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With over two decades of championing Nigeria’s creative industries with several initiatives such as the Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), The Nigerian Jazz Project (NAIJAZZ), The Creative Community, (LABULE), The Tale of Two African Cities (TOTAC – Lagos/Johannesburg) amongst others, CEO Inspiro Productions/Founder, The Planet Afrobeats Project, Ayoola Sadare is making a case for Lagos State to be officially recognised as the Afrobeats capital of the world.

He insisted that Afrobeats superstars like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Tems, Rema, Ayra Starr and many others have transcended regional and continental lines to become a global cultural force.

‘From chart-topping hits dominating international airwaves to selling out arenas from London to New York, the world is listening and Lagos is always at the center. The city is in the lyrics, the visuals, and provides the soundtrack for the creative energy that fuels the culture. Lagos is the origin and Launchpad for this global phenomenon.

‘Lagos is already the Afrobeats capital of the world, the only problem? It hasn’t been officially recognised. Lagos, the heartbeat of a genre that has crossed oceans and conquered global charts, stages and audiences across the world, from the bustling streets of Surulere to the neon glow of Victoria Island, the city has nurtured the sound, raised its stars, and set the rhythm for a generation. The official recognition and declaration from the state, federal government and international organisations like the UN Tourism and others of what the world already knows and is a fact, Afrobeats begins and thrives in Lagos, Nigeria Is what is needed next.

‘But every day without the official recognition, Nigeria loses vast opportunities in year-round sustainable tourism, massive job creation, foreign and local investment, and the global branding power Afrobeats offers. This recognition is not merely symbolic but catalytic. It positions Lagos as a year-round sustainable creative tourism destination, beyond the now popular ‘Detty December,’ for signature festivals, conferences, creative residencies, heritage trails, and cultural expos that keep the megacity vibrant all year long.

Lagos was agog as the Foursquare Gospel Church celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a prophetic gathering at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos-the very ground where the Green-White-Green flag was first hoisted on October 1, 1960.

Worshippers also gathered simultaneously across all the church’s worship centres nationwide.

The event, tagged ‘Refreshing Dew,’ was distinct from the church’s quarterly Holy Spirit Refreshing Vigil and marked the last major gathering for the quarter. It featured powerful song ministrations by renowned gospel artistes, including Deacon Adun Bohan, Pastor Tope Folajinmi, and Emma ‘Oh My God,’ leading the congregation in vibrant praise and worship.

Ministering at the programme, the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Revd. Dr. Sam Aboyeji, who made prophetic declarations concerning the nation.

Speaking under divine instruction, he explained that the Lord had directed him to carry out symbolic acts at the source of Nigeria’s independence.

Reading from 2 Kings 2:19-21, Aboyeji declared a spiritual cleansing over the land, likening Nigeria’s challenges to the ‘bad water’ healed by Prophet Elisha. His sermon, titled ‘Restoring Complete and Perfect Blessings,’ emphasized that God intends to restore and perfect Nigeria’s blessings.

‘Today, October 1, 2025, as Nigeria turns 65, we have returned to the very place where independence was proclaimed. This is prophetic fulfillment. God wants to restore this nation’s blessings, and by spiritual authority, every obstacle-the ‘but’ we have been contending with-shall be erased,’ Aboyeji proclaimed.

Explaining the symbolism of white attire worn by worshippers, he said: ‘Salt is white, and you are the salt of the earth. God brought you here to neutralize corruption in Nigeria. Whatever happened on October 1, 1960, that hindered the nation’s destiny is corrected here today by the authority of the Lord.’

In a symbolic act, Aboyeji invited Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to join him on the altar as they held the Nigerian flag and made prophetic declarations, drawing from Leviticus 25:13.

In his remarks, Bishop Adegbite described the event as historic: ‘There was no national parade in Abuja today, but this gathering is bigger than any national parade. Rev. Aboyeji had no knowledge of our coming, yet God orchestrated it. As the chaplain at the Aso Rock Villa, I affirm that this is divine confirmation.’

Adegbite also prayed for the General Overseer, the church, and the nation.

The celebration also coincided with the 70th anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. Aboyeji congratulated members and urged them to see the day as both a national and spiritual jubilee. He further announced the church’s Annual National Convention, themed ‘Completion and Perfection,’ scheduled to hold at the Ajebo Campground, Ogun State, from October 6-12, 2025.

The independence celebration was marked with joy, prophecy, and hope, as thousands lifted prayers for Nigeria’s peace, restoration, and progress.

Rivera State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reflected on past challenges during the period of emergency saying some permanent secretaries in the state failed to uphold due process and professionalism.

The governor spoke while inaugurating a new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, in his first appointment since resuming office after the emergency rule.

Fubara charged the permanent secretary to remain unwavering in professionalism, uphold the values of the civil service, and shun any act of illegality in the discharge of his responsibilities.

The governor during the swearing in ceremony held at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and integrity, stressing that the civil service must remain the backbone of good governance.

Fubara in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, lamented that some Permanent Secretaries engaged in actions that undermined the principles of the service.

He warned that such conduct was unacceptable and that erring officials would ultimately be held accountable.

The governor praised Mr. Ezekiel-Hart for his professionalism and refusal to compromise his integrity despite pressures, noting that his steadfastness and principled stance earned him the new appointment.

He pointed out that the appointee’s colleagues could attest to his record of doing the right thing even in difficult circumstances.

Fubara further emphasised that civil servants must remain consistent in their service, prioritising truth, fairness, and due process above personal or political interests.

He stressed that no directive, regardless of its source, should override established rules and procedures, assuring that his administration would never pressure officers to act outside the law.

The governor reiterated that his government was more focused on tangible results than on rhetoric, adding that all appointments were based strictly on merit, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to service.

The governor explained that Mr. Ezekiel-Hart’s elevation reflected his choice to stand as a true professional, and that his administration expected every official to act rightly so that history would judge them well.

Fubara urged the new Permanent Secretary to justify his elevation with improved performance, reminding him of the greater responsibilities attached to the office, while assuring him of the government’s full support.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to improving Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said.

The presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 election made the remark on Thursday during a meeting with a European Union (EU) delegation led by a member of the European parliament and head of the 2023 EU election observation mission to Nigeria, Barry Andrews.

His words: ‘It is worrisome that two years down the line, we are yet to see indications that INEC is committed to an improved electoral process,’ Atiku said in a statement via X on Friday.

‘Expectations are high that the Independent National Electoral Commission will urgently work with the National Assembly to give citizens election laws that guarantee transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts.’

Empahasising that Nigerians are eager for reforms that will ensure free, fair, and transparent polls, Atiku noted that only credible elections can safeguard democracy and produce leaders capable of uniting the country and driving economic growth.

Atiku assured that ‘we shall continue to support efforts by CSOs, local and foreign Election Observations Missions (EOMs), including the EU-EOM, that will lead to genuine electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 General elections.

‘We believe that only through credible elections shall we safeguard our democracy and recruit leaders that will ensure unity and economic prosperity of Nigeria,’ he added.

There is an atmosphere of joy and celebration as Plateau people look forward to receive President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in Jos, the Plateau state capital today.

Though the President is coming for the funeral programme of late Mana Lydia Nentawe, mother of the national chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda , the atmosphere appeared like Tinubu is coming on a State visit to Plateau going by the enthusiasm of the people.

A statement by Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Joyce Ramnap informed there is massive mobilisation by the State Government to receive the President in Jos.

Security has been beefed up at the premises of Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) headquarters Jos venue of the funeral mass.

The event is scheduled for 11am but as of 7 am, sympathisers have already started trooping in to the church.

Government officials were already at the Yakubu Gowon Airport waiting to receive the President,who is visiting Plateau for the first time since assuming office

The ward executive officers and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikot Ibritam Ward II, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, have passed a vote of confidence on the newly constituted PDP Caretaker Committee in Akwa Ibom State.

In a communiqué issued on Thursday, October 2, after a meeting convened by the Ward Chairman, Hon. Ibanga Akaninyene, the stakeholders reaffirmed their support and loyalty to the State Caretaker Chairman, Barr. Igwat Umoren, and his team.

The communiqué noted: ‘Whereas the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has since 1998 been the dominant and sole successful party in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, particularly Ikot Ibritam Ward II, the PDP ward executives and stakeholders hereby represent as follows:

‘That the people and stakeholders of the ward and community are profoundly grateful to the national leadership of the party for finding one of their prestigious sons, in the person of Barr. Igwat Osagyefo Umoren, worthy of the state leadership mantle of the party as CARETAKER CHAIRMAN of the party.’

The stakeholders in their communique further stated: ‘That the people and stakeholders of the ward and community hereby pledge and reaffirm their unalloyed, unwavering and unflinching loyalty to the party to ensure the success of Barr. Igwat Umoren and the party generally.

‘That the people and stakeholders of the ward and community hereby pass a vote of confidence on Barr. Igwat Umoren as a loyal party gladiator, patriotic beacon of the greatness of Akwa Ibom State, a man of integrity, firm conviction and humanistic passion committed to steering the party steadily to its rightful destination of leadership in Akwa Ibom State.’

The stakeholders and members of PDP Ikot Ibritam II thus called on all party members and the good people of Akwa Ibom State to continue to fly the flag of the party boldly and give the party all the support it needs to salvage the state and Nigeria from the current social, economic and political retrogression, confusion and quagmire.

Addressing officers, members and stakeholders at the meeting Lady Inamke Friday Sunday, the PDP Ward Women Leader stated that the PDP members in Oruk Anam particularly Ikot Ibritam Ward II install Governors, National Assembly members, State House of Assembly members and other political offices through party sweat and loyalty.

It was reported that the motion passing vote of confidence on Barr. Igwat Osagyefo Umoren the State Caretaker Chairman was moved by Ex-Officio 4 Bishop James Emmanuel James and seconded by Blessing Sunday Jumbo.

In his vote of thanks, a former councilor, Hon. Idongesit Udoetor emphatically called on the party faithfuls to take the support for Barr. Igwat Osagyefo Umoren and PDP as a personal project. ‘We use to work hard for others. It is now time to work for our own,’ he posited.

Eminent personalities who flanked the new Akwa Ibom State PDP caretaker chairman at the meeting were Hon. Harrison Ekpo (Deputy Chairman), Enoch Godwin Enoch Esq., (State Legal Adviser), Comr. Aniekan Asukwo (State Youth Leader) And Comr. Ewa Okpo (State Publicity Secretary).

Others present at the meeting include Ubong Emmanson Udo (Ward Publicity Secretary), Comr. Esitime Udoetuk, Anietie Isonguyo Okon (Ward Treasurer), Mr. Godwin Michael Akpan (Former Treasurer), Hon. Idongesit Daniel (Member), Samuel Umoren, Unyime Uwem (Ex-Officio 1), Ufok Effiong Udo, Idiong Effiong Akpan (Ward Secretary), Anietie Dickson Umoiso (Ex-Officio 5), Emmanuel Sunday (Ward Financial Secretary), Glory Ezekiel Thompson (Ward Vice Chairman), Eno Paul Udo, Pius Ben (Ward Auditor), James Okon James (Ward Youth Leader) and Unyime Udokang (Chapter Youth Leader).

It would be recalled that the Guide Newspaper had in its latest publication this week reported that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sacked Elder Aniekan Akpan Led Exco of PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

The development was made known in a press release signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba National Publicity Secretary of the PDP.

Consequently, the NWC in a press release made available to newsmen approved the composition of a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of our Party from today, Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 for a period not exceeding 3 months or pending when a new State Executive Committee will be elected in the State.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a retired Director (Administration and Finance) at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Garba Mohammed Duku, to either refund N1, 592,750,000 (N1.6b) to the coffers of the Federal Government or spend the next four years in prison.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order yesterday after convicting Duku, said to have retired from the AMMC in 2014, of the offences of corruption and money laundering, on a six-count charge brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Duku, who looked well-fed with glowing skin, was said to have committed the offences between 2012 and 2013, when he converted funds totalling N318,550,000 transferred from AMMC into his personal account domiciled with Fidelity Bank Plc.

Justice Omotosho found that Duku received N56,250,000 into the Fidelity Bank account on July 23, 2012; N71m on December 2012; N53m on December 7, 2012; N54m on December 2012; N46m on March 8, 2013 and N36,300,000 on March 21, 2013.

The judge found that not only was the defendant unable to justify the payment of his employer’s funds into his personal account that he opened just a year earlier (2011) and became dormant immediately he retired, he also failed to provide convincing evidence for what official projects the funds were deployed for.

Justice Omotosho noted that the manner the defendant withdrew the funds hastily in tens of millions, some of which were sent to bureau de change for conversion to United States dollars, betrayed a sinister motive.

The judge found that the defendant, in his statement to the ICPC, claimed to have handed some of the funds in dollars to some of his superiors; a claim the court said he failed to support with evidence.

Justice Omotosho also noted that some of his subordinates, called as prosecution witnesses, claimed to have been directed to issue certificates of completion for projects they did not inspect; a claim, the judge said the defendants also failed to disprove.

He faulted the defendant’s lawyer’s argument that the funds in question were appropriated for, noting that most of the funds appropriated by public officials in the country are mostly monies duly budgeted/appropriated for projects.

Justice Omotosho found that the prosecution established all the relevant ingredients relating to the offences charged and proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, as required under the law, with the three witnesses called.

He also found the defendant failed to dislodge the case of the prosecution through his sole witness, which was himself.

The judge accordingly convicted the defendant on all counts.

In his allocutus, the defendant, who said he could not fully recollect all that happened while he was in service as at when he made statements to the investigation some years later, prayed the court for mercy.

The judge proceeded to sentence Duku to four years imprisonment per count with an option of fine, which must be an equivalent of five times the amount listed in each count.

Four count one, he is to refund N355m; count two, N230m; count three, N270m; count four, N266.25m; count five, N280m and count six, N191.5m.

The arrest and detention of Media Room Hub publisher, Azuka Ogujiuba, by the Nigerian Police Force has ignited widespread outrage among journalists, human rights advocates and press freedom groups.

Ogujiuba, a veteran journalist and former ThisDay reporter, was invited by officers of the Nigerian Police Force at the Asokoro Division Headquarters in Abuja on August 6.

She honored the invitation, flying in with her legal representative.

However, after being tracked for days, she was eventually picked up and allegedly whisked away without a warrant, ‘like a criminal,’ and unlawfully detained for three days.

According to Ogujiuba, who said she had been invited by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), alleged to have been maltreated.

Police authorities said her arrest followed a petition filed by businessman Adewale Oladapo, popularly known as Biggie, who accused her of cyberbullying and defamation.

But Ogujiuba insisted that the real reason for her ordeal was her outlet’s publication of a court injunction in an ongoing multi-billion-naira land dispute in Lagos, a ruling that did not favor Oladapo.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has suspended the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni, and Secretary, Mr. Bello Omotunde Muritala, from all Association’s activities with immediate effect.

The decision announced in a letter to them, with copies to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, dated Thursday October 2, 2025, followed findings of gross misconduct, as the decision was taken in line with Article 21, Section (1) A and C of the SWAN Statute.

The National Leadership directed both Olatutu and Bello to hand over all Association’s property and documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter’s leadership, with the Vice Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, now on the saddle to see off the current State Executive Committee tenure.

Part of the letter to IGP and other top law enforcement officials in the country, reads: ‘We write to formally notify you that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has ratified the suspension of Olatutu Oladunni and Bello

A five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa grants travellers the flexibility to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries multiple times within a five-year period, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day window.

Tailored for frequent travellers, business professionals, and individuals with solid travel histories, the visa offers significant advantages – eliminating the need for repeated applications, reducing processing time and fees, and offering greater convenience with fewer documentation and interview requirements.

However, issuance remains at the discretion of the embassy or consulate. Applicants with a stronger chance of approval are typically those who have held a multiple-entry Schengen visa for at least two consecutive years within the last three, travel to the Schengen Area two or more times annually, and maintain a record of compliance with immigration rules, valid travel documents, and no history of overstaying.

Applicants must also submit a detailed cover letter explaining the need for long-term travel, show proof of financial stability, and provide valid long-term Schengen travel insurance.

Here are 29 Schengen countries offering 5 years visa to Nigerians

1. Austria

2. Belgium

3. Bulgaria

4. Croatia

5. Czech Republic

6. Denmark

7. Estonia

8. Finland

9. France

10. Germany

11. Greece

12. Hungary

13. Iceland

14. Italy

15. Latvia

16. Liechtenstein

17. Lithuania

18. Luxembourg

19. Malta

20. Netherlands

21. Norway

22. Poland

23. Portugal

24. Romania

25. Slovakia

26. Slovenia

27. Spain

28. Sweden

29. Switzerland