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Barely one week to commence its planned nationwide strike, the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced mobilisation of its members across all the universities in the country.

The union premised the latest development upon the government’s silence after a notice had been served to all relevant authorities including the minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi.

Daily Trust reports that ASUU had last week Monday announced that it would shut down all the public universities in the country in order to press home its demands.

The union specifically explained that the notice, starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025, would first herald a two-week warning strike before embarking on a total and indefinite strike over the federal government’s attitude.

However, in a fresh letter signed by President of the union, Prof. Chris Piwuna and sent to all branches of the union, ASUU said it had no choice but to shut down universities through strike action in response to the government’s conduct.

In the letter dated October 5, 2025, and obtained by Daily Trust on Monday, Piwuna expressed regret that there had been no meaningful progress toward resolving the issue.

He said, ‘The National Executive Council (NEC) of our Union, at its emergency meeting of 29th September, 2025, having evaluated the results of the referendum held across our branches, resolved to give government a fourteen-day ultimatum to resolve the issues contained in the negotiated document which has been transmitted to government since February, 2025.

‘It was further resolved that the union will proceed on a two-week warning strike at the expiration of the ultimatum if government fails to take acceptable and satisfactory steps to address the lingering issues.

‘The resolutions were immediately communicated to the Honourable Minister of Labour, the Honourable Minister of Education and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

‘It is now one week since those resolutions were reached and communicated to the appropriate authorities. I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported.

‘As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, | thank you on behalf of NEC for the patience and understanding which you demonstrated since the commencement of this tortuous negotiation that has unjustifiably last over eight years.

‘The goal of our current action remains principally to compel Government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, amongst other demands.

‘The days ahead call for mobilization of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle to our welfare, stem the Jupa syndrome and reposition the Nigeria University System (NUS) for global competitiveness.

‘We are strong when we organise, but weakened when we agonise! Our Union has always acted in solidarity as a collective; this action will not be different.

‘Members are to take instructions only from their Chairpersons. When in doubt, members should consult their Chairpersons, Zonal Coordinators and attend Congress meetings regularly for updates on further developments.’

Gunmen have attacked Rani Ramat village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing one person and abducting the village head.

The incident, it was gathered, happened around 6:20pm on Sunday during the Maghrib prayer when residents had gathered at the mosque.

Witnesses said the assailants arrived on motorcycles and began shooting sporadically. In the confusion that followed, one person identified as Alhaji Liman was shot dead. The attackers later seized the village head, Alhaji Ndako, and whisked him away to an unknown location.

The raid reportedly caused panic in the community as residents fled to nearby villages for safety.

Local sources said the attack lasted several minutes before the gunmen retreated into the bush.

The chairman of Patigi Local Government, Hon Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident on Sunday night. He said local vigilantes and hunters had immediately mobilised into the bush to rescue the abducted village head.

Rufai said the local council, with support from the state government, had been working with security agents and vigilantes to tackle insecurity in the area.

He, however, called for stronger action to flush the bandits out of the forests.

He expressed optimism that the state government’s ongoing recruitment and planned equipping of forest guards would help change the situation.

Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had met with stakeholders from Edu and Patigi local government areas over the insecurity in some parts of the district.

At the meeting, the stakeholders acknowledged the government’s efforts but urged it to deploy more troops and newly trained National Forest Guards to flush out the bandits from their hideouts.

Responding, the governor explained that he had taken up the security concerns with the Presidency and military authorities, assuring that more troops would soon be deployed to the affected areas.

He also disclosed plans to establish a homegrown community security structure as a first line of defence to complement the National Forest Guards.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has met with Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule and some elders of the state on how to strengthen governance after the six-month emergency rule in Rivers.

Impeccable sources told Daily Trust that the closed-door meeting held at the Port Harcourt residence of elder statesman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, on Saturday night, ended in the early hours of yesterday.

Though details were sketchy at press time, sources confirmed that the meeting was aimed at aligning efforts to uphold the peace accord brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the six-month emergency rule in the state.

It was also gathered that the meeting was held to deliberate and pave the way for the formation of a new cabinet that would make inputs to drive governance in the state.

Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting on social media, but didn’t disclose details.

The meeting came a few days after Governor Fubara’s visit to President Tinubu, where he reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and sought presidential counsel on avoiding a relapse into a political crisis.

Daily Trust reports that Wike had also, during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, restated his commitment to the peace process.

Fubara had sacked his commissioners and other public officers affected by the Supreme Court judgement that nullified some of the governor’s decisions.

The governor’s Spokesman, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed in a statement last Wednesday that Fubara made the decision during a valedictory session with his cabinet held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, which coincided with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Appointing new commissioners is said to be one of the agreements reached at the peace meeting President Tinubu held with Wike and Fubara during the emergency rule.

Speaking during the valedictory session with his cabinet, Fubara had said the decision to disengage his loyalists had to do with the Supreme Court judgement which affected their appointments.

Recall that President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

The President in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that had been enmeshed in political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

The President had appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, as the state’s administrator to oversee the state, but at the expiration of the six-month emergency rule last month, the president reinstated Fubara and all the officials that were suspended including members of the state House of Assembly.

At its inaugural sitting, the state lawmakers had asked Fubara to send a list of commissioner-nominees for screening. The governor is expected to form a new cabinet any time soon.

The Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy (FOCPEN) has stated that 23 states have already passed enabling laws to establish their electricity markets, with more States joining soon.

A statement by the Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Cross River State and Chairman FOCPEN, Prince Eka Williams, and Commissioner of Rural and Energy Development, Kogi State and, Ag. Secretary, FOCPEN, Engr. Mohammed Ihiezue Abdulmutalib, stated that states now have formal NERC transfers of regulatory oversight.

The statement which denied claims that 24 States have backpedaled on power market reforms over tariff, debt risks, noted that more states are joining the reform journey each month with formal transfer processes for Bayelsa and Nasarawa.

‘Also in its just concluded Energy Summit, Akwa Ibom State unveiled its state market blueprint, signaling strong intent to develop its state electricity market. Other States are similarly planning or hosting stakeholder engagements, workshops, and policy dialogues that will accelerate the localization of electricity governance.’

It added that regulatory commissions have been constituted in pioneering states, with others at advanced stages of setting up theirs.

‘This shows that the state markets are operational, not theoretical and states across all regions are actively exploring frameworks for independent regulation, tariff orders, and market design. The Spirit of reform remains strong and the Electricity Act is a landmark piece of legislation that has opened the door for subnational participation. States are approaching this transition with seriousness and caution, ensuring that their frameworks are credible, bankable, and sustainable.’

‘Far from ‘backpedaling,’ the momentum is growing as more states recognise the benefits of energy independence, regulatory autonomy, and consumer-focused power market reforms. FOCPEN assures Nigerians that states are not retreating; they are advancing with structured, deliberate reforms with the Federal Government and development partners ongoing to build capacity and ensure smooth implementation, financial sustainability, and consumer protection.’

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed its readiness to strengthen ties with Malawi under the new government in the country.

In a statement on Sunday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government said it looks forward to deepening bilateral cooperation that will benefit the two countries.

‘Nigeria remains committed to strengthening the existing cordial and brotherly relations between our two countries and looks forward to deepening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as trade, agriculture, education, and security, for the benefit of both our nations and the African continent as a whole,’ the statement said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria offered its congratulations to the government and people of Malawi on the successful and peaceful inauguration of Peter Mutharika as the seventh President of the country on Saturday, 4th October 2025, in the nation’s capital, Blantyre.

It said the historic occasion, following a democratic electoral process, was a testament to the resilience of Malawi’s democratic institutions and the will of its people.

‘Therefore, Nigeria commends the people of Malawi for their commitment to the principles of democracy, peaceful transition of power and upholding the rule of law.

‘As brothers and partners, Nigeria shares in the joy and optimism of this new chapter for the Republic of Malawi.

‘We are confident that under the leadership of President Peter Mutharika, Malawi will continue to record significant progress in its developmental agenda and in fostering unity and prosperity for all its citizens,’ it said.

The federal government has announced plans to take over the Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, to enhance training and local production of anti-snake venom.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this at the weekend during an inspection visit to the centre as part of his working tour of the state.

He highlighted the regional and international importance of the centre, especially during farming seasons when snakebite incidents are most common.

‘This centre treats between 2,000 and 3,000 patients annually, many of whom come not only from Gombe but also from across the North East and neighbouring countries.

‘The Federal Government, in partnership with Gombe State, will formalize arrangements to expand its role, not only as a treatment hub but also for training, research and, ultimately, local production of anti-snake venom,’ Prof. Pate said.

Speaking after commissioning a new Accident and Emergency (AandE) unit at the General Hospital, Kaltungo, the minister commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for spearheading the transformation of the state’s health sector, describing it as a model for health system strengthening in Nigeria.

Prof. Pate lauded Governor Yahaya for comprehensive health reforms spanning primary healthcare revitalisation, hospital upgrades, human resource development, and the establishment of specialised medical centres.

The minister also praised the recent approval of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers, describing it as a bold step toward retaining skilled personnel.

On his part, Governor Yahaya attributed the success to teamwork and collaboration.

‘All the credit goes to the team. Infrastructure alone is not enough, which is why we prioritized motivating our health workers so that all facilities, from primary to tertiary, can function effectively,’ he said.

UAC of Nigeria PLC (UAC) says it has completed the acquisition of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited).

This followed approval from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

The transaction, first disclosed on July 30, 2025, involved the transfer of ownership of CHI Limited, a leading Nigerian food and beverage company best known for its market-dominant Chivita juice and Hollandia dairy brands, to UAC.

The Managing Director of CHI Limited, Eelco Weber, expressed optimism about the company’s future under UAC’s ownership.

‘We are pleased to have received regulatory approval for this transaction. We look forward to a smooth transition and to seeing Chivita|Hollandia thrive under UAC’s ownership,’ he said.

Group Managing Director of UAC, Fola Aiyesimoju, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition.

‘We are excited to officially welcome the Chivita|Hollandia team and brands into the UAC family, and we are eager to work together to build on their strong legacy and market leadership,’ he stated.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen UAC’s position in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, expanding its footprint into the growing juice and dairy markets.

UAC of Nigeria PLC (UAC) had announced an agreement to acquire Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) from The Coca-Cola Company.

The deal represents a strategic milestone for UAC, aimed at strengthening its position in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

CHI Limited is one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage companies, with strong brand portfolios across value-added dairy products, juices, nectars, still drinks, and snacks.

Its Hollandia brand dominates the evaporated milk and drinking yoghurt categories, while Chivita leads the fruit juice market.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, assured the timely completion of ongoing road projects across the FCT.

Wike gave the assurance in Abuja, while inspecting the ongoing constructions of the Wuye to Ring Road II and the dual carriageway from Airport Road to Kuje.

He reassured residents of Kuje and its environs that the ongoing Airport-Kuje dual carriageway would be completed before the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.

He said that the project has recorded significant progress, especially in rock blasting and landscape preparation.

He commended Arab Contractors for the quality of work, stressing that upon completion, the road would transform transportation and housing options for Kuje residents.

‘By the time this road is commissioned, which is not less than eight lanes, it won’t take 15 to 20 minutes to reach the city centre,’ he said.

‘That means residents of Kuje no longer need to relocate to the city before enjoying urban living.

‘That is what development and the Renewed Hope Agenda are all about,’ Wike added.

The Minister also vowed to improve security and waste management in the city and satellite towns.

The police in Ekiti State have arraigned two persons, Oloso Bamidele Fatiu (64) and Ishola Sikiru (27), at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants, in the month of July 2025 in the Aramoko-Ekiti Magisterial District, stole two live goats valued at N200,000, belonging to one Akinleye Florence.

Counsel to the defendants, Barrister Michael Olaleye, urged the court to grant his clients bail in liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted each of them bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety each in like sum.

The case was adjourned until November 6, for hearing.

National Vice Chairman (South South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, has disclosed that state governors, senators and many other members of the party are leaving because of its leadership failure.

Orbih spoke yesterday in Benin while addressing delegates at the parallel congress conducted by his faction loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Recall that Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, and Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori,

had dumped the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Federal and state lawmakers as well as other key figures in the PDP have left the party following its prolonged internal crisis.

‘As members of our great party, there is no doubt that PDP is going through a leadership crisis, both at the national level and several other states,’ he said.

‘Let us not deceive ourselves. For the first time in the history of our great party, we have elected governors of PDP and founding leaders, founding members, leaving the party every day for one simple reason, failure of leadership.

‘Elected governors are leaving. Elected senators are leaving. Elected members of the House are leaving in Edo State; we know the root of our problem,’ he added.

The faction elected Barr. Nosa Ogieva and Hilary Otsu as state chairman and secretary and 12 other executive members.

Recall that the faction loyal to Dr. Tony Azeigbemi, had conducted its congress on September 28, where it reelected Azeigbemi as chairman and Henry Tenabe as secretary to lead a 15-member executive.