.E has thrived because of our commitment to being compassionate and consistent. We’ve made it our motto to always show up. It doesn’t matter whether we have a lot or a little because we know even the smallest act of care can change the course of a woman’s life.’ She also acknowledged the critical role of long-term partners, whose support has sustained the organisation’s mission.

‘We’re deeply grateful to all our partners: Polaris Bank, Variant Advisory, Aradel Holdings, Engr. Afolabi Oladele, Access Bank, STL Trustees, CreditDirect, SKLD Integrated Services Ltd., Idachaba Family, Ginger Soul Lifestyle, Pfizer, Hard Rock Cafe, and General Electric for standing with us over the years. Together, we’ve positively impacted the lives of young girls and women across Nigeria.’

Despite the progress made, Mrs. Anozie emphasised that the need for greater awareness, access, and survivor support remains urgent. She noted that the current C.O.P.E facility can no longer accommodate the growing number of women seeking help. The organisation’s next chapter will focus on building a permanent home, a comprehensive breast cancer centre that brings screening, treatment support, counselling, referrals, education, research, and survivor services together under one roof.

‘We’ve come this far through hard work and faith, guided by the belief that no woman should face breast cancer alone,’ she said. ‘But there’s still more work to be done. Our goal is to reach ten million women by 2030, through expanded screenings, community education, and partnerships that make early detection a national priority.’

The 30th Anniversary Celebration will be held on November 13, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, Lagos, supported by Polaris Bank. The event will bring together survivors, volunteers, donors, and well-wishers to honour three decades of impact and chart a new path forward. This milestone gathering will also serve as a rallying point for continued collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, and the public, reaffirming C.O.P.E’s mission to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate and improve survivor outcomes nationwide.

The 1995 set of Bishop Phillips Academy (BPA), Ibadan, has celebrated its 30th post-graduation anniversary.

As part of the celebration, the Association donated food items and diapers to a special needs home. They also distributed exercise books to students of their alma mater.

The anniversary also featured various activities, including games, raffles draw, awards, networking, and cutting of the anniversary cake, among others.

Coordinator and President of the BPA ’95 Set, Dr. Aliyu Amuzat, highlighted the genesis of the Association, explaining why it was formed in 2010 and formally registered in 2023.

The erudite scholar and associate professor at IBB University in Niger State noted how the group has grown in leaps and bounds to include about 170 members.

Amuzat emphasized the sole aim of establishing the Association was to forge a strong bond among its members, help and support one another, celebrate shared memories and achievements, and to plan reunions and anniversaries for members to remain connected.

He said: ‘Three decades ago, we were innocent young boys and girls, full of dreams, energy, and yes, a little mischief.

‘Today, we return not only as professionals, parents, leaders, and mentors but also as lifelong friends bound together by the memories, lessons, and values that our alma mater instilled in us.’

He expressed profound gratitude to teachers and mentors whose sacrifices shaped the old students, both in academics and in character, enabling them to become good ambassadors of their alma mater.

Amuzat charged his colleagues not to see the 30th anniversary as the end of their story but as the beginning of a new chapter.

He said there is a need for everyone to contribute their quota to their respective communities and uphold legacy of their great alma mater.

The event also featured award presentation to outstanding staff (both teaching and non-teaching) associated with Bishop Phillips Academy.

Recipients of the award were Mrs. Ojo Olaoluwa, a renowned scholar and retired teacher; Mrs. Idayat Ajeleti, a retired teacher, Mr. Matthew Oladele; Comrade George Eledan; Mrs. Grace Olajide; Mr. Adebayo Fatoki; Mr. Mufutau Iyanda; Pastor/Evangelist Oguntoki Oladujoye; Pastor Alabi Akeem, B.Ed., M.Ed.; and Mr. Ismaila Ajayi (Counselor).

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Kuture has addressed backlash over his controversial humorous nature that may not resonate with everyone.

In a post on X, Kuture expressed awareness of the criticism he receives, stating that he is human and prone to making mistakes.

However, he emphasised his commitment to learning from these errors and growing as a person.

Kuture wrote: ‘I’m not perfect, I’m human. We make mistakes to take corrections and at times I joke a lot but I see that its don’t sit well with some people. Its a new phase of life so I will try as much as I can not to make you guys hate me more than you already do. Good morning and have a nice day ahead. Peace and love’.

Kuture’s comments come as he embarks on a new phase of life, and he has pledged to be more mindful of his actions in order to minimise criticism and improve his relationships with his audience.

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the EFCC establishment act to give it more powers to carry out its task in line with current realities

Leading the debate, its sponsor, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, said the Bill seeks to strengthen the institutional Independence, operational efficiency, and accountability framework of the EFCC, with a view to making it more effective in combating the growing complexity of Economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.

Gagdi, who heads the House Committee on Navy, said when the EFCC Act was enacted in 2004, it provided Nigeria with a pioneering legal framework to tackle corruption and financial crimes, adding that two decades later, the landscape of financial crimes has evolved far beyond what the current law envisaged.

He said: ‘Cybercrime, cryptocurrency manipulation, illicit financial flows, terrorism financing, and real estate-based money laundering have become prevalent. Yet, the EFCC operates under outdated provisions that do not adequately address these new realities’.

He argued that the existing Act does not provide sufficient guarantees for the Independence of the Commission, exposing it to external influence and political Interference.

‘This Bill represents a decisive step toward strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption

framework. It seeks to ensure that the EFCC operates as an independent, professional, and transparent institution that is responsive to modern financial crime realities.

‘This amendment will not only enhance Nigeria’s global reputation, but also promote good governance, economic stability and public confidence in the fight against corruption.’

The bill which has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Crimes was unanimously passed without debate.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has emphasised the need for unity and cooperation among Africans in spite of their cultural and linguistic differences.

Sanwo-Olu said this during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Minister of International Relations of the Republic of South Africa, Thandi Moraka, on Thursday, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The governor was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

He said Africans would be doing disservice to their people if they failed to work together.

we are tied together and would be doing a total disservice to our people if we don’t work together as one.

The governor noted that the world was witnessing a trend of regional integration, with Europe and Asia uniting to advance their interests.

‘We can see what is happening around the world. Europe is united, Asia is united, therefore, Africa must also unite.

‘Therefore, as Africans we really have no choice than to work together because this is the place where everything happens,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu also stressed that Africans must take charge of their development and not rely on others to do it for them.

He noted that African businesses were already working together, citing examples of South African companies such as ShopRite, MTN, and Multi-Choice that had invested in Nigeria.

‘Our people are already working together. So, it’s for us as governments to make sure that we help our people to work seamlessly,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that there would be challenges, but emphasised that Africans must come together and work towards a common goal.

‘We cannot continue to see ourselves as different people, we should be united as one people irrespective of our different cultures and beliefs,’ he said.

The governor expressed optimism that the visit would lead to meaningful collaboration between Lagos State and South Africa, with both parties working together to build their economies and uplift their people.

He called for a relationship built on mutual respect and openness, with both parties working together to promote trade and investment between Lagos State and South Africa.

‘Let us have a relationship that is actually very solid, and built on mutual respect for each other, and that we can uplift our people as Africans,’ he said.

The Deputy Minister of International Relations of the Republic of South Africa, Moraka, said the aim of the visit was to strengthen the historic ties between South Africa and Nigeria and explore opportunities for economic cooperation.

According to her, the visit was a follow-up to the successful South Africa-Nigeria Binational Commission held in South Africa in 2024, which resulted in the finalisation of an Endorsement Warning Mechanism.

‘This framework will enhance areas of collaboration and protect businesses in both countries,’ she said.

Moraka expressed her excitement about the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the creative industry space.

‘We do have a new genre called Amapiano, which is taking the world by the storm. And we are also looking forward to collaborating with yourselves as you are the half of the Afrobeats,’ she said.

The Deputy Minister said her engagements in Lagos would focus on exploring opportunities for collaboration and investment in the telecommunication, financial, and creative industry spaces.

She also acknowledged the efforts of the various business chambers in both countries in promoting mutual investment and job creation opportunities.

Moraka emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Nigeria, citing their shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous integrated Africa.

‘We have a common vision and we want to work together towards peaceful and prosperous integrated Africa that we all want.

‘We look forward to continued cooperation between the Lagos State Government and the Government of the Republic of South Africa,’ she said.

The Nigerian Army, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Ondo State, has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration for its swift response to the recent security alert over a planned terrorist attack on some parts of the State.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had raised the alarm about an imminent attack on Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko communities in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The warning was contained in a memo dated October 20, 2025 to the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure.

According to the memo signed by H. I. Kana, Director of the DSS in Ondo State, ‘Intelligence confirmed plans by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon.’

Commending Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Major Njoka Irabor, noted that the governor’s prompt action in convening an emergency security meeting and directing all security agencies to be on full alert demonstrated his commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens.

Major Irabor, who spoke during an official visit to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, in Akure on Thursday, expressed appreciation to the state government for its continuous support to the military and other security formations.

He recalled that the Governor recently presented utility vehicles and other operational equipment to security agencies to enhance their efficiency and operational readiness across the state.

According to him, the synergy between the state government and security agencies has contributed greatly to the relative peace being enjoyed in Ondo State.

He pledged the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration with other security agencies to ensure that Ondo remains a safe and stable environment for residents and investors.

Remarking, Ajanaku commended the Army for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the people of the state from attacks.

He assured that the Ministry of Information and Orientation would continue to support the military and other security agencies through effective information dissemination and public enlightenment.

Ajanaku also emphasised the importance of public vigilance, urging citizens to report any suspicious or unlawful activities in their communities to the appropriate authorities.

He noted that timely intelligence from the public plays a vital role in helping the government and security agencies prevent criminal acts and maintain peace.

The commissioner reaffirmed the Aiyedatiwa administration’s dedication to a secure and prosperous Ondo State, stressing that collaboration, vigilance, and communication remain key to sustaining peace and development.

Grammy-nominated singer David Adeleke popularly known as Davido has met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday.

The singer announced the high-profile encounter on his verified Instagram page, sharing photos of the event.

Accompanying Davido were close associates, including businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, and manager, Asika.

The images captured a warm exchange, highlighting the significance of the moment.

In his post, Davido expressed gratitude for the opportunity, writing, ‘It was an honor meeting @emmanuelmacron and sharing our visions for a better world.’Davido meets French President Macron