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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting aimed at curbing border-related crimes, removing trade barriers, and promoting legitimate commerce along the Seme border corridor.

The meeting brought together representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), traditional rulers, trade associations, clearing agents, and community leaders.

Speaking at the forum, the Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, expressed concern over the continued existence of unwholesome practices and multiple checkpoints along the border route.

He urged security agencies and border communities to collaborate in addressing challenges that could tarnish the country’s image and impede regional trade.

According to Adenuga, ‘The checkpoints we have on the roads are too much, it is disgraceful. The CGC has directed that the checkpoints be reduced, and on no account should anyone delay a legitimate business.

‘After this meeting, it will not be business as usual. We will create an implementation committee for all that we have discussed.

‘The Comptroller General of Customs is now the number one Customs officer in the world, and Nigeria cannot be different from what is obtainable in other parts of the world.

He added, ‘Will facilitate legitimate trade, the better for our country. When trade thrives, crime reduces. That is the vision our Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, has consistently championed – building a legacy of trade facilitation and a conducive environment for economic growth.’

Speaking on the plight of residents, one of the community leaders, Joseph Agoro, argued that the majority of the fights and conflicts on the border corridor are caused by camp boys recruited by security agencies along the border route.

He labelled the practice an embarrassment, describing how commuters and residents are often harassed and questioned by individuals who are not legitimate officers.

‘Multiple checkpoints are already problematic. It is more embarrassing to be stopped by Customs and other security agencies, especially the Police, and someone who isn’t an officer would begin questioning passengers. We don’t know who is attending to us. There is no way the residents and villagers wouldn’t complain about such unfair treatment from the camp boys. Why should we be harassed just for living along the border corridor?’ Agoro said.

On his part, the Oba of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry, Oba Sejiro Ogungbe, expressed appreciation to the Customs for reducing frequent clashes between Customs and smugglers in communities, which he said often lead to avoidable deaths.

Responding, Controller Adenuga assured that the multiple checkpoints would be reduced in no distant time. He said the Comptroller General of Customs is working closely with the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser to address the issue.

Adenuga also issued a note of warning to other security agencies, saying, ‘If you don’t have any business to do on that road, don’t come there. If you refuse to comply, you will be arrested because I have the backing of the Comptroller General. ‘

On the use of camp boys, Adenuga warned that any officer who makes use of camp boys will be dealt with appropriately, as the Service has since abolished the use of camp boys.

Representative of the Nigerian Air Force, Badagry, Capt. H.I Medugu thanked Comptroller Adenuga for initiating the stakeholders meeting due to several complaints along the border route.

The Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Ambassador Olukayode Olugbenga Aluko, who was represented by the Defence Attache, Colonel S. Yahaya, assured that all the takeaways at the meeting would be fully implemented by the appropriate authority.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the nationwide verification exercise for Private Tour Operators as part of its preparation for the 2026 Umrah and Hajj operations.

The exercise follows the inauguration of the Committee on Licensing and Verification of Private Tour Operators by the NAHCON Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, last week at the Hajj House, Abuja.

The Committee was mandated to verify and assess all applications submitted by licensed and intending tour operator companies seeking accreditation.

The verification exercise, which kicked-off in Kano State, is being conducted by a delegation from the commission’s Tour Operators Unit under the Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing Department (OILS). The team is visiting companies’ offices to inspect their facilities, documentation, staffing, and compliance with the operational guidelines stipulated by the Commission.

The commission, in a statement by Shafii Mohammed, said the verification is aimed at ensuring only credible, financially capable, and operationally prepared companies are granted licenses to handle pilgrim services for the 2026 Hajj and Umrah.

‘This process is essential for transparency, accountability, and quality assurance. It ensures that only operators who meet the Commission’s standards and Saudi Arabian regulatory requirements are accredited,’ the statement reads.

The verification exercise is expected to extend to other geopolitical zones in the coming days, covering all registered and intending tour operators nationwide.

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Tobi Makinde has announced his engagement.

Makinde, best known for his role as Timini in Jenifa’s Diary, took to Instagram to share the happy news, revealing that his fiancée said ‘yes’ some months ago.

He wrote: ‘Some months ago, the love of my life said YES to me and I was most delighted. I’m excited for this new journey that I’m about to embark on. Truthfully it has always seemed far-fetched but just like every other big step I have taken in life, I sought God’s face and, trust me, He has always led me aright.’

Fans and colleagues flooded his page with congratulatory messages following the announcement.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Movement in Ondo State has lauded the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his steadfast support and commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on Monday by its Coordinator, Otunba Agboola Kelly, the group described Tunji-Ojo as a ‘God-given and illustrious son’ of Ondo State, whose efforts have significantly boosted the activities of pro-Tinubu groups across the state.

According to the statement, Tunji-Ojo’s contributions have particularly strengthened the Ondo State APC Elders’ Movement for Tinubu 2027, which continues to expand in membership and influence.

The elders reaffirmed commitment to consolidating the APC’s political structure across Ondo State by fostering unity among all organs of the party to ensure peace, progress, and sustainable development.

They further commended President Tinubu for acknowledging Tunji-Ojo’s performance and innovation at the Ministry of Interior, referencing paragraph 20 of the President’s Independence Day address, where the minister’s achievements were highlighted.

‘Our prayers are with you, BTO – you will continue to succeed, and your light will shine even brighter,’ the statement read.

The group pledged continued mobilization of grassroots support across Ondo State to ensure President Tinubu’s successful re-election in 2027.

Nigeria’s online gambling market has expanded quickly, with licensed local operators and numerous offshore platforms competing for attention. Many players believe that opening accounts on several sites can unlock extra bonuses, more games, and better chances to win. This strategy, known as multi-platform play, does offer variety and some potential benefits. Yet it also brings added complexity, requiring players to weigh whether the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.

The appeal of multi-platform play often lies in variety. Each site offers its own mix of games, promotions, and payment options, giving players more freedom to choose what suits them best. In Australia, for example, players sometimes turn to sites such as Coin Poker Australia to explore crypto-based poker. Sites that offer them tend to come with other modern features like instant payments and even anonymous play, since payments can be made using crypto. Meanwhile, in Kenya, mobile money integration strongly influences platform choice. On the other hand, Brazilian players often prioritise sites that support PIX payments.

Nigerian players face similar decisions when they look abroad for features not always available locally. The benefit is flexibility, but the trade-off is navigating multiple regulatory systems, each with its own rules on licensing, consumer protection, and dispute resolution.

For Nigerian players, this search for variety across foreign platforms means navigating multiple international regulatory systems where licensing and consumer protection standards differ significantly from those developed under Nigerian authorities. While the National Lottery Regulatory Commission works to establish clearer frameworks for local operators, international platforms operate under jurisdictions ranging from Malta and Curacao to the UK and Gibraltar, each with distinct rules governing player protection, dispute resolution, and data privacy.

One clear advantage of opening multiple accounts is access to a broader set of welcome bonuses and loyalty programs. A player can test different offers and enjoy fresh incentives across platforms. The downside is that funds get scattered. When money is split across several sites, it becomes harder to build a meaningful bankroll on any single platform. Meeting minimum stakes or clearing wagering requirements can be more difficult, as requirements multiply. For example, depositing ?10,000 across three platforms with 30x wagering means a player must stake ?900,000 in total before bonuses unlock.

Playing across several platforms can open doors to international sites licensed in Curacao, Malta, or Gibraltar, giving Nigerian players access to global games and payment options. The trade-off is that protections vary by jurisdiction. Locally licensed operators must follow Nigerian gaming laws, with disputes handled through Nigerian authorities. Offshore platforms follow their own regulators, which may mean different standards for data privacy or withdrawals. For players, the advantage is access to a global variety; the cost is losing the simplicity of one clear legal framework.

Responsible play tools, such as deposit caps, time limits, and self-exclusion, are built into most regulated platforms. On a single site, these tools can provide useful guardrails. Across multiple platforms, however, the safeguards don’t transfer, meaning players need to track limits themselves.

For instance, setting a ?50,000 monthly cap on one site won’t automatically apply to another. This creates flexibility, since players can set different limits per site, but it also places greater responsibility on the individual to keep a clear overview of their total play. Recent initiatives, such as the SafePlay self-exclusion portal launched in Lagos State, aim to make cross-platform tools easier to manage, but these are still evolving.

Multi-platform play offers variety, flexibility, and the chance to explore different promotions. But many players may find that consolidating activity with one or two reputable, locally licensed operators makes management easier. A single bankroll is simpler to track, loyalty rewards build faster, and responsible play tools work more effectively. If issues arise, disputes are resolved under Nigerian law, providing a clear framework for resolution.

A member of the House of Representatives, Olusola Fatoba, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Forest Security Service, describing it as a bold step toward strengthening national security, revitalizing agriculture, and protecting rural communities across the country.

Speaking on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital, Fatoba, said the creation of the forest security guard was necessary following the incessant cases of attacks on farmers, kidnappings, and infiltration of Nigeria’s forests by criminal elements who use them as operational bases.

The chairman of the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, noted that the security outfit would help address the country’s growing security challenges, particularly those affecting farmlands and forest areas.

Fatoba added that the newly established forest guard would not only safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians but also empower the farmers to return to their farmlands without fear, a development he said would restore confidence in agricultural production and help stabilize the nation’s food supply chain.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would create employment opportunities at the grassroots level and increase food production for both local consumption and export.

The lawmaker, representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, called on the 36 state governors to promptly key into the federal government’s initiative by giving full support and cooperation to ensure its successful implementation in their respective states.

He emphasized that strong collaboration between federal and state governments would help reclaim the forests that have long been hideouts for kidnappers and terrorists and transform them once again into safe zones for productive activities such as farming, ranching, and tourism.

The lawmaker, representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, called on the 36 state governors to promptly key into the federal government’s initiative by giving full support and cooperation to ensure its successful implementation in their respective states.

He emphasized that strong collaboration between federal and state governments would help reclaim the forests that have long been hideouts for kidnappers and terrorists and transform them once again into safe zones for productive activities such as farming, ranching, and tourism.

He said, ‘I wish to sincerely appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and approval for the establishment of the Nigeria Forest Security Services.

‘This bold and timely initiative is a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges of insecurity, especially in our rural and agrarian communities.’

‘At a time when insecurity has deterred many from engaging in farming and discouraged foreign investment, this move will not only boost food security but also strengthen our economy through agriculture and non-oil financial inflows.

‘It sends a strong signal to both citizens and the international community that Nigeria is committed to creating a safe and enabling environment for investment and growth,’ he added.

The National Muslim Youth Association (NMYA), an alumni of Muslim Tertiary Students Association, has supported moves to take away the powers to appoint heads of electoral bodies from the executive.

The association said this on Monday at a press conference addressed by its President, Engr. Abdulraham Aliyu along several other members in Abuja.

While aligning with the position of Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, who forwarded a bill seeking to take away the power of appointing chairmen and members of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECs) from President and Governors respectively, the association maintained that it is necessary to amend the constitution towards establishing a new INEC.

The association called on the National Assembly to consider and pass Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah’s draft Bill for the amendment of the Constitution for the Establishment of the new INEC and thereafter to work with the State Assemblies and the Presidency to bring the proposed amendment to fruition.

The Muslim association argued that Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC results viewing ( IReV) portal would not solve the problem of election rigging in Nigeria without the impartiality and integrity of the electoral body as those two systems are vulnerable to manipulation.

The NMYA stressed that it has become necessary to amend the nation’s constitution towards establishing a new INEC, composed by independently and neutrally appointed commissioners and officers in order to ensure competence, impartiality, integrity and hence, free and fair elections.

According to the association: ‘We agree with Senator Obiorah that honest elections are impossible in Nigeria with the President and the Governors continuing to wield the power of appointing the electoral bodies,

since they or their political parties are usually contestants in the same elections.

‘There is no doubt as Senator Obiorah posits, that BVAS and IReV would not solve the problem of election rigging in Nigeria without the impartiality and integrity of the electoral body as those two systems are vulnerable to manipulation.

‘It has therefore become necessary to amend the constitution towards establishing a new INEC, composed by independently and neutrally appointed commissioners and officers in order to ensure competence, impartiality, integrity and hence, free and fair elections.

‘Consequently, we are happy to announce our endorsement of Senator Obiorah’s novel, fresh and bold proposal, to constitute the new INEC with thirteen commissioners, six of whom would be elected by the listed six Nigerian labour and professional organizations, and six commissioners nominated by the United Nations, and one commissioner – observer nominated by Transparency International.

‘What stands out in Senator Obiorah’s proposed new INEC is the fact that it would be more difficult to bribe or intimidate such an internationally composed electoral body.

‘More so, the infusion of international bureaucrats into the new INEC would make for better organized elections in which the secret ballot would indeed be secret therefore defeating vote buying.

‘Nigeria would then also experience elections in which the use of non-manipulated BVAS and IReV would be enthroned, and in which proper organization and the electoral law would make it easy for millions of Nigerians in diaspora to vote.

‘We observed in the course of exchange of views on Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah’s proposal, that some people were asking how could foreigners take part in organizing elections in Nigeria.

‘Our answer to that question is that the foreigners under reference are the same foreigners who have from Nigeria’s independence been managing exclusively, the health care and hospitalisations of Nigeria’s political leaders, all Presidents, Military Heads of Government, Senate Presidents, Speakers, Governors, legislators, senior public officials, senior judicial officers, business elite and so on.

‘Speakers, Governors, legislators, senior public officials, senior judicial officers, business elite and so on.

‘And all because Nigeria does not have good hospitals due to bad governance made possible by rigged elections.

‘We answer further, that it is the same foreigners who have given Nigeria, non-debt aid in the form cash transfer grants of upwards of $65 billion since independence.

‘And that it is the same foreigners in Paris Club who gifted Nigeria over $18 billion dollars in debt forgiveness by which Nigeria wiped out and zeroed out its foreign indebtedness in 2006.’

Singer Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, known professionally as Seyi Shay has opened up about her close working relationship with Afrobeats sensation Wizkid, shedding light on the mentorship and friendship that developed through their early collaborations.

She disclosed that they had worked together on several projects, including her song Crazy and one of Wizkid’s tracks, adding that she also provided backing vocals on some of his other records.

‘I did ‘Crazy’ with Wizkid. I featured him on the song and he featured me on one of his songs. I also did backing vocals for a couple of his other songs then.

‘We became genuine friends,’ she recalled.

Speaking on her admiration for his artistry, Seyi Shay said: ‘I realised that he is actually so smart and so talented. I have actually seen him record while eating, and that was mad to me. I don’t know where he gets his inspiration from. He is like a magician, and I am heavily attracted to people with such levels of talent. My spirit, my soul, everything resonates with people that are inhumanly talented.’

She also mentioned that beyond music, Wizkid was supportive and often gave her helpful advice about the entertainment industry.

‘He used to advise me a lot and used to tell me how people behave in this industry,’ she added.

Seyi Shay expressed profound admiration for Wizkid’s artistic brilliance, highlighting the authentic friendship and mentorship that have significantly shaped her musical journey.

With nearly a million followers across Instagram and Facebook, Destiny Ezeyim, widely known as Radiogad or Brainiac the Radiogad, has carved a unique niche in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital space. His sharp observations, deep radio-trained voice, and daring commentary style have earned him both loyal fans and formidable critics. But what truly sets him apart is his unapologetic signature style: ‘pour you spit.’

The phrase, which he uses to describe his raw, unfiltered, and often provocative delivery, has become synonymous with his brand. For him, provocation is not recklessness; it’s a deliberate strategy to capture attention in a noisy digital ecosystem.

‘Nigerians connect with raw energy when you say it as it is, no sugarcoating,’ he explained. ‘My delivery is confident, firm, and sometimes provocative, because provocation makes people listen to issues they would otherwise ignore.’

At its core, Pour You Spit is social commentary disguised in metaphorical clothing. It is art rooted in grime but polished with wit. Radiogad’s delivery was not just about sound; it was about spectacle, the very act of framing his ideas as ‘spit’ created a visceral reaction online. Audiences weren’t just listening; they were tasting the rawness of his truth, feeling the sting of words that refused to be swallowed.

What followed was a digital wildfire. Clips from Pour You Spit spread across TikTok and Instagram like an uncontainable chain reaction. Memes were made, parodies followed, and hashtags trended. In an era where virality often thrives on shock value, Radiogad offered something deeper: he gave audiences an image so raw, so symbolic, it could not be ignored.

This bold approach has made him a viral force, though not without controversy. Radiogad has found himself in the middle of heated online feuds with celebrities such as Angela Okorie and Blessing CEO. But unlike creators who avoid conflict, he leans into it carefully.

‘I rely on verifiable sources, interviews, public statements, social media posts from the people involved, sometimes even court documents,’ he said. ‘I don’t defame; I present the facts, show my sources, and let people decide.’

His rise didn’t happen overnight. A graduate of Political Science from Tansian University, Radiogad started his journey in radio at the young age of 16. He credits his academic training with sharpening his understanding of society, communication, and the power of voice. Transitioning into digital content, he found a platform where freedom and reach outpaced traditional media. ‘It gave me more freedom and a wider reach,’ he recalled.

But with visibility comes pressure. Brainiac acknowledges that backlash, misinformation, and online abuse are constant challenges. Still, he has developed a mindset to cope.

‘The key is to have a thick skin, but not a cold heart,’ he advised. ‘You have to care enough to put in good work, but not let every insult derail you.’

Beyond the drama and provocation, he sees himself first as a storyteller. For him, every piece of content is part of a larger narrative. ‘Storytelling is everything; that emotional connection is what keeps people listening,’ he said.

Today, Radiogad juggles multiple roles as a digital creator, radio personality, event host, and actor. Looking ahead, he envisions a Nigerian content industry that leans into podcasts, live interactive sessions, and immersive storytelling formats that allow creators to deepen their bond with audiences. He is also keen on monetization and sustainability, emphasizing the need to stay adaptable.

‘My plan is to keep learning, collaborating with innovators, and keeping my content authentic, even as production quality improves,’ he shared.

For the bubbly media personality, the journey so far has been marked by consistency, humility, and resilience, qualities he believes will carry him even further.

Yet it’s his fearless decision to ‘pour you spit’ that has turned him from a radio kid into a viral sensation and one of Nigeria’s most talked-about digital commentators.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has received a lasting honour in his hometown of Lagos, with a street named after him – ‘Adekunle Kosoko Street.’

The recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to the Nigerian music industry and his influence on the country’s cultural landscape.

Expressing gratitude, Adekunle Gold shared, ‘Adekunle Kosoko Street. The city that raised me now carries my name. Thank you Lord for my many blessings.’

This milestone follows the successful release of his latest album, ‘FUJI,’ which has further cemented his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most versatile and soulful voices.

Born Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko on January 28, 1987, the award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer has built a decade-long career defined by creativity and consistency.

His music, known for its rich storytelling and emotional depth, often touches on themes of love, relationships, and social issues, resonating with fans across the world.

Over the years, Adekunle Gold has collaborated with top artists, won numerous awards, and continues to be celebrated as a trailblazer in the global Afrobeats movement.