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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified why he was absent from the recent Council of State meeting where President Bola Tinubu nominated Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Wike said he had informed President Tinubu ahead of time that he would not be available for the meeting due to other official engagements.

He added that he asked the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to represent him at the meeting.

According to The Punch, Wike dismissed reports that he boycotted the meeting because his preferred candidate for INEC Chairman was not chosen, describing such claims as ‘propaganda and blackmail.’

He said, ‘Last week Thursday, we had a flag-off event, and I told the Minister of State to represent me at the Council of State meeting. I already informed Mr President that I would not be available due to prior engagements. That is why I wonder when people carry unnecessary propaganda. They said I didn’t attend because my nominee wasn’t selected that’s not true.’

The Council of State meeting was held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, where Prof. Amupitan was nominated as INEC Chairman, pending Senate confirmation.

Wike also reacted to reports that he had fallen out with President Tinubu, calling the claims false.

‘I work for Mr President. His focus has always been on putting this country on the right path. When you deliver results, your achievements will silence critics. Today, they have nothing more to say,’ he added.

The Minister also praised President Tinubu for his leadership, saying it has made it easier for the FCT Administration to achieve visible progress.

‘When you have the right leadership, you achieve results. Mr President has shown that, and that’s why people are talking about the achievements in the FCT,’ Wike said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomes the news of Shell’s $2 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) on a new gas project in the shallow offshore HI Field, in OML 144.

The new Non-Associated Gas (NAG) development project will deliver approximately 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d) from 2028, equivalent to almost a third of the requirements of Nigeria LNG Limited’s Train 7 project.

The announcement brings total significant upstream investment commitments through Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to over US $8 billion since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, underscoring the success of his reform agenda and the renewed confidence of global investors.

This investment decision is Nigeria’s third major oil and gas FID in the last 18 months, following the Ubeta Non-Associated Gas project and the Bonga North deepwater project. It marks yet another milestone in Nigeria’s journey to unlock its abundant gas resources for domestic and export use. The Ubeta and HI gas projects can supply up to 15 percent of the NLNG’s total feedgas requirements, covering Trains 1 to 7.

Since 2024, President Tinubu has issued targeted directives as part of the industry reform coordinated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy. These directives have introduced unprecedented fiscal incentives, regulatory clarity, operating process simplification, cutting contracting costs, and reducing approval cycle times.

These reforms, now embedded in legislation, have restored investor confidence and repositioned Nigeria as a competitive investment destination.

The three landmark FIDs-the HI and Ubeta gas projects, and Bonga North deepwater-represent blueprint projects selected and unlocked by the Federal Government to drive the implementation of the presidential directives. Specifically, the development of the HI gas field-discovered four decades ago, in 1985-is being enabled by Presidential Directive 40, which introduced a competitive fiscal framework for Non-Associated Gas in onshore and shallow offshore fields.

Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Energy, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, said: ‘With the Ubeta FID and now the HI FID, we have secured the gas supply needed to make NLNG Train 7 not just possible, but transformative. These projects will significantly strengthen the reliability of Nigeria’s LNG exports to global markets while expanding LPG supply for domestic use – reducing imports, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and advancing clean cooking access for millions of Nigerian households. And this is only the beginning; more FIDs are on the horizon, proving that with the right policies in place, investment and impact follow.’

Peter Costello, Shell’s Upstream President, said, ‘Following recent investment decisions related to the Bonga deep-water development, today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector, with a focus on Deepwater and Integrated Gas. This Upstream project will help Shell grow our leading Integrated Gas portfolio, while supporting Nigeria’s plans to become a more significant player in the global LNG market.’

The NLNG Train 7 project will expand Nigeria’s LNG production capacity by 8 million metric tonnes annually, 35 percent of current production. In addition to reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the global gas supply value chain, it will expand domestic gas supply, support job creation, catalyse economic growth, and stimulate SMEs in host communities.

President Tinubu reiterates his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Nigeria’s domestic and foreign investors.

‘This major FID announcement by Shell, their second in one year, is a clear validation of our wide-ranging reform efforts and a signal to the world that Nigeria is fully open for business and investment’, President Tinubu says.

Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, was in sensational form on Tuesday as he netted a brilliant hat-trick to fire the Super Eagles to a commanding lead over Benin Republic in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter.

The forward opened the scoring early in the first half before doubling Nigeria’s advantage in the 37th minute with a composed finish.

He scored his hat-trick shortly after the restart, latching onto a through ball and calmly slotting it past the Beninese goalkeeper to send the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo into wild celebration.

Osimhen’s clinical display highlighted his importance to the Nigerian side, as his pace, strength, and finishing proved too much for the Benin defence to handle.

His performance also underlined why he remains one of Africa’s most feared attackers and a vital figure in Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

With his latest heroics, Osimhen continues to climb the ranks among Nigeria’s all-time top scorers, further strengthening his reputation as the talisman of the Super Eagles.

The goals also provided a huge boost for Nigeria’s qualifying hopes.

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), joined organisations around the world in commemorating this year’s Customer Service Week, celebrating the theme ‘Mission Possible.’

The week-long event showcased MMA2’s dedication to exceptional passenger experience and appreciation for the staff who drive service excellence across the terminal.

The Customer Service Unit of the Operations Department led a series of engaging activities for passengers and terminal users, reinforcing the terminal’s culture of empathy, responsiveness, and professionalism.

Acting Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Remi Jibodu, described the celebration as a reminder of BASL’s consistent pursuit of excellence.

‘At BASL, our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering. Customer Service Week reminds us that excellence is not occasional, it’s a daily standard we uphold across all areas of our operations,’ he said.

Similarly, Customer Service Unit Supervisor, Mrs. Ifeoma Azubuike, described customer service as the ‘heartbeat’ of MMA2’s operations.

She said the event was an opportunity to celebrate every staff member who ensures comfort, safety, and efficiency for travellers, adding that the terminal strives to make each passenger’s experience ‘memorable for all the right reasons.’

Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, noted that Customer Service Week has become an essential part of MMA2’s culture.

‘Excellent service begins with a motivated team. Customer care is one of our core values, and it guides how we engage with our passengers, partners, and colleagues daily,’ she stated.

In continuation of its three-year tradition, BASL honoured outstanding customer service personnel from airlines operating at MMA2 with gifts and certificates of recognition.

The recognition was also extended to Ground Service Agents (GSAs) at the terminal’s cargo facility, reflecting BASL’s broader commitment to rewarding excellence and promoting a culture of service-driven performance across all its operations.

Philomena Iroko, mother of the rescued sold 5-day-old baby boy in Ebonyi, has sought for help from individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to enable her take care of the baby.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the baby boy, sold by his father, five days after his birth, was recovered by the Police from the buyer, Chinyere Ugochukwu, on Friday, Oct. 10.

The mother of three kids told NAN on Monday in Abakaliki that her live-in lover, Chukwuma Onwe, had threatened her before taking the child away from her.

She said, ‘The man who pretended to be my husband, lied to me after I gave birth to the boy, that he would give the child to his sister for adequate care.

‘I didn’t know that the woman he gave the baby was buying him. It was after some days that I discovered that the father of my son collected money in exchange of my child.

‘It was from that period that I raised the alarm and started crying until my baby was recovered with the intervention of the police on Friday.

‘Though, we are not yet married, I don’t know what prompted my son’s father to sell him off.

‘Onwe, the father of my child, has been arrested alongside with the buyer by the police. I am here alone, no one to assist me.

‘Yes, I have other kids, two of them, but they are from a different man, whose whereabouts. I can’t trace. I have been living here with him (Onwe), with my two kids.

‘Please, I need help from the government, individuals and NGOs, so, that my son can live in good health,’ Iroko begged.

SP Joshua Ukandu, Spokesman of the Police Command in Ebonyi, said that Onwe, the father of the child and the buyer are still in custody as they begin investigation.

Nigerian rapper and music executive, M.I Abaga, has revealed that he would prefer to raise his future children in Nigeria, citing the country’s rich communal values and strong family support system as key reasons.

In a recent interview, the award-winning rapper praised Nigeria’s family-oriented culture, describing it as an ideal environment for nurturing children.

He contrasted this with life in the United States, where relatives are often preoccupied with work, leaving parents with little external support.

‘There are a lot of things appealing about home, especially because we’re already ingrained in that system. There’s a lot of support as well. I feel it’s very difficult for parents abroad,’ he said.

M.I emphasized that the communal nature of Nigerian society allows parents to receive help from extended family members in child-rearing, something he believes is lacking in many Western countries.

‘You have enough people that can stay at home and support you. But it’s not easy abroad – everyone is a professional and busy,’ he added.

The rapper, who got married in 2022, explained that while raising children abroad has its advantages, Nigeria provides a strong cultural foundation for children’s early development.

He suggested a blended approach:

‘Maybe it’s a thing like early years here and then at a certain point, move abroad. There are some good things about Nigeria that make it ideal for the early days.’

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a boost in their World Cup hopes as Rwanda’s national team, the Amavubi, have vowed to give their best performance against South Africa in their next qualifier.

The match will take place in Mpumalanga, South Africa, as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Group C qualifiers.

Rwanda, coached by German tactician Torsten Spittler, are looking to bounce back after losing 2-1 to Benin Republic. Earlier in the campaign, they made headlines with a shocking 2-0 victory over South Africa in the first leg.

Ahead of the clash, the Rwandan team trained in Mpumalanga and shared a message saying:

‘First training in Mpumalanga – not just drills, but redemption in motion. Amavubi rises for the pride and pulse of the nation.’

Rwanda’s players say they are determined to finish the qualifiers on a strong note, even though they are no longer in contention for a ticket.

For Nigeria, this match is crucial.

If Rwanda can stop South Africa from winning, and the Super Eagles defeat Benin Republic in Uyo, Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The final round of matches will be played on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with Nigeria’s game scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to designate resource theft, illegal mining and mineral smuggling as international crimes that threatens regional stability.

Tinubu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, at the 7th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA).

The theme of the 2025 meeting of the Assembly is ‘A United ECOWAS Against corruption: Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Asset Recovery and Exchange of Information’.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, said that the theme of the conference was apt.

The president emphasised the need for collective action to combat illicit financial flows and corruption in the region.

His proposal highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in tackling corruption and its manifestations.

He noted that no country could single-handedly win the battle against illicit flows, and NACIWA offered a platform for ECOWAS to harness regional efforts.

He emphasised that corruption, insecurity, and illicit financial flows were interconnected and must be addressed collectively.

Tinubu highlighted the devastating impact of corruption and resource theft on West Africa’s economic and political trajectory, saying that it fueled insecurity, violent crimes, and hindered development.

He stressed that under Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy, significant progress had been made in tracing and recovering stolen assets.

He said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), led by Ola Olukoyede, had been instrumental in recovering stolen assets, with notable successes over the past two years.

He emphasised the need for a paradigm shift from rhetoric to taking deliberate measures to actualise the vision of ECOWAS founding fathers for collective prosperity and good governance across the region.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in his remarks also urged ECOWAS to unite against corruption, stressing that it was a moral, legal, and cultural imperative.

Fagbemi emphasised the need for collective action to combat corruption, which he said fueled poverty, instability, and undermined development in the region.

He urged West African nations to domesticate the ECOWAS Protocol on Corruption, noting that this would ensure that corrupt officials find no safe haven within the sub region.

‘Let us domesticate the ECOWAS Protocol on Corruption so that thieves find no hiding place.

‘The child who says his mother will not sleep will also not sleep; so the corrupt who disturbs the peace of nations must not find rest across borders.

Fagbemi also proposed the establishment of an ECOWAS Regional Task Force on Asset Recovery, to be supported by NACIWA, to coordinate investigations and intelligence sharing among member states.

He also emphasised the importance of independence and resources for anti-corruption institutions and engaging citizens, media, and civil society in the fight against corruption.

He further warned against under-funding anti-corruption agencies, noting that such could make them vulnerable to compromise.

‘The goat eats where it is tied; if we starve our institutions, they will be unable to resist corruption,’ said.

He proposed several other measures to strengthen regional collaboration and asset recovery efforts, including building trusted information channels, and equipping investigators, prosecutors, and judges with necessary skills.

The attorney general commended the leadership of NACIWA’s President, Ola Olukoyede, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a corruption-free region where justice, equity, and accountability form the bedrock of governance.

Olukoyede in his remarks said the fight against corruption in West Africa must be viewed within the broader context of political stability and social justice.

The NACIWA president who is also the Chairman of the EFCC, highlighted the challenges facing the network to include political transitions, security concerns, and governance challenges in some member states.

He emphasised the need for NACIWA to remain a stabilising moral force, championing transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity.

The EFCC chairman called on member institutions to reaffirm their commitment to NACIWA’s founding principles of solidarity, mutual assistance, and institutional integrity.

He urged the network to consolidate its achievements, address institutional and financial sustainability challenges, and ensure that cooperation transcends political cycles and national boundaries.

Present at the occasion were Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-corruption, and Financia Crimes, Sen Emmanuel Udende; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Anti-corruption, and Financial Crimes, Hon Ginger Onwusibe, represented by a member of the committee,Nnamdi Eze

Others include EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautta Mignot, Vice President of ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, represented by an official, Princess Chifiero among others

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has picked up a hamstring injury and could miss the much-anticipated clash against Real Madrid later this month.

The 37-year-old forward, who scored for Poland in their 2-0 win over Lithuania on Sunday, will miss Barcelona’s La Liga match against Girona this weekend.

Barcelona are also set to face Olympiakos in the Champions League on Tuesday before the El Clasico showdown at the Bernabeu on October 26.

In a statement, the club said:

‘Robert Lewandowski has suffered a hamstring injury in his left thigh. He will be sidelined, and his recovery time will depend on how the injury progresses.’

Although Barcelona did not give a specific timeline, Spanish media reports suggest the Polish striker could be out for around four weeks.

Lewandowski, who has scored four goals in nine games this season, joins Raphinha, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Joan Garcia on the injury list.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez have returned to training, giving the team a small boost ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

Iconic R and B singer and songwriter D’Angelo has passed away at the age of 51. The Grammy-winning artist reportedly died on Tuesday morning in New York City after a private battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born Michael D’Angelo Archer, the soulful crooner rose to fame in the mid-1990s with his groundbreaking debut album Brown Sugar, which earned platinum status and widespread critical acclaim. Known for his smooth vocals, musical depth, and influence on the neo-soul movement, D’Angelo collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill.

Over his illustrious career, D’Angelo received 14 Grammy nominations and won four, including Best R and B Album for Voodoo and Best Male R and B Vocal Performance for his sultry hit Untitled (How Does It Feel) in 2001. His 2014 comeback album, Black Messiah, also won Best R and B Album, while his track Really Love earned the Grammy for Best R and B Song in 2016.

The music video for Untitled (How Does It Feel)-which featured D’Angelo appearing nude against a dark backdrop-sparked controversy for its sensuality but went on to become a cultural touchstone. The striking visual cemented his status as a sex symbol and later inspired artists such as Jason Derulo and Panic! at the Disco, who recreated the video’s signature style.

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked D’Angelo No. 75 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, a testament to his enduring influence on modern R and B and soul.

D’Angelo is survived by three children, including a son with fellow singer Angie Stone, who tragically passed away in March following a car accident.

In a heartfelt statement shared with Billboard, his family expressed deep sorrow:

‘The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life. After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, Oct. 14, 2025.’

They continued,

‘We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite everyone to join us in celebrating the gift of song he shared with the world.’

D’Angelo’s passing marks the loss of one of R and B’s most soulful voices and influential figures-an artist whose music redefined a generation and whose legacy will continue to resonate for years to come.