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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commended the leadership style of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing him as a visionary, people-oriented leader and a model for good governance in Nigeria.

Obasanjo gave the commendation at the weekend in Akure during his visit to the state for the 75th birthday celebration of human rights lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi.

He praised the governor for his developmental strides since assuming office, noting that the achievements of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration ‘sweeten his ears.’

The former president explained that he had been monitoring developments in Ondo State with admiration, emphasising that Aiyedatiwa’s humility, dedication, and performance in office were rare qualities in Nigeria’s political landscape.

‘After your (Aiyedatiwa’s) campaign visit, I have been hearing from the grapevine about your successes and achievements, and it sweetens my ears. What I have been hearing about your performance since you assumed office gladdens me greatly,’ Obasanjo said.

He also lauded the governor for sustaining peace and hospitality across the state, noting that Aiyedatiwa had proved critics wrong through visible developmental projects executed by his administration.

Obasanjo further applauded the governor’s loyalty to the cause of humanity, adding that his commitment to good governance continues to earn him the trust and support of the people.

‘I had planned to celebrate the birthday in Abeokuta, but Tunji Abayomi said you would take it over. I said, ‘Yes, my prayer has been answered.’

‘As I grow old, I will have people coming behind me to take over responsibilities that I should no longer be handling. I thank you most sincerely for that,’ he added.

In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the elder statesman for the visit, describing it as a rare privilege and honour to the government and people of the state.

‘This is the second time you would be visiting Ondo State since I became governor. The last time was during the commissioning of Ojaja Park here in Akure, and it remains an unforgettable experience. Your presence today means a lot to us,’ Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor also appreciated the former president for honouring the celebrant, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, whom he described as a great blessing to the people of the state.

Actresses in their 30s are at a pivotal point in their careers, where experience meets artistry. With years of training, diverse roles, and an evolving understanding of their craft, these women continue to shape Hollywood’s landscape, bringing authenticity, maturity, and depth to every performance.

1. Saoirse Ronan

Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan, born April 12, 1994, in The Bronx, New York, has earned a reputation for her emotional depth and range. At 31, she has starred in critically acclaimed films such as Atonement, Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Little Women. Her work has garnered multiple Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for Lady Bird.

2. Margot Elise Robbie

Australian star Margot Robbie, born July 2, 1990, is 35 and one of Hollywood’s most bankable actresses. Known for The Wolf of Wall Street, I, Tonya, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Barbie, she has also made her mark as a producer through her company, LuckyChap Entertainment, which supports successful and diverse projects.

3. Zoey Deutch

Zoey Francis Chaya Thompson Deutch, born November 10, 1994, in Los Angeles, is a talented American actress and producer. She rose to fame with Beautiful Creatures and Vampire Academy and has since featured in Before I Fall, Set It Up, Zombieland: Double Tap, and Buffaloed.

4. Eiza González

Mexican actress and singer Eiza González, born January 30, 1990, in Mexico City, has made a strong crossover into Hollywood. Now 35, she is best known for her roles in Baby Driver, Alita: Battle Angel, Godzilla vs. Kong, Ambulance, and Ash.

5. Zazie Beetz

German-American actress Zazie Olivia Beetz, born June 1, 1991, in Berlin, is 34 and celebrated for her breakthrough in the TV series Atlanta. Her film credits include *Deadpool 2, Joker, The Dutchman, and Black Mirror. She also voices characters in Invincible, Extinct, and Big Mouth.

6. Alicia Vikander

Swedish actress and former dancer Alicia Amanda Vikander, born October 3, 1988, in Gothenburg, is an Academy Award winner recognized for her role in The Danish Girl. She has also starred in Ex Machina, Testament of Youth, and The Wizard of the Kremlin.

7. Kiki Layne

American actress Kiki Layne, born December 10, 1991, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is known for her captivating performances in If Beale Street Could Talk, The Old Guard, and Coming 2 America. At 33, she continues to be celebrated for her authenticity and emotional strength on screen.

8. Haley Bennett

Born January 7, 1988, in Fort Myers, Florida, Haley Loraine Keeling, professionally known as Haley Bennett, made her debut in Music and Lyrics (2007). Now 37, she has appeared in The Girl on the Train, Swallow, The Equalizer, The Luckiest Man in America, and Hillbilly Elegy.

9. Lily James

British actress Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, known professionally as Lily James, was born April 5, 1989, in Esher, United Kingdom. At 36, she’s recognized for her roles in Cinderella, Baby Driver, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Pam and Tommy, where she portrayed Pamela Anderson.

10. Keke Palmer

Lauren Keyana ‘Keke’ Palmer, born August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, is a powerhouse actress, producer, singer, and TV personality. Aged 32, she has earned two Primetime Emmy Awards and two NAACP Image Awards. Her notable works include Nope, Hustlers, Bosses, and Good Fortune.

Afrobeats singer Kunmie has praised fellow artist Bella Shmurda following their collaboration on the recently released song, ‘Sanity.’

Kunmie expressed admiration for Bella Shmurda’s humility and strength on X, noting that their conversation during the studio session revolved around struggles, resilience, and overcoming life’s challenges.

He said he was grateful for the opportunity to work with Bella on a project that carries a powerful message, adding that he hopes ‘Sanity’ inspires hope and healing in listeners going through difficult times.

He wrote, ‘Bella Shmurda is a gem of a human. I remember meeting him and speaking to him about where his head was at, and he spoke to me about his struggles, the things that he had to overcome, and what really matters to him.

‘The only thing that came to mind was creating with him a song that truly resonates with the vision he had for his album. I genuinely love and adore him as a creative, but more as a human and a big bro. I hope this record is an emblem of hope for anyone fighting for light in the darkness.’

The federal government has called for the strengthening of efforts to deliver on the promises of the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and the Education targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4).

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the appeal during this year’s World Teachers’ Day, celebrated globally on October 5.

‘While commending all stakeholders in achieving positive milestones for teachers nationwide, I implore community leaders, teacher unions, parents, and development partners to strengthen their efforts so that together we can effectively deliver on the promises of the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and the Education targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4),’ the minister said.

This year’s celebration had ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’ as its theme.

He explained that the theme resonated deeply with Nigeria’s education reform agenda.

‘Our experience has shown that when teachers are supported to work together through peer mentoring, joint lesson planning, co-teaching, and the use of digital platforms, learning outcomes improve, and teachers themselves experience professional growth and fulfilment,’ the minister said.

The minister said that the Federal Ministry of Education has initiated policies to revitalise the teaching profession, including the National Teacher Policy, which ensures that teachers are professionally empowered and motivated.

He added, ‘Peer support structures are being encouraged at school and zonal levels nationwide. The sector is also leveraging ICT to connect teachers across states and provide access to global best practices.

‘We have a robust continuous professional development opportunity through the Teachers Registration Council (TRCN) of Nigeria, National Teachers Institute (NTI), and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The current situation is that TRCN concentrates on licensing, monitoring compliance to standards, registration, and regulating the teaching profession, while NTI focuses on and sustains in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at the basic and post-basic levels.

‘Teaching is often viewed as an individual practice, which can make some teachers resist collaboration for fear of interference or added workload. To address this, it is essential to build and sustain a culture of trust, openness, and shared responsibility.

‘We must note that Teachers shape all other professionals working behind closed classroom doors with little exchange of ideas, experiences, or support. Today, as education faces increasing demands and rapid change, the role of the teacher has evolved to become collaborative. He /She shares, learns, and grows with others in pursuit of collective student success is the new vision.

‘A collaborative teacher understands that education is not an individual task but a shared responsibility. Such a teacher freely shares lesson plans, resources, and teaching strategies, while remaining humble enough to learn from others. They demonstrate strong communication skills-listening actively, speaking clearly, engaging respectfully in dialogue, and offering constructive feedback-while showing a willingness to build consensus even when opinions differ.

‘Above all, they are committed to lifelong professional growth, both for their personal advancement and for the enrichment of the wider teaching community.’

Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, said the ministry was strengthening teacher collaboration through initiatives such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the promotion of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across schools.

According to her, these efforts are in line with the government’s commitment to raising teacher quality, professional pride, and overall learning outcomes.

She said, ‘Teaching is often viewed as an individual practice, which can make some teachers resist collaboration for fear of interference or added workload. To address this, it is essential to build and sustain a culture of trust, openness, and shared responsibility.

The Edo State Government has warned that it will sanction any estate developer operating in the state who fails to register and obtain formal approval for their estate layout plans.

According to the government, the registration exercise is part of its ambitious urban renewal drive under ‘Project Shine’ and the 30-Year Benin City Master Plan.

In a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Arc. Kate Isokpunwu, said estate developers have a two-week deadline to comply or face strict enforcement actions.

The directive, the statement added, follows a recent stakeholders’ engagement where the government stressed the need for compliance, sustainable development, and orderly urban growth.

Developers were urged to visit the Ministry promptly to complete the necessary registration and approval processes to avoid sanctions.

It reads in parts, ‘All estate layouts must be duly documented and regularized with the Ministry to align with the state’s long-term spatial and environmental objectives,’ the statement said.

‘From October 2025, the Ministry will begin a comprehensive enforcement operation targeting illegal developments, especially those encroaching on government-designated forest reserves and protected areas.

The statement further added that ‘Unapproved estate layouts will be sealed off, and violators prosecuted under existing laws.

‘This measure is not punitive but corrective. It is designed to ensure that development in Edo State remains sustainable, orderly, and consistent with our collective vision for a modern, well-planned city.’

Kola Evicted as Final Four Battle for Grand Prize Big Brother Naija Season 10, themed ’10/10,’ has reached its final stretch as housemate Kola was evicted from the show, leaving Imisi, Dede, Koyin, and Sultana to compete for the ultimate prize.

The announcement was made by show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, marking a crucial turning point in the high-stakes reality competition.

The season, which premiered on July 26-27, 2025, concludes today, October 5, 2025, with viewers eagerly anticipating who will emerge as the winner.

Kola’s exit narrowed the field to four finalists, setting the stage for an electrifying grand finale that will determine the next Big Brother Naija champion.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has handed over a fully furnished 10-room corps members’ lodge to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ammasoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Speaking during the inauguration, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the project as part of the Commission’s corporate social responsibility.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Bayelsa Director, Godknows Alamieyeseigha, explained that the project was aimed at providing decent accommodation for corps members to enhance their effective service delivery to host communities.

The NDDC boss, in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Communications, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, said that similar projects would also be replicated in other communities across the state and appealed to the corps members to continue being law-abiding citizens and ensure that the lodge was well-maintained.

The state coordinator of the NYSC in Bayelsa State, Mrs. Obiageli Okpalifo, appreciated the NDDC for constructing a lodge for corps members in the community and appealed for the construction of a solar-powered water borehole at the NYSC Orientation Camp, as well as the provision of security at the corps members’ lodge.

Okpalifo, who led the NYSC management team and corps members to witness the event, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for embarking on such a landmark project.

She noted that the lodge would motivate corps members to deliver improved service to their host communities.

The state coordinator also conveyed the appreciation of the NYSC Director-General, Brig.- Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, to the NDDC management and assured them that the facility would be properly maintained.

She thanked the host community for providing a peaceful environment for the project, while urging the traditional ruler, the youth leaders, and the Police to ensure maximum security for both the lodge and the corps members.

In his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Ammasoma Kingdom, Chief Akedesuo Goodwill, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for completing the project and appealed to the corps members to ensure the facilities were well-maintained.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has made a case for faith-based leadership at the Young Professionals Forum (YPF) Mega Summit 2025, organised by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

The summit, held in Ibadan, was themed ‘Leadership and Influence: How Christian Professionals Can Shape Public Policy – My Journey as a Christian Legislator.’

It brought together hundreds of young professionals, faith leaders, and policymakers from across Nigeria.

In his keynote address, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin reflected on his personal and political journey from a childhood grounded in Christian values to his historic emergence as Nigeria’s youngest Speaker in 2019.

He highlighted how his faith has continually shaped his leadership philosophy and commitment to public service, saying, ‘my political journey was not born out of ambition, but a desire to serve. Leadership is not about domination but about lifting others.’

Quoting Mark 10:43-45, he emphasized that true leadership, as modeled by Christ, is rooted in service and humility.

He challenged Christian professionals to be ‘salt and light’ in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape by promoting policies built on compassion, justice, and integrity.

Referencing Proverbs 22:1, he said, ‘Credibility, not just charisma, earns influence in public life.’

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin urged young professionals to see their careers as platforms for ministry and nation-building. ‘Your profession is your pulpit’ he declared, encouraging them to allow their values to guide their contributions to society.

He also paid glowing tributes to Pastor (Dr.) Williams Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, and the State Overseer of the Church, Pastor Ayo Afolabi for founding the Young Professionals Forum, as a non-governmental and interdenominational initiative dedicated to mentoring and empowering youth across Nigeria.

‘Pastor Kumuyi’s vision for the YPF is inspiring. We need more spiritual leaders who are committed not just to preaching, but to building capacity in young people,’ the Speaker said.

He called for a generational shift in leadership across the country, stressing that the future belongs to young Nigerians who lead with values and vision.

‘The transformation Nigeria needs will not come from one person or one political party. It will come from a generation of value-driven leaders young people who fear God, who pursue justice, and who are not afraid to be different.’

No fewer than 560 students from Ede, Osun State, have benefited from the educational empowerment initiative of the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, aimed at addressing the growing menace of out-of-school children.

The programme, facilitated by Hon. Ghaffar Ajani and tagged ‘AMBO Back to School,’ was held at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat, Ede North, and focused on reducing the financial burden of parents by providing school fees support and learning materials.

Ajani revealed that 500 students received essential school supplies – including bags, books, pens, and other instructional materials – while 60 students were awarded scholarships.

He urged the beneficiaries to stay focused on their studies and make Ede Land proud, emphasizing that education remains the key to a brighter future.

‘What we are doing today is to motivate children in Ede Land to dream big through education. We want to give them the support needed to excel academically and build a promising future,’ he said.

Also speaking, APC Chairman in Ede North Local Government, Hon. Shina Alabi, commended the gesture, describing it as a laudable effort that will not only promote education but also strengthen the party’s image and the political aspirations of Oyebamiji.

Stakeholders in the maritime industry have urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to exercise caution in its reported plan to review Cargo Survey (CS) contracts awarded in 2019 for a 10-year duration.

The contracts, which have been in operation for over five years, are scheduled to expire in 2029.

In a letter dated September 2025, NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, said the planned review was aimed at enhancing operational needs and efficiency.

Representatives of the industry, under the aegis of the Maritime Integrity Movement, appealed for broader consultation with affected companies before any major changes are implemented.

Convener of the group, Lucky Abegunde, said the NPA should ensure that all actions related to the contracts align with due process and the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

He noted that maintaining transparency and fairness in procurement procedures would help strengthen investor confidence and prevent disruptions in port operations.

The group further advised that any review of the contracts should be handled in a way that protects government interests while sustaining efficiency within the maritime sector.