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Nigerian singer and song-writer Darey Art Alade, has spoken on how his experience in the entertainment industry has helped him connect with younger artists.

While speaking on the Afropolitan Podcast, Darey opened up on his journey in the industry, describing the experiences as fulfilling

‘As an artiste I go to auditions, I go to reality TV shows – Project Fame, for example. I have been a contestant and moved from being a contestant to being a judge, either on the same show or a coach on another show,’ he said.

Darey also noted that his evolution in the music industry allows him recommend people for some opportunities that he once looked for.

‘Sometimes I am the host, like Ebuka does now or IK Osakioduwa. From doing that to now being the one to either give other artistes the opportunity, put them on stage, or curate their performances – for me, it’s a thing of joy. Artistes feel comfortable around me because I’ve been there. Before they even ask the question, I already see where they’re going. That’s one of the advantages,’ he stated.

Nigeria got off to a flying start in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic, as star striker Victor Osimhen opened the scoring inside the first three minutes of play.

The Galatasaray forward showed his trademark killer instinct, latching onto a quick through ball before smashing a clinical finish at the near post, leaving the Beninese goalkeeper with no chance.

The early goal sent the Uyo crowd into wild celebration as the Super Eagles took control of the must-win encounter, which will determine their fate in the World Cup qualification race.

Nigerian businessman Cosmas Maduka has expressed his concerns over the common practice of flaunting money and wealth.

He described such acts as a sign of a moral decline in the society, adding that genuine wealth comes with humility.

‘Show me any wealthy man that has talked about ”money na water’. I’ve never heard Tony Elumelu say ‘money na water,’ I’ve never heard Femi Otedola say it, and I’ve never said it myself. When I attend a function and you start showing that madness of throwing money on people, I behave like I am going to the toilet. You will not see me again because these are the bad cultures and value systems that we have learnt,’ he stated.

Maduka further noted that such acts are deadly, stating that the society should resent it rather than applaud it.

‘When we were growing up, rich people didn’t make noise. All these people making noise today never made real money. If you make money, it makes you humble. It makes you keep quiet. We’ve embraced a deadly culture and we are using it to train our children. Those things should stop. You shouldn’t clap hands for people like that, you should resent it,’ he added.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Opeyemi ‘Imisi’ Ayanwale, has opened up on her relationship with colleague and fellow finalist, Kola Omotosho.

While speaking with Doyin Imisi revealed that Kola was her only safe space during her stay in the Big Brother house.

‘I feel like Kola was my only safe space. Anytime I feel down, he’s always there; when I am down too, he’s there. He’s always vulnerable to me,’ she said.

Kola also previously told journalists that his bond with Imisi is platonic adding that she always looks out for him.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic, commending the team for keeping the nation’s hope alive as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the team for their hunger, passion, and determination, describing the performance in Uyo as one that has reignited national pride.

‘The President praises the Super Eagles for the hunger, passion, and determination displayed on the field in Uyo, noting that the superlative performance has reignited Nigerians’ football pride,’ the statement read.

While acknowledging that more work remains to be done, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the team’s ability to qualify for the World Cup.

‘While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs,’ he said.

‘The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host,’ the President added.

‘As your President, I assure you and the coaching crew of the Federal Government’s support as you strive to secure your place at the tournament. Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too.

‘We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage,’ President Tinubu affirmed.

President Bola Tinubu has learned with profound sadness that Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, who was 79, has passed away.

A former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Ogwu represented Nigeria at the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017.

A skilled diplomat and scholar, she served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she made invaluable contributions to developing Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations scholarship.

With inspiring dedication and skill, she presided over the UN Security Council twice, first in July 2010 and again in October 2011.

President Tinubu extols the late Ambassador for projecting Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and working tirelessly for global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.

The President extends his heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Ogwu’s five children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, the entire Ogwu family, and the diplomatic and academic community, mourning the passing of the distinguished diplomat.

‘Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work,’ he says.

President Tinubu prays for the repose of her soul and for divine comfort for all who mourn the diplomat.

Israel’s last 20 surviving hostages released from Gaza may face lasting physical and psychological damage after more than 700 days in captivity, health experts have warned.

The men, aged between 21 and 48, were freed following the Gaza peace deal signed on Sunday. While their exact medical condition remains unclear, doctors say many are frail, malnourished, and deeply traumatized.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 24-year-old Alon Ohel lost sight in one eye due to injuries sustained while in captivity. Other freed hostages appeared emaciated, weak, and disoriented upon arrival at hospitals.

Medical experts treating them say recovery could take years, with some effects likely permanent.

‘Captivity produces deep and long-lasting psychological, somatic, and functional injuries,’ researchers wrote in a study on former prisoners of war from Israel’s 1973 Yom Kippur conflict. ‘Former captives carry their wounds for a very long time.’

One of the freed men, Avinatan Or, 32, who was taken alongside his girlfriend Noa Argamani from the Nova Festival, was reportedly held in near-total isolation for two years and lost almost half his body weight.

Another freed soldier, Matan Angrest, 22, endured ‘severe torture’ and months of solitary confinement. His mother, Anat Angrest, told local media that her son ‘was alone for a long period, under special guard,’ and had ‘refused to break for the monsters who kept him captive.’

Doctors have warned that the hostages’ bodies were pushed to their limits. Severe malnutrition has weakened their immune systems, damaged muscles, and caused extreme fatigue. The loss of subcutaneous fat has left many prone to wounds and infections, while vitamin and mineral deficiencies may have harmed their teeth and gums.

Those kept underground for long periods also suffered disrupted circadian rhythms, affecting sleep, digestion, hormones, and mental balance. Research links such conditions to heart rhythm disorders and even strokes.

Each survivor is now under the care of a team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers.

In a statement, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said:

‘The process does not end with release – it begins with it. After two years under inhumane conditions of starvation, isolation, and abuse, they need medical care, close supervision, and peace. Above all, they need to regain their identity as people, not as hostages.’

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has called on Nigerians to unite in support of the national team as they prepare for a critical FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday in Uyo.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference on Monday, the 32-year-old defender emphasised the importance of collective responsibility-both from the players and the nation as a whole-as Nigeria continues its quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

‘It is a very difficult job if you describe that to anyone-understanding the emotion and pressure,’ Troost-Ekong said.

‘This is not a game that I, the coach, or the players can win alone. We need to have a shared responsibility. Everyone has to step up.’

The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, unbeaten in their last five qualification matches. However, to secure automatic qualification, they must beat Benin Republic by at least three goals, while also relying on South Africa to lose to Rwanda.

Troost-Ekong also reminded his teammates of the challenge ahead, noting that Benin are the only side to have defeated Nigeria in the qualification campaign so far.

‘We have to be focused. We must give everything. Benin is the only team that has beaten us so far, and we can’t allow that to happen again,’ he said.

The captain urged fans to turn out in large numbers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to cheer the team to victory.

‘Of course, playing in the stadium, I would love to see it full. I hope that tomorrow everyone will appreciate that and support the team.’

The Super Eagles are aiming to return to the FIFA World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Popular Nigerian content creator and activist, Mr Macaroni, has taken a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a party filled with the ‘most corrupt people.’

Macaroni’s statement followed the widespread outrage trailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to grant presidential pardon to 175 convicted individuals, including drug barons, human traffickers, murderers, and illegal miners.

The move, which has drawn sharp criticism across social media, was described by many Nigerians as a betrayal of justice and accountability.

Reacting to a post by an X user, @DOlusegun, who condemned the pardons and urged civil society groups to protest, Mr Macaroni reposted the comment with a fiery response, accusing the APC of hypocrisy.

He wrote:

‘Every evil that the APC once condemned, they now practice and support. APC is a party filled with most corrupt people surrounded by worst sycophants. A marriage of doom and misfortune!’

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has declared that Governor Peter Mbah has assumed the position of the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu state following his defection to the party on Tuesday.

Shettima said this while welcoming Mbah to the APC at an event held at Okpara Square Enugu.

According to the Vice President, the APC Convention and Constitution stipulated that the Governor is the leader of the party in the state.

‘Your Excellency, you are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu State. I am the vice-president, but the leader of the APC in Borno is Gov. Babagana Zulum.

‘The President of the Senate is the number three citizen but the leader of the party in Akwa Ibom is Gov. Umo Eno.

‘The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the number four citizen but the leader of the party in Kaduna State is the governor of Kaduna state,’ he said.

The vice-president described Igbos as the ‘Nigerian Jews’, geographically mobile, economically enterprising, and educationally ambitious.

Shettima regretted that for the past 12 years, the Ndigbo, one of the most vibrant ethnic groups in Africa, had been in the margin of Nigerian politics.

‘But with the coming of Mbah, with the continuous energy being exhibited by Gov. Hope Uzodinma and Gov. Francis Nwifuru, I believe the Ndigbo have come to the mainstream of Nigeria.

‘I want to assure you that President Bola Tinubu, our leader, is a man for all citizens and all people.

‘A man whose word is his bond, and his sense of inclusion, his real capacity to listen, and his belief in merit over sentiment has made the APC the most formidable political party in Africa,’ Shettima said.

He disclosed that Mbah had always been one of them, stressing, ‘You are a progressive, I am convinced that you had a broom hidden in your umbrella all these years waiting for the right moment to bring it out.

‘We are one family tied to a common destiny. I want to assure all of you that you are very much welcome to the APC and we are one big family.

‘Rest assured that you will be treated justly and fairly and all the developmental initiatives that have been planned for will certainly reach the South-East’.

Shettima commended APC Governors and party leaders in South-East.